SOUTH KOREA
WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH KOREA?
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Despite becoming more and more popular, South Korea remains a small country little known to Westerners. Often confused with its neighbor, North Korea, the country of Morning Calm has nothing to do with a dictatorship and is even one of the most modern countries in the world.
Lovers of architecture, new technologies and pop culture, the audacity shown by Koreans can be seen in many ways. Even if it is less eccentric than Japan, this small country contains an immense creativity and is always at the forefront of innovation whether in gastronomy, fashion, cosmetics or the entertainment with its famous K-Pop culture.
In this deluge of modernity, tradition has survived; Korea has many temples and historic remains, many of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Even if you tend to think only of the urban aspect of Seoul, you only have to travel a few kilometers to discover a more rural, “natural”, authentic Korea.
Here is our take on the 10 best places to visit in South Korea:
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1. Visit, Seoul, the exciting capital of South Korea
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The third most populous megalopolis in the world after Tokyo and Mexico, it would be unthinkable not to speak of the vibrant South Korean capital: Seoul. Located in the northwest, this huge 605 km² city is is the heart of the country. It is a resolutely young and particularly festive city where many Koreans come to study or find professional opportunities. Indeed, the most famous Korean universities are all in the capital. Yonsei, Sogang, or the very architectural Ewha Women University, make the reputation of the country and attract students from all over the world.
In Seoul, it’s quite funny to see how homogeneous the population of a neighborhood can be. Thus, Hongdae (one of our favorite area in Seoul to hangout and have a coffee in the afternoon) and Sinchon are mainly frequented by young students who like going out after classes. Myeongdong is a shopping district, where you can finds mainly clothes, cosmetics and K-pop goodies. In Gangnam and Apgujeong, the chic and upscale districts of the capital, you will come across many locals with perfect plastic surgery (and often redone :-) ) looking for the latest fashion accessory. Not far from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Insadong district mixes genres a little more and offers a more traditional view of Korea.
Seoul is also a cultural and artistic capital. Whether traditional or contemporary, many museums and art galleries are worth a look. We can cite the National Museum of Korea, SEMA, or LEEUM. Without forgetting the dizzying Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an artistic complex with the appearance of a flying saucer absolutely unique of its kind!
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We wrote another full post about Seoul, check it out here:
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To make your life easier on public transport, do not hesitate to acquire a transport card as soon as you arrive at the airport in one of the many terminals available. T-Money, for example, can be used in Seoul as well as Busan, or in the province of Gyeonggi-do.
2. Visit the coastal city of Busan
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Located in the southeast of the country, with its 3.7 million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. Known to be more "relaxed" than the capital, it offers a panorama conducive to holidays and idleness. On the program in this port city: shopping, festive evenings by the sea, hikes, sunbathing on the hot sand and surfing!
The largest beach, but also the most popular is that of Haeundae. Search "Haeundae in summer" in Google, to see the human craziness... thousands of people head to this famous beach. So we highly recommend to avoid this beach if you want to have a relaxing time on the beach in the summer... See here.
So if you are looking for a quiet place? Direction the beach of Songjeong or that of Gwangalli from which you can admire the Gwangan bridge which lights up at nightfall.
For a more traditional atmosphere, visit Nampo-dong and the Jagalchi market, or stop at Beomeosa temple located at the foot of Mount Geumjeongsan. You can also visit the famous Gamcheon Culture Village formed by houses on a side of hill in many different color. A must-see in Busan and good instagram moment.
Busan is an ideal destination for city dwellers looking for clean air. Many festivals and sporting events take place each year on the beaches. Unlike Seoul, which very quickly westernized, Busan has managed to maintain a very Korean borrowing. Few foreigners have settled there.
Hey there !
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We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple who loves traveling and always being on new adventures !
We would like to share with you some of our top 10 things to do in the places we've visited or lived in for a while.
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Like everyone else who is going to new places, we always wonder what are the best things to do. For that purpose, we've compiled a list of 10 best things to do in some of our favorite places on earth.
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The big advantage of Busan is its particularly mild climate all year round: for example 7°C in winter against -15°C in Seoul. This could be an aspect to take into account depending on your dates of stay and your planned sighseeing route.
3. Visit many World Heritage Wonders in Jeju Island
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Jeju, or the island of a 1,001 wonders, is one of the many wonders listed as World Heritage by Unesco. This unspoiled setting of greenery is a destination not to be missed during your stay as the beauty of its landscapes is breathtaking. This small natural volcanic island was created following the eruption of Mount Hallasan, the highest peak in Korea. Too get there, hop on an hour flight from Seoul or Busan and head to Jeju.
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Victim of its crazy success, the beautiful Jeju Island attracts more than 4 million visitors a year, the vast majority of whom are Koreans. It is a preferred destination for couples and especially honeymooners who often choose it as their honeymoon destination.
