Rich and distinctive Asian culture, breathtaking Buddhist temples, futuristic architectures, delectable cuisine, gorgeous beaches and islands, luxury hotels, high-tech stores, and lively nightlife are just a few of the many things that South Korea offers.
Stunning views, scrumptious streetfood, friendly weather
From music to film to technology to food, the world has been enthralled by everything South Korean.
If you’re a skincare enthusiast, you really should travel to South Korea! Much of their skincare has been acknowledged as the best by dermatologists worldwide because they focus on prevention, making it more effective than traditional Western beauty techniques.
And, drinkers, do you know what the most-sold alcohol is in the world so far? The best-selling booze in the world for a long time has been Jinro Soju. Considering that Koreans consume the most hard liquor worldwide — 11.2 shots on average — this may not come as a surprise. Have you not had a chance to give it a try yet? Maybe it’s time to travel to South Korea!
Food haven, efficient transportation
Travel aficionado Desmond Markus claimed that the cuisine, the breathtaking scenery, and the energetic vibrancy of South Korea’s cities are what mostly sway him towards falling in love with this K-pop country.
“I have travelled to South Korea twice. The first time was in 2013, when I went there as Malaysia’s representative for the Andong Mask Dance Festival.
“It was autumn, so the weather was perfect — not too hot, not too cold. I really enjoyed it.
“Although I didn’t have much time to explore the country at the time, I was determined to visit South Korea again.
“I got a job and managed to save some money to fund my travel back to the Land of the Morning Calm 10 years later, this time in the summer. But even though it was summer, the temperature was comparable to that of Malaysia and was not as hot as I had imagined.
“On my second trip, I focused more on areas in Seoul that I hadn’t previously visited.
“In addition to their street food, which is very tempting and delicious, I am very interested in the culture,” explained the 34-year-old Sarawakian.
He added that one of the key reasons he likes Seoul is because of its public transportation — the city has an efficient and extensive metro system that makes sightseeing a breeze!
Desmond advised those of you who are planning to visit Seoul to get a T-money card since you will be riding the subway a lot.
With this transportation card, you may avoid the trouble of constantly purchasing single-trip tickets and save KRW 100 (about RM0.36) per ride. The T-money cards are available at most convenience stores and metro stations.
Elaborating, Desmond, who describes himself as a modest traveller, said throughout his five-day itinerary in Seoul, he spent roughly RM4,500, including flights, lodging, food and drinks, transportation, and shopping expenses.
Myeongdong, Gangnam Street must-visits for foodies
Effortless access to transportation and plenty of 24-hour stores in Myeongdong’s neighbourhood were the main reasons that Desmond chose to stay in the area.
“Myeongdong and Gangnam Street are two places you should visit if you’re a food hunter.
“Vendors set up their stalls in the late afternoon, offering a wide selection of street food, including skewered seafood, grilled lobster tails, and tteokbokki (rice cakes).
“I love all of their skewered seafood and bibimbap. It is a dish of white rice topped with sliced meat, gochujang (Korean chilli paste), raw or fried eggs, and sautéed and seasoned veggies.
“Gangnam is among the most well-liked nightlife areas in Seoul for individuals who enjoy partying. It is known for its trendy bars and clubs and is popular among young locals and visitors looking to dance the night away.
“If you’re visiting Seoul primarily to shop, then Myeongdong is probably where you’ll be spending most of your time. It is a bustling area that is home to numerous fashion boutiques, skincare shops, and cosmetic stores.
“Here, you can find everything from high-end luxury brands to trendy streetwear at affordable prices,” he stated.
Favourite spots in Seoul
Desmond, a corporate communications executive at a private college in Kuching, listed Lotte Mall and Lotte World in Songpa District, as well as Korean Folk Village, a living museum in the city of Yongin, as his favourite destinations.
“Lotte World is the world’s largest and also Korea’s first indoor theme park. It is home to a four-storey indoor amusement park as well as an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island. Lotte World does not close for holidays; it is open all year-round.
“You’ll find everything you might anticipate in a massive theme park complex, including shops, theatres, rides, and attractions. I promise you, you’ll be so fascinated by everything here that you won’t even notice how quickly time passes!
“Besides that, the Korean Folk Village is a must-visit tourism destination for culture buffs. It offers a unique and immersive experience of traditional Korean culture and heritage. Visitors can explore the village and witness traditional houses, workshops, and performances showcasing various aspects of Korea,” he said.
According to Desmond, he is already planning to revisit South Korea, particularly Busan, probably early next year.
Pocket-friendly travel tips
For those who wish to visit Seoul, the Bidayuh lad shared another piece of advice: setting a clear goal for savings is crucial.
Make an itinerary, prepare the necessary things that you need to bring (depending on the season), and compare the prices of round-trip plane tickets and hotel rooms in order to determine your budget.
Prospective travellers may look for and purchase affordable airline tickets with the Skyscanner app.
Desmond added that visitors should bring no more than two jackets if they are going to be travelling in the winter to avoid excess baggage; if you need more, you can always buy them later in Myeongdong.
If you plan to travel in the summer, packing will be much simpler. Bring light clothing like t-shirts and shorts, and wear comfortable, light shoes to prevent blisters and discomfort from walking around.
To make your trips around Seoul easier, use Google Map, KakaoMap, or simply use public transportation.
In terms of lodging, travellers might opt for two- or three-star facilities, as they offer sufficient comfort and amenities for people on a budget. If you’re not a fan of long walks, you can go through the hotel listings to choose one that’s near the bus or metro station.
For those who are planning a trip to Korea, make sure you take Desmond’s advice into consideration. At the same time, do your own research and gather enough knowledge to avoid getting lost in a foreign nation.
