A Thrilling South Korean Getaway
Have the Time of Your Life in South Korea
Traveling the planet is one of the greatest pleasures this life has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you go to Western Europe, East Asia, Australia, Africa or anywhere else. Globetrotting can be one of the most invigorating and fascinating things you ever try. South Korea is an East Asian country that’s becoming more and more of a travel hub in recent times.
People from all different nations are flocking to Seoul, Busan and beyond. If you want to savor an international journey that’s well-rounded, intriguing and dynamic, then you should consider booking a South Korean getaway right away. This country is in the northern region of Asia close to both Japan and China.
Widely Known Tourist Attractions in South Korea
South Korea is a nation that has a rich and comprehensive history. Seoul is the country’s biggest metropolis and capital. It naturally is a haven for all kinds of historic and cultural sights, too. If you visit this energetic destination, you can think about going to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This structure has been in existence since all the way back in 1395. It’s in the northern section of the lively city.
Bukchon Hanok Village is yet another historic spot in Seoul. The village has actually been around for six centuries. People who want to get glimpses of South Korean culture may get a lot out of trips to this spot.
Busan is a sizable port destination in South Korea. People go to the city to revel in its lovely beaches, temples and mountains. Food lovers may want to go to Busan, too. Jagalchi Market has the distinction of being the nation’s biggest seafood store. If you want to feast on fresh fish, this may be the place for you.
South Korean Hospitality
South Korean people tend to be extremely polite and warm. If you have questions about directions, tourist attractions and more, you probably won’t have a hard time pinpointing people who will try their best to help you out.
It doesn’t matter if you have questions about getting Korean money at a foreign currency exchange shop. It doesn’t matter if you want to figure out how to deal with public transit systems in city settings. Interacting with South Korean people is often a wonderful and heartwarming experience.
Dining in South Korea
South Korean cuisine has been gaining traction all over the world in recent years. People can’t get enough of the spicy tastes that are frequently associated with the nation’s many dishes. Fans of fermented cabbage often are big on kimchi, a genuine Korean staple.
There are many appetizing dishes accessible in dining establishments scattered all throughout South Korea. Some examples of particularly beloved foods in South Korea are bulgogi, japchae, galbi and bibimbap. Bulgogi is a dish that revolves around beef barbecue that’s marinated. If you have a penchant for meaty flavors, then you won’t be able to say no to a hearty meal in South Korea.
Finding terrific food in South Korea is a piece of cake for tourists. There are all sorts of restaurants in the nation that cater to people with all kinds of budgets. If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on dining in the nation, there are so many restaurants that can accommodate you nicely. Small noodle shops tend to be ideal for diners who want to keep their costs low.
There are all sorts of delectable options on hand at these noodle shops, too. Spicy noodles are a favorite in South Korea. If you have a craving for stir-fried noodles in South Korea, you never have to look too long.
If you have time to spare in your hotel or motel room in South Korea, you can try watching dramas. South Korean dramas have been a major sensation in all different corners of the planet. People can’t resist these dramas in other parts of Asia. They’re massive hits in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and beyond as well.
If you want to get a glimpse into life in South Korea, watching these hilarious, romantic and lighthearted television programs can often work well. It’s usually pretty easy to catch one of these shows on television in South Korea. There are always many options on hand.
Being a country that’s 70 mountains, hiking is a pretty popular thing to do in Korea in general, but in my opinion, the hikes in Geoje are much more interesting.
Built by a husband and wife who settled on the island in 1969, this popular botanical garden does a pretty good job in showing the loving relationship between the couple.
I think we’ve established that Geoje is an island by now, so it’s pretty obvious that there are many beaches on the island. My personal favourite is the Hakdong Pebble Beach – it was the first beach I visited on the island, and therefore holds a little spot in my heart. It’s different from the typical sand beach, and plus, sand doesn’t get in awkward places, although it’s a little uncomfortable sitting on pebbles at first.
