When you think of Korea, what comes to mind? Maybe Kpop? Or Samsung? Or possibly even Korean food?
However, there is another aspect of Korea that not many people even consider. Something which I believe should come to mind when you think of Korea. That thing is nature.
Why You Need to Leave Seoul
With over half of the Korean population living in it, it’s easy to see why Seoul is the most-talked-about place in Korea.
Seoul is a fantastic city, and I have loved living here for almost four years. However, if you are spending more than a few days in Korea, I have a recommendation.
That recommendation is to leave the cities of Korea and to experience some of the natural sights and beauty that South Korea offers.
With that being said, these are three must-do activities in Korea that will get you out of the cities and into the countryside!
Hike a Mountain
There are tons of mountains in Korea. In fact, Seoul alone has 12 mountains!
That’s not even mentioning all of the mountains located elsewhere in the country.
Korean mountains have sights totally unlike mountains anywhere else in the world and they are very unique in the culture that can also be experienced while hiking.
Korean mountains are often a great place to experience traditional Korean food as well as to see the Buddhist influence on the country.
In fact, when I hiked Daedunsan last autumn, I was stunned to find a mountainside restaurant just before the peak!
These mountains also traditionally have many Buddhist temples and statues, and you can learn a lot about Korean history while you follow the paths.
I recommend visiting in spring or autumn if possible, this way you can see the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
The sights only add to the beauty of the mountains! Some of the most famous mountains in South Korea are Seoraksan, Daedunsan, and Bukhansan.
Visit a beach
Coming from New Zealand, I never expected to be surprised by beaches in Korea.
After all, New Zealand is often regarded as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Added to that is that you rarely ever hear about beaches in Korea.
Very few people get around to visiting them on their trip, and this is really quite sad.
Why? Well, because there are some breathtaking beaches in Korea!
The most famous beaches in Korea are located in the East-Coast, Busan, and in Jeju.
Although the beaches of Busan are nice, I personally found them to be a bit too crowded and as such, I prefer the beaches in Jeju and on the East-Coast.
Sokcho and Yangyang are two such East-Coast beaches that stand out.
While the West-Coast tends to have black-sand beaches, the East-Coast has many white-sand beaches.
Both of these beaches are stunning in summer, and even in the winter!
A popular activity in Korea is to watch the first sunrise of the year on the coast, and although a bit chilly, it is an unforgettable experience.
If you are visiting Jeju, then you are in luck. Jeju has many beautiful beaches and you really can’t go wrong. Especially in summer!
Experience Korean Winter Sports
Another thing that many people don’t know is that Korea has a large winter sports scene.
From ice-skating to skiing and snowboarding, there are a lot of different activities.
Especially since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Korea has developed and grown its winter sports.
It rarely snows in Seoul, and if you really want to see snow, I recommend visiting some of the ski fields located around the country.
Not only can you see the Korean countryside when it is covered in snow, but you can also have fun learning to ski or snowboard.
If it isn’t your first time, then don’t worry! There are more advanced tracks available.
The ski fields that you will find in Korea are very well maintained and looked after, and I have had many good experiences with them.
If you are visiting in winter, then make sure to get out of the city and experience some winter sports in Korea!
Experience the Outdoor Wonders of Korea!
Visit Seoul, but don’t just visit Seoul. Seoul is a wonderful place, but by visiting only Seoul you are only seeing a small part of the Korean culture and of Korea itself.
No matter what season you visit Korea in, there is a way to experience the countryside and to see a side of Korea that sadly, many people miss.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip into the Korean countryside today!
When you think of Korea, what comes to mind? Maybe Kpop? Or Samsung? Or possibly even Korean food?
However, there is another aspect of Korea that not many people even consider. Something which I believe should come to mind when you think of Korea. That thing is nature.
Why You Need to Leave Seoul
With over half of the Korean population living in it, it’s easy to see why Seoul is the most-talked-about place in Korea.
Seoul is a fantastic city, and I have loved living here for almost four years. However, if you are spending more than a few days in Korea, I have a recommendation.
That recommendation is to leave the cities of Korea and to experience some of the natural sights and beauty that South Korea offers.
With that being said, these are three must-do activities in Korea that will get you out of the cities and into the countryside!
Hike a Mountain
There are tons of mountains in Korea. In fact, Seoul alone has 12 mountains!
That’s not even mentioning all of the mountains located elsewhere in the country.
Korean mountains have sights totally unlike mountains anywhere else in the world and they are very unique in the culture that can also be experienced while hiking.
Korean mountains are often a great place to experience traditional Korean food as well as to see the Buddhist influence on the country.
In fact, when I hiked Daedunsan last autumn, I was stunned to find a mountainside restaurant just before the peak!
These mountains also traditionally have many Buddhist temples and statues, and you can learn a lot about Korean history while you follow the paths.
I recommend visiting in spring or autumn if possible, this way you can see the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
The sights only add to the beauty of the mountains! Some of the most famous mountains in South Korea are Seoraksan, Daedunsan, and Bukhansan.
Visit a beach
Coming from New Zealand, I never expected to be surprised by beaches in Korea.
After all, New Zealand is often regarded as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Added to that is that you rarely ever hear about beaches in Korea.
Very few people get around to visiting them on their trip, and this is really quite sad.
Why? Well, because there are some breathtaking beaches in Korea!
The most famous beaches in Korea are located in the East-Coast, Busan, and in Jeju.
Although the beaches of Busan are nice, I personally found them to be a bit too crowded and as such, I prefer the beaches in Jeju and on the East-Coast.
Sokcho and Yangyang are two such East-Coast beaches that stand out.
While the West-Coast tends to have black-sand beaches, the East-Coast has many white-sand beaches.
Both of these beaches are stunning in summer, and even in the winter!
A popular activity in Korea is to watch the first sunrise of the year on the coast, and although a bit chilly, it is an unforgettable experience.
If you are visiting Jeju, then you are in luck. Jeju has many beautiful beaches and you really can’t go wrong. Especially in summer!
Experience Korean Winter Sports
Another thing that many people don’t know is that Korea has a large winter sports scene.
From ice-skating to skiing and snowboarding, there are a lot of different activities.
Especially since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Korea has developed and grown its winter sports.
It rarely snows in Seoul, and if you really want to see snow, I recommend visiting some of the ski fields located around the country.
Not only can you see the Korean countryside when it is covered in snow, but you can also have fun learning to ski or snowboard.
If it isn’t your first time, then don’t worry! There are more advanced tracks available.
The ski fields that you will find in Korea are very well maintained and looked after, and I have had many good experiences with them.
If you are visiting in winter, then make sure to get out of the city and experience some winter sports in Korea!
Experience the Outdoor Wonders of Korea!
Visit Seoul, but don’t just visit Seoul. Seoul is a wonderful place, but by visiting only Seoul you are only seeing a small part of the Korean culture and of Korea itself.
No matter what season you visit Korea in, there is a way to experience the countryside and to see a side of Korea that sadly, many people miss.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip into the Korean countryside today!
