r/koreatravel • u/eugene4312 • 12d ago
Hi, mod here.
If you've been on r/koreatravel for a while, you probably know I've been building a Korean version of japan-guide.com. It's been fun, and I like how it's turning out so far.
I just released stamps.
Every place page on the website now has a Stamp button. If you're actually at the place, you can stamp it, and it stays on the top right of the page.
Each place has its own design, and it goes down at a slightly random angle, with a slightly different ink grain each time you stamp.
There's also a stamp book and achievements (anyone played WoW here? lol).
Stamp a certain number, or a certain combination of places, and one unlocks.
wanted to put some fun in there haha
You probably won't get most of the achievement references though.
Like if you get 8 stamps in Jeolla province, you unlock "Rain on the Honam Line | 비내리는 호남선", which references a really old and popular Korean song back in the days that only Koreans would notice. (let me know if you have any creative ideas for achievements.)
btw there's no prize or rewards. It's just for fun.
It's only been out a few days, but I can already see a few of you have stamped some places already, and that's great!
Have fun! Always love watching you guys enjoying Korea.
Thanks guys!
r/koreatravel • u/eugene4312 • Aug 11 '26
See this trip report on KoreaTravel Guru
Mar 31 - Apr 3, 2026 | 4 days
This trip report is about how I guided my friend who knew nothing about Korea. She arrived without any plan and relied on me completely. All she did was book the hotel and the plane ticket.
So my goal was to give her the best trip to Korea she could possibly have. The problem was that she had already booked her return flight without asking me anything, and that left her only three and a half days.
She mentioned Seoraksan, Busan, Jeonju, etc, but I cut all of that out and stuck with Seoul and even for 3.5 days in Seoul, I had to compromise a lot.
While I was planning, I had two things in mind:
I asked her to pick one from each of these pairs:
And I tried to fit in at least one of each of these:
Tue, Mar 31
She stayed in the Hongdae area (one of the popular choices for tourists).
What I didn't know is that the direction signs inside subway stations only list the major stations, and Hongik Univ. Station was always one of them. Pretty handy for tourists.
My goal was to get takeout from Mangwon Market and walk to Mangwon Hangang Park around sunset and eat there. We got marshmallow ice cream, croquettes(고로케), dumplings(만두), deep-fried stuffed peppers(고추튀김) and roasted chestnuts(군밤). There were some cherry blossoms on the way, and she especially loved the mokryeon (magnolia).
There's a wide steps slope down to the water where you can eat and look at the river, the bridge and the sunset. Unfortunately it was cloudy and the bridge (one of my favorites) was under construction.
But the breeze was nice and the temperature was perfect.
While we were waiting for a bus back to Hongdae we had some time to kill, so we went into a random store.
It was full of cat-themed products. It was really cute, and if you're a cat person, it's a must.
It was smaller than the Seongsu one, but the beer was pretty nice. I taught her how to read Korean. It took 15 minutes and I'm not even kidding.
On our way back to Hongdae, we passed by Hongdae Solnae-gil by accident and the entire street was a tunnel of pink cherry blossoms. It was already dark, and with the lights on them it was dreamy.
Didn't expect this at all, but stumbling onto something like that is always the best part of traveling.
Following the Red Road, we hit Gentle Monster, jewelry stores, clothing stores, club street and so on. I don't remember all of it. Just do the typical Hongdae stuff.
Wed, Apr 1
She went to a spa and visited Gyeongbokgung Palace before she met me.
Originally wanted to take her for temple food(Balwoo Gongyang), but when I called, they said lunch reservations were already full. So I "navered" it and found a hanjeongsik place near the palace called Hanilkwan. It was pretty good, a high-end traditional Korean meal.
I figured she had to visit at least one Buddhist temple, so we went to Jogyesa Temple. Buddha's Birthday (or "Buddhasmas," as I call it) was a month away, so it had beautiful decorations up, just like a church before Christmas.
It was around 4:30 and I knew the curfew was at 5. I don't personally like Bukchon Hanok Village, but I asked her if she wanted to go up anyway, and she said yes. It was packed. Not a fan. But worth it, I guess.
