Don't waste your time traveling South Korea!
Are you planning to visit South Korea for vacation, holidays or work? You've come to the right place! This site has all the information you need for traveling to South Korea.
From Jeju Island to the DMZ tour, find out where to travel in amazing South Korea. I've lived in Korea for 10 years, working as an English teacher and I've spent many weekends and holidays being a tourist in Korea and traveling around this off-the-beaten track tourist destination.
South Korea is a beautiful place, filled with mountains, temples, amazing food and kind people. You can shop till you drop in ultra-luxury stores, take a high-speed bullet train, or eat and drink all night at one of the many restaurants and clubs.
I've listed only the best places to visit in South Korea so you won't waste your time at mediocre stuff. And I have lots of tips that will help you get around South Korea, seeing all the best places in style. Here are the travel tips and top places to see that will help you get off the beaten track when traveling in South Korea. It will be a trip to remember!
Seoul: an amazing mix of Ancient and Ultra-Modern
One of the most dynamic cities in the World
If you want to know what to do in Seoul, or places to visit in Seoul you've come to the right place!
South Korea's capital city Seoul is a sprawling metropolis of 20 million people and with one of the most massive subway systems in the world. It's a fascinating mix of old and new, with ultra-modern apartment complexes mixed in with 1000 year old temples and palaces. Koreans love to eat and drink, and tucked away in every corner are delicious, cheap restaurants and Hofs (beer and chicken pubs) that stay open to the wee hours of the morning. People here love to sing and to finish a night, they'll often head to a Norae-bang (singing room). After a few nights out in Korea, you'll understand why it's called the "Land of the Morning Calm" because the streets will be eerily silent until mid-morning.
If shopping is your thing, you can get it all here. From the most luxurious name brands in Apgujeong, Myeongdong and Gangnam to some excellent deals at Namdaemum or Dongdaemum Markets. For a bit of culture, head over to Insadong for some nice restaurants, tea-shops and souvenir shopping. To check out the nightlife, head over to Hongdae and explore Korea's Youth Culture.
My #1 Seoul Travel Tip: Get a Subway Card. You can buy them at convenience stores such as Family Mart or at the ticket windows in Subway Stations. You can just charge it up and then swipe to get on the subway and buses, instead of counting your change and waiting in line at the ticket machine. Plus, you can save money on transfers between subways and buses.
My #2 Seoul Travel Tip: There is much more to Korea than just Seoul, so enjoy it for a while but make an effort to get out into the Korean countryside. It's a beautiful place!
My #3 Seoul Travel Tip: If you want cheap souvenirs, stay away from Insadong. Although it's a nice place to have a cup of tea and a walk around, it's really expensive. For the same stuff, just cheaper, check out Namdaemun or Dongdaemun Markets.
My #4 Seoul Travel Tip: For an authentic, cheap and delicious experience, check out some street food. There are some good ones around the big markets and in Insadong/Jongno in central Seoul. My favorite is Deokbeokki (spicy rice cake), which you can add various things to (boiled egg, deep fried things, fish-cake).
My #5 Seoul Travel Tip: For Hotels in Seoul, I recommend using Agoda.com and looking carefully at the reviews in order to find what you want.
Jeju Island: The Hawaii of Korea!
The top travel destination in South Korea
A semi-tropical island south of the mainland, Jeju is indeed a beautiful paradise. The highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan is a challenging one-day hike. Awaiting you at the top are spectacular views and an extinct volcano crater. White sandy beaches abound at every corner, and there is spectacular scuba diving down south, near Seogwipo. Be sure to check out some of the Crater Tubes, which are massive caves created by receding Lava from Hallasan's Volcanic Eruptions.
My #1 Jeju Island Tip: Don't worry about booking a hotel ahead of time, unless you want to stay in one of the luxurious ones such as the Hyatt. There are plenty of rooms available, even during the high season. I like to stay in "Yeogwan" or "Minbaks," which are family run small motels. They are very cheap at around $30 US per night, and are quite comfortable.
