SOUTH KOREA TRAVEL GUIDE

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SOUTH KOREA OVERVIEW

South Korea (officially The Republic of Korea) is located in eastern Asia with a population of 50 million. Bordered by North Korea and Japan, South Korea has four distinct seasons and offers tourists plenty to see. Beautiful natural landscapes, rivers, mountains, ancient villages, architecture, and royal palaces are just some of the many highlights. Known for its history, food, technology, and culture, Korea is fast becoming a tourist delight for travellers to Asia.

SOUTH KOREA WHAT TO SEE

Bukchon Village A village of alleys, cafes, shops, and “hanoks” traditional courtyard houses

Changdeokgung Palace At the foot of Mount Eungbongsan, the tranquil palace is home to the Secret Garden.

Haeinsa Temple The temple houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts in existence.

Seokguram Grotto See the grotto carved into a mountainside housing a 3.5-metre stone centrepiece.

North Seoul

Mount Eungbongsan

Hapcheon

Bulguska

Gyeongju This “museum without walls” has a vast amount of historic sites.

Deogyusan National Park This beautiful alpine landscape is named after its highest peak.

Seoraksan The highest mountain in the Taebaek mountain range.

Hallasan View the beautiful shield volcano and highest mountain in South Korea in Hallasan National Park.

Gyeongju

Jeollabuk-do

Gangwon Province

Jeju Island

SOUTH KOREA SHOPPING

D Cube City The previously industrial hub has been transformed into an array of shops, restaurants, terraces, and waterfalls.

Dongadaemun Market A colossal retail and buzzing wholesale market open at all hours

KCDF Gallery This gallery and shop showcases the finest locally made craft and design products.

Ahyeon-Dong Wedding Street Window shop through a fashion extravaganza of glamorous designer dresses.

Kyungin-ro, Seoul

Dongdaemun, Seoul

Insa-dong, Seoul

Seoul

Gyeongdong Market The biggest and best Asian market in Korea has a large selection of fresh produce to peruse and sample.

Janganpyeong Antiques Market Explore arcades of antiques and discover hidden Korean treasures.

Yongsan Electronics Market Visit this extensive market selling hightech gadgets.

Shinsegae The luxurious Seoul department store houses local designers and a high-class supermarket.

Jegi-dong, Seoul

Seoul

Yongsan, Seoul

Seoul

SEOUL

Seoul is surprising and enlightening. The South Korean capital city has become a bustling, urban and industrialised centre for the 10 million or so people calling it home. Situated on the banks of the Hangang River, Seoul is full of attractions both natural and historical. The city’s nightlife and cuisine are highly favoured. It’s easy to enjoy the modern city and its developments while also celebrating the city’s rich history.

HIGHLIGHTS

Korea House A traditional-style Korean building.

Parks and Gardens Great views of the city and other attractions.

Seoul City Bus or Walking Tours See the sights with a dedicated tour guide.

KOREA HOUSE Designed to provide tourists with the total Korean cultural experience, Korea House is a traditional style Korean building or ‘hanok’, where you can try traditional cuisine and listen to music. A tranquil, beautiful building with garden surrounds, it is a celebration of Korean culture in an experimental fashion. Try your own hand at Korean handicrafts, martial arts and kimchi making.

PARKS AND GARDENS Seoul has many parks that provide not only recreational space for tourists, but great views of the city and other attractions. Namsan Park in the city centre provides great views of the North Seoul Tower and through to Hanok Village. Take a ride in the Namsan cable car or discover the local animals (including squirrels!). Seoul Grand Park and Seoul Forest are also great places to explore the city and relax.

SEOUL CITY BUS OR WALKING TOURS Take one of the various tours through Seoul City and see the sights with a dedicated tour guide. The bus tours include an audio device so you can listen in English. Take a night tour or the Gangnam tour to discover the famous Gangnam area, where style and sophistication meet new heights. Explore Gangnam’s ‘West Hollywood’ region of Cheongdam-dong, regarded as a celebrity street. Spoil yourself at the many boutiques in this chic precinct.

SEOUL ACCOMMODATION

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Jacob B Reviewed 5/23/2016

*Based on 328 reviews

Great Hotel. Perfect Location. Over the COEX shopping center with plenty of restaurants nearby. For business travels, being only a short walk away from the city airport is perfect for both arriving and departing from Seoul. Don't forget to check out the Buddhist Temple!

