Explore Korea (한국 탐험하기)
Top places to see in Korea. Where to go in Korea and what to do. Want to travel in Korea? See more outside of Seoul. (한국에서 볼 수 있는 최고의 장소. 한국에서 어디로 갈 것인지, 무엇을 할 것인지. 한국에서 여행하고 싶으세요? 서울 외곽에서 더 많이 보십시오.)
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Haengjusanseong Fortress Wall: Views From Deogyangsan Mountain
If you bike west along the northern side of the Han River in Seoul, eventually you come to what looks like the end of the path though it really just heads inland and shoots towards Goyang, a suburb of the metropolis Seoul, Korea. Goyang has a lot of places to see, things to do, and many of them are off the beaten path to Seoulites and travelers who don’t realize they’re missing out. The bike paths lead around the base of Deogyangsan Mountain (덕양산), easy to spot with a monument at the summit proclaiming victory for all to see. This is a great mountain to head up and you can…
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Yeonji Park’s Lake in Gimhae
While most people probably don’t head out of Busan to the nearby city of Gimhae unless they’re going to the airport located there, my in-laws live in that ‘burb so I am always on the lookout for places to go around town when my mother-in-law is not trying to fill our bellies. On previous trips, we’d stumbled upon the dilapidated and abandoned Gaya Land Amusement Park, learned about the historical relevance of the area at King Suro’s Tomb and enjoyed Dongrimsa and Eunhasa Buddhist temples located nearby. While there for Chuseok this past weekend, we decided to find a park so that the little one could enjoy some swings and…
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Yangyang-gun: Paradise On Korea’s East Coast at Naksan Beach
Gangneung is one of the most popular areas for people living in Seoul, Korea to head each summer when they’re seeking a beach getaway. Most people focus on Gyeongpo Beach BUT Naksan Beach headed toward Sokcho is DEFINITELY one of the best beaches in the area and exactly because it’s often overlooked. The waters are clear and beautiful shades of blue and the sands are soft and white. It’s easy to get to the east coast and as of 2018, the train built for the Olympics has now made it even easier and a bit faster too. Hoping the beaches in the vicinity would be just as beautiful, I came…
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Taean-gun: A Guide To The Beaches, Forests, and More!
Summer in Korea can be hot, humid, and a weekend away to the coast is an absolute must to cool off. During the summer, the humidity can be so immense in Seoul that taking a walk is more like swimming through hot heavy air. The only cure to really get that deep breath is to find a coast with breezes blowing this way and that and calming ocean tide sounds. While I usually recommend heading to the gorgeous beaches with white sand and emerald blue waters on the east coast of Korea in the Sokcho and Gangneung areas, the west coast has some hidden gems too like the rocky seaside…
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Haedong Yonggung Temple & The Seaside Views In Busan
Buddhist temples are not terribly difficult to stumble upon while in Korea. There are temples in the middle of Seoul daring those that enter to just try and find quiet solitude and there are temples dotting the mountains across the country so any hike becomes that much more interesting with the addition of a tour of one. Rarely, though, do you find a seaside temple in Korea. Haedong Yonggung Temple (해동용궁사), which means Korean Dragon Palace Temple, is probably the most popular and widely known seaside temple in South Korea and it truly does live up to the hype that brings so many visitors to its gates in Busan, Korea.…
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O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields: What To Do on Jeju Island
No trip to Jeju Island in South Korea would be complete without a stop at the O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields and Museum. It’s a must see spot and included on almost every Jeju itinerary that you’ll find online and popular for a good reason. The O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields and Museum (오설록티뮤지엄) is one of those places that is almost always busy with tourists to Jeju. But for delicious reasons. That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of space to roam about though. With high-quality tea coming straight from the fields of Jeju, it really is a beautiful sight and a great souvenir from Korea or gift. Plan a trip to…
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Gapa Island: Take a Trip Off The Coast Of Jeju Island
Gapa Island (가파도), the second southernmost point of Korea, sits just 5.5 kilometers off the coast of Jeju Island. Looking for something interesting to do in Jeju? Something a bit different to put on your Jeju Island itinerary? Take a trip to a nearby island. One of the most popular islands to visit off of Jeju Island is Udo Island. Another island that is lesser known though, is Gapa Island. There are a lot of things to do in Jeju, but island hopping and getting out on the water a bit is definitely something that should top your list. Ready to take a trip to Gapa Island? Here’s what you…
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Sanbangsan Temple on Jeju Island: A Beautiful Grotto Hike
This mountain was the peak of Mt. Halla before it was broken off and thrown to this spot in the southwest part of Jeju island, at least that’s one of the legends that surrounds the Sanbangsan Mountain (산방산) and the grotto that’s there. If you’re creating a Jeju Island itinerary, this is a beautiful and easy to walk mountain on Jeju Island you should visit. It’s a great place to visit if you’re staying in Seogwipo City or in the southern part of Jeju Island. It has gotten more popular in Jeju in recent years thanks to flower blooming in nearby fields. Keep reading to find out why you should…
