Top 10 Non-Seoul Cities to visit

Top 10 Cities to Visit that are not Seoul

1.  Busan

2. Jeju City

3. Daegu 

4. Gyeongju

5. Sokcho

6. Tongyeong

7. Jeonju

8. Daejeon

9. Andong

10. Gwangju

While Seoul has many amazing sites to visit, there is more to South Korea than its capital city. There is much you can learn by traveling outside the capital as well as beautiful sights that cannot be seen in the populated city. 

If you love history and want to learn more about Korean history, there are cities that are still standing from the era of the Three Kingdoms. You can visit both Gyeongju and Gwangju to see artifacts, ancient gardens, and other historical sites. Another city that dates back to this time is the city of Daegu. This city has both historic and modern sites you can visit. Science lovers will love Daejeon as it is the research hub of the country but it does also have other sites that you can visit if you are not that interested in science.

If you love beaches and the ocean Busan and Jeju City are for you. While this is not all they offer, it is where many tourists go for beach vacations. Many international students try to go to at least one of them during their stay in Korea. Be aware these are a popular tourist area so it may be hard to plan a last-minute trip during holidays. 

For those who want a less touristy experience, you should visit either Sokcho or Tongyeong. While Sokcho is a big tourist destination, you may be surprised by the lack of international tourists. Many international students would rather visit the beaches and parks down south then go to Sokcho. Tongyeong however, is not known by many international students and is a great place if you want to go explore more of the lower area of South Korea but do not want to go to Busan. This coastal city is perfect for you and you can visit other nearby cities as well.

Those who love Bibimbap will want to visit Jeonju, the home of Bibimbap. Getting it here is a different experience than getting in anywhere else. There is so much to do in this city for everyone from the free museums to the many hiking trails. Andong is another place you should visit if you want to see the home of wooden masks, soju, and Confucianism in Korea. Yes, it is home to all 3 and is a place you should try to visit to learn about the wooden masks that they are known for.

Overall, there are so many cities in South Korea that you should visit, just be mindful of where you go as not every city has a lot of information in English. You will have to also watch for the different dialects if you speak Korean.  Jeju has a dialect that many people learning Korean can not understand very well at first. The Busan dialect is very similar to what they use in Korean dramas but is not exactly the same. You should try to visit the less visited areas and get out of your comfort zone. You can also visit multiple cities in one trip as you can go to one big city and then explore the cities around it.  

By Marissa Owens, Intern Editor

Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

mowens3107@outlook.com

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http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/gyeongju.html

http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/jeju-city.html

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Top 10 Places to visit near Seoul

Top 10 Place to visit near Seoul

Suwon

Everland 

Korean Folk Village

Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park and Petite France

Muuido Island

Nami Island

Wolmi Park

Hot Springs in Ansan

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village and Sinpo International Market

Ganghwado Island

Seoul is not the only place you can go to South Korea, there are many places to visit that are amazing places to take day trips to on the weekends. You can go visit multiple different islands on the west coast that have beautiful beaches. Many of them are only a few hours away from Seoul and some are right next to Incheon airport. If you want to experience mudflats the fifth-largest mudflat in the world is in this area. You also can visit beautiful spots in nature on these islands. 

Another popular thing to visit is the hot springs. The best area to go is Ansan which is about an hour away from Seoul. These are different from Jjimjilbangs and many people go to heal and recover. There are a variety of different hot spring spots in Ansan and you need to figure out which one is best for your budget. If you want to have a day learning about how people lived before the 20th century you should also visit the Korean Folk Village in Suwon. This is also close to the fortress in Suwon so you can make an awesome day trip out of it.

If you love fairy tales you will love to go see Fairy Tale village in Incheon and its one of the best places to get awesome pictures. There is also a market nearby as well as a theme park and a nature park. You can make a great day out of exploring this area as it is close to Incheon airport. You can do this during the beginning or end of your stay to make the most of your time.

Those who are adventure seekers should go to Everland, this theme park is like Lotte World but is in a very scenic area and is outdoors. You can easily spend all day here and want to return for more. There are also themed villages close to Seoul, the top two to see are the Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park and Petite France. They are also super close to each other so you can make a day trip to go see them. Each offers a different experience and are great for those who are on a budget.

By Marissa Owens, Intern Editor

Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

mowens3107@outlook.com

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Stay in Korea for the Spring 2020

Come to Korea in the Spring!! 

Spring is one of South Korea's seasons that don't last long but is a beautiful and romantic time to be in as well!! Usually Spring last from mid March to May and every year you will witness beautiful cherry blossoms (usually beginning of April). Because of the Cherry Blossoms there are various seasonal items and perfect locations to take the perfect picture!!

Flower Festivals ONLY in the Spring

Cherry Blossoms are everywhere in South Korea during the Spring, but unfortunantly they don't last long so here is a list of places we recommend for you to go if you want to capture the perfect Instagram picture or your new profile pic!! Also keep in mind that most of the dates are to be determined (TBD) due to we can't know when the cherry blossoms will show.  

