By Honorary Reporter Gina Borinaga from Philippines

Photos = Gina Borinaga 

I've always loved travel but I'm far from the only one. Because I had a great experience in Korea, here are a few stories and recommendations from several friends who've also visited the country.

Kris Tiffany Janson wears Hanbok at Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace. (Gina Borinaga)

Hongdae
My friend Kris Tiffany Janson is a beauty queen, TV and event host, traveler, food lover and avid fan of Hallyu. "I love how (Koreans) prioritize their country and people by instilling in them the importance of their history, which makes it easy for foreigners like us to love it as well," she said.

"I've only been to Seoul and Busan but would love to visit all of the other places in Korea. In Seoul, I enjoyed Hongdae because of its young and bright feel and student-friendly prices. For someone who loves food, Hongdae is a must. All the famous street foods we see on TV are there, and a trip to noraebang (karaoke box) can cap off the night."

Many pojangmacha (street food kiosks) in Korea sell hotteok (sweet pancakes). (Gina Borinaga)

Traditional markets abound in Korea, especially in major cities like Seoul, Busan and Incheon. (Gina Borinaga)

"Korean barbecue is a must-try food on your trip. I tried dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried barbecue chicken), whose cheese is just indescribable and so different from the cheese we have here. The food served at pojangmacha (street food kiosks) include hotteok (sweet pancakes), sundae (blood sausage) dipped in tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) sauce, egg bread and fried chicken bits in a cup."

Jane Montalvo poses at Seoul's Gyeongbukgong Palace. (Gina Borinaga)

Historical spots

Jane Montalvo, the founder of AJA Korean Talk Language Center and a Korean-language specialist in the Philippines, visited Korea in 2007 and went there again in 2011 to pursue further study of Korean. She has since traveled back and forth to Korea, saying she loves the country's historic landmarks and fascinating blend of past, present and future, including ancient places and Buddhist temples in Seoul.

"Korea is a good example of an Asian nation that has modernized but retained its traditions," she said. "Whenever I want to get away from the busy and crowded city, I head for the remarkable historical sites outside the capital."

"My favorite historical destination in Korea is Gyeongju, Gyeongsanbuk-do Province. The landmarks there like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, preserve the history and culture of the ancient Silla Dynasty in a nearly intact form, and I was amazed by the advanced architecture of the Silla people."

Pia Sison poses in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province, a port city that hosted the 2010 World Expo.

Yeosu
Pia Sison, a Korea.net Honorary Reporter from the Philippines, has visited Korea ten times since studying from 2013-18 as a global leader scholar at the International Studies Division of Kongju National University. "I loved how Korea emits both traditional and modern vibes no matter which region you're in. It has the right balance of all the things one looks for in daily travel," she said.

"Living in Korea gave me the opportunity to visit cities outside of Seoul. For me, visiting Seoul is a must but visiting other places in Korea is also a must. One of my favorite port cities is Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province. Among the best things I did in this city were seeing cherry blossom trees lined up on the streets, eating a variety of fresh seafood and relaxing by the beach at night."

I visited Haeundae Beach in Busan in November 2019.

Busan
I had a short but relaxing visit to Busan in November 2019 during a leisure trip while attending a workshop in Seoul. Haeundae Beach is popular among tourists because of its cool and refreshing atmosphere. People can hang out with friends and relax by the sea and one can see the beautiful white sand beach and clear blue water right at the entrance. Though it was fall at the time, I enjoyed the sunny and windy weather.

enny0611@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.