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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The Sancheong World Traditional Medicine Fair & Festival
Dongui Bogam Village in Sancheong-gun is surrounded by Mt. Jirisan, Mt. Jarakwangsan, and Mt. Palbongsan, a spot widely known to be highly spiritual and full of energy in Korea. Because of this, it was chosen as the perfect location for the World Traditional Medicine Fair and Festival. If you’re interested in Korean holistic medicine and herbal remedies, like learning about traditional Korean culture, or just want a new place to visit with a festival at the same time, definitely check out this healing expo and the experiences you can have there. If you’re interested in holistic and herbal medicine in Korea, don’t miss the Sancheong World Traditional Medicine Expo: (This…
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Geoje POW Camp: Korea’s Largest Prison Camp, Then and Now
Geoje Island, off Korea’s southern coast, is a popular destination for visitors from Busan and well beyond, known for ocean views, dramatic rock formations jutting from the sea, and genuinely beautiful beaches. There’s also a far darker chapter here, the Korean War-era POW camp (거제도 포로수용소 유적공원), now preserved as a historic park. If you’re interested in the parts of Korean history that don’t make it into the highlight reel, this belongs on your list. Here’s what to know: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking. Thank you for your support.) Basic Info Address: 61 Gyeryong-ro, Geoje-si,…
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Things To Do In Geoje Island: Visit Haegeumgang Sea Diamond & Oedo Botania
Headed to Geoje Island in Korea and wondering what to do? Let me make this easy for you. If you only do one thing in Geoje, take the ferry to nearby Haegeumgang (해금강). Often called the “Sea Diamond of Korea,” Haegeumgang is one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in the country. Located in Hallyeohaesang Marine National Park, these towering rock formations rise straight out of the deep blue sea just off the southern coast of Geoje Island. Visiting islands in Korea is definitely a must if you’re staying here for any amount of time and visiting Haegeumgang is a fun ferry ride out that includes a stop at another…
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How to Visit the Cheorwon DMZ From Seoul: Tunnels, Birds, and History
There is always a point for tourists when they decide whether or not to visit the DMZ. The areas in the demilitarized zone open to tourists center on tunnels North Korea built decades ago in failed attempts to infiltrate the South. The most visited and easiest to reach is the Paju-area DMZ, but it’s also, for my taste, a bit too touristy. The trek to Cheorwon takes more time and thus the experience is completely different. Cheorwon offers something Paju doesn’t: real distance from crowds, a sobering atmosphere, and, depending on the season, one of the best birdwatching destinations in Korea. This guide covers how to get there, what the…
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Gyeongpo Beach: The Most Popular Beach On The East Coast Of Korea
When it’s summer in Seoul, it sometimes seems that the population in the city doubles with the arrival. People that had hidden inside from the cold are out and about and places that seemed like hidden gems are swarming with people. The entire city changes and comes to life and as it does, people also begin to travel far and wide to find places to cool off in Korea. Gangneung on the east coast of Korea in Gangwondo is one of those hot places that everyone wants to head to, not only because it’s beautiful, but also because it’s easy to get to. With Gyeongpo Beach (강릉 경포수욕장) one of…
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Gone to North Korea… in Namyangju
I’ve lived in Seoul for six and a half years and still haven’t made it to the DMZ. I’m not sure why, but I just haven’t felt the urge to get up there. That and it seems every few months North Korea does something to ruffle the feathers of South Korea and then I think, do I really want to go up there now? The answer was always no. However, some time back I read about an exact replica of Panmunjeom on a film set that was open to the public and that made it onto the list of must-sees. This past week, a friend and I decided to really…
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Dongrimsa Temple in Gimhae, South Korea
Sitting just 400 meters away from the more popular Eunhasa Temple on Sineosan Mountain, or Fish of the Gods Mountain, is Dongrimsa Temple (동림사). As it is smaller and was quieter without the people milling around on Lunar New Year, it felt as if we’d arrived to a shop afterhours. Also said to be from the time of King Suro in the Gaya Kingdom, it was supposedly established by King Suro’s wife’s, Heo Hwangok, brother, monk Jangyuhwasang. It features a tall statue of Jijang-bosal, the God of the Afterlife, in the courtyard surrounded by six smaller statues of Jijang-bosal that are the most telling feature of the temple. The statue is rather…
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Eunhasa Temple in Gimhae, South Korea
If you’re in Gimhae, Korea and looking for a beautiful quaint temple to visit, look no further than Eunhasa Temple. Enjoy a walk in the woods, hike up a mountain if you want, or take a drive up and come upon this beautiful Buddhist temple. Eunhasa Temple isn’t huge, but when I go hiking in Korea, I tend to enjoy having temples to stop off at or as a goal for the walk. There’s always a beautiful one to sit and enjoy on every mountain in Korea. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost…