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The subtropical climate of this island is pleasant all year round, never freezing in winter nor stifling in summer. As you can see, Jeju Island is a small tropical paradise where you can stroll in good company. Most of the activities are therefore linked to the exploration of its land and to wonder. Jeju is home to many art museums like the National Museum of Jeju, but also, less commonly, an erotic museum, Jeju Love Land, and its park of very daring sculptures. The largest aquarium in Asia is also located there: the Hanwha Aqua Planet.
But if you fly to Jeju, it is above all to enjoy the natural wonders offered by this exceptional place: beaches, volcanoes, natural parks, caves, and hiking trails will delight nature lovers. The Gwaneum Temple is a gateway to the venerable Hallasan Mountain. Byeoldobong Peak and its "whale cave" pave the way for one of the island's most beautiful hikes on the Jang-su trail, along the vertiginous cliffs. As for the Suwolbong peak, it is a perfect spot to admire the sunset. Lots of poetry in a sumptuous landscapes ...
4. Go Surf in Gangneung!
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Surf in Korea?! Yup, we are not joking, it is possible to surf in Korea, in the beautiful coast of the Gangwon region. You'll be surprised...
Along the coast of Gangwon region, the small town of Gangneung is definitely worth a look. With more than 210,000 inhabitants, and covering an area of ​​1,040 km², Gangneung is renowned for its history, its culture and its beaches with turquoise waters. It is often from Gangneung that we receive the first pictures taken during the first sunrise of the year. Gangneung is famous not only for its beautiful beaches which you can enjoy delicious seafood, but also for its incredible museum of modern art, the Haslla Art World, and its sculpture park. All overlooking the sea.
During the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city hosted ice hockey, curling, and skating. It also housed the athletes' village and the press center. If you have car we strongly advise recommend to drive along the coast of Gangneung. You can stop at Judko Beach and Surfyy Beach to catch a few waves. You can rent the surfboard and wetsuit in the many rental shop along the beach.
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Other things to do around Gangneung:
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- Jeongdongjin Beach and Sun Cruise Resort: The beach is not very large, but really beautiful and clear blue water and nice sands. In the distance, the emblematic Jeongdongjin hotel boats are replicas of existing cruise ships. Perched on the cliff, it looks like it's ready to go to sea. The official summer beach season begins at the beginning of July, but it is possible to swim in the clear and turquoise waters from June. However, the Koreans are wisely waiting for the official opening of the beaches, and if you venture into the water, you will be the only one :-) In summer, the beaches in Gangneung can get pretty crowded as they are among the most beautiful on the peninsula.
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- The Seongyojang residence. Having belonged to a wealthy family who came to settle in Gangneung over 300 years ago, the Seongyojang residence is perfectly located: a water point at the front - Gyeongpo Lake - and mountains at the 'back. The site is very well preserved, and is part of the national cultural heritage of South Korea. It has hosted many poets and artists during the Joseon Dynasty, and it continues to host artistic and literary events. The residence has always been the largest in size, just after the royal palaces. It has several buildings, each with a specific function, and the houses with tiled roofs coexist with those made of earth and straw.
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-Anmok beach and its cafes: before getting to the beach you will be surrounded of a beautiful pine forest. Pine Forest is the translation of "Gangneung". Near Anmok beach, you will be able to drink some of the best coffess in Korea. The baristas offer high quality of coffee and setting can be ultra modern and unique. The best known are Bossanova (with a super roof terrace), Kikrus, America, Santorini. There is also a coffee museum in Gangneung. Without forgetting that the city organizes each year in October, since 2009, the coffee festival!
5. Go shred some snow in Pyeongchang
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Located in the northeast of the country, the mountainous Gangwon region oscillates between sea and mountain, and enjoys one of the most spectacular panoramas in the country. Cradle of the 2018 Olympic Games, Pyeongchang District is a prime location for winter sports enthusiasts. The stations of Yongpyong, Pheonix and Alpensia are the most popular there. Mount Seoraksan, very popular with hikers, stretches throughout the province and offers a breathtaking panorama of the region.
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Here are our top recommendations of things to do around Peyongchang, one of our favorite area in Korea:
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- Hike Seroaksan mountain:
Seoraksan National Park is for us the most beautiful park in South Korea. And we must not be the only one to think so... Located in the northeast of the country, near the city of Sokcho, this is clearly a must-see in your to do list in Korea. Seoraksan is the highest massif in the Taebaek Mountains. The Taebaek Mountains range crosses the Korean peninsula from north to south along its east coast. However, hiking Mount Seoraksan is not the easiest hike in Korea and reserved for more advanced hikers.
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- Visit Woljeongsa Temple; One of the main things to do in Pyeongchang is definitely to visit its temples. Woljeongsa is one of the 24 main temples in South Korea. It is located in the village of Jinbu, on the slopes of Mount Odae, in the heart of a forest. A truly magical sight!
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- Daegwanryeong Samyang Farm: To get away from it all and get a breath of fresh air, nothing beats Daegwanryeong Samyang Farm. Located in Gangwon Province in Pyeongchang, Daegwanryeong Samyang Farm welcomes sheep and cows of the Holstein breed. Open to everyone, the farm allows you to pet the animals, leave with a few fresh products and fully relax while enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains. A unique experience, we loved it. The day we went there is was snowing heavily, making the entire farm look so beautiful and pristine. A great experience.
