Backpacking across South Korea is one of the most fulfilling and amazing travel experiences you could ever hope to have. It is a nation rich in culture and history. With friendly and welcoming people. Amazing cuisine nearly everywhere you go. And the entertainment options on offer are staggering.
In recent years South Korea has become quite the tourist hotspot. With their culture slowly taking over the global entertainment industry. And South Korea has been leaning into this heavily. Improving their tourism infrastructure and offering new visa types to encourage digital nomads to come work in South Korea.
Backpacking across South Korea isn’t too dissimilar from somewhere like Europe in regards to navigation and hostels. But there are a few things you need to be aware of. Today we will be giving you some South Korea backpacking tips while also highlighting some of the best places to visit while you are there.
Travel Tips
When you are backpacking across somewhere like Europe you are likely to be visiting a lot of places that are vastly different from one another in regards to amenities, culture, and ease of travel. But South Korea is extremely well developed and efficient. So there are some things you don’t need to worry about. Wi-Fi is one. Nearly everywhere you go you will find Wi-Fi. And often for free as well. It isn’t the worst idea to buy a Wi-Fi egg just in case. But chances are you won’t need it at all.
Public transportation in the major cities, like Seoul and Busan, is extremely good. Rarely delayed, lots of services running, and very clean too. You might need to get a T-money card to use them though. This can be topped up with cash during your journey. Every airport in South Korea will have a kiosk for you to buy one.
Hostels in South Korea are abundant and well worth staying at. They are the best way to really experience the social scene of whatever city you are in. Especially in Gangnam. As always you should try to get a hostel that has a communal kitchen and is near to a major public transit system.
Gangnam
Gangnam is the most stylish and popular district in Seoul. And it is likely that you will want to start your backpacking trip in Seoul. So why not go the extra mile and venture into Gangnam. It is the ultimate blending of the modern and the historic. With a bustling nightlife and many cultural attractions to fill your itinerary.
Bongeunsa Temple is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Gangnam. It is quite an odd feeling finding this historic Buddhist temple settled in the middle of Seoul’s most bustling district. The contrast should, in theory, be unsettling. But it is actually very beautiful. Due in part to how beautiful Gangnam’s skyline is.
Bongeunsa was built in 794. The temple today isn’t as big as it was in the past. Due to a lot of it being destroyed by a fire in 1939. It is open to tourists looking to soak up the views. Or you can experience what life was like as a Buddhist monk on the Temple Stay program. This is a truly unique experience that is sure to make your trip a memorable one.
Gangnam is home to many entertainment venues, sometimes called Pool Salons. Gangnam Baseball Stadium is one such venue that is well worth a visit. We recommend booking ahead at gangnam-baseball.com if you do want to go as they tend to fill up fast. But a big upside is they provide a complimentary pick up service for you. Salons like this offer a wide range of entertainment. Karaoke, magic mirror rooms, beer and whisky tasting sessions. Everything you need for a memorable night out.
Busan
Busan is a port city that is bordered by verdant forests atop rolling hills that slowly lead down to the water. It is one of the most stunning locations in South Korea. If you start in Seoul, then ending in Busan will bookend your trip perfectly.
The best way to see the city is with one of their sky capsules. These small tran-like capsules will whisk you around high above the city. Allowing you to see all the most important cultural attractions while also taking in the stunning ocean view.,
If you’re hoping to soak up some sun then you need to head down to Haeundae Beach. The largest beach in South Korea. With golden sands and crystal clear waters. This is the perfect place to end your backpacking journey. Resting under the sun with a cocktail in your hand.
