In recent years, South Korea has often caught my attention. To some extent, my very good friend Soncheto is to blame for this, as she had the courage to leave her job and catch the first flight there! But Korean music, also known as “K-pop,” took over the music charts here as well, with groups like BTS, Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, and many others winning the hearts of music fans. Not to mention that Korean cosmetics have also become an integral part of the beauty routines for many women. But South Korea is not just about this, and it’s time to move to the “Land of Morning Calm” and explore its rich culture, history, and traditions, which serve as a strong foundation for its rapid modern and technological development.
How I decided to go there 🇰🇷
It’s not hard to guess that the main reason for the trip to South Korea was Soncheto! A few months had passed since we returned from Cuba, and I was eager to go somewhere again, this time with her, Tsveti, and Niki. And we definitely had a great time in Cuba!
One day, I received a message on Messenger, where Soncheto had to share something very important with me and Tsveti about her travel plans, which apparently also involved me.
“People, I’ll be leading a group to South Korea!” – with these words, the “white Korean” greeted us, and I immediately realized we were heading to Asia. One of the travel agencies had suggested to Sonya to create a program for South Korea, and I happily signed up. I wanted to support my friend in her first role as a guide there, and I knew it was going to be a lot of fun!
Now, I want to thank Rhapsody Travel, with whom we traveled there, for believing in Sonya and knowing she would handle everything. And she did it like a pro! So, if you want to visit this incredible country (and not just that), check out their offerings on their website and dive into a world of thrilling adventures.
How We Traveled There ✈️
Yes, we traveled by plane, that’s obvious! 🤣 To my great regret, we had to fly with Lufthansa, and until the last minute, it wasn’t clear whether the layover would be in Frankfurt or Munich. After a coin toss, it was Munich. So here’s how long we flew:
- Outbound – about 14 hours
Flight 1: Sofia -> Munich – 1 hr 30 min (the flight was delayed by about an hour, and we had roughly that much time to connect to the next flight, but luckily that one was delayed too)
Flight 2: Munich -> Incheon – 11 hrs 15 min
- Return – over 15 hours
Flight 1: Incheon -> Munich – 12 hrs 20 min
Flight 2: Munich -> Sofia – 1 hr 40 min (here, we had some issues with seating and boarding passes)
I didn’t say it by accident, but I regret flying with this airline, as its standards have dropped so much that even low-cost carriers are several levels above them. But somehow, I survived it…
Airport and Transfer to Seoul City Center 🚂
We landed at Incheon Airport, a satellite city of the capital, Seoul. The airport is quite large with two terminals, but it’s easy to navigate. You can get to Seoul city center very quickly by taking the AREX (Airport Express), a direct metro line that connects the airport with the central station in the city. From there, you can go anywhere – by metro around the city or by KTX bullet train to any point in the country.
Do You Need a Visa 📋
Check which country you are flying from and whether you will need a visa!
We traveled from Bulgaria and are Bulgarian citizens. If a visa is not required from your country as well, feel free to book your tickets! 😉
But make sure to check the validity of your passport, as it needs to be valid for 6 months from your return date.
T-money card – Internet card… and more 📧
The first most important thing you should do at the airport (of course, after notifying your loved ones that you’ve landed) is to get an internet card! After passing through customs and picking up your luggage, look for the kiosk in the arrivals hall where they sell the so-called T-money card. You can also get a combination of a T-money and SIM card for internet, which also serves as a card for public transportation throughout the country. You can load money onto it, which not only allows you to buy a metro ticket, but you can also use it to pay at POS terminals.
Language and Communication 🔠
English will serve you perfectly – everyone understands and speaks it. However, I always try to learn a traditional word or phrase, because it always brings joy to the locals. For this reason, I learned the word “Kamsamnida” or “감사합니다”, which means “Thank you”! Koreans use it constantly, and when saying it, they give a slight bow.
Currency and Payment Methods 💵
The local currency is the South Korean Won.
1,000 won is equivalent to:
- 1.40 Bulgarian Levs
- 0.66 Euro
- 0.68 US Dollar
The smallest denomination of banknotes is 1,000 won, and the largest is 50,000 won. It’s recommended to exchange some money before you leave, but not too much, as most places accept card payments. You will need cash if you’re buying souvenirs or shopping at markets. It’s also advisable to inform your bank in advance if you plan to make payments with your card, so they can note your travel in their system and avoid blocking your card due to suspicious activity based on location.
Safety 🆘
Crime in South Korea is quite low, so there’s generally no reason for concern. However, it’s still important to be responsible and keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded places like subways and tourist spots. Your passport should be kept in the safest place, and you can store it in the hotel safe. Avoid carrying large amounts of money with you.
Accommodation 🏡
There are plenty of hotels to choose from! I would recommend that in Seoul and Busan, your hotel should be close to the metro and dining options in the city center. For Daejeon, I suggest staying near the Expo area, as it’s very pleasant to walk around the river in the evening, with the illuminated bridge and TV tower.