My #2 Jeju Island Travel Tip: Make sure to pick up a map from Tourist Information at the airport. It will prove itself invaluable during your trip to Jeju Island!
My #3 Jeju Travel Tip: It's not that easy or convenient to get around the island via public transport, so if possible, rent a bicycle, scooter or car and use the "coastal road." It's beautiful!
My #4 Jeju Travel Tip: Be sure to try some "Jung-Shik" which means the "daily special" or daily plate. It's usually cheap (around 5000 Won), filling and delicious. You'll always get some rice, soup, and then various side dishes. Just look for the place with all the taxis outside and you'll know it's a good one!
Songnisan National Park: Spectacular Hiking in Central Korea
The most beautiful hiking spot on the peninsula
There are mountains all over Korea, and hiking is the most popular weekend activity. One of the most spectacular mountains is Songnisan National Park in central Korea. Beopjusa Temple, with a huge Gold Buddha statue is a good start to any of the hikes. At the mountain village, there are hordes of restaurants and home-stays where you can sleep the night. 1/2 way up the mountain, is a hut called Birosanjang where you can find some authentic wilderness, which is quite rare in Korea. And the hiking! Not so difficult, but with amazing views!
My #1 Songnisan Travel Tip: Be Sure to sample some of the mountain food at the base of the mountain. My favorites are the Pajeon (Green onion pancake) or Beo-sot Bulgogi (Mushroom Marinated Pork).
My #2 Songnisan Travel Tip: Be sure to check out an "am" (hermitage) part-way up the mountain. Monks live there is isolation for long periods of time and are usually quite hospitable. One time, I got a meal and enjoyed a couple hours of conversation with one of them.
My # 3 Songnisan Travel Tip: Don't worry about booking accommodation ahead of time. There are literally thousands of rooms at the base of the mountain in Minbaks (homestays) or hotels. They're never full, even on the busiest of weekends.
My #4 Songnisan Travel Tip: Don't worry too much about snacks and drinks while hiking. There are a multitude of little shacks selling stuff. My favorite is the Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake).
Seoraksan National Park: Beautiful Fall Colors
Seoraksan National Park is Korea's most famous. It's located outside the fishing village of Sokcho, in the North-East corner of Gangwon-Do. During the peak fall seasons, it seems like 1/2 of Korea is climbing the mountain. Also in the area are some luxurious gambling resorts, rafting rivers, bungee jumping and beautiful beaches. In winter, there are some nice Ski Resorts in the area. You could spend a week or two exploring this place, so make sure you leave a few days.
My #1 Seoraksan Travel Tip: rent a car. There's so much to see away from the bus routes. Travel during off-peak hours (leave at 5am!) if you're coming from Seoul. You'll hit lots of traffic if you leave on Saturday morning at 10am.
My #2 Seoraksan Travel Tip: As with the busy roads at peak times, the mountain gets crowded too. Try to hit it away from the prime-time weekends because you'll experience a line-up when you're hiking, which is not ideal.
My # 3 Seoraksan Travel Tip: If you go hiking, especially in spring/summer/fall wake up early (with the sunrise). It will be much cooler and you won't be climbing in the middle of the day, but you'll have the whole mountain to yourself.
Gyeongju: the Ancient Capital of the Shilla Dynasty
A capital from the Shilla dynasty 2000 years ago, this place is filled with cultural relics at every corner. You could spend months here and not see everything. Walking down the street, or hiking up the local mountain, history is inescapable. The best way to see the sites is to rent a bicycle, get a handy tourist map and enjoy your day.
My #1 Gyeongju Travel Tip: Be sure to take some time to relax. There are so many sights that it's easy to get caught up trying to see them all. But, find some off the beaten path and enjoy the journey as well as the destination.
My #2 Gyeongju Travel Tip: DO NOT take a bus tour to Gyeongju. You will be shuttled from spot to spot, snap a picture and be whisked off to the next place. Go on your own (it's easy enough) so you can have an enjoyable time there.
