KOREAN SUMMER
Korea, our favorite travel destination! It’s a country full of interesting culture with a harmonious mix of historical and modern life. Though a South Korean Summer can be very intense, we as a fanatic of this place can never miss enjoying its beauty and heart-warming locations!
Why Korea is a trending destination?
South Korea has fascinating cultural attractions, deliciously mouth-watering dishes, nostalgic K-drama locations, making it an obvious travel destination. Korea is alive with energy, and full of unique experiences. The historical sites are so immersive that you feel like you’re taking a step into the past. The fashion is on its own level. K-pop is everywhere, and the night life is sensational.
South Korea stands out with its scenic & nature touching environment. There are many places that one can visit here during their stay however I have a list of some specific places that everyone should visit once in South Korea!!
HERE ARE TOP 7 PLACES TO VISIT DURING SUMMERTIME:
OUR PICK #1: Hanok Village
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Hanoks are traditional Korean houses. The Hanok Village is a village in the city of Seoul with a long history that starts way back in the Joseon Dynasty. In the modern world, you’ll be surprised that people currently still live in these houses. The village is also a popular filming location which you may remember from K-dramas like Personal Taste and Black Night.
You can rent a Hanbok, which is Korea’s traditional attire, and walk down the street with Hanoks on either side. The Hanok houses look modest but sophisticated and you can have tea at some of the houses. There’s also a tea house museum close to the top of the hill with breathtaking views of Bukcheon. If you’re looking for a completely immersive Korean cultural experience, this is the best place to start!
OUR PICK #2: Haeundae Beach (Busan)
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Busan is a city in the southeast of Korea, known for its mesmerizing beaches, impressive scenery, and delicious seafood. Haeundae beach in Busan is the most popular beach with a breathtaking sunrise and even more alluring sunset. There’s something about visiting Haeundae beach during the day that brings this happiness by just watching the swimmers bob in and out of the waves, with the smell of the sea and the hot sand beneath your feet. It’s a picture-perfect scene. The nighlife on the beach is lively with musicians and painters. There’s the Haeundae Sand Sculpure Festival that happens in the summer months where artists make impressive sand art displays. It’s an experience that you can’t miss during your Korean summer visit!
OUR PICK #3: Hallasan (Jeju Mountain)
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Korea is otherwise known as The Land of the Morning Calm due to its natural scenery and tranquil rivers and mountains. Hallasan is the perfect place to experience the peaceful and serene side of Korea. You’re surrounded by the pleasant natural views on the hike up, helping you clear your mind, and be present in the moment. There’s 7 trails to choose from, so if you’re a beginner hiker, there’s a trail for you.
Parts of the mountain may be rocky, so we recommend you take some good sneakers and a bottle of water. In Kdramas, we see all the Ajummas and Ajushis using hiking sticks on their way up, but these hiking sticks are not only for them! They make the trek up so much easier. Getting to the top is the most gratifying feeling. Experience the therapeutic effect of the hike up Hallasan!
OUR PICK #4: Han River
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Han River is the longest river in South Korea which dates back to the Baekjae Kingdom in 18BCE, so it’s been there a long time and has become more and more impressive throughout the years! Han river has 11 different parks. We recommend Yeouido Hangang Park where you can sit and enjoy the relaxing views with the smell of the grass and sounds of riders and buskers and couples.
Watching the sunset by the Han River is a mesmerizing experience. It’s a vibrant place with many things to do including a Han River cruise, bicycle rentals, picnics, and the Han River Summer Festival which you must attend while you’re there!
Here’s a video of members from the K-pop group DRIPPIN vlogging at the Han River: https://www.vlive.tv/video/283598
Here’s a video of WooYoung from 2PM visiting the Han River: https://www.vlive.tv/video/284821
OUR PICK #5: Seoul
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
The vibrant, modern city of Seoul definitively lives up to the ‘24-hour party’ tag. You’ll find a host of exciting places to eat, drink, shop and relax, whether you’re in Hongdae’s chic bars and restaurants or the stylish boutiques of Gangnam. Those shopping for arts, crafts, jewelry, antiques or souvenirs, should head to the wonderful markets and shops of Insa Dong.
Whilst Seoul is embracing all that is modern, it is also rich in history. Changdeokgung Palace with its beautiful Secret Garden and the ornate Gyeongbokgung Palace which has an hourly changing of the guard ceremony with soldiers dressed in Joseon-era uniforms are highly recommended.
New to this place?? Check out the video for more tutorials!OUR PICK #6: The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
The Korean DMZ or Korean Demilitarized Zone is a buffer zone between North and South Korea. Tours that operate to the DMZ, allow visitors a fascinating perspective of the events that resulted in Korea’s division and take a peak into North Korea! Visit Imjingak Park, which commemorates all those who lost their homes or were separated from their families when South Korea was divided. Go deep into the 3rd North Korean Infiltration Tunnel.
New to this place?? Check out the video for more tutorials!
OUR PICK #7: Gyeongju
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Gyeongju is coastal city and cultural heart of South Korea, providing an unrivalled insight into the country's history, religion and culture. The Gyeongju National Museum is home to countless treasures and the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771. Gyeongju's other highlights include the scenic Anapji Pond, Tumuli Park which is the site of incredible giant grass-covered burial mounds and the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Listed Bulguk-sa Temple. Just out of town - Seokguram Grotto is another must see!
New to this place?? Check out the video for more tutorials!
