Hey, everyone. We Americans love Korean culture deeply, such as Korean pop music and Korean dramas. Many of my friends are obsessed with it. I am the same. I just came back from a trip to Korea a while ago. The experience was simply amazing! Today, I will tell you about the great travel guide to Korea. Friends who are planning to go to Korea should listen carefully!
1.Prepare these before going to Korea
Visa and documents
If American citizens want to go to Korea, they must get a visa first. Generally speaking, you can find a travel agency to apply for it, or you can apply for it yourself on the official website of the Korean Embassy in China. The materials you need to prepare are passport photos and original passports. The validity period of the passport must be more than 6 months. There is also a completed visa application form. If it is a tourist visa, you must provide a travel plan and proof of financial resources. In short, if the materials are ready, the visa will be stable. By the way, you must always carry your passport with you. This is your “ID card” abroad.
Airline ticket booking
Buying air tickets is also a technical job. I usually start paying attention to the official websites of major airlines and ticket booking platforms two or three months in advance. Asiana Airlines and Korean Air have more direct flights, and the prices are sometimes surprising. Compare several platforms, such as Expedia and Kayak, and you may be able to find a very cost-effective ticket. Moreover, booking in advance can not only choose the seat you like, but also save a lot of money.
Packing
The climate in South Korea is different from some places in the United States, so you must pay attention to packing. If you go in spring (March-May), the weather will gradually warm up, but it will still be a bit cool in the morning and evening. It is definitely a good idea to bring a few thin jackets. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, so short-sleeved shorts, light sun protection clothes are essential, and bring an umbrella, because there is a lot of rain in South Korea in summer. Autumn (September-November) The weather is pleasant and the weather is clear and cool. Bring some long-sleeved shirts and thin sweaters. This is a good time to enjoy the maple leaves. Winter (December-February) is just one word, cold! Thick down jackets, warm pants, and snow boots must be arranged. In addition, you should also bring common medicines, such as cold medicine and gastrointestinal medicine, in case you are not used to the local climate.
2.First experience in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace:
As soon as I got off the plane to Seoul, I rushed to Gyeongbokgung Palace as my first stop. This place is a representative of ancient Korean palaces. It was built in 1395 and is full of history. As soon as I walked into the palace gate, wow, the red walls and green tiles, as well as the carved beams and painted buildings in the palace, instantly felt like traveling back to the ancient Joseon Dynasty.
I strongly recommend everyone to rent a set of hanbok and take pictures in Gyeongbokgung Palace. The effect is amazing. There are tourists wearing hanbok all around, handsome men and beautiful women, as if it is an ancient palace party. And Gyeongbokgung Palace has a traditional gatekeeper handover ceremony every hour, which is very interesting. Don’t miss it.
National Folk Museum:
From Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can walk a few steps to the National Folk Museum. This museum is free to visit, and the exhibits inside range from Korean people’s food, clothing, housing and transportation to traditional festivals and folk art. Through those old objects, models and multimedia displays, you can clearly understand the development of Korean culture. A walk here is like taking a vivid lesson in Korean history and culture.
Bukchon Hanok Village:
Bukchon Hanok Village is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and is a well-preserved traditional Korean residential area. Strolling along the narrow alleys, there are quaint Korean houses on both sides, with layers of tiles on the roofs, and occasionally you can see a few pots of blooming flowers at the door. Here you can not only appreciate traditional architecture, but also experience various cultural activities, such as making traditional paper art and learning tea ceremony. Find a Korean coffee shop, sit down and have a cup of tea, bask in the sun, and experience the traditional slow life of Korea. It’s so comfortable.
3.Shopping and Food
Myeongdong:
In Seoul, Myeongdong is a must-go place. Once you arrive in Myeongdong, you will be overwhelmed by the crowds of people, all of whom come to shop. Various brand stores and beauty stores are lined up on both sides of the street. Korean local beauty brands, such as Innisfree and Etude House, are affordable and their products are good to use. You won’t feel bad if you buy a bunch of them to give to your friends. There are also international brands, such as Chanel and Gucci, which are sometimes discounted. In addition to beauty and big brands, there are also many trendy shops where you can find some unique clothes and accessories. When you are tired of shopping, the street food stalls are your energy supply station. Have a plate of fried rice cakes or fish cakes, which are delicious and filling.
Gwangjang Market:
Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul and is a paradise for foodies. As soon as you enter, the aroma of various delicacies hits your nose. Spicy fried rice cakes, the red sauce wraps the soft and glutinous rice cakes. Take a bite, it is spicy and sweet, super exciting. You can’t miss the seaweed rice rolls. The rice is soft and glutinous, and it is filled with various vegetables, meat and eggs. Take a bite, and you will feel full of satisfaction. There are also mung bean pancakes, which are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Dip them in the special sauce and you will be so delicious that you can’t stop eating them. There are also traditional costumes and handicrafts for sale in the market. I walked around and ate, and the afternoon passed.
