Top 6 Things to Experience When in South Korea
South Korea is one of the fastest rising economies in the world, but this does not mean that the country has forgotten its glorious past. The South Korea of today is a vibrant, dynamic country whose modern image is complemented by tradition.
Here are some of the best things to see and experience when traveling to the Land of the Morning Calm.
Shopping at the traditional markets
South Koreans do enjoy shopping—but maybe a bit too much. South Korea, at present, is one of the most important shopping hubs in the Asian continent. And while there might be endless options when it comes to modern shopping outlets, nothing beats finding the best bargains in the traditional Korean markets of Namdaedun and Dongdaemun. Myeongdong is a trendy shopping district these days, but there are plenty of bargains (make sure to haggle hard—the influx of foreigners might have bumped the prices up a bit. If you get hungry after combing through the myriad of different merchandise, drop by the restaurants and teahouses offering traditional snacks and drinks.
Explore Gyeongju
Gyeongju is located in the North Gyeongsang Province and is known as a “roofless museum” among locals and international visitors. This coastal city is home to well-preserved relics and historical landmarks dating back to the Silla Kingdom era (from 57 BC to 935 AD). Make sure to pay the Seokguram Grotto and the Bulguksa Temple a visit—these are the crown jewels of this charming city.
The DMZ
The Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, is a unique spot where visitors can see the truce line that divides the Korean peninsula into north and south. Essentially, the DMZ is a border barrier, and security is very tight in this location (including the Joint Security Area). However, guided tours are available to visitors, and you can even peer through a telescope to see North Korea!
Explore Busan
Busan is a port city surrounded on three sides by sparkling blue oceans, making it a perfect holiday option for those who want to enjoy a wonderful Korean summer. Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Busan, but it can get crowded with locals and tourists during peak season. Haeundae is also situated near the largest fish market in the country, Jagalichi market.
Go on a UNESCO Natural Heritage Tour of Jeju
Jeju Island, situated in the southernmost part of the Korean peninsula, is another popular tourist destination in South Korea. When visiting this island, do not miss out on the opportunity to tour the numerous UNESCO Natural Heritage sites, including the Baekrok Lake, the Geomun Oreum lava caves, and the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak.
Stay in folk villages
The lives of ancient Koreans have been extensively chronicled in numerous TV shows in South Korea, but if you want to find out firsthand how these people used to live, you can check out the well-preserved landmarks of the Korea Folk Village and the Andong Hahoe Village. The houses and structures in these villages are hundreds of years old, and tourists can even spend the night in one of these historic buildings.
