Month: September 2021

15 Things To Do When Traveling to South Korea:

Most people are familiar with the Korean Wave known as Hallyu. With celebrities like Psy and K-Pop bands such as BTS, Blackpink and EXO, this wave is sweeping through Asia and now has a following in many countries around the world. 

The thing that most people don’t know about Korea is that it is also one of the safest places to visit on earth. Not to mention, the country is full of aesthetics too. 

If you are looking to explore the culture, here are 15 things to do when traveling to South Korea.

1. Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace

This palace was built in 1394. It used to be one of the five main palaces until it was destroyed during Japanese occupation. The palace itself is surrounded by a huge wall and houses different buildings like the throne hall and the main gate. 

Today, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most popular tourist spots in Seoul. It’s especially beautiful during autumn when the leaves change color.

2. Check out their Street Food (Candied Strawberries, Fried Chicken & Beer)

Who doesn’t love street food? The thing about South Korea is that their street food isn’t only delicious but also affordable. It won’t cost much to get a decent meal. 

If you are looking for something sweet, try candied strawberries or fried honey bread. For something spicy, eat golbaengi muchim (콩밥 추가) or spicy rice cake (dduk boki 떡볶이). If you’re not big on Korean food, there are lots of Korean fried chicken restaurants around the city. And of course, no trip to South Korea is complete without trying some Korean beer. 

3. Visit a Hanok Village

There are many traditional villages in South Korea but my personal favorite is Hanok Village in Jeonju. This village has preserved the traditional way of life for over 600 years and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The best way to get there is by getting on a train at Seoul Station and taking it all the way to Jeonju. You can also just take a bus from Nambu Terminal but keep in mind that the buses run less than 10 times a day and run only during certain hours of the day. 

4. Check out K-drama sites

Korea is the birthplace of K-dramas and the industry has been booming for the past few years. If you are a fan of K-dramas, you will definitely want to visit some of the filming locations. 

Some of my favorite sites are Namsan Tower in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Han River. You can also visit the sets of popular dramas like Goblin and My Love From Another Star.

5. Get a traditional Korean massage (spa day)

Massages are a big part of Korean culture and you can find spas all over the country. A traditional Korean massage is known as “hanbang” and is said to be very therapeutic. It’s a bit more expensive than your average massage but it’s definitely worth the experience. 

If you don’t want to spend too much, most of the major cities have spa towns where you can get a day pass for a few hundred won. 

6. Visit the DMZ and learn about North Korea

The demilitarized zone or DMZ is a strip of land between North and South Korea. This place has been known as one of the most dangerous places in the world due to the high tension levels that have existed for decades. 

But today, it’s open to tourists who are interested in checking out the monuments that commemorate the Korean War.

During your visit, you will also learn about how North Korea became a communist country and why this was such a big deal back then. 

7. Shop for Korean fashion at Myeongdong

If you want to check out popular clothes by your favorite K-pop stars, Myeongdong is the place to go. This area is full of fashion stores and you can find everything from clothes to accessories. 

The best part is that the prices are really affordable, especially compared to Japan or Hong Kong. 

8. Visit a theme park

Korea has some of the best theme parks in Asia. You can find theme parks all over the country but some of my personal favorites are Everland, Lotte World, and Seou Land (formerly Dosan Fairytale Land). 

Everland is probably Korea’s biggest amusement park and there are lots of different rides for people of all ages to enjoy. Lotte World also has a lot of rides and attractions but it’s also a popular shopping destination for people who want to check out luxury brands. Dosan Fairytale Land is perfect for families with young children because there are lots of kiddie rides that won’t cost too much to go on. 

9. Visit Jeju Island

Jeju Island is a volcanic island that’s located about 2 hours away from Seoul. This is a popular tourist destination for South Koreans and foreigners alike because of its natural beauty. 

Some of the top tourist attractions on Jeju Island include Halla Mountain, Manjanggul Cave, and Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). 

10. Eat a BBQ

Korean BBQ is definitely one of the best things to eat when traveling in South Korea. The meat is usually marinated and then cooked on a grill that’s built into the table. 

You can find BBQ restaurants all over the country but my personal favorite is Yangjae-dong, which is located in Seoul. 

11. Try kimchi (fermented cabbage)

Kimchi is a staple Korean side dish and it’s made by fermenting vegetables like cucumber, radish or scallion. 

It might not look too appetizing but one thing’s for sure – it tastes great as a side to rice or as a topping on some bibimbap. 

12. Drink soju

Soju is a distilled beverage that’s made from rice, wheat or potatoes. It’s usually around 20% alcohol but it can go up to 40%. 

Soju is the most popular alcoholic drink in South Korea and you can find it in almost every convenience store. You can also find it in restaurants and bars where you can drink it straight up, mixed with various drinks like juice or soda, or as a cocktail. 

13. Be prepared to spend big bucks on cosmetics

South Korea is known for its love of beauty products and has some of the best ones in the world. From face creams to lipsticks, you can find just about any type of cosmetic product in Korea. 

