Not one to draw back from an enormous journey, our Advertising and marketing Automation Supervisor, Ben Smith, took inspiration from our Better of South Korea itinerary to discover this East Asian gem together with his associate. His journey took him from the volcanic island of Jeju by means of the bustling streets of Busan to the closely militarized border with North Korea. Because the nation continues to return into its personal as a prime vacationer vacation spot, you would possibly need to take notes to your personal Gangnam-style journey.
1: Really feel the lava on Jeju Island
Greatest earlier than or after the journey, we hopped on a fast flight from Seoul and landed on a tiny island stuffed with pure wonders like volcanic craters, white sand seashores, and lava tubes. To gas up on carbs for the numerous mountaineering trails, we stopped at Dongmun Market in Jeju which is a good place for snacks and native dishes similar to ramyeon, mandu or tteokbokki.
2: Hearth at Seongsan Ilchulbong
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, we took a day journey to the east facet of the island to sort out the steep steps as much as Seongsan Ilchulbong Viewpoint. It’s a 5,000-year-old dormant conical tuff volcano within the form of a drilling bowl. Also referred to as Dawn Peak, many guests time the 30-minute climb to look at the solar rise over Jeju Island.
Ready for extra climbing, we spent the following day mountaineering the crater-filled heights of Mount Hallasan. We might solely go up to now with snowy climate on prime so you should definitely put together for this time of 12 months along with your sneakers and equipment.
3: Style the rainbow (trout) in Busan
Crossing over to the colourful seaport of Busan, we skilled a kaleidoscope of colours at Gamcheon Cultural Village and the intoxicating odor of contemporary fish at Jagalchi Market. Quirky and vibrant, Gamcheon is a former slum on the mountain was an artwork district. It is chaotic and enjoyable and filled with cafes, galleries and retailers. Plus, extra stairs to climb!
4: Ease the senses at Seokbulsa Temple
Every part is extra satisfying for those who can take the cable automobile up there so we hopped on the Geumgang Park Ropeway up the mountain. From there we adopted the indicators for a mountaineering path that finally results in the doorway of a temple set right into a sandstone cliff. Carved into the cliff sides are rows upon rows of big Buddhas and temple guardians – it is a peaceable place off the overwhelmed monitor and nicely definitely worth the journey.
5: Go to the seaside in Haeundae
Spring is probably not the very best season to sunbathe on Busan’s most well-known sandbar, however the rain did not sluggish us down. Surrounded by skyscrapers, this city seaside space is ideal for cozying up in a restaurant and imagining how it might really feel on the golden sands in summer season.
6: Stroll previous the royal burial mounds of Gyeongju
From the rounded resting locations of historic kings (often called tumuli) to the abundance of well-preserved temples, Gyeongju is a metropolis fortunately residing prior to now. There are not any tall buildings, the environment is peaceable, and there are extra pagodas, palace ruins and archaeological wonders right here than every other metropolis in South Korea.
7: Stand contained in the demilitarized zone
As unusual because it sounds, the closely armed buffer zone between South and North Korea is prepared for warfare and is a serious vacationer attraction. By coming into the DMZ, we realized about their tense historical past and obtained a peek into one of many least traveled nations.
8: Slender down Bukchon Hanok Village
Situated within the coronary heart of South Korea’s capital, we wandered the alleys between conventional picket homes often called hanok. Round 900 homes manufactured from all-natural supplies are squeezed into this picturesque village with two grand palaces inside strolling distance. Etiquette Tip: The dorms are busy so bear in mind to be quiet.
9: Parade round Gyeongbokgung Palace
Even with 5 days to fill, we have barely scratched the floor of issues to see and do in Seoul. One website that might not be missed is the biggest of the 5 predominant palaces constructed by the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung has been reconstructed a number of occasions, however it nonetheless shines in its crimson and jade splendor. Do not miss the colourful altering of the guard ceremony!
10: Say goodbye in Gangnam Model
Though the Okay-pop craze has solely grown since Psy unleashed his tune on the ears of a worldwide viewers, he nonetheless holds a revered place in its historical past. To pay our respects, we visited the long-lasting golden hand using set outdoors the COEX mall. As an added bonus, the tune begins routinely once you stand beneath it.
Getting there
Are you prepared to try all of the wonders of South Korea? We make this epic small group journey simple for you:
The very best of South Korea