As Korean and international travel begin to restart, we are excited to welcome you all back to Korea!
Not only are there countless of activities to do in Korea, there are so many foods to try, things to buy and places to go. It can get overwhelming to go through everything that Korea has to offer, so we put together a list of everything we here at Creatrip
Get out your pens and paper, it is time to start taking some notes!
Must-Do Activities
Chicken and Beer at Han River
Source: Getty Images
When the weather is good, you will find many Koreans heading to Han River and setting out mats right before the sun is about to set! This is because they are all getting ready to enjoy a glass of beer with some delicious Korean fried chicken. It is a popular activity that is enjoyed amongst friends, lovers, students and even colleagues!
Source: 내 손안의 서울
Many people also rent bicycles and go for a ride around the river. If you want to experience a truly Korean style picnic, try heading for a night at the Han river with some crispy chicken and refreshing beer!
Street Food and Market Food
Source: Getty Images
Chances are if you are walking down the streets of Korea, you will come across some food stalls or a market! Make sure to stop and try out some of the delicious options. They are always affordable and a great way to experience some of the local food culture.
In Korea you can find a variety of street foods such as Tteokbokki, Kimbap, tempura, chicken skewers, Korean-style donuts, and so much more...all of these food items are calling your name! 😋
N Seoul Tower
Source: Getty Images
The N Seoul Tower is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Seoul, and a great way to get an amazing view of the whole city! You can admire the Seoul city skyline and the Han river from here. The best time to come here is right before sunset as you can start to see all of the beautiful city lights start to come to life.
Source: Getty Images
The best way to access the tower is via cable car, but if you want to get in a workout, walking up the mountain is also a viable option! Another unique aspect of N Seoul Tower is the love locks that are up at the top, so you can come with your lover and also lock away your love!
For Creatrip members that are interested in visiting N Seoul Tower, click here for a discounted ticket!
Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna)
Source: Zum News
Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean sauna. It is a bathhouse with a sauna that you can also enjoy. Many jjimjilbangs are very big and have internet cafes, karaoke rooms, gyms, and even restaurants so people like to make day trip and enjoy all the amenities. It is a classic spot for those looking to enjoy and experience some Korean culture.
You might recognize them from various Korean movies or dramas as well! They may be a little intimidating for those that have never been, but once you go you will start to understand the appeal and charm of a jjimjilbang!
Wear a Hanbok to Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun Square
Source: Getty Images
Of the five major palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung is the most popular. This is because Gyeongbokgung palace is a living portrait of Korean history, culture and architecture. It was built in 1395 after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty and it is the largest of the five palaces of Joseon and is also home to the National Palace Museum and the National Folklore Museum.
Nearby Gyeongbokgung there are various places where you can rent out Hanboks, so we suggest renting one out and immerse yourself in Korea's history and culture!
Source: Getty Images
Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbokbung and Gwanghwamun square is where the statue of King Sejong is located. We also recommend that you walk around and enjoy that area. Gyeongbokgung palace has English commentary that is available at 11:00,13:30, and 15:30 in English, 10:00 in Japanese, 13:00 in Chinese, and 15:00 in Vietnamese. They are closed on Tuesdays.
Wear a School Uniform to an Amusement Park
Source: Oh My Girl's Twitter
The main amusment parks in Korea are Lotte World in Seoul and Everland in Yongin. In both of these amusement parks, there is an area in which you can rent out a school uniform at the entrance of the amusement park. This is a fun new tradition that Koreans enjoy when they go to the amusement park! Many will rent out a school uniform and take pictures in front of the merry-go-round!
Noraebang (Korean Karaoke)
Source: Herald Corp
Unlike karaoke in other countries, karaoke in Korea is in a private room! This karaoke bar is called a "noraebang" which translates into "song-room" which is a perfect definition! It is literally a room where you can sing songs! Many of these noraebangs are operated 24 hours a day so you can enjoy it anytime. Some smaller ones are called "coin noraebang" and you can usually blast out 3 to 4 songs for just 1,000 won! There are many K-pop songs and Pop songs from various countries so we are sure you will be able to enjoy singing some of your favorite songs. 🎤
Samgyeopsal and Soju
K-BBQ lovers, this one is for you! Your trip to Korea cannot be complete without a delicious round of Korean barbecue. Grill some delicious slabs of pork belly with garlic and wrap it in some veggies for a delicious wrap. Check out this spot if you are looking for a recommendation!
Source: JBNews, Weekly Donga
For those that are looking for a delicious pairing with their barbecue, we suggest some soju! Many Koreans drink soju when eating meats such as samgyeopsal. Some people also like to opt for Korean rice wine, makgeolli, however we don't suggest trying them both in the same night...you might suffer a wild hangover the next morning.
