Let me tell you something about traveling in Korea - it’s not just about K-pop or kimchi. Having lived here six years, I’ve made every tourist mistake so you don’t have to. You want authentic spots? Hidden gems? Practical tips without the fluff? That’s exactly what we’ll cover. Forget those generic lists repeating the same attractions. We’re digging deeper into what makes each place worth your limited vacation time.
Why Trust This Guide?
After getting lost in Bukchon’s alleys three times, paying double for palace tickets before learning the discount hacks, and wasting hours at overcrowded spots, I’ve compiled everything I wish I’d known. No sugarcoating - just straight talk from someone who’s navigated these places repeatedly.
Seoul's Non-Negotiable Stops
Seoul overwhelms first-timers. Should you prioritize palaces? Markets? Views? Here's the strategic approach:
Gyeongbokgung Palace vs Changdeokgung
Most blogs tell you to visit both palaces. Honestly? That’s overkill unless you’re a history fanatic. Gyeongbokgung (the main palace) gives you the grand spectacle with the changing of guards (daily at 10am/2pm). But Changdeokgung’s Huwon Secret Garden? That’s where magic happens. You need separate tickets and reservations though.
| Feature | Gyeongbokgung | Changdeokgung |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9am-6pm (closed Tuesdays) | 9am-5:30pm (closed Mondays) |
| Admission | \3,000 (free if wearing hanbok!) | \3,000 palace, \5,000+ for Secret Garden tour |
| Best For | Photo ops, grand architecture | Atmosphere, UNESCO garden |
| Insider Tip | Rent hanbok nearby for free entry and epic photos | Book Secret Garden tickets 3 days early on their website |
My first palace visit disaster: I wore uncomfortable shoes thinking palaces were small. Wrong! Gyeongbokgung covers 410,000 sq meters. Bring walking shoes or rent a bike outside.
Namsan Tower: Worth the Hype?
Yes, but only at sunset. During daytime? It’s just another city view. At night? The city lights up like a circuit board. Skip the overpriced restaurant upstairs though. Better to grab street food beforehand.
➤ Pro Transport Hack: Take bus #02 or #03 from Myeongdong Station Exit 3 directly to the tower base. The cable car queue often exceeds 90 minutes.
Warning: The "Locks of Love" area is wildly overcrowded. If romance is your goal, head to Seoullo 7017 Skygarden instead - same vibe, fewer crowds.
Beyond Seoul: Regional Gems Most Tourists Miss
Most visitors never leave Seoul. Big mistake. Korea’s soul lives in these places:
Busan's Coastal Wonders
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple beats any city temple. Perched on ocean cliffs? Yes please. Unlike palace temples, this one feels alive with crashing waves below. Go at sunrise if you can handle 5am alarms.
Getting There: Subway to Jangsan Station → Bus 181. Sounds complicated? It takes 1hr from Seomyeon. Taxis cost \15,000-20,000.
Jeju Island Essentials
Skip the overrated Teddy Bear Museum. Prioritize nature:
- Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): Hike takes 40 mins. Entrance \5,000. Arrive before 5am for sunrise spots in high season. The view? Unreal.
- Manjanggul Lava Tube: 1km walkable section. Bring jacket (constant 11°C). Entry \4,000. Closed first Wednesday monthly.
- Udo Island: Rent scooters (\25,000/day). Try peanut ice cream. Ferry from Seongsan Port (\8,500 roundtrip).
Jeju car rental horror story: I booked last-minute during cherry blossom season. Result? \120,000/day for a tiny Kia. Book at least 3 weeks early!
Seasonal Specialties: When Timing Matters
Korea’s beauty changes monthly. Plan around these:
| Season | Top Spots | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Jinhae Cherry Blossoms | Festival dates vary yearly. Check Jinhae City site in March |
| Autumn (Oct-Nov) | Naejangsan National Park | Peak foliage mid-Oct to early Nov. Weekends = chaos |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Pyeongchang Trout Festival | Ice fishing + fresh grilled fish. Entry \15,000 includes gear |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Boryeong Mud Festival | Mid-July. Prepare for massive crowds and muddy chaos! |
•••
Budget Breakdown: What Costs More Than You'd Expect
Tourist traps abound. Here’s the real pricing:
| Experience | Expectation | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Hanbok Rental | \15,000/hour | \25,000+ for quality fabrics near palaces |
| DMZ Tour | \50,000 | \75,000-\120,000 for full-access tours |
| Korean BBQ Meal | \10,000/person | \20,000-\30,000 for beef in tourist areas |
| Jimjilbang (Spa) | \8,000 entry | \12,000+\ for popular spots like Dragon Hill |
My DMZ regret: I chose the cheapest tour. We stood 300m from the border while premium tours went inside conference rooms. Pay extra for JSA access if it’s important to you.
