Often disregarded as a ‘bucket-list’ destination, South Korea is a country that has so much to offer its visitors. From splendid scenery, to fantastic food and a captivating culture… There are endless reasons why you should consider South Korea as your next trip!
Stunning landscapes
It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of South Korea, but this country has beautiful landscapes, that range from mountains to long stretches of coastline and to luscious forests. South Korea is home to 22 mountainous national parks and provides the perfect escape for adventurers, nature lovers and photographers. Why not discover the unique and picturesque island of Jeju and hike up to the highest volcanic peak of the country?
Even better, South Korea experiences four seasons, so it’s landscapes are ever-changing and transforming into unique and unforgettable sights. This converts South Korea into an even more exciting place to travel – no matter when you decide to visit, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking seasonal changes, such as the cherry blossoms in spring, the white wonderland of winter, the flower fields in the summer, or the vibrant, colorful foliage in the autumn.
Backpackers’ paradise
South Korea is a great backpacking destination due to its wide range of hostels, transport, food and activities – especially in the cities of Seoul and Busan. So, if you were concerned that travelling with a backpack and on a budget would be a problem – worry no more! South Korea is a beautiful country that accommodates backpackers with open arms and has a variety of options for visitors on all sorts of budgets.
Incredible food
If you’re someone who absolutely loves to try exciting new foods, South Korea has a lot on its menu for you. South Korea has a traditional yet quirky cuisine, for instance, an extremely popular side dish is Kimchi which is made from salted vegetables that are kept in jars for months. It was originally a method used to protect food during the winter. Other typical dishes are soups, stews, meats, noodles and seafood – why not visit a street market and sample some of these delicious delicacies?
Rich culture & history
With many traditions that have been around for centuries including Korean dance, musical performances and authentic clothing… it is an easy task to immerse yourself into South Korean culture. Why not dress up in hanbok, traditional clothing, and head to an enchanting tea house in Seoul? Even in the most modern parts of Seoul, you won’t struggle to find tradition – embrace the contrast between old and new.
South Korean history is just as impressive as its culture, today you can visit some of the most significant cultural sites of South Korea, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. Another place that has vital historical value is the city of Gyeongju, also known as a ‘museum without walls’ and is home to royal tombs, palaces and temples that are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are unmissable attractions!
Buzzing cities
Spectacular shopping, amazing attractions, memorable museums and more… The cities of South Korea have something for everyone. While Seoul is the capital and most famous city in South Korea, it’s definitely not the only one that’s worth a visit.
To travel back in time, head to the west of the country to find Jeonju – a city that has a traditional old town with old fashioned houses called ‘hanok’. This city blossoms in spring and autumn with colourful foliage and flowers. In the south of the country, you will find the city of Busan which is located on a charming coastline with sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean water – the perfect place to relax and enjoy the simpler things in life. Of course, for a modern experience, Seoul is the place to be with futuristic buildings and skyscrapers adding to its impressive skyline.
Unique nature & amazing beaches
You’ll be surprised by the number of untouched beaches and rural areas in South Korea. As the country is still yet to become a worldwide holiday destination like its neighbours China and Japan, you will find many small and rural villages full of peace and tranquility. Even so, there is a well-connected railway and bus system that make it easy to also explore the less visited areas of South Korea. Why not visit the lesser-known rice terraces and temples of this ‘off the beaten track’ country?
Additionally, South Korea is a peninsula with miles of beautiful coastline, beaches and islands. As mentioned above, Jeju Island is a popular destination due to its exceptional natural wonders and breathtaking beaches. In the east and west, you’ll find even more coastal treasures such as Jeollado.
Enjoy the first-class cosmetics industry
Why not treat yourself to some Korean style self-care. South Korea is known for its high quality cosmetics as Koreans view taking care of their skin as a crucial part of their daily routine. Therefore, South Korea is home to countless skincare brands that offer the most innovative and futuristic products in the global market – we recommend that you try out some of the treatments here!
Join the fun & go to a festival
If you fancy something a little different, why not completely immerse yourself in South Korean culture and join a festival. With the changing of seasons, new festivals arise, such as the Taebaeksan Snow Festival in winter and the celebration of cherry blossoms in spring. Even during autumn, Koreans celebrate their own version of Thanksgiving during Chuseok and honor their ancestors. Also, the birthday of Buddha is a holiday celebrated in May with lantern parades and performances at local temples.
So, South Korea provides incredible entertainment and amazing festivities for all people. This is why we believe everyone should add South Korea to their bucket lists, it really is a destination that has so much to offer!
Have you heard? We’ve just launched a brand new 12-day South Korea Tour, check it out HERE! Drop us a message in the chat box below or send us an email at info@thedragontrip.com to find out more!
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