! The country of Korean BBQ and beauty surgeries !
South Korea is a fascinating country. Delicious food (especially Korean BBQ), great people, a big K-pop culture, newest electronic trends and gadgets, national parks with hikes, the ocean, tall skyscrapers, temples, palaces, crazy parties and beauty surgeries is what you will see throughout the whole country. Therefore, there are so many things to do in South Korea.
Top things to do in South Korea
Seoul (7 days)
Seoul is a mega city, it’s massive! At the beginning maybe overwhelming, but then you will start to love it. Seoul’s popular suburbs include the trendy nightlife district Hongdae, the upper-class Gangnam area and Itaewon which is known as the foreigner/expat neighborhood. Through the city flows the Han river, with many parks and promenades along the river. One day you should stroll along the Han river and stop at night at the Banpo Bridge for the colofull rainbow fountain.
Some major attractions and activities include:
South Korea’s famous Geongbokgung Palace. The futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a curved congress hall with a rooftop park which is especially nice at night. Hike up to the N Seoul Tower on the Namsan hill. Visit the giant Lotte World Tower skyscraper and next to it the large amusement park Lotte World. Or visit the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. If you want to do a day trip out of the busy city, then head to the Bukhansan National Park for some nice hikes.
Last but not least, don’t forget to eat the best Korean BBQ, Kimchi or Bimbap.
Check out my extensive Seoul City Guide for more detailed information of what to do, what to eat and where to drink in Seoul. I spent 7 weeks in Seoul, therefore I can give you a lot of information.
Visit the DMZ/JSA & 3rd Infiltration Tunnel (day trip)
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land running between North Korea and South Korea and it’s only about four kilometers wide. The most complete DMZ tour is the DMZ, JSA Panmunjom and 3rd infiltration tunnel tour from Seoul.
The day trip includes a visit at the Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA), Imjingak Park, Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dorasan Station, Dora Observatory, Freedom Bridge and DMZ Museum. I can recommend to take the KORIDOOR Tours company for the DMZ/JSA tour from Seoul.
Check out my DMZ/JSA & 3rd Infiltration Tunnel Day Trip Guide from Seoul for detailed information and pictures.
Busan (3 days)
Busan is the major port and beach city in the southeast of South Korea. Additionally, it is known for its mountains and temples close by.
Visit the the bustling Haeundae Beach and stay at Gwangalli Beach, which has many bars and overlooks the modern Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
Jeju Island (4 days)
Jeju Island is the vacation gateway for Koreans and tourists. Jeju’s green and lush landscape reminds a little bit of some islands from Hawaii. Exploring its volcanic nature is a must do on Jeju.
Transportation in South Korea
From one big city to another I would take the high-speed KTX train in South Korea. It’s not the cheapest option but by far the fastest and most comfortable one. In Seoul itself taking the subway is highly recommended.
Best time to visit South Korea
April until June and September until November are the best months to visit South Korea.
- Check out my extensive Seoul City Guide with a lot of inside information.
- Curious about the DMZ tour? My post about the DMZ tour will give you some useful advice.
