From K-pop to Korean BBQ: How A Visit To South Korea Will Transform You!
Once an enigma to many, South Korea has become a major player on the world economic stage over recent years and is also quickly turning into one of the most coveted travel destinations in the World. While South Korea has much to offer visitors in terms of its natural beauty and vibrant culture, it’s rise in popularity is actually directly linked to K-drama and K-pop, two forms of entertainment that have taken the world by storm. As newly minted fans of K-dramas and K-pop ourselves, we readily admit that our visit to South Korea was hastened by the fact that we simply couldn’t resist the call of all that glitter and glamour topped with that peculiar blend of angst and super adorableness that is the hallmark of good Korean entertainment. What are we going on about? Watch a K-drama already!? If by some unfortunate twist of fate, you’re not yet a fan of these forms of entertainment then, we promise, there’s much more to South Korea than just poppy music, ridiculously cute outfits, and finger hearts.
Although a small nation when compared to its neighbors in East Asia, South Korea is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to commercialism and tourism. Visitors flock to the country as much for their world-renowned beauty products and cosmetic procedures as their over-the-top entertainment, and bustling cities. Additionally, South Korea is recognized as one of the safest destinations for travelers in Asia, further solidifying its as a must-visit spot for many. Whether you’re looking to explore the country’s eclectic culinary scene, climb its tallest mountain, watch martial arts being performed at one of its ancient palaces or to simply pass your days strolling through the streets of Seoul, we’re positive that you’ll find yourself as captivated by South Korea’s charms as we were!
Getting to South Korea
Getting to South Korea was perhaps the most hassle-free part of our trip as we were able to fly nonstop from Atlanta to Seoul. Admittedly, the cost of our flight was astronomical, but this luxury was well worth it as it shaved a good 10 hours or so off our journey. Many major port cities in the USA including New York, Los Angeles and Houston all offer daily direct flights to South Korea — at a fraction of the cost of our flight from Atlanta of course! — making it one of the easiest South Asian countries to travel to from the US.
There are two major airports in South Korea: Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Both airports are located about 45 minutes away from Seoul city center and, although they both receive international flights, GMP primarily receives flights from other neighboring nations in Asia and flights within South Korea while Incheon hosts flights from all over the world. As we had flights departing from both airports during our stay in South Korea, we explored them at length and found that, despite Incheon’s larger size, both airports offered amenities, food and services that were equally great. We also found both airports to be easily navigable with English and Korean signage and plenty of English-speaking staff to help guide us when needed. At present, visas are not required for Americans visiting South Korea however there is an e-arrival card that must be filled out 3 days prior to arrival. The arrival card can be easily accessed online HERE.
Note that the website also offers the option to apply for visas, K-eta and Residence Cards in addition to filling out the e-arrival card. As a short-term visitor to South Korea, you can simply fill out the e-arrival, which has no associated cost, and ignore the other more costly options. Immigration procedures at both Incheon and Gimpo airports were standard and we didn’t encounter any oddities however it is worth noting that just clearing customs and border control can sometimes take upwards of 1-2 hours at Incheon Airport.
Take time to ensure that the name on your plane ticket exactly matches that on your passport as this is required by security at both Seoul airports. If your name is not an exact match on both documents, then make sure to get it changed at a reservation desk before you head to security otherwise you’ll find yourself having to exit the security line and backtracking to get this done later.
Getting to Seoul from Incheon and Gimpo Airports
Traveling between Incheon and Gimpo airports and Seoul is surprisingly effortless as there are dedicated airport trains departing from both airports to the city. The airport trains are affordable and spacious with plenty of room for luggage. There are no stops on these routes hence taking the train is often more efficient than other means of traveling into Seoul. That being said, there is one major downside to taking the airport trains and that is the fact that the trains do not run frequently. There is typically a 40–45-minute interval between trains so missing one can lead to long wait times in the airport.
The airport trains in Seoul offer bag check options for passengers traveling with Korean Air and Jeju Air. You can purchase a train ticket at the terminal then tag and drop your bags with the staff who will scan and transport the bags directly to your plane. This means you won’t have to fuss with luggage until you arrive at your destination! In some cases, travelers can even clear security at the train station and use the “diplomatic lines” in the airport for faster boarding!
Taking an airport limousine bus is also a good way to travel between the airports and the city. While it is slightly more expensive than the city buses, the limousine buses have fewer stops and drop off close to most major hotels in Seoul making the commute better overall. Travel time is, of course, dependent on traffic but with fewer stops and more luxurious seats, you can sit back and enjoy the sights as you make your way into the city.
Finally, the best option for entering Seoul, we believe, is by hiring a car whether it be a taxi, an airport pickup service or Uber. All of these are much more direct and, although they cost more, can save a lot of time as well. Of these services, we found Uber to be the most affordable and a happy medium between using public and private transport services.
Best time to visit South Korea
Of its four seasons, Spring and Autumn are considered to be the most beautiful times of the year to visit South Korea. While South Korean winters can be bitterly cold and dreary and the Summers plagued by heat and monsoon rains, it’s Spring and Fall seasons are both mild with cool, sunny days. It’s not only the near-perfect weather that attracts travelers during these seasons, however. The bountiful Spring blossoms and vibrant Fall foliage for which these seasons are known add yet another layer of irresistible charm and beauty. Knowing this, we had hoped to align our first visit to SK with one of these seasons however we actually found ourselves in Seoul in mid-June, at the beginning of Monsoon. Appropriately nervous about what to expect, we packed all manner of waterproof clothing and braced ourselves for extreme heat, humidity and rain. Imagine our surprise when we arrived to temperate, breezy days with clear blue skies and tons of sunshine. We knew ourselves to be fortunate as this was clearly not normal weather for the time of year in Seoul and this was further reinforced when the torrential rains and wild winds finally arrived towards the tail-end of our trip. Anyway, although we’re sure you’ll have a fabulous time no matter when you visit, Fall and Spring are truly spectacular seasons in South Korea that you simply should not miss!