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Gaya Land: Abandoned to Revived Amusement Park in Korea
Just a short walk from my in-laws house, I spotted a Ferris wheel and never one to pass up a good view we headed in the direction only to find ourselves at an abandoned amusement park. I have never been one to enter places where entrance is clearly not permitted, but this was different. The front entrance wasn’t fenced off in any way and the signage didn’t make it sound too serious if we did enter. Down in Gimhae, Korea, you can find some great places to explore that are lively and fun like the Gimhae Gaya Theme Park and the ClayArch Ceramics Museum, but there are also some derelict…
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Nonsan Strawberry Festival: Eating In Strawberry Fields in Korea
It’s strawberry season in Korea, as if you didn’t notice the bucketfuls being sold in the markets and from trucks driving through your neighborhoods everywhere right now. When I was growing up, I LOVED having strawberry plants that I could pick my own strawberries from and luckily in Korea, there are strawberry festivals where you can do just that. Nonsan is Korea’s largest strawberry producer and the city welcomes people from near and far every spring in Korea for the Nonsan Strawberry Festival which took place this past weekend to the delight of many, myself included. Don’t miss it next year! Visitors can taste some of their delicious strawberries freshly…
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7 Places To Learn About War in Korea
Most people that spend any amount of time in Korea, visiting or living, will at some point hear references made to war, commonly the Korean War and WWII or any number of wars with Japan. Signs at historical sites will remind people that the historic site was burnt down during some Japanese invasion before being rebuilt and political turmoil between North and South Korea is a constant reminder of the Korean War. Before jumping headfirst into conversation with a Korean about said wars, it’s best to take the time to learn and get some perspective. Want to learn about the Korean War in Korea? Want to learn about the comfort…
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Visit A Temple in Taebaek: Mandeoksa
While I tend to save temple visiting to spring in Korea due to how beautiful they are with the lanterns hung in celebration of Buddha’s birthday, I don’t just pass them by if I have the time and it’s not spring. While we were in Taebaek for the beautiful Taebaek Snow Festival, I spotted a temple nearby. Since we were spending the day in the area, we decided to stop into Mandeoksa (만덕사). The golden statues at the entrance were beckoning and we couldn’t say no. Wondering what to see in Taebaek? Or want to do more when you head to the area for winter fun? Maybe a temple stop…
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Taejongdae: A Must See in Busan, Korea
Taejongdae Resort Park (태종대), named after the 29th King of the Silla Dynasty, King TaeJong, who enjoyed shooting arrows off the cliffs, is a must see for anyone traveling to Busan, Korea. The southernmost tip of Yeongdo-gu offers beautiful views of the ocean, cliffs, and on clear days people can even spot Daema, or Tsushima, Island of Japan. This is one of the top tourist spots in Busan and it’s worth the trip it takes to get out there. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, spring, summer, winter, or autumn, the views are gorgeous and the walk around the tip of the island, fun and energizing. The varying shades of blue as…
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Jagalchi Market In Busan: How To Get There & What To Eat!
Jagalchi Fish Market (부산자갈치시장) is a must see for anyone headed to Busan on the southern coast of Korea. The fish market is the largest fish market in South Korea and fun to check out even if you won’t be dining but just want to see some amazing seafood delights. Each booth of the market is run by an older woman, who may not seem so kind on the outside, but that’s just the strong southern demeanor. They seem used to foreigners ogling their fishy goods and snapping pictures without purchasing and just look the other way. Fishy water and maybe some fishy guts cover the small umbrella covered alley…
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A Hidden Lake That’s Not So Hidden Anymore: Jusanji Lake, Cheongsong
Popular scenes from the movie “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring” were shot at the Jusanji Lake (주산지) located in Juwangsan National Park and up until then, this lake was pretty much a secret to everyone except the locals in the Cheongsong area. It’s not a secret anymore though. A common stop on tours out to Cheongsong, Jusanji Lake is… not much to write home about but holds a special place in Korea’s heart. You’ll see why. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.) How…
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Juwangsan National Park: The Smallest National Park In Korea
Juwangsan National Park (주왕산국립공원) in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea was designated as such in 1976 and holds the title of the smallest national park in South Korea. But, don’t let that sway you from heading there as it’s got everything you’d want in a national park from mountains, rivers and waterfalls to tales of assassinations. There are some really cool things to see in Korea and when looking for a spot that is a bit more off the beaten path, this would make a great one. It’s also a great place to head if you’ve got kids and want a family-friendly national park to visit. Here’s what to know about Juwangsan National…
