Ask the specialists: 9 top tips for exploring South Korea
Two InsideAsia specialists share their top travel tips for South Korea to help you to discover the most authentic side to the country
Contemporary skyscrapers rub shoulders with ancient temples. Bustling and always-on cities are just a stone’s throw from the solitude of the mountains. K-pop concerts draw excited crowds and traditional pansori performances draw tears from the audience. From colourful and chaotic street food markets to sipping tea in the vivid green fields of Boseong. South Korea is king of contrasts. And not only are its travel experiences contrasting, but also plentiful, so it pays to travel with the specialists.
Enter InsideAsia. This team of specialists has cultural adventures that cover the length and breadth of South Korea, and with a network of real locals on the ground, you can rely on them to help you seek out the most authentic and immersive travel experiences that the beguiling country has to offer. Here, two InsideAsia specialists give their top tips for getting the most out of South Korea.
Meet the specialists
Rebecca is InsideAsia’s South Korea specialist and responsible for sourcing and curating the South Korea product offering. She lived in the country for years, falling in love with its culture.
Meggie is an independent tour guide who partners with InsideAsia. She is also a researcher, award-winning author and mother based in South Korea. She is originally from the US, but has spent the past five years crafting history and culture tours, using storytelling to inform and delight travellers from all over the world.
1: Have alternative experiences in Seoul
“Everyone will travel to Seoul as it’s an incredible city with so many dimensions. Travel with an InsideAsia specialist allows you to see it differently: discover the many districts, the city walls, K-pop trends and nightlife with a mix of both traditional and cool bars to really get beneath the surface.”
Rebecca
2: Go to a festival
“Go to a festival if you can. There’s tons to choose from. Mingle with locals, play games, buy local snacks and goods. Watch live music and see Koreans in their 60s ride the groovy beats. It’s an experience that will likely stay with you for a lifetime.”
Meggie
3: Sleep traditionally
“Stay in a hanok – a traditional Korean guest house. Instead of just visiting the hanok village in Jeonju or Seoul, stay in one for a Korea-only experience! Also, stay at a traditional temple for a very Korean experience. Although quite a basic set up, it is very atmospheric and authentic.”
Rebecca
4: Immerse yourself with a craft class
“Nothing connects people to a culture like attempting their art, putting your hands on something culturally specific, learning to write your name in their letters, or playing a traditional instrument.”
Meggie
5: Hike in the mountains
“This is a country made for walking. It’s 70% mountainous and there are even peaks to hike within Seoul’s city borders. Try getting out to somewhere such as Seoraksan National Park (close to Sokcho) to really immerse yourself in the natural landscapes.”
Rebecca
6: Eat all of the food
“Eat all the food and sup on traditional beverages, like makgeolli (a lightly sparkling rice wine) and soju (a spirit made from rice that is similar to vodka), with the locals at pocha tents and markets. Don’t miss Gwangjang market in Seoul to sample street food. Chimaek (fried chicken and beer) is a must-try as is the famous bibimbap rice bowl.”
Rebecca
7: Try a cookery class
“Head to a home in Busan to learn how to cook some classic dishes. You’ll get a chance to taste something delicious, as well as an insight into local life. I would recommend one of the cooking schools in Jeonju as it is the nation’s culinary capital.”
Rebecca
8: Try a trip to Gyeongju
“Contrast the likes of Seoul and Busan with a trip to Gyeongju – the museum without walls – for traditional buildings, temples and a very different atmosphere.”
Rebecca
9: Attend a pansori performance
“Don’t worry about understanding. The first time I heard Pansori was 2012. I stumbled upon a live, free concert. I couldn’t speak the language yet, but something grabbed my heart and squeezed it. Stopped it. Pulled tears from my eyes and shook my chest. The sounds the singer produced, the skill she displayed, the absolute raw emotion she put out. I was hooked from then. The performance is very interactive and the audience is encouraged to hoot and cheer when the skill is impressive.”
Rebecca
