If you’re looking for colourful culture, breath-taking landscapes and vibrant cities, then why not book onto one of our South Korea Group Tours. With so much to discover, it’s no surprise that South Korea has rapidly become a sought after destination for ex-pats.
Below are a few of our favourite things about South Korea and why it needs to be added to your travel bucket list for 2020!
1. The history of South Korea
South Korea has a long, interesting history, one of the many reasons why it’s such a great place to visit. Around the country, there are lots of historic sites such as; Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village. Both great places to visit and learn about important events throughout Korean history and how the country came to be what it is today.
In recent years South Korea has also been heavily influenced by western culture. As a result, this has changed people’s eating habits and music choices. Art, food, clothing and architecture are also a big part of Korean culture and are included as main highlights on our South Korea Group Tours.
2. South Korea’s mountain ranges
70% of Korea is made up of mountains. In total there are 21 mountain peaks throughout South Korea, Hallasan being the highest. Hallasan is a shield volcano situated on Jeju island, the southernmost part of the Korean Peninsula and the last stop on our 12-day South Korea tour. Other well-known peaks are Seoraksan and Jirisan, located in two of the countries biggest national parks.
3. There’s a cherry blossom season in South Korea
Whatever time of the year you choose to visit South Korea, you’ll be welcomed with lots of beautiful seasonal changes. Korean spring begins in March with a flourish of cherry blossom trees and other radiant flowers such as the Sansuyu and Maehwa. Moving into summer explore the stunning coastal cities and islands. In autumn soak up the colourful backdrops at Naejangsan National Park and during winter enjoy some festive fun at some epic winter festivals!
4. Experience Korea’s unique cafe culture
Café culture is very popular in South Korea and has become a staple part of the Korean lifestyle. Cafe culture is about more than just the coffee, it’s escapism, a place to hang out with friends and enjoy socialising.
South Korea is home to 49,000 cafes, more than 18,000 of them in Seoul. Many different styles of cafes can be found in and around Korea. With the likes of virtual reality cafes, flower cafes and cat cafés, there are plenty of places to mix with the locals and enjoy a new experience.
5. Enjoy a Korean BBQ
Most dishes in South Korea incorporate either meat or fish and are often accompanied by numerous side dishes. These are often cooked in a variety of ways, including being simmered, stewed, steamed or fermented.
Unlike the western way of eating, most dishes in Korea are all served at the same time, this is often referred to as a Korean style banquet. You can expect anywhere between 5 to 12 dishes, all complimenting each other’s colour and flavours.
A Korean bbq is also an extremely popular style of cuisine, which involves cooking your own food on a charcoal grill that is built into the table. A Korean bbq is often made up of Bibimbap, Kimchi, Sundubu Jjigae and plenty more.
6. Seoul and Busan’s vibrant city life
Seoul and Busan are the two biggest cities in South Korea and are main highlights on our 12-day South Korea tour. Both cities offer lots of exciting attractions and provide authentic cultural experiences.
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and is well known for its hi-tech industries, energetic nightlife and trendsetting fashion. Busan, on the other hand, is a lot more laid back because it’s situated on the coast. Here, you can take some time to relax and enjoy the local jjimjilbang culture or visit Haedong Yonggungsa, the city’s only shoreline temple
7. Futuristic and traditional experiences
South Korea has a fascinating culture, one of that combines modernity and tradition. They embrace a futuristic way of life with tall buildings and busy fashion districts, but they also still embrace their cultural roots with historic sites and traditional experiences such as temple stays, craft making and cooking classes.
8. Relax in a Korean bathhouse
Jjimjilbangs are a big part of Korean culture and a main highlight on our South Korea Group Tours. They first came about in the 15th century and were used solely for medicinal purposes. Now, in the 21st century they are a popular weekend getaway for Korean families to help relax, unwind and relieve stress.
They are a sex-segregated public bathhouse, made up of showers, heated salt rooms, an ice room, saunas, hot tubs and massage tables. As part of the bathing etiquette you are required to get undressed and head to the showers. Here you will thoroughly wash of your body and hair and then you ready to enter the bathing house and enjoy the facilities.
9. K-pop music
Korean pop music, known as K-pop has become a global phenomenon over the past couple of years. It’s not only popular in South Korea, but all over Asia. K-pop culture has influenced many different industries such as fashion and beauty.
Seoul is the hub of K-pop culture and offers fans an insight into the k-pop world. Here, you can visit the popular Gangnam district for a k-pop style makeover or take a break in one of the many K-pop themed cafes owned by the K-pop stars themselves.
10. Shop till you drop in Seoul
As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is the ultimate shopping destination. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to shop. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are lots of great areas to choose from.
Head over to the bustling district of Myeongdong and shop the latest beauty trends. Visit the Ewha Woman’s University Shopping Street for trendsetting fashion. And then, explore Insadong Street and have a browse of traditional Korean crafts and clothing.
Keen to go backpacking in South Korea? Check out our South Korea Tours! Alternatively, drop us a message in the chatbox below or send us an email at info@thedragontrip.com to find out more!
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