Beyond the Usual: Five Reasons to Choose South Korea for Your Next Adventure Posted on July 29, 2017July 24, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Why You Should Go to South Korea I often get asked about my favorite places to travel, and South Korea always lands in my top 20. While that might surprise some, I’m not sure why—it really shouldn’t. The fantastic food, vibrant festivals, friendly people, and its closeness to other exciting spots in Asia make it an ideal place to visit or even live. Here are just five reasons you should consider adding South Korea to your travel list. This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own. Click HERE to check out a delicious BBQ in Suseong Lake. 1. Diverse Topography The country is small, but its diverse topography gives you an opportunity to experience its mountains, beaches, and cities in a relatively short amount of time. Read Hiking Gatbawi on Palgonsan Mountain 2. It’s Relatively Inexpensive South Korea isn’t the cheapest country to visit in Asia. But compared to its closest neighbors, Japan and China, South Korea offers tremendous value. You can visit the World’s largest mall and experience some of Asia’s top festivals and cultural events for a fraction of the price. I was able to get many things at a fraction of the price including surgery, dermatology treatments, and other services. Read 9 Excellent Expat Experiences in South Korea. 3. Good Food You’ve probably heard (or smelled) kimchi before. I love it and many other Korean staples. The county has tons of great food to experience including BBQ, kimbap, bibimbap, and bulgogi. Many of the dishes are plant-based and thus healthy. And even today, you can enjoy the food traditional settings like hanoks. Read Korea’s Magical Kimchi. 4. Ancient Culture The country has changed a hundredfold since I lived there as a teenager. I hardly recognized it when I went back the first time. Seoul has become an amazing 21st-century city, but it is estimated to have been founded in 2333 BC. That would make it one of the oldest cultures on the planet. However, there is plenty of soul outside of Seoul. There are tons of ancient temples, ruins, and villages to explore. Many of them are still in use today. This is where I find people to be the most curious, welcoming, willing to share their culture with you. Read Korea’s Got More Soul Than Seoul. 5. It’s a Wired Country South Korea is the world leader in Internet connectivity. As many as 95% of the country uses the Internet. Hence the country is recognized as the world’s leader for the fastest and most accessible broadband Internet. Consequently, the download speeds make it a desirable destination for gamers and digital nomads. Like it? Pin it! I love sharing stories, lessons from abroad, and tips for curious travelers. If my work has inspired you or made you smile, please buy me a coffee. Your support helps me keep the blog running—at no cost to you. My articles are available as mobile apps for offline reading and GPS-assisted directions. Download my articles on GPSMyCity. This post contains sponsored and/or affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission. DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES ASIA
A good friend of mine from college is there. They are raising three little ones and absolutely love it. Seems like such an amazing place to visit. Reply
I hope they get exposed to the language, food and culture. I think its a great place to explore– especially with young kids who are so curious and impressionable. Reply
My husband went here last year and had such a great time! He loved checking out all the historical sights and meeting so many great people Reply
I have a friend who went to South Korea a few years ago to visit and ended up falling in love with the culture and everything and she moved there last year. she has been telling me to visit, gonna have to make that trip happen soon. Reply
Please go. It’s a wonderful place to experience good food, friends and the culture. The language is quite difficult for me, but I managed that too. Reply
South Korea is high on my bucket list of places to visit. It’s so beautiful and I have a surprising amount of friends who live there now. Reply
It’s amazing to me, how many friends I made there from other countries. Its a great place to explore thats still budget friendly. Reply
Looks like such an interesting place to visit. It’s always fun to see the culture and way of life of other people Reply
I agree. It’s still accessible to budget travel, unlike its neighbors China and Japan– which is also nice. Reply
This looks like a fun place to go visit. I didn’t know that they had a lock wall too. Food from other cultures always interests me. Reply
Love locks are everywhere now, you just have to google them. The food is both yummy and scary at times. lol Reply
My sister in law went to South Korea a few months ago. I was surprised at her pictures and how pretty it was. Reply
Did she enjoy her adventure? It is a beautiful country– lots of mountains, nature and things to see. Reply
My fiance is Korean and we’re doing the second part of our wedding ceremony in Korea next year so I’m definitely excited to check it out. And the food! Definitely the food! Reply
I went to a couple weddings while I was there and while many of their traditions are similar– some are unique to their culture. I didn’t know that wedding rings was not common– its something they incorporated from Western culture. Reply
Very interesting facts about S. Korea. I am always fascinated to learn more about the culture there. Reply
I did my internship in S Korea and I loved it there. My favorite parts were the movies (although I know they were illegal), food, and shopping. I also loved how close it was to other places. I was able to visit Thailand, Guam, Hawaii, and a few other places. AHH I need to go back! Reply
I know I love all the above as well. I too got to visit North Korea, Thailand (3x), China (3x), Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia– freaking Bali. If you had asked me that a few years ago I would have said never. Its amazing!! Reply
Looks gorgeous! I had no idea they were the world leader in internet connectivity. I would love to taste their cuisine. Reply
I know someone who recently came back from teaching in South Korea. From the pictures, it really looks like an amazing place to visit. I haven’t traveled much in my life, but I would love to go there someday. Reply
I’ve learned so much about myself and the world through my travels. I hope you get a chance to visit one day. Reply
I would love to visit South Korea. I didn’t realize it was an affordable option. I would love to experience the culture and food. Adding it to my bucket list! Reply
Yes, the food is amazing. I still eat it once or twice a week thanks to my friends who taught me how to make my favorite dishes. Reply
It looks like a beautiful place to visit. I’ve never been to Asia before but I am sure the culture and food is amazing! Reply
I’ve lived there twice now. It is an amazing place to see and taste. I’d go back again if I can. Reply
I really want to visit South Korea! Love your list and definitely have a few ideas now of different things I want to do when I get over! Reply
I’ve never been to South Korea and I imagine it’s such a beautiful country with plenty to offer. I think these are more than enough reasons to go there. Reply
I miss the inexpensive food, hikes to the temples and my friends the most. I hope to visit again one day. Reply
I never really thought of this as a place to visit, but it really looks like it would be an awesome trip. I think I will have to check it out at some point. Reply
Yes Jessica, I have heard this before. But its really a budget destination when you think about its neighbors Japan and China that have very similar cultures but are really expensive destinations to visit. Reply
OMG that food looks amazing. Korea is definitely on my bucket list to go. Apart from what you mentioned. I want to add one more, specific to girls. Korean skin care is super famous in Asia. If I go there one day I will definitely go shopping for make up and skin care products there 🙂 Reply
Yes Yuan– it’s the capital of skin, beauty treatments and plastic surgery. I enjoyed all of the treatments I had and they are very inexpensive too. Reply
I’ve never been – it’s been on my list for such a long time! Another reason to go is K-Pop and K-Drama haha! Even if you’re not a fan, just seeing the whole entertainment culture there would be eye-opening, I bet! Reply
Lol, I hate K-pop!! Haha, it drives me crazy, but yes, its very popular over there. You know most cable companies have a K-pop channel, right? Reply
South Korea looks beautiful! I would love to travel there one day soon. I also didn’t know the world’s largest mall was in South Korea. That’s amazing. Reply
Truly an experience worth having. I hope I get a third opportunity to visit (not live) one day. Reply