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Narrative Essay: My Trip to South Korea

I had always wanted to visit South Korea and I recently had the chance to spend a week in this amazing country. Unlike its northern neighbor which is pretty much closed to visitors, South Korea is a welcoming and hospitable country. It is an interesting place with a unique culture and a highly developing economy.

I flew into the capital Seoul. On arrival in the city, it was the marked contrast between modern skyscrapers and high design shopping malls and shanty towns that was immediately striking. Wide streets lined by fancy boutiques lead to a labyrinth of narrow alleyways with tiny traditional shops and eateries and there is a clutch of great tourist attractions.

My tour itinerary began on Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro, because I wanted to see the Royal Palace (Gyeongbok), the President’s residence, known as Cheongwadae or the Blue House, and the American Embassy. From here it’s a fairly short walk to Bukchon where there is the city’s largest collection of privately owned traditional wooden houses. It’s a charm with beautiful architecture and small courtyards, with the houses interspersed with quaint cafes and art galleries.

Taking the same route the next day, I took a trip into the mountains that peak behind the President’s House, and climbed the one known as Bugaksan. This affords the opportunity to pass through the Sukjeongmun Gate and through the city’s ancient fortress wall. From here the Seoul Fortress is easily accessible and there are also amazing views of Seoul.

Shopping in the Orient is an amazing experience so I made sure to pay a visit to the Shinsegae downtown department store. This huge emporium sells probably everything you can imagine and is a complete charm in the way the bottom floors sell all the basic staples of daily life – including the ubiquitous kimchee (fermented cabbage) and are frequented by Korean housewives while the upper floors cater to the well-heeled and brand conscious. As fascinating as it is, the new rooftop garden is a welcome respite. But, if you are going to shop in Seoul, it’s a must to visit the street stalls and hawkers of the Namdaemum Market where the wares seem to be spread out in a blanket of never-ending stalls. Be prepared to be seriously jostled by the crowds, but it’s also the chance to feast on the best street food.

One of the most surprising sights and a rue delight is the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Running for just under 4 miles through the city, the stream is remarkably quiet given its location, because it is 15 foot below street level. The serene setting, accentuated by waterfalls and bridge is a favorite strolling spot for romantic couples.

With a flying visit to Itaewon, the popular ex-pat neighborhood near to the main US army base, my time in Seoul came to an end. I was enthralled and captivated and hope I get to return one day.

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My first trip to seoul, korea.

After leaving Bangkok, I didn’t think I could encounter a bigger city but landing in Seoul I could see I was in for a shock. Seoul is such a dense city, with thousands of people on the street around you at all times. SO MANY PEOPLES! I couldn’t believe it, but I loved my trip to Korea.

My flight from Bangkok to Seoul was very tiring as I was in an aisle seat and ever since I can remember I’ve never been able to fall asleep for the life of me when I’m sitting in an isle seat. We had left for the airport in Bangkok at 11:30pm and landed in Seoul at 10:30am local time. Not having slept a wink you can imagine how delirious I was. I even fell asleep in the taxi on the way to the hotel, which looked like a racing car I might add. The moment I landed at the airport, I immediately noticed the cleanliness and that continued on throughout Seoul. As big and crowded as the city is, the people and city of Seoul take so much pride in cleanliness, order and efficiency! Everything is so exact and timely. I was very impressed. Once I checked into the Grand Hotel in Myeongdong I decided to lay down and try to rest a bit before venturing out but a couple dozen emails later, I realized a nap wasn’t going to happen so I got dressed and went for a walk.

I ended up in a nearby mall’s food court only to be impressed once again by the spread in the basement food court of a mall in Asian. I don’t think I can describe it accurately and it’s something everyone should see for themselves but imagine a large group of immaculate restaurants serving the most enticing food you’ve ever seen. By large, I mean thirty plus restaurants all next to each other so when you make the rounds you can’t decide what looks better so you often end up over-eating at multiple places and that’s how I packed on the weight that I am working off as we speak. What I want to stress to everyone is the importance of doing a lap around the whole cafeteria (if you can even call it that) before you make a decision of where to eat on your second lap. It’s definitely an experience to say the least!

I can’t stress enough the cleanliness of Seoul! I ended up doing a mixture of subways and taxis while I was there and having been in subways and public transportation in other cities I was so impressed at how clean it was down there! The bathrooms were immaculate and everyone in the subways followed the same rule and gave up their seat to anyone their senior. I thought that was so honorable.

The people of Seoul were so respectful. For example, every interaction ended with “kam sam ham ni da” a formal thank you. When presenting anything, it is customary to hold the right arm when extending your hand. The children are also very well behaved in public. I can say for certain I did not see a single child throwing a tantrum or being disrespectful. Not once.

For as much tourism as there is in that city they do a great job for keeping order. There are lines even in the escalators (the right side for people standing still and the left for people that want to climb up faster to make the exit of the subway systems more efficient. I also really loved the accuracy of their posted signs. For example, the signage for indicating the bathroom locations also have an exact distance of how many meters from your location it is. Also the digital signs indicating the location of the subway train in real time as it’s approaching you was extremely helpful.  Not that you are there bored by a means because you can entertain yourself with the many ads displayed on the walls as well as large LED screens that frankly were better quality then what I have at home! What I though was extremely amusing was all the plastic surgery ads as soon as you enter the ritzy part of town which is known for their abundant plastic surely centers. The advertisements showcase the before and after pictures of surgeries such as jaw shaving, eye lip/eye fold surgery (the most popular one), feet, nose, lips, toes… Really anything you can think of! You can walk around that part of town and see patients walking around hiding their scars and stitches with the white surgical masks people tend to wear to help combat the bad air pollution.

On top of the surgeries, people there are obsessed with preserving their youthful appearances. They will be covered from head to town in blistering heat as well as using an umbrella to combat the high UV rays that supposedly plague the area. To me everything seemed normal but I guess people there check the UV index as casually as I check the weather. Also, the skin care scene there is unparalleled by any other country. You can’t walk more than 15 feet before you see another skin care store. I am not exaggerating! They are that abundant there. As you would expect I did some shopping and will be posting my reviews of their skin products as soon as I’ve tested them. I would literally be walking down the street and at the end of the day end up with at least five free samples. Not to mention, when you purchase any products they usually throw in a bunch of free stuff and give you a discount! I felt as if I had hit the jackpot. I even bought skin care for men which I will make my guy friends try and report back to me. All the beauty stores were intoxicating and I couldn’t help myself but shop.

On another note, I greatly enjoyed the food in Seoul. I was already a big fan of Koran BBQ and absolutely love Kimchi so you can imagine I was in haven. I tried a few different Korean BBQ places and was even taken to a Korean BBQ type place that was inspired by a part of China that is mainly muslim. Instead of the traditional pork and beef dishes they served lamb skewers that we cooked at our table on a contraption that rotated our skewers for us.

I also got to experience a little bit of the nightlife in an artsy section of town called Seo Gyo Dong where the design students study. The area was cluttered with cafes! I was in heaven. You could literally walk down the street and pass a cafe a minute. We stopped at one called the Green Cloud Cafe where I discovered a new type of tea made from fruits and honey. In that part of town, I also had my first Korean Popsicle which I went on to have another and another… I mainly tired the watermelon one and the cantaloupe one and I was again surprised with the accuracy of the taste! In the watermelon Popsicles, the pieces that looked like seeds actually tasted like seeds. We also went to a pork only Korean BBQ place where I probably consumed more pork than I have in my whole life. I also noticed that Seoul had so many options of decadent desserts at every cafe. So many choices and so many calories, but I did try a few. I stuck with the traditional Korean choices, things I wasn’t going to find easily back in the states.

I was very lucky to have been traveling with friends and some were locals to Seoul. That made it so much easier to get a great tour of the city. One night we even stopped by a bar that a great little alternative rock band playing live music. It was reminiscent of what a small live music night at a bar would be in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. Then, we even headed to a children’s park in the center of that area where teenagers and college kids go to drink and hang with friends. There we randomly happened to catch a dancing act by two ladies that had set up shop to show off their moves and they were quite good! I was told another popular night time activity besides the obvious club scene is the Karaoke bars that get quite competitive with their grading scale. There are also Karaoke places where youngsters go to “be alone/ have adult meetings/ spend time together”… You get the picture. I guess that’s a pretty normal thing because it is customary for young people to live at home with their families until they get married so they have to get hotel rooms and go other places to be alone. Although I noticed that the Korean youth is quite reserved and conservative which may have something to do with the low birth rate and the declining population growth.

All in all, I had an amazing time on my trip to Korea! It was eye opening and entertaining and I will definitely be visiting Korea again to explore other parts of the country, such as the islands and the coastal city of Busan.

Things you must try in Seoul:

• The street food is fantabulous!!!!
• 32cm green tea ice cream cone
• Korean Popsicle bars: The shark one, the watermelon one and the Melona one. You’re welcome!

This is a little Vlog I did while in Seoul. Don’t forget to Subscribe to my YouTube channel .

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South Korea Tourism, Essay Example

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Words: 1422

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Introduction

South Korea is a country with a long association with the United States. American soldiers have been stationed there for over 60 years, since the Korean War of 1950-52. In this paper, a trip to South Korea to experience its unique culture and history will be presented. The aim of the itinerary is to see as much which is authentically Korean in the time available.

Area History and Background

The country of South Korea was created in 1948, when the Korean Peninsula became split between the Communist North and the capitalist South. Since 1950, when the Korean War began with an invasion from the North, Korea has been split into two countries who regard each other with great animosity. The South’s correct name is the Republic of Korea. While there has not been any considerable political turmoil here since the 1980s, the historical and political situation can still become heated, both in terms of relations with the North and relations with other Asian powers, such as Japan.

A landmark of particular interest to Americans is the Demilitarised Zone, or DMZ. This dates from the end of the Korean War and marks the dividing point between North Korea and South Korea. This border remains the most heavily fortified border in the world, and is a focus for much tension between the countries.

Travel Motivations

Visiting the locations detailed here allows visitors to see what the real Korea has to offer. Many westerners are often very ignorant of the traditions and lifestyles of Asian countries, so a main motivation for visiting this type of location is to feel more informed and knowledgeable, in a much more specific and empirical way. This feeling of authenticity makes every location a great draw for visitors who want to know what Korea is like in terms of food, art and other cultural activities, without having to live in the country for many years. While leisure and recreation are also motivating factors, the quest for knowledge is the main factor in influencing people in their choice of these destinations.

There has also been an explosion of interest in Korean popular culture, following the explosion of the Gagnam dance on the internet. Many people might be drawn into visiting the country because of this, but would want to experience culture such as this at close hand.

Specific destinations on the tour include the capital city of Seoul, as well as more rural locations and other towns too. This forms a good and useful focus for any first time visitors to South Korea, providing a good overview of the country. They can expand their knowledge of any other areas of the country in subsequent visits, should their curiosity be piqued sufficiently.

Overview of Tourism Development

There has been talk recently of attempts to improve Seoul’s tourist infrastructure, with the amount of tourists increasing by increasing by 10 per cent annually, according to the Korea Tourism Organisation. While local media has sometimes expressed embarrassment at the country’s tourist facilities, generally speaking there are a good range of facilities on offer to visitors.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has committed to improving the infrastructure further though, in an attempt to attract 10 million visitors per year. As their website states: “The key strategy is to turn places like the Hangang, Cheonggyecheon, Insa-dong and Namsan (Mt.) into vivid tourist places.”

This mentality means that the city is very welcoming, generally, to outsiders, and there is a very low crime rate when compared generally to the United States. Crimes against property like burglary and robbery do occur though, so visitors should still be careful. Crimes against the person such as rape do take place, so women travelling alone should make sure that someone they trust has their itinerary. The usual guidelines for travel in a foreign city apply, like taking rides from strangers after dark, apply here as well.

The political tensions between South Korea and North Korea can sometimes lead to tense situations in the city, according to USA Today’s guide to travel in the region. Stay away from areas where demonstrations or protests are taking place, as emotions can often become heated and violence sometimes occurs. If an emergency does take place and you are in danger, then call 112 for the police or 119 for an ambulance or the fire department. The emergency services offer an interpretation service for visitors who do not speak Korean. If you are worried about picking up local infections then drink only bottled water and avoid eating fresh fruit and vegetables.

Currency/Visa Requirements

The local currency is known as the Won. There are currently 1083 Won to the US Dollar.

To enter South Korea you will need an up-to-date and valid passport. If you have a valid US passport then you can stay in South Korea for 90 days without a visa. If you are entering the country for reasons other than short-term business reasons or tourism or for a stay of longer than 90 days, then you must have a valid visa obtained from the South Korean embassy.

This is a complete bespoke package tour, with all prices inclusive. The total cost is stated at the end of the itinerary.

DAY 1 – Departure

Depart for Seoul, Korea.

Day 2 – Seoul

Arrive in Seoul. Take airport limo service to hotel.

Room will be available for occupancy by 1.00 PM local time.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Lunch and Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at hotel such as Grand Hilton / JW Marriot

Day 3 – Seoul

Full day city tour visiting Gyeongbok Palace, Folklore Museum, Insadong Alley, The Blue House, Jogesa Temple and South Gate Open Market.

(Seat in a coach tour)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Grand Hilton / JW Marriot

Day 4 – Seoul

This afternoon visit Korean Folklore Village.

(seat in a coach tour).

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Mt. Soraksan

Morning departure for Mt. Soraksan. Afternoon tour of Beeryong Waterfall and Kwonkumsong.

Overnight at Hotel Sorak Park / Kensington

Day 6 – Seoul

Morning excursion to Shinhungsa Temple and Flying Fairy Rock. Afternoon departure for Seoul.

Overnight at hotel Grand Hilton / JW Marriot.

Day 7 – Mt. Songnisan

Leave Seoul for overnight excursion to Mt. Songnisan.

Visit Popjusa Temple and Mt. Songnisan.

Overnight at Songnisan Tourist Hotel.

Day 8 – Gyeongju

Visit Haeinsa temple and Mt. Kayasan enroute.

Dinner at a local restaurant

Upon arrival in Gyeongju, check into hotel Commodore/ Hilton/ Hyundai.

Day 9 – Gyeongju

Full day sightseeing tour visiting Pulguksa temple, Sokkuram Grotto, designated a national treasure and one of the finest Buddhist shrines, Chomsongdae Observatory, built to represent the lunar calendar; National Museum which exhibits the treasures from the Royal tombs, Pulkuksa Temple, Tumhli Park, Anapji Pond and Shilla Kiln.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Overnight at hotel Commodore/ Hilton/ Hyundai.

Day 10 – Busan

Drive to Pusan en route visiting Tongdosa Temple. Afternoon tour of Yongdusan Park, Taejongdae Beach park, U.N. Cemetery and Fishery Market.

Overnight at Busan Commodore / Westin Chosun Beach / Paradise Beach.

Day 11 – Jeju

This morning you will fly to Jeju Island.

Arrive in Jeju. Take airport limo service to hotel.

Afternoon city tour Moksokwon, Folkcraft & history Museum, Dragon Head Rock and Samsunghyul.

Overnight at The Hotel& Vegas Casino/ Hyatt Regency/ Jeju Grand.

Day 12 – Jeju

Full day tour to Sanbanggulsa, Chungbang Waterfall, Chonjiyon waterfall, Sungeup Folk Village, Sungsan Sunrise Peak and Manjang Cave.

(coach tour)

Day 13 – Seoul

Fly back to Seoul.

Take airport limo service to hotel

Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 14 – Seoul

Morning free for shopping and other independent activities.

Check out from the hotel by noon.

Take airport limo service to airport.

Depart on your onward journey / home.

Cost of the Vacation: Double Occupancy   $ 4575.00

Airfare-Tour itinerary

Busan – Jeju – Seoul   $ 290.00

Total: $4865

Plus money for meals (estimated): Dinner in South Korea usually costs between 5000 Won and 10,000 Won, and food is cheap by American or European standards.

Therefore estimated cost for meals: 140,000 Won = $129.19

Total cost = $4994.19

Airline: Air India

Tour Operator: Exotic Journeys Inc.

