6 things every Aussie should do in South Korea

From its world class food and shopping to its fascinating history, beautiful architecture and fabulous public transport system, this is why South Korea belongs on every travel bucket-list.

With a population of more than 51 million, public transport is a great way to get around in Seoul.

While North Korea is difficult for tourists to visit, its southern sibling should be on every Australian’s bucket-list.

With its bustling cities, great food, beauty industry and must-see tourist sites encompassing the old and the new, South Korea has lots to offer.

With a population of more than 51 million, public transport is a great way to get around in Seoul. If you stay around the Myeongdong area, you can walk to a lot of the tourist attractions and won’t need a tour operator for sightseeing. Here are six things every Aussie should experience in South Korea:

1 . The DMZ

The country’s history is seeped into the divide with North Korea and even though that split occurred from 1953, South Koreans still remember.

Organise a tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) with a tour operator so they can take you through the shocking and traumatic history, sharing stories about how families were separated and some never saw each other again.

The tour (which starts very early in the morning) visits the DMZ, observatory and surrounding village, and is a poignant look at the horror of war and its after effects. The rest stop at Imjingak also gives great views of the Bridge of Freedom and access to the Bell of Peace. From there, take a bus to the DMZ and a train underground to inspect a tunnel North Korea created with plans to invade South. At the Dora Observatory, you can look out towards North Korea, from the safety of South Korea. 

You honestly can’t beat the views along the way. They’re breathtaking – literally! Picture: iStock.

2. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

You’ve got two choices to get to the top of the Seoul Tower, which gives you essentially 360 degree views of the city: take a cable car or walk up many, many, many steps.

Even though it was a gruelling uphill walk, I would recommend the second option because you can take your time huffing and puffing up the steps, and take in the amazing sights from outlooks along the way before reaching the base of the tower itself. You honestly can’t beat the views along the way. They’re breathtaking – literally!

Try to go before sunset so you can see the amazing views in daylight, watch a stunning sunset, and then check out the city lights at dark.

When it comes to sightseeing, just walk around the streets and you’ll stumble on sites like Deoksugung Palace. Picture: Evelyn Yamine.

3. The sights 

Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses nestled in very narrow streets. It’s packed with tourists trying to get the best selfies so be considerate, and remember to follow the visitor etiquette as people still live in the village.

You should also tour the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. 

At Gyeongbokgung you can witness the changing of the palace guard ceremony at certain times of the day. But overall when it comes to sightseeing, just walk around the streets and you’ll stumble on some old and new sites, like the Seoul City Hall, Deoksugung Palace or the Myeongdong Cathedral.

Even the food at the Myeongdong night markets was finger-licking good. Picture: Evelyn Yamine.

4. The food

Like Japan, Korea is known for its food. You can rarely go wrong anywhere you end up. From Korean BBQ with some kimchi to Korean Fried Chicken and Gimbap (South Korea’s version of sushi minus the raw seafood, where rice, vegetables, fish or meat, and pickled ingredients are wrapped in seaweed), the food quality standard is high — and delicious.

While BHC Chicken is probably one of the better and most popular fried chicken places (where they give you disposable gloves to use so your fingers don’t get dirty from all the tasty sauces) but just try your luck at random places you pass on the street during your travels. 

Even the food at the Myeongdong night markets was finger-licking good, from meat skewers, lobster or scallops or dumplings, to egg bread and candied strawberries, the variety of food on offer will keep your hunger satisfied.

If our Aussie dollar is good or you want to access products not available in Australia, make sure you devote some time to shopping. Picture: Evelyn Yamine.

5. The shopping

Massive department stores, high-end brands and street shopping districts are a big feature in Seoul. If our Aussie dollar is good or you want to access products not available in Australia, make sure you devote some time to shopping.

South Korea is often referred to as the beauty capital of the world (with amazing skincare products and makeup) and there are loads of stores which cater to that.

Make some time to pamper yourself and get an authentic South Korean facial — your skin will thank you.

Lotte World in Seoul boasts the world’s biggest indoor amusement park. Picture: Evelyn Yamine.

6. Lotte World 

There might not be a Disneyland in South Korea, but Lotte World Adventure amusement park certainly makes up for it.

Wherever you’re staying, you can catch the subway straight to Lotte World in Seoul, which boasts the world’s biggest indoor amusement park — and also includes an outdoor rides area.

It has indoor rides like the French Revolution roller coaster and a number of 4D rides, as well as an ice-skating rink, daily parades and performances, and a variety of food and snack shops. There is also an aquarium inside and more thrilling rides outdoors. You could spend an entire day there as it's open from 10am to 10pm. There is also another location in Busan.

Originally published as 6 things every Aussie should do in South Korea