Korea is an attractive travel destination that is garnering attention from people all around the world. It is not only famous for its cutting-edge technology and K-pop culture but also for being a unique country where thousands of years of history coexist harmoniously with a rapidly changing modern society. Traveling to Korea means more than just visiting tourist attractions; it also involves experiencing the lives and culture of the Korean people.
Each region in Korea has its own unique charm, offering diverse experiences from the bustling streets of Seoul to the tranquil countryside and the picturesque natural landscapes of Jeju Island. With its distinct four seasons, Korea offers different kinds of beauty throughout the year, ensuring a special memory no matter when you visit.
Major Areas
1. Seoul
Seoul is the capital of Korea and one of the most recommended cities for first-time visitors. As one of the world’s major cities, Seoul has many places where you can feel its long history and tradition even amidst the buildings and neon signs. There are numerous popular restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers scattered throughout the city.
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2. Busan
Busan, known as Korea’s second-largest city, is a place where you can fully enjoy the charm of a maritime city. Unlike Seoul, Busan has a different atmosphere, and if you visit in the summer, you can see beaches crowded with people. As a coastal city, Busan offers fresh seafood at its markets, and you can enjoy a leisurely time at cafes and restaurants lined along the seaside.
3. Jeonju
Jeonju, the cultural heart of Korea, is famous for its Hanok Village and delicious food. It is especially known as the home of ‘bibimbap,’ making it a paradise for food lovers. In Jeonju Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses are clustered, you can feel the old Korea while wearing traditional Korean clothing, Hanbok, and strolling through the village. You can also enjoy a cup of tea at a traditional teahouse or spend a night in a Hanok guesthouse to experience Korean tradition.
4. Jeju Island
Jeju Island is located at the southernmost tip of Korea and can be considered a single tourist attraction. Designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Jeju Island boasts unique natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Hallasan, the symbol of Jeju Island, is the highest mountain in Korea and offers stunning scenery throughout the year. Particularly in winter, you can climb the snow-covered Hallasan to fully enjoy the snowy winter of Jeju.
Things to Do in Korea
Korean food is globally loved for its variety and unique flavors. Foods like kimchi and tteokbokki are already familiar to many foreigners and are famous enough to be found in other countries. Besides these, Korea offers many delicious dishes that anyone would love, such as bulgogi, ramen, and bibimbap. Experiencing traditional culture is also a great way to enjoy Korea. Although Seoul is now considered one of the world’s most advanced cities due to its technological advancements, Korea is also a country with a long-standing tradition, making it a valuable experience to explore Korea’s past. Trying on Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, is especially popular, with various programs available that allow you to wear Hanbok, take photos, and stroll around places like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanok Villages.
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Popular Tourist Attractions in Seoul
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace(경복궁) and Bukchon Hanok Village(북촌한옥마을)
Tourist spots where you can glimpse traditional Korea are naturally popular among foreigners. These places offer a chance to experience architecture and traditions unlike anything seen in other countries. Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul, is the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty and a place where you can directly feel the beauty of traditional Korean architecture and history. The changing of the guard ceremony, held daily, is particularly popular among foreign tourists. Touring the palace while wearing traditional Hanbok and taking photos is one of the special experiences of a trip to Seoul. Another representative tourist attraction where you can feel Korean tradition is Bukchon Hanok Village. This village is a traditional area with the old houses of noblemen from the Joseon Dynasty. Walking through the narrow alleys lined with Hanoks, you can appreciate the beauty of traditional Korean houses. There are also many teahouses where you can enjoy traditional tea and delicious restaurants where you can taste Korean food, making it a must-visit place.
2. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a modern architectural landmark designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. It frequently hosts fashion shows, exhibitions, and cultural events, and its unique exterior has made it a new landmark in Seoul. Nearby is the Dongdaemun Market, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of a traditional market along with modern shopping.
3. Itaewon(이태원)
Itaewon is the most international area in Seoul, where people from various countries living in Korea gather. Because of this, it is home to many restaurants offering cuisine from different countries, as well as unique cafes, bars, and clubs, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting Korea. In addition to international food, you can also taste traditional Korean dishes here, so if you want to try various foods, Itaewon is highly recommended.
