Festivals

Monuments

Seoul Lantern Festival

Thousands of lanterns illuminate the city of Seoul, South Korea every November. These traditional lanterns decorate the Cheonggye Plaza and the Cheonggyecheon Stream with their warm glow, reminding people of their history.

Acitivites

Jeju Fire Festival

Celebrated every March, the Jeju Fire festival commemorates the formation of Jeju Island. It displays bonfire fireworks, parades, and elegant traditional preformances.

Busan Film Festival

Held in the city of Busan in October, this international festival features new directors and films. Hosting hundreds of people including various celebrities and popular directors.

Boryeong Mud Festival

In July, along the coast of Boryeoung, this mud festival has countless fun activities to join such as mudslides, mud wrestling, and mud prison.

Korea has numerous activities that you can enjoy alone or with your friends. Popular activities in the city include: PC rooms, karaoke, shopping, cafes, and festivals. PC rooms and karaoke are practically everywhere in urban cities. PC rooms are a room with rows of PCs and gaming chairs. While gaming, you have the option to order food on your computer and they deliver delicious snacks and even meals to you. Most of the menu is fast food such as chapagetti, Shin Ramyun, tteokbokki, and sweet and spicy chicken. Karaoke bars include booths with a tv and microphones in which you choose a song to sing and will be rated for your singing by ai. Many Students and middle-aged people go to karaoke bars after work or school.

While traveling throughout South Korea, there are many street vendors and small clothing stores in transportation areas to shop in. Similarly, cafes and restaurants are scattered all around. There are many different themed cafes and restaraunts to serve you flavorful dishes.

There are many acitivites to enjoy in rural areas as well. The mountainous terrain of South Korea allow for refreshing hikes, exhiliarating skii experieneces and the beautiful scenery below. Many mountains will have a hot spring facility to relax and enjoy the natural surroudings. The rural coastlines offer a quiet, tranquil place to relax and enjoy the fresh breeze.

Although South Korea may be small, each region offers a variety of activities to entertain you. You’ll never find yourself bored in South Korea.

There are many historical monuments recording Korea’s rich history, namely Gyeongju-si, Sinheungsa Temple, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Evelyn Joo who recently visited Gyeongju-si gave us a breif description.

“They recently remodeled one of the streets called gyeongnidan-gil.” said Joo. “It’s very tourist friendly, lined with coffee shops, snacks, and other cute little stores selling souvenirs.” These places display the culture and history of South Korea, through an entertaining experience.

Theme Parks

Theme parks in South Korea offer thrilling rides both indoors and outdoors. Everland is the largest theme park in South Korea with roller coasters and water themed rides. Lotteworld is a four-story indoor theme park with rides, theaters, and souvenir shops. There are many more theme parks to go to, each offering a different experience and theme.

Transportation

It’s common for younger individuals to travel alone as transportation in South Korea is very accessible and safe. Anna, a former student of South Korea, commented.

“Public transportation in Korea is so convenient…So that’s why it’s easier for young people in Korea to go places and have fun

It’s unnecessary to own a car because subways, buses, taxis, and trains are able to travel nearly everywhere throughout the country.

Food

No matter where, you’ll find numerous restaurants or vendors that serve mouth-watering food. Restaurants will serve you a main dish along with a variety of side dishes that are provided free of charge. Korean cuisine is unique and diverse, it is essential to Korean culture and holds great importance.

“The food Korean cuisine is known for its unique flavors and healthy ingredients. Korean food is diverse, flavorful, and relatively affordable. Once your taste buds experience variety, you will be addicted. I’m sure.” - Rose Lee