8 Amazing Things We Miss The Most About Travelling To Korea (2023)

With COVID-19 taking over the world, we just can't wait till it's safe for us to go on our next trip. One of the destinations that we hold dear to our hearts is Korea! We love that there's just plenty of awesome things to do in Korea and Seoul. While we can't travel now, it's always a nice feeling to look back on our travel memories ? We asked you guys on Traveler Thursday (our weekly segment on Instagram stories) what you miss about Korea the most and here are 8 things that you guys mentioned!

1. Yummy halal Korean food

An overwhelming number of you said that you missed the food in Korea and we couldn't agree more! The aromatic smell that instantly greets you when stepping into a Korean restaurant is unforgettable ? From the tantalising Korean fried chicken to mouth-watering Korean BBQ and tteokbokki, you have to visit Korea for its food alone! Some of you even told us that you miss the raw octopus - a Korean delicacy.

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We're also missing the bustling street food scene that's filled with treats like odeng (fishcakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes with brown sugar) and gyeranbbang (egg bread). These will instantly warm you up on a cold winter's day!

Not to mention the Muslim-friendly snacks that you can get from their awesome convenience stores! Samgak kimbap (rice balls) or Binggrae banana milk, anyone?

Reliving your food adventures in Korea or dreaming of your future foodie trip? Check out these halal food articles on Korea:

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2. Shopping galore!

With its variety of shopping options and spots for every budget, retail therapy is one thing that we have to do whenever we're in Korea ? Since the pandemic has made us shop online more, we definitely miss browsing through the unique gems that we'd find in Seoul's shopping streets, underground malls or department stores!

Any shopaholic would love the fact that there's something for everyone in Seoul ? Looking for trendy fashion accessories? Hongdae and Edae. Buying clothes in bulk? Dongdaemun. Traditional souvenirs? Insa-dong. Affordable skincare and cosmetics? Myeongdong! The list is neverending! So, why not save these shopping guides for your future trip?

3. Magnificent scenery and IG-worthy spots

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Korea's scenic spots are a sight for sore eyes, so we can definitely understand why you guys miss it so much ? The rustic tree-lined streets of Nami Island and the breathtaking Mt Seorak are just some of the places that leave us in awe. Not forgetting Jeju's stunning beaches and the majestic Seongsan Sunrise Peak!

It's not just the natural scenery, but Seoul's cityscape that's amazing too. After every trip, we'd surely fill our camera roll with IG-worthy pictures! From Namsan Park's skyline view and the charming streets of Ikseon-dong to the iconic Starfield Library and the super-futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza ?

P.S. Check out this article for more IG-worthy spots:

4. Fascinating Korean culture

Though we've been to Korea a few times, its culture never fails to amaze us. That's what makes Korea so special! Its palaces are teeming with history and interesting stories of past royals. We simply love how Gyeongbokgung - the largest and most beautiful palace - is set against the backdrop of a modern city. Not to mention the beautifully restored traditional buildings in Bukchon Hanok Village too.

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A memorable activity is definitely trying on the hanbok; it's an experience unlike any other! Not only is it a great way of immersing yourself in Korean culture, it's also a chance to feel like you're in a Korean period drama ?

I've also personally had the chance to visit several Korean folk villages and I really enjoyed learning about the Korean way of life back in the day. There are several folk villages in Jeju and if you're looking for the nearest one to Seoul, you can find it in Yongin!

P.S. Check out this 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary to Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi-do!

5. Amazing weather

With the hot and humid weather in our part of the world, Korea's weather is much more bearable and something we really miss!

8 Amazing Things We Miss The Most About Travelling To Korea (4)

Credit:Gadjo Diloon Flickr

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The seasons we love the most are spring and autumn ? In spring, the temperature is really comfortable (around 7-18 deg celsius) which gives bloom to cherry blossoms and other gorgeous flowers like canola and plum blossoms. Save the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival and Yeouido Spring Flower Festival for your future trips! In autumn, the foliage turns Korea into a sea of red and yellow. It's an especially magnificent sight at Nami Island and Seoraksan National Park ?