Critical Q&A: Stuff Other Guides Don't Address
How many days do I really need?
• Seoul-only: 4 days minimum (palace/day, markets/day, neighborhoods/day, day trip)
• Seoul+Busan: 7 days with KTX train
• Seoul+Jeju: 8 days (add flight time)
Anything less and you’ll just skim surfaces.
Is the Korea Tour Card worth it?
Only if you’ll use public transport heavily. The card costs \4,000 then you top up. Saves \100 per ride versus cash. But taxis are surprisingly affordable for groups of 3-4.
Annoyance Alert: Many smaller restaurants and shops only accept Korean cards or cash. Always carry \50,000 in bills even in 2023.
When should I avoid certain places?
• Myeongdong Shopping: Weekends = shoulder-to-shoulder crowds
• Bus beaches (Haeundae): July-August = impossible to move
• Palaces: Mondays/Tuesdays when closed (check specific closures!)
• National Museums: Always closed Mondays
Transport Hacks That Save Hours
Naver Maps over Google Maps. Seriously. Google gives incomplete transit routes in Korea. Naver shows every bus/subway combo.
| Route | Old Way | Smarter Way |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport → Seoul | Taxi (\70,000+) | AREX Express Train (\9,500, 43 mins) |
| Seoul → Busan | Plane (2hrs + airport time) | KTX train (2.5hrs, city center to center) |
| Jeju Exploration | Tour buses (fixed schedules) | Rental car (\60,000/day, book early!) |
Last month, my friend took a taxi from Incheon to Hongdae at midnight. Cost? \120,000 with tolls. The AREX runs until 11:45pm. Don’t be like Mike.
Eating Like a Local Without the Guesswork
Restaurant menus rarely have English. Look for these Korean signs:
✔︎ 맛집 (matjip): Means "delicious house" - local favorite spot
✔︎ 오래된 집 (oraedoen jip): "Old house" = established quality
✔︎ 줄서는 집 (julseoneun jip): "House with lines" = popular but worth wait
Avoid places with plastic food displays out front - they’re for tourists. Real Korean joints have minimal English signage.
Must-Try Dishes By Region
- Seoul: Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) at Myeongdong Kyoja (\8,000)
- Busan: Milmyeon (cold wheat noodles) near Nampo Station
- Jeonju: Authentic bibimbap (\12,000-\18,000) in Hanok Village
- Jeju: Black pork BBQ (\25,000/per person)
Crowd-Beating Strategies They Don't Tell You
Tour groups arrive between 10am-2pm. Flip your schedule:
• Palaces at opening (9am)
• Lunch at 11am or 2pm
• Shopping markets late afternoon
• Views/dinner at sunset
• Nightlife after 10pm
Some spots get quiet during Korean meal times (12-1pm, 6-7:30pm). Use that window for popular cafes.
Secret hour: Bukchon Hanok Village at 8am. Empty streets perfect for photos. By 10am? Tour buses unload hundreds.
Final Thoughts: Your Korea Trip Game-Changers
After helping 50+ visitors plan their trips, here’s what separates good experiences from great ones:
- Download KakaoTalk: For restaurant reservations and taxi hailing
- Get a SIM at airport: Olleh or SK Telecom counters before arrivals exit
- Learn five Korean phrases: Annyeonghaseyo (hello), Kamsahamnida (thank you), Eolmaeyo? (how much?), Juseyo (please give), Mogi juseyo (receipt please)
Planning places to see in Korea feels overwhelming because there are endless options. Focus on what resonates with you - history buffs should prioritize palaces and museums, foodies hit regional specialty towns, nature lovers head straight to Jeju or Seoraksan. Trying to do everything guarantees burnout.
Oh, and pack comfortable shoes. Seriously. My first week here I destroyed two pairs of fashion sneakers walking Seoul’s hills.
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