The first time you land at Incheon, the country moves faster than your body does. The train to Seoul is quiet and clean. The convenience store at midnight is a full meal. The temple at dawn is empty of everyone except a monk sweeping the courtyard. A first trip to Korea rewards a plan and punishes a hurry.
This is a short field list of ten things worth building a Korea trip around. Bathhouses. Bibimbap in Jeonju. The DMZ at dawn. A palace fitting in a rented hanbok. A night market where the ajumma decides what you will eat. Save it as a checklist for your first trip, or a second one, or the one you keep almost booking.
1. Seoul Tower
Located at one of the highest points in South Korea, Seoul Tower offers breathtaking views and is a perfect place to visit both during the day and at night.
2. Street Food
You can’t visit Korea without trying the street food. Some popular dishes include Tteokbokki – spicy rice cakes, Odeng – savory fish cake skewers served with broth, and Chimaek – Korean fried chicken.
3. Try on a Korean Hanbok
Experience historic Korean culture by trying on the traditional hanbok attire! The hanbok symbolizes thousands of years of history with its lively colors and detailed designs. And these days, hanboks are not just for your traditional events, but you can don a modern hanbok as you complete this bucket list!
4. Visit Lotte World
Lotte World is both a theme park and an indoor entertainment complex, and features a hotel, museum, movie theaters, and of course, amusement park ride attractions.
5. Fresh Seafood
Try the freshest seafood by visiting Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market or the Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan, or by taking a culinary tour.
6. Visit Jeju Island
Jeju Island is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, beach resorts, volcanic rock, and caves.
7. Jinju Lantern Festival
This is the most famous lantern festival in Korea, where people light and release lanterns by the Nam River in October of every year.
8. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional village located near Gyeongbok Palace. Here, you can visit traditional tea houses, check out the art and cultural museums, and even do a tour and photoshoot wearing a hanbok!
9. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
These beautiful cherry blossoms can be seen in Changwon, South Korea. Here, you’ll find the city covered in cherry blossoms, and get to try the famous cherry blossom soft-serve ice cream!
10. Go Shopping at Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Market
These are both large shopping attractions with both traditional markets and malls, both of which are located near prominent landmarks of the same name.
