1. Seoul – The Dynamic Capital
Why Go:
A perfect mix of tradition and tech — ancient palaces stand tall beside mega malls and K-drama hotspots.
Highlights:
Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
Myeongdong for shopping
N Seoul Tower for panoramic views
Hongdae nightlife & K-pop street performers
DMZ Tour (half-day trip)
📌 Travel Tip: Use the T-Money card for convenient subway/bus rides.
2. Jeju Island – The Hawaii of Korea
Why Go:
Volcanic beauty, waterfalls, lava tubes, and pristine beaches — ideal for couples or nature lovers.
Highlights:
Hallasan Mountain (South Korea’s highest peak)
Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak
Jeongbang Waterfall
Manjanggul Cave
Green tea fields at O’Sulloc
📌 Travel Tip: Rent a car to explore the island fully.
3. Gyeongju – The Museum Without Walls
Why Go:
An ancient capital full of UNESCO sites, tombs, and temples from the Silla Dynasty.
Highlights:
Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Tumuli Park
Anapji Pond by night
📌 Travel Tip: Rent a bike to explore the historical sites easily.
🔗 Stay in Gyeongju’s Guesthouses
4. Busan – Beaches, Temples, and Street Food
Why Go:
A vibrant port city with beach culture, seafood, and colorful attractions.
Highlights:
Haeundae & Gwangalli Beaches
Gamcheon Culture Village (Instagram spot!)
Jagalchi Fish Market
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by the sea
📌 Travel Tip: Visit during Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) if you love cinema.
5. Seoraksan National Park – Nature & Hiking Paradise
Why Go:
Best place for hikers and nature lovers — famous for autumn foliage and jagged mountain peaks.
Highlights:
Ulsanbawi Rock Trail
Cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress
Sinheungsa Temple
Waterfalls & wildlife spotting
📌 Travel Tip: Autumn (late Oct) is the best time to visit.
6. Incheon – Where Tradition Meets the Sky
Why Go:
Often just seen as the airport city, Incheon has beaches, parks, and Korea’s largest Chinatown.
Highlights:
Songdo Central Park
Incheon Chinatown
Eurwangni Beach
Tri-Bowl architecture
📌 Travel Tip: Great for a short day trip from Seoul.
🔗 Stay Near Incheon Airport or Songdo
7. Andong – Cultural Heritage Capital
Why Go:
Get immersed in authentic Korean traditions, masks, and preserved folk villages.
Highlights:
Hahoe Folk Village (UNESCO)
Andong Mask Dance Festival
Traditional food like jjimdak
📌 Travel Tip: Stay in a hanok (traditional house) for a deeper experience.
8. Boseong – Tea Heaven of Korea
Why Go:
Dreamy green tea plantations with rolling hills — a visual treat and a peaceful retreat.
Highlights:
Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation
Green tea ice cream & snacks
Light festivals (seasonal)
📌 Travel Tip: Visit in spring or early summer for vibrant greens.
9. Suwon – Fortress City
Why Go:
Home to the grand Hwaseong Fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich Joseon history.
Highlights:
Hwaseong Fortress
Korean Folk Village nearby
Fortress night lights
📌 Travel Tip: Only 1 hr by train from Seoul – perfect day trip!
10. Tongyeong – Coastal Escape & Island Hopping
Why Go:
Often called “Naples of the East,” this underrated town has delicious seafood and scenic islands.
Highlights:
Mireuksan Cable Car
Dongpirang Mural Village
Ferry to Bijindo or Somaemuldo
📌 Travel Tip: Ideal for offbeat travelers avoiding the touristy spots.
🔗 Tongyeong Guesthouses & Hotels
🗓️ 10-Day South Korea Itinerary (Quick Guide)
Day 1 – Seoul:
Palaces, Bukchon Village, Myeongdong street food.
Day 2 – Seoul:
N Seoul Tower, Gangnam, shopping & nightlife.
