Two weeks in South Korea
Friday, May 10, 2024
In the spring of 2024 we traveled to South-Korea for a 13-day trip. Here are some highlights:
In the spring of 2024 we traveled to South-Korea for a 13-day trip. Here are some highlights:
Travel Video South Korea
Here’s a video of our trip (with two ʙʟᴀᴄᴋᴘɪɴᴋ songs in it of course):
Seoul
We landed in Seoul after a long flight and were whisked away to our hotel in Insadong, right next to the charming Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. After a quick rest, we dove into Korean fried chicken at Art Monster and got lost in the maze-like alleys of the village. Jet lag hit hard that night, but the excitement for the days ahead outweighed the early wake-up.
The next day we explored more of Seoul. We strolled along the scenic Cheonggyecheon Stream, browsed the shops of Myeongdong, and admired the historic Deoksugung Palace. In the evening we went to Gwangjang Market, where we tried street food favorites like Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Our search for Cho Yonsoon's stall (from Netflix's Street Food Asia) proved unsuccessful, it’s closed on Mondays, so we ended the day with a huge soufflé from Rami Scone Cafe.
The next morning we went to the 7eleven to buy our T-money cards to travel on Seoul's subway system. We went to see the Starfield Library in Gangnam, followed by the beautiful Bongeunsa Temple. We then took the bus to explore Garosu-gil district, and in the evening marveled at the spaceship-like Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and for dinner went with a Shake Shack burger.
A highlight of the trip was the Hanbok photoshoot. Dressed in traditional Korean attire, we explored the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace capturing the moment with the help of a professional photographer.
Travel Video South Korea
Here’s a video of our trip (with two ʙʟᴀᴄᴋᴘɪɴᴋ songs in it of course):
Seoul
We landed in Seoul after a long flight and were whisked away to our hotel in Insadong, right next to the charming Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. After a quick rest, we dove into Korean fried chicken at Art Monster and got lost in the maze-like alleys of the village. Jet lag hit hard that night, but the excitement for the days ahead outweighed the early wake-up.
The next day we explored more of Seoul. We strolled along the scenic Cheonggyecheon Stream, browsed the shops of Myeongdong, and admired the historic Deoksugung Palace. In the evening we went to Gwangjang Market, where we tried street food favorites like Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Our search for Cho Yonsoon's stall (from Netflix's Street Food Asia) proved unsuccessful, it’s closed on Mondays, so we ended the day with a huge soufflé from Rami Scone Cafe.
The next morning we went to the 7eleven to buy our T-money cards to travel on Seoul's subway system. We went to see the Starfield Library in Gangnam, followed by the beautiful Bongeunsa Temple. We then took the bus to explore Garosu-gil district, and in the evening marveled at the spaceship-like Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and for dinner went with a Shake Shack burger.
A highlight of the trip was the Hanbok photoshoot. Dressed in traditional Korean attire, we explored the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace capturing the moment with the help of a professional photographer.
Gyeongju
Our Korean adventure continued by KTX-train to Gyeongju, a historic city with a laid-back vibe. We admired the golden treasures of the Gyeongju National Museum and walked among the ancient tumuli (burial mounds). Delicious Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine rounded off the day.
Busan
Busan, the second largest city, was our next stop. We rode the gondola across Songdo Bay, and explored the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village. A visit to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple completed our Busan exploration.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island was a paradise of volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches. We rented a car and explored the island at our own pace. Korean BBQ was an… experience (we didn’t really enjoy eating that much pork, tbh), the views from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak) were breathtaking, and the minimalist Orrrn cafe provided a delicious pitstop.
On a rainy morning we went to explore the vast Jeju Stone Park. In the afternoon the sun was back, so we could better admire the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. The next day we went to see the basalt columns at Jungmun Daepo and had a delicious pizza at Donato's in Hyeopjae. Hallim Park, an enormous botanical garden, was our final stop before returning to Seoul the next day.
Back in Seoul
We spent our last afternoon back in Seoul exploring the craft shops of Insadong. The next day we boarded our flight home, already dreaming of our next adventure (hopefully the Pacific Northwest in 2025).
— For more pictures, checkout my profile on Glass —
Gyeongju
Our Korean adventure continued by KTX-train to Gyeongju, a historic city with a laid-back vibe. We admired the golden treasures of the Gyeongju National Museum and walked among the ancient tumuli (burial mounds). Delicious Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine rounded off the day.
Busan
Busan, the second largest city, was our next stop. We rode the gondola across Songdo Bay, and explored the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village. A visit to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple completed our Busan exploration.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island was a paradise of volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches. We rented a car and explored the island at our own pace. Korean BBQ was an… experience (we didn’t really enjoy eating that much pork, tbh), the views from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak) were breathtaking, and the minimalist Orrrn cafe provided a delicious pitstop.
On a rainy morning we went to explore the vast Jeju Stone Park. In the afternoon the sun was back, so we could better admire the beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. The next day we went to see the basalt columns at Jungmun Daepo and had a delicious pizza at Donato's in Hyeopjae. Hallim Park, an enormous botanical garden, was our final stop before returning to Seoul the next day.
Back in Seoul
We spent our last afternoon back in Seoul exploring the craft shops of Insadong. The next day we boarded our flight home, already dreaming of our next adventure (hopefully the Pacific Northwest in 2025).
— For more pictures, checkout my profile on Glass —