Korea Travel Guide (East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Korea

Korea is a fascinating country located in East Asia. Blessed with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, it attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world. Some of the top attractions in Korea include historical sites and museums, outdoor adventures, and unique culinary experiences.

If you are planning a trip to Korea, this comprehensive travel guide will help you discover the best places to see and things to do. From hiking and biking routes to local dishes you must try, this guide covers everything you need to know.

List of Places to Visit in Korea

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Korea has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and you can discover it by visiting museums and historical sites. The following are some of the most important ones:

Gyeongbokgung Palace: A stunning royal palace in Seoul, built in the 14th century.
Changdeokgung Palace: Another royal palace in Seoul, known for its beautiful gardens.
National Museum of Korea: A must-visit for history buffs, with exhibits covering Korean art and history.
Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum: Located on Jeju Island, this museum focuses on the island’s culture and natural history.

Natural Attractions of Korea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Korea is home to many stunning natural attractions that offer opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the best ones include:

Seoraksan National Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located in the north-eastern part of the country. Known for its stunning scenery and hiking trails.
Jeju Island: A volcanic island with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Jirisan National Park: Located in the south, it’s Korea’s largest National Park, filled with incredible hiking, camping, and rock-climbing opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Korea

For outdoor enthusiasts, Korea offers a vast network of hiking and biking trails that traverse all its major natural attractions. Here are some of the best ones:

Taebaeksan Mountain: A challenging hiking trail that offers stunning views of the Taebaek Mountains.
Namiseom Island: A picturesque bike ride where you can take in the stunning views of the island’s natural beauty.
The Nakdong River Trail: A 280km biking trail that runs through the Korean countryside.

Best Things to Do in Korea: Activities and Tours

In Korea, you can experience many unique activities and tours that offer an insight into the country’s culture and traditions. From temple stays to food tours, here are some options to consider:

Temple Stay: A unique opportunity to experience Buddhist culture by staying overnight at a temple.
Korean Food Tour: Korea offers a wide variety of delicious local dishes, and a food tour is an excellent way to try them all.
Nanta Show: This hilarious non-verbal performance combines traditional Korean music and comedy for a night of laughter.

Week-Long Itinerary for Korea

If you are planning a trip to Korea for a week, here is a sample itinerary that covers some of the top attractions:

Day	Activity
1	Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong
2	Explore Jeju Island: visit Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Hyeopjae Beach, and Cheonjeyeon Falls
3	Hike in Seoraksan National Park
4	Visit Changdeokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
5	Try a temple stay at Haein Temple
6	Take a food tour in Busan
7	Relax on the beaches of Sokcho

Food and Drink Scene of Korea

Korean cuisine is famous worldwide for its delicious dishes that are made with a variety of unique, fresh ingredients. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Kimchi: A traditional Korean side dish made with fermented vegetables, such as cabbage or radish.
Bibimbap: A signature Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat, typically served in a hot stone bowl.
Bulgogi: A popular Korean grilled dish made with marinated beef or pork.

Local Beverages

Soju: A distilled alcohol that is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Korea.
Makgeolli: A traditional alcoholic beverage made from rice, with a sweet and sour taste.
Korean green tea: Korea is known for its high-quality green tea, popular with both locals and tourists.

Where to Stay in Korea: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

In Korea, you can find a wide variety of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best:

Hotel Skypark Myeongdong III: A stylish hotel located in the heart of Seoul’s shopping district.
Seoul Guest House: This guest house is known for its friendly staff and affordable rates.
Haevichi Hotel and Resort Jeju: A luxurious resort that overlooks the beautiful South China Sea.

What to Buy in Korea: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Korea is known for its many unique products, and you can find a vast array of souvenirs and local items to bring back home. Some of the best options include:

Korean beauty products: Korea is known for its innovative and high-quality beauty products that are exported worldwide.
Traditional Korean clothing: You can purchase beautiful traditional garments such as hanbok or jeogori, which make for excellent souvenirs.
Korean snacks and sweets: Korean snacks such as chips and biscuits make great gifts to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Korea

Korean culture is rich and unique, with many traditions that are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the most important ones include:

Chuseok: This harvest festival is celebrated in September and is one of the most important holidays in Korea.
Kimjang: Kimjang is a tradition of making kimchi that is shared among family and friends.
Taekwondo: This traditional Korean martial art has become popular worldwide and is known for its disciplined focus and technique.

Best Time to Visit Korea

The best time to visit Korea depends on your travel preferences. Here’s a rundown of the best time to visit based on different interests:

Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking or biking.
Autumn (September-November): Ideal for enjoying Korea’s beautiful foliage and attending local harvest festivals.
Winter (December-February): Ideal for skiing or visiting winter festivals.
Spring (March-May): Ideal for enjoying Korea’s cherry blossom season and attending Holi festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Korea

As a foreigner, you want to be respectful of Korean customs and culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember when in Korea:

Do:

Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or a traditional Korean restaurant.
Use two hands when giving or receiving something.
Learn a few basic Korean phrases, such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye.”

Don’t:

Tip your servers or taxi drivers as it’s considered rude in Korean culture.
Blow your nose in public or use your bare hands to grab food.
Wear revealing or skimpy clothing in public places, such as temples or palaces.

Safety and Health

Korea is a safe and healthy country to travel to. However, it’s always good to take precautions.

Safety in Korea

When using public transportation, keep an eye on your belongings.
Be cautious when walking alone late at night.
Avoid political demonstrations and protests.

Health in Korea

The tap water in Korea is safe to drink.
Mosquitoes can be an issue in the summer months, so make sure to bring mosquito repellent.
Korea is known for its air pollution, so those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

Getting to Korea: Transportation Options and Logistics

Korea is well-connected to the rest of the world through its airports and transportation networks. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Korea

Incheon International Airport: This is the main international airport in Korea, and it’s located near Seoul.
Gimpo International Airport: This airport mainly serves domestic flights and some international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Korea

Seoul Express Bus Terminal: Located in the city center, this bus terminal serves both domestic and international destinations.
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal: Located in the eastern part of Seoul, it serves destinations in the eastern part of the country.

Other Options

Train: Korea has an extensive train network that connects to all major cities and offers high-speed trains.
Ferry: You can take a ferry from Korea to Japan or China.

How to Get Around in Korea

Korea has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trains. Taxis are also readily available and affordable.

Where to Go Next from Korea: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Korea is located in a unique location that makes it easy to explore other nearby countries such as Japan, China, and Taiwan. Here are some destinations to consider:

Tokyo, Japan: Just a two-hour flight from Seoul, Tokyo is known for its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology.
Beijing, China: Experience Chinese culture by visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and other famous landmarks.

Conclusion

Korea is a beautiful country that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, or outdoor activities, this guide has given you ideas for places to visit and things to do. We hope it helps you plan your dream trip to Korea!

Korea Image Gallery

Map of the Korean Peninsula (North & South Korea)

The historical extent of the Korean Goguryeo kingdom reaches far into present day China and Russia

Nighttime on the Korean Peninsula (North & South Korea)

Unified Korean flag used for the Olympics

A selection of Korean Kimchi and other side dishes

Korean Makgeolli rice wine

Panmunjeom