4. Hangang Park(한강)
The Hangang River, which flows through Seoul, is an important place for Seoul citizens to relax and enjoy leisure activities. Hangang Park is divided into several sections where you can enjoy various activities such as cycling, boating, and picnicking. The wide river offers an expansive view, making it especially great for watching the sunset or enjoying the night view. In summer, you can often see people enjoying “chimaek” (chicken and beer) at Hangang Park.
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Reasons to Visit Seoul
Shopping
Seoul is a shopping paradise in Asia, offering various shopping hotspots where you can find the latest fashion and trends. With apps like Zigzag and Musinsa, online shopping is also well-developed, making it easy to shop. From affordable private boutiques to designer brands and street brands, you can find a wide variety here. Korea has many designer brands popular among young people, and it’s not uncommon to see young tourists shopping for clothes, bags, and shoes. Additionally, there are many luxury department stores where you can enjoy luxury shopping for high-end brands.
Food
Seoul is also a place you cannot miss for its diverse food offerings. You can enjoy everything from traditional Korean cuisine to modern fusion dishes. Dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and tteokbokki, which have now captivated the taste buds of people worldwide, are must-try foods if you visit Seoul. Korean traditional food boasts a deep and rich flavor, thanks to fresh ingredients and various seasonings. Spicy food is also a characteristic of Korean cuisine, and tasting Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) with soju is one of the must-do experiences for foreigners. Moreover, Korea is home to many unique and charming cafes. These cafes are popular not only among coffee lovers but also among those looking for an emotional space. Enjoying Korean desserts and drinks in cafes with distinctive interiors and atmospheres is one of the pleasures you can experience during your trip to Seoul.
K-pop and K-beauty
Seoul is the hub of K-pop and K-beauty, making it a dream destination for Hallyu (Korean Wave) fans. Fans from around the world who love Korean music, dramas, and beauty trends visit Seoul to experience the culture firsthand. K-pop has now become a global phenomenon, and foreign K-pop lovers often visit agency buildings or K-pop cafes to listen to music and purchase merchandise. They may also come to watch K-pop performances and enjoy Seoul’s tourism. Along with K-pop, K-beauty is also hugely popular worldwide. In shopping districts, you can easily find the latest trend in cosmetics and skincare products. Although you can get these products delivered abroad, they are much cheaper in Korea, making it more economical.
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Korea Travel Tips
Things to Know Before You Go
Before traveling to Korea, it’s helpful to know a few things in advance. First, learning some basic Korean phrases can be very useful. While English is widely spoken in most tourist areas, knowing a bit of Korean will make communication with locals smoother and your trip more enjoyable. Learning basic greetings and phrases like “안녕하세요” (Hello), “감사합니다” (Thank you), and “얼마에요?” (How much is it?) can make your experience much more pleasant. Additionally, Seoul is one of the cities with an excellent public transportation system. Even first-time visitors can easily navigate the subway system. When using public transportation, it’s much more convenient and economical to use a transportation card. These can be easily purchased at nearby convenience stores and at the airport, so it’s a good idea to get one before starting your trip.
Dates to Avoid
While Korea offers unique experiences in each of its four seasons, there are certain dates you might want to avoid. Korea’s major holidays, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seollal (Lunar New Year), are best avoided. These are the country’s most significant holidays, with public holidays lasting from three days up to a week. During this time, many shops and restaurants close, and transportation becomes very congested due to people traveling to their hometowns. Additionally, many Koreans choose to travel abroad during these holidays, making highways and airports extremely crowded, so it’s best to avoid these periods. Furthermore, late June to mid-July marks the beginning of Korea’s summer and is also the monsoon and typhoon season. During this time, it rains frequently, and the humidity is very high, making outdoor activities challenging. If you plan to engage in outdoor or nature-based activities, it’s advisable to avoid this period.
Korea is a country with unique charms that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, along with globally recognised cuisine and culture, will captivate your heart. Even if you can’t visit Korea, you can still experience Korean culture in London through the cultural programs offered by DearAsia. If you’re curious about not just Korean culture but also the language, we recommend checking out our programs!
