It’s the last few months of the year and you know what that means: travelling! And South Korea is undeniably one of the top destinations – at least among Singaporeans. It’s versatile and easy to navigate, not to mention, there’s so much to explore! Readers, are you the type to plan every single detail of the trip? Or do you just wing it and hope all goes well? Regardless of either, this guide is for you so read on!

I’m sure you’ve seen the endless itineraries and recommendations on your For You Page – and honestly, what a mess! After all, how are you supposed to plan a trip if it’s just infinite videos of overlapping and oftentimes uncategorised locations? If you’re always envious of people posting all the beautiful places yet finding and preparing an actual itinerary makes you wanna throw in the towel, no worries, I’ve been there. So here’s a comprehensive guide for those travelling to South Korea! 

Okay, before we dive into it, here’s a disclaimer: you won’t see well-known spots like the 12-storey Daiso or the flagship Olive Young in Myeongdong in this list. I think the most fun part is discovering new spots to add to your schedule – other than the actual trip, of course.  Most, if not all of these places are pulled from my personal itinerary, so I hope you’ll enjoy them!

Craft Your Itinerary With Me!

If you’ve never planned a trip before, no worries! There aren’t any hard and fast rules but I like to start by finding places that I cannot skip when I’m there. So that’s what this list is about! Heads up: all the address links are for Naver Maps as Google Maps are pretty inaccurate in South Korea. Remember to not stick to a tight schedule though – there’s a near 100% chance you’ll get distracted by something off the plan! 

Food

When people think about Korean cuisine, it is always the usual suspects: kimchi stew, tteokbokki or army stew. But a single trip to South Korea shows that there is so much more to experience. Of course, it would be impossible to include all of them into a single list, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t see your favourites on here. With that said, let’s get to it!

Mangwon Market 

There’s no better way to explore Korean street food than to head down to a Korean traditional market. Mangwon Market is located several minutes away from Mangwon Station in Mapo-gu, the same neighbourhood that houses the famous Hongdae Shopping Street. Despite being smaller than other more well-known markets, Mangwon Market is filled to the brim with street food for your perusal. Fairly off the tourist map, this is where many locals go to shop. 

Approaching the discrete market entrance, you’ll already see the street lined with restaurants and shops. Upon entering, you might be a little overwhelmed by the bustle and seeming lack of organisation. Just pick a direction and start walking! Overflowing with all kinds of produce, you’ll find fresh ingredients, groceries and of course, street food for days. 

The year-end brings about chillier weather so why not bite down on a hot hotteok (Korean pancakes with sugar syrup filling) or warm up with a bowl of fishcake soup? Eat until your heart’s content! With everything priced reasonably, even your wallet will not stop you. 

While there are many traditional markets out there, be careful of those that have become tourist traps. While I shall not namedrop any, these tourist traps not only upcharge the food sold, but the quality is also lower than usual markets as well, so keep an eye out! 

📍Location: 27 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Cafe Pokpo

You can’t talk about South Korea without talking about its cafe culture! If you thought Singapore had many cafes, your breath would be taken away by the sheer amount of cafes in Seoul alone. In a city speckled with so many cafes, it’s hard to make one stand out from the rest. However, Cafe Pokpo might just accomplish that! 

Cafe Pokpo, meaning Cafe Waterfall, is situated on the bank of the Hongjecheon Stream. Overlooking the picturesque Hongjecheon Waterfall, the cafe is located in Seodaemun, about 30 minutes by bus from Hongdae. Despite the artificiality of the waterfall, the crashing of water down the rocks and the flow of the Hongjecheon Stream are sure to bring your buzzing mind to silence. Grab a friend and a drink from the airconditioned cafe and wander to the viewing deck outside. A yap session with a view, what more could you ask for? 