It’s always good to get to know some of the history of places, and this island has plenty. It used to be home to Chinese and North Korean P.O.W soldiers during the Korean War – up to 170,000 of them.
Public transport isn’t the best on the island, the buses do the job at the end of the day, but most mainly go between Okpo and Gohyeon – the two big, main towns on the island.
When someone asks me about the nicest beach in Korea I immediately think about the beach in Jindo. There are some beautiful beaches around Korea so in summer all beaches are crowded like you can’t imagine.
Busan is the 2nd biggest city of Korea. Located the opposite side of Korean peninsula in Gyungsang-do (Gyungsang province). As I was born and raised in Seoul I see Busan as a very exotic city. Busan is on the coast so it is a totally different vibe than Seoul and they speak with a strong accent.
Mt.Seorak is one of the most beautiful mountains in Korea. Mt.Seorak is in 3 hours away from Seoul to east, in Gangwon-do (Gangwon province).
Asian Hawaii. This is a nickname for Jeju Island. The biggest island in Korea, it has the highest mountain in South Korea and it made by volcanic activity of the Mt.Halla, the highest mountain in South Korea. So it has different geological features.
West sea of Korea is very interesting. Three sides of Korean peninsula have all different kind of beach. East sea is very deep, and has short sandy beach. Around South sea is not deep as East Sea but it has long and wide sand. But beaches around West Sea is mud flat and not deep. When you visit West sea, you have to check timetable for tide.
After finishing university and working in our respective fields for a couple of years, (Arienne in TV production and Tristan in stage production) we knew we wanted to see more of the world. We figured teaching abroad would be a great opportunity to travel and make money at the same time. We originally considered China and Japan as well as Korea, but in the end settled on Korea due to its better work standards (when compared with China) and lower cost of living (when compared with Japan). This meant we’d be able to save more money, which would allow us to travel for an extended period of time when we were finished our contracts.
Obviously, arriving in Korea meant a blast of culture shock. The unity of Korean culture and society seemed like an impenetrable fortress that, as foreigners, we were only allowed to look at, but never enter. This initial feeling of exclusion was further compounded when we moved to the small city where we were assigned to live and work. Jecheon had only 140,000 people, packed into an area the size of a town (in Canada), with only one movie theatre, a bowling alley, and a ton of bars and restaurants with next to no English, anywhere! For both of us, being a miniscule minority in a small city was a polar opposite to living in the culturally diverse metropolis of Toronto. In the beginning, we couldn’t order food, read any signs, or even talk to the many people who gawked and stared at us. Essentially, our first impressions were ones of isolation, frustration, and feeling like a child with adult problems.
In one word: incredible! We’re not picky eaters to begin with, so we were up to trying anything and everything Korea had to offer. The cuisine is filled with many spicy dishes, and soon enough we were able to handle the spice like the locals. Kimchi (fermented cabbage in a red, spicy paste) is a staple at every meal, including breakfast, and we found ourselves enjoying it almost right from the start. Since we’ve been on the road we find that we occasionally get hit with a craving for kimchi! Luckily there are a few Korean grocery stores in Toronto that’ll satisfy our cravings. Korean BBQ is probably one of the most recognizable dishes outside of the country (and it’s delicious), but there’s more to the cuisine than grilled meat. Some of our favourite dishes include kimchi jjiggae (a soup made with kimchi and pork or tuna), pajeon (a large potato pancake filled with green onions and seafood), dalk galbi (spicy chicken and cabbage grilled in a large iron skillet), and nang myeon (a cold noodle soup perfect in the summer months). If you’re into adventurous meals, Korea’s got plenty of those too, including intestines, live octopus tentacles, and even dog meat!
