What to See and Do: A First Timer's Itinerary for South Korea

Seoul

Not only is Seoul the nation’s capital. It's also the Korean entertainment capital. Start your trip by touring popular K-pop and K-drama sites — starting in the flashy Gangnam District, made famous by the 2013 song by Psy. Gangnam is the heart of all things K-pop in Seoul. Not only are many agencies headquartered here, but you’ll find a large range of restaurants, bars, and cafés that are frequented by the stars.

Discover the famous K-Star Road, where you can search for your favorite band’s Gangnam Doll Statue and even buy a miniature version as a souvenir!

Less interested in K-pop idols? Discover the historic Gyeongbokgung, the grandest of Seoul’s five palaces. First built in 1395, this was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), the last and arguably most important dynastic kingdom in the history of Korea. Today, work is ongoing to restore its 500 buildings to their former glory, and it’s now the site of the National Folk Museum, which is packed with dioramas, antiques and reconstructed buildings relating to traditional Korean culture.

Next, visit Insa-dong, a 500 year-old neighborhood originally built for government officials. During the Japanese occupation, Insa-dong’s wealthy residents were forced to move and began to sell their belongings. This kick-started a thriving antiques trade for which the neighborhood is still known today. After perusing the local shops, you can continue into the modern day at Ikseondong where the traditional hanok houses of old have been transformed into twisting alleyways of boutique vintage stores, hipster cafés, and funky fusion restaurants.

For some rest and relaxation time after a busy day of sightseeing, why not check out one of Seoul's jimjilbang? Jimjilbangs are a great place to enjoy baths, saunas and spa treatments. Some Jimjilbangs even have restaurants and karaoke areas. I recommend Myeongdong Women's Bathhouse and Spa Lei in Gangnam.

Where to stay

Conrad Seoul: A haven from the concrete jungle, Conrad Seoul boasts panoramic river and skyline views, and lies just opposite the serenely landscaped Yeouido Park.

Busan

Begin your exploration of Busan in Gamcheon where candy-colored houses and street art have turned this former shanty town into one packed with murals, sculptures, cute cafés, maze-like alleys, and independent shops.

After you’ve explored Gamcheon, make a stop to check out Jagalchi Fish Market. It stands to reason that the fifth busiest port in the world would have a pretty impressive fish market, and Jagalchi doesn’t disappoint. Here you can sample some nakji octopus tentacles or perhaps some maeu un tanng (fish soup).

Interested in k-drama? Head to BIFF Square. Busan's movie district was named after the Busan International Film Festival, held every year in October, and here you can find the handprints of your favorite K-drama actors and actresses, as well as Korean directors.

Or head onto Haeundae Beach, where you’ll find white sand and a lively restaurant scene.

If you’re looking for temples, head to Eastern Busan where you can explore Haedong Yonggungsa temple. Perched on the edge of Busan’s stunning coastline, it is one of the few temples in Korea to not have been built in the mountains. Here you’ll learn about the temple’s history that stretches all the way back to the Goryeo Dynasty of the 4th century. As one of only three temples dedicated to the Goddess Buddha of Mercy, you can gain an insight into Korea’s relationship with Buddhism. All of this is against the backdrop of the temple’s architectural beauty and majestic ocean views.

Lastly, spend a few hours exploring possibly one of the most beautiful destinations in Korea — Ahopsan Bamboo forest, literally, 'a forest of nine mountains.' Closed to the public for over 400 years, surviving the Japanese Occupation, liberation, war and industrialization, this privately-owned forest opened to the public in 2016 and has since been featured in famous period dramas such as The King: Eternal Monarch and 100 Days My Prince.

Where to stay

Signiel Busan: This is Signiel’s second property after Signiel Seoul, an iconic luxury hotel in Korea. Enjoy beautiful views of Haeundae Beach, including dynamic views from the infinity pool.

Jeju Island

Jeju’s traditional culture is closely tied to the land, and one of the most famous sites to explore in Jeju is Yongduam, or “Dragon’s Head Rock”. Legend has it that the rock was once a dragon who was shot down by angry gods for stealing jade from Mount Halla. Here, if you’re lucky enough, you may be able to see some of Jeju’s haenyeo, “sea women”, at work, free diving for shellfish on the ocean floor. Haenyeo are part of Jeju’s cultural heritage but is a dying art — many of those still working are pushing their eighties.

From there, continue onto Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a castle-like volcanic tuff formed by an underwater eruption 5,000 years ago. Its bowl-shaped crater, encircled by a crown of jagged rocks, has been designated a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Travel onwards to Seongeup Folk Village, whose cottages built from black lava rock have stood virtually unchanged since the feudal era. People still live and work in Seongeup, making this a fascinating and authentic spot to see Confucian shrines, giant millstones and curved alleyways built to protect the village from the Jeju winds.

In the case of bad weather, or tired feet, Jeju has many fascinating museums to explore. The Jeju Stone Culture Museum hosts indoor and outdoor geological displays, including petrified trees frozen in bizarre shapes. Weathered rocks turned into sculptural forms by wind and rain and some of Jeju’s “stone grandfathers”. The O'sulloc Tea Museum offers internationally acclaimed architecture and views over lush green tea plantations. Exhibitions include utensils used in tea-making from the Silla and Joseon Dynasties, as well as more than 60 different types of tea from all over the world. Lastly, an ​​unexpected highlight of Jeju — the Teddy Bear Museum. Now, depending on your tastes, this may be the best or the worst attraction on the island! If famous works of art recreated by teddies in costume sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll love it.

Where to stay

The Shilla Jeju: A 10-minute walk from the famous Jungmun Beach, Shilla Jeju is a luxury destination on the south side of Jeju Island. Enjoy live music in the lobby, six dining options and gorgeous views.