And the best part is that the prices are really affordable – especially compared to products from luxury brands like Chanel or Dior. 

14. Visit a traditional village

There are lots of traditional villages located all over South Korea. These villages date back to the Joseon Dynasty and are a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture. 

Some of the most popular traditional villages include Namsan, Gyeongju, Andong, and Buyeo. 

15. Go to a sauna

Korean saunas are one of the best places to relax in South Korea. You will not only be able to sweat out all of your stress but you may also meet some really cool people while there. 

Many hotels have their own spa facilities that include saunas and hot tubs so you can enjoy them for free. But there are also public saunas that you can visit, like the one in Gangnam (near Exit 6) where it’s 100 won to enter. 

Many of the things you can do when traveling to South Korea are free, but many others will cost a pretty penny. If you plan on buying cosmetics while there, it’s best to be prepared for hefty prices that might make your eyes water (in more ways than one). But if you’re not in the mood to spend money and just want some cheap thrills like BBQ or kimchi, then this article has got what you need! 

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It’s always been said that people who are in love with the outdoors are in for a good time. 

Camping is one of the best ways to connect with nature, and it doesn’t get much better than when you’re out there in your campervan! 

Nature heals, and it is the perfect balm for the soul. For those who are looking at detoxing from city life, camping can be the perfect alternative.

It’s also an amazing way to reduce your carbon footprint (if you care about that sort of thing).

Here are 12 tips to make your campervan trip as easy and as fun as possible:

1. Plan ahead 

Camping can be a lot of fun, but it’s also important to be prepared. Make sure you have everything you need before hitting the road. This includes mapping out your route, packing your camping gear, and deciding what you’re going to eat.

2. Choose your campsite wisely 

Not all campsites are created equal. Do some research ahead of time and choose one that suits your needs. If you’re looking for a quiet and serene experience, then opt for a campground located in a park or forest. If you’re looking for more amenities, then choose a site that offers access to bathrooms and showers. Many campgrounds also provide fire pits, shared grills, picnic tables, and water faucets.

3. Avoid the crowds 

While it’s nice to be surrounded by other like-minded people, you don’t want to be packed like sardines in a can. Arrive at your campsite before dark and look around. If the site isn’t full, consider staying for another night to avoid the crowds at all costs.

4. Stay in tune with your environment 

City life tends to disconnect people from nature and its rhythms, but when you’re camping in a campervan you have no choice but be attuned to your surroundings. Check in with yourself at regular intervals throughout the day. Are you feeling tired? Do you feel hungry or thirsty? Are you struggling with your emotions? Is your digestive system acting up again? If yes, then do something about it!

5. Keep your campsite clean and organized 

This one goes without saying, but it’s especially important when you’re camping in a small space. Make sure you pack all of your trash with you when you leave and that everything is put back in its proper place.

6. Bring along your favorite tunes 

Listening to music is a great way to set the mood for your camping trip. Make a playlist of your favorite songs and enjoy the outdoors while listening to your favorite tunes.

7. Prepare your food in advance 

One of the best things about camping is that you can cook all of your own meals. This gives you control over what you’re eating and allows you to eat organic, healthy food. 

Prepare as much food as you can in your campervan before setting out on the trip. This includes chopping all of the vegetables and fruits ahead of time, cooking grains such as rice and quinoa (this can also be done overnight), and cooking proteins such as beans and lentils.

8. Get outside 

Regardless of your fitness level, staying active is essential. Find a balance between going on hikes and being lazy in the sun. Being outside also gives you a chance to recharge with some fresh air, which can be especially important if you’re feeling overstimulated from city life.

9. Be flexible about the itinerary 

It’s important to be flexible when you’re camping, especially if you’re trying to stick to a tight schedule. Things will inevitably come up and you’ll have to go with the flow. This could mean changing your route, hiking a different trail, or simply spending more time at your current campsite.

10. Take plenty of breaks 

Camping in a campervan is great, but it can also be challenging. You’ll have to get out of bed early while it’s still dark, you won’t always feel like hiking, and the lack of creature comforts could send you into sensory overload. This is why it’s important to take plenty of breaks throughout the day. Go for short walks, read a book or magazine, and spend some time in your hammock.

11. Don’t worry about what others think 

It’s easy to get caught up with making sure things look perfect on Instagram and Facebook. But don’t forget why you’re camping in the first place! If the grass is too wet for your liking, or if the site next to you is too noisy, then don’t worry about it. Camping is all about disconnecting from the outside world and enjoying nature.

12. Embrace the simplicity 

One of the best things about camping is that everything is stripped down to its essentials. There’s no need for fancy cookware or expensive clothes, just the bare necessities. Make sure you pack everything you need before leaving and forget about what’s left behind!

Camping is all about disconnecting from the outside world and enjoying nature, so forget about what others think and embrace simplicity. The next time you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with your friends or family, consider renting a campervan to explore beautiful natural landscapes that are waiting just for you!…