Sublime South Korea: Take a trip to the 'country of morning fresh'
We take you on an adventure to Seoul as we visit the fantastic country of South Korea. We stay in Gwangmyeong, just outside of the capital, in a much more local area. We only had a few days, and our main focus was to visit the DMZ (de-militarized zone) in Seoul, one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. After we take some time to peruse the capital city, including a visit to one of the most popular street markets Namdaemun.
Our complete guide to South Korea includes interesting facts from our research, top destinations, our latest blogs and videos, and all you need to know before you go with stats, currency, health and safety, transportation, connectivity, food, customs and much more. So join us on our first (and definitely not the last) tour of this amazing country!
Jump to where you want to go:
Tap any photo for more information
Discover
Our top recommended places
Our interactive map & guide to South Korea
Check out all of the places we visited in South Korea courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!
Interesting Facts
Here are 12 interesting facts about South Korea. Some may just surprise you!
1. Hallyu Wave: South Korea has been a significant influence in the global entertainment industry. K-Pop, K-Dramas, and9 Korean films have led to the Hallyu Wave, spreading Korean culture and entertainment worldwide.
2. Fast Internet: South Korea boasts some of the fastest internet speeds globally, with high-speed internet readily available throughout the country.
3. Innovative Technology: It is home to tech giants like Samsung and LG, leading the world in technological innovations and producing a wide range of electronic devices and products.
4. DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): South Korea shares a border with North Korea, and the Demilitarized Zone is a buffer zone between the two nations. It's a unique and tense area, attracting tourists and symbolizing the division of the Korean Peninsula.
5. Cuisine: Korean cuisine, such as kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, is popular globally for its unique flavors and healthy ingredients. The communal style of dining, with many side dishes, is a significant aspect of Korean meals.
6. Hanbok: The traditional Korean clothing, Hanbok, is a vibrant and elegant attire with specific designs and colors for different occasions and social statuses.
7. Gaming Culture: South Korea has a significant gaming culture, particularly in eSports. It's home to many professional gaming teams and hosts global gaming tournaments.
8. Seoul: The capital city, Seoul, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends modern skyscrapers with historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
9. Taekwondo: A martial art that originated in Korea, Taekwondo is not only a form of self-defense but also a competitive sport, embodying discipline and respect.
10. Education System: South Korea has a highly competitive education system that places significant emphasis on academic achievement. It's known for its rigorous education standards.
11. Jeju Island: Known for its natural beauty and distinct volcanic landscapes, Jeju Island is a popular tourist destination. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite spot for honeymooners.
12. Rapid Development: South Korea has undergone remarkable development in a short period. It transformed from a war-torn country in the 1950s to one of the world's most advanced economies in just a few decades.
Latest Posts
Things to know when visiting South Korea
Sorry, this section is not quite ready yet. Check back again later!
Discover more on YouTube
Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives
We plan to see, learn, love and share as much of the world with others as possible. That is why we created CLOSERLIVES.com, to create a community for like-minded individuals and to help bring the world a little closer together through poetry, history, storytelling, healing, art, purpose and community.
If you'd like to join us please sign up to our website ; the social part is still in the process of being developed but currently you are able to post, share and interact. We'd love to have you here with us!
PLUS when you sign up you will receive a welcome bonus of 20% off ANYTHING on our site! Why not use it to treat yourself to one of our exclusive products in our store. Tap here to check out our range of nearly 300 inspirational products at Closer Lives Emporium.