Once you’re done, don’t be so quick to leave! While Hongjecheon Waterfall and Cafe Pokpo are the main attractions, there are many things to explore right by the waterfall as well. Stroll along the Hongjecheon Stream or head towards the walking trails of Seodaemun. And if you’re up for a hike, Ansan Mountain and Yeonhui Forest are right behind the falls. 

📍Location: 262-24 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

우물집 (Woomuljip)

As the weather gets chillier, there’s no better way to warm up than having hotpot! Woomuljip is a Korean restaurant that specialises in hotpot and hot stone dishes. If you’re a beef lover, then you should definitely add this place to your list of restaurants to visit. With Hanwoo beef brisket as its signature, as well as a plethora of other mouth-watering dishes, you are guaranteed a satisfying meal that will have you running back for more!

Beyond just the hearty meal, the restaurant also exudes an aura of calm and serenity. A series of stone steps shrouded in bamboo leads you around the side of the old building the restaurant occupies, lanterns lighting the way deeper. Incorporating parts of the building into its design, Woomuljip blends the traditional fairytale-like aesthetics of its outer with the clean, modernity of its interior.

As someone who gets overwhelmed easily by loud noise, Woolmuljip is a dream come true. Each table here is a private dining experience, located far from everyone else. Sat by a large floor-to-ceiling window, watch and allow the tranquillity to wash over you as you indulge in a delicious time. No loud groups or screaming children to interrupt your meal here! While they do have several outlets available throughout the country, the Changsin branch is the most popular and easiest to navigate for foreigners. Make sure to get a reservation before you visit!

📍Location: Various Locations

Shop

It’s Seoul… Of course, I’m going shopping! But with so many things to shop for, it’s basically impossible to cover everything. As such, I won’t be talking about places to shop for clothing – my style is pretty different from the signature styles you see in K-Dramas and the streets of Seoul. So ready your empty suitcases because, by the end of it all, it’ll be filled to the brim!

HEMEKO 

There’s no way you haven’t seen this on TikTok. In short, HEMEKO is where you go for all the indie Korean brands locals have been gatekeeping. Don’t believe me? HEMEKO carries brands like AOU, created by Jo Eun Bee, a makeup artist to celebrities and idols. They also have glow, viral for their emphasis on functionality and aesthetic. If you are a makeup or skincare girlie, then trust me, you cannot. Miss. This. A single step into this store and it’s like you’re in a convenience store but for K-Beauty.

Beyond just skincare and makeup, there are several haircare lines as well. As someone who has not returned to my natural hair colour since I started studying in polytechnic, it’s an understatement to say that my hair is dry. Having been through at least 5 rounds of bleaching and more hair colours than I can remember in the span of 3 years, I’m always on the hunt for something that will protect my hair. 

HEMEKO carries several haircare lines by Kiu, a celebrity hairstylist. ANAZE, one of his lines can be seen in top salons across Seoul and is sold at HEMEKO as well. However, as a fan of unnatural hair colours, Colure was what caught my attention. Meant for bleached hair, the toning shampoos will ensure your hair stays the correct shade without frequent touch-ups. I remember when I had silver-grey hair and how it lasted a total of three days before fading to blonde… 

That aside, make sure to keep up to date with the happenings of the shop! With a recently opened outlet within the popular wholesale accessory store MIMILINE, you never know when another HEMEKO outlet will pop up. Besides, the team behind the store is quite hilarious on Tiktok!

📍Location: 

• HEMEKO Hongdae: B1 25 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• HEMEKO Dongdaemun (within MIMILINE): MIMILINE 3F, 30 Majang-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Object Seogyo Head Store

Object Seogyo stands tall with four levels of stationery goodness. There’s no label to completely encapsulate what is available at Object but you can rest assured, all of them are adorable. In one of the levels, you will be able to customise a variety of items. From bag tags to pouches, simply choose your items and be spoiled for choice in their seemingly neverending patches. The rest of the levels are filled with adorable knick-knacks and decor, so if you’re looking to change up your room, this is the place to go.