The hotels I stayed in were great, and I was very satisfied. They were clean, in good locations, and I really can’t complain about anything. Well, almost nothing—because in the hotel in Daejeon, they provided only 2 small face towels to dry off after a shower. The hotel’s policy was that we were supposed to bring our own towels! Not that they refused to give us more, but… as I said, it was their hotel policy, which was a bit unclear to me!
Here are the hotels we stayed in:
- Daejeon – Hotel ICC 3***
- Busan – Hotel Arban 3***
Transportation🚊
Travel between the cities is done by the KTX bullet train, which I took twice – from Daejeon to Busan and from Busan to Seoul. It reaches speeds of up to 255 km/h, and you barely feel it when you’re inside the cabin.
I would like to note that it’s not appropriate to speak loudly on the train or use your phone. If you need to have a conversation, you should step out into the corridor near the doors. The same rule applies to the subway, but there we were a bit of an attraction, and even the locals seemed curious 🙂
Food 🍜
There is much to be said about the flavors of the food, and I would say that every dish is incredible, but very spicy! The choice of places to eat is vast, so wherever you sit, you won’t go wrong. However, you might find yourself in an adventure if you can’t eat with chopsticks, as forks are almost nonexistent there.
Wherever you go, you’ll be served the traditional “kimchi” – fermented cabbage, which is mildly spicy. I promise I’ll write a separate article about South Korean cuisine, because there is so much to try and taste! I will just give you a hint – I even tried laurel…
I had to drink quite a bit of their traditional drink, “soju” (which tastes similar to traditional vodka and is made from rice), but I’ll tell you more – there’s a lot to cover on this topic!
Souvenirs 🎁
An essential part of any journey is to get souvenirs that will remind us of it. Here, as it’s commonly said, “everyone decides for themselves…” The choice is vast, and whatever catches your eye – just grab it. But as an experienced traveler, I’ll give you a few tips when choosing souvenirs.
Make sure to get some Korean cosmetics – face creams, masks, patches, balms, and anything else you can think of. The innovative technologies and best ingredients in these products will make you look a few years younger.
Besides cosmetics, I also bought their traditional metal chopsticks and a set for serving “soju”.
What to See in South Korea 🗺
Now that I’ve given you the main directions, it’s time to visit some of the key cities and places, with the understanding that I’ll provide a more brief overview here and prepare separate articles with more detailed information.
Seoul
Seoul is the capital of South Korea, where the past and future blend in a beautiful, elegant, and magical way. The bustling city has preserved the charismatic charm of bygone eras. Walking among the royal palaces from centuries ago and immersing yourself in the magic of those times, you are surrounded by futuristic skyscrapers rising behind the ancient walls, reminding you of the city’s rapid development as it seems to race toward the future. The city is divided into two parts by the country’s largest river, the Han, with the older section to the north and the newer, modern luxury neighborhoods towering on the southern shore.
We will begin our tour at the “N-Seoul Tower”, which offers its visitors an incredible and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul.
The tower is one of the tallest in the Far East, standing at around 236 meters. However, since it is located on the peak of Namsan Hill (which is 243 meters high), its total height reaches almost 480 meters. As a welcome to Seoul, this place gives you a sense of the scale and size of the capital city, which seems to go on endlessly.
A must-visit stop in the program is the “Palace Blessed by the Heavens” – Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in the 14th century, it is one of the five best-preserved palaces. The home of the Joseon dynasty will captivate you not only with its architecture but also with an incredible journey back in time.
You know, I never believed in time machines until I visited this place!
Before visiting the palace, we put on traditional Korean attire called “hanbok”. All visitors wear these costumes, and when you walk through the gardens or by the lakes of the palace, it feels as though you’ve traveled hundreds of years back in time.
Everything is so authentic and real that you feel like you’re in another century, and for a moment, it’s as if you’re enchanted. You can’t tell whether it’s a dream or reality, and it feels like you’re part of a historical film about the country. But alas, there are no cameras, no actors—only real people and places.
Do you remember the catchy pop hit by rapper Psy, “Gangnam Style”? Well, it’s time to head “south of the river” and visit one of the trendy and prestigious neighborhoods – Gangnam. You’ll see traditional sights alongside skyscrapers here, but what impressed me were two things – the statue from the song “Gangnam Style” and COEX Mall, which houses one of South Korea’s most famous libraries – Starfield Library! For book lovers, this place feels like something from the future.
Another interesting place to mention here is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). It is a futuristic building with a distinctive neo-futuristic design, characterized by the powerful, curved forms of elongated structures. Designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this venue hosts numerous exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, and both local and international events. Once you’re here, I highly recommend visiting the Heunginjimun Gate, also known as the Great Eastern Gate.
There are more interesting places in Seoul that should be visited, but I will cover them in a separate article.
Nami Island
About 60 kilometers from the South Korean capital, somewhere in the middle of the Han River, lies an intriguing artificial island created after the construction and subsequent flooding caused by the Cheongpyeong Dam. What’s interesting here is that this island is technically separate from the country and is privately owned by one of the former finance ministers, who renamed it to “The Republic of Naminara”. This “country” does not officially exist on the map, but it does have its own border police and even a passport 😊. If that suits him, why not!
