Top things to do in South Korea
While South Korea may not have featured on your holiday bucket list in the past, this intriguing country in East Asia has been trending as a travel destination in recent years. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll soon realise you're more familiar with its culture than you thought. Ever listened to K-pop (remember Gangnam Style?), eaten kimchi, watched the hit Netflix series Squid Game, used a Samsung phone or been in a Hyundai car? There you go!
South Korea’s pop culture, super-charged shopping opportunities (you’ll find everything from electronics to cosmetics and fashion), and mouthwatering food are just some of the things which have put South Korea on the map when it comes to finding new and exciting places to visit. As a holiday destination, it is also regarded as very clean, safe and friendly, which makes it appealing to travellers of all ages. While South Korea is more expensive than other Asian holiday spots like Thailand, visitors tend to find it cheaper than nearby Japan.
Now we’ve got you thinking, let’s explore some of the best things to do in South Korea.
Fun and unique things to do in South Korea
South Korea offers a fascinating mix of ultra-modern and ancient culture, and as a visitor, you’ll have the chance to see and do some truly unique things. Here are some experiences you should not miss during your holiday to South Korea.
Wear traditional dress (Hanbok)
While visiting South Korea’s famous sights, why not make sure you look the part, too? Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, remains an important part of the country’s culture. These colourful outfits made up of skirt (chima), trousers (baji) and jacket (eogori) are available to rent and are often found in shops close to popular visitor attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. If this sounds a little like cultural appropriation, rest assured that visitors are encouraged to enjoy a ‘Hanbok experience’, and Koreans see this as a way to showcase their culture. You can really embrace the occasion by opting for a full styling experience and having your hair beautifully arranged as well. You’re sure to get some fabulous photos and remember your visit.
Relax at a Korean spa (Jjimjilbang)
Top of the to-do list must be a visit to a jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean bathhouse. While this may sound like a common holiday activity with the usual saunas and hot tubs, in South Korea you can also come here for a sleep! This doesn’t just mean drifting off during your massage – you can also stay the night. This is a particularly good option if you’re travelling on a budget, as it is surprisingly cost-effective. Accommodation is usually in a large communal room with either sleeping mats or bunk beds.
Visit a themed café
Café culture is alive and well in South Korea, but unlike here in New Zealand, where we’re all about the coffee, in Korea, it’s the theme that counts. Themed cafés come in more shapes and sizes than you can probably imagine, from cute animals – cuddle a cat/dog/bunny/pig/meerkat – to cheese-themed and even Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes.
If you’re a fan of K-pop, singing or just keen to let your hair down, head to a noraebang, a Korean karaoke bar, where you can blast out your favourite tunes in your own private singing room. This is a popular pastime in South Korea, and you’ll find noraebang dotted throughout the cities. Many of these are also themed so you can dress up in costumes and really embrace your inner rock star.
Head for the border
This may sound like a strange recommendation if you’ve only just arrived for your holiday, but the border between The Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is one of the most famous borders in the world and well worth a visit.
Known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border was established when the Korean War ended in 1953. A visit here will give you an important history lesson and some insight into the ongoing division between the communist North and the democratic South. While that may sound a little too serious for a holiday activity, the guided tours offer an informative and thought-provoking experience.
Explore South Korean culture
One of the best ways to learn about South Korea’s ancient history and culture is by visiting its beautiful palaces, temples and museums. There are five grand palaces in Seoul alone, so you won’t have to go far to enjoy this experience. Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most popular visitor attractions in South Korea and can truly be described as ‘grand’ with its ornate architecture dating back to the Joseon Dynasty over 600 years ago. You can witness traditional Korean ceremonies like the changing of the guard and enjoy music and dance performances. The National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are also located within the palace grounds and offer a fabulous display of artefacts and artworks.
The Busan Gamcheon Culture Village, a three-hour train journey from Seoul, is a colourful hillside settlement known for its vibrant art scene and unique architecture with the houses stacked up on the steep hillside and earning it the name Machu Picchu of Busan. Here you’ll also find the Beomeosa Temple, which was founded in 678 AD. It’s one of the most important and beautiful temples in South Korea. This is a place to come to relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of your surroundings from the traditional architecture to the surrounding lush landscapes.
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Enjoy delicious South Korean food and drink
You may also be familiar with Korean Barbecue, but unless you’ve tried it in South Korea, you haven’t had the full experience. More than simply a meal, this is a social occasion to be shared with friends or family, enjoying a good chat along with the delicious food. Known as ‘gogi-gui’ (meat roast) the menu typically includes a selection of marinated grilled meats accompanied by tasty side dishes of vegetables, rice, noodles and dipping sauces.
If you’re eating out at a restaurant, other popular dishes to look out for include bibimbap - rice with vegetables and minced meat with a fried egg on top – and bulgogi, meaning ‘fire meat’. While this makes it sound very spicy, this beef dish has a sweet and savoury flavour.
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Experience a traditional tea ceremony
Whether you’re a tea lover or looking to immerse yourself in the traditional culture of South Korea, you should make time to join a tea ceremony. This is nothing like grabbing a quick cuppa as we tend to do at home – prepare to slow down and appreciate the art of preparing, serving and drinking tea. The ceremony takes place in a dedicated tearoom and involves a formal ritual of welcoming guests and brewing the tea – which is usually a green or herbal tea – before sitting quietly to drink it. The ceremony is just as much about expressing gratitude and being mindful as it is about the refreshments.
Best places to visit in South Korea
From bustling cities to idyllic island retreats, there’s so much to see and do in South Korea. These are our suggestions on where to go and what to include on your itinerary.
Seoul
The capital and largest city in South Korea, Seoul is the place to come to see how modern lifestyles can co-exist alongside ancient culture. Skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology, including high-speed internet and super-efficient public transport systems, sit side-by-side with traditional Korean houses (known as hanok), temples and palaces. You can spend your morning shopping for the latest fashions in a high-tech shopping mall and your afternoon browsing a traditional street market. Here are our top five recommendations for things to do in Seoul:
- Visit Myeondong Shopping Street – shop for beauty and skincare products before enjoying some traditional Korean street food, followed by a visit to the theatre.
- Take a stroll along the Seoul Wall – dating back to the 14th century, you can stretch your legs and take in fantastic views of the city.
- See the sites from the N Seoul Tower – this famous landmark sits 480 metres above sea level and offers breathtaking views.
- Explore Insadong – this lively neighbourhood has everything from temples, markets and art galleries to traditional tea houses and modern cafes.
- Marvel at Changdeokgung Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 600-year-old palace is known for its architectural beauty and magnificent gardens.
Outdoor adventure destinations in South Korea
Perhaps one of its best-kept secrets is that South Korea is the perfect holiday destination for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. What you may not have realised is that 70% of the country is mountainous. So, as well as the water sports in Jeju, there are options for hiking, camping and skiing some of the national parks.
Jirisan National Park, home to the tallest mountain in South Korea, has everything from beginners’ trails to multi-day hikes and you’ll also be able to visit Buddhist temples and see ancient stone carvings along the way.
Vivaldi Park Ski World is an easy one-and-a-half hour drive from Seoul and caters for first-timers through to expert skiers and snowboarders.
Getting to South Korea
With many weekly flights available, the travel time from Auckland to Seoul is around 18 hours. Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit, avoiding the intense summer heat and humidity, or take a trip during the winter months if you’re a fan of the snow!
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