South Korea is rising in popularity and this is all thanks to the country’s global K-culture wave, from Korean skin, to their food, Their agriculture, to the K-dramas my personal favourites being ‘May Queen’ and ‘My Dearest’, and we cannot skip over one of the most popular forms of k culture, K-pop, with groups such as BTS and AESPA. The country has become a destination for travellers to want to visit and experience these phenomenon’s for themselves, even venturing beyond the capital city Seoul, this guide will highlight the places to visit and where to stay for an unforgettable experience in South Korea.
South Korea is a captivating blend with ancient tradition and modernity, it is a destination that transforms with the seasons, timing your trip makes all the difference. Spring (April to June) my personal favourite season is full of cherry blossoms that only appear for a short while and mild hikes, while Summer (July-August) offer beach escapes and lively festivals, their most popular ‘Waterbomb’ despite its monsoon rains. Autumn (September-November) is a beloved season for its vibrant trees and leaves and crisp weather, great for cultural exploration. Winter (December- February) Transforms the country into a snowy wonderland, which is ideal for skiing. If I had to be biased, for peak beauty and manageable crowds Spring and autumn are the best times to go.
SEOUL: South Korea’s capital known for its ‘palli palli’ quick culture, Seoul never sleeps with electric fusion and ancient places and futuristic skyscrapers. Spend your day exploring the Gyeongbokgung place and shopping in the vibrant districts of MyeongDong. The city’s K-pop scene and nightlife also offer dynamic experiences for those seeking youthful upbeat energy atmosphere.
BUSAN: Busan is South Koreas second largest city and also my favourite city, it is the perfect blend of urban and natural beauty. It Is known for its beautiful beaches Like Haeundae and Gwangalli, it is a haven for beach lovers, you also can not miss their colourful GamCheon village or bustling Jagalchi fish market with the freshest seafood. Jeju Island: Is for those that seek a sense of calmness Jeju Island offers breathtaking landscapes with their lush waterfalls and volcanic craters. Popular activities to venture out to include hiking the Hallasan mountain and visiting the Jeju Lava Tubes.
Korea offer a range of accommodation options depending on what you prefer. Seoul is a home for plethora of hotels, the four seasons hotel Seoul that stand out for its impeccable service and dining options. Across Seoul, guest houses and Airbnb’s offer a chance to experience local life, Gangnam and Hongdae which is where I was living during my study abroad offered affordable guesthouses, these are great location to stay in for they will most likely have access to the closest station with good walking distance and the area offering a wide range of selection on food options and different activities that are both local and tourist friendly.
Whilst Visiting Busan I would recommend booking an Airbnb or guesthouse with a Beachfront either Haeundae or Gwanglli, I personally manged to stay at an Airbnb that offered a beachfront in Gwangalli, you manage to receive the best view in the morning and at night, Busan is a beach destination, why not take in the beach view while you can. You will also have close proximity to the beach in both view and in person, feel free to walk outside and find the of the smell of the air and sea, the lovely lights that light every evening till midnight displaying different colours, pictures, and messages.
Jeju is an island known for its beautiful nature, and the accommodations also reflect that; Shila Jeju hotels is a luxury option that offer stunning ocean views if you are willing to spend. There are also Airbnb’s within the area, however whilst they may not be on the extreme affordable side, they still offer that ocean view and nature that you will be able to see but just from a different angle and less crowded.
For travellers seeking culture, adventure and a touch of luxury, South Korea is destination that should be on every traveller’s radar. As we all continue to explore, South Korea stands out as a ‘why not stop’ on a global itinerary with much to offer, it is no surprise that South Korea continues to capture the hearts of millions, and it certainly captured mine.
xoxo
Elizabeth Malita
