When you first plan to go to South Korea, you might no have any idea of what to do. Unlike the Korean dramas, South Korea’s reality is nothing like what it seem on screens. Being in South Korea is a whole different experience, especially if you’re from another country. If this is your first time going to South Korea, here are 5 activities you must do during your stay.
Karaoke
With your new group of friends or going solo you need to try out Karaoke or what South Koreans call it, noraebang(노래방). I’m not sure what makes singing songs so popular in South Korea but in every street and every open area there is a busker giving an awesome performance at night. The popularity could come from how the Kwave has impacted all the young dreamers, hoping they will go viral during one of their daily performances. If you’re too shy to perform in open spaces you can get a Karaoke room for as little as 6,000 – 30,000 ₩ (5-27$) per hour depending on how fancy the room is. All these rooms, are equipped with mics, surrounding speakers and almost every single song you can image. Almost forgot to mention, most of these Karaoke places serve alcohol (soju/Korea beer). So grab some friends or go solo and sing the night away.
Shopping
Number 2 on the list is the obvious, you have to go shopping. Not to go shopping because you’re in a different country, but go shopping because it’s a different culture. Especially in South Korea, no matter where you go there are shops everywhere! Ranging from music stores, make up stores, and clothing stores. Especially a neighborhood in Seoul, Myeung-dong(명동), which is a shopping center heaven. There are shops for couple blocks down the street and shops right when you get off the train. South Korea has the best cosmetic beauty products and in my opinion, the best fashion. If you brought money to spend, I suggest you spend some of that cash and experience a new wardrobe. Also while you’re shopping, might as well get a hair make-over. South Korea also has the best hair stylists. Go solo or with friends and upgrade/experience a new shopping culture.
Concerts
The next best thing to experience in South Korea are the concerts. Kpop has now become the next world wide phenomenon. No matter who you want to see, it’s a great experience in general. I do suggest you to go to a concert that has more than one artist line up. There are many of those concerts during the seasons and holidays. My favorite personal experiences are the WaterBomb festival and the Cass Blue Playground which both happens every year. Most of these concerts are very cheap, especially the ones that have multiple artists. The price ranges from 25,000 won to 120,000 won depending on the event, the artist, and the section. The festivals are all one fixed price while the single artists varies because they’re mostly going to be a tour. If tickets are sold out, don’t worry, there is a way of getting them. Wait couple days before the concert/festival starts and look for craigslist post, twitter posts, and stub hub. During these times, people who have purchased those tickets might not end up going and they are willing the sell it to you the same price they got it for. All in all, no matter who you want to see, try your best and go to a concert. You will never forget the experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=royNwJRdkIg
Foodie Stops
If you are not going to South Korea for the music or the shopping, then you must go for the food. Those delicious food you see on the Korean Dramas are worth trying. No matter where you go or what time in South Korea, there are delicious food stops everywhere. When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere! There are delicious food on the streets, in restaurants, and in convenience stores. Plan a day with newly met friends and eat at a chicken restaurant. South Koreans are big on fried chicken, they have the best fried chicken in the world! Korean fried chicken is very popular in South Korea no matter the season, they pair any fried chicken dish with beer. South Koreans call this combo, Chimek (치맥). Which combine means chicken beer. Besides the chicken and beer combo, you should try Gimbap(김밥). Which is Korean seaweed rice roll, there are many different combinations and if you have a chance, try them all!
After a long day out exploring South Korea, you might go back home hungry and its 3am. In the United States at 3am, there are barely any stores open. In South Korea, there are a lot of food stores left. The best place to go at 3am for food, are the convenience stores. Im not kidding, when I say convenience stores. Convenience stores in South Korea are loaded with delicious pre made food and snacks. There are many choices of instant ramen, bento boxes, and Gimbap. They also have microwaves and hot water machines for your instant ramen or if you want to heat up any food. When you’re in South Korea, you will never go hungry and most of the food are inexpensive. When you’re not in South Korea for the music culture or shopping, you’re there to become the best foodie there is.
P.S Convenience stores sells alcohol!!
Baseball Game
In America we have Football/Basketball, in Europe they have Football (Soccer) and in South Korea they have baseball. Baseball in South Korea is not like Baseball in the United States. In South Korea each baseball team has their own cheering team! Attending a baseball game in South Korea is an experience like no other. They will have special performances from South Korean celebrities and it is always loud during the games. In my experience, baseball is very fun to play but very boring to watch. I have been to baseball games in America and in South Korea. By far, the best experience I have had was in South Korea. When I was there, the games felt so alive, everyone was into it, especially the cheer team. Baseball is huge in South Korea, no matter which team you support, the experience is worth it.
Related Posts