Because of air pollution from neighboring countries, Seoul experiences very hazy days from time to time. Keep an eye out for the digital weather boards scattered throughout the city as they provide air quality information and recommendations daily.
The official language of South Korea
Korean is the official language of South Korea and is therefore the most widely spoken language in the nation. A relatively young language with its own special alphabet, Korean has only a handful of associated dialects with the main one encountered being the Seoul dialect. Many South Koreans speak some English, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan, making communicating easier overall. Indeed, we hardly needed use of our translator during our time in Seoul. That being said, we noted that almost all business and traffic signage in Seoul and Jeju were in Korean only. To find anything on our own, we needed to employ a local text-recognition app known as Papago. Papago, specifically designed for the Korean alphabet, operates much like Google Translate, allowing users to speak/type a phrase to translate or simply take a picture and translate the text. But why bother to download this if it’s just like Google Translate? Well, because it was designed exclusively for Korean, Papago has much better success rates when identifying Korean letters and is also a reliable translator making it an invaluable tool while exploring South Korea.
Official Currency of South Korea
The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). Although quite advanced technologically in terms of cashless payments, many of these mobile forms of payment are not available to foreigners in South Korea. Instead, cash payments remain the primary way of payment for travelers which, understandably, led to wipe-spread envy in us as we watched locals tap-to pay seamlessly while we fumbled with our bills and coins! Luckily our suffering was short lived as we quickly figured out that most businesses accepted our international credit cards and that we only needed cash in mom-and-pop stores and smaller eateries!
South Korea offers a rechargeable smart card known as the T-Money Card. T-Money cards can be purchased and loaded with cash at local convenience stores or subway kiosks and can be used to make purchases or pay for transportation.
Is it safe to travel in South Korea?
Yes! It’s definitely safe to travel in South Korea and, in fact, the country is one of the safest places in the world for solo travelers. With generally low crime rates, strict gun laws and friendly locals ready to assist at the first sign of trouble, South Korea is one of the the rare places in the world where a traveler can truly feel safe to wander on their own. We can personally attest to this as we often found ourselves meandering through the streets of Seoul well into the night without so much as a niggle of trepidation or fear. As with travel to any new locale, simply be mindful of your surroundings and check travel advisories from legitimate sources like the US Department of State before departing on your trip.
How’s the food in South Korea?
Oh…where to begin!? South Korean food is as unique as its culture and people. From one-of-a-kind street food creations like Tteokbokki and Egg Toast to meat markets specializing in the rare and ridiculous scrumptious Hanwoo Beef Korean BBQ, there’s so much to discover in South Korea’s culinary scene that even big eaters like us couldn’t tackle it all in just one trip! Dining in South Korea was a truly interesting experience for us as there was almost an overwhelming number of options available at any given time. We often found ourselves with the choice of eating on the go at any of the hundreds of street food stalls, convenience stores or food markets or popping into one of the thousands of restaurants that appealed to us.
For the most part, we found exploring the street food and food markets much more rewarding than simply choosing a restaurant. Don’t misunderstand us – all the restaurants we tried were fantastic however they just couldn’t outshine the food stalls where vendors meticulously perfected and served just one or two delightful creations. But what kinds of foods should you look for at the street markets? Well, local favorites like Tteotbokki, Japchae, Spicy Boneless Chicken Feet and Fish Cakes are a great place to start! And the best part? Most street food dishes cost just 2-3 USD!
Want to know exactly what we ate and what our favorite restaurants were in South Korea? Check us out HERE!
Street food in South Korea is prepared with excellent sanitation and served hot making it one of the rare countries where anyone can eat without the need to worry about food borne illnesses.
Want a slightly more elevated experience than just eating where you’re standing? Then don’t worry, literally any restaurant you choose in South Korea is likely to shock and awe you. Many restaurants specialize in just a single type of dish such as fried chicken or bibimbap and, just as with the mouthwatering street food, they focus on making that dish as spectacularly delicious as possible. As you might expect, restaurants are a little more costly than street-food, but the cost of a meal is well below that of a meal anywhere in the USA or Europe. But why not just skip the restaurants altogether and make street food your every meal? The famous South Korean Banchan, also known as side dishes, of course! These little, flavor-packed dishes accompany every restaurant meal in South Korea, are simply not to be missed and include things like homemade Korean kimchi, fish cake, japchae, pickled vegetables and so, so much more. If we’re being honest, we frequently enjoyed the Banchan more than our actual meal!
Most restaurants in South Korea do not require or even take reservations but service is fast and wait times are generally very short so you’re unlikely to miss out on a desired restaurant. Additionally, even in Seoul, servers often don’t speak English but don’t be intimidated as many restaurant menus tend to have great pictures that you could simply point at to place your order.
Is it safe to drink tap water in South Korea?
Tap water in most major cities in South Korea is generally safe to drink however even the locals prefer bottled water so we recommend following their example and avoiding tap water when possible. Bottled water is surprisingly cheap and, with grocery stores aplenty, easy to find as well!