4.Jeju Island
Seongsan Sunrise Peak:
Jeju Island is the largest island in South Korea, and the natural scenery is so beautiful. My first stop was Seongsan Sunrise Peak, which is the iconic attraction of Jeju Island. I had to get up at four or five in the morning to watch the sunrise. Climbing up the steep mountain road was a bit tiring, but once I reached the top of the mountain and saw the spectacular scenery, everything was worth it. The sun slowly rose from the sea level, and the golden sunlight sprinkled on the sea, sparkling. The sea and the sky in the distance were connected, and the beauty was breathtaking. After watching the sunrise, you can also take a walk along the beach and blow the sea breeze. It’s so comfortable.
Halla Mountain:
Halna Mountain is the highest peak on Jeju Island and the highest mountain in South Korea. Friends who like hiking should not miss it. The scenery on the mountain changes with the increase in altitude, from lush forests to rocky mountain tops, and there are surprises at every step. There are several hiking routes with different levels of difficulty. You can choose according to your physical strength. Be sure to be well prepared before hiking, bring enough water and food, and wear a pair of comfortable hiking shoes. Climb to the top of the mountain and overlook the entire Jeju Island. The sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.
Udo: Udo is an outlying island near Jeju Island, which can be reached by ferry. The scenery on the island is particularly beautiful, with white sand beaches, blue seas, and large rapeseed fields (in spring). Renting a bicycle to ride around the island is a good choice, as you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and stop to take pictures at any time. Udo’s peanut ice cream is very famous. It is made with fresh peanuts and has a rich taste. You must try it. Spend a day on Udo and feel the tranquility and romance away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
5.Busan
Haeundae Beach: Take the high-speed rail from Jeju Island to Busan, and Haeundae Beach is a must-visit place. This beach is long and wide, with fine and soft sand, which is very comfortable to step on. In summer, many people come here to swim, surf, and enjoy the sunshine and beach. There are many cafes and restaurants along the beach. When you are tired, you can sit down and eat something and enjoy the sea view. In the evening, there are various night markets on the beach where you can buy special snacks and souvenirs.
Busan Tower:
If you want to overlook the whole picture of Busan, you have to go to Busan Tower. You can take a cable car or hike up the mountain. When you reach the top of the tower, you can see the entire Busan city. The sea in the distance, the bustling streets, and the scattered buildings form a beautiful picture. You can also hang a love lock on the tower to leave a good blessing. There are also some entertainment facilities and souvenir shops under the tower. You can take some souvenirs home after shopping.
6.Korean food
Taste traditional food
There are many traditional Korean foods. Ginseng chicken soup, stuff glutinous rice, red dates, ginseng and other ingredients into the belly of a young chicken, simmer over low heat, the chicken is tender, the soup is rich, and it is rich in nutrition. It is especially suitable for girls to drink and beautify the skin. Barbecue is also a must. The pork belly is roasted on the baking tray until it is sizzling with oil, wrapped with lettuce, and topped with garlic slices, green pepper rings and special barbecue sauce. The aroma of meat fills the air with one bite. The bibimbap is also a must. The rice is topped with various vegetables, meat and fried eggs, and a spoonful of hot sauce is added. Stir well and you can taste different flavors in every bite. It is recommended to go to some traditional Korean restaurants, such as “Toso Village Ginseng Chicken Soup” and “Princess’s Barbecue”, which taste authentic.
Street snacks
In addition to traditional food, Korean street snacks are also irresistible. Fish cakes, one string after another, soaked in delicious soup, can be dipped in sweet and spicy sauce when eating, chewy and chewy. Tornado potatoes, potatoes are cut into spirals, coated with batter and fried until golden and crispy, and then sprinkled with various seasonings, fragrant and crispy. There are also fried rice cakes. As mentioned earlier, they can be eaten in Myeongdong and Gwangjang Market. The taste may be a little different in different places, but they are all delicious.
7.Travel Tips
Transportation Guide
South Korea’s public transportation is very developed. In Seoul, the subway can take you almost anywhere you want to go. Buy a T-Money card, which can be used on the subway, bus, and convenience stores. When taking the bus, pay attention to the bus stop sign. Some bus routes are circular, so don’t take the wrong bus. If you want to go to a farther place, such as from Seoul to Jeju Island or Busan, you can choose to take a plane or high-speed rail. South Korea’s high-speed rail is called KTX, which is fast and comfortable to sit on.
Language Communication
Although many people in South Korea can speak English, some older people may not be able to speak English. Download a translation software, such as Google Translate. When you encounter communication difficulties, enter what you want to say and translate it into Korean for the other party to see, or directly use voice translation, which is convenient and practical. In addition, learn a few common Korean phrases, such as “Hello (안녕하세요)”, “Thank you (감사합니다)”, “How much (얼마입니까)”, and when communicating with locals, they will feel particularly cordial.
Cultural etiquette
In Korea, some cultural etiquette should be paid attention to. When meeting, generally bow, and when the elder extends his hand to shake hands first, the younger shake hands. When eating, wait for the elder to start eating first, do not make too much noise when eating, and do not cross the spoon and chopsticks. Take off your shoes when entering a Korean house and put them neatly. Understanding these cultural etiquette can make your trip smoother and better integrate into local life.
8.Unforgettable memories of the trip to Korea
This trip to Korea really left me with too many good memories. From ancient palaces to bustling shopping streets, from magnificent natural landscapes to delicious Korean food, every place is fascinating. I hope my sharing can help everyone, and I also hope that you can go to Korea in person to experience its unique charm.