For us, the toughest thing about living in Korea was some of the nuances related to Korean culture. There are a number of things in Korean society we found really hard to accept, even though for Koreans it was normal run-of-the-mill stuff. For example, seeing students going to school from 8am to 5pm, and then going to special after-school academies at night was frustrating to see. Especially when the kids roll into our class and can’t get their heads off the table because they’ve barely slept. The long days at school are just part of the issues faced by students in an increasingly competitive education system.
Of course, ‘expensive’ is a relative term, but in general we would say no, Korea is not an expensive place to live. On the other hand, it isn’t cheap either. Most people coming to Korea to teach will have their housing paid for them, so there is a huge savings right off the bat there. However, for most everyday products, you will pay pretty much the exact same price in Korea as you will in North America. For those living in Seoul or other large cities, you will find yourself probably finding it a little harder to save money than those living in less populated areas, simply due to the larger supply of forms of entertainment. Restaurants are generally pretty cheap compared with the west. A couple can dine for roughly $15 with a drink each. Bars on the other hand are not as cheap, with most drinks costing between $4-6. If you’re like us and want to save a bunch of cash, it can be pretty cheap to drink at home, especially if you’ve developed a taste for soju ($1/bottle). You can also expect your monthly utilities (hydro, gas, internet, phone) to be slightly cheaper than they are back home.
Experiencing Korean hospitality: Being welcomed into a Korean household is a really special thing. If you arrive as a guest, you’ll leave as a friend. If you come as a friend, you’ll leave as a member of the family. There is almost no end to the generosity and care the Koreans show to their guests. It truly is amazing.
Learn to read Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and speak a little Korean. Hangeul is nothing like Chinese or Japanese characters. It’s very simple to read and write, and the sounds associated with each character are very similar to sounds in English. The Korean language is a little more difficult than the alphabet, however learning how to greet someone, order food, and general courtesies really isn’t too hard to do. Accomplishing both of these things will really open you up to more possibilities, instead of just going to the same old places and eating the same food because you know they understand a little English there. Believe us, learning even a little Korean was a really liberating experience, and it also showed the Koreans we were serious about being a positive addition to their society.
Generally speaking, South Korea is not an expensive country to visit. It falls right in the middle of the price spectrum when comparing it to Japan and China. Lodging, transportation, and food are the three main areas where our money is always being spent. After living in South Korea for 2 years, I’ve found some ways that have helped me stretch my wallet a little further, and in turn will help you get the most out of your won while traveling through the country.
This one makes the list for many other countries and South Korea is no exception. In fact, South Korea makes it extremely convenient to refill your water bottles. Koreans love their water dispensers. They are easily found at train stations, in food courts of malls, rest stops along the highway, and airports. The machines are free to use and dispense both cold and hot water (convenient if you like a cup of tea or a cheap meal of ramyeon). Not only is refilling your water bottle great for your wallet, but also for the environment too.
Dorm-style hostel rooms will be your cheapest option when you’re staying in Seoul. But if you will be travelling around other parts of the country, staying at a love motel will actually work out cheaper based on a double occupancy. Love motels get their name because Koreans can rent these rooms by the hour and, ahem…display their love for one another. But for travelers these rooms can be a great deal. They’ll usually come equipped with a queen-sized bed, a large TV, mini-fridge with refreshments free of charge, bathrooms that sometimes have jacuzzis, air conditioning, and even a computer with Internet capabilities. These rooms can cost you as low as $30 a night! Most of them are located around bus terminals and train stations, with a number of them clustered together. So feel free to shop around for the one you like. And don’t be afraid to even ask to see the room before handing over your payment. I’ve never had a problem with asking to see a room and making a decision afterwards.
If you’re going to be traveling in South Korea for a length of time (more than a week or two), I’d recommend picking up a T-Money Card. This is a rechargeable card that you can use to get on and off the subway in Seoul. It’s beneficial for not only saving you money (100won off the base fare) but also for saving you time, as you’ll have to buy a single journey ticket each and every time you want to take the subway. You can also use the card to pay for taxis, inner-city buses, payphones, and purchases at convenience stores. The card costs 3,000won (roughly $3) and can be purchased at any convenience store.
