Buzz
After a prolonged closure due to the pandemic, in June 2022, South Korea reopened its doors to international travelers. Seizing the opportunity, we embarked on a journey to admire the autumn in Seoul.
Key considerations for planning a trip to Korea
Obtaining a South Korean visa may pose a slightly greater challenge for those with registered residences in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces. However, with a well-prepared and comprehensive application, success is within reach. Additionally, applicants with registered residences in Ho Chi Minh City are exempt from proving financial means (savings account with a minimum balance of 120,000,000 VND) when applying for a Korean visa.
A glimpse of Seoul in the twilight of autumn
In June 2022, international visitors entering South Korea were required to present a negative PCR test result for Covid-19, but outdoor mask mandates were not enforced. As of October 1, 2022, the Covid-19 negative test requirement has been lifted, though it's still advisable for individuals to carry test results for added assurance.
South Korea, being a temperate country with a significantly higher latitude than Northern Vietnam, experiences chilly autumn weather. Travelers to Korea during this season should meticulously prepare warm clothing to avoid health concerns.
We flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul on a night flight with Vietnam Airlines, landing at Incheon Airport the following morning.
Outside Incheon Airport, the autumn morning sky is a deep shade of blue.
Stunning Autumn check-in spots in Seoul
The 800-year-old Ginkgo Tree
The Ginkgo Tree, also known as the Maidenhair Tree, holds great significance in South Korea due to its longevity. In Korean historical sites, particularly ancient ones, you'll find numerous centuries-old Ginkgo Trees standing as majestic ancient witnesses.
On a radiant 'Ginkgo Tree Street' in autumn-colored Seoul
In Seoul, there are streets known as 'Ginkgo Tree Streets,' where both sides are adorned with abundant Ginkgo Trees. Despite the pungent odor of ripe Ginkgo fruits, they are valued as a potent medicinal remedy, addressing various health issues. Ginkgo Trees also serve as excellent air purifiers and insect repellents. Consequently, Koreans actively cultivate Ginkgo Trees, implementing measures to handle ripe fruits without impacting tourism development.
We visited the 800-year-old Ginkgo Tree in Jiangsu, near the East Gate of Incheon Park, in the city of Incheon – an urban neighbor adjacent to Seoul.
The resplendent 800-year-old Ginkgo Tree at the entrance of Incheon Park
This ancient Ginkgo Tree stands proudly at over 30 meters, its expansive canopy providing ample shade over a vast area. Due to its immense size and age, a support column system is in place for the large branches, and a fence surrounds the tree's base, limiting the visitor area for tourists.
Graceful poses beneath the Ginkgo's canopy
Vivid golden leaves adorn the base of the Ginkgo Tree
Gyeongbok Royal Palace
The palace is situated at 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This grand palace is the largest in South Korea, symbolizing the dignity and rule of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbok translates to 'Prosperity,' signifying everlasting happiness. Another name for it is Gyeongbok Palace. Constructed in 1395, Gyeongbok Palace served as the central hub of political activities for numerous Joseon dynasty rulers until 1910.
The main entrance on the southern side of Gyeongbok Palace: Gwanghwamun
'The virtue of the king illuminates the entire nation.'
The second gate of Gyeongbok Palace: Geunjeongmun
Heungnyemun, initially named OMun, was built in 1426. In 1867, the gate was reconstructed and renamed Heungnyemun. Positioned as the second gate within Gwanghwamun, it shares the two-tiered roof design with Gwanghwamun.
The third gate of the royal palace: Geunjeongmun
Geunjeongmun, the third gate of Gyeongbok Royal Palace, serves as the main entrance to the inner courtyard and the Geunjeongjeon Hall. This gate features a double-tiered roof and three doors, similar to Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun. The central passage is reserved exclusively for the king.
Given that Gyeongbok Palace boasts over 5,500 rooms and 330 structures, exploring the entire complex would take considerable time. We managed to explore only the main gate structures of the palace, without venturing inside.
Yonsei University – Dongguk University
Inside Yonsei University resembles a park.
Established in 1885, Yonsei University is one of the oldest private universities in South Korea. The main campus is located in Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
The vibrant autumn campus of Dongguk University
Dongguk University is located at 30 Pildong-ro 1-gil, Jangchung Dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul. It is a Buddhist university established in 1906, one of the few Buddhist universities worldwide. Notably, many Korean film stars, such as Han Hyo Joo, Shin Min Ah, Go Hyeonjung, have studied here.
Yeouido Hangang Park
Along both banks of the Han River in Seoul, Koreans have developed several parks named 'Hangang' (Han River). Autumn in these parks is vibrant with the colors of leaves, especially shades of yellow and red.
Breathtaking autumn scenery at Yeouido Hangang Park
Architectural wonders hidden amidst autumn foliage in the park
The branches adorned with red leaves...
... and pathways carpeted in golden foliage
The colossal Starfield Library
Starfield Library officially opened its doors in mid-2017, nestled within the underground shopping center Coex Mall in Gangnam District, Seoul.
The library boasts colossal bookshelves towering up to 13 meters in height at four corners, showcasing over 50,000 books and various magazines in Korean.
The towering bookshelves reach an impressive height of 13 meters, surpassing the height of a three-story building.
The interior space of the library is vast and lofty. The library ceiling, adorned with glass and grid-like frames, creates a soaring ambiance. Amidst the towering bookshelves, spacious halls feature stacks of books, forming lively scenes resembling vibrant paintings.
Tiny and nestled among countless books in Starfield Library
Currently, the underground shopping center Coex Mall is not just a bustling entertainment and shopping hub in Seoul but also a favorite spot for travel enthusiasts seeking the renowned Starfield Library.
K-Star Road – a renowned street in Seoul's capital
An unmissable spot in Seoul for the younger generation is 'K-Star Road.' Located on Apgujeong Street in Cheongdam District, Gangnam, Seoul, it houses the headquarters of many famous K-pop management companies, including JYP Entertainment, FNC Entertainment, Cube Entertainment, and more.
Check-in at 'K-Star Road' in Seoul
Additionally, this street is known as Cheongdam Fashion Street, featuring a stretch of less than 1km but hosting a cluster of high-end fashion stores: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, and more.
The renowned Galleria shopping district in Cheongdam
Culinary Delights in Seoul
It would be a real oversight to be solely enchanted by the autumn hues of Seoul and forget to indulge in the marvelous Korean cuisine. Like any other tourist city, Seoul boasts numerous nighttime culinary districts offering enticing grilled dishes. The renowned Korean dish, kimchi, has surely captured the hearts of many Vietnamese enthusiasts. After exhaustive sightseeing sessions, relishing Korean delicacies is an absolute joy for us. Korean dishes, in general, are easily palatable for Vietnamese, satisfying not just the taste buds but also rejuvenating weary legs after our adventures.
Korean rice with the famous kimchi
Shabu-shabu hot pot with ribs and mushrooms
Grilled delights on the streets of Seoul at night
Additionally, we took a boat ride on the Han River (though, truth be told, the Han River in Seoul isn't remarkably different from the Saigon River in our hometown; it's just that the Koreans excel at tourism). We also splurged at the tax-free shopping haven Shinsegae. The days in Seoul flew by, and we found ourselves back home in a daze, contemplating where to go and what to eat.
Author: Tong Thi Thu Sinh
*Article participating in the Mytour Goglobal program
Mytour Goglobal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations worldwide, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote unique travel destinations globally. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 1,200,000 VND and a chance to become a collaborator with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/goglobal
