South Korea is a really distinctive nation with a wealthy historical past intertwined with futurism and fashionable applied sciences. Scrumptious delicacies, pleasant folks, and fascinating pure landscapes. South Korea has loads to supply for everybody! This checklist of one of the best locations to go to in South Korea was written by Matej from Czech the World, who studied and lived in South Korea for half a 12 months…
1. Seoul
If you happen to say South Korea, most individuals would consider the capital metropolis of Seoul. The colourful metropolis is price a go to even in case you are not a fan of cities. A completely separate article might be written about Seoul. There are quite a few actions and locations price seeing. It depends upon what you’re in search of. These are the locations you undoubtedly shouldn’t miss:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace – one of many oldest and largest palaces in South Korea. For a lot of centuries, it served because the residence of Korean rulers.
- Insa-dong – a well-known district within the metropolis middle, which is one of the best place to study Korean tradition. Eating places, retailers, conventional crafts, and souvenirs might be discovered there.
- N Seoul Tower (Namsan) – The perfect view of all the metropolis.
- Bukchon Hanok Village – Seoul’s historic district, the place you may stroll by way of homes with conventional Korean structure.
- Gangnam – who doesn’t know Gangnam Type? The well-known viral track is in regards to the superficial life on this wealthy neighborhood.
- Itaewon – a district of Seoul the place foreigners collect, so it’s completely different from the others. You can see primarily non-Korean issues right here.
- Lotte World – one of many largest amusement parks on this planet.
2. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Would you want to go to North Korea? Right here’s your probability! A go to to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a really distinctive expertise that nobody ought to miss. You’ll study in regards to the relationship between South and North Korea, you may go to the infiltration tunnels and look by way of binoculars at a village in North Korea.
To go to the DMZ zone, it’s essential to ebook a tour. There are a number of corporations that arrange excursions.
If you need to enter instantly past North Korea borders, select a tour, which incorporates JSA (Joint Safety Space). These are dearer excursions, nonetheless, visiting JSA is probably the most distinctive expertise price paying for.
3. Bukhansan Nationwide Park
A wonderful rocky nationwide park that rises instantly above Seoul. The beginning of the trek into nature might be simply reached by public transport, which makes it an ideal day journey from Seoul.
The entire crossing of the park is 7.4 km lengthy. However you’ll climb steep hills (generally with the assistance of chains). Subsequently, count on a minimal of 5 hours of strolling. We suggest leaving early within the morning to keep away from the biggest vacationer crowds. If you need to go, learn this hiking guide to Bukhansan National Park with all info you have to know together with a map.
4. Jeju Island
Jeju is an island situated south of the Korean Peninsula. It’s rated as probably the most stunning a part of South Korea and it’s undoubtedly price taking a visit there. There are a number of locations positioned on the UNESCO World Heritage Website. You shouldn’t miss the gorgeous seashores or the very best peak in the entire nation.
What to not miss on Jeju island…
- Mount Hallasan – the very best peak in all of South Korea. This volcano rises to a peak of 1947 meters. The hike is 9.6 km lengthy in a single route. It takes all day to finish.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong – this round-shaped mountain is in many of the pictures from Jeju Island. It’s usually known as the “Sunrise peak” as a result of there are wonderful sunsets.
- Manjanggul Cave – one of many longest lava tunnels on this planet. The cave was created greater than 2.5 million years in the past. The entire tunnel is 23 km lengthy, however solely the primary kilometer is accessible to vacationers.
- Yakcheonsa Temple – An enormous Buddhist temple with many rooms and flooring.
- Mysterious Highway (Dokkaebi) – a street that defies gravity. Once you comply with it, you’ll really feel like you’re going uphill. However attempt to cease, flip off the engine, and go downhill – sure, your automobile will begin “uphill”.
- Loveland (not for everybody) – an enormous intercourse museum. The entry is allowed from 18 years of age.
5. Seoraksan Nationwide Park
One other wonderful rocky nationwide park close to the seaside city of Sokcho. The world is far bigger than Bukhansan and you may spend a number of days in nature on varied treks. If you happen to don’t have a lot time, we suggest a shorter journey to Ulsanbawi Rock, which presents actually wonderful views. The trek is 3.8 km lengthy and takes about 3 hours to finish. We went to the highest at dawn and it was completely price it!
6. Busan
Busan is the second-largest South Korean metropolis. One other vibrant metropolis with a lot of enjoyable. Make certain to not miss:
- Busan Tower – wonderful view from the tower of the entire Busan metropolis and the encompassing coast.
- Gamcheon Tradition Village – a colourful cultural village the place you may see plenty of fascinating avenue artwork.
- Haedong Yonggungsa – a ravishing Buddhist temple constructed on cliffs by the ocean on the sting of Busan.