Seoul
The capital of South Korea, Seoul is both the largest and most economically important city in the nation. A sprawling metropolis, Seoul sits on the Han River and is an eye-catching blend of modern architecture and conveniences and traditional Hanboks, palaces and pagodas. With a never-ending list of interesting things to do, foods to explore and perhaps the cutest fads in the world, Seoul has become a star on the stage of international tourism, attracting millions of tourists annually. Regardless of whether you’re looking for quiet days lounging along the Han River, evenings hunting down one-of-kind restaurants or lively nights mooning over your favorite K-pop groups, Seoul will definitely keep you coming back for more!
Where to stay in Seoul
While there’s much debate on this topic — literally everyone has an opinion on what the best neighborhood in Seoul is! — we highly recommend either Myeongdong or Insadong as the place to stay for first timers in the city. After exhausting hours reading blog after blog and review after review, we finally realized that the common thread on every forum was that Myeongdong and Insadong are not necessarily the preferred neighborhoods to stay in as they are more “touristy” but that the areas do have good hotels, great food and many attractions within walking distance. This was a bit of a head scratcher for us because what else would a traveler require of a destination other than accessibility, food and a good hotel? Anyway, with this information in hand, we decided to stay in both Myeongdong and Insadong while in Seoul and were surprised to find that despite their proximity, these neighborhoods were somehow still strikingly different from each other.
For the first few nights of our stay in Seoul, we chose the Pacific Hotel located in Myeongdong. Arriving at the hotel, we were impressed with the overall glam of the façade but did not yet realize the value of its location. Our hotel room, albeit small, was well equipped, incredibly clean and comfortable and provided a lovely view of the surrounding area. Heading out to explore, we quickly realized that we were within walking distance of virtually everything in Myeongdong. Not only did we have 3 subway station access points directly in front of our hotel and tons of restaurants to choose from, but we were also directly across the street from the gigantic, maze-like Myeongdong shopping street where we could peruse hundreds of street food stalls, shops and cosmetic stores hawking ridiculously cheap goods. Oh, and did we mention that we could walk to the Namsan Cable Car which goes to N Seoul Tower in less than 15 minutes?
If shopping for Korean skincare products and cosmetics is a top priority for you when in Seoul then make Myeongdong a must-do on your itinerary as virtually every brand is represented at this market street and prices are hard to beat. Just make sure to buy products directly from the manufacturer’s store to avoid any issues with counterfeit products.
Located just a few short miles away from Myeongdong, Insadong might as well have been in another city, so different were the two locales. Where Myeongdong was a raucous hodgepodge of neon lights, stores, food stalls, and performers, Insadong oozed serenity with its glittering skyscrapers and tidy streets all with just the right touch of Korean flair and culture mixed in. To fully explore Insadong, we decided to spend the last few days of our trip at Amid Hotel. Once again, we found ourselves in a chic hotel that was more spacious than the last and that was equally well situated. Just steps from the hotel was the famous Insadong Cultural Street brimming with souvenir shops, tea houses, restaurants and more. From there, we found that we could easily walk to Gwangjang Market and Gyeongbokgung Palace, two of the must-do attractions in Seoul! So, which of the two neighborhoods do we think is better? Truthfully, Insadong and Myeongdong are both fantastic locations if you ask us and you can’t go wrong with either one! If you twisted our arm though we’d readily admit that we truly loved Myeongdong for its liveliness and the unmatched street food!
How to get around Seoul
With a well-developed public transportation system that includes train and bus routes to virtually every part of the city plus hundreds of taxis at the ready, getting around Seoul is relatively easy. And, with the recent arrival of Uber to the city as well, visitors now have even more options when it comes to finding their way around Seoul.
Taking the bus or train in Seoul
At first glance, using public transport may seem too complicated but we’re here to tell you that it’s much simpler than it appears and can save you a pretty penny, especially if you plan to sightsee extensively throughout Seoul. The two main public transport options in Seoul are trains and buses, both of which provide access to just about any place you’d want to visit while in the city. As there are typically several good routes to get to any one destination, the most crucial part of using the train and bus systems is having a good grasp of your starting point and your destination. This may seem obvious but prepare to be flummoxed at the ticketing machine if you show up with no idea of which stop you should be getting off at and find yourself faced with 20+ stops that share similar names! To help with this, most train stations and bus depots in Seoul have easy to read maps displaying all the routes that each train or bus travels. Additionally, electronic signs throughout the stations often announce destinations and stops in English further making navigation less intimidating. However, if you’re not a budding cartographer, have no desire to aimlessly ride trains and buses through Seoul and want a sure-fire way to successfully navigate the city then we suggest that you download Naver or Kakao Map. Both of these exclusively South Korean map apps allow users to plot point-to-point trips and typically include details on what trains and buses to use and even what stops to take to get to your destination. We used Naver for all our trips around Seoul and loved that it supported English, didn’t require a local telephone number and was very reliable!
Some local trains and buses only display stops in Korean. In such situations, don’t fret, just use Naver or KakaoMaps, follow the directions closely and you’ll arrive at your destination before you know it!
To use either the train or the bus as a tourist, tickets can be purchased from any of the automated kiosks in the bus terminals and train stations before boarding. Unfortunately, foreign credit cards and other forms of cashless payments are not accepted on public transport in South Korea at this time hence you must board with a ticket already in hand.
