By Pakar PBN 
My eldest son is quite well traveled. We went to the seven continents together, and at 15, he wants (and eager) to travel anywhere. So, when I suggested that we explore South Korea through an self -guided tour, it did not hesitate. We have reserved with Insideasia, which builds fully independent visits (adjustments) based on variables such as your interests, how long you have and how independent you want to be.
In our case, we used the initial to organize hotels, visits and trains for most of the trip (although we made follies for a transfer of private vehicle from the airport to our first hotel in Seoul ). Those looking for more support can reserve private transfers throughout. We found that the train was easy to follow and understand, not to mention more affordable.
Navigate Seoul with a little help from our friends
After a 18 -hour New York flight at Korea in Corean Air, we landed at Incheon International Airport in Seoul and met our transfer to arrivals. Even if our tour was entirely independent (as opposed to traveling with a group), Insideasia provided a WhatsApp number for all questions or problems that could arise along the way.
When traveling, you can prepare for a lot (how to dress, what to bring, information about your destination), but the only thing you cannot predict is the weather. Because we traveled in July (during the rainy season), it was not surprising that our first two full days in Seoul included heavy showers. But with the help of insideasia’s WhatsApp for support, we were able to change our excursions and we had a lot of fun in the rain.
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Instead of cycling in the rain, we made the popular Tour de Seoul, which included a visit to the Palais de Gyeongbok, the National Folk Museum, Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and Changdeok Palace. We have also toured the ancient shop insadong antiques market and the Namdaemun market. The next day, it was a Kimchi manufacturing class at Seoul Kimchi Academy, followed by a visit to the N Seoul tower and the village of Hanok.
We stayed at the G3 hotel located in the center the first two nights, and we had an insideasia package which was given to us during the recording (again, this varies for each cutting of the cut). Our package included two T-Money cards (each traveler needs his own card for the metro), a Wi-Fi hotspot pack (which was useful because we could connect up to five devices and have Wi-Fi On the thumb throughout our stay), and all our train tickets for the trip.
A day of relaxation in Jeonju
From Seoul, we traveled by train at high speed for Jeonju, who took less than two hours. We were only in Jeonju overnight, but we took the first train (9:46 am in Seoul), which brought us just before noon. The high -speed train is a great way to travel. It is fast, as its name suggests, but also well organized; Everyone is given a seat with a charge, and the landscape takes place as a film.
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By taking a taxi at our hotel (we had our name written in Korean to show the driver), we arrived in Kunsu Chogajip Guesthouse. It was a unique experience. We only stayed one night (at the time, I wondered why, because I generally prefer to stay at least two nights in a hotel, but the reason quickly became clear). We slept on the floor above thin mattresses in an authentic Korean house which was over 100 years old. My son and I stayed behind – it reminded me of our campsite when he was young and we slept in sleeping bags – and even if it was a memorable experience that I cherish, my back felt One night was definitely sufficient.
We had no tours scheduled in Jeonju, so we explored ourselves. The city is really adorable and there are a lot of cafes. This is one of the things that marked me during the trip, in fact; You cannot walk more than one block or two without hitting a coffee. We woke up, ate a delicious bibimbap, then had ice cream treats. Desserts have been sold everywhere.
Hit the beach in Busan
Of the three cities we visited, my son liked the best of Busan. He has beautiful beaches, of which our favorite was Haeundae’s beach because of his large outdoor gym, to which he instantly caught. We also visited a day. The strengths? Eat living octopuses on the Jagalchi fish market, the largest fish market in South Korea; And devour the ice cream cheese cream in marshmallow in the village of Gamcheon Culture. I also liked to visit the Haedong Yonggunsa temple, located just on the water.
In Busan, we participated in a three -hour cooking class, where we cut vegetables, jumped ingredients and created traditional Korean dishes while our wonderful chef was talking about life in Korea. I can never bring my son to cook at home, so it was fun to do a mother-and-mother class together, each of us contributing to the step-by-step process.
Pass the travel stick to my son
During the 15 years that we have traveled together, I have always been the one who controls. This is the first trip where I asked my son to intensify and sail in the metro system, and he did it very well. He never hesitated to ask a complete unknown to help with the instructions. He felt empowered and I felt like I had the torch to the next generation.
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Beyond the metro, we both loved long-distance trains in Korea and agreed that they could not be easier to navigate. While we had tickets for each destination – from Seoul to Jeonju, from Jeonju to Busan, from Busan to Seoul – Nobody never asked to see them. We traveled during the rainy monsoon season, but the train has never slowed down. In fact, taking the train at high speed in the rain was quite soothing. Looking out the window of our dry and warm compartment which has just added to the experience.
Some things to do before your own trip to South Korea with Insideasia
Plan a head-to-face consultation before the trip. Ask for a head-to-head consultation with an expert in Korea to go through your route before leaving. This is generally included and planned before your trip, but if it is not, simply ask the reservation agent to plan this. I spoke with Julianna, an extremely competent expert in Korea, via zoom a few days before our flight, and it was a great way for me to ask all my questions (and relieve all fears).
Download the right applications. Google Maps does not work in South Korea. For step -by -step instructions for the metro, the bus and move, download Naver and Kakao to the App Store. These two applications are absolutely essential for navigating in Korea.
Familiarize yourself with the T-Money card. The T-Money card allows you to get into the metro. You can add money on your card to the 7-Eleven stores (which are about every corner). If you have leftovers on your card, you can spend it at 7-Eleven before leaving.
There is no need for money. I took money at the airport automatic counter in case I need money, but to be honest, it is much easier to use your credit card or Applepay everywhere. Korea is not a tilting company (which has made restaurants and visits so much easier). Not having to find a different currency in cash was also easier.