The Apricot Blossom Festival (Gwangyang Maehwa) 

Dates for 2020: First half of March TBD  

Once a year since 1997, the celebrations of this festival are specified on the Apricot fruit and its products. This festival takes place in Maehwa, a village in South Jeolla region and Maehwa in Korean translates to apricot due to the popularity. The scenery is beautiful and with the Baegunsan Mountain located near the acres of apricots, creates a romantic view!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Dates for 2020: Usually April 7 on wards, but depends on cherry blossom blooming 

Every April at this festival you will experience cultural street performances and be able to enjoy a stroll through the Cherry Blossom tunnel!! Also the Hangang River is there too so you may want to enjoy a picnic there and do the classical thing of eating chicken and beer or ramen and enjoying the view. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: 04.5 - mid-April

Another great place for Cherry Blossom is Seokchon lake as there are trees lined up around the entire lake! Besides of taking your pictures and enjoying the view, you can also enjoy many activities, exhibitions and cultural performances as well. 

Visit this Website for more information!


Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: Average March 24 TBD 

Want to go to the great island? There are plenty of beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Jeju!! At the Jeju the cherry blossoms there are considered the King Cherry Tree Blossoms since they are the largest and most luxurious among all cherry blossoms. Keep in mind tho that the full blooming of these trees only last for about 2 to 3 days!! All the other trees will continue to blossom from late March to the second week of April. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

This festival is held in the area of Jungwon Rotary and Downtown Jinhae with the blooming of cherry blossoms!! There are various programs such as a pre-event, cultural performances, military performances and more!!   

Visit this Website for more information!


Icheon's Baeksa Village Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

The Icheon's Baeksa Village is home to a number of "sansuyu" (cornus fruit) trees which have been growing there over 100 years!! Through each season the trees change colors but in early Spring they change to bright Yellow and in Autumn to vivid red fruits. Because of these amazing trees the festival is hosted to bring visitors and experience the gorgeous trees through Korean traditional folk games and a Sansuyu Flower Parade. We believe is one of the places you won't want to miss out!!  

Visit this Website for more information!

Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

Another great place to experience the gorgeous Cherry Blossoms is at the Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival!! The event is held at the Cheongpung lake area of Jecheon where you can experience various flowers besides the cherry blossoms such as the white cherry trees, forysthia and azalea. Also there will be exhibitions, performances, bungee jumping by the lake, and many water sports!! Great way to enjoy your spring vacation!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Taean Tulip Festival

Dates for 2020: Average second week of April 'till March TBD 

Want to see other kind of flowers besides Cherry Blossoms!? well check out this great event where is located at the Korea Flower Park in thhe Chungcheongnam-do Province. The Park is purposely designed for this festival and is considered in the TOP 5 by the World Tulip Summit!! There will also be ceremonies, singers and cultural art performances, animal feeding experiences and a firework show!! A lot more too!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Learn more about Culture and Arts!!

If you want to learn more about South Korean culture and the history of arts in this great country, you will want to schedule to experience one of these amazing festivals ONLY during Spring!!

Jeju Fire Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Beginning of March TBD 

Yes FIRE!!! this festival is held in order to pray for a good harvest and good health in the new year in accordance to the lunar calendar. At the event visitors will be able to experience various folk games, hands-on programs and a beautiful natural environment of Jeju Island!! Don't worry the festival is completely safe and monitored.

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Early April TBD 

The history behind this festival is that it celebrates the greatest achievements of Korea's Dr. Wangin who travelled to Japan over 1,600 years ago to spread cultural and art knowledge. Dr. Wangin's teachings includes the Thousand-Character Text (a primer of Chinese Characters) and the Analects (Discourses) of Confucius. The festival takes place at the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin and Sangdaepo Historic Park. There will be various performances and cultural exhibitions!!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Goryeong Daegaya Experience Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Second week of April TBD 

Daegaya (AD 42-562) was a nation that inhabited the Korean Peninsula around the 4th Century. Daegaya nation was sophisticated and held extremely high standards of culture. They created the Gayageum (the twelve-stringed traditional Korean harp) which became a large role of establishing the culture of music. Therefore the nation is thought to be a powerful force in the area (now gyeongsangnam-do) and to have influence on the wider world. At the festival you will be immersed into the ancient history of Korea's Daegaya since there are interactive programs with relic exhibitions, wooden boat-making "mokseons" (which were used to trade with other societies) and much more!! Nearby the festival there is a Farming Village where you can go pick strawberries and experience the Korean Farming Lifestyle!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival

Dates for 2020: Average last week of April to May TBD

Do you enjoy Ceramics!? Come to the Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival which takes place at Mungyeongsaejae Open Set in Gyeongsangbuk-do an area famous for traditional ceramics!! The event has been occurring since 1999 and has become a premier festival recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism! If you come you will be able to join in a traditional tea ceremony and pottery-making programs which are operated by local artisans and won't mind to help you out! 

Visit this Website for more information!


Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average beginning of May TBD

Interested in Herbs!? This event is a tradition that goes back to 350 years ago since it was an international market where herbal medicines from China, Russia, Europe, and many other regions were sold! The festival displays medicinal herbs found in Korea's mountains and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a wide range of relaxing and curative traditional medicinal procedures. This is great for those who are really interested in Korea's medicinal herbs as well as the sciences and traditions of Asia. 

