It’s often not at the top of everyone’s must see destinations, but there are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to South Korea. Here we share five top things to do when visiting Korea that you should include on your own travel itinerary.
Discover the Traditions of South Korea at a Local Market
The markets of South Korea, known locally as a ‘shijang’, provide an excellent opportunity to step back in time and get an insight into the culture and local customs. Market traders sell everything from traditional colourful wedding dresses and plenty of foods you may have never seen before. Thankfully they are still thriving throughout South Korea.
There are many markets to visit in Seoul where you can meet the locals, try some local delicacies and go in search of some bargain souvenirs. There are many to choose from but these are just three of our favourites when visiting Seoul, Kwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, and Dongdaemun Market.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to tour the country visit one of the local markets, like the ones on the island of Jeju, where grandmothers are given free market pitches to sell their produce.
Visit a Quirky Museum
As you’d expect from any economically thriving modern democracy, Korea has many great museums containing historical artefacts from its past through to internationally acclaimed contemporary works of art. These include the National Museum of Korea or the National Folk Museum of Korea.
What is more unusual is that Korea has many more museums which maybe some of the strangest in the world. Korean’s are renowned for having a great sense of humour, remember ‘Gangham’ style! We think you can’t fail to be amused by a visit to some of Korea’s more bizarre museums, you could explore the Jeju Love Land Museum or South Korea’s Toilet Museum in Suwon and see exactly what we mean.
Try out Korea’s High Speed Trains
Transport in Korea is relatively cheap and very reliable, so it’s easy get around. Many people who are passionate about travel enjoy the journey nearly as much as the destination, so travelling like a local is a good way of exploring the country. If you’re looking for a new travel experience then take a ride on the KTX. This is Korea’s high speed train network, and makes for a fast and comortable trip.
Get the Taste for South Korean Food
Korea offers gastronome’s a wide variety of unusual dishes and foods uniquely associated with this beautiful country. Seafood and fresh fish are a particular favourite due to Korea’s expansive coastline. However, meat lovers will also be spoilt for choice, especially those who enjoy a bit of pork.
The most famous eating tradition associated with Korea, is the world-famous Korean barbecue. Visitors to the country will never tire of dining in any of the large number of restaurants that cater specifically in providing diners with this uniquely Korean experience.
For those unfamiliar with what a South Korean BBQ, here’s a bit of detail. Diners will usually be seated on a small cushion on the floor, shoes already removed and left at the restaurant entrance. At the centre of the table, where diners are seated, is a cooking stove/griddle. Dinners select the type and amount of meat they desire, which is bought by the weight; they are then able to cook the extremely thin slices of meat, to their preferred taste, using chopsticks. You then make a small parcel by placing the meat in a lettuce leaf along with some pre-prepared accompaniments. This makes for a delicious mouthful, and every parcel tastes different, so you’ll never get bored with eating this way.
Experience the Sensational City of Seoul
Korea boasts a capital city like no other in the world, and must be visited to truly appreciate the variety of activities available to travellers. There are large number carriers operating flights from around the world to Incheon (ICN) International Airport, which serves Seoul, so it’s easy to get to. As well as a large number of hotels, bars and restaurants that cater for all budgets and tastes there is also accommodation available for those with a smaller budget. The city has an excellent and varied programme of festivals and events throughout the year offering free entertainment almost every day. The city manages to successfully marry its modern architecture with its ancient buildings and temples making for exciting and unusual vistas.
