Discovering Seoul’s Captivating Contrast
I was so excited to return to South Korea – it’s a country that has surprised and delighted me at every turn. Steeped in 5,000 years of culture and history, yet seamlessly integrated with modern music, technology, and infrastructure, South Korea is one of those places where I feel a cohesive blend of old and new.
And Seoul – oh, Seoul. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. If you think New York City is the place that never sleeps, just wait until you arrive in Seoul. During my first visit, I expected to spend just three or four days in the capital, but ended up leaving after three weeks. I simply couldn’t bring myself to depart this bustling, energetic metropolis.
I’d be walking the streets of lively Hongdae in the early hours of the morning, mesmerized by the sensory overload – street performers showcasing their best K-pop dance moves, shops brightly open, karaoke echoing everywhere, and clubs with lines out the door. It’s a city that truly never rests.
On my return trip, I knew I needed to explore more of this wonderful country. South Korea is so much more than its largest city. From the colorful houses in Busan to the scenic coastal views and tea plantations of Jeju Island, to the towering mountains of Seoraksan National Park, I loved each and every destination I visited. This country has a way of sweeping you off your feet and leaving you awestruck.
As I’ve discovered, getting around South Korea is convenient, comfortable, and hassle-free, with an extensive public transportation system. The country has also managed to remain relatively inexpensive, even in this post-pandemic world when travel costs have been skyrocketing elsewhere.
So if you’re looking to explore a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, with captivating natural landscapes and a thriving cultural scene, look no further than South Korea. And if you’re staying at our hotel in Seoul, you’ll be perfectly positioned to discover the delights of the nearby Dongdaemun neighborhood – a hub of one-of-a-kind shops and markets that are sure to delight any visitor in search of unique souvenirs and gifts.
Accommodation Options for Every Budget
Like practically every country in the world, prices in South Korea have increased post-pandemic, but costs are still lower than many Western destinations, offering good value for money.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s possible to avoid paying for accommodation entirely by using Couchsurfing or housesitting. Couchsurfing allows you to stay with a local for free, while housesitting involves caring for someone’s home (and often their pets) while they’re away.
Hostels are another affordable option, with dorm beds costing around $18-$24 per night for well-reviewed properties. Private rooms in hostels start at around $30 per night. I use HostelWorld to find the cheapest hostels with the most listings.
Hotels in South Korea are also reasonably priced, though not as cheap as Southeast Asia. On my recent trip, I splurged a bit in Seoul, staying at the well-rated RYSE Hotel in the Hongdae neighborhood for $183 per night. It was worth every penny for the modern design, great views, and fantastic amenities.
For our second stay in Seoul, we opted for the cinema-themed Hotel 28 Myeongdong, one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, at $144 per night. It was the perfect base for exploring the shopping and dining delights of the Myeongdong area.
Outside of the capital, we loved our stay at the adorable Maison Mini Hotel in Gyeongju, a mid-range option at just $49 per night, and the modern Urbanstay Seomyeon in Busan, at $47 per night.
For Seoraksan National Park, we opted to stay close to the entrance at the Smile Resort, a simple but comfortable option at $53 per night. The free breakfast and proximity to the park were much appreciated.
Navigating South Korea’s Efficient Transportation
Getting around South Korea is a breeze, with an extensive, reliable public transportation system. Your first encounter will likely be at the airport, where you can choose between the faster Airport Railroad Express (AREX) or the more budget-friendly All Stop Train, both of which connect to Seoul’s city center.
Once in the country, I highly recommend getting a T-Money card. This reloadable transit card allows you to seamlessly use the subway, buses, taxis, and even some vending machines and stores, with a slight discount compared to buying individual tickets.
Trains are an excellent way to explore beyond Seoul. The high-speed KTX trains whisk you around the country at speeds up to 190 mph, cutting journey times significantly compared to buses or slower trains. A two-hour KTX ride from Seoul to Busan, for example, costs around $45.
Buses are another comfortable option, with express services providing direct routes between major destinations. We took the express bus from Seoul to Sokcho, our gateway to Seoraksan National Park, for $16 and enjoyed the wide seats, ample legroom, and power sockets.