Author unknown, ‘Infinitely Yours, Seoul’, ‘Tourism and Convention Industry’ (2011) http://english.seoul.go.kr/db/kcp/6nge7.php

Author unknown, Exotic Journeys article ‘What It Includes’ (2012) http://www.exoticjourneys.com/whatincludes.html

Kimberley Sharp, ‘Safety in Seoul’, USA Today (2012) http://traveltips.usatoday.com/safety-seoul-korea-102007.html

US Department of State ‘Korea, Republic of, Country Specific Information’ (2012) http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html#safety

Yonhap News Agency, Editorial, ‘Time to drastically improve tourism infrastructure’ (2005) http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/yhedit/2012/10/05/49/5100000000AEN20121005007300315F.HTML

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Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — South Korea — South Korea: an Amazing Country

South Korea: an Amazing Country

• Categories: South Korea

About this sample

Words: 828 |

Published: Aug 30, 2022

Words: 828 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited:

• Haggis, P. (Director). (2004). Crash [Motion Picture]. United States: Lions Gate Films.
• Kellner, D. (2006). Cultural Studies, Multiculturalism, and Media Culture. Film-Philosophy, 10(1), 1-18.
• Leavy, P. (2008). The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research. Oxford University Press.
• Liu, J. H., & Hilton, D. J. (2005). Stereotypes and prejudice: Key readings. Psychology Press.
• Martin, M. (2006). Crash: Racism and Hysteria in America. Screen Education, (40), 43-48.
• Nakagawa, S. (2006). A Review of the Movie Crash. The Japanese Journal of American Studies, (17), 299-303.
• Nayar, P. K. (2009). An interview with Paul Haggis. Post Script: Essays in Film and the Humanities, 28(2), 28-36.
• Ponniah, S. (2011). Race and racism in Paul Haggis's Crash: A cultural analysis. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(6), 260-268.
• Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism. Vintage Books.
• Shohat, E., & Stam, R. (1994). Unthinking Eurocentrism: Multiculturalism and the Media. Routledge.

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• South Korea
• 15 Reasons Why You Should...

Reasons Why You Should Visit South Korea at Least Once in Your Lifetime

While South Korea might not yet be the number one travel destination for many around the world, there are plentiful reasons why you should visit the country of the morning calm on your next vacation. From history to culture and food to religion, take a look at our guide to the top reasons why you should visit South Korea at least once in your lifetime.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Sing karaoke in Seoul, go hiking in Seoraksan National Park and eat bibimbap in Jeonju on our 10-day small-group trip to South Korea .

Pulsating culture

Due to their long history, South Koreans have a variety of traditions they have kept alive throughout centuries. Still today, you can watch traditional Korean dance and music performances, while people love to dress in traditional clothes ( hanbok ) – you can rent it to wear around Seoul and Jeonju, for example. Even in modern Seoul, you can still find traditional hanok house neighborhoods with lovely teahouses that have been in existence for decades. This mix of old and new is truly fun to explore when traveling in South Korea.

Rich History

The history of South Korea is long and dating back over a thousand years. Due to the natural isolation of the Korean Peninsula, the country’s culture hasn’t changed as much as in other regions. Still today, you can stand in awe of some of the most significant cultural heritage sites of the country, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace situated in Seoul. The city of Gyeongju is also a place of historic value and is often called a ‘museum without walls’. Gyeongju was the capital of Korea during the Silla Dynasty from 57 BC – 935 AD and is home to countless royal tombs, palaces, and temples that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Year-round Festivals

When you are for the first time in South Korea, make sure you visit a festival. Every year, there are more festivals in South Korea than one could attend, with a couple of main festivities everyone likes to join in with. When the snow melts and the weather gets warmer, pink and white cherry blossoms transform South Korea into a magical wonderland for a short period at the beginning of spring, and thousands of people come to see the blossoms from all over the country. Buddha’s Birthday is another major holiday celebrated in May with lantern parades and performances at local temples, while in fall, Koreans celebrate their own version of Thanksgiving during Chuseok and honor their ancestors during proudly conducted ceremonies. In fact, there are festivals in every month of the year for every taste.

Futuristic Modernity

In contrast to its historic landmarks, South Korea is a pioneer in creating new and innovative structures. Looking at Seoul, for example, you are surrounded by futuristic buildings in one part of the city, such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid, while traditional hanok neighborhoods lie just around the corner. Earlier this year, Seoul proudly opened the world’s fifth largest skyscraper piercing majestically out of the ground overlooking the Han River. It comes with little surprise that some of the world’s leading companies are also located here, including Samsung, Hyundai and Kia.

Exciting Food

Koreans are very proud of their unique cuisine. This is another result of the country’s natural isolation and climate leading to particular food preparation methods. Take kimchi , for example, the country’s number one side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables that are kept in jars for months, one of many practices used to protect food during harsh winters. Over the centuries, Koreans have created a fascinating and rich food culture made up of meat dishes, stews, soups, noodle dishes, seafood and many vegetable side dishes. Visit South Korea and you should spend an entire day roaming street markets sampling your way through this concert of flavors.

Quiet Countryside

As South Korea is not yet a worldwide popular vacation destination like its neighbors China and Japan, you will find untouched rural areas giving insight into traditional Korean lifestyle. While around 20% of all South Koreans live in and near Seoul, it’s especially the small rural villages where you can find peace and quiet. The well-connected railway and express bus systems make it easy to also explore the less visited areas of the country. You’ll be surprised that you can find lush rice terraces and hidden temples right here in South Korea.

You can find even more tranquility and inner peace when joining a one- or two-day templestay program, which allows you to spend some time living like Buddhist monks in temples across Korea. While the Korean templestay program might not be as heard of around the world, it’s a well-established organization offering English-speaking programs to anyone around the country. Whether you want to experience a templestay in downtown Seoul or in rural South Korea on top of a mountain, the options are endless and the results are incredibly rewarding.

Vibrant cities

While Seoul is arguably the most thrilling city in South Korea, it’s not the only large city that’s worth a visit. Despite its small size, South Korea has plenty of exciting cities from north to south. Busan in the very south, for example, is the country’s second largest city and located on a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and clear ocean water. Jeonju in the west of the country is one of the last places featuring a traditional old town with Korean hanok houses and a beautiful destination in spring and fall. Each of Korea’s nine provinces has its own local cuisine and attractions that are worth exploring.

K-pop Culture

South Korea is world-famous for its exciting music culture. K-pop is not only a music genre, it’s part of Korean culture that captures people all over Asia and the world. Walking down main pedestrian streets in South Korea, you will hear the latest hits of the industry. K-pop fans visit South Korea in waves and visit their favorite group’s or singer’s music label, get a K-pop makeover or visit K-pop-themed cafés. If you’re not yet into Korean music, we guarantee you that after you visit South Korea, you will be.

Korean Trendsetters

K-pop and Korean fashion go almost hand in hand. However, in recent years, South Korea has not only become known for coming up with quirky outfits for their boy and girl groups but also setting global trends in regular fashion. Seoul Fashion Week, for example, is becoming more and more visited by international designers and fashion labels who visit fashion shows to import Korean fashion lines to their home countries in Europe, America, Africa and all over Asia. Visiting Seoul, visitors will also notice that South Koreans, in general, are very fashionable and love to experiment and show off their hot streetwear on the streets of Seoul. Visit Dongdaemun, Gangnam or Myeongdong to get your own sets of Korean outfits to take home with you.

Make-up and Skincare

Ever wonder why Korean women (and men!) have flawless and stunningly beautiful skin? Koreans see taking care of their skin as an essential part of their daily lives and they spend more money on skincare and beauty than anywhere else in the world. Many Koreans even have a ten-step morning and night routine they strictly follow day after day to maintain their beautiful skin. It’s therefore no wonder that South Korea is home to countless skincare and make-up brands offering the most innovative and futuristic products on the global market. If that’s not a great reason to come to Korea, then we don’t know what is!

Quirky Entertainment Options

Entertainment is very important to South Koreans and they come up with new ways to keep themselves amused almost every month. We have all heard of the quirky themed cafés all over Seoul that offer visitors the chance to pet cats or dogs, play with racoons, cuddle with meerkats and engage with all kinds of other animals. There are also themed cafés that allow you to dress up as a princess and take pictures or eat food shaped like poop. Karaoke rooms have also been part of Korean entertainment for decades and are popular among all age groups. PC rooms are also well-visited, usually by a younger crowd, who compete in a variety of online games with people from all over the world – so much so that South Korea has become a leading force in global e-sports.

Stunning Coastline and Beaches

Due to South Korea being a peninsula, the country offers miles and miles of beautiful coast and stunning beaches. Korea also has a lot of beautiful islands, the most popular and largest one being Jeju Island. Jeju Island is one of Korea’s most visited destinations thanks to its exceptional natural wonders and breathtaking beaches. Another beautiful beach and coastal region is Jeollado in the west of the country. Moreover, the eastern coast is famous for beautiful sunrises, the earliest in the country.

Picturesque Mountain Ranges

South Korean attractions include beautiful national parks. Despite its small size, South Korea is home to 22 national parks with countless mountains. The island of Jeju has the highest peak in South Korea, the shield volcano Hallasan. Another popular hiking area is Seoraksan, the third tallest mountain in the country at 1,708 meters (5,603 feet). You can hike around this national park on Culture Trip’s 10-day adventure around South Korea . It’s exactly this combination of mountains and coast that make South Korea such a thrilling destination.

Four Amazing Seasons

Due to South Korea’s location in East Asia, the country is blessed with changing seasons. This makes Korea an exciting place to travel and live. No matter when you travel to Korea, you’ll be surprised with breathtaking seasonal changes in nature, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, flower fields in the summer, colorful foliage in the fall and a white wonderland in the winter. Besides the changing weather, each season also has special festivals and also dishes, such as the Taebaeksan Snow Festival in winter and cold noodles in summer.

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South Korea 7 Day Itinerary

Looking for a sample itinerary and ideas on how to spend a week in South Korea? Read our post with South Korea 7 Day Itinerary. This detailed  itinerary is based on our own experience travelling in South Korea and includes visiting Seoul , Busan , Gyeongju and Gapyeong . 

We travelled to South Korea in 2023 and really liked the country. South Korea has a rich history, delicious food, hilly landscapes, beautiful coastlines, busy cities and pretty countryside. Many first time visitors to South Korea limit their visit to Seoul only. While Seoul is a vibrant city with lots of things to see and do, we wanted to see more of South Korea during our trip.

We didn’t want to move to a new location every night or two, rent a new place every time, pack and unpack often, and think about where to store our suitcases when between hotels. Therefore, we based our first part of the trip in and around Seoul , and the second part of the trip – in and around Busan . This way, we only had to book two hotels – one in Seoul and one in Busan, and could explore cities and make one day trips with a light backpack, leaving all the rest in the hotel.

Here is our 7 Day Itinerary in South Korea.

South Korea 7 Day Itinerary at a glance:

Day 1 – historical sights and night views of seoul, day 2 – jogyesa temple, bukchon village, gyeongbokgung and modern seoul, day 3 – day trip to gapyeong (petite france, nami island and garden of morning calm), day 4 – seoul parks, shopping districts and food markets, day 5 – busan (haeundae beach, x the sky, blueline tram and haedong yonggungsa temple), day 6 – day trip to gyeongju (daereungwon tombs, hwangridan-gil, bulguksa temple, gyochon village and donggung palace), day 7 – busan (gamcheon culture village, biff square, jagalchi market and songdo beach).

Planning a trip to South Korea

There are few things you need to plan and prepare before travelling to South Korea. 

First of all, you need to check whether you need a tourist visa to South Korea or Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (KTA), and obtain it.

Next, plan and sort out mobile internet for the trip (e.g. get a roaming, a local sim-card or rent a WiFi device  in South Korea). 

Also, think about bringing cash, how to get to Seoul from Incheon airport, how to use public transport, buying a train pass and getting useful mobile apps before going to South Korea.

Read about all this and more in our dedicated post Things to know before travelling to South Korea .

As the majority of international travelers to South Korea fly to Seoul, we start our 7 Day South Korea itinerary with this vibrant city.

Seoul is one of the biggest cities in the world and has lots of attractions and things to see and do. We recommend spending at least 3 days in Seoul to get a good overview of the city, see its big attractions and experience its busy life.

In the morning

On the first day in Seoul go to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village – a traditional Korean village with narrow streets, pretty houses, cafes and small shops.

Visit Changgyeonggung Palace complex built in the mid-15th century by King Sejong. Explore its many buildings and gardens.

Next, walk to Unhyeongung – a former royal residence . There are a couple of historical buildings and quiet courtyards inside. The entrance to the residence is free.

Have lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants of Insa-dong street . Also, there are many souvenir shops and other stores on Insa-dong street if you feel like shopping.

In the afternoon

All of the attractions above are located within walking distance to each other. But to get to the next point of the itinerary you would need to take a bus or a subway. Read about using public transport and paying with Tmoney cards in Things to know before travelling to South Korea .

In the afternoon, go to Naksan Park to enjoy the views over the city. For the best night views over Seoul go to Eungbong Mountain Park. 

Read our detailed post on the 3 Day Itinerary for Seoul .

First stop on Day 2 is Jogyesa Buddhist Temple . Its main building – the temple with the Budha statue – is surrounded by a spacious courtyard decorated with paper lanterns. Jogyesa is open to the public and the entrance is free.

Next, walk to Bukchon Hanok Village – a traditional Korean village with small alleys and houses with hanok architecture. It’s located on the top of a hill between Changdeok Palace and Gyeongbok Palace. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Gyeongbok Palace) was the main and the largest royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. It’s a big complex with many historical buildings and gardens. Plan to spend at least 1-2 hrs exploring Gyeongbokgung.

Just south to the Gyeongbok Palace lies Gwanghwamun Square . The square is surrounded by tall modern buildings and has two massive statues – the statue of King Sejong and the statue of Admiral Yi Sun Shin. 

Continue walking from the Gwanghwamun Square towards Cheonggye Plaza and Cheonggyecheon. Cheonggyecheon is a public recreational space right in the heart of Seoul. It has lots of cafes and restaurants around and is a great place to stop for lunch.

In the afternoon explore Seoul on the other side of Han river. In that part of Seoul you will find the famous Gangnam suburb, a viewpoint to Banpo bridge with its colourful fountain, the 123-story Lotte World Tower with its Seoul Sky observation deck, as well as Lotte World Magic Island amusement park, as well as many other Seoul attractions.

Enjoy some shopping at Lotte World Mall or visit Lotte World Aquarium . Get to the observation deck of the Lotte World Tower – the tallest building in South Korea and the 6th tallest building in the world.

Last stop of the day is Banpo Bridge and its colourful show of the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Fountain. You can watch it from the Banpo Hangang Park, which is a 20 min by bus from Gangnam.

On the Day 3 of the South Korea 7 Day Itinerary, take a day trip from Seoul. 

There are quite a few day trips you can take from Seoul – check them out on Klook or GetYourGuide . We would like to recommend the one that we took ourselves – a day trip to Gapyeong county . 

On the day we were picked up in the morning by a tour bus (you can choose one of the meeting points when booking the tour). We visited three places in the Gapyeong county – Petite France and Italy villages, Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm.

Petite France and Italy are purpose built miniature villages (one French and one Italian) with cute houses, display rooms, small alleys and squares. Built on a hill the villages have nice viewpoints over the Korean countryside.

After making a stop for lunch (with traditional Korean food of fried chicken, veggies and spices), we went on a ferry to Nami Island . Nami Island on the Han River has lots of alleys with tall trees on the sides, gardens, sculptures, cafes and a few small shops. It’s a nice destination not only for nature lovers, but also for those who watch Korean drama series – Korean drama “Winter Sonata” was shot at Nami Island.

Last stop of the day is the Garden of Morning Calm – one of the oldest private gardens in Korea. We visited in spring and it had many blooming trees and flowers. In autumn you will find there abundance of fall colours. In winter they decorate gardens with colourful lights and illumination. And in summer, of course, you can enjoy all the greenery of the plants in the gardens. 

The tour bus will bring you back to Seoul in the evening around 7pm. If not too tired, take a walk in the center of Seoul after dark. Seoul is always a busy city, even at night.

Spend the last day in Seoul with leisure walks in city parks, shopping in popular shopping districts and visiting traditional Korean markets.

Start the day with a walk along the Seoul City Wall and in the Naksan park . From the Naksan Park, walk down to Ihwa Mural Village and then continue downhill to Dongdaemun gate .

Dongdaemun is a large shopping district in Seoul. There are many shopping malls, Dongdaemun Market and DDP – Dongdaemun Design Plaza. 

Next, take a metro to Myeongdong – another popular shopping and dining area in Seoul. Have a break for lunch at Myeongdong.

In the afternoon walk to the Namsan Mountain cable car station at the foot of the mountain. Take a cable car to the top to see N Seoul Tower and enjoy the views over Seoul. Then walk  through the Namsan park down to the city below.

Finish your day with an evening walk in Seoul and visiting one of Seoul’s night markets, for example, Namdaemun Market . You can buy food from the stalls and eat it on the way, or sit down to eat at one of the food kiosks/shops.

We spent our last day in Seoul in a very relaxed manner. Slow walks, just taking in the views and the city, making stops to taste Korean snacks, drinks and food, enjoying the atmosphere of the busy and diverse city of Seoul.

Next in our South Korea 7 Day Itinerary is the city of Busan. Busan is known for its beautiful beaches and a laid back atmosphere typical of a coastal city. 

In the morning – take a train to Busan

A direct speed train from Seoul to Busan takes only 2.5 hours. Read the ‘Travelling by Train in South Korea’ section in our post Things to know before travelling to South Korea for the information on how to get train tickets and a special KORAIL pass for tourists. 

Arriving in Busan, first of all, go to your hotel to leave the bags. Most of the hotels will store your suitcases before the check in time. Alternatively, you can store the bags at Busan train station and get them later when you’re ready to check in to the hotel.