Must-Buy Food Items
Seaweed
Source: Joonang Ilbo
The first item that we recommend that you pack is seaweed, which is a food that many tourists love to pick up on their trip to Korea! Even young children enjoy eating seaweed by wrapping it in white rice. This item also has a long shelf life, so you can buy it in bulk!
Oreo Os
Source: Dongseok Confectionary
You are most likely familiar with the Oreo cookie! In Korea there is a cereal made from the delicious chocolate snack. If you want to try some of these, you must pick it up in Korea as the production of this item has been stopped in other countries. This is the perfect snack or breakfast item!
Coffee Mix
Source: Maxim
Instant coffee is also another popular item that tourists like to buy in Korea. Korean instant coffee come in various flavors and blends, with some having cream and milk already incorporated into them! Maxim is the beloved Korean brand that we recommend!
Snacks
Source: Timon
You must take home a few snacks and goodies that can only be found in Korea! You might want to try the Honey Butter Chips, which one caused a craze in Korea and were all sold out back in 2016! Or you might want to try a few classics that have been loved for decades!
Ramen
Instant ramen is also another item that we recommend. It is available all over Korea in various convenience stores and grocery stores. Some famous ramens are the Fire Noodle (Buldak) and Shin Ramen! Like the name indicates, the Fire Noodles are very spicy, so we only advise those that are good with spice to try them.
Soju
Source: Hite Jinro, Lotte Chilsung
What comes to mind when you think Korea? We are pretty sure that out of all the things that came to mind, soju was one of them! In Korea you can try a variety of soju flavors at an affordable price. However, make sure to drink responsibly!
Must-Buy Skincare Items
Sheet Masks
Source: Channel CJ
As K-beauty is making waves across the globe, purchasing Korean skincare items is a must-do for tourists in Korea! Among all of the skincare products, Korean sheet masks reign the fairest of them all. There are various types for various skin types and concerns at a wide range of prices so you can purchase according to your personal needs and budget.
Moisturizing Cream
Source: Director Pie
Many Koreans have been praised for their youthful and glowy skin! One of the secrets to this skin is a good moisturizing cream! Moisturizing creams replenish the skin's moisture and keep the skin barrier hydrated.
Source: Yeonhap News
There are a lot of options and it can get overwhelming trying to find the right fit, so you can refer to our list of moisturizer recommendations!!
Innisfree No Sebum Powder
Source: Innisfree
Another popular item is Innisfree's No Sebum Powder! No Sebum Powder helps keep makeup together and control oiliness of the face. It is a cosmetic item that is consistently always ranking high in the domestic market and in foreign market.
It is especially recommended for consumers with oily skin who are concerned about oil on their face. It is also a very cheap item so you can buy it without much burden!
Must-Try Snacks and Drinks
Convenience Store Desserts
Source: News Pim
There are many affordable desserts that you can try at a local convenience store! You can enjoy a variety of roll cakes, puddings, chocolate rice cakes, and macarons at an affordable price at a convenience store! They run out fast so always make sure to go early if you want them!
Banana Milk and Triangle Coffee Milk
Source: coreanmart
Banana flavored milk is a drink that is loved by both Koreans and foreigners alike! Many Koreans that live abroad state that they miss this milk greatly.
Source: KBS2
During a KBS2 entertainment broadcast, Tom Holland expressed his love for the drink stating several times "This banana milk is really delicious!" and drank all of his milk!
Source: Think Food
Another beloved drink is the sweet triangle coffee milk! It is known for being sold in an unusual triangle shape and has been featured in many dramas and movies. It almost taste like a slightly sweeter latte, so coffee lovers are sure to be a fan of this product!
Inkigayo Sandwhich
Source: Big Hit Entertainment, Seventeen SNS
If you are a K-pop fan, we are sure that you have heard of the Inkigayo Sandwich! This sandwich was a sandwich that was only sold at the SBS snack hall and gained popularity as many K-pop idols were seen eating the sandwich. However, now you too can eat this sandwich as they are sold in GS25 convenience stores!
Source: 1MinuteKakao
It is made with white bread, mayonnaise, and strawberry jam at the base topped with eggs, cabbage, potato, meatball and onion. If you go to the convenience store, make sure to try it! It is a little higher on the calories (545), but lets keep that a secret! 🤫
We hope that this list can help narrow down what to do on your trip to Korea and help you plan your itinerary! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea! If you have any questions, leave us a comment down below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com!