OAKWOOD PREMIER COEX CENTER 46, Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06164

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller pinny83 Reviewed 5/23/2016

*Based on 510 reviews

This hotel is right beside the subway, need I say more? It's also near to various wholesale shopping malls and offers a great view of dongdaemun. Room is modern and clean, hotel staff are polite and can speak English well. Always helpful. Breakfast a tad bit boring but still decent enough.

JW MARRIOTT DONGDAEMUN SQUARE 279, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-126

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

SEOUL ACCOMMODATION

AUCKLAND

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Walid N Reviewed 5/22/2016

*Based on 179 reviews

LOTTE CITY HOTEL GURO

Front desk staff are superb, friendly, courteous, and always helpful. Room is clean and decent but small in size. I am writing my review after one week stay and I'll be staying here one more week. Breakfast buffet is boring, the same selection every morning, and for that reason I took one star out; I really suggest changing some of the dishes every day and that will encourage me to stay here next time I visit Korea.

300, Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, 08379 Tel: +82262101000

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller MarkC_UK Reviewed 5/23/2016

*Based on 1224 reviews

THE SHILLA SEOUL 249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 100-856

My wife and I stayed at the Shilla twice in April with a 3 day break between visits. Our first stay was for 2 nights and we enjoyed a Superior Suite, which was very spacious with separate living room and bedroom, the bathroom was also very generous with walk-in shower, bath combo. It was located on the 2nd to top floor and the view was very impressive. For our second visit we were in a Business Deluxe room, which was also a good size, with a bit...

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

SEOUL WINE & DINE

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Heather S Reviewed 5/24/2016

*Based on 496 reviews

GUSTO TACO

This is one of my favorite restaurants and I have gone here with visiting family, with friends, on dates, and on my own. (I eat here a lot..) They have vegetarian (and vegan, I think) options which is WONDERFUL. I usually eat their veggie tacos (homemade tacos), but I would also recommend their tofu taquitos, veggie burrito bowl, veggie burrito and nachos. The owner is also one of the nicest guys around, and he definitely goes into overdrive maki...

41, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04049 Tel: +82 2-338-8226

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller bonnetta Reviewed 4/28/2016 Hard to find; basic menu and is run in an assembly-line production, but good. Soup could have had more fish.

*Based on 247 reviews

MUGYODONG BUGEOKUKJIB 173 Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, 100-180 Tel: 02-777-3891 *TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

SEOUL WNE & DINE

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller MacintheROK Reviewed 5/17/2016

*Based on 69 reviews

THE GRIFFIN BAR 279, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, 11F JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul Tel: +82 2-2276-3344

Had a very delicious Manhattan here after my dinner at BLT Steak last Saturday night. The drink was crafted with care and I am a big fan of the large, square crystal clear ice cubes they use. It was nearly empty for a Saturday night, but it was after the Lantern Festival parade (and it was a bit late) so maybe everyone was out of town for the holiday weekend. The piano was in full swing, and the pianist and bassist were in synch and sounded fa...

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Snowyisfun Reviewed 5/23/2016

*Based on 162 reviews

We visited this fine restaurant during our "Girls Trip" in April. Services, ambience and food were excellent. The restaurant seemed to be an ideal restaurant for couples dating. I would recommend Jung Sik Dang to anyone who is very serious into gourmet food and fine dining.

JUNG SIK DANG 11, Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Tel: 02-517-4654 *TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

GYEONGJU

Gyeongju is a popular coastal city attracting about 9 million visitors annually. A major cultural and historical destination, Gyeongju was once the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom. Vistors can experience Buddhist artefacts and national treasures. While tourism is the major driving force, Gyeongju is becoming a manufacturing hub also and is home to roughly 250,000 people.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bulguksa Temple Home to many national treasures and artefacts.

Seokguram Grotto The ‘representative stone temple of Korea’.

Yangdong Folk Village A historic village from the Joseon Dynasty.

BULGUSKA TEMPLE The Bulguksa Temple encapsulates Buddhist culture and the rich history of the city. Named a world heritage site by UNESCO, the temple was built in 528 A.D. during the Silla Dynasty. Home to many national treasures and artefacts, the temple consists of many bridge-like stairways that represent Buddha and man’s journey through life. Tour the temple alone or as part of a tour of the city’s ancient sites.

SEOKGURAM GROTTO Seokguram Grotto is another world heritage site, an artificial stone temple on Mount Tohmasan which is regarded as the ‘representative stone temple of Korea’. Built in the 8th century, the temple contains a statue of Buddha looking out into the sea. The inside of the grotto is not available for the public to view so make a trip to the Silla Arts and Science Museum where you can fully explore the historical site through pictures and descriptions.