First point of interest in Busan is Haeundae . You can take a bus or a subway from Busan train station to Haeundae. Visit Haeundae Market to grab a bite at one of its food stalls or to have lunch in one of its food restaurants. A short walk from the market is Haeundae Beach – a 1.5km long sandy beach popular with the locals and tourists alike. Have a walk at the beach, go to Dongbaek Park and Lighthouse or visit SEALIFE Busan Aquarium. 

Visit Busan X the Sky – an observation deck in a skyscraper located at the far end of the Haeundae Beach. Pay a small admission price and take a lift to the 100th floor. Floors 98 to 100 are open to the public and have amazing views over Busan and its coastline.

Next, take a leisure tram ride along the coast. Walk to ‘ Haeundae Blueline Park – Mipo Station ’ and take a beach tram from there to the end of the line to Songjeong Station. All the seats in the tram are facing windows, so you will enjoy seascape views while on the tram. 

Get off the tram at the Songjeong Station and walk to the Songjeong Beach . Songjeong beach is another nice beach in Busan, and it’s usually not as crowded as Haeundae beach. Have a walk at the Songjeong Beach and stay for lunch at one of the waterfront’s cafes along the beach.

From Songjeong Beach either walk or take a bus to Haedong Yonggungsa temple. Haedong Yonggungsa temple is a buddhist temple built on a rocky seashore. The setting of the temple is very picturesque and it’s well worth a visit when in Busan. On the way to the temple, at the end of Younggung-gil street there is a small market with street food/snacks and souvenirs. Prepare to spend 1-1.5 hrs at Haedong Yonggungsa temple and around.

Depending on your interests, not far from Haedong Yonggungsa temple you can visit Busan National Science Museum, Skyline Luge Busan, Lotte World Adventure park or Lotte Mall.

In the evening we returned to Haeundae Market to eat a variety of Korean street food and sweets. This is where we tried Korean sweet pancake Hotteok filled with honey and seeds, and Korean 10 Won bread filled with molten cheese. Alternatively, have dinner in one of the many cafes and restaurants of Haeundae.

If you’re not too tired, take a bus to either Millak Waterside Park or Namcheon Seaside Park – to finish the day with the night views over Busan cityscape and Gwangan Bridge .

Read our detailed post on the  2 Days in Busan Itinerary

On the Day 6 of the South Korea 7 Day Itinerary, take a day trip from Busan to Gyeongju. Gyeongju was the ancient capital of Korea and has lots of historical sights and places to visit. Attractions in Gyeongju are quite spread from each other and so we decided the easiest way to see them would be with a guided tour. We recommend this day tour from Busan that can be booked on Klook – Gyeongju day tour from Busan .

First stop of the day is the Buddhist temple complex – Bulguksa Temple . Bulguksa Temple is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most important historic and scenic sites in South Korea. If you visit in spring, make sure to also make a stop at the park nearby to admire cherry blossoms.

Next stop is Hwangnidan-gil – a busy street with traditional Korean architecture and lots of small shops and cafes. We had a nice lunch there at a restaurant serving traditional Asian hot pot food, and afterwards enjoyed a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop.

Minutes from Hwangnidan street is Daereungwon – a large ancient tomb complex. You will recognize it by several tombs next to each other looking like big green hills in a park. One of the tombs is open for visitors and has excavated artefacts on the display.

Next, visit Gyochon Traditional Village to have a look how people used to live in the olden days when Gyeongju was the capital. Walk the alleys of the hanok village, admire the traditional Korean architecture and make sure to get down to the river to take a picture of the rebuilt 8th century Woljeong Bridge.

Last stop of the day trip to Gyeongju is Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond . There is a reason why tour guides leave visiting Donggung Palace until the end. While not that impressive during daylight, after sunset the place transforms with all the lights on and reflections in the pond. 

Return to Busan for the night.

On the last day of the South Korea trip explore the southern parts of Busan city . 

First thing in the morning of our last day in South Korea was breakfast in one of the bakery cafes in Busan. Travelling in South Korea you will notice that bakeries are quite popular and the variety of baked products is great! So, after a cup of coffee with local baked goods we checked out of the hotel and went to Busan train station to store our bags. Then, with a camera and a small backpack we took a bus to Gamcheon Culture Village.

Gamcheon Culture Village is a neighbourhood in Busan featuring many colourful houses spread over a hilly landscape. Historically, this is where the poor lived for a long time, until in 2009 the government decided to renovate and make the village into a culture hub. Now, with the colourful painted houses, art installations, cafes and souvenir shops, Gamcheon Culture Village is a popular place to visit in Busan.

After walking in the village and taking hundreds of pics from its different viewpoints, walk to BIFF square. BIFF square is a busy area with shopping, cinemas, street food and alleys with handprints of famous Korean actors. Not far from BIFF square is Yongdusan Park and its Busan Tower (also known as Diamond Tower). It was on our itinerary until we realised we spent too much time trying all the different street foods and searching for a Busan souvenir magnet in the shops around BIFF square. As we were flying from Korea in the evening, we were conscious of time on our last day in Busan. But if you have enough time then I’d recommend going for a walk in Yongdusan Park and getting up to the observation deck of the Diamond Tower.

Next, visit Jagalchi Market – a famous seafood market that is the largest in South Korea. You will find here a huge variety of fresh seafood. In the indoor section of the market you can order takeaway or eat-in food made out of the fresh seafood right there at the market. We didn’t eat at the Jagalchi Market (we were too full after the stalls at BIFF square), but it was still an interesting experience to see such a huge fish market with so much seafood variety.

Next point of interest is a man-made beach in Busan – Songdo Beach. Together with its pedestrian bridge-trails – Songdo Cloud Trails, surrounding cafes and coastal views, Songdo Beach is a nice place to visit in Busan.

Take a cable car (Busan Air Cruise) from the Songdo Bay Station to the Songdo Sky Park . Enjoy the nice views from the Songdo Sky Park, have a walk at Amnam Park or walk the suspension bridge to the small island of Dongseom.

If you still have time (depending on when you need to leave Busan for Seoul and Incheon International Airport) I’d recommend taking one of the walks at Yeongdo . Go to Hynyeoul Munhwa Maul – a cultural village with a nice waterside walk, then walk along the coast and up to the Yeongdo Haneul Observation Deck to admire the views.

That was the end of our trip in South Korea as it was time to take a train from Busan back to Seoul and then to Incheon International Airport to take our flight back home. 

This South Korea 7 Day Itinerary was just perfect for us – not too long, but enough time to see South Korea’s biggest cities, many historical and cultural sites, enjoy Korean food and see some of the natural sights in the country. 

Read next –  2 Days in Busan Itinerary

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4 thoughts on “ South Korea 7 Day Itinerary ”

That sounds a great itinerary, the unique buildings are definitely something that piqued my interest.

I just recently started to contemplate going to Korea. 1 week seems to be the perfect time for a visit. Seoul and Busan sound like interesting destinations! Thank you for this great itinerary!

I have always wanted to visit South Korea. It looks like you thoroughly enjoyed your trip there. Lots of things to see and do and defintely eat. I hope the language wasn’y much of an issue. Thanks for sharing your itinenary with us.

Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/

Language wasn’t an issue at all. Many Koreans speak English, and sellers know some basic words. And everyone so friendly and ready to explain with signs if necessary:)) Plus, we quickly picked up few words in Korean too 🙂

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Essay on South Korea

Students are often asked to write an essay on South Korea in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on South Korea

Introduction.

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia. It’s known for its green, hilly countryside, centuries-old Buddhist temples, and high-tech cities.

South Korea is located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, and the East Sea to the east.

Capital City

The capital city, Seoul, is a bustling metropolis with modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture alongside historic palaces, and street markets.

Korean culture is rich with tradition, including the popular Korean music, K-pop, and Korean dramas that are famous worldwide.

South Korea has a robust economy, being one of the world’s leading industrialized nations. It’s a global leader in technology, electronics, shipbuilding, and auto manufacturing.

250 Words Essay on South Korea

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. Its rapid economic growth, technological advancements, and rich cultural heritage make it a fascinating subject of study.

Economic Growth and Technological Advancements

South Korea’s economic growth, often referred to as the “Miracle on the Han River,” transformed it from a war-torn nation to an economic powerhouse. It is home to renowned multinational corporations like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. Moreover, the country’s technological advancements, particularly in the fields of IT and robotics, have positioned it as a global leader in innovation.

Culture and Heritage

South Korea’s rich cultural heritage, embodied in its traditional music, dance, and art forms, coexists with its modern pop culture. The global phenomenon of K-pop and Korean dramas (K-dramas) has significantly increased its cultural influence, a phenomenon known as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu.”

Political Landscape

The political landscape of South Korea is marked by its democratic system and ongoing tensions with North Korea. Despite these challenges, South Korea has maintained political stability, contributing to its economic and social progress.

South Korea’s journey from devastation to prosperity, its technological prowess, and cultural richness offer valuable insights into the transformative power of innovation, cultural preservation, and resilience. It stands as a testament to the potential of human endeavor in shaping a nation’s destiny.

500 Words Essay on South Korea

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a vibrant nation that has made significant strides in economic development, technological advancement, and cultural exportation over the past few decades. Nestled on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, South Korea epitomizes a successful blend of traditional Asian culture and Western influence.

Economic Development

South Korea’s economic narrative is one of the most compelling stories of the 20th century. From the ashes of the Korean War, the nation rose to become the 10th largest economy in the world, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Miracle on the Han River.” South Korea’s economic model, heavily reliant on chaebols (family-controlled conglomerates), has been instrumental in this rapid development. Companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG have become global powerhouses, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

Technological Advancement

South Korea is a global leader in technological innovation and digital connectivity. With the highest internet speed in the world and a tech-savvy population, the nation is at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. South Korea’s commitment to research and development, coupled with a robust education system, has fostered an environment conducive to technological advancement. The country is also home to the city of Songdo, one of the world’s first smart cities designed from the ground up.

Cultural Exportation

South Korea’s cultural influence, known as the “Korean Wave” or Hallyu, has swept across the globe. Whether it’s K-dramas, K-pop, Korean cuisine, or beauty products, South Korean culture has permeated every corner of the world. This cultural exportation has not only boosted the country’s soft power but also contributed significantly to its economy. The global popularity of groups like BTS and movies like “Parasite” are testaments to the country’s cultural influence.

Despite its economic and cultural prowess, South Korea faces a complex and challenging political landscape. The nation is technically still at war with North Korea, as the Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. This geopolitical tension, coupled with the pressure of being sandwiched between China and Japan, presents unique challenges for South Korea.

South Korea is a nation that has successfully navigated the path from war-torn poverty to economic prosperity and global cultural influence. Despite the geopolitical tensions that persist, the country continues to forge ahead, driven by innovation, cultural richness, and an indomitable spirit. South Korea’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic planning, and cultural vibrancy. It serves as an example for other nations aspiring to similar heights of development and global impact.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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How To Plan a Successful Trip to South Korea

on April 12, 2022

South Korea is a country that relies significantly on tourism to survive. The country’s natural beauty and history, in addition to its expanding economy, make it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. It is, nonetheless, one of the countries hardest impacted by the pandemic flu. All airlines have cancelled flights to South Korea, severely restricting international travel. Because tourism makes for a substantial portion of South Korea’s GDP, this has a huge influence on the country’s economy.

Fortunately, the pandemic has slowly started to die down and travel has made a big comeback. South Korea reopened its borders on April 1, 2022, allowing people who have been completely vaccinated and have registered their vaccination status to enter the country and escape the seven-day quarantine period. People who are eager to explore South Korea and experience their cultures can now visit the country. However, they are still encouraged to take precautions before and during their trips to ensure they remain safe. If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, it’s imperative to plan so that you make the most of your time there.

Essential Travel Tips to Have a Great Visit

Prepare the required documents.

Before visiting the country, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary documents in order. Different nationalities may have different entry requirements, so it is best to be prepared ahead of time. Make sure you have a valid passport and any visas or other documentation that may be required. If you are not sure what the requirements are, consult the Korean embassy or consulate. Being prepared will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

In addition, the latest vaccination dosage must be administered within 14 – 180 days of your trip. Furthermore, you must submit a K-ETA application within 24 hours of boarding as well as a PCR test within 48 hours of boarding. Finally, you need to complete the Q-code form and present it whenever somebody asks.

Plan Your Budget and Stick to It

Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or work, it’s crucial to have a budget planned out and stick to it. Overspending can quickly ruin your trip and put a damper on the fun. By planning and being mindful of your expenses, you can enjoy your trip without going over your budget. Create a budget that includes all of the anticipated costs of your trip. This may include airfare, lodging, food, transportation, and any other expenses you may incur. You can consider renting a car because there are many car rental deals in  South Korea , especially if you visit in April when the price is 13% lower than the rest of the year.

Once you have a ballpark figure for what your trip will cost, try to stick to it as closely as possible. Splurging on one thing means you’ll have to cut back elsewhere.

Choose a Destination That Appeals to You

When planning a vacation, it’s essential to choose a destination that will be enjoyable and fulfilling. In South Korea, no matter what your interests or travel style, you’ll find a destination that suits you. Whether you’re looking for an urban adventure in Seoul or Busan, natural beauty and hiking opportunities in the rural countryside, hot springs, and spa resorts, or historical sites and traditional culture, the country has something for everyone.  If leisure is your first objective, you should go to Jeju Island . Seoul is the place to go if you want to experience K-POP and some of the best spots featured in K-Dramas. Different places provide different experiences and it is critical to pick one that meets your goal.

Book Your Flights and Hotels in Advance

Traveling can be an exciting experience, but it’s vital to plan to make the most of your time and money. One of the most essential things to take care of before you leave is booking your flights and hotels.  This will ensure that you get the best deals and that you have a place to stay when you get to your destination. Airlines often offer the best flight deals when purchased directly from them. However, several travel websites provide competitive pricing as well. Also, if you want to stay in a specific sort of accommodation during your vacation, make sure you reserve well in advance. Waiting till the last minute often results in increased prices or no availability.

Pack Lightly and Strategically

No one wants to drag a heavy suitcase around on vacation, especially when there are plenty of beautiful beaches and interesting shops to explore. You may have a pleasant trip without feeling weighed down if you pack light and intelligently. Pack clothing appropriate for the weather conditions at the time of your stay. You should also bring important documents such as your passport and tickets, as well as prescriptions if needed. Pack the necessities, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. Bring a map of the area or download an app like Naver that provides precise information when navigating South Korea. If you’re going on an outdoor excursion, be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear to prepare for any potential emergencies.

Make Your Travel More Meaningful

There’s something about traveling that just seems to make life more meaningful. Experiencing new cultures, landscapes, and foods can be transformational, filling us with a sense of awe and wonder. But sometimes it’s not enough to just see a new place – we want to feel like we’re there. That’s where the video comes in. By recording the people and places you encounter and generating videos of the sights and sounds from your travels in slow-motion effect , you can create an immersive experience that puts you in the middle of your travels.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just hitting the country for the first time, incorporating video into your journey can make it more meaningful. Plus, having a travel diary filled with videos is sure to bring back great memories long after your trip has ended.  So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your unforgettable journey in South Korea!

Written by: OnedayKorea

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South Korea- My Favourite Destination.

“Wanderlust: A Strong Desire to Wander or Travel and Explore the World.” What makes a place or a country an ideal destination? Is it the scenery, the monuments, the people or the culture? Maybe all of it plays an important role in making a country or a place an ideal destination or even, a destination as a matter of fact. A destination is a place which is worth making a special journey for. Keeping the things said in mind, my ideal/favourite destination is South Korea.

South Korea, officially theRepublic of Korea(ROK), is a country in East Asia , constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula . Its capital, Seoul , is a major global city and half of South Korea's 51 million people live in the Seoul Capital Area , the fourth largest metropolitan economy in the world. South Korea is a highly developed country and the world's 11th largest economy by nominal GDP .Its citizens enjoy the world's fastest Internet connection speeds and the longest years of tertiary education in the world,along with the world's second most equal access to quality healthcare,resulting in the third highest health adjusted life expectancy in the world.South Korea is a global leader in many technology and innovation driven fields, being the world's 5th largest exporter and 8th largest importer . Since 2014, South Korea has been named the world's most innovative country by the Bloomberg Innovation Index for 6 consecutive years.

Apart from all this, the tourist places are the best part of this country. The dazzling capital city will impress you with its dizzying mix of modern architecture, party vibes, pop culture, beautiful parks & glittering promenades. Vibrant Seoul is not just a buzzing urban hub but also rich in history and culture. With gorgeous palaces, chic restaurants and stylish boutiques, Seoul is charming all the way. The National Museum and War Memorial take you through the history of the country, while the cool shopping district of Gangnam gives you a taste of the city’s ritzy side. The Jeju Island, The Korean Demilitarized Zone, the Dadohaehaesang National Park and the Andong Hahoe Folk Village are some of the major tourist attractions that the country has to offer. Foodies can relish the sea food spread at the numerous restaurants and enjoy local delicacies at the ubiquitous street food stalls spread across the whole country. South Korea is a perfectly balanced country with its new and the old elements of the world.