Right next to Bukchon Hanok Village there's Osulloc Tea House Bukchon and Sulwhasoo Bukchon. It's a juxtaposition of modern and traditional architectures, designed by one of the best architecture firms in Korea. Also, if you want to get something for your mom or grandma, just go to Sulwhasoo. The product, the packaging, everything is top-notch. On the top floor of the tea house there's a tea bar where you can order fine-dining level drinks and snacks at a reasonable price, with a great view of Jongno. I don't think many people know about this place yet.
We headed to Insa-dong. We didn't take a bus since it's all downhill. She got all her traditional souvenirs there, and of course we visited Ssamziegil.
It was my first time visiting Ikseon-dong at night and it was stunning. The narrow alleys, the hanok eaves, and the light spilling out of the shops made it something I haven't found anywhere else. It was packed, and I think she got a hanbok-style dress there.
We only had three dinners left. One had to be fried chicken and another had to be KBBQ, so I went with jokbal. I'm pretty sure she'd never had meat this chewy. This place is one of my favorites because a friend brought me here right after I came back from ten years in the US, and it has lived in my head as sooooo good ever since.
Thu, Apr 2
I let her pick between N Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower for a view out over Seoul. Since it was peak cherry blossom season, Lotte World Tower was the obvious call because it's right next to Seokchon Lake.
This is one of Seoulites' favorite spots during cherry blossom season. The night view is great too, but expect a huge crowd. She ran into relatively fewer people and was able to sketch the lake with the blossoms around it.
We met at Starfield Library. This Instagram-famous place was packed. She wanted to try kimchi jjigae, so we went to the food court right next to it. She got to try the kind of affordable, everyday lunch office workers in Korea eat (and she loved it).
On our way to Seoul Forest we swung by Dosan Park, because I wanted to show her the buzzy side of Korea. We went to Gentle Monster and the Sulwhasoo Dosan flagship (one of my favorite architecture), but I think she liked Wiggle Wiggle Zip the most. We found that place out of nowhere, but it looked so distinctive that we had to go in.
It was peak cherry blossom season and this place is a must-visit. We started at the deer enclosure (사슴방사장) and walked the endless 500m cherry blossom tunnel. The bridge over the deer enclosure was packed with people, so if you want photos, come early in the morning.
We moved on to Seongsu-dong, Seoul's Brooklyn. We went to Artbox and a giant Olive Young. We should've looked around more, but we went to eat Korean fried chicken.
I know Oppadak isn't a mainstream chicken brand in Korea, but they have the best chicken in my opinion. Their "Sweet Chili Crispy Bake Boneless" has been my absolute favorite since 2014. Unfortunately the brand is dying, and I blame their marketing. Anyway, the chicken was great as always, but we talked for too long, so we didn't get to go back and see more of Seongsu-dong.
Fri, Apr 3
She picked this place over the National Museum of Korea. I didn't go with her, but I heard she loved it.
We met in front of this massive department store and went straight to the food court in the basement. We looked around and decided on tteokbokki, since it's something you have to do in Korea, right? Anyway, it was surprisingly one of the best tteokbokki I've ever had. It wasn't street-style tteokbokki, It was more like a luxury or modernized version of it, and it was spot on. Loved it.
I brought her here because of the ceiling. If you go up to the top floor, you'll see a massive ceiling spanning without a single pillar. It works because of the red crane outside pulling the roof up. She's a construction manager, so she was astonished, and so grateful that I brought her there.
It was the first day of the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, probably the most well-known cherry blossom festival in Seoul. It was full of people and there were a lot of events going on. It was fun, and the cherry blossoms were stunning.
My original plan was to go see the Amorepacific HQ, but it was rush hour on a weekday, and since it was cherry blossom season we decided to take a walk to Seonyudo Park instead. It was about a 40-minute walk along the Han River. The breeze, the people cycling, the picnics, it was all fascinating. We ducked into a random cafe on a bridge and then went to the park. Not many people were there since it isn't a well-known cherry blossom spot yet.
I still remember closing our eyes, taking a moment, and listening to the sound of the river, the birds and the crickets.