YANGDONG FOLK VILLAGE Yangdong is a historic village from the Joseon Dynasty. As a Korean state for about 5 centuries, Yangdong is also a world heritage site full of Korean national treasures. Located amongst the beautiful natural surroundings, the whole village is a heritage site. Surrounded by the beautiful Mount Seolchangsan are 160 old houses and cottages, preserved in their original state.

Photo from http://www.visitkorea.or.kr

GYEONGJU ACCOMMODATION

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Eunmi K Reviewed 5/23/2016

*Based on 460 reviews

HILTON GYEONGJU 484-7, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 38117 Tel: +82547457788

this hotel is very comfortable, and clean, and have a good location, wonderful environment. but if you have hilton honors member diamond, I recommend you will not stay this hotel. because the front staffs in the hotel maybe look you always want to get upgrade room. and they are not! kind, and not welcome your stay. well, if you expect them nothing, and you don`t have a hotel tier, your stay in this hotel will be good. the room conditio...

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller KEVINHWANG Reviewed 5/2/2016 Great place. Very nice kind people. Very convenient parking place. Very accommodative to any visitors.

*Based on 130 reviews

HOTEL HYUNDAI GYEONGJU

It is in Bomun lake side, thus providing best wcenery and best place for take a walk at lake. Calm and peaceful scenery. :)

338, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 38117

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

GYEONGJU ACCOMMODATION

AUCKLAND

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller JoeR11 Reviewed 5/8/2016

*Based on 82 reviews

GG TOURIST HOTEL

The room was spacious and comfortable. The bathroom was huge and had a whirlpool tub and shower. There was a small refrigerator. The bed was very comfortable. There was a coffee shop right next to the hotel that was handy for lunch and coffee. There was sufficient parking in the basement. The only thing I didn't like was that I had to call the front desk to get my air conditioning activated. That was bizarre.

3, Taejong-ro 699beon-gil, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 38157

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller fleur_inoue Reviewed 5/18/2016

141 MINI HOTEL

I wasn't expecting much for the price, but it was nice to find a clean-kept and modern room. Not much of a view (the adjacent building) but it's alright if you're not looking for anything luxurious. The front desk staff were dressed casually, which made us feel much more at ease. Through some basic Korean/English, we asked for directions and got clear directions. Breakfast was not bad, pretty decent.

141, Wonhyo-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do,

It is also a short walk away from the trendy...

*Based on 30 reviews

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

GYEONGJU WINE & DINE

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller hsterica Reviewed 5/19/2016 Delicious red bean cake. One of the must try item when u visit gyeongju. This is good as a gift for family and friends

*Based on 110 reviews

HWANGNAM BREAD 347-1 Hwango-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Tel: 054-749-7000

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Chuuk K Reviewed 10/15/2015

*Based on 45 reviews

STARBUCKS GYEONGJU BOMUNRO

At late summer we did a family trip to Gyeongju, and stayed K-hotel. At night, we just walked around hotel, and find Starbucks on the road. It is located to near to main road around Kyeongju, and near to Bomum lake road also. Good place to relax for having coffees or teas with sweets. There are another Starbucks at Gyeongju at the opposite direction of the Bomum lake, and it was also good.

719-220, Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 780-290

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

GYEONGJU WNE & DINE

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller lollywosh Reviewed 5/12/2016

*Based on 48 reviews

HONGSI KOREAN RESTAURANT 418-4, Seonggeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Tel: 054-742-8668

In all the reviews I read about this place, no one really mentioned the intricacy of the flavors used in each dish. With each bite my husband and I would ask each other, "what is that taste? Lemongrass?" There were flavors we don't associate with Korean food which was a really nice surprise. They eat earlier in Gyeongju then they do in Seoul and we came in kind of late so were the only people there but it was a really nice, calming atmosphere ...

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller SarahKim841 Reviewed 4/24/2016 후기에서 읽은대로 전반적으로 조금 달고 양이 적다는 느낌을 받았습니다. 그리 고 메뉴에 특과 곱배기가 있는데 특은 한우의 양이 많은것이고 곱배기는 밥의 양 이 많은 것이니 참고하시면 될 것 같습니다. 손님 워낙에 많아서 회전률을 올리 기 위함인지 음식이 빛의 속도로 나오구요. 나쁘지는 않았는데 한 번 먹어볼만 한 정도였던 것 같습니다.