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Eorimok Trail on Hallasan: The Best Non-Summit Hike on Jeju
“Jeju is Mount Halla, and Mount Halla is Jeju,” as the locals say. As the tallest mountain in South Korea, a trip to Jeju Island isn’t complete without getting up onto Hallasan, whether that means the true summit or simply as far as the standard trails allow. Rising 1,950 meters, it’s visible from nearly anywhere on the island, clouds permitting. Do you need to visit Hallasan while you’re on Jeju? Yes, without question, and you should set aside a full day for it. Eorimok Trail is, for most visitors, the best way to do that. It’s the easiest trailhead to reach from Jeju City, it requires no reservation, and it…
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Jeongbang Waterfall: The Most Beautiful Place On Jeju Island
Jeju Island has some spectacular sites to see and the Jeongbang Waterfall (정방폭포) is most definitely one of the prettiest of them. There are a few waterfalls on Jeju Island, but this was my favorite of them all and it’s actually quite accessible. If you’re headed to Jeju Island, this is definitely a spot I’d check out. There are three popular waterfalls on Jeju Island but this one is one of those Instagrammable spots where you can get right up and personal and walk away with one of those islandy photos to prove it. Feel free to skip around and get all of the details: (This page contains affiliate links.…
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Jeju Island: Why You Should Visit Yakcheonsa Temple
There are many beautiful sites on Jeju Island to visit and among them is the gorgeous Yakcheonsa Temple (약천사). This beautiful Buddhist temple on Jeju Island is not old in any sense of the word though. Located on the south western coast of Jeju Island, surrounded by other tourist hot spots, it’s an easy addition to any Jeju itinerary and a great place to take a rest. If you’re staying in Seogwipo City, this is a must-see when you visit. Here is all of the information you need to visit Yakcheonsa Temple: (This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click on them and purchase something, I will get…
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Pyochungsa Temple In The Yeongnam Alps
Pyochungsa Temple has been renamed several times but has not lost its luster. Though the paint was cracking it was pleasant to see a temple that showed its age. The temple is located on Jaeyaksan, a mountain in the Yeongnam Alps range that runs through the districts of Ulsan, Miryang and Cheongdo in Gyeongsangnam-do in the south of the country. This particular mountain offers sights ranging from waterfalls to temples and even has an Ice Valley, though I haven’t seen it. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your…
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Yongchu Temple and the Waterfall To Find There
I had headed down to Geochang, Korea to visit a friend for a few days and while there are plenty of things to do in Geochang, we wanted to take a motorbike ride and explore another area. We hopped on my friend’s motorbike and set our sights on Yongchu Temple (용추사) and Yongchu waterfall (용추폭포) just 45 minutes away. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.) Basic Information Address: 962 Sangwon-ri Ahnae-myeon Hamyang-gun Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 함양군 안의면 상원리 962) The Water Falls In Hamyang Set up in the…
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The Neverending Story Secret In Geochang, Korea: Suseungdae
Geochang, Korea is off the beaten path yet full of hidden gems and Suseungdae is one of them. This is the main tourist spot in Geochang and famous for very historical reasons, but if you grew up watching the Neverending Story like I did, then you’ll love this stop for another reason. With locals, it’s a popular summer spot as it features a large stream where you can splash around in and enjoy natural rock slides. Ready for the fun? Let’s dive in! Ready to go to Suseungdae? (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no…
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Namhansanseong Fortress: Hiking a UNESCO World Heritage Site Near Seoul
If you’re looking for a great hike near Seoul that works for all fitness levels, all seasons, and all ages, including families with young children, Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성도립공원) belongs on the list. Compared to the Seoul Fortress Wall, which can involve some pretty steep climbing in sections, Namhansanseong is far more accessible: the paths inside the walls are relatively even, and even in winter the trails stay walkable without serious gear. Additionally, the Namhansanseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortress city that served as the emergency capital of the Joseon Dynasty, built on the ruins of a fortress dating back to 672 AD, and defended against a…
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Seonnyeo Rock Beach: A Weekend Getaway From Seoul
Just around the bend from the more famous Eurwangli Beach and Wangsan Beach in Incheon, Korea, sits the pleasantly quiet Seonnyeo Rock Beach (선녀바위해수욕장). Saying it is rocky is no joke. There is a small, but nicely sandy area in the center flanked on either side with rocks, rocks and more rocks. If you’re looking for a quieter beach near Seoul, this might be the one for you. Can you take a trip to the beach from Seoul? Yes, you sure can. Get ready for a trip to Seonnyeo Rock Beach in Incheon: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you…
