South Korea Travel Guide 2023

South Korea offers an unparalleled blend of traditional culture and modernity, with stunning landscapes, bustling cities, beautiful beach, great trekking routes and unique culinary experiences - it has everything. It's also one my favourite places in the world to live as it really does have everything within a 20 minute drive away!

Outline

Discover Seoul: The Dynamic Capital City
Explore Jeju Island: The Hawaii of Korea
Get off the beaten path: Hidden gems in South Korea
Top Attractions: From Palaces to Temples
Korean Cuisine: Indulge in Delicious Local Foods
Hit the Slopes: Skiing in South Korea
Best Beaches to Relax and Unwind
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and More
Tips for Traveling in South Korea
Festivals and Events: Celebrating Korean Culture

Discover Seoul: The Dynamic Capital City

Seoul is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. The capital of South Korea offers a plethora of attractions for tourists, from ancient palaces to modern skyscrapers. Don’t miss the following:

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: This grand palace dates back to the Joseon Dynasty and is the largest and most iconic in Seoul. The palace features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a museum.
  • Namsan Tower: For panoramic views of the city, head to Namsan Tower. You can take a cable car or hike up to the tower for breathtaking views of Seoul’s skyline.
  • Insadong: This neighborhood is a shopper’s paradise and a great place to explore Korean culture. You’ll find traditional crafts, art galleries, and teahouses in the winding alleyways.
  • Hongdae: For a taste of Seoul’s nightlife, head to Hongdae. This trendy neighborhood is known for its live music performances, street art, and hip bars.

Explore Jeju Island: The Hawaii of Korea

Jeju Island is a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxing beach vacation. The island is located off the southern coast of South Korea and is known for its pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and hiking trails. Some of the best things to do in Jeju include:

  • Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak: This stunning peak is also known as “Sunrise Peak” and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You can hike up to the peak for sunrise or sunset.
  • Jeju Loveland: For a unique experience, visit Jeju Loveland, an erotic sculpture park that showcases a range of artwork related to human sexuality.
  • Manjanggul Cave: This lava cave is one of the longest in the world and features unique rock formations and lava tubes.
  • Hyeopjae Beach: This beautiful beach is located on the west side of Jeju Island and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

Get off the beaten path: Hidden gems in South Korea

South Korea is full of hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Some of the lesser-known destinations that are worth a visit include:

  • Boseong Tea Plantation: This tea plantation is located in Jeollanam-do province and offers stunning views of the rolling green tea fields. You can take a tour of the plantation and learn about the history and production of Korean tea.
  • Gochang Dolmen: These prehistoric megaliths are located in Gochang and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dolmens date back to the Neolithic era and are believed to have been used as tombs or ceremonial sites.
  • Gamcheon Culture Village: This colorful village is located in Busan and is a great place to explore Korean culture. The village features a maze of narrow alleys and steep staircases that lead to beautiful murals and art installations.
  • Saryangdo Island: This small island is located off the southern coast of South Korea and is a great place for hiking and bird watching. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, pheasants, and wild boars.

Top Attractions: From Palaces to Temples

South Korea is home to a rich cultural heritage and boasts a plethora of historical sites and landmarks. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

  • Changdeokgung Palace: This palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. The palace features traditional Korean buildings, pavilions, and a secret garden.
  • Bulguksa Temple: This temple is located in Gyeongju and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in South Korea. The temple dates back to the 8th century and features beautiful stone pagodas, statues, and bell pavilions.
  • Seoraksan National Park: This national park is located in the northeast of South Korea and is known for its stunning scenery and hiking trails. The park features rocky peaks, waterfalls, and a cable car that offers panoramic views of the park.
  • DMZ Tour: The Demilitarized Zone is a heavily guarded border that separates North and South Korea. You can take a tour of the DMZ and learn about the history and politics of the Korean Peninsula.

Korean Cuisine: Indulge in Delicious Local Foods

Korean cuisine is a highlight of any trip to South Korea. The country offers a range of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Some of the must-try foods include:

  • Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish is a staple of Korean cuisine and is often served as a side dish. There are many variations of kimchi, including spicy, sour, and sweet.
  • Bibimbap: This traditional dish consists of rice, vegetables, meat, and a fried egg. The dish is typically served in a hot stone bowl and is mixed together before eating.
  • Korean BBQ: Korean BBQ is a popular dining experience that involves grilling meat, typically beef, pork, or chicken, at your table. The meat is often marinated in a savory sauce and served with rice and vegetables.
  • Tteokbokki: This spicy rice cake dish is a popular street food in South Korea. The dish features chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, and a spicy sauce.

