Hi everyone, I'm Jenny, and I absolutely love to travel! What comes to mind first when you think of Korea? Most people probably think of K-Pop, K-dramas, or the bustling streets of Seoul. I used to be just like that too! But as I spent more time in Korea, I realized there are so many hidden gems that many of us don't know about. 😊
Honestly, beyond Seoul, Korea boasts incredibly beautiful nature and cities with their own unique charm. In this post, I want to set aside the K-Pop frenzy for a moment and introduce you to some special, tranquil, and sometimes thrilling hidden travel destinations in Korea. Are you ready to embark on a journey with me to discover the true charm of Korea? ✈️
Harmony of Nature and History, Samcheok, Gangwon-do 🏞️
Samcheok in Gangwon-do is a place where the blue East Sea, mysterious caves, and lush forests come together. Personally, every time I visit Samcheok, I feel like, 'Ah, this is real healing!' I highly recommend it for anyone looking to escape the bustling city and relax in nature.
Samcheok offers a variety of attractions like the Ocean Railbike, Daeguemgul Cave, and Hwanseongul Cave, making it a great family travel destination. The Ocean Railbike, in particular, offers an incredible experience as you pedal along the East Sea coast!
One of Samcheok's highlights is undoubtedly Hwanseongul Cave and Daeguemgul Cave. Stepping into these caves, which I'd only seen in textbooks during my school days, I was truly overwhelmed by their grandeur. Seeing the mysterious stalactites and stalagmites, I felt the greatness of nature once again.
Timeless Tranquility, Andong 📚
Andong, Gyeongbuk Province, is a city that preserves Korea's traditional culture. True to its nickname, 'Spiritual Culture Capital of Korea,' it's home to many Confucian cultural heritage sites. When I first visited Andong, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The serene hanoks (traditional Korean houses) and old residences brought a sense of peace to my heart.
- Hahoe Folk Village: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it boasts perfect geomantic placement and feels like a living folk village.
- Dosan Seowon: A Confucian academy honoring Yi Hwang (Toegye), a prominent scholar. The surrounding scenery is incredibly beautiful, especially stunning when the autumn leaves change colors.
- Woryeonggyo Bridge: Korea's longest wooden bridge, it's lit up at night, making it incredibly romantic. Perfect for a walk with loved ones!
Hahoe Folk Village in Andong is quite large, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes. Also, renting a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and taking photos there turns out really beautifully! I'm definitely planning to do that for my next trip there.
Where Art Meets Nature: Jeju Island's West Course 🎨
Jeju Island is already a very famous tourist destination, but I particularly recommend the west course. While the east side showcases nature's grandeur, the west side has many charming cafes, artistic spaces, and hidden beaches, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more emotional and leisurely trip. In my opinion, Jeju's true charm really shines on its western side.
| Place | Features |
|---|---|
| Aewol-eup | Many beautiful cafes overlooking the sea. Also famous for its sunsets. |
| Hyeopjae Beach | Emerald-colored water and Biyangdo Island create a picturesque scene. Great for swimming too. |
| Saebyeol Oreum | One of Jeju's parasitic cones, offering a refreshing view from the summit. The autumn pampas grass is particularly spectacular. |
Example Jeju West Course Drive 🚗
My favorite Jeju West course is as follows!
- Enjoying green tea ice cream at Osulloc Tea Museum 🍦
- Relaxing at a beautiful sea-view cafe in Aewol Cafe Street
- Admiring the emerald waters at Hyeopjae Beach
- Overlooking the entire west side of Jeju from Saebyeol Oreum
- Having a delicious Black Pork dinner near Gwakji Gwamul Beach 🐷
Spending a day like this will make for a truly memorable and fulfilling Jeju trip!
Searching for Korea's Hidden Flavors! 😋
You can't leave out food when you travel, right? Korea has countless delicious dishes, but beyond the tteokbokki and fried chicken that K-Pop idols love, there are also many hidden local eateries. I'll share some tips for local restaurants I've personally experienced!
- Samcheok Gomchi-guk (Slime Eel Soup): A must-try delicacy if you visit the East Coast! The spicy and refreshing broth is truly exceptional. Perfect for a hangover cure too!
- Andong Jjimdak (Braised Chicken): The taste of jjimdak here is on a whole different level from what you'd find in Seoul. Its savory yet slightly spicy flavor is a real rice thief.
- Jeju Gogi-guksu (Meat Noodles): If you're in Jeju, gogi-guksu is a must! The rich pork broth combined with chewy noodles is simply fantastic.
My Own Restaurant Score Calculator 🔢
Select your preferred restaurant type and give it a score! (Just for fun 😉)
Key Takeaways from the Post 📝
So, today we set aside the K-Pop craze for a moment and explored Korea's hidden gems. How was it? I hope you felt the same emotions and joy I experienced. Let's summarize the key points once again!
- Samcheok: A natural healing sanctuary where the blue East Sea and mysterious caves harmonize! Don't miss the Ocean Railbike.
- Andong: A tranquil city where you can fully experience Korea's tradition and history! Hahoe Folk Village and Dosan Seowon are must-visit spots.
- Jeju West Coast: From charming cafes and beautiful beaches to peaceful 'oreums' (volcanic cones)! You can discover another side of Jeju's charm.
- Hidden Local Eateries: Don't miss out on regional specialties like Gomchi-guk, Andong Jjimdak, and Gogi-guksu, known only to locals!
How to Enjoy Your Korea Trip!
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
If your interest in Korea started with K-Pop and K-dramas, it's now time to go a step further and discover the true charm of Korea. ✨ Beyond Samcheok, Andong, and Jeju's West Coast that I introduced today, there are so many wonderful places in Korea that are still largely unknown. I believe travel is a process of seeing and experiencing new things, which helps us grow. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments below! I wish you a wonderful trip to Korea~ 😊