It is rich in the new technology and also preserves its past with respect and glory. South Korea is a country that works for a newer, better and a more hospitable destination for the people belonging to different parts of the globe.

In the end I would say that “South Korea has it all to make it to anyone’s ideal destination”.

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Planning a Trip to South Korea: a Step By Step Guide

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: March 28, 2023

Planning a trip to South Korea can be a difficult and overwhelming process but with our extensive guide, you will be able to breeze through all the steps required.

Keep reading for our tips, advice, and information on the best way to plan a trip to South Korea.  

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Why Visit South Korea?  

If you are just starting out the planning process you may still be deliberating on whether South Korea is even the best place for you to visit.

We can help you finalize that decision with some of the best reasons to visit South Korea and why it is such a wonderful travel destination.

South Korea has an amazingly rich culture and long history.

There are many cultural sites to visit and incredible experiences, such as temples and palaces. This includes a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Bulguska Temple and the lava tubes in Jeju.

The cities are full of unique modern designs and high-tech displays and shopping malls while beautiful nature and scenery are also easily accessible.

Whether you like beach activities, hiking, shopping, cultural experiences, or a mix of everything, there is something for everyone to enjoy in South Korea.  

Here is a list of amazing things to do in Korea.

Best Time Of The Year to Visit South Korea  

South Korea is very seasonal and the climate is the only thing that changes.

There can be large differences in available activities, recommended places to visit, and things to do depending on the season. 

Spring  

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Korea and for good reason. The weather is clear, the temperature is moderate and flowers are blooming.

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, this is one of the best times to be in Korea.

It is also the time of cherry blossoms, and if you time your visit right you could be treated to a magnificent display of pink and white blossoms.

However, the flowers aren’t limited to cherry blossoms, with flower fields across the country of plum blossoms, azaleas, and roses.

Spring can be cool at night and might be difficult for those who have bad hay fever or pollen allergies. 

Summer  

Summer in Korea can be very changeable with the monsoon season hitting in August.

It is also very humid in summer, so while the temperature isn’t too hot, the humidity can be difficult to deal with.

However, it can be a great time to visit if you plan on visiting some of the coastal areas or islands.

It can also be good for enjoying balmy evenings with casual outdoor eating and a relaxed holiday atmosphere as schools and universities are on summer vacation.  

Autumn  

Autumn is a beautiful time in South Korea with vibrant autumn foliage to be seen in many places. This time of year is ideal for hiking and climbing mountains.

It is also a good time to visit the many palaces populated by autumnal maple and ginkgo trees.

Autumn is also the time of Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival celebration.

Many Chuseok events are held during this time and can be a great way to have a unique cultural experience while in South Korea. 

Winter  

Winter in Korea can be very cold, with temperatures reaching negative and snowstorms.

However, it is also a beautiful time of year if you enjoy the winter scenery. The snow-topped mountains can be very picturesque and it is great for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Winter is also the time of the Lunar New Year celebrations, which can be easily enjoyed as a cultural experience.

It is also the time of Christmas and western New Year, which can be interesting to experience in a different country and culture than your own.  

How Many Days In South Korea?  

An essential part of planning a trip to South Korea is deciding how long to spend there.

Finding the balance between too short and too long can seem difficult, especially without already having experience in Korea.

Luckily, a visit to Korea can be quite versatile, depending on where you plan to visit.  

Longer is generally better, as it will give you more time to visit different cities, take various day trips and see more of the country.

However, it is easily possible to have a short trip and just stick to one city.

An example of this is covered in our 4-day and 3-7-day Seoul itineraries.

If you have a bit longer in the country, you can visit cities such as Busan, and utilize our Busan itinerary .

A longer itinerary can also allow for taking more time in each location and having more downtime.

The range of places to visit and things to do means it is unlikely that you could run out of things to do, and the variation from traditional temples to modern shopping malls, palaces to theme parks, means it is unlikely to become repetitive.  

In summary, the longer you can make your itinerary, the better, but if you only have a short amount of time available, it is still possible to have a great time on a shorter trip.  

• 7 Days in South Korea
• 14 Days South Korea Itinerary

Dos And Don’ts In South Korea  

When visiting another country and culture, it is always important to be aware of cultural etiquette and common dos and don’ts of the country.

This can be related to social manners or simply making your trip easier.  

Learn Basic Korean Words  

While traveling in Korea, it can be beneficial to learn a few basic Korean words and phrases.

Important phrases like “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry,” and “thank you” can come in very helpful and will be appreciated by those around you.

Some simple words like ‘this’ and ‘that’ as well as question words, including what, where, and how much, can be very useful in getting around and working things out on the go.

Using translation apps or tools like Google Translate is another useful option.  Here is a list of more handy Korean apps.

Tipping In South Korea  

Tipping at a bar or restaurant in South Korea is not necessary or expected.

Some high-end restaurants may have the opportunity to tip if you want to, but it’s never an expectation.

In some cases, tipping can be seen as rude as it can imply that the employee or the business doesn’t have enough money and needs pity.

Overall, it is safer to just not tip in South Korea unless there is an explicit prompt. In these cases, it is still completely your choice and you are free to not tip.  

Bring Cash  

When traveling in Korea, having cash on hand is extremely useful.

While credit cards have become more common in recent years and many businesses do accept credit cards, not all credit cards will be available to be used and there is always the possibility of a restaurant or shop not accepting cards at all.

For this reason, having a good amount of cash with you is essential.

ATMs can also be hit-or-miss as some will work with foreign cards while others won’t.

It is a good idea to remove a decent amount at a time in case you can’t find another ATM to withdraw from easily.  

Photography  

It is common to want to take photos and document all the amazing sights, foods, and places you’re experiencing while on vacation.

However, it is important to be careful when taking photos in public.

In some countries, including South Korea, the right to privacy extends into the public sphere, meaning photos, where someone is easily identifiable, can be illegal.

Of course, a photo taken in a crowded place will likely have people in it and it is unlikely that you will be challenged over this but taking a photo of a specific person or group of people may bring issues.  

Priority Seating  

Most buses and trains in Korea have a designated area for priority seating.

This seating is reserved for elderly, pregnant, or disabled people.

These seats should be left empty unless someone from one of those categories is using them.

While it may seem ok to sit down and just move if someone who needs them enters the train or bus, this can still be seen as rude and it is best to just stand if no other seats are available.  

Korea Trip Budget  

A trip to Korea can be quite reasonably priced as the number of expenses is fairly low.

Categories like food are often cheap day-to-day.

The more expensive categories include accommodation, which can range from cheaper hostel-style accommodation to more expensive hotels.

Accommodation in the main cities tends to be more expensive than in smaller cities or the countryside.  

Transport costs can vary a lot depending on how much traveling around the country you wish to do and what transport methods you use.

For long-distance travel, there are some train passes that can offset the costs somewhat, or you can use a rental car.

While in the city, buses and trains are fairly easy to use and budget-friendly. Taking a taxi is more expensive but may be easier when visiting certain places.  

Overall, Korea is a very accessible country on a range of budgets.

There are a number of areas where you can cut costs for a more budget-friendly trip or spend a bit more to suit your preferences.  

Here is more information on the budget you should foresee.

Your Korea Trip Planning  

Planning a trip can be done in stages with different steps being done at different times.

Here is our breakdown of what should be done when in order to best plan your trip to South Korea. 

The Timeline For Your Korea Trip Planning

6 months in advance

Book international flights

Join our Facebook group

Get travel insurance Plan your itinerary Check if you need a Visa

About 3 months in advance

Do you need an International Driving Permit? Book domestic flights

1 month in advance

Internet in South Korea Book Tours and other Fun Experiences

1 week in advance

What to pack

6 Months In Advance  

Join our korea facebook group.

Become a member of our Korea Travel Planning and Tips Facebook group. 

The purpose of this group is to help you plan an amazing vacation to Korea.  You can ask questions and exchange tips with fellow travelers.

Book Flights To South Korea  

If you have decided on South Korea and narrowed down your travel dates, it’s best to start checking flight prices as soon as possible.

Prices will change over time usually in a U-curve shape, starting high, slowly becoming cheaper, and then moving back towards expensive as it gets closer to the travel date.

The absolute lowest point is unpredictable but usually falls around 4-6 months before the travel dates.

The earlier you start checking the prices, the easier it will be to have a good idea of when you’re seeing ‘good’ prices and whether it is likely to fall further or not.

This can easily be done through price tracking or price alerts on various flight comparison websites.  

Tips To Find Cheap Flights  

If you are looking to save on flights, there are a number of things you can do.

The first is to make the best use of flight comparison websites.

This can be Skyscanner, Momondo, or even Google Flights. You can set up price tracking or alerts as mentioned previously and see various options at different prices.

You can also use a number of different limitations, such as flight duration, departure time, arrival time, and stopovers to get the best flights for your situation.

Using low-cost carriers (LCC) airlines can also be an opportunity to save some money on flights.  

Here is more information on finding cheap flights to South Korea.

Travel Insurance  

As soon as you have flights booked, the next step should be travel insurance.

An international trip is a big expense and can become even more expensive if something should go wrong while you’re out of the country.

It is easy for accidents to happen and a travel insurance policy can be very helpful when dealing with a medical or personal issue while in a foreign country.

Korea is generally a safe country with a modern and trustworthy healthcare system. Many doctors are able to speak English and will be ok dealing with foreigners.

This may be more difficult to find in more rural areas.

However, while the quality of medical care is high, costs as a tourist can also be quite high. Having a travel insurance policy in place to cover these costs can help relieve stress in a high-pressure situation.

It is important to make sure you know what your policy covers and not always go for the cheapest option, as sometimes this can lead to expensive surprises when an accident does occur.

It is also best to get a policy that can cover costs as they happen, rather than paying upfront and receiving reimbursement later.  

If you are looking for travel insurance, we recommend you to look at Safetywing . They offer very competitive prices for very decent coverage. 

Passports And Visa  

Many countries have a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea, meaning you do not need a visa to enter for tourism purposes.

This includes many parts of Europe, North America, much of South America, Oceania, and a number of Asian countries.

If you are unsure about your home country’s status, you can find more info here.

If you are from a country that is part of the visa-waiver agreement you will still need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization or K-ETA.

This will require some personal details, your passport details, and a payment of 10,000KRW (approx. $10 USD).

This should be approved in a short period of time.

This application can be done on the official Korean website.

For more details, see our guide to travel in South Korea .  

Covid Testing And Q Code  

Korea has had constantly changing and often strict rules regarding entry during the last few years.

Covid-19 has led to pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests, and varying quarantines.

However, as of 1 October 2022, travelers no longer need to have testing either pre-departure or on-arrival and quarantine is no longer necessary. 

You will need to apply for Q-code to enter South Korea.

This is a QR code that will be issued to you after applying and will contain your relevant health and contact information.

This application must be done no more than 3 days prior to entry.  

Plan Your Travel Itinerary  

Korea highlights  , seoul  .

With Seoul as the capital of South Korea, it makes sense to be one of the highlights of any Korea trip.

With its unique blend of old and new, Seoul is an amazing city to visit. Over the last few decades, Seoul has grown to be at the forefront of design, urban planning, technology, and more.

There is also a great celebration of traditional culture and historic sites.

Also setting Seoul apart from many modern cities is Bukhansan Park in the north of the city.

This national park borders the capital city and offers a welcome respite into beautiful nature and hiking trails.  

Here is our comprehensive list of Seoul posts that will help you plan your trip:

Things To Do And Itineraries:

• Best things to do in Seoul
• Best things to do in Seoul at night
• What is Seoul known for
• Best day trips from Seoul
• Best Seoul itinerary
• Best 4-day Seoul itinerary

Accommodation:

• Where to stay in Seoul
• 15 cool hotels in Seoul
• Best Boutique hotels in Seoul
• Best Hanok Stays in Seoul
• Best vacation rentals in Seoul

Seoul Guide

For the price of a single cup of coffee, you can get this Seoul itinerary as a nicely formatted PDF document.

It contains all the information in this post.

You can print it or store it on your phone so you can access it anytime during your visit to Seoul.

Have a look here for more information and a preview.

Busan   

Busan is a coastal city in the southeast of the country.

In recent years it has grown from a small and quaint fishing village to a bustling city with its own unique personality.

As a coastal city, Busan has a great predilection for seafood and is a great place to try out various Korean seafood dishes.

There are also some beautiful beaches to visit and waterfront activities to enjoy.  

Here is our comprehensive list of Busan posts that will help you plan your trip:

Things to do and itineraries :

• What to do in Busan
• The perfect 2-day Busan itinerary
• Best Busan day trips
• Best Busan day tours
• Best things to do in Busan at night

Accommodation posts:

• Where to stay in Busan
• Best Airbnbs in Busan

The DMZ  

Many people consider the DMZ a must-see while visiting South Korea.

The DMZ, or demilitarized zone, is the zone surrounding the border of South Korea and North Korea.

This is one of the few remainders of the Cold War that is still active, as the Korean War never officially ended and the two Koreas remain in an official state of conflict.

This border can only be visited on an organized tour due to the sensitivity of the area. Some tours also include the JSA or Joint Security Area, the actual borderline passing through the barracks on site.

Visiting this area is a unique look at how history and the present can intertwine.  

Note that the JSA is currently closed. We don’t know if and when it will reopen.

However, a visit to the DMZ stills gives you a unique understanding of North and South Korea’s history.

Book your DMZ tickets here, or read our full guide on how to choose the best DMZ tour.

Check prices and availability: Half or Full Day DMZ Tour

Jeonju  

Jeonju has a unique place in Korean history as the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty, the rulers of Korea from 1392 until the early 20 th Century.

For this reason, the city is steeped in history and tradition, with many cultural sites.

This long historical period gave rise to many rich cultural pursuits and uniquely Korean innovations. These include traditional Korean wine, paper, and dolls.  

Jeonju is well-known for its Hanok Village, an area of the city with predominantly Hanok buildings.

This is a style of building based on traditional Korean ways of thinking and architectural design.

It involves the ideal placement of a home, how to keep the building comfortable and temperate throughout the changing seasons, and catering to the social needs of the time.

Many of these traditional houses are still in existence and can be seen in the Jeonju Hanok Village.   You can even spend the night in one of them.

There are also a number of historic sites in Jeonju as well as museums commemorating Korean history and tradition.

Jeonju is an ideal place to visit to truly soak in the long traditions and history of Korean culture.  Here is a list of the best things to do in Jeonju.

Gyeongju  

Gyeongju, one of the most beautiful places in South Korea, is another historic city in South Korea.

It was the main capital of the Silla Kingdom which ruled the Korean Peninsula from 57BC – 935AD.

This long history has led to a number of historic and culturally significant sites in Gyeongju, including a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In fact, the sheer number of historic sites is the reason behind the city’s nickname of “the museum without walls” or “the museum without a roof”.  

There are many historical temples and palaces in Gyeongju, documenting the history of religion and the kingdom during this time.

It is also home to Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia.

It dates to the 7 th Century and is amazing to visit for both historical reasons and the astronomical illuminations that are regularly displayed.  

Gyeongju is also home to the UNESCO Gyeongju Historic Area, an entire area of historic ruins and relics. This area has museums, ruins to explore, serene temples, and more.

The city of Gyeongju is a must-see for anyone interested in history, Korean culture, or both.  

From hotels, highlights, transportation, and other booking needs, this section of our Korea itinerary has got you covered.

Hotels In South Korea  

There is a wide range of hotel accommodations available in South Korea.

The major cities, such as Seoul, are often more expensive, especially in the central areas.

Smaller cities can be cheaper, although it can depend on the time of year and location.

Accommodation prices in Korea can be quite seasonal generally, with spring being one of the most popular times of year to travel and prices reflecting this trend.  

However, regardless of when you travel, with some research and careful booking, you will always be able to find something to suit your budget.  

Choose a hotel from this list of well-rated hotels.

Check out our where to stay section in our Korea travel guide for all our hotel posts.

Best Booking sites For South Korea  

There are a number of booking sites that can be used to look for hotel accommodations in South Korea. Some of the top booking sites include: 

Booking.com  

The behemoth of accommodation Booking, Booking.com is just as active in South Korea as in other countries.

The majority of hotels can be found on Booking.com and the popularity of the site means there are often plenty of reviews which can be helpful in deciding on accommodation. 

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Agoda  

Agoda is another big name in the accommodation booking business, although slightly less well-known than booking.com.

It is also part of the Booking.com group and so contains many of the same hotels.

However, as it was started in Asia, there are sometimes hotels listed which haven’t made it to Booking.com and sometimes deals are listed on Agoda but not booking.com. 

Check prices and availability: Agoda

VRBO  

If you are traveling with a family or just want a bit more space, staying in a VRBO or accommodation rental may be the answer.

Many hotel rooms in Korea can be small or feel cramped, and a full apartment to yourself may be a better alternative.

This also gives you the freedom to cook for yourself and more space if you need some relaxing time.  