Flights can be useful for getting to Jeju Island, the stunning volcanic island off the southern coast of South Korea. Direct flights from Seoul take around an hour and cost $42-$60 one-way.
The metro systems in Seoul and Busan are world-class, clean, and efficient. Rides are calculated by distance, typically costing $1-$4 per journey depending on how far you’re traveling.
Indulging in South Korea’s Incredible Food Scene
As someone who travels primarily for the food, I was in absolute heaven exploring South Korea’s culinary delights. This country quickly earned a spot on my list of top five places to eat in the world, alongside India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Greece.
You’ll find all the Korean classics – kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi – but the real delight comes from wandering into crowded local restaurants and being presented with mind-blowingly good dishes you’ve never even heard of before. Samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup, was a particular highlight for me.
Korean BBQ is a must-try experience, with groups gathering around a table-top grill to cook marinated meats to perfection. And let’s not forget Korean fried chicken – I’m convinced it has ruined fried chicken for me forever.
The kimchi in South Korea is also simply amazing, with the depth of flavor in even the most basic cabbage or radish version always impressing me.
One epic food experience we had was at Hongsi Hanjungsik in Gyeongju, a traditional Korean banquet served in the owner’s home. For just $15 per person, we were presented with around 35 different delicious dishes – it was phenomenal value and a meal I’ll never forget.
On average, we spent around $19 per day on food, sometimes as little as $11 for a big lunch and just street snacks for dinner. Meals at local Korean restaurants cost $7-$11, while Western-style options were closer to $15.
Exploring South Korea’s Cultural Attractions
South Korea has no shortage of fascinating cultural and historical sites to discover. In Seoul alone, the five royal palaces are must-visit attractions, and you can purchase a combo ticket for 10,000 KRW ($7.50) that gives you access to the main ones.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most impressive, dating back to 1395. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at 10 am and 2 pm. Nearby, the tranquil Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden are also highlights.
Outside the capital, the historic city of Gyeongju is known as the “Museum Without Walls,” with ancient tombs, temples, and observatories dotting the landscape. The Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are two of the top attractions.
For nature lovers, Seoraksan National Park is an absolute gem. This mountainous wonderland offers incredible hiking trails, towering peaks, and beautiful streams and waterfalls. We tackled the challenging Ulsanbawi Rock Trail, the scenic Biryong Falls Trail, and the more relaxed Biseondae Rock Trail during our time in the park.
Activities and entrance fees in South Korea are generally very reasonable. The royal palace combo ticket, for example, saves you money compared to visiting each one individually. Seoraksan National Park only charges a 3,500 KRW ($2.50) entrance fee. I averaged just $3 per day on activities during my time in the country.
Discovering the Delights of Dongdaemun
One of the highlights of staying at our hotel in Seoul will undoubtedly be its proximity to the vibrant Dongdaemun neighborhood – a shopping and cultural hub that’s perfect for finding unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.
Dongdaemun is famous for its bustling markets, where you’ll find an incredible array of handcrafted items, from traditional Korean crafts to the latest fashion and design pieces. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a striking futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid, is the centerpiece of the area, hosting a variety of exhibitions, events, and design-focused shops.
Wandering through the maze of alleys and side streets around Dongdaemun, you’ll discover countless small boutiques and specialty stores, each offering something distinct. From traditional Korean paper goods and ceramics to modern accessories and homewares, the shopping possibilities are endless.
One of the joys of Dongdaemun is simply exploring at your own pace, popping into stores that catch your eye and chatting with the passionate, knowledgeable shop owners. You never know what hidden gem you might uncover – whether it’s a beautifully crafted wooden bowl, a striking piece of Korean calligraphy, or a unique fashion item you won’t find anywhere else.
And when you need a break from all that shopping, Dongdaemun is also home to a vibrant food scene, with bustling street food stalls, traditional Korean restaurants, and trendy cafes to refuel at. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Seoul’s dynamic culture and find those one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.
So if you’re staying at our hotel in Seoul, be sure to carve out plenty of time to discover the delights of Dongdaemun. With its endless shopping, dining, and cultural offerings, it’s a neighborhood that’s sure to delight any visitor in search of unique gifts and memories.