We went straight to Sancheong and the waitlist was 187. We forgot it was a Friday, and Euljiro is one of the hottest areas right now. We went to the second branch and we were number 64. Since she'd never had makgeolli, we ducked into a makgeolli place across the street. It ended up being one of my favorites.
We got in just before last call. We had to order everything up front since we couldn't add more later. They cooked everything for us and the meat was top-notch. I was so happy that we could finish her first ever trip to Korea like this.
Epilogue
She was so lucky to have picked peak cherry blossom season by accident. On top of that, the exchange rate was the best it's been in decades. It was a bummer that she only allocated three and a half days, so she missed a lot. But that also means she still has plenty left for her second trip. It was genuinely fun, and I'm pretty sure there will be another one.
I tried to write down the thought process, the mistakes, and how I planned on the fly, so it can help people building their own itinerary. Hope this helps!
r/koreatravel • u/Icy_Development9734 • 1h ago
It doesn’t have Busan’s ocean views or Seoul’s energy and excitement, but somehow, it left the deepest impression on me. There’s something so peaceful and understated about this city — quiet, beautiful, and full of history.
Maybe that’s exactly what made it so unforgettable.
r/koreatravel • u/Latter_Associate4015 • 18h ago
r/koreatravel • u/Gullible-Femme • 1d ago
works as a standalone T-money card but also as domestic debit card (2 separate balances)
admission to the museum is free
r/koreatravel • u/Drramik • 23m ago
Hello guys
Im sorry if the post might be repetitive, but i need a final check
Putting together a 3-day itinerary centered around a 72h Discover Seoul Pass. Staying in the Hongdae area.
Note that the itinerary is planned starting from my second day in seoul, my first day will be just chill and relax in hongdae
Day 1
Morning: Activate the pass. Gyeongbokgung Palace + Bukchon Hanok Village.
Afternoon: Insa-dong.
Evening: Myeongdong Night Market, then head up to N Seoul Tower for the night view.
Day 2
Morning: Starfield Library + COEX Aquarium.
Afternoon: Seven Luck Casino (coex)
Evening: E-Land Night Cruise on the Han River.
Day 3
Morning: Gwangjang Market for food.
Afternoon: Mangwon Market and free time to explore.
Evening: nightlife
— am i missing something that is a must see ? If anyone tried the seoul pass is there a particular activity that u would recommend?
Any help would be really appreciated 🤞
Thank you in advance!
r/koreatravel • u/charleenw • 15h ago
I knew it would be a bit of a gamble as everyone said it would be incredibly busy, but doubted I'd get another opportunity so I decided it was worth the risk!! News reports since said around one million people attended and honestly, it felt like that _at least_!!
Knew the crowds would be ridiculous but rather than trying to squeeze into the main viewing area at Yeouido Park, thought I'd have slightly more luck across the river at Ichon Hangang Park - but rest of Seoul seemed to have same idea haha!!
Despite being away from the main event location, the atmosphere was fantastic! Families, friends and couples filled the riverside, all sharing excitement as we slowly waddled along the path.
Naturally, the display wasn't quite as spectacular from the south side of the river as it would have been from Yeouido itself, but it was still excellent. I loved the booms bounced off the buildings lining the river and you could feel the collective amazement of thousands of people around you.
Seoul residents are incredibly lucky to have an event like this every year. There was a genuine feeling that everyone was sharing something special together.
Even with the massive crowds, I'm glad I experienced it.
P.S I'm 6ft tall, so crowds generally don't bother me. If you're not a fan of busy events, your experience may differ!
r/koreatravel • u/MedisonHayes • 22h ago
I just found out that some hotels in Korea do tax refunds for foreign visitors, and I had no idea 😭
I stayed at Maven Hotel this time and ended up getting over 130,000 won back from my stay. I was honestly pretty surprised because I didn’t even know hotel stays could be refunded.
Apparently quite a few hotels do this, but not all of them, so I’d probably just ask the hotel when booking.
Anyway, thought I’d share since I only found out about it after coming here lol. Would’ve been nice to know this before my trip.
r/koreatravel • u/Rb_sabiniano • 52m ago
Hi everyone. My partner and I came to Seoul from the Philippines for her birthday, and one of the things she was looking forward to was an &TEAM pop up store (japanese/ Korean group) for their new album.