Check prices and availability: VRBO

Special Accommodations In South Korea  

If you’re looking for a more unique accommodation experience while in South Korea, a hanok stay may be ideal for you.

These traditional houses can be found in many places throughout the country and are a step back in time to traditional Korea and the architecture and design of the period.

Most hanok accommodations have futon-style bedding and traditional rooms, so they may not be your accommodation for the entire trip, but staying for a night or two is a great option and a unique way to experience Korean tradition.

If you’re looking for hanok accommodation in Seoul, check out our previous post here.

If you plan to stay in a hanok while visiting the historic city of Jeonju, you can see our top picks here .   

Getting Around In South Korea  

Once you have decided on your general travel plans and which cities you will be visiting, it’s time to look into how you will get around in South Korea.

This includes both between cities and inside the city.

We have three main means of transport. 

Driving is a great way to travel between cities and visit the regions that aren’t serviced by the railway.

It also provides the opportunity to plan your own journey, meaning you can make stops that wouldn’t be possible when traveling by train or public transport.

There are many rental car companies operating in South Korea and it is easy to rent a car from the airport.

However, driving isn’t really necessary or even very convenient while inside the big cities so if you are staying in Seoul before moving on, you may want to wait before renting a car.

If you plan on renting a car in South Korea, click here.

To see more about our experience of driving in South Korea, see our post here. 

Train  

Korea has a rail network connecting many of the major metropolitan cities.

There are a number of trains available, including a high-speed bullet train, known as the KTX lines. The trains are reliable and easy to use.

This can be a great way to get between major cities quickly.

The six largest cities in Korea also have a subway or metropolitan system, which is useful for moving around the city or visiting different areas within the same city.

Korail also offers a number of tourism rail passes to foreign visitors, including 3- and 5-day passes.

However, it is important to check the prices of individual tickets before buying a pass, as sometimes the pass doesn’t work out cheaper.  

Express Bus  

Buses offer another alternative mode of transport.

If you don’t like driving or just want to avoid driving in a foreign country, buses can be another road option.

They are slower than the train but cover more area and so might end up more interesting.

They also serve more cities along the way. An express bus tends to go straight from one city to another while an intercity bus will make stops at different cities along the way.

There are also many local buses for getting around the cities after you have arrived.

For more information on public transport in South Korea, see our guide here.   

Organized Tours  

Planning a trip itinerary can be difficult and organized tours can simplify the process.

There are many different types of tours available and there is most likely one to suit you. Some tours are more guided while others plan the itinerary and provide minimal guidance to allow you more independence and options while on your trip.

Tours can have varying group sizes and be fast-paced or slow-moving.

There are also tours that are more focused on a certain type of traveler or interest, such as tours for young adults who want to experience a lot of nightlife, or tours more centered around the history and culture of an area.

There are many different tour options available in South Korea and we have curated some of the best options into our list here.  

3 months In Advance  

International drivers license  .

If you are planning on driving while in Korea you will need an IDP or International Drivers Permit.

This will give you permission to drive in Korea while holding an international driver’s license. Without an IDP or Korean driver’s license, there is no way for you to drive in Korea.

An IDP provides an official translation of your original driver’s license and can be provided by the official authority in your home country. You will need to show this when renting a car.  

Getting an IDP is a reasonably easy process and can help to provide a lot of freedom and flexibility in your travel planning and itinerary.  

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights aren’t necessary if you only visit the beautiful mainland of South Korea. However, if you also wish to go to the subtropical Jeju island you will need to fly. There’re multiple daily flights from Seoul and you should find reasonably priced flights if you book them 3 months out. Don’t wait too long if you’re traveling during the peak season.

If flights have become too expensive you can also take a ferry from Busan or some other places in the south of the country.

Check for flights on Momondo: Flights to Jeju

1 Month In Advance  

Staying online in south korea  .

Staying online can be a key aspect of travel in general, especially so when traveling in South Korea.

Having a reliable internet connection will allow you to use helpful tools like Google translate and navigation and map apps.

It will also help you find on-the-go recommendations, last-minute additions, up-to-date currency conversions, and more.

On top of that, many of us like to stay connected to friends and family while traveling, and reliable internet can be very helpful.  

Many places in Korea have free wi-fi available but it is always useful to have your own internet connection for the times when public wi-fi isn’t working or if you are in an area without public wi-fi.

There are a few main options available. One of the most convenient options is a pocket wi-fi or wi-fi egg as they are sometimes called.

This small device will provide a constant wi-fi connection Pocket wi-fi devices can be easily rented either in advance or at the airport.

These can then be returned by mail or to the same kiosk at the airport where it was rented.

There is a range of different plans available.

Pocket wi-fi is a convenient and easy-to-use option for the internet while in South Korea. To see more about pocket wi-fi in Korea, check out our post here.  

Another option is a travel sim. Many companies offer travel sims that can simply be swapped with your phone’s current sim.

You may also need to change some settings, but many travel sims will also provide you with a local phone number which may come in handy when making reservations that require contact details.

Another advantage of a travel sim is that you don’t have to return it at the end of your stay. For our experience and recommendations when using a travel sim in Korea, see our previous post .  

Transportation From The Airport 

There are a number of airports in South Korea that you may end up using and so it is necessary to be aware of the available transport to get to and from the airport.  

Seoul has two main airports – Gimpo and Incheon.

Gimpo is predominantly used for domestic flights and is located about 50 minutes from the city center.

Gimpo is connected via the subway and airport express.

Incheon is the much larger and more commonly-used airport and is where most international visitors will first land.

It is about 47km from Seoul station, in the center of Seoul, and is easily reached.

A’REX Airport Express

The A’REX airport express is the fastest and cheapest way to move from Incheon to Seoul station.

Limousine Bus

You can also take the limousine bus which will make various stops at different points in Seoul.

There are 4 lines that stop at various places in Seoul.

• 6701 Airport: Seoul City Hall
• 6702 Airport: Dongdaemun/Namsan
• 6703 Airport: Gangnam/COEX
• 6705 Airport: Jamsil/East Seoul Bus Terminal

The buses run from early in the morning until the evening.

Note that the schedule for all buses is different, so definitely check the bus hours before booking a ticket.

Private Transfer

However, it is also possible that you could be tired and overwhelmed and not keen on navigating public transport after a long international flight.

In this case, paying a bit more for a direct private transfer going straight from the airport to your hotel might be the answer.  

Busan  

If you are planning on flying to Busan, you will likely end up using Gimhae, Busan’s airport.

This airport is only about 11km from Busan station in the city center. If you take a taxi from the airport, it will only be about 15 minutes. However, the cheaper options are to take the subway or bus.

Unfortunately, these take a more roundabout route and take 53 minutes for the subway and 1hr for the bus.

The option you choose will really depend on your budget and how much time you are willing to spare.  

Jeju  

While in Korea you may be planning on visiting the beautiful island of Jeju.

This island is easily reached by plane with flights from Seoul and Busan only taking around 55 minutes.

A number of other regional airports also have flights available. In fact, Jeju airport is actually the second-largest airport in South Korea due to its popularity.

It is located around 3km from the city center and is very easy to reach by bus or taxi.

Both options take around 5 minutes, however, the taxi is more expensive.  

Tours And Other Fun Activities In South Korea

Best booking sites  .

If you are planning on booking activities, day tours, or other fun things to do in South Korea, there are a number of booking sites you can use to find the best activities and get the best deals.

Here are our top picks: 

GetYourGuide  

GetYourGuide is a great website with a wide range of activities and tours available.

They can be easily booked through the website and customer service is handled by GetYourGuide rather than directly with the operator.

The customer service is very professional and quick to respond to any issues.

Many of the activities on GetYourGuide can be canceled for free with 24 hours’ notice which leaves you with more flexibility while you’re actually on your trip.  

Check prices and availability: GetYourGuide

Viator  

Viator is another company that works to connect travelers with tour and activity operators in the country.

It is owned by TripAdvisor and is considered reliable and consistent.

It often has more tours than Getyourguide listed, so if you can’t find the right activity for you on GetYourGuide, Viator might be the better option for you.  

Check prices and availability: Viator

Klook  

Klook is a large Asian-based booking site with many activities and tours able to be booked in South Korea.

There are a number of activities that can’t be found on other sites and many of them come with great deals.

This makes Klook a great option when looking for a variety of activities, including some that aren’t obvious or as well-documented.

It can also be great for your budget.

It’s important to note that not all activities can be canceled for free on Klook so your itinerary needs to be fairly certain when booking through this site.  

Check prices and availability: Klook

Fun Activities In South Korea  

There are a number of fun activities available in Korea that you may consider booking in advance.

This is especially relevant for the more limited or very popular activities which can book out weeks in advance.

To avoid disappointment, consider booking these in advance of your travel dates.  

The DMZ : Visit the border of South Korea and North Korea and see how the hangovers of the Cold War continue to affect Korea to this day.

Look across North Korea while learning about its history and current situation in Korea.  

Nami Island : A river island located near Seoul that is considered beautiful in every season. This island is a popular romantic destination and is well-known for its beautiful tree-lined paths and scenery.  

N Seoul Tower : Wander through the beautiful Namsan Park before climbing the hill to N Seoul Tower where you can quickly rise to 500m to see stunning panoramic views over Seoul.

This offers some of the best views in Seoul and is often considered a must-see when visiting Seoul.  

Nanta Show : Nanta is a unique, long-running form of musical comedy blending culinary skills, martial arts, acrobatics, and comedy.

It is also completely non-verbal. Spectators are encouraged to participate and the show provides a captivating 90 minutes of fun and entertainment.  

Huwon Secret Garden : The Secret Garden is a beautiful rear garden at Changdeokgung Palace. Extensive yet intimate, beautifully designed yet natural, the garden is picturesque and relaxing.

Visitors must join a tour and tour tickets book out fast so it is necessary to be fast when booking tickets to the Secret Garden (click on tour reservation at the top of the page).

Best Theme Parks In South Korea  

There are many amazing theme parks in South Korea and visiting one or more of them may be a fun activity while you are traveling.

Theme parks in Korea are often very extensive with many different things to do and enjoy.

They are designed and built with the aim of being the best theme park possible and often achieve this aim. Some of the top theme parks in South Korea include:  

Lotte World   

Lotte World Adventure is the world’s largest indoor amusement park with amazing rides and beautiful seasonal parades and performances.

The Garden Stage has regular performances changing with the season or relevant celebration (such as Christmas) and is well-loved by domestic and international tourists alike.

The Magic Island is the outdoor component of Lotte World and rivals Disney with its fairytale atmosphere.  

Since March 31, 2022, Lotte World also opened in Busan.

Everland  

Everland is one of Korea’s largest amusement parks and consists of five unique zones. These include Global Fair, Magic Land, American Adventure, Zootopia, and European Adventure.

Each zone is beautifully decorated and themed and can be very fun to visit. There are many rides at Everland, including the famous T-Express, Korea’s first wooden rollercoaster.

This is also one of the fastest rollercoasters in the world. There are also many themed exhibits and festivals depending on the season.  

Check prices and availability:

Everland 1 day ticket

Everland shuttle bus and ticket

Here is an overview of more great amusement parks in South Korea.

1 Week In Advance  

What to pack for your korea trip  .

Packing can be a difficult task, especially when there is always a niggling fear in the back of your mind that you’ve forgotten something.

Some of the most important categories to cover are your important documents and electronics.

Important Documents

This includes items like your passport, travel insurance policy, and various other travel documents.

It can also include hotel reservations, although these are likely electronic and you probably don’t need printouts of these.

Electronics

Electronics will include your phone, plans for how to stay online in Korea, and possibly a camera and chargers for everything.

Items like medication and a refillable water bottle are also necessary and should be at the top of your list.

Some medications are banned in South Korea so it may be necessary to check if any medication that you need is permitted.

The season in Korea will largely determine how you pack with winter requiring much warmer clothing and thick jackets while summer requires cool and breathable clothes.

It is important to remember that seasons like spring can get very cool at night so you will still need some warm clothing.  

More South Korean Travel Tips  

Money saving tips  .

Taking an international trip can be an expensive venture and there are likely many places where you are willing to spend a bit more money for comfort and convenience.

There are also a number of ways you can save money and reduce your budget.

This can include things like transport.

While traveling within the city sticking to public transport such as subways and buses will help save a lot of money that might otherwise have been spent on taxis.

Free Entry To Attractions And Museums

Another good idea is to research which attractions, museums, and locations have free entry.

While you probably won’t want to limit yourself to these, including some can be a good way to save money.

You can also save money by eating and shopping where the locals do, rather than at more touristy places.

Sometimes places catered directly to tourists can have inflated prices while local restaurants and shops will have much cheaper options.  

Discover Seoul Pass

One of the best ways to save money while traveling in Seoul is with the Discover Seoul Pass.

This 1-3 day pass provides a range of benefits for a very reasonable price. The pass provides free entry to 35 different attractions and discounted entry at another 30.

This can add a lot to your list of places to visit for free or for a lower price. It also provides a free one-way Airport Express (A’REX) ride.

This can be very useful when coming from or returning to the airport after arrival or before departure.

Another useful function is the T-Money function. This will keep working after your pass expires and means you don’t have to spend extra money to buy a separate T-Money card.

This will work as a rechargeable public transport card and allow you to utilize the public transport system easily.

The Discover Seoul Pass can be bought online and picked up at the airport or at the Myeongdong Tourist Information Center.  

Note that the Discover Seoul Pass is not always available. If it isn’t, you can see if they have the BTS edition. It’s a 24hr edition of the Discover Seoul Pass without the T-money option. Instead, you get a Korea Tour T-money Card as a bonus. The BTS edition covers the same attractions as the regular Discover Seoul Pass.

Discover Seoul Pass BTS (24hour+Korea Tour Card)

For more tips on how to get around Seoul, click here.

Google Maps  

One unusual and sometimes confusing aspect of travel in South Korea is the lack of Google Maps information.

Many of us rely on Google Maps as our go-to when navigating an unfamiliar area, but in South Korea, Google Maps is rarely used.

It does exist and has some information but is rarely updated and can be very spotty, especially at a close-up level. It also isn’t very useful for driving or walking directions.

However, Korea has a number of local navigation apps that you can easily make use of.

These include Naver Maps, Korea Seoul Metro Navi, and Kakao Taxi.

Available on:  Google Play  –  Apple (This app is not getting much love for its Apple version.  We used the Android version which worked like a charm)

Korea Seoul Metro Navi

Korea Seoul Metro Navi will guide you quickly and efficiently through Seoul’s extended subway system.  The app calculates the fastest route to your destination.

Available on:  Google Play  –  Apple

If you plan on taking taxis, we recommend that you use the Kakao Taxi app.

Available on:  Google Play , – Apple

Travel Adapter  

Another important aspect to consider is travel adapters and plug types.

South Korea uses plug type F. This is used in a number of other countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and some European countries.

If you live in a country that uses a different plug type, you will need a plug adapter for travel in South Korea.

However, even if you live in a country that does use plug type F, it is important to also check the voltage to make sure it won’t affect your devices. South Korea has 220V and 60hz.

If your country operates on a different voltage, you may need a travel adapter that can also convert the voltage.

These are easily available from travel goods stores, as well as many electronics stores and department stores.  

H ere is a list of more Korea travel tips that will help you plan an unforgettable holiday.

Conclusion  

South Korea can be an amazing travel destination with a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and an array of fun activities and tours to participate in.

This guide has curated some of the most important information needed to plan an ideal trip to South Korea.

By using this information, your next trip to South Korea should be well-organized without being strict, fun without being chaotic, and enjoyable without any problems along the way.  

Essay about South Korea

South Korea is best known for their green hilly mountains, the vast countryside, and even the beautiful cherry trees that grow all over the place but there is a lot more to South Korea that meets the eye. 

South Korea is located 35.9078° N, 127.7669° E on the globe, it is part of Asia. Some of the characteristics of the land of South Korea is they have mountains running along the eastern coastline that goes to North Korea, these mountains are called the T’aebaek Mountains. They also have the Sobaek Mountains which is in the center of the country. There is a famous river called the Han river which played a big part in South Korea’s history. The Han river was used as a trade route to China. South Korea’s climate is hot and humid in the summers, and dry and cold in the winters. The rainfall for the mainland of the country is 35-60 inches annually and for the island of Cheju (Jeju) is 60-70 inches annually. Cheju Island is a volcanic Island that is right underneath South Korea close to Japan. South Korea and Japan live across the Japan Sea from each other. But sharing the same sea causes issues on either side. 

Right now in South Korea they are protesting Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant because they want to dump their nuclear waste into the water. According to Al Jazeera News “South Korean President Moon Jae-in has ordered officials to explore petitioning an international court”, even the president wants to try to petition Japan out of dumping nuclear waste into the water. Japan said they are going to release more than 1 million tons of cantainmented water into the sea. “South Korea protested strongly against the decision, summoning Koichi Aiboshi, Tokyo’s ambassador in Seoul, and convening an intra-agency emergency meeting to craft its response.” (Chan Lee, 1). South Korea is protesting very hard to not have Japan dump the water because they are sharing the same water across the sea. 