If you plan to exclusively use public transportation in Seoul, consider purchasing a T-money card as these can be used to “tap to pay” on buses, trains and taxis.
Taxi Service in Seoul
Taking a taxi in Seoul is quite safe and convenient. Taxis are readily available throughout the city, particularly in popular areas and at public transport depots like train and bus stations. Hailing a taxi is as easy as walking up to a car and asking the driver if they’re available but, if you’re looking for even more flexibility, then you can schedule pickups using the KakaoTalk app. There is a common misconception that KakaoTalk requires a Korean phone number to create an account, however this is not the case. Anyone, foreigners included, can create a KakaoTalk account, download the app then use it to call a cab or order any of the other services offered. Another new and useful app known as K Ride was recently released in South Korea and aims to provide tourists with a more hassle-free way to obtain transportation anywhere in Seoul. We used taxis more frequently than public transport in Seoul and found it to be a time-saver and surprisingly cost-effective for shorter trips around the city.
All taxis accept T-money cards and Korean Won for payment. Many taxis also accept foreign credit cards.
Using UBER in Seoul
Until very recently, rideshares such as Uber did not exist in South Korea. Luckily for us, Uber established operations in Seoul shortly before our arrival and we were beyond thrilled to have a familiar platform to use while figuring out everything else on the go. Despite being new on the scene, we were able to secure rides from anywhere in the city quickly and efficiently and for reasonable prices with Uber. We particularly loved that we could enter in our destination without having to write out complicated addresses for our drivers…although, we did enter in our Incheon Hotel name incorrectly once and ended up at some random location in Seoul in the middle of the night…oh well! Another bonus of using Uber in Seoul is that it offers local taxis as a ride option providing customers with even more ride choices and savings overall. We must admit that once we started using Uber in Seoul, it was so convenient and easy that it became our default mode of transportation through the city.
Driving in Seoul
Let’s start by saying that you really shouldn’t drive in Seoul unless you absolutely want to. Although the roads are well maintained, drivers are polite and driving is done on the right-hand side of the road as in the USA, traffic congestion can be quite horrendous in Seoul. Additionally, almost all road signs are written in the Korean alphabet, hence, unless you can read Korean, you’ll find yourself at a complete loss as you try to navigate the city. Who wants to spend their precious vacation time driving in a circle or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, right? Oh, and did we mention that finding parking is also a huge challenge in downtown Seoul? With so many options at hand for traveling through the city, we’re positive that you’ll find hopping into Uber to be much more relaxing than trying to remember where you last parked your rental car!
Top things to do in Seoul
Go shopping in Myeongdong
Although there are many open-air markets to choose from in the city, Myeongdong Shopping Street is perhaps one of the most exciting, eclectic and affordable markets in all of Seoul. Spanning several blocks in Myeongdong, the market is a conglomeration of grocery and department stores, peddlers selling all manner of wares, restaurants serving up traditional foods and street food vendors hawking their unique and delectable creations. Virtually anything can be found in Myeongdong Shopping Street and if, by some twist of fate you can’t find something, then look for a subway station entrance and head to the underground shops below the market to continue the search! We’re not exaggerating when we tell you that we returned three times to Myeongdong during our relatively short stay in Seoul just to shop and sample the street-food!
Myeongdong Shopping Street is the best place to find a good deal on Korean skincare products as many of the leading brands have stores right in the marketplace. In fact, you should go out of your way to buy directly from these stores to prevent accidentally purchasing counterfeit products!
Grab a bite at Gwangjang Market
Currently considered to be Seoul’s most famous food market, Gwangjang market is an enormous wholesale market where shoppers can purchase everything from imported textiles and fresh produce to local treats and delicacies. Most travelers visiting Gwangjang market often go in search of traditional Korean comfort foods as there are literally hundreds of stalls serving up things like mungbean cakes, japchae and the perplexing but delicious boneless chicken feet — a treat that we loved but we still have not figured out! How does one even begin to remove those tiny chicken feet bones while keeping the feet intact!?
Gwangjang Market is one of the best places to purchase handmade Korean sweets like Yakgwa cookies. There are also food stalls run by very famous celebrity chefs within the market as well so keep your eyes peeled for interesting culinary adventures as you walk through this marvelous market.
Visit Insadong Culture Street
Located a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Culture Street is a charming enclave of art galleries, craft shops, restaurants and Korean Teahouses. Trendy and posh, Insadong Culture Street exudes a completely different vibe compared to the frenetic energy of Myeongdong Shopping street yet still manages to retain the fun and quirkiness that is a hallmark of Korean culture. While the street is short and therefore quick to walk through, we recommend taking time to explore the artful tea shops and colorful souvenir stores as you never know what little gems you may find secreted away in them!
Insadong Culture Street is an excellent place to try traditional Korean food and sweets. Pick any restaurant along the street for a mouthwatering and mind-blowing meal that you won’t soon forget!
Go to a K-pop Concert
How could anyone visit South Korea but not go to a K-pop concert, especially with it being all the rage internationally right now!? Don’t ask us why but apparently, there are some people that do just that but we’re in the era of acceptance, so we’ll just say — to each his own! Honestly though, whether you’re already a full-fledged fan or just a budding fan, taking in a K-pop show in South Korea is truly a remarkable concert experience that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. The grandeur of the venues and stage designs, impeccable performances by the singers and the devotion of the audience makes for a show that is guaranteed to suck you in and convert you, willingly or not, to a K-pop fan! If you’re absolutely new to K-pop then we suggest checking out MyK FESTA, a festival designed to bring K-pop to local and international fans, that is held annually in Seoul and Busan!