Andong Folk Village
Home of the Mask Festival
Andong is a small city in the South-east corner of the country. It's famous for food and right near the train station is a food street where deliciousness awaits you at every turn. The highlight of the city is the "Hahoe Folk Village." They are famous for the mask dance that happens every weekend and their 2 week long festival they hold every year in the fall. The best part is that you can sleep overnight in the village in one of the traditional houses.
My #1 Andong Travel Tip: While you can visit Andong during the mask festival, I find it more enjoyable to visit the city at other times. It's less busy, but much more peaceful and relaxing. Plus, you won't have a hard time with traffic or finding accommodation.
My #2 Andong Travel Tip: Be sure to try some "Andong Jimdalk" (spicy soy-sauce chicken). It's their famous specialty and super-delicious!
The DMZ: a surreal, intense experience.
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is the border between North and South Korea. It's less than 100 km from Seoul. Things are tense, with American, South and North Korean soldiers standing at armed attention. You can't do it alone but must join up with a tour, which will take you to the tunnels that the North dug to try and sneak into the South undetected. You'll also visit an overlook and see what's happening on the other side. Check it out for a dose of the surreal.
My #1 DMZ Travel Tip: Not all tours are created equal. Some go to a lot more places than others. The USO ones often have a waiting list to get in on them, but for good reason. Do your research before choosing one.
Gongju and Buyeo: ancient capitals of the Baekje Dynasty
The former capitals of the Baekje Kingdom, Buyeo and Gongju are tucked away in the heart of Chungnam provinces. They are filled with cultural and historical relics from 2000 years ago. Tombs, fortresses, and temples can be found at every corner. The best way to see the sights would be by car, so either rent one or get a Korean friend to take you.
My #1 Gongju + Buyeo Travel Tip: These places are best explored on bicycle, motorcycle or by car. Beg, borrow or steal! Or, rent a taxi for the day to take you to the sights.
My #2 Gongju +Buyeo Travel Tip: If you have own transport, it's entirely possible to see both these places in one day. If not, choose one and have a relaxing trip.
Deokjeok Island: an expat beach paradise!
Deokjeok Island is a 2 hour ferry ride from the port at Incheon. You can camp at the beach, or stay at one of the local motels. It's a beautiful, secluded kind of place and you'll be able to get your own piece of beach for the entire day. The best part is at night, having some drinks on the beach with a campfire and fireworks.
My #1 Deokjeok Island Travel Tip: Don't bring too much stuff with you if you go camping. You can buy basic food to cook with and even small BBQ/charcoal, etc.
My #2 Deojeokdo Travel Tip: During peak times (ie: long weekends in summer) it can be very hard to get ferry tickets at the gate. Get a Korean to help you reserve ahead of time to make your trip a success.
Busan: the most popular beach spot in South Korea
Korea's second major city, Busan is down in the South-east corner of the country. It has plenty of sights to keep you occupied for days, but the top attraction is Haeundae Beach, where hordes of Koreans descend to get their summertime fun.
My #1 Busan Travel Tip: Haeundae is outrageously popular and crowded but the other beaches in the area are just as nice. My favorite are Songdo, Songjeong and Dadaepo. Get off the beaten track for some more relaxing times.
My #2 Busan Travel Tip: Check out the Busan Shark Dive while you're in Busan. It's an experience to remember!
My # 3 Busan Travel Tip: Take the KTX (bullet train). It's fast, and surprisingly cheap. Just be sure to buy your tickets at least a few days in advance if you plan on traveling during the weekend, since they often get sold out
My #4 Busan Travel Tip: Wondering where to stay in Busan? My recommendation is Seomyeon. It's very central and makes a nice base from which to explore. Plus, it's at the intersection of the 2 major subway lines, so you'll never have to worry about getting somewhere quickly, cheaply and conveniently. And, restaurants, bars and shopping are plentiful so you'll be spoiled for choice!
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