Travel/Globetrotters/Photography
10 Interesting Places In South Korea You May Want To Visit
As we have diverse interests, these places may be the one for you
South Korea is now open for international tourists.
If South Korea is on your list, why not go an extra mile and ignore the usual-old-time-tourist-favorites. Everyone wants to be in Myeongyong, Insadong, Bukchon and Nami Island. Time to counter flow and be in the road less traveled.
You may consider one of these places that I had been in my previous visits.
1. Gaetgol Ecological Park
I saw the observation deck in a Korean drama. The two leads went up to the deck and savor the freezing air of autumn. They were like Jack and Rose, where Jack shouted — I am the king of the world.
As I researched how to go there, only one You Tuber replied to my inquiry and said that from the last bus stop for the park —I need to walk two-kilometers to reach the observatory deck.
The park is in Siheung-si , a city in Gyeonggi Province, a wetland reserve, flower fields, an old salt farm and a spiral observation deck which is made of wood. Yeah, it is made of wood.
It is about 30 kilometers from Seoul and 3 hours traveling time if by public transportation.
I took the train from my destination which is Anguk station. Then a bus. Halfway, I was the only passenger in the bus. The bus driver asked my destination. I thought he would say, he was cutting the trip, then leave me alone in the company of fields in both sides of the road or be driving back to Seoul. But he was a good man and just went straight to the bus stop for the park without stopping for any passengers.
From the bus stop, the walkway to the park is in the middle of the road. Don’t expect anyone walking with you on a Monday morning. If you are feeling lost, patience is a virtue here. For you have to wait for young people who can understand the English language and not an ajooma (middle-aged woman) and ajusshi (middle-aged man) who will be lost in translation with you.
Going up the observatory deck is a challenge. Because it is made of wood, it will wiggle and wobble. But being on top is all worth it.
2. National Gugak Center
The center is the primary institution of learning for Korean traditional music, both court music and folk music. Gugak means traditional music.
I went there to see a musical show. Unfortunately, all tickets were sold out. It was here that I had experienced Korean hospitality for the first time.
The lady at the ticket counter told me to wait, someone might not showed up for the show. But everybody showed up. Then, one lady ushered me into their snack room. I had the privilege to be the first to eat their Korean rice cake and to sip a cup of Korean tea prepared for the after-the-show-guests.
3. Samcheong-ro
This is a street with a range of stylish cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and cute little stores. It stretches for about 2 kilometers forming a “culture street”.
Just walking in this street is a different feeling. Koreans know how to style their shops.
4. Starfield Library
The library is located in the middle of COEX Mall. It is not an enclosed library. It is open to the eyes of every passersby to see.
It features an enormous 13-meter-high bookshelf ensconced in a 2,800-square-meter atrium.
5. Bongeunsa Temple
A Buddhist temple located in Gangnam-gu. They offer temple Thursday Templelife Program and Temple Stay Program.
You can check this story of mine.
6. Ihwa Mural Village
It is one of Seoul’s oldest neighborhood. Once designated for demolition but the government’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism “Art in the city” campaign turned the neighborhood into a mural village. Over 70 artists had participated for the paintings and art installations that covered the walls, streets, homes, businesses, underpasses and schools.
There are several routes to go there. Just wear your most comfortable shoes as the roads are uphill and has a lot of stairs to go up and down.
7. Seoul Sky Observatory
It is located at the top of the Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest and the world’s fifth tallest building with 123 stories and 555 meters high.
The Seoul Sky is comprised of an exhibition zone, observation deck, sky deck, dessert cafe, sky terrace, lounge and more.
Through the observatory, one can have the panoramic view of Seoul.
Going up is through the Sky Shuttle with a speed of 600 meters/minute. Visitors can view videos playing on the walls and ceiling while on the ride.
8. Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs
It is located in downtown Seoul, near Gangnam. It housed the tombs of King Seongjong and his wife Queen Jeonghyeon.
But because it is not well known, it provides a space for a tranquil walk along the rock wall path.
When I went there, there were very few people doing their morning jogging.
9. Yaghyun Parish Church
This church was the first Catholic and western style church ever built in Korea in 1892.
If Catholic churches are not in your list, this is easy to be missed. It is difficult to find.
10. Cheonggyecheon Stream
An 11 kilometer-long stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Visitors can have a leisure walk along the stream.
At night, there is display of light and water at the start point of the stream. In autumn, different autumn foliage scenes along its 5.8 kilometers stretch. A Seoul Lantern Festival is held every November for 2 weeks and a festive Christmas and New year theme in December.
Since I went there in spring season, this is what I saw:
Museums and palaces are worth visiting too.
Whatever your interests are, South Korea has something for you. All you need is an endurance for walking.
