If you had your hearts fluttering when Captain Ri kissed Se ri in the boat, you are reading the correct story as WA takes you to the best places to visit in South Korea — the backdrop of all your favourite K-drama series.
Korean dramas buzzed the west when they had least expected it. No one could fathom how a non-westerner could write plots with such slice-of-life allusion in each word and emotion infused in each action. When Captain Ri and Se ri shared their first intimate moment in the hospital, the world was bawling with love in their eyes. But the mania reached its peak when ‘Crash Landing On You’ stars tied the knot and recently welcomed their first child. It was a ‘Simba is born’ moment for every K-drama fan. What if you could spend your honeymoon in South Korea gorging on tteok-bokki or a corn dog? The country is resplendent with amusing facts (you are already one-year-old when you are born) and stunning vistas. Beginning with the capital city of Seoul, Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju and many more — the list has endless places to visit.
Seoul
Remember when the Seo sisters unite at Sand Box for the first time? It was here in Seoul at the Oil Tank Culture Park that most of ‘Start-Up”s pivot scenes were shot. As technically advanced as seen in this K-drama, the city of Seoul presents its visitors with a bigotry of falling in love yet to return back emotions. The city is a hub of modern architecture, lush parks, open promenades and nightlife in Oppan Gangnam Style. The largest city in South Korea has the best to offer in terms of shopping, modern architectural marvels and, of course, culture. You can also visit Olivia Garden, where Yoon Jin ah and Seo Joon hee from ‘Something In The Rain’ shared their meals.
Places to Visit: Hangang Park, Bukhansan National Park, Lotte World, Leeum Samsung Museum Of Art, Nodeulseom, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Changdeokgung.
Stay Here: Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Signiel Seoul, Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower.
Busan
If you had your hearts left in Santorini, Italy and some bit of your soul in Seoul, it is time to visit the Santorini of Korea — Busan, with its colourful hillside stationed as the Gamcheon Cultural Village. Hot springs and impeccably beautiful beaches, ancient temples, museums and shopping escapes is just a small list of what the city has to offer. The second-largest city in South Korea has a diverse mix of skyscrapers and tall majestic peaks and is also known to host Asia’s largest International film festival. The Buddhist Beomeosa Temple here is one of the three major temples of the Yeongnam area and is situated at the foot of Geumjeongsan Mountain.
Places To Visit: Haeundae Beach, Taejongdae Park, Nakdong River Estuary Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Gwangalli Beach, Hurshimchung Hot Springs.
Stay Here: Ananti Hilton Busan, Park Hyatt Busan, Hotel Paradise Busan, Grand Jusan Busan, Lotte Hotel Busan.
Jeju Island
When Se ri crash landed herself in North Korea, the South Korean National Park in Jeju Island provided realistic backdrops for us to believe the plot. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts at least 15 million visitors a year, the island’s Hallasan Mountain treks are famous amongst summit trekkers. The island is also touristy for Korean dwellers since they weren’t allowed to travel the world until the ’80s. Known as the Island of the Gods, Jeju has a lot to offer to honeymooners with its secluded beaches, lava caves, lush green escapades and even an adult-theme park called Loveland. When it comes to the Republic of Korea, there’s nothing called bizarre.
Places To Visit: Jeongbang Waterfall, Hyeopjae Beach, Manjanggul Cave, Hallasan National Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Stay Here: Podo Hotel, Grand Hyatt Jeju, Lotte Hotel Jeju, Haevichi Resort Jeju, Bayhill Pool & Villa.
Andong
While many itineraries may not include the ancient city of Andong, it is where we take you for a spiritual experience, preserved for as many as 2,000 years. The city is known as the spiritual capital of the Republic of Korea and shares a rich spiritual heritage with the travellers at the Andong Hahoe Folk Village as you travel back in time. Rural tiled, thatched roof houses set alongside the river Nakdong with kitchens serving traditional Korean food await their visitors. As diverse as it may sound, Andong is home to the favourite K-drama green bottled drink, Soju, with which you see the actors drinking and making turning point confessions.
Places To Visit: Bongjeongsa temple, Weolyeonggyo Bridge, Buyongdae Cliff, Andong Maskdance Festival.
Stay Here: Rakkojae Andong Hahoe Folk Village, Andong Grand Hotel, Gurume