Some of you also told us that you miss winter in Korea! Though winter there can be very harsh (around -10 to 5 deg celsius) it's not always that you get to experience that. And when snow falls, it's the most magical thing ever ?

P.S. Don't forget to read our seasonal guides to Korea:

6. Cafe-hopping

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Cafe culture is serious business in Korea and cafe-hopping is probably one of the things that we do the most when in Korea. Every few hundred metres you walk, you're bound to find a cool cafe to hang out at. Not to mention that when sightseeing, it can get tiring and cafes provide a great refuge especially when it's super cold outside. Whether it's popular cafe chains like TOM N TOMS and dal.komm COFFEE or indie cafes, you can easily get your caffeine fix. We also love the creative drinks that these cafes come up with - from sweet potato latte to cinnamon choco and cotton candy coffee!

Disclaimer: Do note that none of the cafes in Korea are halal-certified. We recommend only the drinks. We strongly advise that you do your necessary checks and dine at your own discretion.

7. Vibe and atmosphere

A lot of you mentioned that you miss the vibe and atmosphere of walking around in the different neighbourhoods in Seoul. If there's one thing the pandemic taught us, it's that being able to walk outside along the streets is something to be grateful for.

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Hongdae is one neighbourhood we want to return to again! Walking around this university district, you'll be greeted with trendy fashion accessories that'll make you feel super young again ? Soaking in the atmosphere of the live music and watching wannabe K-pop stars perform is also an experience!

For any K-pop fan, being in Korea is like a dream come true. Every corner you turn in the popular shopping districts like Myeongdong, you'll hear the latest Korean hits being played. It's very common to see posters of popular boybands like BTS too!

8. Efficient public transport

Interestingly, Korea's efficient public transport also came up a lot in our poll. As avid travellers to Korea, we are in awe of its subway systems and the KTX (Korea Train eXpress). Like how it takes only 2.5 hours to get from Seoul to Busan! We also appreciate that it's so easy to get around as there are English signs everywhere ? I personally love the train announcements in the Seoul subway trains and I can even remember some of them by heart ? Though if you're looking to navigate in Korea, you'll need to download the local apps like Naver Maps, Kakao Maps and Subway Korea as Google Maps don't work well!

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We also found it intriguing how some of you miss getting lost in Korea ? But we totally feel you! Getting lost while on vacation is exciting because you'll get to uncover new places. It also helps that you are more carefree and don't have any commitments or deadlines.

Until we get to travel to Korea again, these are the 8 things that we'll be missing about the Land of Morning Calm ? Here's hoping that the time to travel will come soon, so we can savour that juicy piece of bulgogi or walk along the bustling streets of Seoul. What do YOU miss about Korea? Let us know in the comments section!

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Tags:halal-korean-foodseoulkoreahalal-food-in-koreainspiration

FAQs

Why do people love to travel to Korea? ›

The country is known as the regional power and also as a global head in technological and industrial sectors. But, what makes South Korea a much-loved destination among local as well as the International tourists is its tasty cuisine and diverse culture.

How to survive Korea as a tourist? ›

15 Survival Tips in Seoul, South Korea
  1. #1 Get a mobile WIFI router from Changi Recommends.
  2. #2 Purchase T-Money Card.
  3. #3 Get attraction tickets early.
  4. #5 Download “Subway Korea” App.
  5. #6 Use Google Maps for navigating around.
  6. #8 Better to visit Korea in groups.
  7. #9 Prepare luggage for cosmetics.
  8. #10 No tipping is required.
Jul 24, 2019

Why South Korea is famous for travel? ›

Due to South Korea being a peninsula, the country offers miles and miles of beautiful coast and stunning beaches. Korea also has a lot of beautiful islands, the most popular and largest one being Jeju Island.

