Insider Tips for Independent Travel in South Korea 2024 - Essential for Adventurers

Independent travel in South Korea has gradually become a favored form of tourism among Vietnamese youth in recent years. Although a solo trip always brings many exciting experiences to travelers. However, without thorough preparation of the necessary knowledge and experience, you may encounter challenging situations. To have the most complete journey, please follow the article below! These tips for independent travel in South Korea will help you have a truly successful trip.

When is the Best Time to Travel to South Korea?

One of the first things everyone needs to consider for independent travel in South Korea is choosing the right time to travel. So, when is the ideal time to visit South Korea? If you are planning to visit the land of kimchi, pay attention to the following times.

Every season in South Korea carries its own unique beauty (Image Source: Collection)

What to prepare before traveling to South Korea on your own?

According to the tips for independent travel in South Korea, to have a perfect outbound trip, travelers need to prepare a lot of things beforehand. Besides luggage, here are some things to keep in mind before setting off to Korea:

From March to May: This is the time when South Korea is in spring with warm weather. Therefore, if you love spring in the land of kimchi, then travelers should choose to visit this country from March to May. Coming to Korea at this time, you will experience many fascinating flower festivals.

Prior to your self-guided trip to South Korea, selecting an airline and booking tickets is essential. There are numerous airlines offering flights from Vietnam to South Korea, providing travelers with a variety of options based on personal finances and preferences. Popular choices include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Air.

Additionally, there are plenty of airlines for travelers to choose from when flying from Vietnam to South Korea. Depending on personal financial situations and airline preferences, there are numerous options available. You can book tickets with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, and more.

Explore the most enticing tourist destinations in South Korea. As a country with a strong tourism industry, South Korea attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Here are some attractive tourist spots that readers can consider based on the experiences shared by many self-guided travelers to South Korea.

As a country with a robust tourism sector, South Korea draws in a diverse array of tourists from across the globe. Below are some of the most appealing tourist destinations that readers can explore based on the self-guided travel experiences shared by many.

Seoul, the capital city, stands as a mesmerizing tourist hotspot attracting a myriad of international travelers. (Image Source: Collection)

• Seoul Capital: Delve into Seoul and explore a plethora of architectural marvels spanning from classical to contemporary. Moreover, indulge in the renowned Korean cuisine and vibrant shopping scenes. 
• Jeju Island: Known as the 'love paradise,' Jeju Island is a must-visit for couples embarking on a journey in Korea. The island boasts captivating landscapes such as Mount Halla, Seongsan Sunrise Peak, and Seopjikoji coastal road. 
• Nami Island: With its pleasant weather, Nami Island shines especially in autumn with its vibrant golden hues. This picturesque scenery has charmed countless visitors. Furthermore, Nami Island offers an array of delectable dishes including Korean-style grilled meat, stir-fried boneless chicken with cabbage, and fresh seafood delicacies. 
• Busan City: Being Korea's largest port city, Busan is not only a bustling trade hub but also home to enchanting beaches that allure travelers. Don't miss out on visiting landmarks like Busan Tower, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and Yongdusan Park. 

• Namsan Tower: A renowned symbol in Seoul, offering panoramic views of the city.

• National Museum of Korea: A repository of valuable cultural and historical artifacts of the nation.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: A traditional crafts village with a long-standing history in Korea.

• Everland Theme Park: Korea's largest amusement park featuring a plethora of exciting rides and events.

• Myeongdong Shopping District: A shopper's paradise and culinary haven in Seoul.

• Seoraksan Mountain Peak: One of Korea's highest and most beautiful peaks.

• Insadong Cultural Street: An artsy and cultural area adorned with numerous traditional shops and street artists.

• Gangnam District: A commercial and entertainment hub, renowned for its modern and luxurious lifestyle.

Where to Stay When Traveling in Korea?

Choosing the right accommodation plays a vital role in ensuring a fulfilling trip to Korea. Here are some top-quality hotels in Korea for your consideration based on compiled experiences of independent travelers: 

1. Hotels in Seoul

If your destination is the capital city of Seoul in South Korea, consider the following hotels: 

• Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun. Address: 9 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Jung, Seoul.
• INSADONG hostel. Address: 48, Insadong 14 Gil, jongno-gu, Insadong, Jongno, Seoul.
• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Address: 97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Gwanghwamun, Jongno, Seoul.
• Hotel Kuretakeso Insadong. Address: 20-9, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Insadong, Jongno, Seoul.

The modern Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun (Image Source: Collection)

2. Hotels on Nami Island

As a flourishing tourist destination, Nami Island offers a plethora of hotels and accommodations for travelers to choose from. Here is a list of some renowned hotels on Nami Island:

• Gapyeong Humantown Pension. Address: 882, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Chuncheon, Gangwon.
• W Jiwoo Resort. Address: 970-42, Bukhangangbyeon-ro Gapyeong-eup, Chuncheon, Gangwon.
• Gapyeong Aromspa Pension. Address: 1007-32, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Chuncheon, Gangwon.
• Chuncheon Best Campgrounds. Address: Gapyeong-eup, 518, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong, Gyeonggi.

