Korea is a fabulous destination that has embraced modern culture retaining its ancient wisdom. It is the land of grand palaces, lush greenery, and contemporary architecture. From the delectable Korean cuisine and K-pop concerts to the splendid palaces and well-curated museums, Korea has something for everyone. Be it a family trip or a romantic vacation, South Korea is ideal for all kinds of travellers.
What are the Best Things to do in South Korea?
- Explore Seoul Royal Palaces
- Dress up in a traditional attire
- Go for an Adventurous Hike on the Bukhansan National Park
- Dive into Korean History at the National Museum of Korea
- Indulge in Korean tea culture
- Discover trendy bars at Hongdae
- Love padlocks at N Seoul Tower
Explore Seoul’s Royal Palaces
Visiting Seoul’s regal palaces is one of the best things to do in Korea for those who want to know about Korean culture and heritage. If you are an avid viewer of Korean drama, you would feel déjà vu in Joseon Palaces in Seoul. These palaces stand tall, telling the brave stories of the imperial dynasty in Korea. There are five Joseon Palaces: Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung, and Gyeonghuigung. These palaces have colourful walls, astonishing woodwork, and intricate details.
What to do: Strolling around palaces surrounded by beautiful gardens and river views is an outstanding stuff to do in Korea.
When to visit: March to May and September to October are the best months to visit imperial palaces.
Dress up in a Traditional Attire
If you want to get a zest for Korean culture, you must try their traditional attire. For men, Baji and Jeogori are traditional outfits. On the other hand, Hanbok is the traditional dress for women. The traditional Hanbok dress signifies modesty and gracefulness. You must have seen these beautiful attires in historical K-drama series. Dressing up in old-style outfits is an exciting thing to do in Korea.
What to do: There are many traditional dress rental shops in Korea. You can rent the attire to click some beautiful pictures.
When to visit: Traditional Korean attires are available throughout the year. If you want to experience authentic Korean culture, wear these outfits and click majestic pictures in the royal palace. It will be a core memory of your trip.
Go for an Adventurous Hike on the Bukhansan National Park
Going to the Bukhansan National Park is among the top things to do and see in South Korea. It is the most visited national park in the world. The Bukhansan National Park is located in Seoul, the capital of Korea. So, it is easily accessible from the city. Adventure seekers love to go on a nature hike at this national park.
If you are fascinated by greenery and want to feel an adrenaline rush, put on your hiking gear and traverse the rocky terrain of this nature sanctuary. You can choose the Wonhyo Bong for an easy trek. However, for a difficult but equally rewarding trek, try Baegundae Peak. Along the way, you will come across a wide range of flora and fauna. Also, it is the best way to explore ancient temples and fortresses in the region. The journey as well as the destination serves a majestic view of nature. A gushing waterfall, vibrant flowers, and dense greenery await you.
What to do: Go on an adventurous hike or explore traditional temples like the Naewonsa Temple, Jingwansa Temple, and Samgaksan Doseonsa Temple.
When to visit: March to May and September to November are the best months to visit the Bukhansan National Park. It is open all days of the week for nature enthusiasts.
Dive into Korean History at the National Museum of Korea
An insightful trip awaits you at the National Museum of Korea. If you are a history buff, you must include a visit to this place in the South Korean travel package. It is a popular thing to see in South Korea to know about different eras of Korean history. The building is an architectural marvel which epitomises modern architecture. It is a cohesively designed three-storey building that takes you through prehistoric times. Here, you will see various weapons, pottery, sculpture, and paintings. Every floor of the museum opens the doors to the foregone era and gives a glimpse of ancient times. The highlighted sections have many artefacts from the Three Kingdoms times and the Joseon Dynasty.
What to do: Explore all the sections of the museum to understand the historical and cultural aspects of Korea. You can also buy artefacts from the exhibition and have hot coffee at the cosy coffee shop.
When to visit: You can visit the National Museum of Korea at any time of the year. It is among the best things to see in South Korea.
Indulge in Korea Tea Culture
Sip and savour specially brewed tea on your trip to Korea. South Korea is known for its rich and diverse tea culture. The flavours and ancient brewing techniques are combined to prepare this hot beverage, which is loved by locals. It is a very “Korean thing” to enjoy a cup of aromatic tea in the evening. The simple and natural ingredients embody deep cultural heritage.
What to do: Try a variety of green tea (Nokcha), fermented tea (Daejak), and herbal teas to elevate your taste buds. The refreshing tea varieties ensure you get an authentic taste.
Where to buy: Korean teas like Bori-cha, Nokcha, and Daejak are available in most cafés and tea shops in different cities in Korea.
Discover Trendy Bars at Hongdae
Looking for trendy places to eat and hang out with friends? Head to the famous Hongdae shopping street. It is a bustling area lined with cafes, bars, and shops. Visiting here is one of the cool stuff to do in South Korea. This place has a free-spirited culture, where you can enjoy busking performances, street murals, and art galleries. If you want to buy some things from Korea, you can get them from here. The entire road is painted in red colour, which signifies youth and passion. There is a Tourist Information Centre on the red road, where you can enquire about different spots to visit at the place.
What to do: Try delicious Korean food at local restaurants, buy cute things at the Kakao Friends Hongdae Flagship Store, and enjoy street performances.
When to visit: This street is open throughout the year. So, you must visit here for a memorable trip. It is better to visit during evening hours to enjoy Korea’s nightlife.
Love Padlocks at N Seoul Tower
Your trip is incomplete without visiting the iconic N Seoul Tower. It is the most popular thing to see in South Korea. This is an amazing romantic spot in Korea, where couples visit to seal their “padlock of love”. The tower railings are covered with countless love padlocks in vibrant colours, which look phenomenal. Here, couples make the promise to stay together forever. Visiting here will surely bring a smile to your face.
What to do: Go to the N Seoul Tower with your partner and vouch for your love by locking the love padlock. Click some social-media-worthy pictures to keep the memories with you for years to come.
When to visit: You can visit this place at any time of the year. A bright day is ideal to see thousands of love padlocks on the tower.
Korea is a gem in Asia that has a lot to offer to its visitors. The destination has a perfect combination of natural vistas, historical places, and a modern lifestyle. It is a gifted place with a vibrant culture and welcoming locals. There are numerous things to do and see in Korea for travellers. Known for its K-pop stars, scrumptious food, and shopping destinations, South Korea promises a well-rounded vacation.
21 videos
Post your Comment
Please let us know your thoughts on this story by leaving a comment.