Overlooked for too long in favor of its neighbor to the east, South Korea is now rightfully stepping out of the shadows, thanks to a surge of interest in its food & pop culture.
Previously the main reason people chose to visit South Korea was an enforced layover, with travelers never leaving the Seoul city limits. But there is so much more to explore in this country, and in this article we'll summarize our favorite locations, which fit together nicely for the perfect itinerary.
Seoul
Okay, there's no shame in admitting that the capital city also happens to be the star attraction. Spend a few nights in Seoul, and it's easy to see why. With a population of almost 10 million it's one of the worlds megacities, and offers everything you could possibly imagine. Three nights here is recommended at a minimum, and you may wish to consider bookending your trip with stops here, depending on your flight schedule.
There are so many highlights to consider, but EWT favorites include Gwangjang Food Market, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. A night out in Itaewon is also highly recommended. There's also an abundance of day trips you can take from Seoul, including heading north to the North Korean border and the DMZ (demilitarized zone), or Seoraksan National Park for excellent hiking opportunities.
Favorite Hotel: It's hard to look beyond the Four Seasons given it's prime location and attention to detail.
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Gyeongju
Just 2 hours from Seoul on the high speed KTX train, Gyeongju is an ancient capital steeped in history. Forget the bright lights of modern Seoul, here it's all about marveling at well preserved Silla-era architecture, enjoying the mountain trails of Namsan Park, and exploring the many Buddhist shrines. One to two nights here is sufficient, after which it's just a short drive to Busan.
Favorite Hotel: Hilton Gyeongju is still the best game in town.
Busan
After a short drive in Gyeongju, you'll arrive in Korea's second largest city - Busan. It's a city that surprises all who visit, and for those interested in seafood, it might just offer the best in the whole country. Sample some of the freshest at Jagalchi Fish Market, before exploring the streets of colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. Another highlight is Yonggungsa Buddhist temple. After all this exploring, save some time to relax on the beautiful Haeundae Beach.
Favorite Hotel: The best options line Haeundae Beach, of which Signiel is our number one pick.
Jeju
The island of Jeju makes for a relaxing conclusion to your exploration of Korea. However, there's no shame in skipping it if your schedule doesn't allow. Beaches and volcanic landscapes are the main attraction, with a stop at the UNESCO Heritage Site of Manjanggul lava tubes also recommended. Note that if you fly back to Seoul at the conclusion of your trip you will likely land at Gimpo airport, whereas international flights depart Incheon airport.
Favorite Hotel: The Shilla is the perfect place to relax & unwind, and great for families.
Other Destinations
On the mainland there are a number of other interesting areas to explore, including the hanok village of Jeonju, skiing in Yongpyong, and the incredible Taekwondowon in Muju County. However, for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of Korean history, there is no better way than experiencing a temple stay. Throughout the country you'll find a network of temples who offer accommodation for a couple of nights, and the opportunity to join in the daily rituals of the resident monks.
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