What are 8 things South Korea is famous for? ›

South Korea is famous for being the land of kimchi, K-pop, K-dramas, tech giant Samsung, automotive manufacturer Hyundai, soju, Korean fried chicken, Korean barbecue, the 12-step skincare routine, and of course, Gangnam Style. But there's so much more to this East Asian tiger than the trends it has given birth to.

What is something unique to South Korea? ›

1. Born at 1. Unlike other countries around the world, in Korea, when a baby is born, they are classed as being 1 years old. All birthdays are celebrated on the 1st January each year and every person becomes a year older.

What Korea is famous for? ›

South Korea is famous for K-pop, delicious Korean foods, ancient temples, and dynamic festivals. South Korea is famous for K-pop, delicious Korean foods, ancient temples, and dynamic festivals. South Korea is an eastern Asian country.

Why Korea is your dream destination? ›

the destination

The region offers travelers a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes and 5'000 years of culture and history. South Korea is a dream destination – an engaging, welcoming place where the benefits of a high-tech nation are balanced alongside a reverence for tradition and the ways of old Asia.

What is important in Korean culture? ›

Family is the most important part of Korean society and the father is the leader of the family. They also believe in a hierarchical structure and children help their parents and must obey them and show respect to the elders.

How much money is needed for a trip to Korea? ›

The average price of a 7-day trip to South Korea is $1,452 for a solo traveler, $2,504 for a couple, and $1,084 for a family of 4. South Korea hotels range from $45 to $202 per night with an average of $67, while most vacation rentals will cost $110 to $440 per night for the entire home.

Is Seoul English friendly? ›

While Seoul is the modern capital city of South Korea, many locals aren't fluent in English. It's generally not a very widely spoken language in South Korea. However, you'll have better luck finding a local who can speak English in main tourist neighborhoods, such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae.

What do I need to do before going to Korea? ›

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.

Who visits Korea the most? ›

United States

Where do Koreans travel the most? ›

The top countries to which Koreans travel are China, Japan, and Vietnam, followed by other Asian countries.

Which month is best to visit South Korea? ›

The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May if you want to see the vibrant pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom. If you want to see the landscapes come alive as the leaves change in the cooler weathers, then we'd recommend visiting between September and November.

What is South Korea proud of? ›

Hard work, filial piety and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans. They are proud of their traditional culture and their modern economic success. Education is highly valued as the path to status, money and success.

What is South Korea's favorite food? ›

Like kimchi and bulgogi, japchae is one of the most popular foods in Korea. Often served as a side dish, it refers to sweet and savory stir-fried glass noodles made with dangmyeon (sweet potato starch cellophane noodles) and topped with assorted vegetables, meat, and mushrooms.

What is beautiful about South Korea? ›

The list of beautiful places in South Korea is long and is filled with verdant plantation fields, ancient temples, an extensive offshore archipelago, and trendy neighborhoods. The country is brimming with traditional folk villages that introduce travelers to its ancient culture.

Which animal represents Korea? ›

The Korean peninsula was once home to a large population of majestic tigers. They freely roamed the mountains and were both feared and respected, as a dangerous wild animal but also as a guardian creature. Unfortunately, the Korean tigers are now extinct, but the tiger is still seen as the national animal of Korea.

What is the biggest holiday in South Korea? ›

Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) is the first day of the Korean lunar calendar and the most celebrated traditional holiday in Korea.

What's special about Seoul? ›

K-Pop, Shopping and Nightlife. Seoul is the birthplace of K-pop and, whether shopping for Gangnam styles at the epic Starfield COEX Mall or catching a real-life glimpse of your favorite K-pop stars, you can feel this global phenomenon's colorful influence, well, pretty much everywhere.

Why is Korea a good place to live in? ›

Thinking of relocating to South Korea? With an easy way of life, bustling city culture mixed with laidback countryside, and a reasonable cost of living, The Land of the Morning Calm is a popular destination for foreigners from across the globe. When moving to South Korea, there are many practicalities to consider.

Is Korea a happy place? ›

However, a recent survey by the World Happiness Report [2] revealed that Koreans' happiness index is 5.895 out of 10, ranking it 54th in the world, markedly lower than other countries with lower GDP levels.