Have Chicken and Beer on the banks of the Han River
If you’ve watched even one K-drama in your lifetime then you know Chicken or Ramyeon and Beer on the Han River at the end of a long day is the quintessential Korean wind-down. Wanting to experience this tradition and having just eaten a full dinner a mere hour before, we still persevered in our quest to join the Han River Chicken-and-Beer Club. Making our way to Yeouido Hangang Park located along the Han River, we sought out the nearby 7-Eleven store which not only sold Ramyeon and beer but was also conveniently attached to a fried chicken joint called BHC Chicken. Once there, we ordered our fried chicken then purchased our Ramyeon and made our way to the hidden outdoor 7-eleven kitchen. Yes, you heard us correctly, the 7-Eleven had a kitchen! Anyway, as we stood, Ramyeon in hand, and stared at the intimidating combination hot water dispenser and stove top before us, an employee took pity on us and walked us through the steps of cooking our ramyeon.
Four minutes and a short walk later, we found a seat amongst the masses on the steps of Yeouido Hangang Park where we could finally enjoy our treats and the glittering Han River before us. Was it the best meal we had in South Korea? Absolutely not! But it was by far our favorite and most memorable meal for sure! Not only was the scenery at the river lovely but the atmosphere and people watching was unbeatable!
Cushions and small tables are available for rent at Yeouido Hangang Park to make having dinner and lounging even more luxurious. Just look for the purveyors next to the street food carts at the park’s entrance.
See a movie at one of Seoul’s epic theaters!
Normally, we would be loathe to spend even a minute of our travel time doing something so reclusive as watching a movie and wouldn’t typically advise you to do this either. But, as this was South Korea, the birthplace of 4D theaters and home of a people who love movies so much that they prefer to go to the theater alone so as not to be bothered by others, and as it was a hellishly rainy day, we simply couldn’t resist! A quick search showed us that the CGV theater in Yongsan was where we needed to be but sadly all 4D movie tickets were sold out by the time we arrived at the theater. Not willing to give up, we took the train to another CGV theater nearby Hongik University and were rewarded with the only remaining 4D tickets to a random movie. Having secured the tickets we were free to walk around the enormous cinema which was so huge it encompassed three floors and had more than 20 theaters!
Now, although we were about to see a movie not truly of our choosing, we hardly cared as we waited with bated breath for the theater to come alive and we were not disappointed. Shaking seats, mist, snow, gentle breezes and even scents manufactured to simulate the movie’s environment left us feeling as giddy as a 4-year-old with a fresh lollipop! Honestly, whether you’re into movies or not, experiencing 4D cinema in South Korea is must if you ask us!
If you want to see a particular movie, make sure to go to the theater a few days ahead of time to buy tickets. Online ticketing is available but requires a local number to create an account hence it is not useful for tourists.
Experience Korean BBQ at Majang Meat Market!
As one of the most popular forms of cooking in South Korea, table-side BBQ can be found literally everywhere. But, as with many things, not all Korean BBQ restaurants are created equal. Why? Well, not all Korean BBQ joints serve Hanwoo Beef! Haven’t heard of it before? Well, neither has most of the world as it’s South Korea’s very own — and very secret— wagyu-style beef. Produced only for South Koreans, this melt-in-your-mouth, perfectly marbled Beef is not exported to any other parts of the world and can therefore only be enjoyed by savvy visitors who know where to look for it! For die-hard Beef fans like us, Majang Meat Market in Seoul is the place to be if you want high quality Hanwoo Beef at affordable prices.
Unlike many meat markets that are plagued by odors and other off-putting factors, Majang Meat Market is, in fact, clean and organized with meats displayed in refrigerated, sealed glass cases. Entering Majang, we proceeded down the single-street market lined on both sides by butchers hawking their goods. Selecting a vendor was at first quite difficult as everyone’s displays were impeccable, but we eventually picked a counter adorned with many awards and recognitions and were pleased with the many, many luscious cuts of marbled beef presented to us.
After paying a shockingly low price for our freshly butchered Hanwoo Beef, our cashier then ushered us to a stairwell leading to a Korea BBQ restaurant located above the meat market. From there the experience was much the same as other K-BBQ restaurants with the exception that we’d brought our own meat. We paid a small cover charge for use of the table inlaid with a charcoal grill, drinks, rice, lettuce and banchan and had the option to purchase other sides we wanted like steamed eggs a la carte. It was then left to us to grill the meat, and we’re pleased to say that we did so at quite a leisurely pace and with great care. Although we are at a loss for words to describe the pure, beefy perfection that is Hanwoo Beef cooked on charcoal flames, you must trust us when we tell you that it is a life-altering experience, one that you cannot afford to miss the next time you’re in South Korea!
See what else we ate in South Korea HERE
Check out the Starfield Library
Located in the the COEX Mall in Seoul, the Starfield Library is a visually stunning public library where all are welcomed to stroll the aisles. Although being situated in a mall adds a level of energy that is foreign to most libraries, Starfield is nevertheless a great place to enjoy a warm beverage as you peruse the varied books on hand.
