VasilisKarantousis

📍 South Korea

🌍 On my wishlist

South Korea · East Asia

High-tech cities, ancient royal palaces, dramatic coastal landscapes, and a global cultural wave.

🗓️ Best time to go

Spring (April–June) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, or Autumn (September–November) for crisp air and fall colors.

🚆 Getting around

High-speed KTX trains link cities. Seoul and Busan have highly integrated, cheap subway networks.

About

South Korea blends ancient dynastic history with a fast-paced pop culture hub, offering incredible hiking, delicious food, and deep traditions.

Interesting places to visit

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

    The grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces; rent a traditional Hanbok dress to gain free entry.

  • Jeju Island

    A volcanic island featuring black sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and Hallasan mountain hikes.

  • Bukchon Hanok Village

    A preserved historic neighborhood of traditional wooden courtyard homes dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.

What to eat

  • Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)

    Grilled pork belly cooked on tabletop grills and wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic and ssamjang sauce.

  • Kimchi & Bibimbap

    Spicy fermented cabbage alongside bowls of warm rice topped with vegetables, beef, and a raw egg.

  • Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek)

    Extremely crispy double-fried chicken glazed in sweet and spicy sauce, traditionally paired with beer.

Practical tips

  • Download Naver Maps

    Google Maps does not work well in South Korea due to national security regulations. Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap instead.

💶 Rough budget

€60–€120 / day

Transportation and street food are inexpensive; cosmetic shopping and cafes are highly popular.