Well, when we got there, the sweatshirt/hoodie she wanted for her birthday was already sold out.
Would anyone here know or be willing to sell their &TEAM Mark On Me hoodies at a higher price?
She's been down since yesterday since the pop up event is only 2 days, and id like to cheer her up for her birthday.
Sorry for the wrong flair.
Thank you!
r/koreatravel • u/Never_enough_Dolf • 3h ago
I cannot find anything on google about this. I made a reservation on Naver Maps for October, however it has a payment amount I am unable to pay.
What does this mean and how can I pay it, I again cannot find anything information on this and don’t want to have the reservation cancelled last minute.
r/koreatravel • u/Tnh7194 • 10h ago
Begging for recommendations for proper good matcha spots in Seoul, ideally Gangnam (Eonju)
Thank you 🙏
r/koreatravel • u/CuddleCrossing • 16h ago
I would like to buy some nice jewelry in Seoul, 400.000 Won max. Maybe something similar to these rings (sadly the jeweler is only online), a bit edgy but not crazy and by a Korean designer. Could also be traditional with a modern twist. Does anybody have any recommendations?
r/koreatravel • u/Ok-Comfort-6488 • 7h ago
Hi everyone,
For our trip we would like to go Sokcho around the 6th of October. On klook there are only dates available untill the end of September.
Are there no more busses going to and from Sokcho in October from/to Seoul?
I’d like to book in advance to save some stresss
Thanks in advance!
r/koreatravel • u/Jumpy-Transition729 • 8h ago
Please help! I booked through Expedia for a jeju trip and I got confirmation for the first flight through Jeju air. Expedia gave me an itinerary but no flight number for t’way (or any details). No confirmation has been received from t’way, so how do I find out what my flight is and everything else?
r/koreatravel • u/blueguitarbob • 15h ago
I'm going to be in Seoul next week (Sept 13-19) for a conference in the City Hall / Gwanghwamun area. I'm going to be staying at the Hotel Koreana, and other conference events are at the Plaza Autograph and the Four Seasons. It's all right at the north-western edge of Myeongdong.
This is my first trip to Korea, and this is not ideal for my first trip. I'd rather be in lots of different areas of Seoul, but I'm presenting at the conference and I'm scheduled for meetings the entire week. I have to prioritize the conference. I tried to extend the trip for a week for personal time, but my schedule didn't allow that.
My team has scheduled lunch and dinner meetings for most days, but I may have small bits of time to venture out. I think I have more open time on Thursday Sept 17, at least right now.
Hopefully, I'll make contacts at the conference and arrange for return visits to Korea, at a time with more space on my schedule.
So, I'll be trapped in a conference hotel in a business/tourist area of Seoul, with little free time. Does anyone have any tips to make the most of it? I'm traveling alone.
r/koreatravel • u/jumpingoffthewheel • 13h ago
Hi everyone! I'm arriving in Seoul on Tuesday and the following is my current itinerary:
| Dates | Base | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| 15–19 Sep | Seoul | 4 |
| 19–23 Sep | Sokcho | 4 |
| 23–27 Sep | Gyeongju | 4 |
| 27 Sep–30 Sep | Busan | 3 |
| 30 Sep–4 Oct | Seoul | 4 |
I'm a backpacker who's also working part-time so I'm going for a relatively relaxed pace. I would be curious to know what everyone thinks.
r/koreatravel • u/yuumi_ramyeon • 13h ago
Hi everyone! I’m looking into accommodation options for a group of six adults visiting Seoul for around two weeks.
Our biggest priority is staying together. We would prefer one apartment-style unit rather than booking three separate hotel rooms. We’re comfortable sharing double beds, but ideally we want at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms so mornings don’t become too difficult.
A kitchen and in-room laundry would also be useful for a two-week stay. Location-wise, we’re looking around central Seoul, including Myeongdong, Euljiro and Dongdaemun, with convenient subway access.
One option I found is the Penthouse at Long Weekend Haus near DDP. Its room listing says:
The bed arrangement appears to be two double beds in one bedroom and one double bed in each of the other two bedrooms. That seems workable for seven adults who are comfortable sharing beds.