A chain of protest against Japan's nuclear water dump happened on April 14th by politicians, fisherman, environmental activists and even local officials joined in the protest. They protested in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul, port city of Busan, and Cheju Island. One of the ways people protested in front of the Japanese embassy was when a group of South Korean University students decided to shave their heads right on the sidewalk. Several anti-nuclear and environmental groups sent a petition signed by more than 64,000 people to the Japanese embassy. 

If Japan decides to go through with dumping the nuclear waste into the sea it can do a lot of damage not just for South Korea but other countries neighboring the sea. It could potentially ruin the ecosystem by these regions. Especially South Korea because it can have an effect on the city of Busan which is a big fishing town. With dumpin the nuclear waste it can ruin the fish in the water and make it so people can't catch or sell fish. Busan has the biggest and the most famous fish market in the world (Jagalchi Market). If the 1 million tons of muscular waste ends up getting dumped into the sea it will cause tons of business to suffer, just one is the Jagalchi Market. Tons of vendors sell fish there lots of people won't be able to fish anymore and it will ruin what South Korea built in Busan.

South Korea is a big tourist attraction not just with one of the biggest fish markets in the world but its scenery and culture strike an attraction to most people. With the problems this region is facing now it could be devastating for its economy. South Korea doesn't want to damage its reputation by the hands of Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant. It would not only harm South Korea but it would also harm Russia, China, and even Japan itself.  Hopefully realizing what they are doing can cause a lot of damage.

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Ultimate South Korea Bucket List: 20 Best Things To Do

Looking for the best things to do in South Korea? Enjoy our South Korea bucket list full of great ideas on how you can plan your South Korea trip! This list features things to do in Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju and more beautiful places around the country. Here’s our bucket list on what to do in South Korea!

South Korea is a country in East Asia known for its K-Pop, Korean food, palaces, Buddhist temples and the famous capital city Seoul. If you love unique culture, views of mountains, bright neon signs and a country with so many modern features then you should start creating your South Korea bucket list now!

There are so many amazing things to do in South Korea and this list won’t even capture it all – but it’s definitely a start and a great introduction to what to do in South Korea on a first trip! If you need any help planning out your route, head over to our 2 week South Korea itinerary to plan the most amazing trip.

This South Korea bucket list includes destinations that are easy to get to by the impressive public transport the country has to offer. We’ll share how to get to these places and a few more tips for South Korea at the bottom of this page!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Ultimate South Korea Bucket List

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

South Korea is an incredible country to visit with amazing cities, lovely villages, great food and some of the best hikes! In no particular order – here are the 20 best things to do in South Korea!

1. Visit Gyeongbukgung

Gyeongbukgung is one of the most beautiful palaces in Seoul . There are five palaces in Seoul and all of them deserve a visit – but if you only have time for one, make it Gyeongbukgung. It was built in 1395 and was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

Make your visit to the palace memorable by renting a hanbok for a few hours. Hanbok rental stores are hard to miss when visiting South Korea and there are a few rental shops right around the corner from Gyeongbukgung. Find the link on Klook here –  Hanbok Rental Klook

If you’re in Seoul for a few days – check out our  5 Day Seoul Itinerary travel guide here !

We use a  Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  to take photos of us together on our camera, it’s so useful especially when there’s no one around! There’s also a version for a phone –  Joby Phone Tripod  to get the best photos on your South Korea trip!

2. Have a traditional Korean meal

Eating Korean food is one of the best things to do in South Korea and should definitely be on your South Korea bucket list! Enjoy a traditional Korean meal at Osegye Hyang ( location ) in the gorgeous streets of Insadong.

When entering, it’s polite to take off your shoes and sit on cushions on the floor instead of chairs. Along with your meal, you’ll be served lots of little side dishes called Banchan ! The best meal to have when you first arrive in South Korea!

3. Stay in a Temple

Temple stays are a cultural programme in South Korea as a way to experience the Buddhism lifestyle and practices. It’s our favourite thing we did in South Korea and we’d 100% go back to stay in more temples around the country. We highly recommend – Golgulsa Templestay ! (Near Gyeongju & Busan)

Here’s the link to find out more information and book a stay at –  Golgulsa Templestay Reservations . The  price  is  60,000KRW  per night, per person. (30krw for a pre-schooler)

We’ve also shared a Golgulsa Templstay Review so you can find out exactly what it’s like to stay overnight in a South Korean Buddhist Temple. It’s such an amazing and unique experience!

4. Take the train to Busan

If you’ve ever seen the horror/action movie Train to Busan – then taking the train from Seoul to Busan must be on your South Korea bucket list! Remember, it’s just a movie!

You can book your ticket on the KTX  here –   Korail Train Tickets . It’s a quick 2 hour 15 minutes from Seoul to Busan and the tickets are usually around ₩45,000 – ₩65,000. If you’re on a budget, then intercity and express buses are generally cheaper but slower in South Korea.

If you’re taking multiple trains in South Korea, you may want to get a KR Pass to save you money! Find out more details on Klook !

If you’re interested in travel costs and how much to budget for South Korea, here’s our 10 Best South Korea Budget Tips + Travel Costs (2024) !

5. Explore a Hanok Village

Another one of the best things to do in South Korea is to explore the many hanok villages that can be found around the country. Bukchon Hanok Village may be the most popular village to explore in South Korea as it’s located in Seoul. It’s absolutely beautiful and should be on your South Korea things to do list! Find Bukchon Observatory for an impressive view to see the tops of the preserved buildings!

• Jeonju Hanok Village (Jeonju)
• Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul)
• Andong Hahoe Folk Village (between Seoul & Busan)

6. Visit the DMZ

If you’re spending a few days in Seoul you may be interested to visit the Demilitarized Zone of Korea in between North and South Korea. It’s an important part of the country and there’s so much history to learn about the Korean War. This can only be done on a tour –  book tickets with Klook here !

7. Spend a day in Gyeongju

Wondering what to do in South Korea? Take a visit to the beautiful city of Gyeongju also known as a museum with no walls . This ancient city has preserved remains and tombs from many years ago and it was once the residence of Silla rulers for over 1000 years. You can book a Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Tour from Busan on Klook .

Take a browse at 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju  to plan your trip!

8. Eat Korean street food

We’ve already mentioned that Korean food should be on your South Korea bucket list – and now we want to tell you to try Korean street food! There are so many markets around the country that have amazing choices when it comes to food. Gwangjang Market is our favourite food market in Seoul!

• Tteokbokki (Rice cakes in a spicy sauce)
• Gun Goguma (Roasted sweet potatoes)
• Mandu (Korean dumplings)
• Gamja-Hotdog (Korean-style corn dog covered with potato)
• Dakgangjeong (Korean fried chicken with a sweet spicy coating – There’s vegan options too!)
• Bindaetteok (Mung bean pancakes)

Check out our Vegan in South Korea Guide – Best Restaurants & Snacks (2024) !

9. Hike in Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park is one of the most impressive hiking spots in South Korea. Sokcho (the city nearby) is only a bus ride away from Seoul and has accommodations to stay in for anyone who wants to spend a day or more in the park.

Hiking Seoraksan ( Snow Rock Mountain ) should be on your things to do in South Korea if you love hiking! Challenge yourself to reach Ulsanbawi – a six-peak formation with gorgeous views of the mountains. It takes around four hours one way or there’s actually a cable car going a similar way.

10. Wander around Insadong

Seoul is a destination that must be on your South Korea bucket list and one of the best things to do in South Korea is to wander around the beautiful streets of Insadong.

Insadong is home to many independent restaurants, cafes and boutique shops – it’s a lovely place to spend a morning or afternoon in South Korea. It also has a few of our favourite places to eat! Plan your Seoul trip here –  5 Day Seoul Itinerary travel guide !

11. Hike to the top of Seoul Tower

Next up on your South Korea bucket list is hiking in Namsan Park (Seoul Tower). Don’t worry, it’s not as long as the hikes in Seoraksan National Park and it’s right in the heart of Seoul. It’s actually possible to get a bus up to the top and the base of the tower.

The views are incredible from the park and one of our favourite things to do in South Korea. You can also go o the top of the tower for a better view of the city. Tickets are really affordable on Klook – so make sure you  buy your ticket in advance!

12. Go to a K-Pop concert

K-pop is very popular in South Korea and people also love it around the world! For some fans, it’s the main reason they visit South Korea! K-pop is short for Korean popular music and is a big part of South Korean culture. Check tickets on InterPark or search the web! It’s such a South Korea bucket list moment to be able to watch K-pop live in the same country it originated from!

13. Try bibimbap

Bibimbap is a big part of Korean cuisine and it’s easily customizable for anyone which means it’s great for vegetarians in South Korea. Bibim means mixing rice and bap refers to the rice.

The Korean dish is usually topped with kimchi, gochujang, vegetables or protein and mixed up before being eaten. It’s one of the tastiest and most nutritious dishes in South Korea and originated in Jeonju!

Browse our guide on 25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips before your trip!

14. Explore Jeju Island

Jeju Island has to be on your South Korea bucket list, unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to visit the island on our South Korea trip and are definitely planning a visit there next time!

The island is known for its stunning nature, waterfalls, the highest mountain in South Korea and lovely beaches. It’s a popular getaway for Koreans to escape the business of cities on the mainland. The country isn’t short on things to do in South Korea to spend your days!

15. Stay in a Hanok in Jeonju

Jeonju Hanok Village is home to over 700 Hanok homes that are still being used to this day. Some are people’s homes and others have been turned into accommodations for guests. Staying in a hanok is one of the best things to do in South Korea!

We highly recommend staying in the accommodation Jungdam ( Find here on Booking.com ) – right in the heart of the traditional Korean village! In hanoks, the sleeping set-up is Korean Style (on the floor!)

16. Try out Noraebang (Karaoke)

Noraebang is the Korean name for Karaoke (which is Japanese ). South Koreans love Noraebang and you’ll find plenty of Noraebang rooms in cities around the country. Most noraebang will rent a room by the hour to sing your heart out! It’s common to see clips from older K-dramas in the rooms too, so it’s a fun experience!

17. Shop in Hongdae

You can’t take a trip to Seoul without visiting the vibrant and trendy neighbourhood of Hongdae. Visit one of the many cafes in the area to join in with the popular cafe culture in South Korea. Hongdae is also a great place for nightlife and amazing street performers! Add this to your bucket list in South Korea!

Hongdae  is one of the hip and trendy areas of Seoul, with many shops, restaurants and themed cafes. It’s also a great spot for nightlife alongside Itaewon. Street performers

18. Take a trip to Nami Island

Nami Island is a popular day trip from Seoul and one of the best things to do in South Korea in any season but especially in the Fall. The trees and foilage come alive in peak season and it’s a cosy place to visit!

From Seoul catch a train to Gapyeong Station, then a bus and from there it’s a 10-minute ferry over to the island! You can even take a zip wire onto the island! Nami island is also known as the final resting place of General Nami who was part of the Joseon Dynasty and a filming location for K-dramas such as Secret Garden and My Love from the Star.

The best way to get to Nami Island is to book a tour with Klook , prices are usually discounted and you can choose what activities to do. A Nami Island day trip is also included in the Klook Seoul Pass !

19. Gamcheon Culture Village

Visiting Gamcheon Culture Village is another one of the most interesting things to do in South Korea and a must when visiting Busan! The village has come a long way since the Korean war when it was populated by poor residents of Busan.

The Tourism board of South Korea chose to bring the village to life with art and creativity in the hope to attract visitors. It soon became a beautiful attraction with cute cafes and trendy shops and now it’s a spot to add to your South Korea bucket list!

We also have an in-depth 3-Day Busan Itinerary if you’re planning a visit!

20. Learn about history at the National Museum of Korea

Lastly on this South Korea bucket list, is to take a visit to the National Museum of Korea in Seoul – the largest museum in South Korea ! There is a collection of more than 310,000 historic artefacts dating back thousands of years.

The museum is easy to reach by Seoul’s public transport. It’s also free to enter this museum, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for things to do in South Korea!

So that’s our 20 best things to do in South Korea bucket list – it’s definitely not all the best things to do in the country, but now you can add to this to create your perfect trip. Here are a few more suggestions for you!

Best things to do in South Korea (Weather)

December – February ( Winter ) – Go skiing or snowboarding! If you’re visiting South Korea in the winter, it’s the best time to hit the slopes or have fun in the snow! Build a snowman, create a snow angel or go on a winter hike. The winter is pretty cold in South Korea, but it’s definitely worth a visit to see the country magically covered in snow!

March – May ( Spring ) – Once the snow has melted away and nature starts brightening up again, South Korea is covered in beautiful cherry blossoms. Japan is well known for the Sakura season all over the world, but South Korea gets the same lovely blossoms. Visit in Spring to be a part of the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival!

June – August ( Summer ) – This season is pretty different to European summers. South Korea experiences typhoons and the rainy season in the summer months. It’s usually hot and humid with lots of rain, although there will be sunny days too! We visited in early June and it was getting hot but no rain.

September – November ( Fall ) – Another beautiful season to visit South Korea – the foilage in October is absolutely beautiful and should be a season on your South Korea bucket list. Spring and Fall may be the best seasons to come to Korea.

What to pack for South Korea?

Depending on the weather, you’ll want to pack the clothes you usually wear, plus a good pair of footwear! We wear trainers everywhere (even when wearing hanbok oops!) and it’s definitely needed in the cities or on short hikes. Here are a few travel essentials we always carry:

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle  – A refillable bottle is a must when tap water is free & accessible in South Korea!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes  – We can’t pack our bags without using packing cubes!
• Rain Mac in a Bag  – Essential for unpredictable rainfall when it’s warm in Korea!
• Anker Power Bank  – Keep your phone charged by carrying around a power bank for your trip!
• Worldwide Travel Adaptor  – The best for visiting multiple countries!
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  – The perfect lightweight tripod to take anywhere in South Korea! We love our  Joby GorillaPod  and use it for our  Sony A600 . There’s also a version for a phone –  Joby Phone Tripod .

Where to stay in South Korea?

• Seoul – Hostel Tommy – Find here on Booking.com !
• Busan – Dynamic Guesthouse – Find here on Booking.com !
• Gyeongju – Doobaki Guesthouse –  Find here on Booking.com !
• Jeonju – Jungdam –  Find here on Booking.com !

Festivals in South Korea

Boryeong Mud Festival – A celebration of water, coolness & covering the body in mud – summer

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival – A festival to celebrate cherry blossoms – spring

Busan International Film Festival – A movie festival in Busan – fall

Lotus Lantern Festival – A celebration & Buddha’s birthday festival – spring

The Seoul Lantern Festival – A celebration of Korean culture – fall

Boseong Green Tea Festival – To celebrate South Korea’s biggest tea plantation – spring

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

Don’t forget Travel Insurance! SafetyWing is a totally flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay safe on your trip anywhere in the world. You don’t have to be in your home country to start it and you can add months to your trip whenever you need to! Find out more here!

More  South Korea  guides:

Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)

• 5 Day Seoul Itinerary – Best Things To Do (2024)
• Staying in Golgulsa Temple: The Best Templestay in Korea (2024)
• 3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024)
• 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024)
• 25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know
• Vegan in South Korea Guide – Best Restaurants & Snacks (2024)
• 10 Best South Korea Budget Tips + Travel Costs (2024) !
• All our  South Korea  posts!

That’s the end of our  Ultimate South Korea Bucket List: 20 Best Things To Do!  Have an amazing time in South Korea and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Road trip in South Korea – from Seoul to the countryside

Asia , South Korea , Travel Guides / May 5, 2019 by littleholidays / Leave a Comment

A couple of years ago, my friends and I attended a convention in Seoul, South Korea. In a classic work/travel balancing act, we managed to sneak in a short road trip to the countryside south of Seoul.

Back then, we were all visiting South Korea for the first time. By the end of our first day in Seoul, we were so in love with the city – everything about it was amazing! From its delicious food to its dazzling nightscape, to the lively shopping districts…

But the best was before us: beautiful roads, stunning lakes and mountains, and lovely villages. An hour into the road trip, any misgivings we may have about trading extra days shopping in Seoul for a road trip to some unknown were immediately dispelled.

But I’m getting way ahead of this story. Here’s how my first trip to South Korea went – and why I’ve come back so many times since.

The journey began in Seoul where we:

spent an insane amount of time eating Korean BBQ for every meal…

spent an equally insane amount of time prowling the night markets of Myeongdong and every shopping district in Seoul, testing every skin care product — and eventually buying way too much than our suitcases can fit…

visited cultural landmarks such as the Changdeokgung Palace Complex, which is a fantastic example of  pungu-jiri,  the Korean geomancy that focuses on architecture’s harmony with nature…

got lost city-trekking the hilly streets of Bukchon Hanok Village — and I do mean  literally  got lost because only after a few hours of wandering around “Bukchon” did we find out that the  real  Bukchon was on the other side of the road…

and became acquainted with such culinary delights like the churfait (churros + parfait, and yes it is as awesome as it sounds!), blood sausages, gyeran bang or egg bread, and macaron ice cream…

After several hectic days in Seoul, we were ready to take our adventure to the countryside!

