Travel Different: Korea’s Hidden Gems and Experiences – Revealed!

Travel Different: Korea’s Hidden Gems and Experiences – Revealed!

See a whole new side of Korea you never even knew existed.

Congratulations, you’ve made it halfway through the calendar year! No, really, give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far. After going through the daily grind for the past six months, it’s time to shake things up with a well-deserved break. And what better way to reward and rejuvenate yourself with a visit to Korea?

Explore this phenomenal peninsula and see for yourself what you’ve been missing out on. And we don’t just mean just shopping and feasting – from hot spas and paragliding to living alongside Buddhist monks, here are some things you never knew you could do in Korea.

1. Paraglide Through a City

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Shy away from the typical shopping enclaves of Seoul and go paragliding for a much-needed adrenaline boost. Yep, you heard that right. Paraglide over Yongin City, and have an entire Korean city beneath your feet! How often can you soar over acres and acres of greenery during your city holiday? If you’ve never tried paragliding, don’t worry – you’ll be accompanied by a professional instructor at all times.

Cost: S$148

Address: 306-1, Choburi, Mohyeon-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
Nearest train station: Choburi Station
Operating hours: 10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm (March to October)

BOOK YOUR PARAGLIDING ADVENTURE HERE!

2. Visit the Disputed Maritime Area Between North & South Korea

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Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of North Korea’s iron curtain? Well, now you can! Yes this is totally legit and not a gimmick of any sort – here, you’ll be treated to front row views of the disputed maritime area between both peninsulas of Korea. The tumultuous relationship between the two sides extend even to the seas, and have seen countless valiantly fought battles throughout the years. Forget the crowds at the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the Northern Limit Line is the real deal! Scale the Aegibong Peak Observatory, and catch a glimpse of life in North Korea’s Gaeseong city behind the DMZ. The only gimmick you’ll witness is the North’s fake rural model village.

Cost: S$136

Address: Northern Limit Line
Meeting Location: Hotel pick up
Meeting Time: 7.00am – 8.00am and back at the hotel at around 5.00pm

GET FRONT ROW SEATS TO THE KOREAN DISPUTE NOW!

3. Feel like royalty at the Korea House

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If you would like to learn more about the Korean culture during your trip, how about spending an evening at the renowned Korea House? Famous for its cultural performances and traditional court cuisine, the Korea House will not only give you a better glimpse into Korea’s extremely rich history, it will also satisfy your stomach and taste buds as well! Start off your evening with an extensive selection of Korean dishes expertly prepared by professional chefs, inspired by what was commonly eaten during the Joseon Dynasty. Following that, you’ll be treated to an amazing performance of eight different traditional acts. After the show ends, there’ll also be photo opportunities with the performers themselves – the perfect memorabilia for the one-of-a-kind experience! All of this, on top of being treated like a royal? Yup, count us in.

Cost: S$38.30

Address: 80-2, Pil-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
Nearest train station: Chungmuro Station

EXPERIENCE ROYALTY FOR A DAY!

4. Watch a Local K-Pop Show Live

korea travel experience

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No visit to Korea is complete until you’ve done something K-Pop related! And we know exactly the thing for you K-Pop fanatics. Instead of coughing out hundreds of dollars to catch your favourite artists live, why not step onto the set of a popular music television broadcast instead? Embrace being in an intimate setting with some of Korea’s best artists and emcees. With live music and performances for recording purposes, scream your lungs out as your favourite heartthrobs take centre stage for some dazzling entertainment. K-Pop fans, eat your hearts out!

P.S. Book early and you just might score front-row seats.

Cost: S$80

Nearest train station: Media City Station
Opening hours: Every Tuesday 5:30pm-8:30pm (Live Broadcast time: 6:30pm-7:50pm)

NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO MARVEL AT YOUR K-POP IDOLS!

5. Indulge in a German-style Spa Resort after a shopping spree

korea travel experience

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SHOPPING – a quintessential part of everyone’s visit to Korea. And a good place to have that crazy shopping spree is at the Yeoju Premium Outlets, which is home to a staggering 270 outlet stores! Grab your purses and hit this shopper’s paradise with discounts of up to 65% off on designer brands on Burberry, Fendi, Gucci, and more. Embark on a full day’s worth of retail therapy as you scour the vicinity for the best deals around. After which, soothe your aching back and feet at the Icheon Termeden, a German-style spa resort featuring indoor and outdoor pools surrounded by the forest. Unwind from the hustle and bustle of Seoul’s cityscape and revitalise amidst the water jets and hot baths on offer. Your Korean holiday just can’t get any better than this!

Cost: S$121

Meeting Location: Pick up from Hongik Uni. Station Exit 3 or Myeongdong Station Exit 3
Meeting Time: 8.00am (Hongik Uni. Station Exit 3) or 8.30am (Myeongdong Station Exit 3)

PAMPER YOURSELF, YOU DESERVE IT!

