Top 10 Things to Do in South Korea

For many travelers, South Korea is an undeniable heaven. It is so beautiful that many believe that setting foot on the wonderful Land of the Morning Calm is a panacea. Exaggerated, but to a lot of travelers, it is true. It is just difficult not to buy a ticket to South Korea when you know you can.


Others may contradict the idea, though, and say that the country is not as exciting as the others. But this is not necessarily true. Here are the top 10 exciting things you can do in order to make the most out of your Korean trip.

1. Try the street food

source: pigpigscorner.com : Street Food in Seoul

Whether you are on an all-out or budget trip, you are mandated to eat street food if you wish to amplify your experience. Visit those tent-like stalls and try the different Korean delicacies like ddeokbokki (rice cake), sundae (Korean blood sausage), kimbap (rice roll), odeng (fish cakes), mandu (dumpling), and more. Drink soju with it and you are in for a very unforgettable night!

Kimbap



Odeng

Mandu

  source: My Korean Kitchen

Soju

  source: TriFood- Soju: Korean Alcohol

2. Visit the jimjilbang

Jimjilbang

source: Coffee Helps - Jimjilbangs

One of the most interesting parts of Korean culture is the public sauna. It is a place where people stay to relax, sleep and bond with friends or families. Don’t think that it’s only the old people who come here! Even the young ones are fascinated with the goodness this paradise provides! While at it, don’t forget to eat hard-boiled eggs and drink sikhye. That’s the culture there!


3. Lock the love up!

Locks of Love at Seoul Tower

source: sammiejayy.tumblr.com

This particularly applies if you will travel to Seoul with a loved one. Visit the Seoul Tower with a padlock and lock it up with the thousand others. Many, especially the young ones, believe that if you put a padlock there and throw the key away, you and your partner will be together forever. Mushy, isn’t it?


4. Enjoy the night life at Itaewon

Nightlife at Hongdae (Club Cocoon)

 source: Seoul Grid - Club Cocoon

Hongdae is a signature nightlife destination, but sometimes, it gets too crowded. If you’re not for the long lines, you could go to the clubs in Itaewon. Same environment, same adventure, same fun!


5. Jog along the Han River at the break of dawn

The nightlife in Seoul is extremely fascinating and appealing, that it will eventually make you sleep until noontime the following day. But try hard to combat the hangover and wake up early to see the tranquil atmosphere of the city at daytime. Jog along the peaceful Han River together with many locals and find out how many Koreans keep their bodies fit and healthy.


6. Walk/cycle around town

source: Cycle Seoul

Forget the taxis, buses and trains. Explore the city in a manual way. Whether you walk or you use a bicycle, it doesn’t matter. What is important is that you can easily stop and snap a photo of an interesting place. The public transportation is too fast for you to get a view of how the city really is. Take your time.


7. Visit the palaces

 source: Eastbound88: The Royal Palaces in Seoul

Modernism is rampant in Seoul and it is very much evident with the many skyscrapers around. So stride down the other road and go for a cultural trip. Visit the Five Grand Palaces around the city and transport yourself to the colorful and imposing past of the nation.

These are:

Gyeong-bok-gung

 Gyeong-bok-gung (경복궁/景福宮), the Main Palace

Chang-deok-gung

Chang-deok-gung (창덕궁/昌德宮), the Most Favored Palace by the Dynasty

Chang-gyeong-gung

Chang-gyeong-gung (창경궁/昌慶宮)

Deok-su-gung

Deok-su-gung (덕수궁/德壽宮)

Gyeong-hui-gung

Gyeong-hui-gung (경희궁/慶熙宮)

8. Sing your heart out at a noraebang

A noraebang is a karaoke room, which you will certainly enjoy. Designed like a cozy living room, more are installed with simple disco lights, maracas/tambourines, and colorful wigs, it is surely a place where you will feel very elated to test your singing skills. Just make sure that you can read Korean because most of the songs are in the local language.


9. Get out of the capital city

Busan Beach

South Korea is not just Seoul, as Seoul is not entirely South Korea. There are more beautiful places that everybody must discover in this country. The high-speed railway system will certainly bring you to different provinces in few hours. Don’t miss the chance. Recommended destinations are Gyeonggi, Kangwon, and Busan.


