Must-see beautiful and fun spots in Busan and Incheon, South Korea

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!

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. 

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!

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!

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

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.

 

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? 

 

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.

 

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

 

For more updates on Changi Airport, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube. You can also sign up for a Changi Account and have the latest news and articles delivered right into your inbox.