Why Visit South Korea? A Travelglaze Guide to an Underrated Destination
When I told people last year that I was planning to visit South Korea, the most common reaction was, “Why South Korea?” In my network, it’s not a typical travel destination, and it was hard to explain why I was so excited to go. But for me and my best friend—my longtime travel buddy—it was an easy decision. South Korea seemed like the perfect destination for one of my signature Travelglaze journeys.
If you’ve been wondering whether South Korea should be on your travel list, let me help you decide! Here are some key things I learned during my visit that will make you fall in love with this incredible country.
In this traditional house in Andong it is possible to stay overnight
1. Is South Korea Safe to Travel To?
Let’s address the big question: Is it safe to travel to South Korea? The short answer is yes—South Korea is one of the safest countries I’ve ever visited.
Even though the situation with North Korea might seem concerning, daily life in South Korea feels stable and secure. Here are some examples of the country’s incredible safety:
- You can leave your luggage outside a shop or hand your car keys to a parking attendant without worry.
- Walking the streets at night feels completely safe, even in big cities like Seoul.
- Public spaces are designed with safety in mind—there are emergency buttons in public toilets and glass walls in front of metro tracks.
- Strict safety regulations, such as reduced speed limits in busy areas, keep things orderly (though they might be responsible for some traffic jams!).
If safety is a concern for you when choosing a destination, South Korea should give you complete peace of mind.
2. South Korea Is Immaculately Clean
Oh My Goodness. South Korea is one of the cleanest countries I’ve ever been to! That makes it so comfortable to travel!
The roads, public spaces, restaurants, hotels, and shops are spotless. What’s even more surprising is that you’ll hardly find any trash cans on the streets, yet there’s no litter anywhere.
If you love traveling to places where cleanliness is a priority, South Korea is 100% Travelglaze-worthy!
3. Navigating the Language Barrier
While most people in South Korea speak only Korean, it’s easier than you might think to get around as an English speaker. Here’s why:
- Many street signs and public transport directions are in English.
- Koreans are incredibly kind and eager to help. For example, when we stopped at a gas station, staff helped us select the right fuel for our car.
- With tools like Google Translate, it’s now possible to communicate, even if you don’t know a word of Korean.
Don’t let the language barrier hold you back—it’s easy to explore South Korea with a little help and some technology.
4. Public Transport: Quick, Safe, and Reliable
South Korea’s public transportation system is fantastic! Whether you’re hopping on a metro in Seoul or taking a high-speed train to another city, it’s:
- Extremely well-organized.
- Safe and clean (as you’d expect!).
- Affordable and efficient, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
With such a smooth system, getting around South Korea is not difficult. There are different kinds of prepay travel cards. I used T-money and it was comfortable and easy
5. Accommodation Tips
South Korea offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and hostels. However, there’s one important tip I’d recommend:
Book your stays using international booking platforms. Many Korean accommodations only have websites in Korean, and while online translators like Google can help, entering your information into their reservation forms can be tricky without a Korean keyboard . Using trusted platforms like Booking.com or Agoda ensures a smoother experience.
6. Places to Visit in South Korea
Travelling on a railbike in gangchon Rail park
South Korea is packed with amazing attractions. Here are just a few highlights:
- Seoul: The vibrant capital city offers a mix of modern attractions and historic landmarks. It’s huge, with distinct neighborhoods offering different vibes and activities.
- Busan: A colorful coastal city known for its unique sights, seafood markets, and stunning beaches.
- Jeonju: A charming city in the south, famous for its historic hanok (traditional Korean houses) village and delicious food.
- Incheon: This is where the international airport is situated. I was surprised by this city, because it is not mentioned often on other travel sites.
While there are countless things to do, keep in mind that some attractions might feel repetitive—for example, we tried three rail bike trails and visited multiple illusion museums and aquariums. So remember that it is not about doing it all, but more at doing it slow and comfortable.
7. The People: A Big Reason to Visit South Korea
Before visiting South Korea, I came across some advice online suggesting that tourists shouldn’t approach locals with questions because it might not be welcomed. While this might hold true for the younger, fast-paced K-pop generation, I found the opposite to be true when interacting with people closer to my own age.
The kindness and hospitality we experienced were incredible. In one hotel, for example, our host went out of their way to prepare a special homemade continental breakfast for us after we casually mentioned how hard it was to find breakfast restaurants. Small gestures like these made us feel so welcomed and connected to the local culture.
8. The Food: A Flavorful Adventure
One of the absolute highlights of visiting South Korea is the food! I fell in love with the bold flavors, variety of dishes, and the whole dining experience. That said, eating in Korea can be a little challenging at first—there’s a certain order to how things are done, and if you get it wrong, you might be firmly (but kindly!) corrected by the staff. It’s all part of the fun, though, and every meal is an adventure.
Here are some of my favorite must-try dishes that you shouldn’t miss:
- Bibimbap: This iconic Korean dish originated in Jeonju and comes in many delicious varieties. Don’t forget—it should be mixed thoroughly before you eat it!
- Gimbap: Korean-style seaweed rice rolls. A tip: don’t ask for soy sauce with it, as it’s not traditionally served that way!
- Kimchi: A side dish made of fermented vegetables, usually with a spicy kick. It comes with nearly every meal, and there are endless varieties to try.
- Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy, flavorful, and absolutely addictive.
- Korean BBQ: A must-do experience! Grill your own meat at the table and enjoy it with an array of delicious sides—it’s truly the best.
Korean cuisine is full of surprises, from the flavors to the cultural etiquette, and it’s worth diving into. If you want to learn more about the amazing food in Korea, check out my next blogpost
Bimibap with soup
Travelglaze Moment: Exploring Incheon
On our last day in South Korea, we decided to stay close to the airport since we were flying home in the evening. That’s how we ended up exploring Incheon—and what a hidden gem it turned out to be!
We discovered a beautiful boulevard along the ocean, bustling with activity and charm. Small stages dotted the area, where talented performers entertained passersby. A monorail zipped by overhead, adding a touch of modernity to the lively scene.
One of the highlights was stumbling upon Incheon’s China Town and the nearby Fairy Tale Village, where walls and buildings were painted with colorful fairy tale characters. Walking through this area was truly amazing.
It was such a delightful and unexpected experience—definitely a moment worthy of the Travelglaze spirit.
Why You Should Visit South Korea
South Korea is a destination that offers safety, cleanliness, incredible food, fascinating culture, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant cities like Seoul, coastal escapes like Busan, or hidden gems off the beaten path, South Korea has something for every traveler.
If you’re looking for a new adventure, I hope this guide helps you decide to add South Korea to your list. Trust me—it’s an experience you won’t forget. And feel welcome to share your experiences! I love to hear from you.
