Quick Guide to Discovering South Korea

10. Hoard snacks at the supermarket and still get amazing discounts

There’s actually a nice supermarket right in the middle of Myeondong’s cosmetics haven so be sure to check the place out as well. 

Some must-buy souvenirs are the honey butter almonds (and other nuts) from Tom’s Farm, Birch chocolate cookies, and Korean Red Ginseng Tea. For chocolate lovers, make sure to get the Lotte Dream Cacao!

Tip #4: The branch we went to is open up to 12:00 midnight!

Tip #5: Get an accommodation at Myeongdong, specially if you’re going to be shopping a lot!

11. Have a Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup) at Tosokchon

Seeing the long queue in front of the restaurant will simply give you the impression that this place is another one of those must-visits in Korea. Here, people are lining up for their Samgyetang.

Samgyetang, or the Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, is probably going to be a hit-or-miss for most people. The soup base is made from ginseng so it’s somewhat bitter and medicine-y. The chicken was tender though, and the rice stuffed inside was… so-so. It’s not really my cup of tea but I was somehow able to finish my order.

Tip #6: The restaurant is near Gyeongbokgung Palace so feel free to add both to your itinerary!

12. Stuff yourself at Myth Jokbal

One of the best, or probably the best, restaurant I’ve eaten in at Korea is Myth Jokbal! I’m not going to spoil anything for you. You simply have to try the food here! Again, MUST-TRY!

13. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Bingsu

I’m not going to say much except I love bingsu. The first bingsu place we went to was Sulbing at Hongdae. However, I didn’t like it as much. Or it could just be my order. I had Mango Cheesecake bingsu and I only later found out that the mango they have and the mango we have in the Philippines are very different. 

After eating at Sulbing, I promised myself that I would try another bingsu place and hoped it would be better. Lo and behold, I found Korea Dessert Cafe. We ate, not one, but three bingsus in one seating!

14. Enjoy Incheon Airport before you bid goodbye to Korea

The fun simply doesn’t end once you reach Incheon Airport for your flight home. Aside from last-minute shopping at their Duty Free, grabbing a drink at Gongcha, or even working out at one of their gyms, you can also go racing in a car or even para-gliding. Well, virtually at least!

15. Plan for more fun stuff to do

Of course, there are a lot of other things to do such as cosmetics shopping at Myeondong, watching the comedy show Nanta, going on a food trip at Gwangjang market, enjoying the dance battle at Hongdae, and many more! I would have definitely wanted a more relaxed and longer trip here but I think I’m good for now.

What about you? What are you looking forward to on your trip to Korea? Feel free to share your itinerary at the comments below!