This article also appears on CheapTickets.sg/blog: Colourful Korea: Carrie’s 5D4N Seoul & Busan Discovery Trip
Have you been to Korea? It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Packed with countless sights to see and places to visit such as the ancient palaces, traditional markets, and fantastic shopping. Korea is a modern nation that still retains the exquisite charm of its glorious past. Follow me as I share with you the best sights of my recent trip 5D4N trip to Seoul as well as the beautiful coastal city of Busan! Of course, I got the cheapest flights to Korea and hotels at the lowest prices from CheapTickets.sg with a flight and hotel package from only $650.
Day 1: Arrival at Seoul
Upon arrival at Seoul Incheon airport, we were pleasantly surprised at its beautiful architectural design. But, no time to admire as we had to hurry and catch our 11:50 KTX train from Seoul Station to Busan!
KTX to Busan
The view along the way was really spectacular, especially around the Gyeonggi-do region and the Sangdong-myeon area. The trip was also relatively short, about 2hours 45mins. Not surprising though, since the KTX trains travel at an incredible *gasp* 300km/h!
*psst* Carrie’s secret tip: Try to get seats on the left for the best views along the way!
After settling down into our lovely hotel, we headed straight out to explore Busan!
Taejongdae Park
Getting here: From Busan Station, take the city bus #88 or #101 that will bring you straight to the park.
Taejongdae Park
Reputed for its craggy cliffs dropping straight down into the sea, the Taejongdae park is truly a sight to behold for nature lovers. Over 200 pine trees and camellias line the coast at this really gorgeous park. We visited the famous Mangbuseok statue too – named after a woman who waited day and night at the coast for her husband, who was taken away to Japan.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Getting here: Take city bus #30 from Taejongdae park which will take you directly to the market.
The bustling Jagalchi Fish Market!
What’s the best thing about visiting a coastal city? The seafood of course! This hugely popular market had the freshest produce for us to sample and the market atmosphere was a really unique local Busan experience. In particular, the Mackerel fish is a Busan specialty. YUM!!
Day 2: Busan Part 2
Gamcheon Village (aka “Taegeukdo Village”)
Getting here: Take bus #17 or #61 from Busan Station and alight just outside the village.
View of Gamcheon Village from the top
The lovely alleyways of Taegeukdo Village!
Nicknamed “Korea’s Santorini”, our eyes were delighted with a visit to this little village in Gamcheon. Low-rise apartments sporting colourful hues sat side by side on a gentle mountain slope by the sea, making it a truly wonderful sight to behold. After navigating our way up the mountain through the lovely winding alleyways of the village, we found a great view of the sea!
Haeundae Beach
Getting here: Take bus #6 out of Gamcheon Village to the Goejeong Station and change to bus #1001.
The beautiful coastline!
Arguably the most famous beach in Korea, the Haeundae Beach has a truly amazing backdrop along with refreshing coastal breezes. Next to the beach is also the Busan Aquarium, perfect location for a family outing or a romantic date!
Day 3: Back to Seoul
Said bye to our lovely Busan hotel :(, headed back to Seoul on the KTX. Once again, amazing views along the way!
Back in Seoul, first stop – Gyeongbokgung Palace!
Getting here: From just outside Seoul Station, take bus #1711 or #7016 straight to the palace.
Changing of Guard Parade at Gyeongbokgung, Seoul!
Arguably the grandest and most beautiful of the “5 Grand Palaces”, this 6-centuries old palace is one of Seoul’s most recognizable sights. Remember to catch the impressive changing of guards parade as well as the National Museum of Korea while here!
Seoul Tower
Getting here: (1) By Cable Car – Hop onto subway Line 4, alight at Myeongdong Station(Exit 3). Keep to the left of Pacific Hotel and walk for about 10mins, the cable car platform should come into view.
(2) Hop onto the subway Line 3 or 4 and alight at Chungmuro Station(exit 2). Take the yellow bus from the bus stop, which will take you straight to the parking lot of N Seoul Tower.
N Seoul Tower
Sitting atop Nansam Mountain (243m), the 236.7m tall N Seoul Tower offers an exhilarating panoramic view of Seoul. We also paid a visit to the acclaimed N Grill revolving restaurant, highly recommended!! It gives really amazing views while you dine.
Day 4: Seoul Part 2
Namdaemun Market
Getting here: Hop onto subway line 4 and alight at the Hoehyeon Station.
Namdaemun Market in Seoul
Named after Korea’s National Treasure Namdaemun (South Gate), this market is popular among local residents for its great deals in street food, clothing and accessories. Tiny stalls pack the streets selling practically anything imaginable, making this the perfect place to experience Korea’s amazing market culture!
Myeong-dong
Getting here: Hop back onto the subway line 4 to Myeongdong Station.
Myeong-dong (read: shopping paradise) in Seoul
After market shopping in Namdaemun, we headed over to the more upmarket and modern part of Seoul in Myeong-dong. It is a shopping haven for Korean cosmetic and beauty products. Internationally renowned brands such as Laniege, Etude House, Faceshop etc are all housed here and prices are really super attractive, can be up to *gasp* 60% cheaper than in Singapore! No better place to go on a 6-hour shopping spree than here.
Day 5: Seoul Part 3 & back home
Ganghwa Ginseng Center
Getting here: Take the subway line 1 to Yeongdeungpo Station. Hop onto bus #88 just across the Shinsegae department store to Ganghwa terminal. From the terminal, turn right and walk for about 300m to the ginseng center.
Ganghwa Ginseng Center in Seoul, really top grade ginseng!
Before heading home, we visited this small market to buy home some authentic Korean ginseng. Widely considered the best quality ginseng, be sure to check for the Korea Insam seal which ensures that the product you’re buying is quality Korean Panax ginseng instead of a cheaper version imported from China!
Final stop: Incheon Airport
It’s time to go home. 😦 can’t believe 5 days flew by so quickly! Already started missing Korea before even departing, but one thing for sure – I’ll definitely be coming back soon to explore more of Korea, so stay tuned!
Meanwhile, why not head to Korea and experience the amazing sights in person? Let the wanderlust grip you and enjoy our 5D4N Seoul + Busan Discovery Tour from just S$650 nett! You can also get an additional $30 discount off your flight to Korea at www.CheapTickets.sg/Korea/Discount. For more information and booking visit www.CheapTickets.sg/korea/packages
This article also appears on CheapTickets.sg/blog: Colourful Korea: Carrie’s 5D4N Seoul & Busan Discovery Trip
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