Visit their Official Website for more information!

We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!

Stay in Korea for the Summer

Enjoy Summery South Korea

Each season has their special reasons to why you should be in Seoul during their times but how about Summer? Yes, the humidity and rainfall can be a hassle and draining to think of being in, but there are many activities you can ONLY enjoy during the Summer in Seoul!! Bet we can convince you to still come :) challenge accepted?

Also keep in mind that we are only going to point out activities that you can ONLY do during the Summer!! 

Boseong Green Tea Festival 

First week of May

Do you love Matcha!? This plantation open since 1957 and is the only tourist tea plantation in Korea!! At the event you will experience a ritual to the Tea God to pray for good harvests, tea leaf-picking, making tea, and tea ceremonies!! You will also be able to experience tea theme dishes such as green tea and green tea bibimbap.  

For more information visit this website

Ultra Korea (Seoul)

Usually Second week of June

Do you love EDM and want to have an epic time with various DJ's around the world?? well you will love Ultra Korea! At the festival you will experience DJ's from Europe, the U.S, Japan, and Korea. This two day festival will be filled of music, beer and a lot of craziness!! The event usually hosted at Seoul Olympic Stadium in Jamsil since their debut in Korea. 

For more information visit their website

Water Bomb Festivals 

Mid July to end of August (Depends on Location)

Are you a Party Person?? then you should look into Water Bomb also if you don't mind getting all wet. When purchasing your ticket you will be asked to pick a team, because at the event participants will have water guns and compete with each other along with their team artists! 

The music at the festival varies from EDM, Hip Hop and K-pop, as well as some entertainers will be there! There are different locations throughout South Korea and Seoul is the popular one so we suggest to book your ticket as soon as possible! This annual event is great to enjoy some great music and maybe see your favorite artist LIVE! as well to meet locals who have the same energy and interests as you!! 

Check out their official web page for more details and dates!

Gangneung Danojoe Festival (강릉단오제)

Usually beginning of June 

The Ganneung Danojoe Festival is great for those who are interested to learn more about the history of Korea about the Joseon Dynasty. In which the festival is to preserve the folk culture and has become an annual event since 1975. This event was designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005 and is Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 13 in Korea in 1967. 

Admission to the festival is FREE and there are various programs you can participate and learn from, such as watching a traditional wedding ceremony, make surichui rice cake, wash your hair in iris-infused water, drink alcoholic beverages offered to the Gods and MUCH MORE!  

Okay Okay I got you interested right? well check out this page for more details on how to get there!

Boryeong Mud Festival

Usually end of July for 10 Days

If you like getting dirty while having fun, check out this great festival which attracts people all over the world. Here you will see mud wrestling, mud sliding,mud swimming, and even a mud massages, don't be afraid to try them! 

When it gets darker, there will be fireworks and great music all day! Unfortunately this event is not Free but the Price is pretty affordable around ₩12,000 per person. 

For more information about tickets and programs visit their website

Rock Festivals: Ansan/Jisan and Pentaport

Last weekend of July and first week of August

Want to Rock it out instead? Well Ansan/Jisan Valley Rock Festival will be great for you! Since it's a three-day event and you can even sleep there!!! More excuses to get really lit. The participant artists come from Europe, the U.S, Japan and Korea. They bring the most known artists of Rock, Folk, and Indie bands. 



For Pentaport Rock Festival, it has the similar concept as Ansan's but different location, Incheon. Which is convenient if you want to explore around the Port City for some Instagram pictures! 

Both of these festivals are big!! so make sure you are well prepared and get tickets as soon as you can!! 

Official Website of Ansan/Jisan Valley Rock Festival
Official Website of Pentaport Rock Festival

Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival/부여서동연꽃축제

Second to Third week of July 

This Festival is a celebration for the beautiful Lotus Flowers and brings awareness to preserve wild flowers. At the event you can do various activities related to Lotus Flowers such as making paper lotus flowers, lotus flower soap, visit historical museums, performances and more!! 

For more information visit HERE

Pohang International

Last week of July to First week of August

Do you just love Fireworks!?? Then the annual event of  Pohang International Fireworks Festival is just for you!! Koreans also call Pohang the "City of Light and Fire" and is located South East in South Korea, once you are there might as well visit their coast and beautiful beaches. Don't worry it's not just Fireworks, there is also live concerts and art contests during the Festival. 

Visit HERE for more information and Schedules

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival

Third week of July to the Fourth week of july (10 days)

Have you seen Train to Busan? or appreciate great Films? Well go over to Bucheon (only around 20 min west of Seoul) and visit the International Fantastic Film Festival! 

The genre of movies vary from thrillers, sci-fi, horror and mystery movies, which by the way there are great Korean movies along these genres. A fantastic part about this festival is that they don't only promote "mainstream" films but also independent ones so go check it out!!   

Visit their Official Website for more information!! 

We hope we convinced you to come to South Korea during the Summer and to enjoy any of these seasonal events!!! Please have fun!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about Being in Seoul during the Summer!!~~