*Based on 24 reviews

HAMYANGJIP 194-15, Bukgun-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Tel: 054-777-6947 *TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

JEJU ISLAND

Jeju Island is a beautiful destination for honeymooners and couples located off the South Korean Coast. Idyllic beaches and the historic Hallasan volcano make for exotic and exciting surrounds, perfect for exploring and relaxation. The island has made it into the list of the world’s new natural wonders with waterfalls, lava tubes, mountains, and beaches making it a unique and amazing Korean holiday destination.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hyeopjae Beach Beautiful coloured seawater and surrounding forests.

Jeju Island Food Home to some unique flavours..

Manjang Cave and Lava Tubes A perfect spot to both cool down and explore.

Seongsan Sunrise Festival A festive and spirited occasion.

HYEOPJAE BEACH This long 9 km stretch of coastline makes for a perfect holiday. Beautiful coloured seawater and surrounding forests create a sense of paradise, with plenty of other attractions nearby. Visit Hamrin Park where you’ll find the tourist sites of Hyeopjaegul Cave and Ssangyonggul Cave. Or travel to Biyangdo Island just off the coast where there are camping grounds and a secluded stretch of water.

JEJU ISLAND FOOD Jeju Island is home to some unique flavours, so a visit here must include some culinary exploration! Try the seaweed and sea urchin soup, raw seafood, barbecued pork from the island’s famous black pigs, and pheasant. A recommended stop is the Countryside Restaurant where you can try five-layered pork!

MANJANG CAVE & LAVA TUBES A perfect spot to both cool down and explore the natural wonders of Jeju Island, the Manjang cave is over 8 km long, with 1 km of public walkway space. If you’re not scared of delving into a deep, expansive cave, you can immerse yourself deep into nature. The cave is formed by cooling lava and its dark, cold, narrow interior may leave you feeling a little spooked.

Photo from http://www.visitkorea.or.kr

SEONGSAN SUNRISE FESTIVAL The Seongsan Sunrise Festival takes place at ‘Sunrise Peak’ (or the Seongsang Ilchulbong Peak) each New Year’s Eve. The sunrise is spectacular up here and the festival includes a night hike up to the peak, lit by lanterns. Traditional dance performances are held where participants hold hands while moving in a large circle making wishes for the new year ahead. A festive and spirited occasion, fireworks and aerobics demonstrations are also on the list!

Photo from http://asianeglish.visitkorea.or.kr

JEJU ISLAND ACCOMMODATION

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Noelle303 Reviewed 5/3/2016

*Based on 103 reviews

SHILLA STAY JEJU

I stayed at Shilla Stay Jeju for 2 nights, and it was actually quite good. They upgraded my room upon my arrival, and the room was clean and quiet. Bed cozy, bathroom clean, and master switch beside your bed that can turn every light off. The room offered the convenience that travelers would want. However, you can't expect a great view from this hotel since it's in the middle of a small city. we didn't open our curtains at all. Also, I do not rec...

100, Noyeon-ro, Jeju, Jeju-do, 690-814 Tel: +82222305660

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Amy L Reviewed 5/15/2016

*Based on 160 reviews

This hotel is situated downtown, walking distance to shopping and restaurant area. I didn't try the restaurant at the hotel so no comments about that. The rooms are nice and they have the special wash toilet facility in the room. To go up to the check in desk you need to enter the building and use the lift.

LOTTE CITY HOTEL JEJU 83, Doryeong-ro, Jeju, Jeju-do, 63127

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

JEJU ISLAND ACCOMMODATION

AUCKLAND

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller sanasy Reviewed 5/8/2016 I am usually really picky and find it difficult to sleep in hotels, and always find at least something bad, but Leo Hotel got me - I have no bad points!

*Based on 39 reviews

HOTEL LEO 14, Sammu-ro, Jeju, Jeju-do, 690-813

- good location - good breakfast - excellent staff and very helpful + speak good English - good fast free WIFI - clean - bed comfortable - quiet - good price

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Lester L Reviewed 5/20/2016 Decided to stay in a hotel after staying in airbnbs for most of my previous travels and Maison Glad renewed my faith in hotels.

*Based on 241 reviews

It was truly a great stay and the hotel staff, especially those at the concierge, were extremely helpful.

MAISON GLAD JEJU 80, Noyeon-ro, Jeju, Jeju-do, 63132 Tel: +82647474900 *TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

JEJU ISLAND WINE & DINE

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller Samuel & Erin H Reviewed 4/1/2016 The food here made us really happy. Great quality and great service! The waitress cook all the meat for us. We loved the side dishes also!

