Annyeong, Chingu! Korea Travel Awaits You!
If you have South Korea on your must-visit destination, you are sure to be thinking of all things K-pop, K-drama, K-beauty, and Korean food, not to mention their gorgeous bucket-list-worthy locations – as what some of us have drooled over on our favourite K-dramas!
Travel to Korea has been rapidly gaining popularity since the pandemic, and it’s no surprise considering all that the country has to offer.
We spoke with William Lee, Head of Consultancy and Business Development for Holiday Tours and Travel, a company with 48 years of top-notch expertise in the travel and tourism industry.
His most recent travel to Korea had him visiting intriguing and unique locations specifically in the Gangnam and Wonju districts of Seoul. Here, he shares them with us as his top recommendations for an unforgettable trip.
Visit The Beverly Hills of South Korea – Gangnam Shopping District
Gangnam-gu made viral by the “Gangnam Style” dance, is a famous and well-loved district in Seoul, positioned south of the beautiful Han River.
It is the third largest of the 25 districts in the city, neighbouring the Seocho and Songpa districts.
Coined “The Beverly Hills of South Korea”, the people who reside there are some of the country’s wealthiest, with the real estate there being three times the price of South Korea’s average.
William’s tip – the day that you visit Gangnam-gu is the day that you should don the best and fanciest gear you packed in your luggage to keep up with that Gangnam Style and to make for incredible selfies of course.
Here is William’s must-do list for exploring Gangnam in Korea.
1. Take your time to explore the streets of Gangnam
Gangnam is a captivating district that skillfully merges contemporary technology with ancient history and culture. Roaming the streets of Gangnam will enable you to visit renowned landmarks, witness popular attractions, indulge in a wide array of Korean cuisine, and experience the vibrant pulse of everyday Korean life.
To the millions of K-pop lovers out there, you should not miss the opportunity when you travel to Korea to join a walking tour that will give you insight into the home of K-pop.
2. work your credit card – Have a surreal shopping experience in Gangnam
The main street for shopping is between Gangnam Station and Sinnonhyeon Station. You’ll find streets lined with countless exclusive designer shops and uber-trendy cafes and restaurants, more than enough to keep you happily occupied, and your credit card hard at work, for hours on end.
There are international brands like Zara and Nike, as well as uniquely Korean stores. Gangnam is home to the three-storey Kakao Friends flagship store, where you will find super-cute merch that makes for special K-souvenirs to bring home for your family and friends.
3. post your best “Gangnam Style” Dance on instagram
In 2012, South Korean singer and rapper Psy took the music world by storm with his unforgettable bizarre horse-riding dance and an energetic beat that dropped to the catchy lyric “Oppa Gangnam style!” Gangnam Style went viral, putting South Korea and Gangnam, specifically, in the international limelight.
Bring out your inner influencer during your Korea travel by doing the dance at the designated spot outside Gangnam Station. K-pop and dance enthusiasts, why not take that one step further and book yourself in for a K-pop dance class to learn some of BTS or Blackpink’s slick moves.
As an added bonus, Gangnam is home to K-pop Road (Garosu-Gil), a street known for its connection to the K-pop industry. You might just get lucky and spot a K-pop star while exploring this vibrant area. Be sure to have your phones charged and ready to capture the excitement if you do!
Visiting Gangnam and immersing yourself in the K-pop culture that originated there can be a thrilling and memorable experience. So, embrace the opportunity to dance, learn, and capture the essence of K-pop during your visit to this iconic district in Seoul, South Korea.
4. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Samneung Park
Serving as green lungs to the hustle and bustle of the city is Samneung Park, also a popular attraction for visitors interested to infuse their Korea travel with ancient Korean culture.
Tranquil and verdant, the park is weighted in history. It houses several tomb mounds with green hillocks signifying the tomb of a person of high power or position.
There are three tombs at this location: King Seongjong, the ninth king of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong, the 11th king of the Joseon dynasty. The queen and king are buried in separate mounds in the same yard. While the tombs were dug up by Japanese soldiers during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, they have since been restored to their former glory.
5. Bongeunsa Temple
Originally known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bonguensa Temple was originally founded in 794 and is a surreal and peaceful Buddhist temple that is open to non-practicing visitors.
Bongeunsa Temple has witnessed the transformation of the surrounding cityscape and its unique charm lies in the harmonious blend of traditional Korea and modern Seoul. Despite the development and refurbishment that have taken place around it, the temple has managed to maintain its spiritual and cultural significance.
The temple’s history is more than 1,000 years old, and a special experience for your Korea travel is the procession ceremony that occurs twice a day, at 4.10pm and 6.40pm.
As you explore the temple, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the intricate architecture, discover ancient artifacts, and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere that pervades the surroundings. Bongeunsa Temple serves as a tranquil escape from the bustling city, offering a space for reflection and contemplation.
