Hundreds of tiny islands lie scattered in the sea off the coast of Tongyeong in South Korea. Some inhabited, others completely untouched. Hallyeohaesang National Park stretches along the south coast
Tongyeong is a port city where you immediately smell that you’ve arrived. The scent of fish hangs in the air, the market is full of fresh fish and shellfish in way-too-small tanks, and you absolutely have to eat oysters here. It might not be the most famous destination in South Korea, but that’s exactly why I love it. No crowds of tourists, but still plenty to see and do.
Maybe it’s because of the absence of towering buildings that Gyeongju feels immediately relaxed. In this South Korean city, you’ll find a nice mix of historical sights and hip bars and restaurants.
Andong is the cultural heart of South Korea. Centuries-old traditions are still alive here. People dance with wooden masks and still live in traditional houses. But there’s also…
Hahoe Folk Village in South Korea is an open-air museum AND a village where people still live in traditional houses that have existed for centuries. I walk along narrow paths between traditional houses, see laundry hanging, hear children playing, and smell cooking aromas. Back in time, but with wifi.
Gangneung. South Korea’s coffee city. When I read that, I immediately thought: barista workshops, coffee tastings, and an exclusive coffee experience. So when I traveled south from Sokcho, Gangneung seemed like the perfect stopover. It turned out differently than I expected, but it was a wonderfully relaxed day.
Sokcho is a coastal town in northeastern South Korea that most people only know as a base for Seoraksan National Park. And yes, that park is why you come to Sokcho, but since you’re there anyway, you might as well check out the town itself. Or at least try to check it out, because the rain really messes up my plans.
Seoraksan National Park is green and beautiful, and it’s the main reason most people come to Sokcho. You can do several hikes through nature here. And with the paved trails and many, many stairs, it’s maybe a bit less wild than I’d hoped, but still a welcome change from South Korea’s cities.
Seoul and food are inextricably linked. But let me be honest: after three days in Seoul, I can’t claim to have the best restaurant tips for you. That would take weeks, maybe months. What I can share? My first experiences with Korean food culture. The things I tried, the places I went, and especially what I thought about them. Read/eat and learn!