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Korea
Situated within a short walk of Insadong, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Korea both share a compound and are open to visitors daily. Although the National Museum offers free admission for many of its exhibits, there is a small fee required to enter Gyeongbokgung Palace. Established in the 1300s, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty and is credited as being the largest of the five Joseon Dynasty palaces in Seoul. The ornately constructed and meticulously preserved palace is spread out over lush land and sequestered behind ancient, protective walls creating the illusion of being in another place in time. Adding to the fanciful atmosphere of the palace, visitors often arrive sporting elaborate Hanboks —traditional Korean wear— further bringing to life a once colorful history.
Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village
Leaving Gyeongbokgung Palace, visitors can walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential area in Seoul comprised entirely of Hanoks — traditional Korean houses. Bukchon Village is comprised of 900 or more well-preserved Hanoks, all owned and occupied by local citizens. As it is both a historical site and a residential neighborhood, visitors are welcome to explore the streets, but the Hanoks cannot be entered unless invited by the owner.
Hit the trails in Seoraksan National Park
Home to phenomenal hiking trails, spectacular scenery and the oldest Zen Buddhist Temple in the world, its no wonder that Seoraksan National Park attracts travelers and locals year-round. Getting to Seoraksan NP from Seoul requires a two hour and twenty-minute commute hence most visitors tackle it as a day trip or plan to stay overnight at the nearby town of Sokcho. As we weren’t yet ready to drive in South Korea, we booked a Seoraksan National Park and Nami Island tour from Seoul and were generally pleased with the pace and amount of time allocated for each destination.
Being mountainous and quite extensive, fully exploring Seoraksan National Park would require several days or more. That doesn’t mean that the beauty of the park cannot be appreciated in just a few hours, however, as many points of interest are readily accessible within a short walk of the entrance of the park. While our time in the park was limited, we were still able to see the giant Buddha statue and temple as well as undertake a 40-minute hike to Biseondae Rocks. Despite being relatively short, the hike to Biseondae Rocks was a continuous climb that frequently brought us alongside a stunningly green stream where we could cool off and admire the unique aquatic life dwelling within. Our hike ended at just below the majestic face of Biseondae Rocks on a lovely rope bridge suspended above a small waterfall. While the avid hikers in us wanted to continue exploring, this short hike in Seoraksan provided such a lovely payoff that we returned to our meeting, surprisingly pleased with what we did achieve in our short time in the park. That being said, we definitely plan to return to Seoraksan for more adventure on our next visit to South Korea!
Fall is the busiest season in Seoraksan National Park as the park is home to one of the most stunning leaf changes in the world. Don’t miss your chance to see the vibrant hues if you’re in South Korea in October!
Spend an afternoon on Nami Island
Just an hour outside of Seoul is Nami Island, a tourist hotspot located in the Bukhan River. The island is accessible via a short ferry ride or, for those who are a little more adventurous, by Zipline. Entirely devoted to leisure activities, Nami Island is home to several beautiful gardens, many forested walkways along the river, art galleries, restaurants, a cultural museum and even a small Ostrich enclosure. Getting around the island is easily done either on foot, by train or by renting a bike and, although it is difficult to get lost, maps are provided for everyone visiting Nami Island. There are clean restrooms on the island and a convenience store where travelers can purchase water and other necessities. While it’s fun to “get loss” as you explore the island, make sure to keep track of the ferry’s timetable to avoid missing the last ferry off the island!
Visit the Garden of Morning Calm
A small botanical garden located about an hour away from Seoul, the Garden of Morning Calm is a popular destination particularly in the Spring and Summer when in full bloom. The garden features forested pathways, artistic floral displays and even a 1000-year-old Juniper tree known as the Millennium Juniper. Due to its small size and substantial distance from Seoul, we decided to pair our visit to the Garden of Morning Calm with a stop at Nami Island. After a half day on Nami Island, we found that meandering through this vibrant garden was the perfect way to wind down our day!
Visit N Seoul Tower and Namsangol Hanok Village
Situated on the northern side of Namsan Moutain, Namsangol Hanok Village is a beautifully preserved town from the Joseon Dynasty. The village is near Myeongdong in Seoul and is free to enter. Visitors to Namsangol are welcome to freely move amongst the preserved Hanoks and to explore at will.
From Namsangol Hanok Village, the N Seoul Tower also known as the Namsan Tower, can be seen cresting Namsan Mountain. The Tower, built in 1969, sits at the highest point in Seoul and serves as a communication and cultural hub. To best enjoy the tower and surrounding scenery, consider buying tickets to the Namsan Cable Car and enjoying the breathtaking ride to the tower.
There are several trails in Namsan Mountain Park that lead to the N Seoul Tower. Two of the more popular and scenic trails to consider are the Namsan Loop and Baekbeom Park to N Seoul Tower.
Stroll through Hwaseong Fortress
Built in the 18th century, Hwaseong is a stone fortress that served to defend Suwon City and to preserve the remains of Crown Prince Jangheon. Once almost irreversibly damaged during the Korean War, Hwaseong Fortress has been meticulously restored using detailed historical records and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are multiple ways to explore the fortress: on foot, by trolley or by bus. Because of its size, walking around the entire Fortress can take half a day or more! For this reason, we opted to take the trolley, an open-air bus that moved at a leisurely pace and provided excellent views of the fortress. Not only did we enjoy learning about the history of the magnificent fortress, but we were also able to snag some impressive pictures of Hwaseong Fortress.
Make sure to return to the main plaza in time to catch the amazing Korean martial arts demonstrations. You can confirm timing of the shows at the ticket office before taking off to explore the fortress.