*Based on 71 reviews

GWANGWON 75-1 Nohyeong-dong, Jeju, Jeju-do, 690-802 Tel: +82-64-744-1000

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller David Y Reviewed 4/14/2016 I tried the Omakase here. Our chef was extremely attentive to detail, friendly, and above all, masterful at presenting beautifully ornate sushi dishes.

*Based on 26 reviews

SUSHI HOSHIKAI 90, Onam-ro, Jeju, Jeju-do, 63146 Tel: 064-713-8838

Although there's nothing spectacularly different about taste from other high-end sushi joints, what makes this place so good is the freshness of the fish. They combine foreign fish (from Japan) and local fish (from Jeju). Pricey for sure. Perfect place for business or date.

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

JEJU ISLAND WINE & DINE

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller HungryLilTravelbug Reviewed 4/30/2016

*Based on 51 reviews

MYEONGJIN JEONBOK

This place is super busy and closes from 3-4 PM for break time. They ask you to choose what you want to eat while waiting for the table. It's a simple menu with four items. We tried three of the four. Abalone Porridge (12000 won): Nice thick porridge with lots of abalone inside. Abalone Hot Stone Rice (15000 won): By far the best dish (and everything we had was good).

128, Haemajihaean-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju, Jeju-do, Tel: 064-782-9944

Review by TripAdvisor Traveller bbmuimui Reviewed 5/6/2016

*Based on 65 reviews

OLRAE GUKSU 261-16, Yeon-dong, Jeju, Jeju-do, Tel: 064-742-7355

We were recommended to try this place out by our hotel staff (Hotel Leo) was just a few minutes walk away so we went. As we got there around 10.30am, was quite empty, but we decided to walk around and come back as it was still too early to eat something, so we came back around 1pm. It got quite busy, there was a line outside, so we just sat and waited. but then we saw the waitress just coming outside and shouting in Korean peoples names, but the...

*TripAdvisor ratings and reviews accurate as of May 2016

INFORMATION PACKING ESSENTIALS • • •

Phrase book - If you have a limited knowledge of Korean. Money pouch - Make sure you don’t lose anything in tightly packed markets. Hiking boots - Explore the beautiful national parks.

INFORMATION TRAVEL TIPS •

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Plan your visit to Sydney Airport by doing some research on the airport and your terminal, whether it be T1, T2 or T3. Check the security regulations in relation to what you can and cannot take through the security screening point and onto an aircraft, including prohibited items, dangerous goods, and liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs). Check your baggage allowance with your airline. Use the directional signage at the terminal to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through the airport. Ensure that your driver’s licence can be used in your country of destination or that you have organised an international driver’s licence. If you have not already purchased travel insurance along with your ticket, you can purchase it at Sydney Airport at the Last Chance Travel Insurance located in the International Terminal (T1) after Customs. Alternatively, purchase insurance at any Travelex outlet or the Australia Post Shop at International Terminal (T1) located before Customs, near check-in counter J. GET TO THE AIRPORT Make sure you have plenty of time ahead of check-in. If you are unsure as to when you should arrive at the airport, contact your airline directly.

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GET READY FOR BOARDING Security screening – whether your destination is within Australia or overseas, allow sufficient time to proceed through security screening. Australian Customs and Border Protection Service – allow sufficient time to proceed through Customs and Border Protection. Passports - must be valid for a minimum of six months ahead of your departing date for most countries. We strongly recommend you verify exact requirements with your airline. Boarding passes - issued at the airline check-in counter upon presentation of your ticket reservation (printed e-ticket) or booking confirmation number along with your valid passport. Immigration cards - available before you enter Customs and Border Protection. The cards must be filled out and presented to the Customs and Border Protection Officer along with your passport and boarding pass. Find your departing gate using display screens. These screens are available in the airline check-in area and at each departure gate. RELAX At Sydney airport, you have plenty of options to shop while you are waiting to board your flight. Remember that all duty free purchases must be finalised 20 minutes before your flight departs.

INFORMATION YOUR DESTINATION

DISTANCE FROM SYDNEY

WHEN TO GO

LANGUAGE

March-May (Spring)

Korean

WEATHER

TIME ZONE

CURRENCY

Summer: 22.5 - 25° Celsius Winter: -5 - -2.5° Celsius

UTC +9

South Korean Won

8,127 kilometres