We wrote another full post about the best ski resorts in South Korea, check it out here:
6. Go back in time in Jeonju Hanok village
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Go back in time for a day at Jeonju Hanok village in Jeonju cit. It is a village that is home to over 800 hanoks, the traditional Korean houses. People still live in this homes. But that's not all, hanoks also serve as restaurants, cafes and shops.
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After contemplating the village, the first thing we did was to look for a restaurant that serves bibimbap. Indeed, in addition to its beautiful hanoks, Jeonju is very well known for this dish. It’s one of their specialties. This is rice accompanied by vegetables and sometimes meat, among other things, with sesame oil.
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Another sight workth a visit is The Gyeonggijeon Shrine which was erected in 1410 to preserve the royal portrait of King Taejo (1335-1408). Inside there is the museum of the royal portrait and also an exhibition called Jeonju Sago retracing the history of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910 ).
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Jeolla province:
Jeonju is located in the Jeolla province which is worth to explore further, Jeolla is one of the oldest provinces in Korea. It is particularly known for its refined and generous gastronomy. Although Korean meals are already known as hearty, Jeolla's dishes are even more so ! They are described as richer and more varied. Explore Jeolla province, to find something authentic and have a real cultural experience, off the beaten track. There are simple activities like taking a walk in nature or on the beach, or watching a sunset at the top of a cliff. A pleasant destination, without fuss, ideal for a small Zen weekend.
7. Get some thrills at the North Korean border called the DMZ
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The 235-kilometer demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries has become a tourist attraction, especially as this No Man’s Land has been colonized by flora and fauna of great interest. It is however only possible to access it by an organized excursion, which will take you to visit the key points along the area. From the observatories, you may have the chance to observe deer, which take advantage of this natural environment. There is also a more comprehensive tour, which includes the UN-managed JSA (Joint Security Area) which takes you inside the area. You can get there by bus from Seoul, it's a full day trip.
8. Visit the charming city of Gyeongju
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When you come to visit South Korea, it is important to know the main lines of its history. The charming city of Gyeongju, not far from the coast, to the southeast, is perfect for soaking up Korean culture. Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom for 1,000 years, between 57 BC and 935 AD, and preserved many monuments of its glorious period. While it has only 270,000 inhabitants today it had 1 Million at that time, that is to say the importance of this city! A lot of things from that time have survived and Geyongju has 4 World Heritage sites… not bad for a single city…
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You can discover most of the main monuments in a beautiful green park which also includes a museum. A little further, you can see one of the oldest observatories in the world, dating from the 7th century. Donggun Palace at the edge of the Anapji pond is also worth a visit.
9. Visit the very old village of Hahoe
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Another charming place to visit in South Korea, is the city of Andong located in the center-east. First go to the top of Buyongdae cliff, for a panoramic view of the village, then continue to Hahoe, a historic village dating from the 14th century and remained as it was at the time. Nestled in-between different rivers, surrounded by fields and mountains, it is spectacular! In the spring and fall, it lights up with the colors of the flowers and leafs. Stroll through the narrow streets, enter the traditional houses still inhabited and enjoy very colorful folk parades.
10. Have a romantic stroll in Nami Island
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Nami Island is a small island located in the middle of the Han River in Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, which is 65 km from Seoul. The island itself is not very large, but there are a lot of things to see. You can spend a wonderful and relaxing day a Nami island (given that there isn't too many tourist that day). The place is extremely famous for its Autumn colors. It is also possible to rent bicycles (5,000 KRW for 1 hour). Otherwise, it is perfectly pleasant to walk around the island and being surrounded by all these trees which are indeed very beautiful.
South Korea is a country to discover! Often forgotten, this distant land claims a strong identity and only begs to be better known. Deeply affected by the Korean War (1950-1953), the Koreans have retained this stoicism and combativeness that enabled them to survive and rebuild an entire country, today one of the most developed and modern in the world!
Koreans are particularly obsessed with excellence both in study and at work, but also in physical appearance which heavily promotes professional and social success. The subway are covered with advertisements promoting the merits of cosmetic surgery and encouraging Koreans to go under the knife “for a better life”. An aspect that can sometimes surprise or even shock.
Even though it is a country still little frequented by Westerners, the major Korean cities are particularly well equipped to welcome tourists from all over the world. It would be wrong to say that all Koreans speak English, but this is often the case for students who learn it very early at school. In the metro, stations and airports, signs are always transcribed in English in addition to the local alphabet.
Regarding gastronomy, Korean food is very healthy and low in calories, Koreans particularly like to eat meat. Be careful, however, if you can't stand spicy food because most local dishes are.
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About us
Hey there !
​
We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple who loves traveling and always being on new adventures !
We would like to share with you some of our top 10 things to do in the places we've visited or lived in for a while.
​
Like everyone else who is going to new places, we always wonder what are the best things to do. For that purpose, we've compiled a list of 10 best things to do in some of our favorite places on earth.
Follow our travels on instagram
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