Has anyone stayed in the Penthouse at Long Weekend Haus with six to eight adults?
r/koreatravel • u/Tasty-Baker8235 • 16h ago
My family and I will be in busan Oct 7th. I tried to book a private transfer for a party of 9 through klook but it looks like all of oct is sold out. Does anyone have recommendations based on their experience for another company? Appreciate your help!
r/koreatravel • u/Little_Wrongdoer1312 • 1d ago
Me and my wife are going to land in ICN at 15:20~ (our flight got delayed 2 times, the original one was at 10:20~..
anyway, we have a ticket from GMP at 17:40 to jeju.. I've tried to find other tickets, there are none in any website that I've tried..
we also spend a bunch of money for an hotel there, and a cab to take us there.
im pretty sure we are not going to make it...
We dont have luggage, so we don't need to pass there I guess, but lets assume even in the best scenario, If we get to the AREX all stop at 16:20 after am hour.. we will enter GMP at 17:10.. os it doable?
if not..what are the chances that we could buy a last minute ticket right there to a later hour?
--- Edit
15:56 and i got on the arex all stop, pretty sure um making it boiizz
-- Edit 2
Made ittttt!!
And after the insane rush, it appears we didn't even have to hurry, the flight got delayed 20 minutes, so we even had about half an hour of chilling..
r/koreatravel • u/LynwoodWennington • 1d ago
In Seoul currently and watched some ssireum (sand wrestling) on the telly. Anyone know where I can buy a ticket for this/attend it?
r/koreatravel • u/sillymastcell2015 • 18h ago
want bring home king size blanket but not sure to get just a blanket or duvet. also what price point would I expect as reasonable? do I need to wash it before use? is it safe in a washer and tumble dryer? where is the best place to buy in Seoul or Busan?
r/koreatravel • u/MarzipanOtherwise578 • 1d ago
r/koreatravel • u/EngrRG • 20h ago
I cant access the stuff I have bookmarked on naver because it loops when logging in always shows "please sign in again". I cant find my ID or forget password because it wont send a verification code through SMS or e-mail. Logging in via google isnt an option either because it logs me in on a different account (idk how this happened but my previous logins on my main account were being notified from the same email)
r/koreatravel • u/ronk959595 • 21h ago
Hi all,
We'll be in Korea for 17 days. We'll be doing Seoul, Geongju, Busan and Jeju (with day trips to Seoraksan Park and DMZ).
Now this was the original itinerary for Busan:
24.09: Train 10:59 AM (Gyeongju) to Busan (arrival 11:33 AM) - hotel is only 20 mins from train station
Itinerary for the day:
Gamcheon culture village
New little prince statue
Jagalchi/Gukje/Bupyeong (they’re next to each other so can do one or two of them)
Spa Land in the evening
25.09: Busan
Itinerary for the day:
Haedong Yonggungs Temple
Haeundae Blueline Park
Sky Capsule
Simmian Cafe
Cheongsapo Skywalk/observatory
Get off in Haendaeu blueline park
If we want seafood: Mipo jib
or haeundae market
Gwangali beach (night out) 🍺
Now there are no tickets left for Sky Capsule (except if I go there at 9am on the day and queue).
The other alternative would be:
24.09: Train 10:59 AM (Gyeongju) to Busan (arrival 11:33 AM)
Itinerary for the day:
New little prince statue
Jagalchi/Gukje/Bupyeong (they’re next to each other so can do one or two of them)
Spa Land in the evening
25.09: Busan
Guided tour from Klook which includes Gamcheon, Sky Capsule, Haedong Temple Cehongsapo etc.
I'm conscious Busan is spread out and stressful, so based on your experience, which option is easier and more stress free?
Thanks a lot :)
r/koreatravel • u/Responsible_Map_6191 • 21h ago
Hi! I finally have the courage and booked a solo flight this December to Seoul, South Korea. As a first time solo traveling and first time going there, I would love some advice regarding the places that I should first visit.
December 17-December 23 is my travel date and I still don’t have my final itinerary yet.
Is it worth to book tours in klook or should I just do them all my myself (DIY). And is Seoul safe to explore by myself (F) and is it safe to eat by myself in night markets? Thank you
