Within the last few years, South Korea has quickly risen to become the next ‘it’ destination for travelers all around the world.
However, what makes it so popular? We’ll explore just a few reasons why you should visit South Korea.
Before you set off on your once-in-a-lifetime trip, don’t forget to check the South Korea visa requirements and make some space for all the amazing souvenirs!
The Korean Wave
The Korean Wave started in the 1980s and has seen massive success in the past few years as K-pop bands like BTS, Psy, and Blackpink climbed to the top of music charts, while films like Parasite won four Academy Awards.
Thanks to this huge popularity, many tourists travel to South Korea to see their favorite artists at live performances, visit the same locations where their favorite K-dramas were shot (such as the extremely popular Nami Island), or learn more about the culture that they saw in movies.
South Korea became so popular for these ‘Korean Wave’ travelers that there are even dedicated tours that visit K-Pop entertainment buildings in hopes of catching a celebrity outside!
Jaw-Dropping Nature
Exploring nature is one of the main reasons why many people are drawn to South Korea.
Lush flower fields, rolling mountains, and beautiful waterfalls make South Korea a country of stunning natural beauty.
Some popular examples of nature in South Korea are the island of Jeju, known for its magnificent black cliffs and ‘Dol hareubang’ stone statues, or the thousands of cherry blossoms in the city of Changwon.
If you’d like to stretch your legs and enjoy an active vacation then a day trip to Mount Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea, is just what you need.
One of the most unique landscapes in the country are the Boseong Green Tea Fields, where hundreds of rows of green tea plants are just begging to be photographed.
Don’t forget to try the famous green tea ice cream!
Mouth-Watering Street Food
South Korea is impossible to imagine without the bright lights and delicious sights of its night markets.
Here, travelers can try everything from healthy fruit juice to deep-fried Oreo sticks and more.
These are just a few street food dishes to add to your list:
Gyeran-ppang — Known as ‘egg bread,’ Gyeran-ppang is a soft bread puff with a boiled egg baked inside. An egg-cellent snack for those long days of exploring Seoul or Busan!
Bungeo-ppang — A fun fish-shaped pastry that is usually stuffed with red bean paste or other sweet filling and sold during the winter. If this looks familiar, you’re right! Bungeo-ppang is a close relative of the Japanese taiyaki.
Mandu— Similar to the Central Asia dish called ‘manti,’ mandu are meat-filled dumplings that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether it’s steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried, mandu are always delicious and have their own unique flavor depending on the region.
Chikin — No, that’s not a typo — ‘chikin’ is the word for the Korean fried chicken that are popular snacks in K-dramas and films! Korean fried chicken is usually topped with delicious honey sauce, sesame seeds, garlic, peanuts, and/or chili flakes and can be eaten as a snack or an entire meal.
Where History Meets the Future
Looking at the brightly lit skyscrapers of Seoul from the historical Gyeongbokgung Palace, whose architecture dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, you can immediately feel the contrast between the past and the present.
South Korea has some of the most interesting examples of modern architecture and technology, such as the Busan Cinema Center (which, by the way, is constantly in the ranks of the coolest cinemas in the world), the iconic Building 63, and the contemporary-inspired Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Of course, there are also plenty of well-preserved medieval towns and settlements, such as the traditional village of Jeonju Hanok in the north-east of the country.
There are more than 700 traditional Korean houses (hanok) that have survived and kept their historic charm.
There’s Something for Every Season
No matter if you visit South Korea in the winter or summer, you will have an unforgettable trip. That’s because there’s always something to see!
Spring is the ideal time for those who want to see picture-perfect cherry blossoms, as everything turns pink and blooms right before your eyes.
Meanwhile, sunny weather in the summer means it’s time to visit Jeju Island and go swimming, hiking, and enjoying all of its natural wonders.
If you prefer something closer to the mainland, Busan’s seaside makes for an excellent alternative.
Just a few months later, the incredibly beautiful autumn sweeps in. It’s an ideal time for strolling in parks or hiking in the mountains as bright orange and yellow leaves create a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Finally, snowy winter is great for ice skating, skiing, or looking for holiday lights and decorations in Seoul and beyond.