Author Topic: Recommendations for traveling in Korea (Read 5337 times)

missabus · « **on:** April 11, 2011, 06:10:36 PM »

I just told my school today that I will be leaving Korea in three months. Sad as it is, I don't plan on coming back to teach here. Before I go, I want to make sure that I accomplish most (if not all) of the "must sees" and "must dos" in Korea.

I'm looking for some advice of things to see and do that are off the beaten path. Any suggestions?

Paul · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2011, 06:23:37 PM »

Jeju, Gyeongju and couple of folk villages (Andong Haohe) are UNESCO listed. That's often a good place to start when shortlisting attractions in any country. Naturally though, those lists don't cover modern cities and nightlife, so by population, the places to be are Busan and Seoul in that regard.

The DMZ is the nation's most unique attraction (only available in one other country!) and the Boseong Tea Fields (and the now defunct Namdaemun) is the only place I'd seen photos of prior to coming to Korea if that means anything to you.

Another way to look at it is what places do phrasebook manufacturers deem worth listing? In my book its only Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju, but this book is somewhat focussed on shopping.

Wikitravel can also be moderately reliable for this type of top-level information too; they have this top 9 city rule going (although city does not always equate to must-see), and then a list of at a glance top locations outside of those cities. That second list is the good stuff as that has your off the beaten path stuff. Having said that, their South Korean material is pretty skeletal at best.

By prefecture, I only know the local stuff, but North Cheongcheong prefecture's top attraction is Danyang, and South is ... probably Mt Daedun or Gongju or something largely unheard of but for expats Boryeong during the mud festival. Samcheok's Penis park on the far eastern seaboard is perhaps Korea's most infamous photo op location.

By the numbers, Jinhae is the world's leader in cherry blossoms, but the peak for that was yesterday. Still, I don't know where you live, so for all I know you could be in Busan and able to do an afternoon trip in the next day or two.

There's a thread poking around here from last week somewhere on places that make good weekends away from Busan. As a nature lover, I find the south coast the best part of the country, so the info in there might appeal.

torstrom · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2011, 06:33:58 PM »

Seoraksan is awesome. There are cheap places to stay nearby in Sokcho.

KIMMINJI · « **Reply #3 on:** April 12, 2011, 12:28:27 AM »

Quote from: torstrom on April 11, 2011, 06:33:58 PM

Seoraksan is awesome. There are cheap places to stay nearby in Sokcho.

CHERRY BOLSSOM FESTIVAL IN GANGNEUNG :)

grandslam · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:12:20 PM »

If you're looking for something off the beaten path and you're into hiking, definitely check out Soraksan (and Gangwon-do in general), and Jirisan. Both are beautiful and even more so in spring.

curly gurl · « **Reply #5 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:24:59 PM »

I live in Busan and the aquarium is a nice place to visit. It's along Haeundae beach which is a major tourist attraction as well. In the aquarium you can go scuba diving in the shark tank, ride in a glass bottom boat and feed the fish, and ride a 3D simulator. Great time!

http://www.busanaquarium.com/eng/f_main.html

There is also Spa Land, one of the biggest and best ever in the Shinsegae mall.

http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1000306

CMTC · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:30:55 PM »

I recommend Oedo Botanical Island http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedo, its really beautiful.

I also love Jongdongjin near Gangneung, beautiful views from the Sun Cruise Hotel and their gardens are really nice.
You can get a slow train from Daegu to there and you get to see a lot of beautiful Korean countryside.

Danield · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:34:46 PM »

Sunrise peak on Jeju
Sereok mountain

clavicus · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:36:58 PM »

the best place I have been recently was sookcho, great place and can easily go back there a number of times as theres SO many things you can do. you can take an express bus for around 10,000 and it only take 1.5 hours.

We stayed on the base of the mountain near suraksan was epic!

Koreancarper · « **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:41:11 PM »

Wolchulsan Mountain in Yeongham is very beautiful.
It is known for its sky bridge which is an orange suspension bridge that connects 2 of the peaks.
I would recommend hiking it if you have a chance, although it can be very busy at times because it is so popular.

joet · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:44:03 PM »

Jongmyo Shrine!! Jongmyo Shrine was the first Confucian royal shrine in Korea. It looks just like it did in the 16th century, it is really nice place to take pictures and such plus it is getting warmer but not too hot to check out.

jayson217 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:49:58 PM »

Gyeongju! Definitely during spring time. Besides Jinhae, the cherry blossoms should be amazing in Gyeongju. I've walked and biked around the area and there was never a dull moment. My next mission when I go back is to drive a motorcycle :D.

Also, if you're into hiking, go to Jirisan. My friends and I went there last year and we had a picnic near a waterfall and it was really relaxing. The view was amazing too

jsohn001 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:51:23 PM »

I agree that Suraksan is a really cool place to go hiking. If you wanna see the cherry blossoms, I suggest going this coming weekend instead of Yeouido. I heard Yeouido is really packed.

monster1702 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:54:37 PM »

Ulleungdo is amazing!

mel.afton · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:57:48 PM »

There are a lot of beautiful coasts and islands in the south west corner of Korea (Namhae, Yeosu, Mokpo, etc.). It's a great area to explore (although much easier if you have access to a car).

allaninkorea · « **Reply #15 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:58:25 PM »

For outdoors and atheletes like in Seoul: Highly recommend Seoul Forest and Hangang Park for biking! They even have two-seaters for those with friends. Lots of fun! 3000W/hr for single bike or 6000/hr tandom (2-seater, that is for the entire bike, not per person). They also have random workout machinery along the trails, basketball courts, etc. Very nice! Get to line 2 and get off at Ttukseom, exit 8 (I believe.. there will be signage leading you to the right way). From there ask directions.. it's very closeby! Not even 10 mins walking.

pappaganoosh · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:59:15 PM »

The Gwangjang vintage clothing and produce market at Jongno-5-ga (ex12) is amazing. Far better than Dongdaemun or Namdaemun IMO :)

bmoney · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:04:13 PM »

WOW this is amazingly helpful, my family is comin in 4 months and im tryin to plan what to do while theyre here...thanks everyone ;)

angiex33 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:10:43 PM »

The Gwangjin food market near Dong Dae Mun in Seoul is worth a visit. Good for experiencing better quality street foods and not spending too much money for a really hearty meal.

smithdoi · « **Reply #19 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:11:37 PM »

Waujeongsa Temple in Gyeonggi do province, largest lying Buddha in the world, if memory serves.

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Author Topic: Recommendations for traveling in Korea (Read 5337 times)

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