Road trip begins

But first up, city traffic in Seoul.

We spent a dismal hour or so crawling across Seoul, most of which was spent trying to figure out the Korean GPS. We eventually gave up and stuffed it into the glove compartment in disgust and relied on a combination of Apple Maps and maps.me.

(I’ve since then mastered the Korean GPS after several more road trips and loads of moments of desperation – here’s a guide I made for that .)

After about an hour or so, we finally hit the expressway. Apart from making a wrong exit which led to a 10-km-long-detour and holding up the line at one tollgate due to my extremely short arms not being able to reach for the ticket, we made it to our first destination: Andong.

Andong and the Hahoe Folk Village

The Hahoe Folk Village is a perfect glimpse of the traditional Korean countryside and a throwback to the Joseon dynasty.

We spent a few hours meandering around the stonewalled dirt roads, taking too many pictures of the well-maintained Joseon-style houses, going in and out of courtyards, tying up our wishes to the Samsindang, a 600-year old zelkov tree in the village’s center, and spending an unhealthy amount of time in each of the souvenir shops.

My personal favorite, though, was walking along the Nakdong River, which wraps around the Hahoe Folk Village in a “meander” (an actual geological term for this typographic feature). As a girl growing up in an archipelago, the call of the water is strong. Wherever in the world I find myself, I always tend to gravitate towards a body of water – be it the canals in Amsterdam, the Sumida-gawa in Tokyo, or the stunning Hallstatt lake.

But back to Nakdong. After a 3-hour drive, it was certainly a treat just staring at the relaxing, calm waters and the stone hill beyond while a boatman nearby finishes for the day. Apparently, I share this love for Nakdong with a lot of Koreans throughout history, as it has attracted many to build their homes along the river basin — all the way from the Neolithic period. It is also the longest river in South Korea, reaching all the way to Busan.

After a few more walks around and some last-minute shots of the village, we were off to our dwelling place for the night: Danyang.

Danyang in the middle of the mountains

The first part of our drive to Danyang was uneventful enough. With the concerted effort of maps.me, Navi, and Apple Maps, we found ourselves nearing our pension.

Just a few hundred meters before the endpoint, however, we were distracted by the bright, shiny lights coming from the inside of – you guessed it – a BBQ restaurant! So after a quick discussion, wherein we all agreed in a heartbeat to have dinner first before checking-in, we were inside the cheery restaurant, ready to stuff ourselves yet again with meat.

After a happy hour filled with meat and ban-chan, we finally set off to the pension. I remember looking it up a few days before and remembered that it was very near a river in a place which seemed to be buried deep within several mountains – definitely my kind of place.

So it was with a growing sense of doubt that we approached the destination point set by Apple Maps, as there were no rivers or mountains in the area – in fact, we were in the middle of downtown Danyang, with night markets and shops left and right. And when Apple Maps announced that the destination was on the left, and I did take a turn to the left, it was with confusion that we found ourselves in the parking lot of what we made out to be a broadcasting company’s building.

Realizing that Apple Maps was no longer to be trusted at this time, it was time to rely on our – trusty or rusty? – map-reading skills. Luckily, we were all born long before the advent of GPS navigation systems and had a bit of old school spirit in us, so we had a printed vicinity map of the hotel.

So off we drove away from downtown and deep into the mountains – zigzag roads, total darkness, and the biggest dog we’ve ever seen crossing the road in front of us completing the picture of our night-time mountain-driving adventure. And, seconds after crossing the bridge over the promised river, we made it!

The neighborhood was, by that time, all sound asleep with only one or two lights still shining. We kind of felt bad arriving at such a late time and disturbing the peace, and we were a bit worried that our room has been given away to someone else — but, lo and behold, the elderly woman who owned the pension was standing right by the door as we drove up. Like a kind grandmother, she was waiting up for us!

We immediately shuffled in, apologized profusely for arriving so late, to which she replied with smiles and reassuring shakes of the head, quickly showing us to our spacious and homey room. Needless to say, after a long adventurous day and a stomach filled with BBQ, we all fell asleep soundly soon after.

The next morning, we, at last, came to appreciate just how magnificent the surroundings were. We were really in the middle of the mountains!

We spent a good few hours in the early morning just admiring the view and breathing in the fresh air. The motherly hotel owner then spent half an hour herding us to all the beautiful photo spots around her hotel, smiling and taking our pictures the whole time. Though we did not exchange a single word, it was definitely one of the best conversations I’ve had on that trip.

Finally, it was time to head to Jecheon.

Jecheon – the Healing City

The road to Jecheon was one breathtaking scenery after another, accented by yellow fields, calm lakes, and mountains whose trees were starting to show early signs of fall. We passed several small towns, in which of course, we found a BBQ place in time for brunch.

By noontime, we made it to the  Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex  and a few minutes inside the very green, very breezy, and very relaxing complex and we were already convinced of Jecheon’s tagline as “The Healing City.”

The place was basically a sprawling garden set on a ridge, with views of the Chungju Lake and neighboring countryside below. There were several beautiful pavilions and a recreation of a traditional Korean folk village where several mini-TV series were filmed.

Outside the complex was an interesting bazaar, with all kinds of oriental medicine on sale. We later found out that this was actually why Jecheon was called the “healing city.”

With our flight schedule dangerously approaching and still a staggering 200-KM distance away from Incheon, we tore ourselves from Jecheon and started on the long way home.

But as all good road trips are bound to lead to, we passed by an incredibly irresistible roadside café sitting on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Cheongpung Lake. Now, a combination of mountain coffee, carrot cake, and views of the lake cannot be ignored, so we chose to risk it and spend half an hour enjoying the view.

The last stop was Incheon, and while by this time, the mountain roads which turned to expressways which eventually slowed down to a crawl nearing the major cities were common sights, I do have to admit that the 18,384-meter bridge connecting mainland Incheon to the international airport definitely left us gawking like country bumpkins for a good 10 minutes or so.

After navigating Incheon’s impressive network of flyovers, finding the Avis drop-off point, and making a run for a desperately-needed restroom break (damn that mountain coffee!), all that was left to do was dash around the airport and have one last bulgogi burger + Korean fried chicken combo meal for the trip back home.

End of the road trip – until next time, Korea!

And there you have it! Our KDrama-worthy road trip across South Korea’s countryside – with too many montages of us eating barbecue, all culminating in a mad dash across the airport.

Read next – adventures in South Korea

Ready to go on your own road trip in South Korea? Here are some more guides to get you started:

• Driving in South Korea

Everything you need to know from getting a rental car to navigating in Korean.

• Autumn in South Korea

A road trip itinerary that brings you to the country’s most beautiful autumn-viewing spots.

• Udo Island road trip

Here’s another road trip recap from one of my trips to South Korea.

I hope this road trip recap gives you some ideas on how to explore more of South Korea beyond its busy cities! If you have any questions or need any help at all planning your trip to South Korea, get in touch and I’ll do my best to help you out!

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• Jun 5, 2020

My Dream Destination Is Seoul, South Korea!

Updated: Oct 21, 2023

Seoul, South Korea, is one of those cities across the world, which is famous for its vibrant culture, friendly people, late-night parties, and spicy Kimchi! Basically, this city is best for youngsters especially girls travelling solo to enjoy the thrill of their age.

Additionally, what draws me to Seoul is its language, dialect, dressing sense, modern and rural culture amalgamation, and the fantastic South Korean dramas that are filmed.

Those who are keen for travelling must already know that Seoul, South Korea, is a city never to miss. Here you experience the rundown of the busiest lives of South Korea.

You can even say it is New York, Mumbai, or Shanghai of South Korea. In short, the busiest, yet the liveliest city to live in South Korea.

The Features In Detail About Seoul:

The eating culture of Seoul is finger-licking good

There are more choices for side dishes than in the main course. People love it like the most amazing street food items to try whenever they step in Seoul. We can say, every street corner has an array of street food joints.

The way each side dish is cooked and served is another kind of experience. Many of these street food corners have little tents mounted. Then, others have some food vans at the corner.

People often sit in those tents after getting done with the work for the day. Be it a corporate person, or a wage worker, you can find anyone in those tented street food corners. That’s one of the fantastic experiences to observe and take home whenever you want to try a new dish, most likely to be spicy, tangy, and juicy.

Thus, such evenings always end up with Soju; the local beverage ordered most often by adults while consuming the spiciness blasted in the mouth by those unforgettable dishes.

Karaoke nights are the best to forget the stress

Seoul is full of Karaoke and live music restaurants and bars. Again, it is an addition to the party-culture embedded in its roots. Thus, for a young adult, who wants to enjoy life like it’s the best day to date, hopping from one Karaoke to another with Korean, and expat friends here is a must.

It is so compelling for an adult like me that I want to live those moments with full enjoyment and without any judgments.

Cheap study rooms to set your career right

Seoul is one of those cities that is home to a crazy amount of 24-hour operational study rooms. Most of the students in South Korea are focused on applying for government services at least once in their lifetime, which is similar to Indian students.

Thus, they are offering study rooms for an entire day at just Rs. 400-500 or $6 per day. This equates to be around 7000 South Korean Won per day. This is the cheapest way to study for your government exams for which you want to apply in the country while planning to become a permanent resident of South Korea.

There is a large scope for IT and E-commerce ventures

South Korea is one of the IT-friendly countries in the world. Whereas Seoul is more focused on creativity, IT, and start-ups related to E-commerce. Thus, it is one of the best dream destinations because I know there is a lot of scope for the IT sector here.

There is a dominance of smart homes

The majority of the upscale provinces of Seoul have smart homes. They are controlled by central keypads or your average smartphone – even from a far distance. Thus, chances of theft, burglary, fire, and other uncertainties your house might be vulnerable to, are cut down by a large number.

That is because the house owners can continuously be in touch with the happenings of their houses even when they are not in the house ! That’s an amazing relief to those who work for late hours outside, those who love to travel to other places, and those who live alone.

You can become a really responsible citizen, despite all the partying across the town while you are living in Seoul.

There is a crazy scope for bargaining!

Those who want to live out in Seoul at a very affordable cost can do so. That’s possible because South Korea is the land of the electronics industry globally, being the home to Samsung and LG.

Thus, Seoul, the country capital, has a lot of shops and vendors selling upbeat electronics products at a very low rate.

But, if you get to those provinces where there are multiple electronic shops lined together, you can always try your luck at haggling to buy the best products at the lowest prices in Seoul.

The inheritance of living a quality life

Most Korean in Seoul love to live a quality life. Thus, I want to learn how they work, what they eat, and how they are so happy about living with the stressful work culture. It is a very rare trait that is missing in most countries across the world.

Once we learn to live by that stress with a happy smile that comes straight from the heart, life will be more beautiful and happier like it never was.

Learn the art of passive income here

Most Seoulites love side-hustle. That means they are masters of part-time jobs that can equate to your monthly income easily. In fact, I would say the part-time or the gig economy has been strongly initiated by South Koreans.

This can also be one of the reasons why these Seoulites are so happy in their life. They know how to make their income work and multiply itself in the coming years. Apart from that, people living here do not hesitate to try out new experiences in life.

Because of such beliefs and mindset, I am incredibly drawn to Seoul. I want to know how to save, invest, and earn money in the most organic and smart way possible.

Thus, I find Seoul to be the best learning source and a dream destination for me at this moment.

So what's your dream destination?

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Travel Experience Essay Example in English

One of the greatest experiences I have ever had in my life is my tour to Korea. I purposely went there to get exposure and learn more about the culture and aspects of the cultural traditions of these people. My journey was to take only one week. By the time I was coming back, I had learnt the Korean language. It was so interesting because I liked their accent.

As a teenager, my trip to South Korea was a very ill mi native and good experience that left other travelers yearning for more. For one travel to South Korea from China, nothing much is actually involved after checking the relevant aspects of the weather and taking any necessary precautions. In this regard, several airlines are available from China, which operates direct flights to South Korea. I used Cathay Pacific in this trip considering that the airline offered relatively proper passenger treatment than the other airlines of the city. It is one of the airlines that I used and had a pleasant experience. Seoul is one of the cities that have a bustling metropolis that is effectively inundated with a very rich heritage that truly impresses travelers. Typical of most Korean cities, culture plays a significant role in the history and affairs of this financial center. Since the trip started on 1st May 2012, one week in Seoul offered me sufficient time to explore the city and learn about its history and culture apart from enjoying its beautiful sceneries.

Landing in Korea was both exciting and overwhelming. The first thing I noticed stepping out of the airport was the weather, it was hot and humid, something that I have never quite experienced. Several taxicabs were available at the airport that charged modest fares to the various guestrooms around the city. Being one of the largest cities in Korea, accommodation in Seoul is generally much expensive, unlike most cities in China. Apart from taxis, the city has a number of public transport facilities that can effectively serve the travelers on their operations in the city. These include trolleybuses and the rapidly expanding metro system that covers most parts of the city. From the airport to the hotel I was staying wet and sticky all over with sweat. I was not certain whether it was from the heat or the excitement. That did not matter at that point; I was in Korea one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

My perception of Korea was based on Korean drama. There were similarities with the architecture and the food that was found there, and the crowds were something that I found fascinating too. Apart from the language barrier that did not bother me much I found out that the city was not that different from drama. Some of the things I found fascinating include reading the children bed time stories; in fact, western story has something for the child to learn. The Korean people also love their country and their culture and do strive to make the country better for them and their children. Many of the things that they did were almost identical to what we did back home. The time to eat, the number of meals in a day, and the time they go to work and how the run their day-to-day life was not different.

Most of the Korean cities offer varieties of accommodation services that can effectively suite any traveler to the cities. Many of the hotels, in many cities around the world, serve as chains of other international hotels. In this regard, the travelers will have the possibility to enjoy the comfort of the city while experiencing the best opportunities. In terms of food in the Korean cites the travelers will have the opportunities to experience the true taste of Korean cuisine, which certainly offers a lot of variety. Fish, crab, and dog are some of the foods that are in abundance, in the city of Seoul. People might really face a lot of challenges enjoying some of these foods. However, the huge variety of foods in the city will certainly make anybody feel at home. In this regard, foods such as oysters and seaweed offer a lot of delicacies.

Some of the things that were not similar were their eating habits, for example, they do not allow people to smoke while eating. I found this different because even in public places, they prohibit people from smoking. They place the dish on a central place at the table and people serve the amount they want into their plates. Families are carried as sacred; no one can abuse or misuse another person’s family. Therefore, they traditionally live together as one large family, taking care of each other. In China larger family lives together because of the high price of the house that young people cannot afford. Respect has been emphasized in Korea, the young respect the old, and the women respect their husbands. Even their way of saluting each other is different from the old to the new.

In downtown, they do not judge people by their wealth or poverty, strength or weaknesses. They believe that God was the one who provided for them, and they should be thankful of what they have and share with those who are less fortunate. They also hold their ancestors close to their hearts and believe that they protect them from wherever they are. I admired tourist attraction sites where my breath was taken away by the walls of the Forbidden City, and I can never forget walking at the top of the Great Wall.

Korean people are known for showing off especially in their hometown. Showing off what one has achieved is part of their tradition. They also love glorification and to be better than the rest. A given example of an ancient tradition is someone returning to their hometown or even their own house wearing “golden clothes”. Korean people detach from the rest once they think they have enough to sustain them. They do not like sharing information that might make other people superior to them. I found this quite the opposite. The people I met in Korea were down to earth and did not seem to be looking for praises. In fact, they were humble and assisted wherever they could. This trip was so successful because I came to learn more about this beautiful calm nation.

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Narrative Essay: My Trip to South Korea

I had always wanted to visit South Korea and I recently had the chance to spend a week in this amazing country. Unlike its northern neighbor which is pretty much closed to visitors, South Korea is a welcoming and hospitable country. It is an interesting place with a unique culture and a highly developing economy.I flew into the capital Seoul.

On arrival in the city, it was the marked contrast between modern skyscrapers and high design shopping malls and shanty towns that was immediately striking. Wide streets lined by fancy boutiques lead to a labyrinth of narrow alleyways with tiny traditional shops and eateries and there is a clutch of great tourist attractions. My tour itinerary began on Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro, because I wanted to see the Royal Palace (Gyeongbok), the President’s residence, known as Cheongwadae or the Blue House, and the American Embassy. From here it’s a fairly short walk to Bukchon where there is the city’s largest collection of privately owned traditional wooden houses. It’s a charm with beautiful architecture and small courtyards, with the houses interspersed with quaint cafes and art galleries. Taking the same route the next day, I took a trip into the mountains that peak behind the President’s House, and climbed the one known as Bugaksan.

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This affords the opportunity to pass through the Sukjeongmun Gate and through the city’s ancient fortress wall. From here the Seoul Fortress is easily accessible and there are also amazing views of Seoul.Shopping in the Orient is an amazing experience so I made sure to pay a visit to the Shinsegae downtown department store. This huge emporium sells probably everything you can imagine and is a complete charm in the way the bottom floors sell all the basic staples of daily life – including the ubiquitous kimchee (fermented cabbage) and are frequented by Korean housewives while the upper floors cater to the well-heeled and brand conscious. As fascinating as it is, the new rooftop garden is a welcome respite.

