This story was first published on 1 November 2018. It is now updated with the latest information on travelling to South Korea.

 

In the five months I lived in Seoul, South Korea, I had my fair share of wonderful adventures from visiting a total of nine cities, and the country has won a special place in my heart! Although I was a non-Korean speaking foreigner coming to South Korea for the first time, no language barrier could stop me from soaking in some of the country’s most beautiful attractions. These places are easy to get to, safe (even in the current circumstances), and totally worth the visit!

If you’re planning to fly to South Korea from Singapore and want to explore its many gorgeous places, this article may just help you plan the perfect itinerary! 

Let me hold your hand to some of the world’s most beautiful spots in Busan and Incheon, the second and third most popular cities in South Korea

What to do in Incheon

1. Start off your holiday right in Korea with a fun day at the beach!

Sunlight reflecting off the ocean at the beach Sunlight reflecting off the ocean at the beach

The clear skies at sea at Hanagae Beach here in Incheon will allure any visitor to Korea. Relax on the soft sands, listen to the gushing waves against the shores and let the sounds of nature dance in your ears.

Living in Seoul was so much fun, but the city lacks a good beach (or any beach, really). If there is one thing that Incheon does better than Seoul, it’s the view of the waves!

Hanagae is a beautiful beach in South Korea off the coast of Incheon, on the island of Muuido. The beach showcases unique mudflats that go so far into the horizon that you could walk out for half an hour in the direction of the sea before coming back to the beach. When the tide is right, some say that you could even walk to the next island — a theory I was too chicken to test!

Disease prevention measures for beaches are in place across South Korea. The country has maintained strict social distancing rules with different categories for different risk levels. In the greater Seoul area, which includes Incheon, the measures are at Level 4.

So don’t be surprised to see lifeguards patrolling frequently along Hanagae Beach — they’re just checking to make sure visitors are wearing masks at all times. Private gatherings of more than eight people are banned too. 

Visitors will also have to wear special waterproof temperature stickers on the back of their hands. These were introduced by South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in June this year, to facilitate safer travel for beach goers.

The stickers change colour when your body temperature goes above 37.5 degrees Celsius. On less crowded days, visitors who’ve had their temperature checked will be given wristbands to wear as a safety marker. 

Korean children gathering clams on the beach Korean children gathering clams on the beach

Grab a bucket and join the children here in catching clams on the coast of Hanagae Beach. You could even have them for your dinner — a sumptuous home cooked Korean dish will be a lovely end to the day!

You can easily spend a whole day at Hanagae to enjoy the view and the hiking trails before heading back to mainland Incheon to rest after the sun goes down. Alternatively, try one of the many seafood restaurants and cafes that can be found near the beach, serving up some of the best Korean food you can find in Seoul and beyond!

Sunset at Hanagae Beach Sunset at Hanagae Beach

Hanagae Beach offers a fantastic view of the sun dipping down into the horizon, a lovely sight for any nature lover and photography enthusiast.

Definitely worth the wait is the gorgeous sunset. Have your handy camera or gopro with you to capture stunning shots of Korea’s scenery. If not, at least have a powerbank ready — you don’t want your phone running out of battery at the most crucial moment!

A beach hut at Hanagae Beach A beach hut at Hanagae Beach

If you’re up for an adventure, why not spend the night at one of the beach huts? South Korea will always excite, we told you! Remember to pose for the ‘gram too.

How to get there: From Incheon International Airport, take bus 222 or 2-1 to the jetty, then take the ferry to Muuido Island. When you alight, take bus 1 to Hanagae Beach. It is quite a journey to get there, about two hours from the airport, but it is well worth it, easy to navigate and the locals here are most friendly and helpful.

2. Head to the quirkiest mini theme park and culture street at Korea’s famous Wolmido Island

A fun ride at the Wolmido Amusement Park A fun ride at the Wolmido Amusement Park

Probably the funniest ride, even just to watch – a live DJ in the booth beside this ride plays music and controls the ride to the beat however crazily he pleases as the riders hold on tight!