7. Gyeongju
This stunning coastal is usually known as an open-air museum. It’s a fantastic place to find South Korean conventional roots and wealthy heritage. Make certain to not miss:
- Bulguksa Temple – some of the stunning temples in South Korea, in-built 751 AD.
- Anapji Pond – breathtaking within the night as a result of it’s illuminated and the pond serves as a mirror.
- Tumuli Park – park, the place you’ll find 20 historical tombs.
- Seokguram Grotto – stunning man-made cave temple.
8. Dadohaehaesang Nationwide Park
The most important nationwide park in South Korea, which consists of 1700 completely different island and rock buildings. The preferred islands are Cheongsando, Hongdo, and Heuksando. This nationwide park is stuffed with biodiversity with about 1500 plant species, greater than 11 mammal species together with orca or killer whales, 147 hen species, and extra.
9. Naganeupseong People Village or Yangdong People Village
Conventional cultural villages the place you may see straw huts, and study varied native crafts, and really feel how folks lived in South Korea a number of hundred years in the past. Each villages are fairly comparable, due to this fact you may select only one and don’t want to go to each.
10. Suwon
Suwon is the one metropolis in South Korea that has retained its historic metropolis partitions. It’s an academic middle with 14 completely different college campuses. Locations you shouldn’t miss in Suwon:
- Hwaseong Fortress – one of many largest Korean fortresses with vital historic and architectural significance.
- Baegun Lake – lake filled with mountain climbing trails.
- Gyeonggi Arts Middle – a fantastic place to go to for artwork fanatics with usually maintain artwork exhibitions, reveals, and performances.
11. Jeonju
Jeonju metropolis is considered the meals capital of South Korea with a fantastic avenue meals scene. The perfect place to style native specialties resembling Bibimbap, Hottoes, Makgeolli rice wine, Choco Pie, and others.
- Gyeonggijeon Shrine – shrine surrounded by many monuments and historic buildings.
- Jeonju Hanok Village – a scenic space with picturesque fountains, pavilions, and statues.
- Jeondong Catholic Church – one of many largest and most stunning catholic church buildings in South Korea.
12. Andong
Town of Andong is usually known as “the capital of Korean spirit”. It’s identified for its discovery of picket masks. If you happen to occur to go to Andong within the final week of September, you may expertise the standard Masks Dance Competition. Locations you shouldn’t miss in Andong:
- Andong Hahoe People Village – an enormous conventional village listed as a UNESCO heritage web site.
- Bongjeongsa Temple – the second oldest picket constructing in South Korea.
- Wolyeonggyo Bridge – the biggest picket bridge in South Korea.
- Confucian Tradition Museum – the one Confucian museum in South Korea.
13. Pyeongchang
The preferred Korean winter vacation spot. It’s well-known for a lot of enjoyable winter actions resembling ski resorts, cross-country snowboarding, bobsleighing and extra. Pyeongchang was additionally the host metropolis of the 2018 Winter Olympic Video games. The perfect locations to go to in Pyeongchang embody:
- Woljeongsa Temple – a historic temple constructed within the 12 months 590.
- Sangwonsa Temple – historic temple view stunning view of Pyeongchang.
- Pyeongchang Olympic market – some of the genuine conventional markets for natural meals.
- Odaesan Nationwide Park – you may get pleasure from all-day journeys to nature.
14. Korean Sauna – JimJilBang
You undoubtedly shouldn’t miss the Korean sauna! It was one of many biggest experiences for us. Are you aware the sensation if you go to the sauna and also you don’t wish to go away since you are in a ravishing temper and you continue to have an extended experience dwelling? This downside is eradicated within the Korean sauna as a result of it’s an all-night sauna with the potential of sleeping in a single day in dormitory rooms. These rooms differ closely. Typically you may have a pleasant room only for your self and generally you sleep in a single room with 30 different folks. And what’s even higher? JimJilBang sauna is usually cheaper than hostel lodging!
The place can you discover the JimJilBang sauna?
They’re completely all over the place throughout Korea. Even in smaller cities in distant areas. Search Google for “JimJilBang – My City” or ask the locals, they’ll know.
15. Karaoke (Noraebang)
One other typical Korean cultural factor that you shouldn’t miss. It’s a completely different sort of karaoke than we’re used to. You don’t should sing in entrance of a crowd of individuals and really feel disgrace. Right here you may hire a small room for very low-cost, which may solely accommodate a number of folks. Within the room, you might have a microphone, an enormous display, a mirror, and a merchandising machine for songs. You solely sing collectively along with your closest pals and also you don’t should really feel disgrace for not being an excellent singer.
Karaoke bars are additionally on each nook. Simply ask the locals and they’re going to ship you to the closest one (strive saying both “Karaoke” or “Noraebang”).