OUR PICK #8: Jeju Island
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Although located only 85km off the coast of South Korea, Jeju Island (more specifically Jeju-do) has developed its own unique history, traditional dress, architecture and linguistic traditions. With a moderate climate that differs surprisingly from the mainland, Jeju-do has a sub-tropical southern side and a more temperate northern region. On the island, voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, you’ll find exquisite botanical gardens, sandy beaches, lava caves, a folk village and the O’Sulloc Tea Museum where you can learn about South Korea’s famous traditional tea culture.
New to this place?? Check out the video for more tutorials!
OUR PICK #9 : Andong & Hahoe Folk Villages
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Andong’s peaceful, rural surroundings are in stark contrast to the buzz of Seoul. Set in the heart of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong is noted for having preserved much of its traditional spirit. A great place to see Korean traditions unfold is the cultural village of Hahoe, where the noble Ryu family originated and have lived for the past 600 years. Traditional buildings, beautiful surroundings and a range of cultural activities make a visit to Andong and Hahoe Village a good opportunity to take in the local culture and learn a thing or two about Korea’s rich heritage.
New to this place?? Check out the video for more tutorials!
OUR PICK #10 : Seoraksan National Park
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Designated as a Biosphere Protection Site by UNESCO, Seoraksan National Park’s unique rock formations, wildlife, hot springs, dense woodland and temples from the Silla-era make it an area of South Korea that simply has to be visited. Each area of this incredibly beautiful park has its own unique appeal and attractions. Translated as Snowy Crags Mountain, Seoraksan is the third-highest mountain in South Korea. Seoraksan provides a spectacular backdrop for the park's two temples - Sinheungsa and Baekdamsa.
New to this place?? Check out the video for more tutorials!
Here are the top 7 foods to eat during your Korean summer trip!
Korean eating culture is more communal and used as a way to get closer to your friends and coworkers, making it an engaging and pleasurable experience. Korean food is unbeatable with its delicious taste and endless variety! Let’s make the selection of Korean food a little easier for you by listing the top 7 foods to eat during your Korean summer trip!
Our Pick #1: Korean BBQ
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Korean BBQ is an unforgettable experience! It’s popular within Korea and internationally and unique for its grilling experience and mouthwatering meats. We’re sure you’ve seen the scene a lot in K-dramas where they grill thin slices of meat at the table. You can almost smell the sizzling of the barbeque and as they dip the juicy piece of meat in some sauce, wrap it in the leafy vegetable, place some kimchi in it and stuff the delicious goodness into their mouth.. you can’t help but drool at the screen. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this for yourself when you visit Korea.
Our Pick #2: Samgyetang (삼계탕 ) - Ginseng Chicken Soup
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Samgyetang is a Korean Ginseng soup eaten often in the summer. This historically relevant dish is made of chicken and Ginseng, which is a popular herb. The chicken is stuffed with porridge, rice and nuts and may remind you of the chicken eaten at Thanksgiving. It’s an amazing healthy option and the perfect representation of traditional Korean food! The chicken is soft and tender and great flavorsome option for the Korean summer!
Our Pick #3: Mulhoe (물회) - Spicy raw fish soup
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Mulhoe is a spicy raw fish soup with divine mix of different vegetables. It’s perfect to enjoy during the summer in Korea. The cultural relevance dates back to the 1960s where this delicacy was popular among the Korean fishermen. It’s now enjoyed widely across Korea and an excellent nutritious and satisfying option.
Our Pick #4: Yukgaejang (육개장)
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If you’re craving something beefy, Yukhaejang is your ideal choice. This is a delicious spicy beef and vegetable soup popular in the summer among Koreans. It has a distinct and flavorful taste, making it the perfect dish to satisfy your spicy cravings. It’s so loved by many that it has its own ramyeon flavor! Yukgaejang has a rich meat broth that fills every corner of your heart. Definitely a meal to share with your friends!
Our Pick #5: Kongguksu - 콩국수
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Kongguksu is an essential dish for the summer. It’s made of noodles in cold soy milk. The unique flavor with the harmony of the noodles with the savory broth is what makes it a favorite for many Koreans. It’s a satisfying dish and the perfect choice for vegetarians. This dish will not disappoint, so definitely try it out!
Our Pick #6: Naengmyeon (냉면)
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Naengmyeon is another delicious cold noodle dish that is a delicacy in Korea. It’s made from buckwheat noodles and a clear broth, topped with some vegetables, an egg, and a little bit of some cooked and cooled beef. It’s a summertime favorite because of its refreshing taste. You can have it as a cold broth with grounded ice if you need an immediate cool down during the hot summer. You can also have the spicy version with red pepper paste, which is equally as cold just as delicious!
Our Pick #7: Bingsu (팥빙수) - Korean shaved ice
(Image: Credits to the rightful owner)
Here’s a dish to satisfy your dessert cravings! Enter one of the popular Bingsu restaurants and leave moderation at the door! It’s no exaggeration to say that Bingu is the representative food for the Korean summer. It comes in elaborate flavors and the presentation is more and more impressive. There are flavors such as green tea, matcha, red bean, wolfberry fruit. Bingsu is really just happiness in a bowl!
Such beautiful places must be visited in our entire life span to explore different part of South Korea! Make sure to add them to your bucket list!!
Author: SUJI SOHN
About the author: Suji was studying in London in the year 2019 and, although being separated from her family, her passion for Korea was growing. She noticed that a lot of her close friends loved Korean culture, food, music, and dramas and gradually started to fall in love with Korea, but there weren't many opportunities to actually "experience" this wonderful nation!
Suji was aware of what she needed to do to introduce Korea to her friends' lives and, conceivably, to those of everyone else who was curious about a piece of Daehan Min-guk.
