South Korea has steadily risen in the ranks when it comes to tourist destinations. This country has so much to offer and you are bound to find something that will melt your butter. They have locations and activities meant for all types of people. Are you looking for a respite from the concrete jungle or perhaps, do you wish to embark on a food trail? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back! Read on to find out which of the 3 travel personalities suits you the most.
- The Die-hard Foodies
Korean cuisine is world-famous, and with good reason too! From their spicy kimchi to the Korean barbeque, their cuisine has taken the world by storm. If you’re a die-hard fan of red meat, head over to the Gangnam District’s Saebyukjib (새벽집 -House of Dawn) for high-quality hanwoo (한우). Those who are craving for some samgyeopsal (삼겹살) can go to Palsaik Samgyeopsal where they prepare 8 different marinade ingredients to go with your pork belly meat.
That said, don’t merely coop up at Seoul for your food adventures! Each region has its speciality and their unique rendition of local dishes. For instance, kimchi (김치) in Hwanghae-do is less spicy than a typical kimchi dish, whereas the kimchi in Gyeongsang-do is saltier and spicier.
Better yet, be an unconventional tourist and give sundae (순대) a try. Before you jump the gun, know that this dish is nothing like the ice cream dessert. Sundae, in this case, is a dish featuring steamed intestines that are stuffed with glass noodles, kimchi and other ingredients. At Abai Sundae in Sokcho, they serve a delectable traditional sundae that is an absolute treat for your tastebuds. However, if you can’t stomach the thought of intestines, they can replace it with a whole squid instead.
- Big-City Boys and Girls
If the metropolis is where you wish to go, Seoul is the obvious option. This urban hub has managed to combine both traditional elements and modern components seamlessly. You will not have to travel far to get the best of both worlds! Don their traditional hanboks (한복) and tour the Gyeongbokgung Palace to catch a glimpse of the royal lifestyle from the past. On another day, you can spend time exploring the gleaming shopping malls and bustling night markets. Shop to your heart’s content at the two favourite shopping spots, Myeongdong and Hongdae.
Apart from Seoul, South Korea boasts several other cities that deserve attention as well. As the fourth largest city in the country, Daegu is home to a striving food and nightlife scenes. They also have fantastic art museums, ethereal old churches and temples that you can spend time exploring.
Second only to Seoul, Busan is another popular tourist destination. This bustling port is home to beautiful beaches, the iconic Gamcheon Cultural Village and fascinating historical sites such as the Beomeosa temple. Take out your camera and start snapping!
- The Tree-huggers
Overshadowed by the dazzling cities, South Korea is also a treasure trove of beautiful natural wonders. In fact, this country is home to picturesque landscapes that have awed many since ancient times.
You can’t get enough of the view once you reach the summit of the Jiri mountain. This breathtaking mountain is viewed as one of the most important mountains in the country. In your hike, you will come across several Buddhist temples and other cultural relics. If you’re up for an interesting experience, go for a temple stay in the famous Hwaeosma temple to start your spiritual journey.
Head further down to Suncheon, Jeonnam and feast your eyes on the vast Suncheon Bay. Home to the largest colony reeds in Korea, this coastal wetland is also located near the ‘garden from heaven’, Suncheonman Bay National Garden. This natural habitat alone houses over 505 species of trees and 113 species of flowers. Experience the ethereal beauty of nature’s gifts in South Korea.
No doubt, these 3 prominent travel personality types don’t encompass the entire personality types but trust South Korea to have locations and activities that will suit your fancy. No matter your travel personality, South Korea has it covered.
Be it a popular tourist destination or a hidden gem, navigation will be considerably more manageable if you know bits and pieces of Korean. So, why not learn basic Korean with Singapore’s #1 Korean language school? At Sejong Korean Language School, we offer different kinds of courses! From Korean lessons for beginners to those who wish to advance their Korean skills. Our Korean language teachers have been specially trained to meet a quality standard and all of them have proper qualifications to teach as per MOE guidelines. Brush up your Korean with us and you don’t have to worry about the language barrier in your travels!