I fell in love with Wolmido Island at first sight. The area is a brightly coloured, happy little place that features a small but exciting theme park surrounded by a culture street that really screams ‘Korea’ from all corners, along with many cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood to be enjoyed with a sea view that you won’t get in Seoul.

 

Tourists and locals alike walking around Wolmido Island Tourists and locals alike walking around Wolmido Island

On the left is a row of fun art shops, with a view of the coast and sea on the opposite side. Even a lovely stroll down is worth the visit — everything is picturesque and full of culture!

Travellers of all ages and group sizes could be found here – from families with little children to groups of teenagers, solo 20-somethings like me to elderly couples. Fun shops along the culture street include street artists who can draw caricatures of you on the spot. 

And not to forget the most yummy Korean street food you can find! How could anyone travel to South Korea and not enjoy its street delicacies? 

 

Street food at the stalls along the roads Street food at the stalls along the roads

Lots of yummy Korean street food stalls could be found – my favourite are the squid skewers and the tornado potato (not in this picture)! Sellers will heat it up on a buttered pan or char it lightly with a cooking torch right after you choose the food items.

Even just walking around the island to enjoy the cool sea breeze brings great pleasure — it is truly a place anyone can enjoy. Just remember to abide by the rules and keep your facemask on at all times, even on the amusement park rides!

How to get there: From Incheon Station, take bus 2, 15, 23 or 45 bound for Wolmido. 

What to do in Busan

1. A beautiful cultural village on a coastal mountain in Busan

Busan is my favourite city in South Korea. Even as a student on a short-term stay, I could really feel the difference between this city and busy Seoul. It is a coastal city, so it is near the sea. The people are super warm, and the air is fresh and void of a city’s pollution. 

Gamcheon Culture Village is a famous area in this city and for good reason. Of course, the main attraction is the beautiful and classic view of the group of colourful houses on the foothills of the coastal mountain.

 

Houses that make up Gamcheon Culture Village Houses that make up Gamcheon Culture Village

It’s a must to capture this picturesque view of the coloured houses on the mountain. You’re free to walk around but be careful not to make a lot of noise, as it’s still a residential area.

I had a lot of fun walking around the alleyways and roads of the village, visiting the cafes and small museums. 

A cute painted roadside in the village A cute painted roadside in the village

Every road in Gamcheon Culture Village is made interesting by murals and art pieces created by the residents.

The village is dotted with interesting and fun trinket shops. There were many independent artists selling their creations that were interesting to browse. There is even a Craft Experience Program for tourists, so if you’re keen in art and craft, you definitely ought to make a trip to visit. My favourite  was a shop where you could have stainless steel jewellery engraved on the spot – I made a ring with my initials as a really cute keepsake that is still shiny till today!

Personalised ring made in a shop in Gamcheon Culture Village Personalised ring made in a shop in Gamcheon Culture Village

The classic engraving on a band is such a cute momento!

However, do note that there is currently limited access to certain facilities till further notice due to Covid-19, so don’t expect everything to be open. Busan runs on the Level 3 social distancing measures, which allows for gatherings of up to 10 fully vaccinated people. As always, masks have to be kept on. 

How to get there: From Goejeong Station, take bus Sakha 1 or Sakha 1-1. From Toseong Station, take bus Sakha 1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2. Alight at the Gamcheon Elementary School bus stop which is right in front of the entrance to the village. 

2. Admire the beautiful sapphire coastal area and sea

Taejongdae, Busan, is perhaps the most popular attraction in the city aside from Haeundae Beach. The two colours to describe Taejondae would definitely be a startling blue and warm green, for its beautiful seas and trees basking in the sunlight.

Waves crashing along the rocky beach at Taejongdae Waves crashing along the rocky beach at Taejongdae

If you’ve been to Haeundae Beach, then a visit to Taejongdae is a must. The waves are really a sight to behold!

