The Best of South Korea

You’ve already read about how tasty South Korean food is, but what else is going on in this small peninsula? Quite a lot in fact, a great combination of nature and man-made attractions. Here’s a sampler set of backdrops that are some of the best spots to visit in South Korea.

Seoul (of course)

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and the largest city, so more than likely you’ll find yourself here at some point during your visit. It’s a bustling place, with a raging bar scene (the Koreans are heavy drinkers against most standards) and the metro area is extremely expensive, so if you’re on a budget be forewarned. It’s craziness and massive sprawl is only surpassed by Tokyo; but it’s an experience not to be missed.

The Namdaemun (also known as the Sungnyemun) is a historic gate that was one of Seoul’s most gorgeous structures, particularly striking at night with the backdrop of water fountains and skyscrapers. The neighboring market of the same name is also a great stop to watch the hurried activity of shoppers and browsers. Unfortunately, the gate was nearly destroyed by arson last year – so the gate is looking quite sad and poignant at the moment.

If you can’t find what you need in the markets, head for Myeongdong, Seoul’s shopping district. It’s a bit difficult to describe – something akin to Las Vegas, but shops instead of casinos. There are department stores as well as street vendors, so it has a strange mix of options. Needless to say, if you can’t find it here, you probably didn’t look hard enough.

Lastly, don’t miss the “Five Grand Palaces of Seoul”, all of which are fairly easy to access. Gyeongbokgung  is one of the most majestic (even despite restoration still ongoing from WWII damage), but it is said many of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty – who had the palaces built – preferred to spend their time in Changdeokgung.

Jeju Island

Jeju island (“Jejudo”) off the southwest coast of Korea is a place filled with my mysterious yet wonderful sights. Besides hidden waterfalls and gorgeous coastlines, you’ll find the remains of the volcano which created this island, ruins of Stone Age villages, and spooky stone statues littered about the island. It’s a favorite for honeymooners, especially in the spring and fall when the island’s wildflowers are in bloom.

The island is popular stop, with low cost, frequent air service giving travellers even more reason to stop in. You’ll get the usual island fare of attractions in full supply: endless beaches, picture-postcard waterfalls, striking cliffs, and caves to explore. There are also several museums and theme parks to see. Consider coming in February for the crowded Jeju Fire Festival.

Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa

The areas of Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa are UNESCO protected heritage sites where you can see wonderful examples of “dolmen,” or prehistoric (neolithic) cemeteries. The stone monuments come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from unimpressive to completely bizarre. These are the same structures you’ll find elsewhere in the world, but for some reason here in South Korea they are highly concentrated.

Gochang is the largest and has some of the more unusual displays, but Ganghwa Island, about an hours drive off Seoul, has one of the most important dolmen to South Korean people. The Chamsungdan was believed to be the site where the state of Gojoseon (Modern-day Korea) was first founded in the year 2333 BCE. South Korean people celebrated this every year on the 3rd of October, which is known as Gaecheonjeol, or by the english name of National Foundation Day.

If You Go

Public transport seems to be running pretty well in South Korea; from the expansive subway network in Seoul to the high-speed express trains covering the rest of the country, it is easy to get around quickly. Keep in mind that in many instances you’ll have more than one option (say, train or plane) and in some cases prices range can be different, so consider your options before booking, especially if you’re on a budget and looking to squeeze out an extra Korean won.

Exploring Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island (Jejudo), South Korea, also known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds.

The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea’s highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches. Unfortunately, I visited during the fall, which means cold breezy winds preventing us from enjoying the beaches. What we got instead, are refreshing scenic views and relaxing hikes through the hills!

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