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By Honorary Reporter Shaira Lorraine Robiñol from the Philippines
Photos = Shaira Lorraine Robiñol
Have you dreamed of wandering alone on the streets of Korea without rushing from one tourist spot to another? The courage and willingness to go beyond your comfort zone can make this possible.
Before anything else, make sure to book your flight and get a visa if you need one. Don't bring all of your savings because you might blow more than planned by shopping until you drop in Seoul's Myeongdong district. Prepare your itinerary to maximize the enjoyment of your stay.
Discover Seoul Pass Card. This paid card allows admission to famous tourist spots for free or at discounted rates for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Not only will you save money but also time in lining up to buy tickets as holders of this card get priority. The card is also a smart transportation and purchasing card usable to ride buses and the subway and buy things at convenience stores. You can always top up your card if it runs out of money.
Historical places. Korea is known for its well-preserved historical palaces and streets from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The palaces of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung are can't-miss sites and many foreign tourists go there while wearing Hanbok. Bukchon Hanok Village is located at the top of a hill between Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Royal Shrine, three places often featured in historical Korean dramas and films. So don't miss out taking photos at your favorite Korean drama site.
Hotspots for youth. Any talk about youth and trendy fashion in Korea must involve the Hongdae and Sinchon districts. Sing the night away at a noraebang (karaoke box) and dance with street performers covering K-pop dance at these places. Hongdae and Sinchon offer a lot because of their youthful ambience, unique cafes, clubs and Korean restaurants. Many college students attending Ewha Womans University and Hongik University also go there.
What's popping in K-pop. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just know about K-pop, you must visit the entertainment companies where your favorite groups were born. K-Star Road in Gangnam is home to management agencies like BigHit, YG, JYP, SM, fantagio and A Team. Who knows, you might bump into your favorite K-pop artists (but please respect their privacy). The Convention and Exhibition Center, aka COEX, houses media centers and hosts live K-pop acts.
Only in Korea. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the only place of its kind in the world, separates the two Koreas and is the world's most heavily fortified border. But don't worry, it's also one of the safest and most peaceful places you can go to. Do a DMZ tour through http://www.koreadmztour.net for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Shopaholic central. Koreans love K-pop, and Seoul has many markets offering relatively cheap items of high quality that you can bring home for your family and friends. Myeongdong is one of the most famous shopping districts in the capital, with tourists and locals lugging big bags filled with items they bought. Also try open-air markets in Namdaemun and Dongdaemun, with Dongdaemun Design Plaza having an exhibit of 20,000 roses. Cap off an exciting but tiring day of shopping by visiting a sauna nearby.
Forever young. Korea's most famous amusement parks are Everland (outdoor) and Lotte World (indoor). Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Province, Everland is accessible via subway or bus, while Lotte World is in the southern Seoul district of Jamsil and right at Jamsil Station. Both parks have extreme rides and Instagrammable views that tourists shouldn't miss.
Learn Korean. Raise your Korean-language skills to the next level by attending free classes run by volunteers in Seoul (check information on the internet) or arranging a language exchange. Who knows, you might make a new friend, too.
chaey0726@korea.kr
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.
Photos = Shaira Lorraine Robiñol
Have you dreamed of wandering alone on the streets of Korea without rushing from one tourist spot to another? The courage and willingness to go beyond your comfort zone can make this possible.
Before anything else, make sure to book your flight and get a visa if you need one. Don't bring all of your savings because you might blow more than planned by shopping until you drop in Seoul's Myeongdong district. Prepare your itinerary to maximize the enjoyment of your stay.
Discover Seoul Pass Card. This paid card allows admission to famous tourist spots for free or at discounted rates for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Not only will you save money but also time in lining up to buy tickets as holders of this card get priority. The card is also a smart transportation and purchasing card usable to ride buses and the subway and buy things at convenience stores. You can always top up your card if it runs out of money.
Historical places. Korea is known for its well-preserved historical palaces and streets from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The palaces of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung are can't-miss sites and many foreign tourists go there while wearing Hanbok. Bukchon Hanok Village is located at the top of a hill between Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Royal Shrine, three places often featured in historical Korean dramas and films. So don't miss out taking photos at your favorite Korean drama site.
Hotspots for youth. Any talk about youth and trendy fashion in Korea must involve the Hongdae and Sinchon districts. Sing the night away at a noraebang (karaoke box) and dance with street performers covering K-pop dance at these places. Hongdae and Sinchon offer a lot because of their youthful ambience, unique cafes, clubs and Korean restaurants. Many college students attending Ewha Womans University and Hongik University also go there.
What's popping in K-pop. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just know about K-pop, you must visit the entertainment companies where your favorite groups were born. K-Star Road in Gangnam is home to management agencies like BigHit, YG, JYP, SM, fantagio and A Team. Who knows, you might bump into your favorite K-pop artists (but please respect their privacy). The Convention and Exhibition Center, aka COEX, houses media centers and hosts live K-pop acts.
Only in Korea. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the only place of its kind in the world, separates the two Koreas and is the world's most heavily fortified border. But don't worry, it's also one of the safest and most peaceful places you can go to. Do a DMZ tour through http://www.koreadmztour.net for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Shopaholic central. Koreans love K-pop, and Seoul has many markets offering relatively cheap items of high quality that you can bring home for your family and friends. Myeongdong is one of the most famous shopping districts in the capital, with tourists and locals lugging big bags filled with items they bought. Also try open-air markets in Namdaemun and Dongdaemun, with Dongdaemun Design Plaza having an exhibit of 20,000 roses. Cap off an exciting but tiring day of shopping by visiting a sauna nearby.
Forever young. Korea's most famous amusement parks are Everland (outdoor) and Lotte World (indoor). Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Province, Everland is accessible via subway or bus, while Lotte World is in the southern Seoul district of Jamsil and right at Jamsil Station. Both parks have extreme rides and Instagrammable views that tourists shouldn't miss.
Learn Korean. Raise your Korean-language skills to the next level by attending free classes run by volunteers in Seoul (check information on the internet) or arranging a language exchange. Who knows, you might make a new friend, too.
chaey0726@korea.kr
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.