Hit the Slopes: Skiing in South Korea

South Korea is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The country boasts a range of ski resorts that offer excellent slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Some of the top ski resorts include:

  • Yongpyong Ski Resort: This ski resort is located in Gangwon Province and is one of the largest in South Korea. The resort features 28 slopes and is known for its excellent snow quality.
  • High1 Ski Resort: This ski resort is located in Jeongseon and features a variety of slopes for all skill levels. The resort also offers a range of activities, including ice fishing and sledding.
  • Phoenix Park Ski Resort: This ski resort is located near Pyeongchang and was one of the venues for the 2018 Winter Olympics. The resort features 22 slopes and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Best Beaches to Relax and Unwind

South Korea is also home to some stunning beaches that are perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Some of the top beaches include:

  • Haeundae Beach: This beach is located in Busan and is one of the most popular beaches in South Korea. The beach features golden sand, clear waters, and a range of activities, including swimming, surfing, and parasailing.
  • Gyeongpo Beach: This beach is located in Gangneung and is known for its beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters. The beach is also surrounded by pine trees, making it a great spot for a picnic or a stroll.
  • Naksan Beach: This secluded beach is located in Yangyang and is a great place to escape the crowds. The beach features white sand and turquoise waters and is surrounded by rugged cliffs.
  • Jeongdongjin Beach: This beach is located in Gangneung and is known for its stunning sunrise views. The beach is also home to a train station that is located right on the beach, making it a unique and memorable spot for a photo.

Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and More

South Korea offers a range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. Some of the top activities include:

  • Hiking: South Korea boasts a range of hiking trails that offer stunning scenery and challenging terrain. Some of the top hiking trails include Seoraksan National Park, Jirisan National Park, and Hallasan National Park.
  • Biking: Biking is a great way to explore South Korea’s beautiful countryside. The country offers a range of bike trails that cater to all skill levels, from leisurely rides through scenic landscapes to challenging mountain trails.
  • Kayaking: South Korea’s rivers and coastlines offer a range of kayaking opportunities. You can kayak along the Han River in Seoul, the Nakdong River in Busan, or the East Sea coast.
  • Rock Climbing: South Korea has a growing rock climbing community and boasts a range of climbing routes that cater to all skill levels. Some of the top climbing spots include Bukhansan National Park, Seoraksan National Park, and Jeju Island.

Tips for Traveling in South Korea

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to South Korea:

  • Learn some basic Korean phrases: While many Koreans speak English, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.
  • Try the local street food: South Korea’s street food scene is not to be missed. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, such as tteokbokki, hotteok, and gimbap.
  • Be mindful of cultural customs: South Korea has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, it’s customary to bow when greeting someone, and it’s considered impolite to blow your nose in public.
  • Use public transportation: South Korea has an excellent public transportation system that is both efficient and affordable. Using public transportation is a great way to get around and explore the country.
  • Pack for the weather: South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, so be sure to pack accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Festivals and Events: Celebrating Korean Culture

South Korea is home to a range of festivals and events that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the top events include:

  • Boryeong Mud Festival: This festival is held every July in Boryeong and is known for its mud-themed activities, including mud wrestling, mud sliding, and mud painting.
  • Seoul Lantern Festival: This festival is held every November and features hundreds of lanterns that light up the streets of Seoul.
  • Jeju Fire Festival: This festival is held every March on Jeju Island and is a celebration of the island’s volcanic heritage.

And top festivals that features traditional performances, fireworks, and a bonfire ceremony:

  • Busan International Film Festival: This film festival is held every October in Busan and is one of the largest film festivals in Asia. The festival features a range of films from around the world and attracts filmmakers and actors from all over.
  • Andong Mask Dance Festival: This festival is held every September in Andong and is a celebration of traditional Korean culture. The festival features performances of the Andong Mask Dance, as well as other traditional performances, food, and crafts.
  • Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival: This festival is held every April in Jinhae and is a celebration of the blooming cherry blossoms. The festival features hundreds of thousands of cherry blossom trees, as well as traditional performances, food, and a parade.

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