Cool off in Gwangmyeong Cave
A man-made cave in Seoul, Gwangmyeong Cave is nevertheless one of the most visited tourist attractions located in the city. Gwangmyeong Cave, for all intents and purposes, is an underground theme park built into an old mine that houses an aquarium and a winery to list just a few of its many attractions. The cave with its scintillating light displays and cool temperatures is an excellent way to escape from the heat of a Seoul summer if you ask us!
Eat your way through Incheon Chinatown!
Yes, we know that this is located in Incheon and not Seoul, but we’d be doing you a disservice by not mentioning it! As the oldest and only official Chinatown in South Korea, Incheon Chinatown is a maze of restaurants, street vendors and businesses that are worth getting lost in. Although relatively small overall, Incheon’s Chinatown has made quite an impact on the South Korean food scene with people flocking to the streets to try unique creations like Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and Jjambbong (seafood noodle soup).
Keep an eye out for the one and only Imagawayaki stand in Incheon Chinatown where the owners serve up warm and gooey cakes bursting with fillings like sweetened red beans and chocolate!
Jeju Island
South Korea’s very own tropical paradise, Jeju Island is a coveted resort destination known for its idyllic beaches, unique volcanic landforms and lush scenery. Getting to the island is surprisingly affordable and easy given that hundreds of flights depart the mainland for Jeju Island daily, transporting visitors the short 1 hour or so flight to the island’s only airport: Jeju International Airport. As a result of the dazzlingly blue waters of the East China Sea surrounding it, Jeju Island sees lots of rain annually. In fact, the weather of Jeju Island is quite variable frequently switching between cloudbursts and sunshine. With its closeness to the mainland, laid back atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, it’s no surprise that Jeju Island draws tourists and visitors year-round.
Getting around Jeju Island
There’s really only one great way to see Jeju Island if you ask us and that’s by driving. As Rideshares are not available on the island, the only other options for commuting are via taxi or local buses. While taxis are great for shorter distances, using them for long distance travel can be rather expensive in Jeju. Furthermore, although taking the local bus is an affordable option for long-distance travel across the island, traveling this way offers much less flexibility when it comes to sightseeing. For these reasons we ultimately decided that renting a car and hitting the open roads was the best way to see Jeju and we were right! What we didn’t anticipate however were the local laws regarding driving in Jeju that almost sucked all the fun out of the experience!
An International Driver’s License is required for anyone renting a car in South Korea.
Because of its status as a self-governing territory of South Korea, Jeju has its own government and laws. This means that there are different laws and customs in Jeju as compared to the mainland and this extends to driving on the island as well. Driving on Jeju Island is done on the right-hand side of the road and there’s not much traffic to contend with. Additionally, the roadways are well maintained and navigating via Naver is just as reliable in Jeju as it is in Seoul. One struggle that we encountered —and expected— while driving was that most street names in Jeju were written in Korean characters meaning that we absolutely could not read any signs and were therefore 100% reliant on our GPS telling us where to go. Although this was a little unnerving, the roads signs depicted universal symbols and the Naver app was reliable in providing directions. Given that we never got lost on our adventures, we’d say this small hurdle was more than surmountable. The true issue we faced while driving in Jeju was the hundreds of speed cameras disbursed at regular intervals on virtually every roadway. As the speed limits are strictly enforced and fines are issued for even the slightest of violations, we found ourselves driving no more than 20 miles per hour across much of the island. While we were grateful that both Waze and Naver provided speed camera warnings, we were exceedingly frustrated that even though the roads were clear of traffic, we were not free to really enjoy the drive as we had to keep a constant eye on our speedometer and the cameras! Despite all this though, we thoroughly enjoyed driving through Jeju and being able to stop at a moment’s notice to enjoy the picturesque land around us.
Where to stay on Jeju Island
There are two cities on Jeju Island: Jeju City and Seogwipo City. Jeju City occupies the northern half of the island and is nearest to the airport while Seogwipo is located about 45 minutes away from Jeju City on the southern end of the island. Although in close proximity to each other, the cities are markedly different with Jeju City appearing more urban with its soaring skyscrapers and Seogwipo having the calm vibes of a peaceful seaside town. While both cities are excellent bases from which to explore Jeju Island, we suggest picking your points of interest before deciding on where you’d like to stay. In our case, we decided to split our time between Seogwipo and Jeju City, this way we would have easy access to all the major tourist sites on the island. Hotels and Airbnbs are plentiful throughout Jeju Island so no need to worry about booking accommodations too far in advance. Because of its relatively small size, it’s difficult to choose a “bad spot” to stay on Jeju Island as a quick 10-minute drive is all it takes for a complete change of scenery.
There are over 12 types of hotels in South Korea, and you may come across rooms labeled as Yeogwan, Minbak and Hanok, just to name a few. Be sure to look up these room types before booking to make sure that they meet your needs as some of these rooms may be basic rooms in someone’s home while others may be full suites akin to a traditional hotel. A little research can save a lot of hassle later!
Jeju Island Food
We promise to say much more on this topic in a future post but, as there are some unique foods on Jeju Island, we want to draw your attention to them, so you don’t miss out on anything! Being an island, Jeju is known for its abundance of seafood and unique dishes are worth hunting for. Make sure to keep an eye out for dishes like abalone congee and abalone fried rice which are easier to find in Seogwipo and harder to come by in Seoul. Black Pork is another specialty item found only in Jeju, particularly in Jeju City. This coveted pork comes from a special breed of pig and is typically available at Korean BBQ restaurants throughout Jeju City. Finally, Jeju snacks like chocolate covered Hallabong, Hallabong and orange cakes and Harubang bread are must-tries that also make for excellent gifts!