But, if you are going to shop in Seoul, it’s a must to visit the street stalls and hawkers of the Namdaemum Market where the wares seem to be spread out in a blanket of never-ending stalls. Be prepared to be seriously jostled by the crowds, but it’s also the chance to feast on the best street food.One of the most surprising sights and a rue delight is the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Running for just under 4 miles through the city, the stream is remarkably quiet given its location, because it is 15 foot below street level. The serene setting, accentuated by waterfalls and bridge is a favorite strolling spot for romantic couples. With a flying visit to Itaewon, the popular ex-pat neighborhood near to the main US army base, my time in Seoul came to an end.

I was enthralled and captivated and hope I get to return one day.

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Here are five fun ‘Western’ foods to eat in South Korea

SEOUL — I’ll never forget the first pizza I had in Seoul. Not because the cheese had a slight tinge of sweetness. Not because it was the first Western food I’d had since arriving a month prior.

Not even because I was handed a box of chocolate puffs and a cup of pickles to eat with it. No, it was the moment I bit into what I thought was a simple, cheese pizza only to discover that there were individual kernels of sweet corn hidden underneath the cheese.

I always double-check my pizza toppings now.

When traveling abroad, people often want to try the local cuisine. What they might not realize is that foods from home might have been changed to be “local,” too. Whether it’s sweet potato pizza, salad topped with Frosted Flakes (actually . . . not bad — would eat again), or tacos with french fries inside them, South Korea is no stranger to altering foods from abroad.

According to Krishnendu Ray , a professor of food studies at New York University, these hyper-exaggerated foods — which can sometimes feel like caricatures of their original selves — are part of a larger trend that can be seen in many emerging global powers like South Korea. These foods aren’t dissimilar from the sweet and sour chicken of Americanized Chinese food , or the really spicy Indian food Americans like to eat.

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When foods get imported to another culture, they often swing to extremes: really sour, really sweet, really spicy, or just plain weird. In fact, my biggest food-related culture shocks since moving here for a year have actually come from what Koreans call “American” or “Western” food rather than anything Korean. It’s almost as if unfamiliar food has to be somewhat difficult to eat in order to feel “authentic.”

“There’s also this kind of crazy thing of adding cheese to things to Americanize things,” said Ray. He says this is part of the caricature. “It’s not like Americans are always eating these yellow cheese things away.”

According to Ray, the foods most ripe for this kind of change are ones that allow the “content to change, but the platform to kind of be analogous.”

Foods like pizza, kebabs, or tacos can be made with different ingredients, blended together, and completely transformed from savory foods to dessert foods while remaining aesthetically similar to what people in different countries see on American television. Here are five foods to look out for on your next trip to Korea.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 런던 베이글 뮤지엄 (@london.bagel.museum)

London Bagel Museum

Near Anguk Station, the London Bagel Museum has become a TikTok sensation. People wait for two or three hours for the chance to try the variety of bagel/cream cheese flavors in the aggressively UK-themed cafe complete with a tapestry of what I can only assume are random British people and Union Jacks. (Yes, I did contact the restaurant to check. No, they don’t know either — but apparently they bought it vintage.)

The bagel texture is much more doughy and soft than a New York bagel, but I’m a fan of that. One of their bestsellers is the Potato Cheese bagel, which is a plain bagel with mashed potatoes topped with a slice of American cheese. It’s served at room temperature and tends to sell out. The cream cheese selection is also quite extensive and includes flavors like Earl Grey jam, peach mango yogurt, and truffle pesto.

If you are up for waiting, make sure you go early to put your name and number in their system (they’ll text you when your table is ready) and find something to do nearby for the next couple of hours. You only have 10 minutes to get back to the restaurant once your table is ready.

The store at 20 Bukchon-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, in Seoul is the most popular, but they also have locations in Jamsil and Dosan. Doors open at 8 a.m., but people start lining up before that.

Jeonju Bibim Rice Burger

Lotteria, the fast-food branch of Korean multinational conglomerate Lotte Group, is also the biggest fast-food chain in South Korea. Over the years, they’ve served rice burgers on and off, and recently they brought them back with the Jeonju Bibim Rice Burger.

It’s essentially a bibimbap bowl — egg included — assembled into a burger-shaped vehicle, and the two rice buns have impressive structural integrity. At ₩8800 (or about $6.59) for a meal with a soft drink and fries, it’s affordable and filling and even has a vegetable in it, which is not always a given when dining in Korea.

Philly Cheesesteak Kimbap

Across the street from Sogang University, Roll and Lol serves kimbap with a twist: it’s Philly Cheesesteak flavored. The dish is an homage to the time the owner, Jihoon Song, spent studying at culinary school in America.

The Philly Cheesesteak roll is not so much a kimbap as a kimbap-inspired food.

“Because I’m Korean, right?” Song quipped. “I can say whatever I want.”

Song experimented with many combinations before deciding on this recipe which includes beef, cheddar cheese, and homemade cheesewhip wrapped in a springroll wrap and then put into a tortilla. As Song readily admits, there is no kim (seaweed) or bap (rice). It’s an American dish he learned to make while working at a French restaurant in the United States, made with ingredients available in Korea, and served in the kimbap roll shape.

Despite my initial skepticism, the roll is pretty good. Thanks to the spring roll wraps, the tortilla doesn’t get soggy. In a country where cheese is a relatively recent addition to the cuisine, the Philly cheesesteak’s kimbap cheddar cheese/cheese whip combo simulates a Philly Cheesesteak surprisingly well.

74,101, Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, www.instagram.com/rollandlol/

Slunch Factory’s Mac and Cheese

The Slunch Factory is a vegan restaurant in Yeonnam. Their appetizers include a vegan mac and cheese mixed with mashed potatoes, which is plated as if it’s fine dining on a plate four or five times the size of the single serving of mac and cheese.

It’s two foods I don’t see often in Korea . . . combined –– plus it’s vegan. I wouldn’t necessarily go back to Slunch Factory for vegan food, but the mac and cheese (and mashed potatoes) are something I might start making at home. Who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes?

161-6, Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, www.instagram.com/slunch_factory

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 슬런치 팩토리 ㅣ 비건레스토랑 ㅣ 연남동비건 ㅣ 마포구비건 (@slunch_factory)

Every pizza in Korea ever

Of all the foods that can be made with lots of different ingredients and remixed across cultures, I think pizza is one of the most contentious. It’s also quite complicated. Pizza is an Italian food, so some might think it’s strange for an American to comment on what it should or should not be like. Perhaps, I’ve never had the real thing. But most pizzas in Korea are not trying to be Italian, at least not really.

“A lot of the world experiences Mexican food, Italian food, Chinese food via the United States,” said Ray, the professor of food studies. Even if the food is Italian, it becomes a particular kind of Italian food as it filters through American experience.”

Many Italians think American pizza is outrageous. In Italy, it’s a food you order individually and the toppings are expertly paired together to complement each other like fine wine. According to my Italian friend with strong feelings on the topic, it’s not supposed to be overflowing with toppings or so heavy that it sends you into a food coma after three slices.

Korean pizza is on another level. Chicago pizza with shrimp and sweet potatoes, dusted with powdered sugar, hotdogs cut into octopus shapes on pizza, and a Mexican taco-themed pizza are just a few of the creations I’ve encountered. Every pizza, even if it’s just from Domino’s, is a potential Korean pickle-filled adventure. They use different cheese here and less of it, and it’s really hard to find a plain cheese pizza.

But a particular standout sweet pizza is the injeolmi gorgonzola pizza at Yangsikguok. Made with a squid ink crust, steamed and pounded glutinous rice flour that kind of melts into the cheese, black sesame, and honey. Paired with other dishes eaten family-style, it’s a nice addition to the vaguely Italian-inspired menu. Now to convince my Italian friends to try it.

27, Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Serena Puang was a Globe intern in 2022. Follow her on Twitter @SerenaPuang .

First look: MFAH reopens Arts of Korea Gallery with new acquisitions, loans from National Museum of Korea

A winding path into the belly of Cullinan Hall at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston eventually deposits visitors into the newly reopened Arts of Korea Gallery. Between renovations — a new floor and display cases  —  and a refreshed installation of objects from the Joseon Dynasty, plus recently acquired works by three contemporary artists, it's a worthwhile journey.

Today, MFAH's Arts of Korea Gallery has a collection of nearly 100 items, with the intent to expand further. That wasn't always the case.

"It started with nothing, in 2007, and took off on the day it opened," said Amy Poster, MFAH consulting curator for Asian art. "We have a very active community of Korean donors who have been encouraging us."

On Thursday, Consul General of the Republic of Korea Young-Ho Jung and Director General of the National Museum of Korea Yoon Sung-Yong were among the first to experience the fruits of that labor. Roughly two dozen works on loan from the National Museum of Korea sufficiently warrant a special trip to the small but mighty space inside the Caroline Wiess Law Building.

"The Art of Korea Gallery carries great significance as the first gallery dedicated to Korean art in the South Central United States. Furthermore, it earns a special distinction as the first among the Asian Galleries at MFAH," Jung told a small crowd. "During the establishment of the Arts of Korea gallery, approximately $3 million in funding was required. The MFAH, Korea Foundation, Korean companies, and the Korean-American community voluntarily collaborated to raise these funds."

Approximately 90 % of the newly exhibited, borrowed artworks are from the Joseon Dynasty, spanning 500 years from the late 14th century to early 20th century, ushering in a shift of state religion from Buddhism to Confucianism. Though there is one Buddha statue in particular that Jung anticipates will quickly become a favorite.

"In 2021, Samsung made headlines by generously donating over 20,000 pieces of artwork collection by the late Chairman Lee Kun-Hee to various museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Korea," he said. "One of these treasures is a large dragon-patterned jar prominently displayed in the center of the Arts of Korea Gallery. It symbolizes the Year of the Blue Dragon."

Much like the gallery itself, "Jar with Dragon and Cloud Design," (Korea, Joseon Dynasty, 19th century) is both simple and significant. Poster notes the porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue's size. Bradley Bailey, MFAH's Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao curator of Asian art draws attention to the object's "curving, voluptuous shape and comparatively tiny base, (which) seems to defy gravity."

MFAH Director Gary Tinterow reinforces that the new presentation of the gallery was designed to match the serenity and restraint of the artworks.

Another standout, Ran Hwang's "First Wind" (2015) utilizes more than 40,000 buttons, affixed across a wooden panel, to depict the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul, including the Great South Gate of the ancient walled city, which is often regarded as the most prized national treasure. The piece, hand-hammered by Hwang in her Brooklyn studio as a self-described meditative practice, is now part of MFAH's permanent collection.

"The buttons are from when she was a poor art student in New York, and they were discarded in the Garment District," Bailey said. "Especially the muddy green ones; she calls those the 'color of free buttons.'"

His two favorite pieces? "Placenta Dish" (1972) and "Mt. Geumang-Shaped Water Dropper" (Korea, Joseon dynasty, 19th century). The former commemorates a royal birth, after which the mother's placenta would be buried. The latter illustrates monks scaling what is known as the Diamond Mountain, a sacred site. Both objects are porcelain.

"Extremely rare material and expressive in nature," Poster said.

Russia holds two more Americans − including Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black

Black's mother told abc news she warned her son about going to russia and worried 'he was being set up' by a woman he'd met in south korea..

• 'As far as we understand, this is a purely everyday crime,' Russia's interior ministry said of Staff Sgt. George Black's arrest.

WASHINGTON − Russian authorities said Tuesday they had detained two U.S. nationals − including Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, an active duty U.S. soldier − in separate criminal cases on either side of the country.

Black, was arrested Monday on theft charges and ordered held by a court in Vladivostok in Russia's Far East, U.S. and Russian officials said.

The servicemember made an unauthorized personal trip from South Korea, where he had been stationed, to Vladivostok, the U.S. Army said. Russian officials said he'd gone to meet a woman he'd met in South Korea.

Black's mother, Melody Jones, told ABC News she warned her son about going to Russia. "I knew something was going to happen," she told the network. "I felt like he was being set up by her."

Radio Free Europe identified Black's girlfriend as Vladivostok native Aleksandra Vashchuk , and grabbed clips from her Tik Tok account showing her and Black in South Korea together before the account was taken private on Tuesday.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

in one video, Black appears to share Kremlin talking points, telling Vashchuk's followers that NATO's behavior was "pretty aggressive," RFE reported. Another video shows Black in uniform, wearing a patch of the Eighth Army's Wightman NCO Academy , as a woman identified as Vaschuk narrates in Russian.

The staff sergeant's arrest had echoes of the case of troubled Army Pvt. Travis King , who caused an international incident in July 2023 by bolting across the border from South Korea into North Korea, where he was held prisoner for two and a half months.

But U.S. officials said they didn't consider Black a deserter. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Black's case had no political element and that there were no allegations of espionage.

"As far as we understand, this is a purely everyday crime," the TASS state news agency cited the ministry's Vladivostok branch as saying.

Reporter's notebook: Finland: Happiness, saunas, NATO and the Russian threat

Criminal cases against Americans in Russia have assumed diplomatic significance in recent years, including a drugs case against WNBA star Brittney Griner , freed last year in a prisoner swap, and espionage charges against Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter , which he, his employer, and the U.S. government deny. Washington has officially designated Gershkovich and Paul Whelan , a former Marine convicted of spying, as "wrongfully detained.

The Vladivostok court said Black would be detained at least until July 2, according to the RIA news agency. The U.S. Army said Black was an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who joined the military in 2008.

Staff sergeant flew to Russia without U.S. Army permission

Black was being "out-processed" from U.S. Forces Korea to Fort Cavazos, Texas, when, instead boarding a flight to the U.S., he traveled "through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for personal reasons," Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said in a statement.

"Black did not request official clearance and DoD did not authorize his travel to China and Russia," Smith said, referring to the Defense Department. She said there was "no evidence Black intended to remain in Russia" when his time off ended.

More: Putin admits 'radical Islamists' were behind Moscow massacre, but still blames Ukraine

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the Eighth Army notified Black’s family of his arrest shortly after Russian officials contacted the embassy, Smith said.

The Russian interior ministry in Vladivostok said a 32-year-old woman had filed a complaint against the 34-year-old suspect.

Black had come to Vladivostok to visit her, the two had an argument, and she later filed a police report accusing him of stealing money, the court said. He was arrested in a local hotel, having bought a plane ticket to return home.

Public nudity in Moscow

Separately, Moscow's court service said on Tuesday that a court had remanded a U.S. citizen whom it named as William Russell Nycum in custody for 10 days for "petty hooliganism."

It said he had been found naked outside after drinking alcohol in an incident it said "expressed obvious disrespect to society, citizens and public order."

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow said: "We are aware of reports of U.S. citizens being arrested inside of Russia. ... Consular officers from the embassy always seek to aid citizens with appropriate assistance but due to privacy concerns we aren't able to comment further."

Contributing: Reuters

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#ClubAnnouncement #Men'sFirstTeam #PreSeason #SpursInKorea

Club to visit Korea this summer as part of pre-season tour

We are delighted to announce that our Men’s first team will travel to South Korea as part of its pre-season tour of Asia this summer.

It follows an earlier announcement that the Club will also be visiting Japan in preparation for the 2024/25 season.

The Club will compete in the Coupang Play Series 2024 - a collection of pre-season matches featuring prestigious football clubs hosted, organised, and broadcasted by Coupang Play. The Coupang Play Series is globally promoted by Pitch International.

FC Bayern will also feature in the Series, with Spurs playing a fixture against the 32-time Bundesliga champions on Saturday 3 rd August at the iconic Seoul World Cup Stadium.

This will be the Club’s fourth visit to South Korea, having undertaken previous trips in 2005, a promotional trip in 2017 and most recently in the Coupang Play Series 2022. The tour will be the first time Heung-Min Son represents the Club as captain in his home country.

As is Club tradition, players and staff will be engaging in a range of activities to engage with our fanbase, support good causes, deliver grassroots football programmes and celebrate local culture throughout the tour.

Alongside this, the Club’s Global Football Development coaches will deliver our renowned technical programme for local young players and coach education workshops, showcasing the authentic training methods developed within the Club’s Academy, helping young players to reach their full potential.

Donna-Maria Cullen, Executive Director, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “We are delighted to once again be visiting South Korea as part of our pre-season tour of Asia ahead of the 2024/25 season. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to engage with our huge fanbase in the country. I know Sonny in particular can’t wait to play again in front of his home fans, and it will be exciting for him to return while representing us as Club Captain.”

Fans can keep up to date with the latest news about our 2024 pre-season tour on our dedicated tour hub . Alternatively, follow Spurs social channels or our dedicated Korean website for the latest updates.

Further details regarding fixtures and ticket on-sales will be announced in due course, along with information about how fans can watch matches and tour content.

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