South Korea: the top tourist mistakes

AACS will visit Seoul, Korea as part of our overseas study tour in October

AUGUST 21, 2014

The main temple in Seoul. Picture: John Rowell Source: Supplied
SOUTH Korea has become the hot destination for tourists, and Seoul is quickly earning the reputation as the global capital of all things cool. So as a traveller to this hip nation, there are some things you need to know before visiting. Travel site Jaunted has put together a list of tips on how to fit in once you’re there.
Don’t wake up early
Forget about being first in line to see its cultural landmarks, Seoul is all about its night-life. If you turn up to its popular tourist haunts at 9am you’ll be mixing with the tour bus set. But if you wait until after 3pm you’ll find a more relaxed pace, more locals and street vendors.
When it comes to going out, night-life Korean style is divvied up into three rounds. First round is dinner at a restaurant, second round is partying at a bar or karaoke and the third round is another food stop, usually a tent and tables street restaurant called “pojangmacha.”

Enjoy the night-life. Source: Supplied
Don’t go around singing Gangnam Style
Yes music icon Psy has been named the tourism ambassador for Korea thanks to his incredibly successful hit Gangnam style, but the Psy saturation is so high that he seems to have become a spokesman for every product under the sun.
The global phenomenon of Korean popular culture, known as the “Korean wave” has brought international attention to the country but don’t stereotype it into another “shrimp on the barbie.” There’s more to South Korea than Gangnam.

No, no Gangam Style. Source: News Limited
Don’t let North Korea freak you out
Despite lying just 190 kilometres from Pyongyang and being within range of hundreds of North Korean artillery and missile units, the day to day lives of South Koreans remains unaffected by North Korean provocations and threats. Most residents remain unconcerned by their hostile rhetoric and DFAT advises exercising normal safety precautions while monitoring any escalating tensions carefully.
Don’t pack a full suitcase
Move over Paris, Seoul is the best shopping city in the world, especially their duty-free. From the shopping districts of Myeungdong, to the massive department stores like Shinsegae and the after-hours markets of Kongdaemun you can finish your shopping spree at the huge duty-free mall in town or at the renowned airport stores.

Smile, and shop! Source: AFP
Don’t be a picky eater
A serving of Kimchi or bibimbap on the plane is only the beginning of your Korean culinary tour. The food in Seoul is as varied as it is delicious. From sugar red bean doughnuts to tiny snack crabs; eating out is not expensive, you can get entire meals for $5 from street carts.
Don’t cut short your time at Incheon airport
It has been ranked the best airport in the world for years and its duty free shopping is some of the best you’ll find. The airport also has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, an ice-skating rink, a casino and even a Hello Kitty cafe. Enough said.

Incheon International Airport in South Korea. Source: Supplied