Destination Fly4free: South Korea
Top things to do in South Korea
The Republic of Korea is a country of ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and much, much more. Discover its rich culture, beautiful nature and delicious food!
The second largest city and a major port of Korea is also a common area to spend a few days. You can take the Korea’s High-speed Train (KTX) to travel to from Seoul to Busan, which takes only about 3 hours.
The city offers great beaches, many temples, historical sites and a flourishing art scene. The city is famous for the Haeundae Beach. Songjeong Beach and Gwangalli Beach are well worth a visit too. You can also head to Beomeosa (Temple of the Nirvana Fish), one of the country's most known urban temples, built on the slopes of Geumjeongsan.
Guitar photographer, Shutterstock
How to get there:
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Where to stay:
In Seoul we encourage you to stay at a 3* The Recent Dongdaemun Hotel for a good price and with excellent reviews. This 4-star property is located a short distance from attractions such as Dongdaemun Market, The Shilla Duty Free Shop, and Pyounghwa Market. Local points of interest like Bangsan Market and Gwangjang Market are reachable within 6 km and 6 km, respectively. At the hotel rooms come with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
In Busan we recommend you to book 4* Crown Harbor Hotel Busan. This top rated hotel boasts 500 guest rooms with city or harbour views as well as an on-site restaurant, fitness centre and banquet facilities. Conveniently located in the popular Nampo area, this 4-star property offers easy access to Busan’s various neighbourhoods through Jungang Subway Station (Busan Line 1), located just a couple minutes’ walk away from the hotel. Each room at Crown Harbour Hotel Busan features a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Private bathroom includes a shower booth, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Property-wide WiFi and on-site parking are provided free of charge. The hotel’s 24-hour front desk services include currency exchange and luggage storage. From the hotel, Busan KTX Train Station is a 15-minute walk away. Gimhae International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
What to do:
Whether you’re an adventurer looking to do exciting things, history junkie wanting to see ancient temples, or travelling with kids – Korea has a little something for everyone.
Visit Damyang Bamboo Forest or take the Hallyeosudo Cable Car.
Then head to Ulleungdo, an unspoiled volcanic island 120 km (75 mi) east of the Korean Peninsula, to enjoy quiet fishing villages and breathtaking terrain.
You can learn basic Taekwondo – the famous Korean art of self-defence, or visit a noraebang – private karaoke singing room.
With mountains at most 800 m (3,000 ft) high, Seoul offers many excellent opportunities for hiking. The trails range from easy to difficult. Mount Bukhan is probably the best hiking option in the city. You can also go skiing in Bearstown resort.
Stay overnight in a Jjimjilbang, a public bath house, and experience a great and very relaxing way to sleep, bathe and take a sauna.
South Korean festivals offer a great chance to immerse yourself in local culture. Make your own kimchi at the Kimchi Festival, attend the Jinju Lantern Festival, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, or get dirty at the Boryeong Mud Festival at Daecheon beach.
Learn how to make pottery at the National Museum of Korea and the pottery villages of Incheon and Yeoju.
In Seoul you can visit the intriguing Trick Eye Museum or Owl Museum. On Jeju you can go to Loveland – a surreal sculpture park based on sensuality and eroticism.
Go to Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor theme park. This massive recreation complex is especially popular with kids, but has plenty to entertain adults too. You can also choose Everland, the Korean version of Disneyland, located south of Seoul. There is a miniature zoo where you can see a lion-tiger hybrid.
Those in search of thrills should explore Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park in Seoul. This old amusement park invites the public to share in its slow crumble.
Attend a quirky K-Pop concert to get to know Korean pop culture.
The capital city features a large array of nightspots catering to every taste and budget.
If you’re a foodie looking to indulge, Seoul is packed with restaurants, where you can try some traditional Korean cuisine. Commonly used ingredients include sesame oil, fermented bean paste (doenjang), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red chili and napa cabbage. You can eat fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market. Taste kimchi, served at nearly every meal. Don’t forget to try twigim (fried street food) and soju (Korea’s national spirit). Jeonju and Andong are famous for their traditional villages and specific dishes like bibimbap or salted mackerel (gan godeungeo).
In Seoul there’s the Raccoon Cafe, where you can sip coffee and then pet three adorable raccoons, a corgi, and a rescued capybara. In Busan you can go to Jangsan Puppy Cafe that houses dogs of all sizes, continuously excited by new humans entering the coffee bar.
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South Korea // Anyoung Haseyo from Manuel Meurisse on Vimeo.
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