My favourite area was a lighthouse surrounded by a rocky beach with a view to die for, as pictured above.

Visitors stand on the edge of the rocky platform at the base of the lighthouse Visitors stand on the edge of the rocky platform at the base of the lighthouse

It’s hard to believe, but the ocean really is that glittering blue.

Sitting down on the rocks to be closer to the waves Sitting down on the rocks to be closer to the waves

I even walked to the left side and climbed down to the rocky beach. A lot of people got sprayed by the waves crashing, which was fun, but it makes the rocks slippery – be careful!

Aside from this area, I went to visit Gumyeongsa Temple as well. It was small, yet peaceful and inspiring. Speakers aired the sound of calming prayers, adding to the ambience as you walked around.

Gumyeongsa Temple in Taejongdae Gumyeongsa Temple in Taejongdae

A small number of people went in and out of the Gumyeongsa Temple to pray and give offerings. A quiet spiritual abode, the building looked as peaceful as it was serene from within.

Warm green in Taejongdae Warm green in Taejongdae

Walking around Taejongdae gave me a peaceful respite away from the busy inner city. And where else would you be able to capture such beautiful scenery in Korea? The golden hour during sunset was a charm of a view, indeed!

Other than the lighthouse, there’s also an observatory, a plaza, and a park, can be seen in Taejongdae too. No worries about being too tired to travel from point to point – they are all connected with a convenient hop-on-hop-off train course with different routes of your choice.

How to get there: From Busan Station, take Bus 88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff bus stop.

Things to note while travelling in South Korea

 

  • South Korea has begun to ease Covid restrictions within the country. However, South Korea continues to practice social distancing in all areas.
  • Wearing a mask in all indoor public places and on public transport is mandatory. If you need to stock up before your trip to South Korea, shop for facemasks online and collect them at Singapore Changi Airport before you fly off!
  • You’re only allowed to take off your mask outdoors if you’re within a two-metre distance from other people.
  • For updates, check the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare website.

 

South Korea offers plenty of beautiful sights and fun activities for first-timers, seasoned travellers, and the many of us who have been starved for overseas holidays. If you’re looking to experience an entirely different country while still keeping safe, be sure to check out these places for your long-awaited vacation!

 

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Best time to visit

The best times to visit Busan and Incheon are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is cool and mild, and there will be fewer tourists.

Transportation

Both cities have extensive transportation systems. Visitors will mostly make use of trains and then buses to reach their destinations. Purchase a T-money card (Korea’s version of Singapore’s EZ-link) from any convenience store around the area, and you will be able to use it for all buses and trains. Top-up is possible at any train station.

There are a few ways to reach Busan from Incheon. However, the best value for time and money would be to take the train from Incheon to Seoul (an hour on the express train) and then taking another train from there to Busan (about two and a half hours). This breaks up the journey time for comfort and would allow you to visit the very famous capital city of South Korea as well! Tickets can be reserved at http://www.letskorail.com/.

It is important to note that each option would bring you to different areas in Busan, so be sure to first and foremost check the location of your first destination there! 

Currency

Korean Won (KRW). Make sure to change money in the city so you have enough cash on hand before you visit these areas.

Book now

Travelling from Singapore to South Korea is easy! Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines and Scoot fly to Incheon from Changi Airport several times a week. You also now fly directly to Busan on SilkAir and Jeju Air. Search for airfare deals and book your tickets now! Please take note of the requirements when travelling via the Vaccinated Travel Lane between Singapore and South Korea

Extra Tips

The boards at the bus stops in South Korea do not usually have English translations for each stop. Some buses will announce the names of the stop in English and Korean at each stop, but to make sure you are on the right track, learning the Korean alphabet ‘Hangeul’ is recommended. It is very easy and would not take more than 2 hours to master. Even if you do not speak the language, just knowing how to read is very helpful as you will be able to pick out names like “Wolmido” and “Taejongdae” or “Hanagae” when taking buses.