At 3:45 AM, I wake up to my alarm. Voluntarily, yes. I put on my temple outfit and walk through the cold to the main temple, where the monks are already praying. Welcome to my temple stay in South Korea. It’s something you really need to experience in South Korea.
Jinju isn’t among the most popular destinations in South Korea. And that’s actually unfair, because this city has an interesting story, a beautiful fortress, and one of the most stunning light festivals in the country. I’ll tell you what to see and where to eat in Jinju.
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.
