STEAL THIS TRIP
A dream cultural adventure in South Korea
Planned by Grant Asia Specialist
From K-pop to kimchi and K-beauty to bibimbap – the love for Korean culture and food is soaring globally. But there is so much that South Korea isn't known for, yet – like its mountains or cherry blossoms that rival Japan.
So I've planned a trip that focuses on both what South Korea is famous for now, and what it will be famous for soon.
The traveller
Louise came to me asking for a dream trip to see Japan blossom season – but I had a feeling I could persuade her to try South Korea. As a keen home chef, I knew sampling seafood and taking a Korean cookery class would be right up her street.
The trip
Korea is visually stunning in springtime, when cherry blossoms fringe urban parks and frame mountainous terrain. I planned a trip for Louise that packs in mountain views, energetic cities, historical sights and plenty of bright spring blooms. She'll get to grab an apron and get cooking, too.
The adventure
Seoul – cycle through the city and spot cherry blossoms from the sky
Louise’s trip starts in Seoul, diving straight into one of the world’s largest cities – with around 10 million residents. That’s two million more than London or New York and almost double that of Sydney.
To get her bearings, I’ve suggested she gets in the saddle and joins a bike tour of Seoul. It's a great way to be guided through Seoul’s streets: visiting hanok villages, seeing the traditional homes still inhabited today, and catching the changing of the guard at Gyeongbok Palace.
For those who can handle heights, I always recommend the Seoul Sky Bridge walk – sitting across the top of 123 storey (or half a kilometre high) Lotte World Tower. In springtime, the Seokchonhosu Lake will stand out from above, encircled by cherry blooms.
Busan – for a lesson in Korean cuisine, and a dip in the sea
From capital to coastal city, Louise will head south by train (just over 3 hours from Seoul).
I suggest she heads to Gwangalli beach as evening draws in. You can see the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge lit up across the water and on a Saturday night, the M Drone Light Show, with different illuminations every week: like the kicking karate fighters for the Olympics.
Busan is famous for its seafood. To taste the freshest and best, the place to head is Jagalchi Fish Market. I highly recommend the haemul pajeon (seafood pancakes) as a starting point.
Later on, Louise will take group cookery class, making a range of Korean treats, from bibimbap (a rice dish with meat and vegetables, complete with a fried egg on top), to soy sauce and soft drinks. Once dishes are prepared, the group share their meal, sitting on the floor, Korean style.
Gyeongju – South Korea’s living museum, framed by spring blooms
Swinging back up to the east of the island, Gyeongju is often referred to as the ‘museum without walls’. Founded in 57 BC, the city was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years.
One of the best ways to take in the city’s age-old architecture and clustered temples, wrapped in blossom, is to rent a bike. You can stop off at 2000-year-old Cheomseongdae Observatory, visit the nearby Daereungwon Tomb Complex, and hunt down stunning magnolia and yellow canola blooms as you go.
A short taxi or bus ride out of the city lies the most important Buddhist temple in South Korea, Bulguksa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is visually stunning all year, with the characteristic flicked roof, held up by wooden, red painted pillars. But it’s even more beautiful in April and May, accompanied by the froth of cherry blossoms.
Sokcho – a bracing ferry ride and specialty sausage
Sokcho will be Louise’s base for Seoraksan National Park. From here, many people head straight to the mountains, but the city holds a distinct personality of its own, and it’s well worth an afternoon exploring.
The Yeongnangho Lake is a great place to start. Here, you’ll catch a view of Mount Seoraksan, as well as those spring cherry blossoms skirting the lake. You can also visit Abai Island via a ferry pulled along by winches (and try it yourself if you’re feeling energetic!) Try Abai’s specialty sundae – though don’t expect ice cream: it’s a type of Korean sausage, encased in an entire squid as its skin.
Seoraksan National Park – for sweeping views of cherry blooms
Seoraksan is dramatically beautiful, but still caters to every level of energy and activity.
You can make a gentle start to your day, visiting the Sinheungsa Temple just 15 min from the entry gates. It’s less dramatic than Bulguksa, but it still captivates with its colours. Then, take your pick of the trails, descending deep into the forests, listening out for spring birdsong and the rush of waterfalls.
Or, grab your hiking poles and take the ascent up the Ulsanbawi Rock trail. It takes up to 4 hours, and will most certainly give your legs a workout, but the panoramic view of the blossoms below and Seoraksan’s highest peak, Daecheongbong, to the sky will make it worth it. If you’re after a gentler day of exploration, the cable car can whisk you 700 metres up to the Gwongeumseong Fortress.
Did you know?
Spam remains a popular food item in Korea, since American troops brought it over during the Korean War. It’s a common gift during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and there are even luxury styled gift sets you can buy.
South Korea’s secret power:
Koreans will always be older than you expect thanks to their aging system. South Koreans are one year old the day they are born. Then, everyone ages together on New Year’s Day, not on the anniversary of their birth.
Did you know?
Spam remains a popular food item in Korea, since American troops brought it over during the Korean War. It’s a common gift during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and there are even luxury styled gift sets you can buy.
South Korea’s secret power:
Koreans will always be older than you expect thanks to their aging system. South Koreans are one year old the day they are born. Then, everyone ages together on New Year’s Day, not on the anniversary of their birth.