South Korea Travel Guide 2024 (The Best Guide)
Everything about the South Korea travel guide is with you in our article.
South Korea, an East Asian country, is one of the countries that attract the most attention of tourists.The country, whose capital is Seoul, is divided into two by the city of the Han river flowing through it. There are 28 bridges in total over the river. The magnificent landscapes in the country will fill your eyes.
South Korean Eating/Drinking Culture
There are many opinions about Far Eastern cuisine. So, how is the South Korean food and drink culture? This kitchen is a style that some people like very much and some behave very timidly. However, when you go to the country, we can guarantee you will find something to your taste.
The main ingredients used in South Korea are rice, beans and barley. Eomuk, kimchi and bibimbap made from fish dough are among the most consumed foods in South Korea.
The soup culture of South Koreans is also highly developed. Especially soups prepared with seafood are consumed a lot. It is possible to see many seafoods on the tables in South Korea. Vegetarians may need help finding food in South Korea. Because almost every dish contains meat products.
Soju is the national drink of Korea. Soju is an alcoholic drink similar to vodka. This drink is sold quite cheaply in South Korea. Coffee and tea culture is also significantly developed in South Korea.
Street food of Korea is also very popular. You can find hundreds of varieties in street food. While walking on the streets of Korea, the smell of tomato paste will come to your nose.
Moreover, the prices of street food are very affordable. However, these prices may vary depending on where the food is sold and what you are going to eat.
Mandu is one of the most famous street food dishes. Mandu is actually the ravioli with minced meat we know. However, it is larger in size. If you like to consume seaweed, we recommend you try Kimbap while you are in Korea. It is a snack that is very similar to sushi in appearance. Corn Dog, on the other hand, is a food prepared with sausage and cheddar in the dough. Do not return from Korea without tasting this delicious food.
Is South Korea Cheap?
People who want to study, live, or vacation in South Korea are doing research on prices in Korea. Korea is the country with the 4th largest economy in Asia. A large part of the country’s economy is provided by exports.
You can find restaurants for every budget in South Korea. But of course, luxury venues will be expensive. We can say that house prices in South Korea are quite high. You can find one-room houses at affordable prices. Market prices in South Korea are also quite reasonable. You can buy a lot of things from the market for a little money. However, life in Seoul is a bit more expensive than in other cities.
When to go to South Korea?
People who will travel to South Korea want to know about the weather before they go. So, when to go to South Korea? South Korea is a country that lives all four seasons properly. Therefore, in whichever season you go, you will encounter that season. However, the humidity level can disturb you in the summer months as the temperature and precipitation are high.
You can go between April and June if you want to roam freely while you are in South Korea. Flowers bloom in this season in Korea, and the country is filled with cherry trees.
Another of the best times to visit South Korea is between September and October. In these months, the air temperatures are now lower. Your holiday will be quite enjoyable when the rains are rare, and festivals occur during these months.
Top Attractions in South Korea
Those who go to South Korea need more information about where to visit. For this reason, you should research and note places to see before you go to the country. In our article, we will share with you the main attractions of South Korea.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is among the most magnificent structures you should visit in Seoul. Also known as the “Western Palace,” the building was built by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The building, completed towards the end of the 14th century, suffered great damage during the Japanese invasion and was not used for 300 years. It was King Gojong who restored the former glory of the palace. It may take about 2-3 hours to visit the whole of Gyeongbokgung. Because this place is home to 330 buildings.
Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the main attractions in South Korea. This authentic residential area has a history of approximately 600 years. Let’s say in advance that you will be amazed by the architecture in the residential area. This settlement also has restaurants and tea houses, which means Kuzey Village in Turkish. However, it should be noted that taking photos within the village’s borders is forbidden.
Changgyeonggung Palace is the most beautiful of the 5 main palaces in Seoul. The palace was built in 1405. Again, this palace became unusable, like Gyeongbokgung during the Japanese invasion.
The King Sejong Statue is also among the must-see works when visiting Korea. King Sejong was adopted by the Koreans as a folk hero. The king is still remembered with respect and love today. Located at the entrance of Gyeonbokgung Palace, the statue is located on a high floor. A watch is kept at the head of the statue every hour. There is a staircase located at the back of the statue. There is a path leading down to the tunnel from this hidden staircase. In this tunnel, there is a museum about the life of King Sejong. After seeing the statue, you can visit the museum if you wish.
