So you’ve landed in South Korea. What do you do next? While there are a thousand things we think you can do on your visit to South Korea. We will try to narrow it down to those things worth your precious time and energy. This guide will be extensive and hopefully will provide an insight into the best things to do in South Korea in January, February all the way to December. But first, check out the best things to do in South Korea per month.
Best Things To Do In South Korea Anytime Regardless
Go on a Palace Tour in Seoul. Seoul boasts of five palaces from the Chosun Dynasty, which was established by Yi Seong-gye in 1392. Gyeongbok Palace, the central and oldest of these five palaces, is also the most famous. The other four palaces are: Changdeok Palace, Changgyeong Palace, Gyeonghui Palace, and Deoksu Palace.
Shop at Myeongdong in Seoul. A place to get your clothes and beauty junkie fix – Myeongdong will get you giggling inside, literally. Shopping should always be on anyone’s itinerary while in South Korea, especially for skincare and cosmetics aficionados and enthusiast, it’s dirt cheap here! And anywhere outside Korea, these products sell three times their worth. So, you have the option to go crazy all you want.
Shop for artwork on Gwangju’s Art Street. Gwangju is the place where you can get artwork that veers from South Korean traditions. Gwangju has long been known as an artists’ haven, and Art Street is lined with studios and galleries.
Check out the Dolhareubang on Jeju Island. Dolhareubang or “old grandfather” refers to the statues of old men made out of volcanic rock found all over Jeju Island. The statues have become so associated with Jeju Island that the Dolhareubang has become the island’s official symbol.
Tour the DMZ in Seoul. The Demilitarized Zone is the no man’s land that divides the two Koreas. It is also the only place you can safely enter North Korea. Albeit as part of a strictly controlled and guided tour group.
Things To Do In South Korea In January
Ski Anywhere in South Korea’s Parks. I don’t want to burst your bubble. January must be the greyest time to be in South Korea. But hey, if you love experiencing winter and doing winter sport is your thing, then you just came in time. The most perfect place activity as it is pretty cheap in South Korea, you have the options of going to Phoenix Park or Vivaldi. Both are not too far from Seoul and offer affordable skiing rental equipment, enough for you to bask in the Korean winter experience.
Pyeongchang Trout Festival in Gangwon-do. Fancy catching fish with your two hands? Try it! The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is a unique festival of its kind. Visitors can partake in activities like ice fishing, sledging, kite flying and sledging. With every year, there is a steady increase of tourists participating in this festival to celebrate the abundance of trouts in Gangwon-do due to its cold and clear waters.
Things To Do In South Korea In February
Celebrate the Lunar Year. The Lunar Year usually falls in February. Thus, there a bunch of activities that you can only do during these periods. But, the most memorable and probably the most fascinating is paying a visit to the Royal Palaces.
Seoul Plaza Outdoor Ice Skating. At this particular time of the year, Seoul turns into a winter wonderland. So, you have a few days left to experience an outdoor skating rink and skate with the locals.
Things To Do In South Korea In March
Jeju Fire Festival. To pray for a healthy and prosperous new year, the self-governing province of Jeju-si started the Jeju Fire Festival. A long time ago, farmers of Jeju to kill harmful rodents and grow new grass for their cattle, they would set fire to their fields. However, guests can experience and see the traditional lifestyle and practices of the farmers, via traditional wedding ceremony and so many more.
Things To Do In South Korea In April & May
Go on a Sakura Trail. Sakura or the Cherry blossoms are not only seen in Japan, ok? The start of spring is always signified through the blossoming of flowers. But it couldn’t get more iconic than the blossoming of the cherry blossoms. In fact, Seoul boasts a 190 km trail of parks, riversides and roadsides of these well-loved flowers. Take a scenic walk in during the beginning of September and don’t forget to get loads of pictures.
Things To Do In South Korea In June & July
Boryeong Mud Festival in Chungcheongnam-do. A festival lasting for 10 days. The Mud Festival at Daecheon Beach in Chungcheongnam-do is without a doubt South Korea’s biggest festival. As the name suggests it is a celebration of mud where most mud-based Korean skincare and cosmetic products are made. Thus, every summer there are millions of people flocking the beach of Daecheon. You are not only seeing the part of South Korea’s genius when it comes to skincare. But, also getting a mud facial.
Things To Do In South Korea In August
Pentaport Rock Festival. Rock festivals in Seoul are all the rave in summer. The Pentaport Rock Museum is a collective activity of over 60 bands from all over the world. That includes rock bands, folk and indie bands are also invited. Head up to Incheon for this festival.
Head to the Beach. Because why not? If it is hot the famous Haeundae Beach in Busan will give you your much-needed fun and vibrant summer. It is so popular you’ll see a bunch of umbrellas on the beach, I kid you not.
Things To Do In South Korea In September
Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival. The Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival is held in Gangwon-do to pay homage to Lee Hyo-seok. A Korean novelist famous for his short story “When Buckwheat Flowers Blossom.” Gangwon do is where the festival is held is also the novelist’s birthplace. There are literary contests, an exhibition of illustrated poems, and the ‘Night of Literature’ event, and programs. It offered such as a scenic walk through a buckwheat field and traditional buckwheat food making.
Wonju Haji Festival. “Hanji” is a type of traditional Korean paper used for writing. But, it is can be used to make dolls, clothes, crafts, and lanterns. Simple yet this amazing material can do so much. Meanwhile, guests will even get a chance to make their own artwork from Hanji.
Things To Do In South Korea In October
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival. Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is traced back from the lantern lighting tradition used during the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjinwaeran War during the Japanese invasion in 1592. As a way to prevent Japanese troops from walking on the waters of the Namgang River. The lanterns were lit and were used as communication tools with family members. But, as time passes the lanterns were seen as a form of honouring the men who died during the war. Busan Jagalchi Festival. The Jagalchi Market is the most well-known seafood market in Korea, famous for its tons of fresh seafood caught in the waters right off the port. The market becomes a great place for tourists during the annual Jagalchi Festival as there are plenty of activities guests can join.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Headed by an all-star team famous for its amazing lighting displays, laser shows and a bunch of superb performances and events.
Things To Do In South Korea In November
Seoul Lantern Festival. Do you like free things? Well, this one is always free. The Seoul Lantern Festival is the perfect prelude to coming of winter in South Korea. There’s a bunch of beautiful lanterns that are wandering in the streams of Seoul. What’s the perfect pair for a beautiful sight? Glorious Korean street food, of course!
Things To Do In South Korea In December
Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival. Where do tea plantations and wonderful lights go perfectly together? Only at the Yulpo Beach Pavilion Observatory in Jeolla.
New Year’s Sunrise Festivals Falling between December 30 to January 1 every year, Sunrise Festivals in South Korea happen pretty much everywhere, namely in Jeju, Ulsan, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gangwon-do, and Jeollanam-do. During these festivals, common elements include fireworks displays, listening to traditional songs or dances.
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