6. Starfield COEX Mall
After infusing yourself with culture, hop over to COEX Mall, just a stone’s throw away from Bonguensa Temple. This underground shopping centre is best known for being the largest underground shopping mall, and watch out for the impressive wall of books sitting alongside the escalators.
One of the notable highlights within COEX Mall is the aquarium, which provides a captivating underwater experience for visitors. Here, you can observe various marine species and learn about the fascinating world beneath the sea.
For those interested in Korean cuisine and culture, the kimchi museum in COEX Mall offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history, significance, and preparation of kimchi, a staple Korean dish. It’s a great chance to learn more about this iconic Korean food and its cultural importance.
Overall, COEX Mall offers a comprehensive experience with its shopping, entertainment, dining, and educational attractions. It’s a place where you can indulge in various activities, from shopping for your favorite brands to exploring the wonders of the sea and immersing yourself in Korean culinary traditions.
7. Lotte World
If your Korea travel is with kids then Lotte World is a must for your itinerary for a full day of non-stop fun and excitement.
It is the world’s largest indoor theme park, with the indoor park known as “Lotte World Adventure” whilst the outdoor park is the “Lotte World Magic Island” plus there’s countless shopping malls, sports facilities, an aquarium and a Korean folk museum.
Also, if your Korea travel plans include heading south to Jeju, visiting Lotte World there is one of the best things to include in your itinerary.
8. gangnam BBQ And Nightlife
Korean BBQ is undoubtedly one of the best experiences to enjoy in Seoul, and Gangnam has a wide variety of fantastic spots to try.
Once you’ve filled your belly with a variety of tasty dishes and soju, then you can explore the rest of Gangnam’s nightlife. The streets come alive at night, particularly in summer when the air is warm.
There are no shortages of bars and restaurants in the area to enjoy a nightcap and a multitude of nightclubs for party-goers.
Aside from the vibrant bar and club scene, the streets of Gangnam offer a wealth of entertainment options. You can visit a VR Station and immerse yourself in virtual reality experiences, explore various stores that offer unique shopping opportunities, or simply enjoy the lively street life by strolling around and people-watching.
next up, Visit The soul of seoul at wonju
1. “Disconnect to connect” at Museum San
Located a couple of hours from Seoul in Wonju is Museum San (san means ‘mountain’ in Korean), designed by famous minimalist architect Tadao Ando.
This museum hosts around a million visitors every year, who come for the unforgettable surreal nature experience and eye-catching and intriguing art pieces.
If you love architecture and design, a day trip to Museum San is a must, as the museum is nestled in a spectacular mountainous region and hugs the curves of the mountains perfectly. You’ll be drawn to how the natural surroundings and the minimalist architecture of the concrete buildings connect and contrast.
2. a korean tea experience at Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum
Nogo Gallery houses a master who specialises in “black ceramics”, made uniquely from the soil in this region near Wonju. Pine nut leaves that decompose into the soils give it that versatile characteristic in ceramics, hence its name.
Each piece’s design is one-of-a-kind because of the many different minerals within the soil, and the various control of fire temperature and intensity that the master has learnt over the years.
The cups made are then served with tea and the master’s students, who are also his daughters, will host a tea ritual in their hall.
Interested to purchase a cup for your tea collection? Be prepared to fork out up to USD 2000 per cup, reflecting the craftsmanship, uniqueness, and artistic value of the ceramics. Acquiring a black ceramic cup from Nogo Gallery would not only be a prized addition to your collection but also a testament to the mastery and heritage of Korean ceramics.
3. face up to your fear of heights at wonju’s new suspension bridge
Wonju is away from the hustle and bustle of Seoul, but it is still the most populous city in the Gangwon province and has more than its fair share of destinations that tourists frequent.
One of the most exciting and insta-worthy locations is the newly opened suspension bridge located at Mount Sogeum or Sogeumsan. This is officially the longest suspension bridge in South Korea and has a magnificent view of the cliffs and mountains in this beautiful city. K-drama fans may recognise it as it is used as the filming site of a number of popular shows because of its incomparable beauty.
After you cross the bridge, take a break at the Miro Arts Wonju Jungang Market, where some unused spaces in the market have been transformed into a cultural art space, including an art gallery that displays artworks and community issues. View the stunning art or shop for handmade treasures and knick-knacks that you can only find in Wonju.
4. Experience wonju’s beauty by night at chungju light world
Once the sun sets and the moon begins to rise, head over to Chungju City’s Chungju Light World for a truly enchanting experience.
This is a magically lit park filled with glowing architecture that comes alive at night. Here, you can let loose and take as many photos as you like to remember this dreamy location and enjoy the scenes and lights that are almost, if not equally as beautiful, as the stars. The combination of lights, colors, and architectural designs results in a visually stunning landscape that is sure to leave you in awe.
Korea travel offers a diverse range of adventures and beauty that cater to every traveler’s interests and preferences. From bustling cities with their vibrant energy to the serene countryside with its breathtaking landscapes, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. It’s an opportunity to discover a country that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, creating a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
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