6. Stay in a temple and experience life as a Buddhist monk

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Want to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle for some peace and quiet? Look no further than a temple stay at Geumsunsa Temple, which boasts over 600 years of history! There are three types of stays that you can try: Daily Templestay (three hours) which includes a temple tour, Experiential Templestay (2D1N) with scheduled activities, or Relaxation Templestay (2D1N+) with participation in ceremonies and a more flexible schedule. During this unique experience, you can participate in Buddhist craft-making, 108 Prostrations, meditation or a tea ceremony with a monk. Even if you’re not a Buddhist, this is an activity you wouldn’t want to miss out on because the refreshing experience might just change your outlook on life.

Cost: S$37.40

Address: 196-2, Gugidong, Jongnogu, Seoul, Korea
Nearest train station: Gyeongbokgung Station

TIME TO ZEN!

7. Bake some goodies whilst cruising Down the Han River

korea travel experience

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Immerse yourself in an interactive baking experience – whilst on a cruise! Put on your apron and get cooking as you revel in some authentic Korean culinary experiences. From the comforts of your cruise, check out the Banpo Bridge, the world’s longest bridge fountain, as you coast along the Han River. Don’t miss the performances staged by the crew and bakers on your tenure on board the cruise! Whatever it is, your entertaining E-LAND cruise will definitely be a night to remember.

Cost: S$40

Nearest train station: Yeouinaru Station
Opening hours: Daily show times at 5.00pm and 8.00pm

CRUISE DOWN THE HAN RIVER NOW!

8. Stay in Korea’s Santorini-like Hotel

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Be magically transported to the Italian region of Santorini as you pamper yourself with a 2D1N stay at the Sol Beach Resort in Korea! The Santorini-inspired architecture and interior design promises to ease you into its tranquil and idyllic surroundings, granting all its guests their own personal downtime and private space. For those feeling frisky, try your hand at some slide boarding, a bout in the Extreme River and more! Otherwise just sit back, relax and enjoy the view – you deserve it.

Cost: S$223

Meeting Location: Subway Line 2 Seoul Sports Complex Exit 6
Meeting Time: 9.00am

BOOK YOUR STAY AT KOREA’S SANTORINI!

9. Become a Herb Connoisseur

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Get hands-on with ginseng picking 1,500 meters above sea level! This exclusively arranged tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the immense backdrop of an organic farm. Harvest some ginseng and savour some Korean delicacies infused with brewed ginseng during your visit. Round it off with a trek through Herb Island, an island in abundance of Mediterranean herbs, and marvel at the local produce on show! Forget your shopping plans and get back to nature instead through a discovery of the natural Korean wilderness.

Cost: S$223

Meeting Location: Hotel pick up
Meeting Time: 7.00am

HARVEST YOUR OWN GINSENG HERE!

10. Experience Europe in Korea

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Why fly all the way to Europe when you can experience the same rustic architecture right in the heart of Korea? That’s right, the Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park is here to provide you with that luxurious Swiss hospitality right in Asia! With a beautiful natural arboretum home to 3,000 plant species, saunter through this floral wonderland and take in every inch of this whimsical paradise. Still can’t get enough of the outdoors? Head to Yu-jeong Station and bike down an abandoned railway surrounded by trees, roaring rivers, and fragrant forest aromas.

Cost: S$126

Meeting Location: Hotel pick up
Meeting Time: 7.30am

EMBRACE EUROPE IN KOREA NOW!

BONUS: Poo Poo Land Seoul

korea travel experience

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The ingenuity of Koreans is exemplified in this theme park revolving around all things related to – yep, you guessed it – poo. Poo Poo Land is meant to illustrate (and involve you) in the digestive processes that your body goes through. This tongue-in-cheek theme park is sure to induce a smirk each time you take part in their highly interactive gameplays. At the end, you’ll even get flushed out of the theme park like poo!

Cost: S$6

Nearest train station: Anguk Station
Opening hours: 11.00am-8.00pm (Monday to Sunday), last admission is at 7.00pm

BOOK YOUR DIGESTIVE ADVENTURE TODAY!

Whatever it is you’re looking for, Korea’s multifaceted society will duly provide! From scenic exploits in the Korean frondescence to wild shenanigans at theme parks, Korea’s sure to impel you to visit time and time again. After all, you probably can’t fit this myriad of activities on just one visit to this dynamic nation.

What’re you waiting for? Cut the thinking and dive straight into your next Korean escapade right now!


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About Author

Kevin Mak
Kevin Mak

Apart from catching overly-dramatic movies, quenching his voracious appetite and just lounging in his free time, Kevin finds François Rabelais' quote "I am going to seek a grand perhaps" resonating with him at times. It is this very desire that sees him travelling to foreign lands in search of new experiences, and food. In his adventures, the only thing that can temporarily impede his journey is his soft spot for pizza.

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