The Gapyeong Humantown Pension with fully equipped rooms (Image Source: Collection)

3. Hotels on Jeju Island

Wondering where to stay on Jeju Island? If you're pondering this question, here are some quality hotels on Jeju Island for your reference: 

• Ocean Palace Hotel. Address: 14, Joong Ang-ro, Seogwipo, Jeju Island.
• Utop Ubless Hotel. Address: 502, Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, Jeju Island.
• Jeju Slim Hotel. Address: 292-1, Seogwang-ro, Jeju City, Jeju Island.
• Hotel JM. Address: 10-7, Sammu-ro 1-gil, Jeju City, Jeju Island.

The Ocean Palace Hotel on Jeju Island (Image Source: Collection)

4. Hotels in Busan

If your self-guided tour of South Korea includes a stop in Busan, consider these hotels for your stay: 

• MIDI Hotel Busan. Address: 45, Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Yeongdo, Busan.
• Brown-Dot Songdo Hotel. Address: 47, Chungmu-daero 34beon-gil, Seo-gu, Seo, Busan.
• Fairfield by Marriott Busan. Address: 314 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Heundaeu, Busan.
• Nampo Ocean 2 Heaven Hotel & Spa. Address: 21, Jagalchi-ro, Jung-gu, Jung, Busan.

MIDI Hotel Busan is a favorite among international travelers (Image Source: Collection)

What to Eat in South Korea?

Besides its stunning landscapes, Korean cuisine also receives acclaim from many tourists. If you're unsure what to eat, based on self-guided travel experiences in South Korea, here's a list of delicious dishes to try in the land of Kimchi: 

• BBQ Grilled Meat: This is a top-rated dish in the land of Kimchi. Grilled meat, served with fresh vegetables, promises an unforgettable taste experience. 
• Kimchi-based Dishes: A trip to South Korea without sampling authentic Kimchi is incomplete. Therefore, don't forget to indulge in dishes made from Kimchi! You can try dishes like Kimchi soup, Kimchi fried rice, etc. 
• Tteokbokki Rice Cakes: Rice cakes simmered in red chili paste, meat, and green onions. This delightful fusion will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds during your trip. 
• Kimbap Rice Rolls: Made from familiar ingredients such as rice, fried egg, tuna, carrot, etc. This long-standing Korean dish can easily win over even the most discerning diners. 
• Pork Sausages: Korean pork sausages are made from ingredients such as barley, pig intestines, noodles, spices, etc. You can enjoy this delicious dish at bars, street stalls, etc.

Tteokbokki Rice Cakes are a must-try dish when self-guided traveling in South Korea (Image Source: Collection)

What to Buy as Gifts after Your Trip to South Korea?

After an international trip, buying gifts for family and friends is a common practice for many people. According to self-guided travel experiences in South Korea, here are some gift suggestions for everyone to consider.

Korean ginseng makes a great gift for the health of loved ones, friends (Image Source: Collection)

• Beauty Products: South Korea is one of the world's beauty paradises. Therefore, there are many types of cosmetics from famous brands here. Choosing cosmetics as gifts is an excellent choice. 
• Clothing: Besides cosmetics, clothing is also a meaningful gift for loved ones after a trip. You can buy clothes as gifts at markets like Itaewon, Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, etc.
• Korean Ginseng: This is undoubtedly the most meaningful gift on your trip to give to family and friends. With high nutritional content, ginseng helps to nourish health and is beneficial for the body. 
• Traditional Korean Liquors: These are Soju and rice wine. These will be very meaningful and practical gifts for friends. 
• Tea: Traditional Korean tea is not only delicious but also very good for health. These teas also support effective beauty. 

How Much Does Self-Guided Travel in South Korea Cost?

To make the trip complete, budget preparation plays a particularly important role. So, how much money do you need for self-guided travel in South Korea?

According to information compiled from those who have self-guided travel experiences in South Korea, it's advisable to prepare around 15 million VND or more. Note that this amount does not include airfare. With about 15 million VND, you can comfortably spend on activities such as dining, accommodation, and transportation in South Korea for about 5-6 days. If your trip lasts longer, the budget will certainly increase accordingly.

Preparing the budget is a crucial factor in self-guided travel in South Korea (Image Source: Collection)

In addition, traveling in a group can definitely reduce the cost per person compared to traveling alone. Therefore, if you're planning a self-guided trip to South Korea, it's best to invite a group of friends, ideally 3-4 people.

Some Other Tips for Self-Guided Travel in South Korea

Setting foot in a foreign country, there are many things to consider. You may encounter unfavorable situations due to language barriers, cultural differences, etc. To avoid such situations, travelers visiting South Korea should pay attention to the following issues:

• Avoid staring or pointing fingers at others.
• Avoid spitting in public places.
• Avoid laughing, talking loudly on the subway.
• When visiting temples or shrines, remember to take off your shoes outside, wear modest and respectful clothing.

Hopefully, the insights for self-guided travel in South Korea shared in this article will provide you with valuable information for your journey. And if you're considering a tour of South Korea, don't forget to book your tour with Mytour through the hotline Mytour.

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