Top things to do on Jeju Island
Manjanggul Lava Tube
Located approximately 1 hour away from Jeju City by car, the Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cave showcases splendid flowstones as well as stalactites and stalagmites and is a wonderful way to explore Jeju’s volcanic features. As this area is periodically closed for maintenance, make to check online for any planned closures before scheduling your visit!
Hamdeok Beach
Just 30 minutes away from Jeju City is Hamdeok Beach, a lovely blue-water beach along Jeju’s northern coast. Although small, the beach area is well developed with plenty of parking, restaurants and bathrooms nearby. If you’re looking for a laid-back beach experience in Jeju, then Hamdeok Beach should be your first stop!
Seongsan Ilchubong
One of the most stunning sites on Jeju Island, Seongsan Ilchulbong is a long-dormant volcano that lies just over an hour away from Jeju City. Verdantly green with a cratered top, the volcano sits on the edge of the island, rising above the blue waters of the East China Sea. Low- floating clouds can often be seen drifting across the face of the volcano, sometimes completely obscuring the face of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Those wishing to climb to the top of the volcano can purchase tickets at the visitor center then proceed up the designated pathway. The climb to the top takes, on average, 25-30 minutes and provides stunning, panoramic views of Jeju, that is if it’s not too cloudy of course. At the top of the volcano, visitors are not allowed to climb into the crater however it and the breathtaking sea beyond it are a sight to behold.
Descending Seongsan Ilchulbong is quick, and the path does not simply end where it begins. For those interested, there are side trails leading to the water’s edge below the volcano and to another unique treat of the area: the Haenyeo Divers. But what are they? Well, Haenyeo Divers are a group of female divers belonging to Jeju Island who are known for their skill at free diving. These women dive to remarkable depths without the use of oxygen tanks and collect seafood. As this is more a way of life rather than a performance, there are no scheduled showtimes, however the divers are known to hunt for seafood at either 1pm or 3pm daily. If you manage to make it on time to view the diving, don’t miss your chance to enjoy a meal consisting of the freshly caught seafood prepared by the divers themselves at the nearby restaurant!
Seongeup Folk Village
Situated between Seongsan Ilchulbong and Seogwipo City, Seongeup Folk Village is a charming traditional folk village that is open to all visitors. The village consists of several Hanoks from the 15th century and is one of the oldest inhabited folk villages in South Korea. There are no fees to enter and explore and the residents of the village are incredibly warm and welcoming. Although it was small overall, we found that a stop at this lovely village was worth the time to explore the architecture of the traditional homes and to meet the people who continue to lovingly preserve such a remarkable piece of history.
Hike Mt Hallasan
Standing at just around 6300 feet, Mt Hallasan is the highest mountain in not just Jeju Island but South Korea as well. As such, simply summiting the mountain is a claim to fame for anyone visiting Jeju Island and hundreds of visitors undertake this adventure daily, especially in the warmer seasons. Located centrally on the island, between Jeju City and Seogwipo, there are two trails leading to the summit of Mt Hallasan: the Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails. While the Seongpanak trail is longer (11.5 miles total in and out) and offers a more gradual climb, the Gwaneumsa trail is shorter (10 miles total in and out) and much steeper offering more views and a much more intense hike. Rain is common on Mt. Hallasan and hikers are encouraged to bring rain gear and wear sturdy shoes with good grips. To access the mountain, reservations are required and should be made HERE prior to visiting. Timed entry into the park is strictly enforced and we recommend selecting an earlier entry time for the park as arriving too late may mean that you’re not allowed to climb to the summit of the mountain.
Anyone arriving at Mt Hallasan after 10-11am is not allowed to climb to the summit as there is not enough time left in the day for the 8-hour hike from the rangers’ perspective. There are checkpoints along the trail and gates that are closed at specific times of the day so there’s no way to sneak by either! Note that you must show up for your reservation or cancel it online if you’re unable to honor it otherwise you will likely face a temporary ban from the park and Mt Hallasan.
Despite knowing all this and preparing ahead, we somehow still arrived at the Seongpanak Trailhead too late on a cloudy, rainy morning and were told point-blank by the gate attendant that we would not be able to summit. Being the indomitable spirits that we are and overconfident in our general fitness, we were sure we could make the 6000ft climb in no time. One and a half hours and several downpours later, we had not even reached the first checkpoint and had no choice but to accept that we would not be summiting Mt Hallasan that day! We weren’t too devastated though as the mist, rain and clouds through which we were climbing let us know that we would have little to no view at the summit. This was later confirmed by a hiker making her way down the mountain who shared with us that the rain, hail and clouds at the summit had indeed impeded any of the majestic views that would make the arduous climb worth it.
Rather than continuing the harrowing climb, we decided to follow a short side trail that brought us to a tranquil lake known as Sara Oreum. Here, we found a viewing platform and a wooden walkway along the banks of the lake and spent a glorious half hour admiring the lake as the low-lying clouds and intermittent sunshine took turns shifting the colors of its waters. Making our way down from the Sara Oreum Lake, we felt a brief tug of regret at having not completed our task to summit Mt Hallasan but accepted that we would have worked hard for almost no payoff. So, we left Mt Hallasan, not deflated as you might expect, but determined that we would return on a better day to conquer it and get our picture taken with the tiny plaque on top!
Want to see more pictures from our epic South Korea Trip? Check us out HERE!