If you’re looking to pick something up for your friends and family, stop by Object Seogyo or any of its other branches! Despite being categorised as a stationery store, they sell much more than that. While there are indeed post-it pads, notebooks and stickers for days, Object also has many other items like bags, mugs and even jewellery. Make sure your next stop isn’t time-sensitive though, you’ll most likely spend at least 2 hours here!

Psst… I heard that Object has a pop-up within the building that changes every few weeks. Depending on the theme, the store is decorated accordingly. So check their website to see what pop-up is happening!

📍Location: 13, Wausan-ro 35-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Sappun

There’s nothing more I love to shop for than shoes! To me, shoes are the key to wrapping up and elevating your outfit. A simple black outfit could easily stand out with a pair of white ankle boots or accented with gold heels and accessories. If you’re anything like me, then Sappun and its many outlets will undoubtedly be your best friend in Korea. 

Whether you’re looking for the cutest pair of ballerina flats or an edgy pair of knee-high boots, Sappun’s got you. Now that it’s fall season, the outlets are filled with discounts of up to 50%. Despite prices ranging from S$30 – S$50, Sappun’s quality is not one that you have to worry about. Plus, shoes sold come in more colours than the rainbow, so no need to worry if you prefer shoes in a specific hue. 

Are you sitting here reading this and realising that you’re missing out? What if I told you that you could get most of Sappun’s extensive range of shoes right from where you are? Sappun has an online website (that I have personally bought from) so throw caution to the wind and buy your next pair right now!

📍Location: Various Locations 

Take A Day Trip Out Of Seoul 

When you’re flying to South Korea, it’s a must to travel out of Seoul. Be it a day trip to the nearby provinces or a longer trip to the outskirts, it’s nice to leave behind the bustle of the busy cityscape. 

Suwon 

About an hour away from Seoul, Suwon is an increasingly popular getaway. If you’re like me and despise wading through crowds of people, then Suwon is for you! Much quieter and more tranquil than the bustling capital, take a trip down to Suwon and unwind from the fast-paced nature of Seoul. 

Your first stop absolutely has to be Hwaseong Fortress. Surrounding the centre of Suwon, it stands at nearly 6km tall. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress was built during the Joseon Dynasty. Spanning more than 6km, the 4 gates of Hwaseong Fortress are actually a walkable trail! Just be sure that you have about 3 hours to set aside. If that’s not your cup of tea, no worries for there is actually a tour that takes you to explore the entire fortress on train. Beyond just checking out the fortress, check out the sprawling city of Suwon from the height of a hot air balloon! 

Once you’re done with the walls of the fortress, grab a bite at the many cafes that populate the area or the Suwon Fried Chicken Street. Several cafes like Cafe Paletscent provide a breathtaking view of the fortress. If you’re still in the traditional mood, then stop by the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace! With an imposing gateway and a large parade square with families milling about, it’s impossible to miss this iconic structure. 

Be sure to catch the traditional sword show at the entrance of the Palace! Real knives and swords are used and you can see firsthand the prowess of the soldiers! With S$1.46, you can step inside the Palace and explore. Though a reservation is required, you can take a shot (pun intended) at Korean archery as well. 

Have you ever wanted to feel like you’re in a K-Drama? If your answer is yes, Suwon has a surprise for you! The city is home to many locations that have been featured in a variety of dramas like Lovely Runner, Our Beloved Summer, Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Queen Of Tears. 

Here’s a tip: before you head back to Seoul for the day, head back to the fortress for a side of the structure you’ve never seen before. Leagues different from the view in daylight, Hwaseong Fortress truly sparkles at night! 

📍Location: 

• Hwaseong Fortress: 320-2 Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Hwaseong Haenggung Palace: 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Jeonju

Located a couple of hours away from the main city, Jeonju is nothing like the cityscape of Seoul. History junkies will love the vibe and laidbackness of this city, especially when visiting the Jeonju Hanok Village. Featuring over 800 traditional Korean houses, it truly feels like you’ve been transported to a period drama. You can even rent a hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) and have an impromptu photoshoot. Enjoy strolling through the streets dotted with quaint cafes and craft shops in your fancy garments – you’ll feel like royalty!

