My second trip to Korea was very different than my first one. My first visit to Korea was with an all-Chinese no-English organized Taiwanese group, which – while been the most amazing travel bargain I’ve ever experienced – was completely out of my control. I felt like I was treated like a spoiled kid, or a king, but I couldn’t help but also feel that I’m missing out on the real Korea by jumping between tourist attractions on a tour bus. So, end of last year on my way to Israel with Korea Airlines, I made a stop in Seoul for a week of exploration. When making trip plans, it was pretty easy to find a cheap hotel in Seoul.
To summarize the experience I would generally say that I was extremely impressed with Seoul. Wherever I went I saw beautiful happy people enjoying their lives in a highly cultural and tourist friendly city.
This post is intended to summarize my adventures in Seoul and the nearby area. The three photos in this post were sent to a friendly competition with the Israeli Korean Center. No, I didn’t win, so you get to enjoy them.
Impressions :
Tourist attractions :
- Insadong : A Seoul Gem
- Namsan Hanok Traditional Folk Village : Seoul
- Seoul N Tower : Korea ; Korea from above : Seoul’s N Tower –
- Exploring Korean History : Touring Gyeongbok Palace ; Revisiting Gyeongbokgung Palace : Seoul
- The National Folk Museum of Korea (photos only)
Cultural shows :
- Crazy Korean fun tourist traps – Cool Korean Performances : Cooking Nanta (and Jump)
- You’re a tourist, might as well act like one – Tasting Korean Food : Making Kim-Chi
- Catch a Jazz show at the trendy Apgujeong – Once in a Blue Moon : Seoul
Cultural/local attractions :
- Namdaemun Market : Korean Food in Seoul
- Kickass street performances near Hankuk University : Dongdaemun-gu – Seoul
Out of Seoul day-trip attractions :
- Traveling in South Korea : Seorak-san National Park Gondola and Big Buddha
- Touring South Korea : Everland Amusement Park and Caribbean Bay
- Old Korean Blacksmith Town : Goguryeo Folk Village
Okay to miss attractions :
- Seoul Grand Park : Zoo (maybe if you haven’t been to many zoos or you have very impatient kids. The contemporary art museum next to it is nice, though).
- Kimchi Field Museum : Seoul
I do hope to spend more time in Korea and venture out of Seoul in my next trips.
Must do Korea and invite you for travelling-home. I am so disconnected, so inviting you would also be for moral support 😛