Is South Korea a happy place? ›

According to the World Happiness Report, quoted in the recently released Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs' “Preliminary Study of the Social Trends Monitoring,” in 2021, South Koreans' happiness level was 6.11 out of 10, the seventh lowest among the 38 countries in the OECD.

What do Koreans do for fun? ›

Modern Koreans enjoy gaming, spectator sports, and exploring the outdoors. Social media has also grown, and Facebook is very popular in South Korea. Music is a big part of South Korean culture. There are more than 50 traditional instruments used along with the voice to make popular music.

What is Korean clothing style called? ›

Simply meaning 'Korean clothes', 'hanbok' was introduced in the late 19th century by Koreans as a term to help differentiate their everyday dress from a recent influx of western-style clothing. A century later, western clothing had overtaken hanbok as the main style of dress worn by Koreans.

What is the most popular tradition in Korea? ›

The most famous festivals in Korea are Bonfire Festival, Wangin Culture Festival, Chuseok- Harvest moon festival and Busan One Asia Festival. Name the tribal festivals in Korea. Samjinnal, Hansik, Dano, Yudu, and Sambok are the popular tribal festivals in Korea.

What month is the cheapest to fly to Korea? ›

High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is April. Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Korea flight deals.

Do you need a lot of cash in Korea? ›

Crime levels in Korea are relatively low, and whilst one should not be careless, carrying a little more money is generally a lot safer than it would be at home. Credit cards are accepted at most major hotels, department stores and high-end city restaurants, but should not be relied upon.

Which job is best in South Korea? ›

The highest-paid job in 2021 is a corporate leader (CEO) who will make an average of about 140 million won(110,000 USD) per year.

Is it safe for Americans to travel to South Korea? ›

Watch your belongings. Sexual assault and harassment, drink spiking and other violent crimes occur, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, such as Itaewon and Hongdae. Don't accept food, drink, gum or cigarettes from strangers. Remain vigilant, take care when walking at night, and travel in groups if possible.

Is Seoul better than Tokyo? ›

The TZ Verdict on Seoul vs Tokyo

If you'd ask travellers who have been to both, some would say Seoul is better for first-time visitors. It's generally cheaper, after all, especially if you'll be travelling solo or with friends.

How long does it take to learn Korean? ›

The FSI puts Korean as a Category V language. Which means, it's one of the hardest languages to master. They estimate 2200 hours of study before you can reach fluency in Korean. Or 88 weeks of extremely intense study.

What can you not bring into South Korea? ›

Illegal drugs such as opium, marijuana/cannabis, cocaine, etc. * Including but not limited to: medicines, handbags, wallets, stoles, taxidermy and ivory from animals such as elephants, leopards, and alligators. Cashier's checks, overdraft checks, postal money orders, etc.

Do US citizens need a visa for Korea? ›

Do United States Citizens Need a Visa to Visit South Korea? No, US nationals do not need a visa to visit South Korea. However, they must either have an approved K-ETA or queue at the border to complete an arrival card to enter the country. The K-ETA visa waiver for American citizens is quick and easy to get online.

Do Americans need a Covid test to enter Korea? ›

Effective October 1, 2022, a COVID test, either Antigen or PCR, is not required for international arrivals to Korea, either before travel or after arrival.

Where do Koreans love to travel? ›

According to the Korea Tourism Organisation, as of November 2018, Japan was the most visited destination for outbound travellers, followed by Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

Who is the most foreigner in Korea? ›

Top 10 Nationalities Of Foreigners In Korea
PositionCountryNumber
1China851,615
2Vietnam209,839
3Thailand174,052
4United States145,724
6 more rows
May 12, 2023

Where do most Koreans come from? ›

Koreans are an East Asian ethnic group native to Korea. The majority of Koreans live in the two states of North and South Korea, which are collectively referred to as Korea. As of 2021, an estimated 7.3 million ethnic Koreans resided outside of Korea.