The National Folklore Museum is one of the most visited museums in Seoul. This museum sheds light on the folkloric history of South Korea. The museum, which was opened in 1945, has exciting accessories that reflect the traditional life of the Korean people. The museum consists of 3 main exhibition halls. Different collections are exhibited in all of these halls.
The National Museum of Korea is also among the places to be visited. This museum has a structure that mirrors the life and cultural development of the people of South Korea. The museum, which millions of people visit annually, exhibits approximately 4500 pieces from ancient times.
The National Museum of Korea is a three-story building. While the parts on the right wing of the museum represent the future, the parts on the left represent the past. The most striking part of the museum is the room reserved for the Gaya period. On the museum’s second floor, 890 works of art belonging to this period are exhibited. You can easily go to the museum by public transport.
Remember to add the Jongmyo shrine in Seoul to your list. This temple, which has historical and natural beauty, is one of the most popular tourist places. Jongmyo Shrine was built during the Joseon Dynasty. This is one of the most important temples of the Confucian faith. The temple, built in the 14th century, amazes those with its dazzling architecture.
The N Seoul Tower is located on the summit of Namsan Mountain. The purpose of the u tower, which was built in 1969, was to enable radio and television broadcasts to reach wider audiences. The tower’s height is 236.7 meters, which is Korea’s first television tower. The building was opened to visitors on the 40th anniversary of its construction.
Dongdaemun Market is a must-see for shopping enthusiasts. Traditional markets are established in this region, and 30 thousand shops are in service here.
Where to Stay in South Korea?
People who will go to the south blind are thinking about where to stay. So, where to stay in South Korea? There are many options for accommodation in South Korea, especially in Seoul.
It will be very easy to find a hotel that fits your budget in a country that hosts millions of visitors annually. However, since Seoul is the center of the business world, hotel prices in this city may be slightly over your budget. For this reason, if you make a reservation before you travel, you can have more affordable accommodation in Seoul. Some of the hotels where you can stay in South Korea are:
Hotel Gaon Jangno: Located in Seoul’s Insadong district, this hotel is very suitable for those on a budget. The hotel offers services such as luggage storage, heating, non-smoking rooms and free internet. The nightly prices of the hotel vary between 33 Euros and 70 Euros.
Hotel Biz: Located in the Jangno district of Seoul, the hotel is located very close to the center. The hotel offers services such as laundry, refrigerator, air conditioning, breakfast and free internet. The nightly prices of the hotel vary between 33 Euros and 65 Euros.
Staz Hotel Myeongdong: Located in the Jango district of Seoul. This hotel is for you if you are looking for a slightly more luxurious hotel. The hotel offers free parking, internet, a restaurant, a bar and shuttle bus services. The nightly prices of the hotel vary between 50 Euros and 100 Euros.
9Brinck Hotel: The hotel is located in the Hongdae district of Seoul. Hotel prices in this region are slightly higher than in other areas. The hotel offers free parking, restaurant, 24-hour reception, free internet and bar services. The nightly prices of the hotel vary between 78 Euros and 150 Euros.
Lotte Hotel Busan: The hotel is located in the Busanjin-gu district of Busan. This 5-star hotel offers airport shuttle, breakfast, pool, bat, free internet and non-smoking room services. The nightly prices of the hotel vary between 240 Euros and 290 Euros.
Paradise Hotel and Casino Busan: The hotel is located in the Haeundae-gu district of Busan. Hotel prices are a bit high in this region where beaches are dense. The 5-star hotel offers a Turkish bath, spa, sauna, massage, breakfast, steam room and many more services. The hotel price per night varies between 180 Euros and 320 Euros.
Hotel The- Ore: The hotel is located in the Hongdae district of Seoul. The hotel is very affordable and offers services such as a restaurant, free parking, free internet, and dry cleaning. The price of the hotel per night varies between 60 and 90 Euros.
Benikea Premier Marigold Hotel: The hotel is located in the Hongdae district of Seoul. The hotel has a bar, spa, free internet, and many more services. The nightly prices of the hotel vary between 75 Euros and 187 Euros.
Transportation in South Korea
South Korea is a highly developed country, especially in industry. While walking around the streets of Seoul, there are conveniences in transportation as in all areas of life. Transportation in South Korea is easier than it seems. Seoul has a very practical, developed, and easy-to-understand public transportation infrastructure.
Private vehicles and taxis are a bit expensive in Seoul, as in almost every country. However, if you make your trips by public transport, you can travel at very reasonable prices. Both public buses and subways are quite common with the city. Using them allows you to easily go to the places you want to go in a short time.
