There was an error submitting your subscription. Korea’s massive public bathhouses aren’t glamourous, but they’re certainly an experience for those brave enough to strip down to their altogether. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. My fondest memories as an expat living in South Korea were undoubtedly late, boozy nights with good friends. It’s definitely got a charm all of its own. A place of sublime serenity, Damyang (not to be confused with Danyang) is close to Gwangju’s transport hub, making it an easy day trip from almost anywhere. I find South Korea is very rarely on people’s radars, so it’s nice to read that I’ve given you some motivation to someday explore the Land of the Morning Calm. Two hiking trails are available and take around 40 minutes to climb it. There are a variety of tour operators offering trips to the Demilitiarized Zone, but only the USO DMZ Tour takes you into the infamous ‘Blue Room’ in which you can stand in both South Korea and North Korea at the same time. Insider’s Tip: Be sure to bring your passport while visiting DMZ, you will need to present it to the UN military personnel before and after the tour. Home to more than 800 traditional Hanok style homes, this section of the otherwise modern village is a popular tourist attraction with those wanting to see Korea as it was prior to the last century. While it has seen hard use over the centuries (especially during the Korean War), it remains as one of Korea’s most beloved historic sites. While in South Korea you can indulge in some of the tasty treats like bulgogi, japchae, and gomguk along with a variety of traditional banchan dishes such as flavoured kimchi, bap (rice) and gogumasun namul (sweet potato shoots). There is so much to see and do there – and the food. There is a South Korean festival for almost every occasion, and they offer a great chance to immerse yourself in local culture that you won’t get just wandering the usual tourist trail. It’s 2018 and South Korea hit the international stage by hosting the incredible Winter Olympics and Winter Paraolympics in Pyeongchang! Temple stays are becoming very common in South Korea. The mixture of ancient and present-day culture permeates through the busy streets whether you want to shop, visit a palace or take a bicycle ride through the countryside. Thanks for subscribing. While most people visiting South Korea typically go to the DMZ which marks the boundary between North and South Korea. An impressive example of Imperial Korea, the vast fortress in Suwon was constructed in the 1700s as part of a mooted plan to relocate the Korean capital away from Seoul. Kind of. I really enjoyed it, snipers and all. But after watching a lot of KDramas, I really want to explore more of it especially during autumn. South Korea bans activists from flying propaganda balloons to North. The sunrise from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is magnificent especially during springtime. After seeing your pics, especially of the blossoms and the lantern fest, I really want to go. While we’re sure you’re reading this because you want to travel around and see exciting places, but one of the must things to do in South Korea is to see the street artists perform on Insa Dong Street in Seoul. Many people visiting Seoul will set-out on foot to experience the sights and sounds of this chic urban city. Segregated by gender, these 24-hour bathhouses have saunas, lockers, public baths, sleeping rooms, and (in some cases) a variety of other entertainments. – by Daehee Won from One Day Korea, No matter when you visit South Korea, there are always new and exciting things to see and do. Built originally as a government building for the government-in-exile in China, the Independence Hall was relocated to Cheonan in Korea after the nation was liberated from its Japanese invaders. A massive parkland that well and truly lives up to its ‘Grand’ title, Seoul Grand Park is an excellent addition to a family trip to Seoul. South Korea is well known for the nation’s love of shopping, and Seoul is the undisputed capital when it comes to shopping. 1. A bit less well-known secret is that there are long stretches of tunnels underground which were made by the North Koreans near Panmunjom. This resort is home to 211 rooms, 6 restaurants, a rotating lounge with a 360 view of the ocean, a glass floor observation deck overlooking crashing waves below and is situated next to a sculpture garden that you can wander through during the evening while enjoying the sunset. During your stay you can meditate with the monks, learn more about Buddhism and talk philosophy with the monks over a nice cup of tea. Perhaps it’s because my interest to visit South Korea was prompted more by my parents visit there when I was just ten. The cherry blossoms each spring are just lovely, and the fall colours in places like Seoraksan are amazing too. A post shared by Aussie on the Road (@aussieontheroad). The Korean War doesn’t get as much international recognition as The Vietnam War or even the Gulf War, but it’s very much a part of the fabric of the nation. Below is a list of some of the most important items to bring with you to make the transition to Korean life a bit smoother. It’s a must-visit on your 7 day Korea itinerary. If baseball isn’t your thing (and I can’t blame you), the K-League is one for Europeans who love the round ball game. Insanely choreographed dance routines, screaming fans, and frustratingly catchy tunes make for an unforgettable night out. Few places epitomise the beauty of tea plantations quite like Boseong, located just outside of Gwangju in the nation’s south. This is a must-see side trip with it’s hundreds of traditional Korean houses called “hanok”. Don’t take my word for it – check out the picture above and let it do the convincing! Ten years later and they’ve been back multiple times and are already planning their next big trip. At almost two kilometres in length, the Hallyeosudo Cable Car is Korea’s longest cable car and provides heart-stopping views of the nearby Hallyeo Maritime National Park. You can visit on your own but we recommend that you take a guided tour of the DMZ. Ranking of the top 11 things to do in Seoul. It’s in these alleys that you’ll see the true local experience with a mother hand washing her clothes, children playing in the streets, and their grandparents silently watching over each neighborhood. Each temple has unique tributes to Buddha that include statues, meditation halls and ceremonial tearooms. I was never a huge fan of Insadong, but I’ve actually worked it in in place of Gangnam haha. This dormant volcano is the backbone of the island and soars 1,950 meters above sea level. South Korea fascinates me. Not only do they have great street artists, but there is also a great mix of old and new Korean culture including cafes, restaurants, and shops selling authentic souvenirs. Korean history might not be as well known as Chinese or even Japanese history, but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating. Koreans love their barbeque and kimchi (fermented cabbage) is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity item. Now that I have traveled the country extensively, this is my list of top things to do in South Korea. At the end of the day, this is one for the young and the young at heart and is a must if you’re in Korea in July. Insider’s tips: The best way to get a feel for the daily life in Seoul is to walk around in your free time. This is a fabulous list Chris! Food is such a huge part of any country’s culture, and Korea is a nation that loves a good meal. Situated on 40 hectares, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is composed of fourteen restored buildings that include the king’s main living quarters, Gangnyeongjeon. There’s a whole mythology behind the event that I won’t go into here, but if making the pilgrimage between two obscure islands with a few thousand of your closest friends isn’t on your bucket list, I’m not sure I want to know you. Check out this list of things to do in Seoul if you don’t believe me. We have reviews of the best places to see in South Korea. Likewise, South Korea’s vibrant and quirky culture doesn’t get the same international coverage than that of their former conquerors, Japan. 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