Where do most Korean live in USA? ›

Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean American population in the United States, with over 100,000 living in the city proper and another 100,000 living throughout the county. Between 1980 and 1990, the Korean American population in Los Angeles boomed from 33,000 to over 70,000.

Where in the US are the most Koreans? ›

Southern California and the New York City Metropolitan Area have the largest populations of Koreans outside of the Korean Peninsula.

Which US state has the most Koreans? ›

Hawaii was the state with the highest concentration of Korean Americans, at 1.8%, or 23,200 people.

What is the coldest month in Korea? ›

January is the coldest month in Seoul, often with the lowest temperatures, almost always dropping below -10 °C (14 °F), and sometimes below -15 °C (5 °F).

What is off season in Korea? ›

Winter is the offseason in South Korea. Expect cold and often freezing weather, with temperatures averaging in the mid-30s and low-40s (Fahrenheit) throughout the season. Travelers should pack cold weather gear, including a winter coat, gloves, warm boots, and thick socks.

What is the Korean hottest month? ›

July is the hottest month in Seoul with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F) and the coldest is January at -4°C (25°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 7 in October. The wettest month is July with an average of 395mm of rain..

What are the amazing facts? ›

Fun Facts and Trivia
  • It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. ...
  • A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
  • A shrimp's heart is in its head.
  • It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.

What is Korea famous for? ›

South Korea is famous for K-pop, delicious Korean foods, ancient temples, and dynamic festivals. South Korea is famous for K-pop, delicious Korean foods, ancient temples, and dynamic festivals. South Korea is an eastern Asian country.

What is an interesting fact about Seoul Korea? ›

Seoul is home to the world's longest bridge fountain

The Seoul Metropolitan Infrastructure Headquarters constructed the 1,140-metre (3,740 ft 1 in) bridge that spans the Han River.

What is Korea called in Korean? ›

Korea is called Chosŏn (조선, 朝鮮) in North Korea, and Hanguk (한국, 韓國) in South Korea.

What are 5 interesting things? ›

Interesting Unknown facts that you need to know
  • Hot water will turn into ice faster than cold water. ...
  • The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. ...
  • The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue. ...
  • Ants take rest for around 8 Minutes in 12-hour period. ...
  • "I Am" is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

What are 10 weird facts? ›

And we've got loads more fun facts too!
  • Honey doesn't go off! ...
  • Cows have BFFs! ...
  • Flamingos are pink because of their diet! ...
  • Cats don't have equal amounts of pads on their paws! ...
  • There's a country which has more pyramids than Egypt! ...
  • The largest snowflake was bigger than most pizzas! ...
  • Don't blow your nose in Japan!

What are 6 interesting facts? ›

55 Fascinating World Facts You Need to Know
  • Glaciers and ice sheets hold about 69 percent of the world's freshwater. ...
  • The fastest gust of wind ever recorded on Earth was 253 miles per hour. ...
  • Recent droughts in Europe were the worst in 2,100 years. ...
  • The best place in the world to see rainbows is in Hawaii.

What is most important in Korea? ›

Family is the most important part of Korean society and the father is the leader of the family. They also believe in a hierarchical structure and children help their parents and must obey them and show respect to the elders.

What are 2 interesting facts about the Korean War? ›

Of the troops sent to help South Korea, about 90% were from the United States. More than 40 countries of the UN sent troops, equipment, or other aid to South Korea. More than half of the deaths in the Korean War were of civilians, constituting a higher civilian death rate than in either World War II or the Vietnam War.

What do Koreans call Korean War? ›

Names. In South Korea, the war is usually referred to as the "625 War" (6. 25 전쟁; 六二五戰爭), the "625 Upheaval" (6. 25 동란; 六二五動亂; yugio dongnan), or simply "625", reflecting the date of its commencement on 25 June.

How many Koreans died in the war? ›

Approximately 150,000 troops from South Korea, the United States, and participating U.N. nations were killed in the Korean War, and as many as one million South Korean civilians perished. An estimated 800,000 communist soldiers were killed, and more than 200,000 North Korean civilians died.

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