From next-level nightlife within the capital that by no means sleeps to mountain trekking, forest bathing and flower viewing within the nice outside, South Korea is a rustic that incorporates multitudes.
It doesn’t matter what sort of traveler you’re, this small peninsula has one thing to thrill everybody. Listed here are our suggestions for the most effective issues to do in South Korea.
Watch the cherry timber blossom in Jinhae
In late March and early April in South Korea, the peninsula turns pink and white, as tens of millions of cherry timber billow with delicate blooms. Whereas the blossoms could be seen all throughout the nation, probably the most well-known viewing spot is the small southern coastal district of Jinhae. With some 360,000 timber – some greater than 100 years outdated – Jinhae’s cherry blossom competition is the nation’s most in depth.
All through the 10-day competition, guests can admire the flowers on the outdated prepare station Gyeonghwa-yeok, marvel at them lit up at night time at Yeojwa-cheon stream, benefit from the opening ceremony and different performances, then store the road distributors at Jungwon Rotary. It’s pure magic.
Stroll alongside the Cheong-gye-cheon in Seoul
On a heat, shiny day in Seoul, there’s nothing higher than meandering alongside Cheong-gye-cheon, the 11km (6.8-mile) stream that flows east to west by the town’s downtown. Alongside this Joseon-era waterway, which was as soon as coated with a freeway and later restored as a part of an city renewal undertaking, walkers can cease on the stream’s museum, take pleasure in artwork installations, watch a road efficiency or just sit on the steps with a snack. Cheong-gye-cheon passes below 22 bridges earlier than connecting with the Jungnangcheon tributary and finally the Han River. Decelerate, and savor every step.
Do the cha cha
No, not dancing: ingesting. In South Korea, cha refers to every successive spherical of revelry in a single night time. Il cha, spherical one, is often barbecue, when diners take pleasure in somaek (soju plus maekju, or beer) with their samgyeopsal (pork stomach) and different grilled meats. From there, you would possibly head to a pub for spherical two, one other bar for spherical three then a membership for spherical 4. For individuals who have managed to make it by all of that, the final spherical of the night time is often noraebang (personal karaoke room), the place you’ll be able to order extra alcohol and snacks whereas deciding on your favourite tunes to sing – and when you’re at it, put your Korean abilities to the take a look at with a Okay-pop hit or two. Should you can handle to comply with the phrases, that’s.
Cheer on your favourite metropolis or firm at a baseball recreation
South Korea’s hottest skilled sport is baseball, and whether or not you’re a fan or not, you’re in for a superb time at a Korean Baseball Group (KBO) recreation. Owned by among the nation’s greatest conglomerates, the KBO league’s 10 groups embody many model names you would possibly acknowledge, like Gwangju’s Kia Tigers, Seoul’s LG Twins and Daegu’s Samsung Lions.
Earlier than cheering in your favourite metropolis or firm, be taught the particular struggle songs and chants for every group, in addition to the roster of its best-known gamers. However the most effective a part of KBO video games is likely to be the concession-stand setup: fried rooster, pizza and different snacks are literally inexpensive, comfort shops like 7-Eleven are on web site and promote beer at the usual value, and also you’re even allowed to herald your individual meals and alcohol. Another excuse to take your self out to a ballgame.
Store till you drop at conventional markets
South Korea’s sijang (conventional markets) are a cacophony of distributors hawking their wares, consumers shouting their orders, fish splashing round water-filled basins and kitchenware clanging about. Simply once you suppose you’ve gotten your bearings, an outdated man on a motorbike rings his bell to let you understand he must get by. By venturing into the nation’s busiest markets, you’ll immerse your self within the chaos of on a regular basis Korean life, as you store for clothes, equipment, housewares, produce, meals and extra.
In Seoul, Namdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, Tongin Market and Dongdaemun Market are hottest. In Busan, go to Gukje Market or Bupyeong Market. Strive Dongmun Market in Jeju and Jungang Market in Daejeon.
Try the cafe scene
An Instagrammer’s dream, South Korea’s cafe scene has a spot for each style. Pet cafes function dwell canines, cats, raccoons, meerkats, kangaroos and any variety of different creatures to maintain you firm when you sip your espresso. Different themes vary from books and flicks, to flowers, 2D illusions, journey, vinyl and extra: you title it, and also you’ll discover it right here. Simply be ready for menu costs which may make your eyes water: it’s not unusual for a plain Americano to set you again a whopping ₩7000.
Go climbing with makgeolli and jeon
With 70% of the nation coated in mountainous terrain, climbing is a beloved South Korean pastime, and a tradition unto itself. Whereas on the path, you’re positive to see trekkers racing up the slopes decked out within the newest and best mountaineering gear. On the summit, you’ll discover them sharing packed picnics of gimbap (seaweed-wrapped rice rolls) and different snacks. And after a tough day’s hike, you’ll spot them unwinding with a favourite mountain pairing: jeon (savory fried pancakes) and makgeolli (fermented rice wine). Be a part of within the customized at one in all South Korea’s 22 nationwide parks or, when you’re in Jeju, alongside the island-encircling Olle Path.
Gaze on the bamboo timber in Damyang
Bamboo patches could be discovered scattered all around the southern a part of the nation, and the biggest such forest is positioned in Damyang in North Jeolla province. A 310,000-sq-m (3,336,812-sq-ft) stretch of verdant inexperienced, Juknokwon is understood for its many scenic trails, and in addition has an artwork gallery, tradition village and close by bamboo museum. Whilst you’re within the space, you’ll be able to even strive a scoop of bamboo ice cream.
Get your caffeine repair in Boseong
The inexperienced tea capital of South Korea, Boseong County in North Jeolla province is a surprising emerald expanse of terraced fields tgat produces greater than 40% of the nation’s nokcha provide. Go to the 5 million-sq-m (54 million-sq-ft) Daehan Dawon, the area’s oldest and largest plantation, to meander the tea fields and surrounding cedar and juniper forests. There’s additionally a inexperienced tea store for getting souvenirs plus a inexperienced tea restaurant for tasting nokcha-enhanced variations of traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap and naengmyeon (chilly noodles). Subsequent door is the Tea Museum of Korea, a can’t-miss attraction for any tea connoisseur.
Dig into every metropolis’s signature dish
From Andong’s jjimdak (soy-braised rooster) to Suwon’s galbi (beef brief ribs), a signature dish characterizes many South Korean cities, and plenty of of them have a single alley stuffed with distributors getting ready their very own variations on the native recipe. In Uijeongbu, go to Budaejjigae Road close to Jungang Station to pattern a boiling pot of “military stew,” a mix of Spam, canned beans, kimchi and instantaneous noodles that was invented within the aftermath of the Korean Conflict utilizing leftover rations from American army bases.
In Chuncheon, try Dakgalbi Road to strive the town’s quintessential spicy stir-fried rooster. Carnivores in Jeju can’t miss its particular black pork, mentioned to be extra tender than the pink selection. The long-lasting bibimbap in Jeonju is exclusive as a result of the rice is cooked in beef broth, then usually served tartare-style topped with uncooked beef and egg yolk. In South Korea, you’d finest arrive hungry.
