Have you ever dreamed of walking through an ancient village wearing traditional clothing or indulging in some of the finest street cuisine in the world? Perhaps you are dreaming of a pristine beach or spending the night with Buddhist monks? In South Korea, you can make your dreams come true and accomplish all of the above.
South Korea is a country steeped in tradition and ancient cultures, and travelers will be thrilled with the plethora of things to do. From the pristine Jeju Island to the neon-lit streets of Seoul to the hipper beach attitude of Busan, South Korea offers a wide range of attractions.
Here are 7 things to do in South Korea to keep you busy exploring the exciting landscape it has to offer:
Table of Contents
ENJOY DELICIOUS KOREAN FOOD
One of the best ways to experience Korean culture is through the food served in restaurants. Koreans love grilled meat and kimchi (fermented cabbage) is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. One of the main reasons to visit South Korea is to taste authentic Korean food. In Korea, visitors can enjoy delicious treats such as bulgogi, japchae and geomguk, as well as traditional banchan dishes such as flavorful kimchi, bap (rice) and kogmassun namul (sweet potato sprouts).
- In the Hongdae area, you can taste delicious crispy chicken at Kyochon Chicken Hongdae or try the pork knuckle at Myth Jakbol Hongdae.
- If you’re looking for something to sit at in the Myeongdong area, check out Sinseon Seolleongtang Myeongdong or Myeongdong Kyoja Main.
- The best pork bellies, or samgyetang, can be found near Gyeongbokgung Palace at Tosokchon Samgyetang Restaurant.
EXPLORE SEOUL ON FOOT
If you want to explore the sights and sounds of Seoul, take a walk around the city.
Many visitors to Seoul set off on foot to explore the sights and sounds of this smart city. Seoul is a dynamic city that offers tourists a wide range of activities that can be combined into a great sightseeing tour on foot. There are options for Joseon Dynasty palaces, traditional hanok villages, museums, shopping markets and contemporary culture such as K-pop and the filming locations of popular K-drama series.
Trip.com’s tip: The best way to get a feel for everyday life in Seoul is to take a leisurely stroll. One of the best places to explore the juxtaposition of historical and modern culture is Bukchon Hanok Village. Take a stroll through the quaint alleys and admire the impressive traditional architecture!
LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONAL HANOK ARCHITECTURE
In South Korea, there is a picturesque Bukchon community, Hanok Village. Hundreds of traditional Korean houses known as Hanok are a must-see for any visitor. It is a great way to learn about the origins of Korean architecture and home culture.
Many hanoks are still inhabited, and some have been converted into hotels, restaurants, cafes and other cultural centers. The best part of visiting Hanok Village is the winding alleys. In these alleys you can observe the real life of the locals: Mothers washing their clothes by hand, children playing outside, and grandparents quietly watching over their neighbors.
BE A STREET ARTIST
We’re sure you’re reading this article because you want to travel and see interesting places, but one of the must-do things to do in South Korea is to watch street performers on Insa Dong Street in Seoul. You can see everything from card tricks, juggling, and more. If you have a trick or two up your sleeve, you can even join in and put on your own performance to earn some money.
Not only are there some amazing street performers, but there’s also a good mix of old and new Korean culture, including cafes, restaurants and stores selling authentic souvenirs. Most people come to Insa Dong to visit art galleries, tea stores and boutiques.
TAKE A TRIP TO BUSAN
Want to get a breath of fresh sea air on your trip to South Korea? Then take the bullet train, which will take you to lively Busan in two and a half hours. Busan is a city with a very different atmosphere than Seoul, with beach resorts, 14th-century temples, and an abundance of excellent food, from restaurants to street snack bars. Busan, the second largest city in South Korea, is a major port city in the south and is known for its local seafood, urban nightlife, long modern bridges, endless beaches and majestic mountains.
RELAX IN LUXURY AT THE SUN CRUISE RESORT AND YACHT
There are many different cruise ships in South Korea, but they usually stay in the ocean. The Sun Cruise Resort, on the other hand, is a cruise ship built on a cliff. This unique blend of architecture and cruise ship gives it one of the most interesting designs in the world.
The resort has 211 rooms, 6 restaurants, a rotating lounge with 360° views of the ocean, a glass observation deck overlooking the crashing waves and a sculpture garden to stroll through in the evening while enjoying the sunset. Why not try a cruise without getting seasick?
VISITING JEJU-SI ISLAND
The picturesque island of Jeju-si lies off the southwest coast of the Korean peninsula. This 1,848 km2 island is a UNESCO-listed haven of peace that includes a geopark, a biosphere reserve and cultural heritage sites. When you arrive on Jeju-si Island, you will immerse yourself in the traditions, history and natural beauty of this dormant volcanic island.
- Sit on the beachand watch the haenyo, or traditional divers, who dive to depths of 10 to 20 meters without equipment in search of molluscs, abalone and squid.
- Climb to the top of Mount Hallasan.This dormant volcano is the backbone of the island, rising 1,950 meters above sea level. There are excellent hiking opportunities on Jeju-si Island and climbing to the top of Mount Hallasan rewards you with panoramic views.
- Lovelandis filled with countless statues dedicated to love and sex. Don’t be shy, this is one of South Korea’s most visited attractions.
Once you are well prepared, the most important thing is to ensure that your accommodation is reliable!
Trip.com works closely with travel agents in South Korea and you can book discounted deals from them. In my other guide, you can learn why I love Trip.com for investing in travel.
I recommend you take 3 minutes to read my other post on how to use Trip.com and find valid coupons on CouponGhetto to save money when you decide to use them.
[…] can also read my other post, 7 Must-Dos for Your Trip to South Korea, to go over the must-dos for your trip to South Korea and customize your very own travel […]