South Korea

A trip to South Korea; hear from our winners

In September 2024, Martine and I embarked on an unforgettable 9-day adventure across South Korea, courtesy of a contest win from Get Lost Magazine and InsideAsia Tours (part of Inside Travel Group and sister brand of InsideJapan Tours). Our journey took us through the vibrant cities of Seoul, Jeonju, and Busan, each offering its own unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Our first stop was Seoul, where we were immediately captivated by the bustling Myeong-dong market. The area was a sensory delight, with its dazzling storefronts, enticing aromas, and lively atmosphere. We couldn't resist picking up souvenirs on our very first day including toys, clothes, soft toys, and pens for our kids, and some of the tasty flavoured almonds for ourselves. A highlight was the food tour, where we savoured a variety of Korean dishes that were completely new to us. The panoramic views from the Seoul Tower left us awestruck, revealing the true vastness of this metropolis; we had no idea the city was as large and populous as it is. In the evening, our guide introduced us to the pulsating nightlife of Seoul. We loved the energy of night markets, restaurants, cafes, and throngs of people.

Jeonju offered a change of pace, immersing us in Korea's rich cultural heritage. We explored the charming Jaman Mural Village with its colourful street art covering most houses and city walls. Our stay in a traditional hanok guesthouse was a unique and insightful experience, though we were secretly grateful for the return to western-style beds. The city's reputation as a foodie haven didn't disappoint, especially when we indulged in a refreshing mango bingsu at a delightful dessert café called Grandma's Best.

Busan, our final destination, stole our hearts and we only wished we had more time there. Our exceptional guide, Kimmy, elevated our experience with her knowledge, enthusiasm, and thoughtful gestures. The Gamcheon Cultural Village was gorgeous with its vibrant hillside houses and ocean views. However, the crown jewel of our trip was the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Perched dramatically on the coastline, it was simply breathtaking. We enjoyed the local traditions, reading people's wishes on the golden leaves, tossing coins for wishes, and pouring water over Buddha statues for good fortune.

Throughout our journey, we indulged in numerous Korean BBQ experiences and tried bibimbap everywhere we went. In Busan, the Osulloc Tea House became a favourite, where we stocked up on various tea blends and tried a lot of green tea ice cream!

South Korea surprised us in many ways. The sheer scale and population density of Seoul was unexpected. An intense heatwave in September caught us off guard, sending us in search of air-conditioned respites each day. We were impressed by the country's advanced infrastructure and ubiquitous technology. The prevalence of Starbucks and beauty shops seemingly on every corner was also surprising.

InsideAsia Tours made our trip an unforgettable and seamlessly enjoyable experience. From the onset, they worked with us to accommodate our requests for the itinerary and our travel and accommodation. Every detail was meticulously planned, from our knowledgeable guides and carefully curated tours to our flights, train trips and hotels. They even provided us with mobile connectivity and a T-Mobile card so we could have some pocket money! We felt truly pampered throughout our journey.

Our guides played a crucial role in deepening our understanding of South Korea. In Seoul, our guide's wealth of information brought each location to life. The food tour guide in Seoul went above and beyond, tailoring the experience to our preferences and concluding with a delightful visit to a traditional hanok tea house. In Busan, Kimmy's enthusiasm was infectious. Her personal touches, like welcome gifts and impromptu history lessons during our family video calls, made our experience truly special.

This trip has ignited a passion for annual getaways together, a welcome respite from our parental responsibilities. We are immensely grateful to InsideAsia Tours for crafting such a memorable journey, allowing us to experience the perfect blend of Korea's rich traditions and modern vibrancy.

If readers would like to experience a version of this trip, InsideAsia’s ‘Culinary Korea’ itinerary is the perfect option.