Korea, a fascinating country famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and wonderful scenery, has always been on my travel bucket list. My trip to this fascinating country was a tapestry of experiences from the bustling streets of Seoul to the quiet countryside, and from the old palace to the modern wonders. In this travel diary, I share the unforgettable highlight of my trip to Korea, where I am immersed in Korean tradition, enjoy mouthwatering food, and find the warmth and kindness of Koreans.
The charm of Seoul, where tradition meets modernity
Seoul, the dynamic capital of Korea, welcomed me with open arms. The historic palaces of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, which have complex structures and gardens, gave a glimpse of the past of the Korean royal family. Walking through the bustling streets of Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun, I witnessed the fusion of tradition and modernity in the vibrant shopping and entertainment areas of the city. The scenery of Gangnam, a futuristic city, showed Korean technology, and I was impressed by its development.
Exploring Korean Food: The Adventures of Gourmet
It proved that Korean food is the beauty of travel by stimulating the appetite with various flavors. Every meal was a gourmet adventure, from tasting delicious street foods such as tteokbokki and hotteok to enjoying traditional foods such as bulgogi and bibimbap. The lively food market, such as Gwangjang Market, allowed us to sample real Korean delicacies and made us crave more.
Journey to the Past: Exploring Historic Cities
We explored historical cities that formed Korean culture outside of Seoul. In Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla, I admired the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram, and I was surprised by their artistic excellence and spiritual importance. The quaint streets of Hanok Village in Jeonju and Andong provided an experience to immerse yourself in traditional Korean life, which wandered among beautifully preserved wooden houses in hanbok.
The Beauty of Busan: Korea’s Second City
When I arrived at Busan Station by train, I was in the city center. I took a taxi for about 20 minutes, and when I arrived at Haeundae, the center of Busan, the scenery unfolded in front of me. The sea was so beautiful and I could see the beauty of Asians. When I moved to the city center, there were various hotels and entertainment casinos. Among them, I remember the most when I visited the Centiment Casino. First, I make friends with Koreans who approached me kindly and I still keep in touch with them. The kindness and sophistication of Koreans stood out. Busan will remain in my memory forever and it was a city where the city center and the sea were beautifully harmonized.
Embrace the beauty of nature: the tranquil countryside
The quiet countryside of Korea was fascinated by the beauty of nature. In the quiet scenery of Boseong Green Tea Farm, I walked through a terraced green tea field and sipped freshly brewed tea against the backdrop of a winding hill. The breathtaking scenery of Nami Island, decorated with colorful trees and gardens, gave us the feeling of stepping into the painting.
Captured by K-Drama: Visiting an iconic filming location
As a fan of Korean dramas, I couldn’t resist visiting the iconic set. The picturesque Namsan Tower in many dramas gave us a glimpse of the cityscape of Seoul. Myeong-dong’s lively shopping district, which K-drama fans like, was a fun place to buy souvenirs and immerse themselves in K-pop culture.
Soaking in Hot Springs: Escaping Rest
If I hadn’t experienced hot springs, my trip to Korea would not have been perfect, and the tranquil hot springs in Busan Spa Land Centum City provided a way of life where I was soaked in mineral-rich water and experienced the therapeutic effects of this ancient tradition.
Conclusion: A kaleidoscope of experience
My travel diary in Korea was a kaleidoscope of experience that was forever engraved in my memory. From the bustling metropolis of Seoul to the historic city and the quiet countryside, Korea has provided a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The warmth of Koreans, the richness of Korean culture, and the beauty of Korean scenery left an indelible mark on my mind. Farewell to this enchanting land, I took with me the precious memories of the journey that enriched my soul in an unimaginable way.