Wanna see everything from a bird’s eye view? Traverse the path up towards Omokdae – a historical site that features a beautiful pavilion. Near Jeonju Hanok Village, this hilltop hideout grants a breathtaking sight that spans the entire village of hanok. Across from Omokdae and situated at the foot of Seungamsan Mountain stands Imokdae, another beautiful pavilion. 

Along the foot of Seungamsan Mountain and sandwiched between Imokdae and Omokdae is the Jaman Mural Village. While it’s not as renowned as Gamcheon in Busan, this village is lined with portraits and paintings of all kinds. A completely different vibe from its neighbouring Jeonju Hanok Village, Jaman Mural Village used to be old and devoid of tourists. Now, with renowned figures and characters decorating its vibrant walls, many have wandered into its alleyways.

After a feast for your eyes, it’s time for a real feast for your stomach. Crowned the UNESCO City of Gastronomia, Jeonju is the birthplace of the iconic Bibimbap, rice topped with a variety of veggies, chilli paste and a perfectly fried egg. Beyond this renowned dish, street food culture has grown so prominent in this city that it’s impossible to stroll through its streets without some kind of treat in hand. 

When night falls, join the locals who are crazy for makgeolli, Korea’s traditional unfiltered rice wine. And to be honest, who could blame them? This milky, fizzy booze has a complex flavour profile often categorised as sweet yet sour as well as with hints of floral notes – no wonder it’s a favourite of many!

📍Location: 

• Jeonju Hanok Village: 99 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do, South Korea
• Omokdae & Imokdae: 55 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do, South Korea
• Jaman Mural Village: 50-158 Gyo-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do, South Korea

Basic Tips When Traveling In Korea

Accommodations

Before you even get to Korea, you gotta plan where to stay and how you’ll move around right? Well, the most popular and cost-effective way is to get an Airbnb, so be sure to scour the website for the perfect place to stay while planning. With a plethora of convenient Airbnb listings, just be sure to check the details before you reserve! 

Travelling Within The Country

Next is travelling within the country. Save your money and make use of the public transport available! You may have seen many videos talking about the T-money card or the Climate Card so check up on which fits your needs better! The T-money card functions as a top-up as you need type of card while the Climate Card has unlimited rides for a specific period of time within Seoul. 

When you’re there, make sure to use Naver Maps! Much more reliable, the app allows you to plan and bookmark your destinations before you go as well as show extremely detailed instructions on how to head there. If you ever need to translate anything or ask for directions, turn to Papago instead of Google Translate. It’s more accurate and will definitely save you some embarrassment!

Stretching Your Wallet

When you’re going shopping (because of course, you will be), be sure to bring your passports with you! Many places in Korea offer tax refunds for tourists if your expenditure is above a certain amount so be sure to ask about it! 

Some shops offer instant tax refunds, but if you encounter ones that don’t, remember to get it done at one of the kiosks at Incheon Airport. There are a number of icons that signify it so keep your eyes peeled when you’re shopping. This not only saves you money when you’re shopping but you’ll also feel less guilty after looking at how many bags you have!

Now you know the basics of travelling to Korea, have fun! There is a lot more that can be covered, so remember to do your own research before you go, especially for more specific places or cities that aren’t covered. South Korea has so many places to explore, so don’t let this list limit you. Pack that bag, hope on a plane and go!

Whether you’re going to South Korea to shop, see the sights or catch a glimpse of your favourite idols, live in the moment and create some unforgettable memories. After all, times like this will never come by again. And of course, if you have any more tips or advice for travelling around South Korea, slide into our DMs on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok!

Visuals courtesy of jeejong58 & cskkkk via Pixabay