North Travel Guide

Get ready to explore the best of North, South Korea with our travel guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, find everything that you need to plan your trip.


Introduction to North

Situated in the Gyeonggi province of South Korea, North is a bustling city that is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and exciting activities. With plenty of attractions to explore, visitors to North can look forward to a fun-filled and memorable trip.

List of Places to Visit in North

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

North is home to several cultural attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and heritage. Some of the must-visit museums and historical places in North are:

  • Korean Folk Village: This open-air museum showcases the traditional way of life in Korea and features over 260 houses from various regions of the country.

  • Unhyeongung Palace: Once the residence of Prince Regent Daewon-gun, this stunning palace dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.

  • Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra: Music lovers must not miss a chance to attend a concert by the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, which is known for its world-class performances.

Natural Attractions of North: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, North offers plenty of options for outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty. Some of the best places to explore in North are:

  • Mount Dobong: With its scenic trails and breathtaking views, a hike up Mount Dobong is a must-do activity in North.

  • Haengju Sanseong Fortress: This ancient fortress offers a glimpse into North’s military history and boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Paju Bookcity: Known as the “city of books,” Paju Bookcity is home to numerous publishing houses and offers visitors a unique and immersive literary experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North

North is a haven for hikers and bikers, and there are several routes to explore in the city. Some of the most popular hiking/biking trails in North are:

  • Ungilsan Mountain Hiking Course: This 12-kilometer course offers stunning views of North and leads to the summit of Ungilsan.

  • Paju-Pocheon Trail: This 66-kilometer biking trail connects North’s Paju Bookcity with Pocheon City and offers riders breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in North: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring cultural attractions, North offers a range of other activities that visitors can enjoy. Some of the best things to do in North are:

  • Watch a NANTA show: This non-verbal live performance features cooking, percussion, and comedy and is a must-watch for visitors to North.

  • Visit a traditional market: North’s traditional markets offer a glimpse into the city’s culinary culture and offer visitors a chance to try local delicacies.

  • Take a DMZ tour: A tour of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea is a unique and memorable experience that visitors must not miss.

Week-Long Itinerary for North

To make the most of your trip to North, we recommend the following week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Korean Folk Village and Unhyeongung Palace
Day 2 Hike up Mount Dobong and visit Haengju Sanseong Fortress
Day 3 Visit the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra and watch a NANTA show
Day 4 Take a DMZ tour and explore Paju Bookcity
Day 5 Bike along the Paju-Pocheon Trail and visit a traditional market
Day 6 Admire the views at the Gongju National Museum
Day 7 Explore North’s culinary scene and shop for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of North

No trip to North is complete without trying the city’s delicious food and drinks. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in North are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bibimbap: This Korean rice dish is a popular and healthy meal that is made with mixed vegetables and seasoned meat.

  • Japchae: This dish is made with sweet potato noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and meat or tofu, and is a North Korean favorite.

  • Tteokbokki: This spicy rice cake dish is a popular street food in North and can be found in most traditional markets.

Local Beverages

  • Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine that is known for its refreshing taste and low alcohol content.

  • Soju: A clear, distilled spirit that is widely consumed in Korea and is known for its smooth texture.

  • Bokbunja: A type of Korean blackberry wine that is sweet and fruity and is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

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

North offers plenty of options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay in North are:

  • Lotte Hotel: Located in the heart of North, this luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the city and world-class amenities.

  • Seoul City Hostel: This affordable and centrally located hostel offers clean and comfortable accommodation for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.

  • Mr. Kim’s Guesthouse: This family-run guesthouse offers visitors a homely and welcoming atmosphere and is a great option for those who want to experience Korean hospitality.

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

From traditional handicrafts to modern gadgets, North offers a range of souvenirs and local products for visitors to bring home. Some of the best things to buy in North are:

  • Traditional Korean Hanbok: This iconic Korean attire is perfect for those who want to take a piece of Korean culture back home.

  • Korean Ginseng: Known for its medicinal properties, Korean ginseng is a popular souvenir that is available in most traditional markets in North.

  • Korean Beauty Products: From sheet masks to skincare serums, Korean beauty products are known for their high quality and effectiveness and make for a great souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of North

North is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique customs, and visitors should make an effort to learn about and respect these customs. Some of the most important cultural practices in North are:

  • Respect for elders: In Korean culture, respecting elders is important, and visitors should make an effort to show respect to older people they meet.

  • Removing shoes indoors: It is customary to remove shoes when entering a Korean home, temple, or traditional restaurant.

  • Eating with chopsticks: Koreans traditionally eat with metal chopsticks, which are longer and flatter than the wooden chopsticks commonly used in other Asian countries.

Best Time to Visit North

The best time to visit North is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in North can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of North

Do:

  • Learn some Korean: Learning a few basic Korean phrases can go a long way in making your trip to North more enjoyable and immersive.

  • Try the street food: North’s street food scene is one of the best in Korea, and visitors should make an effort to try some of the local delicacies.

  • Be respectful: Korean culture places a strong emphasis on respect, and visitors should make an effort to be respectful towards locals and their customs.

Don’t:

  • Visit North without travel insurance: Like any other destination, North can be unpredictable, and visitors should ensure that they have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events.

  • Disrespect the culture: Visitors should avoid disrespecting Korean culture, including throwing away chopsticks or speaking loudly in public places.

  • Be late: Koreans place a high value on punctuality, and visitors should make an effort to be on time for appointments or meetings.

Safety and Health

Safety in North

Overall, North is a safe and friendly destination for travelers. Visitors should take standard precautions, such as not carrying valuables in crowded areas and being aware of their surroundings at all times.

Health in North

North has excellent healthcare facilities that offer high-quality medical services. However, visitors should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies they may encounter.

Getting to North: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North

The nearest airport to North is Incheon International Airport, which is located approximately 60 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a bus or a train to reach North.

Bus Stations Near North

North is well-connected by bus, and visitors can take a bus from most major cities in South Korea to reach the city. The nearest bus station to North is Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach North by train or by renting a car.

How to Get Around in North

North is well-connected by public transport, including buses and trains, making it easy for visitors to get around the city. Taxis are also readily available and are a convenient option for those who prefer private transport.

Where to Go Next from North: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions from North include:

  • Seoul: South Korea’s vibrant capital is just a short bus or train ride away from North and offers visitors a range of attractions, including historic palaces, modern skyscrapers, and delicious food.

  • The DMZ: The demilitarized zone between North and South Korea is a popular destination for visitors, with tours available that offer a glimpse into the unique political situation in the region.

  • Pyeongchang: This winter sports destination is home to some of the best ski resorts in Korea and is a great option for those who want to hit the slopes during their trip to North.

Conclusion

With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and exciting activities, North is a must-visit destination for travelers to South Korea. Whether you’re hiking up Mount Dobong or exploring North’s vibrant food scene, you’re sure to have a fun-filled and memorable trip.

View from Bukhan mountain towards Seoul View from Bukhan mountain towards Seoul