If you’re looking to have a big night out with your friends, your bill can become rather large if you spend the entire night drinking at a bar. Instead, get your night started at a Family Mart, GS25 or Buy the Way. These are all corner stores that you can easily find on almost any street corner, anywhere in Korea. To make things even easier, many of these shops will have small patio sets outside their doors so you can have a place to sit and enjoy your drinks. It’s perfectly legal in Korea and you’ll see many people doing this. If you want to drink like the locals, pick up a bottle of soju (330mL bottle of 20{bec4beb4183ddc16376e6eff89836f2abe3407e857522bf84005ba0ad48d654d} alcohol for a whopping 1,500won!) and drink it straight or mix it with some juice. One bottle will definitely get your night started on a happy note.
I’m the kind of gal who needs a cup of coffee in the morning. If I can’t get one I’ll usually get the caffeine withdrawal headache by early afternoon and then I’m not a happy camper. In Korea, drip coffee does not exist like we know it back in North America. The type of drip coffee that Korea offers is the fancy, one-cup drippers that’ll run you $5-6 a cup! Instead, many Koreans opt for the instant, all-in-one packets of coffee, and use the water dispensers (as mentioned above) to get their hot water. If this isn’t an option for you and you like your morning coffee in a café, you can still get your café lattes, cappuccinos, etc. But they will run you $3-5, depending on what you’re ordering and where you’re ordering it. If you like black coffee then an americano (espresso with hot water) will do the trick. And if you like some milk and sugar, just ask the person at the counter to add some milk (oo-you in Korean) to your americano and voilà, you just made a cheaper “drip coffee” than ordering one of the fancy espresso mixed drinks.
Seoul is a very historic city. Over 600 years, Seoul has been Korea’s capital city. Seoul city has done a great job preserving Korea’s history.
There’s more than just Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, there are many other Palaces around this area. Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace, Jongmyo, and 
See a Musical in Seoul. It is not Broadway but it has its own charm. 
Korea is known for it’s spicy food. But that’s not all. You will be very surprised when you see the huge variety of cheap and delicious delicacies. Food is a big part of Korea’s culture. There are many Korean restaurants too but the street foods are definitely worth to try it. Tteok bok I (rice cake with hot-sweek sauce), Umuk(Fish paste), Mandoo, Dak ggo chi(chicken on a stick) to name but a few. You can have a feast for just 2000 won/1.6 USD per person.
Yes. Seoul is a big built up city but they have made an effort to preserve and create nature friendly places. You will notice there’s a big river in the middle of the city called Han River. Recently renewed, both sides of the river amazing parks. Large grass fields, a running track, bicycle friendly roads and trees everywhere. On a sunny day, sit besides the river and just enjoy the view.
If you look at a map of Korea, or Seoul, you will notice a lot of narrow contours. Yes Korea is a Mountainous country. Seoul is no exception. Hiking is very popular in Korea and you can guess why!
Seoul N Tower, located at the top of 
Festivals are a great way to have fun for free! Seoul has many festivals almost every month. Various themes, organizations and goals. There’s the 
Seoul Metro is very clean, cheap and convenient. You can go out of Seoul by the Metro too. The metro system has so many lines so it can be really confusing to use. Directions can be tricky but once you figure out the system then the subway is the best way to get around Seoul. It’s usually 1000 won per one way ticket but it changes according to distance.
Traditional markets are a big part of Korean life. In the traditional markets you can get a much cheaper price than in stores. Koreans always like bargain prices. 
If you’ve now done all of the above what else should you do? I recommend you visit these places again at night! For example, Cheonggye cheon is a beautiful stream that is nice to relax and walk around, right? It is still beautiful at night as well, but has different a vibe. Roads and waters shine by beautiful lights and make a wonderful night time view.