Day 3 – DMZ or Suwon Day Trip:
Choose between Korea’s border tour or fortress history.
Day 4 – Busan:
Gamcheon Culture Village, fish market, beach sunset.
Day 5 – Busan:
Haeundae Beach, seaside temple, street food.
Day 6 – Gyeongju:
Ancient tombs, temples, stay in a hanok.
Day 7 – Fly to Jeju:
Sunrise Peak, tea fields, island vibes.
Day 8 – Jeju:
Waterfalls, caves, Hallasan or chill at the beach.
Day 9 – Back to Seoul:
Insadong, traditional tea, temple visit.
Day 10 – Seoul & Departure:
Last-minute shopping & fly out.
🍜 Must-Try Korean Dishes – Including Vegetarian Options
( Use desktop version for full view)
🥢 Top Traditional Dishes (Non-Vegetarian)
Dish | Description | Where to Try |
---|---|---|
Bibimbap | Mixed rice with veggies, egg, optional meat | Jeonju, Seoul |
Kimchi Jjigae | Spicy kimchi stew (usually with pork) | Local diners |
Samgyeopsal | Grilled pork belly BBQ | Korean BBQ joints |
Tteokbokki | Spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce | Street stalls |
Jjimdak | Soy-braised chicken & glass noodles | Andong |
Haemul Pajeon | Seafood pancake | Busan, coastal areas |
Black Pork BBQ | Grilled pork slices | Jeju Island |
Sundubu-jjigae | Soft tofu stew (often seafood-based) | Traditional restaurants |
🥬 Vegetarian-Friendly Korean Dishes
Dish | Description | Notes |
---|---|---|
Vegetarian Bibimbap | Rice, sautéed veggies, fried egg | Ask for no meat/gochujang on the side |
Kimchi (vegan-friendly) | Fermented cabbage | Look for non-fish sauce versions |
Doenjang Jjigae | Soybean paste stew with tofu, mushrooms, veggies | Confirm no anchovy broth |
Gimbap (Veg) | Seaweed rice rolls with pickled veggies, egg | Found in convenience stores or custom-made |
Japchae | Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with veggies | Often veg, but ask for no beef |
Buchimgae | Savory pancakes (like zucchini or mung bean) | No meat or seafood needed |
Lotus Leaf Rice (Yeonnipbap) | Steamed rice in lotus leaf with chestnuts, beans | Buddhist temples or temple cuisine restaurants |
Temple Food (Balwoo Gongyang) | Fully vegan meals from Korean Buddhist traditions | Found in temple restaurants like in Insadong (Seoul) |
📌 Pro Tip: Search for “chaesik” (채식) restaurants on Naver/Google Maps – it means “vegetarian” in Korean. Also try Loving Hut or Oh Se Gae Hyang in Seoul for reliable veg meals.
🥗 Vegetarian Itinerary Tip:
Add a temple stay experience (like at Jogyesa or Golgulsa) to enjoy traditional Korean vegetarian temple meals—nutritious, spiritual, and entirely meat-free.
🛂 Visa Information for South Korea
Indians & many nationalities can apply via K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization).
Apply online at: https://www.k-eta.go.krVisa-Free Entry is available for select travelers transiting via Jeju or specific tour groups.
Tourist Visa (C-3): For stays over 90 days or for nationalities not eligible for K-ETA.
Details: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-en/index.do
📌 Tip: Always apply at least 72 hours before travel. Carry return ticket & accommodation proof.
🌐 Travel Tips for South Korea:
🚇 Transport: Korea has one of the best subway & intercity train systems.
💳 Cards: Use T-Money or Korea Tour Card for hassle-free travel.
📱 Connectivity: Rent a WiFi egg or Korean SIM at the airport.
🕙 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms
Autumn (Oct–Nov): Foliage
Winter: Skiing & snow festivals
Summer: Beach season (Busan/Jeju)
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