Jeju: the Hawaii of Korea, as it’s often called, Jeju is known for its beaches and seafood and nature. Despite being just 1.5 hours from Seoul, Jeonju rarely features on a Korea itinerary, and that is a mistake. That said, there is no sense that this is a country at war, as the last few decades have been relatively quiet on that front. But Jeju has so much to offer, from gorgeous hikes to unique local foods, that there's no reason it shouldn't be on every South Korea travel itinerary. Even though the Joseon dynasty is no longer in power, Jongmyo Jerye rituals are still carried out regularly as they have been done for the past 600 years. The Buddhist temple will offer a glimpse into the Buddhist traditions. ), Do you speak English? 07:10 AM - Departure from Manila via Air Asia; 12:10 PM - Arrival in Incheon International Airport, redeem Discover Seoul Pass and Korea SIM card; 01:00 PM - Travel to Seoul via AREX Airport Express Train to Seoul Station. The stairs built into & walking trails leading along the cliffs can get a bit crowded on weekends in the summer, but if you get too hot, there's a sea side restaurant at the top of the climb. But I'm not a huge fan of sleeping on thin blankets on a hard wooden floor, despite having done it a few dozen times. Shop in one of the markets, tour Gyeongbukgang and North Seoul Tower, and check out the nightlife in Hongdae or Itaewon. The jokbal, or pig’s feet, are cooked in a sweet cinnamon & honey mixture which reminds me of spiral-cut ham on Christmas. I also think it’s the most beautiful, but I’ve had the chance to visit in both fall and spring, when the colors of the palace grounds come to life; in summer and winter it's a bit less colorful. It will be cold outside but the low costs may keep things cheery! The spa, or sauna, is an important pastime for Koreans of all ages, and it's most common to go on the weekends as a family. The hotel is also a hub of creative activity, with workshops taking place regularly. Gyeongbokgung was once the home of the powerful Joseon Dynasty which ruled Korea for around 500 years from the 14th century. The uphill scene is worth the trip, and makes for some very cute photos, especially for families and couples. They’ve got immaculate rooms, a small outdoor pool, and the rugged surroundings typical outside of the big cities. Lovely Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts plenty of starstruck visitors through the Donhwamun Gate. 3D/2N: Sample DIY Seoul South Korea Itinerary (3 Days & 2 Nights) DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN INCHEON. Culture-lovers, this one is for you! Despite the popularity of Suncheon as Korea's underground foodie capital, Jeonju is the official foodie capital of the country. South Korea Itinerary: Busan – 3 Days After so much visiting and traffic in Seoul, it’s time to take a break and relax in a beautiful city by the sea. Depending on where you get it from, the cream flavor can be more or less intense, and the ice crystals can be very strong. Admire the Flowers in Deokjin Park. Conclusion. With remaining residents numbering in the hundreds, calling this a village is a bit of a stretch. I’m Max, and I’m unabashedly in love with food. Have a meal at Jagalchi Market. If you’re lucky, this is also where you’ll catch site of some of Jeju’s famous women divers, though you may see some on the walk over. And hopefully also visit some of Seoul's dozens of delicious chocolate shops. At the Dora Observatory, you’ll be able to look into North Korea. Now it’s time to plan your itinerary on a budget! Don’t miss Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist temple built all the way back in 794. Surrounded by water on three sides, the peninsula that is South Korea is outlined by a highly indented, 8,640-kilometer-long coastline that is bedecked by more than 3,500 islands. Every room at Iam includes an en-suite bathroom and complementary breakfast in the dining room. From Seoul, the capital of South Korea to Sokcho, Jeonju, Busan and Jeju. Also, be very careful of where you walk: certain pathways are for the ancestral spirits only! Meanwhile, Tapgol Park is a small, pretty park that’s lined with national memorials. But to give you an idea of some of the many things you can do across the island, here are 7 things you should do or see on Jeju Island. Other common concerns include fears about speeding and eating street food. These bright yellow blossoms have taken up root throughout the village of Gurye, bringing hoards of people (& tourism dollars) to town every spring. Insider Tip: Entrance to Jongmyo is free on the last Wednesday of the month! Seoul is famous for their inexpensive accommodation, but Jeju City really puts up a fight. One view from the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong. The beautiful structure is built around interleading courtyards and walkways. Unsurprisingly, an adventure through the country’s coastal cities promises gorgeous scenic views, amazing seafood feasts, and unsurpassed hospitality. It’s one of the most decorative parts of the palace. There are some bizarre optical illusions here! It’s also called “The Secret Garden” as it was originally for the exclusive use of royalty. Bathe in Sanbangsan Carbonate Springs. But tourists? You’re allowed to use the bus pass for an entire day and audio guides are available to make the most of the tour. Click here for the latest prices. Click here to check the latest prices. Budget travel in Korea is 100% possible, but it takes planning. Let’s start this Korea itinerary blog with some Korea travel tips. The “Palace of Virtuous Longevity” is the fifth and final imperial palace on your Seoul itinerary. However, the hall offers a unique example of Eastern and Western decor. Samgyetang (삼계탕). Pickpockets do frequent Seoul landmarks so keep all your valuables safely on your person and in sight at all times. Click here to check the latest prices. Some people come here to watch the sunrise, which is a spectacular choice considering it's on the east coast & opens at 5am! Namsan, is an iconic Seoul attraction that’s a must-visit while in the South Korean capital. Photoshoot in Jaman Mural Village. Early May through early October is a toss-up between extremely hot and warm with a breeze, but it will definitely be humid. But do you have any tips for eating in South Korea as a vegetarian? Junghwajeon, the primary throne hall that’s decorated with dragons and gilded finishings, epitomizes indigenous design. If you have fewer than 5 days, it will be tough to get a good sense of the culture and people and cuisine. Yeha is the best choice for backpacking or budget-minded visitors, with a solid 9/10 rating for their dorm beds, and a good connection to island's public transporation. What’s the best time to visit South Korea? They have nice sunshine, beautiful foliage, and outside of major holidays, they’re light on domestic tourism. It's one of the few traditional sweets in Korea, but it's most easily found in the colder months, from October to April (I'd recommend you get it in the neighborhood of Insadong). Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Whether your Seoul itinerary involves sipping herbal tea in a small teahouse or making your way through the crowds at Everland theme park there’s such a remarkable zest for life in the city. The building was designed so that the sheer volume of space would be a centerpiece. The market is open every day, but Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest of all. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going . This depends on your style of travel, but a mid-range budget for a solo traveler would be about $65USD per day. Our favourite travel backpack is the Aer Travel Pack 2. The subway is the most convenient method of transport and mastering the Seoul network is really proof that you visited the capital city! Dwaeji Gukbap: this is a very hearty pork-based stew, prepared by slowly boiling pork bone into a broth & adding tender little pork bits. Just across from Seongsan Ilchulbong is Seopjikoji, an area famous for being the filming location for several dramas, and just a stunning place in general. Check how to spend 5 … It's a very strong flavor, but all the side dishes it's served with temper it beautifully. // Ee-gaw ha-na ju-say-yo. The route from Seoul's Gimpo Airport to Jeju is actually the most traveled route in the world. Hi, Max. Two weeks in Korea? Green Tea Churros. Women should be sure to bring tampons and pads, as there was recently an issue with domestic pads & tampons are extremely hard to come by. If you can find it, my favorite is Yangnyum Ori (양념오리). Which apps should I download before visiting Korea? Don’t forget to cross-check the information to their official websites. Namsan Seoul Tower, on the top of Mt. Alongside the Korean artists, the museum is also home to works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon. On the weekends there are visitors of all ages, usually ending their hikes with a picnic and drinks at whichever peak they decide to stop on. It’s so authentic that you may even be able to imagine yourself as a Korean soldier on the ramparts! It was designed by architects Jean Nouvel, Rem Koolhaas and Mario Botta. You'll see many an older person drying their laundry on their balconies and chatting on rooftops on sunny afternoons, so remember to stay respectful of the residents. Wear a Hanbok Amongst Hanok. This special meal is an investment, maybe $45USD per person. The palace was inhabited by the Jonseon emperors until 1919 when the last true emperor died in his Deoksugung apartment, the Hamnyeongjeon. If you’re lucky enough to have 3 days in Seoul, there’s a variety of fantastic attractions to choose from! Or at least in a cafe that looks ancient, as many of the cafes in Jeonju's downtown area have been styled to look. In that regard, Seoul and Busan are more comparable to LA and San Diego. Click here to check the latest prices. Namsan Tower is set in a very green park, and right around the tower itself is a temple and a gate with “love locks” attached to it, but the Tower is best known for having an amazing view of the city. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Each spot is centrally located, high quality, and  foreigner-friendly. Click here for the latest prices. Suncheon: truly off-the-beaten path, Suncheon is a gorgeous region full of flowers, agriculture, and stunning natural landscapes. Looking for somewhere uber-trendy to stay in Seoul? Click here to check out prices for other hotels in Jeonju. Equal parts resort & park, Taejongdae has become famous for its beautiful views and colorful tourist train. This bus tour provides the perfect combination of convenience and flexibility for your visit to Gangnam. We’ve put together a roundup of Travel Insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads, our favorite travel insurance provider. Jeonju is one of the oldest cities in Korea, famous for its spicy bibimbap, traditional hanok houses, and many unique festivals. If you have two days in Seoul, you’ll be able to appreciate more of its imperial history and get to grips with its contemporary side. Of all the things to do in Busan, this is by far one of my favorites. Any commission earned from these links goes towards keeping this site online. Click here for the latest prices. Click here for the latest prices. Keep an eye out specifically for hallabong tea. The beautiful houses with their iconic curved roofs and wooden features were originally inhabited by the nobility. But if you only have 10 days in Korea (or even fewer), then I suggest you start in Seoul. Northeast of Suncheon is Gurye, whose spring flower festival & fall cherry festival are famously striking. The National Museum is also a modern architectural masterpiece. The awe-inspiring temple complex boasts numerous monuments which are all architectural masterpieces! Need to travel to Seoul on the cheap? Like all other provinces and cities in Korea, Jeju has a few foods it's famous for, but unlike most of those other regions, Jeju is famous for them because they're actually grown there. Also look out for the Punggidae, an instrument which was used to measure the speed and direction of the wind. Visit Gyungbokgung, one of the 5 royal palaces in Seoul. (이거 하나 주세요. Tour a Hanok. It's just one of many types of meat you can have for Korean barbecue, which is basically a particularly communal style of cooking meat in the center of a table. Walk to Namsan Tower. ₩1000 is roughly equal to $0.85USD or ₱42. It’s the oldest and most authentic Confucian royal shrine in the world where royals worship their royal ancestors. By Fiorucci Dec 10, 2018 Asia, Budget Travel Guides, DIY Guides, Itineraries, Seoul, South Korea, Travel Adventures. I have such a list that I compiled over three years of traveling across the country: https://damecacao.com/expat-south-korea-bucket-list-adventures/. The region's most famous foods are definitely of the sea variety, and thus, so are most of these 5 foods you should try in Busan. 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