Apart from the fictional country, the island is also known for being the filming location of one of the scenes from the popular Korean drama „Winter Sonata“, which has gained incredible success in many Asian countries. The location is a great place for walks.
You can check out the available tours to the island from here.
The Garden of Morning Calm
In many meditations, they say, “Imagine opening a door and stepping into a magical garden.” It’s nice, but how do we know what this special garden looks like? You’ll find the answer if you visit the “Garden of Morning Calm”, nestled against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Chungnyongsan.
This stunning garden combines the essence of Korean beauty with a variety of themed gardens. Designed by Professor Han Sang-Kyung from Sahmyook University, it was opened in May 1996. This amazing place offers visitors a chance to escape the noise and fast-paced life of the city. Well-maintained paths, grassy areas, flowers, bonsais, and blooming cherries will transport you to that garden you imagine walking through during meditation. Only here, you’ll experience something real and magical!
“Little France”
This is a pretty popular spot among K-drama lovers and even the locals. In short, they decided to bring a part of France here and built a themed town that is supposedly in French style, but not exactly! Don’t be surprised that the “Little Prince” is everywhere here! Koreans are literally obsessed with this book and love it so much that there’s no place or town without a statue or image of it.
The buildings have interesting exhibitions of objects and antiques in a typical tea-and-sugar style, kind of like “Barbie”, which for me didn’t really match with South Korea and its traditions! But the locals here enjoy it, and people come to have fun! As I already said – if they enjoy it… let them do it 😊
Daejeon
Also known as Dejeon or Taejeon (the names of many places depend on which language the transcription comes from). One of the most interesting and pleasant places to visit here is the Expo Town, built for the 1993 Expo exhibition held here.
In the evening, the area is beautifully lit, and it’s worth walking across the well-lit Expo Bridge, as well as visiting the 93-meter-high Hanbit-tap Tower, also known as the Great Light Tower. The idea behind the tower was to create one resembling an observatory. In front of the tower, there are singing fountains, which every evening, precisely at the hour, offer musical and light performances for visitors to enjoy.
Traditional Korean Village
Also known as the Korean Folk Village, this authentic Korean village from the Joseon dynasty is set against the backdrop of picturesque mountains and a river. Here, you’ll travel hundreds of years back in time, experiencing a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.
The village was created after 270 real houses from different parts of the country were restored and relocated to recreate the culture of daily life in a typical 14th-century village. You can try or purchase traditional handcrafted items from any of the nine workshops—clay pottery, bamboo, wooden, and metal crafts. There are also several exhibition halls displaying thousands of cultural artifacts. To add to the authentic experience, the village also has free agricultural land where over 80 trees and animals are raised.
Busan
I’ve always loved seaside cities with high hills and skyscrapers. Well, Busan has plenty of all of that, and even before I arrived, I knew I would love it. This is the second-largest city in South Korea, and it is home to the largest port in the country. Even though we were greeted by heavy rain, I fell in love with Busan.
Our first stop was the Haedong Yonggung Temple, the only temple in Korea built by the sea. The path leading to the temple is lined with beautiful statues depicting the Chinese zodiac. An old legend says that the temple was built with a single hammer and was erected in honor of Buddha. It is said that when there aren’t many people, the place is ideal for meditation. However, on this particular day, it was far from peaceful, as it was raining heavily, the wind was strong, and the stairs we descended were very slippery. But the view of the temple was quite impressive and somehow mysterious, set against the backdrop of the bad weather and the stormy sea crashing against the rocks.
The “Haeundae” Beach is also quite impressive, and here you’ll find the largest underwater aquarium in South Korea – “Sealife”. What makes it unique is that it is located under the sea.
From the Chongsapo district, you can take the colorful trains that run along the seaside, offering incredible views, even when it’s raining.
A must-visit stop in Busan is the Gamcheon Cultural Village, also known as the Immigrant Neighborhood. This is one of the most colorful and beautiful districts, built in the 1930s. Here, every house is painted in different colors, creating a vibrant palette of moods that makes you want to wander aimlessly, discovering more and more stunning views.
You will also find the Little Prince, who gazes down at the coastline, together with his loyal friend, the Fox. The place is incredible, and it makes you feel like you’re a character from a fairy tale.
Another of my favorite spots in Busan is Gwangalli Beach. From there, you can enjoy an incredible view of the Gwanggan Bridge, which is about 7.5 km long and the second largest bridge in the country. The beach itself is located in a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, and the sand is very fine, so when you step into it, you almost sink right in.
There are quite a few restaurants, cafés, and nightclubs nearby. In the evening, the view is incredible – the bridge lights up with neon lights, the skyscrapers illuminate the sky like huge torches, and life is vibrant with no sign that the city is sleeping.
I dare say that I have traveled to many places around the world that have deeply impressed me, and I thought there was no place that could captivate me and make me unable to stop thinking about it. Many times, I wondered why Sonche often returns to South Korea, and it wasn’t until I came here that I found the answer. But to be honest – I too fell under the spell of this magical country! When what you see with your eyes is imprinted in your heart, nothing can take it away. And I want to come back… do you believe me?! Because a part of me is still in this fairytale place. And I doubt it will ever return!