10. Go hiking

source: RipCitytoSeoul.com - Best Sight Seeing Spots in Korea

Most Koreans love hiking, and for sure, you will enjoy it too because you will be exposed to a breathtaking nature scenery. It is such a good resort if you want to escape the typical urban; and it earns you bragging rights when you complete a trek.

There are so many things to do to stay out of the norm and still enjoy your trip to this exhilarating city. So what are you waiting for? Grab that cheap air ticket to Seoul now and experience the best Asian trip you can ever get.


Related Reads:
* Travel Guide to South Korea
* Where to Find Halal Food in South Korea
* Things to Remember When in South Korea
 

10 Beautiful Places in Seoul

Seoul is undeniably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Home to quirky cafés and extravagant culture, it is a city where dreams come true. It features a variety of magnificence exemplified by almost everything one gets to see around; and for these beauties, people can't help to tour around Seoul.

When visiting this wonderful city, there are a few mandatory stops to complete your trip. Here is the list:

1. Dongdaemun Market

Since 1905, Dongdaemun Market has been a constant venue for cheap shopping in Seoul. The huge market covers a total of 10 city blocks, featuring tens of thousands of shops and boutiques selling almost everything you could imagine. Dining establishments are abundant. You should not miss the quirky cafés.


2. Admiral Yi Sun Shin Statue

Located in the middle of Jongno-gu, Admiral Yi Sun Shin Statue is basically a park that features water fountains. Tourists love the place not just for its beauty but also because it is near almost everything. You can even play around fountains and get wet, like the children.


3. Namsan Park

It is like criminal to not visit Namsan Park when in Seoul. It is a very beautiful place, exuding so much tranquility and romance. People can easily convene with nature when there, and just get away from everything else in the city. It has the Namsan Tower which people can visit for an unblocked view of the wondrous Seoul cityscape. Many people come to the park at night, especially when the tower is colorfully lighted.


4. Changdeokgung Palace

This brilliant palace complex was built during the 15th century under the orders of Emperor Taejong. It displays the royal beauty of Far Eastern architecture and is currently identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Metro Seoul, along with Jongmyo Shrine.


5. Gyeongbok Palace

During the Joseon Dynasty, grand palaces were built. Five of which stands strong and splendid up to now. Serving as the crown jewel among the five is the Gyeongbok Palace. Since 1934, it has been exuding the royal feel, with a huge courtyard, beautiful gardens and the National Folk Museum inside.


6. Insadong

When you wish to visit the cultural district of Seoul, go to Insadong. There can be found streets brimming with stalls and boutiques selling antiques and artworks made by Korean artists. Cafés will never leave the scene, of course.


7. Lotte World

A very extravagant amusement park, Lotte World is definitely a place to be especially when you availed cheap flights to Seoul with the whole family. Rides are definitely adventurous and fun. Lotte World also has the largest indoor skating rink in the country. If lucky, you could even spot celebrities having fun or shooting shows there.


8. National Museum of Korea

Renowned as one of the best museums in capital cities, the National Museum of Korea will take you to an impressive journey down the memory lane as you step around its corridors, marveling on its wide collections of artworks and antiques, passed onto different generations.


9. Han River

The banks of Han River are like the most accessible venue for free relaxation. Although it could be quite crowded at times, it is a perfect place to just laze around, jog, or go biking. Usually, couples visit the place because of its romantic appeal. The river and the view of the city lights are impressive.


10. Cheonggye Stream

Once an ordinary body of water, Cheonggye Stream is now transformed to an impressive tourist attraction in Seoul. The water kept on running but pavements were built in order for people to walk along it, and just relax. During the night, it brightens up because of the colorful installations around.

Seoul is such an exciting city to be disregarded. It is something you should not miss for anything else. So if cheap flights to Seoul are made available, grab it. Don’t let a wonderful opportunity pass you by.


Related Reads:
* Five Top Places to See Which Not All Tour Packages to Seoul Will Bring You To
* Heritage Sites in South Korea