A K-pop and K-drama fan’s ultimate guide to South Korea

Learn the basics

Pick up and memorise a few essential Korean phrases. A heartfelt “Gamsahamnida” (Thank you), a warm “Annyeonghaseyo” (Hello), or a sincere “Joesonghamnida” (I’m sorry), with a bow can work wonders. Koreans appreciate the effort, and you’ll find doors opening with just a simple greeting.

Download must-have apps

Make sure your smartphone is equipped with Kakao Maps for navigation (Google Maps’ functionality in Korea is partly restricted due to national security regulations), Papago for translations, and Melon for streaming the latest K-pop hits. These digital companions will be your best friends as you traverse the bustling streets of Seoul or the serene paths of Jeju Island.

See also: 18 popular K-drama title songs that will give you an earworm–or two

Invest in a good pair of shoes

Trust us on this one and we’re not kidding because you’ll be either on your feet taking in the sights and sounds or commuting on your feet–a lot! From scaling the stairs of Namsan Tower to dancing your heart out at a K-pop concert, comfortable footwear is non-negotiable.

Pack for the season

South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own charm, but spring and autumn are generally considered the most pleasant seasons.

Spring (March to May) brings breathtaking cherry blossoms, an ethereal scent in the air, and dreamy strolls through a canopy of pink petals; autumn (September to November) offers stunning foliage in a brilliant palette of red, orange and yellow; summer (June to August) sizzles with festivals and outdoor activities by the beach or the Han river, and winter (December to February) transforms the country into a snowy wonderland, perfect for ski enthusiasts.

Don’t miss: The best ski resorts near Seoul, South Korea

Prepare your palate

Though South Korea has plenty of authentic local cuisine and street food to offer, start exploring Korean cuisine at home. Familiarise yourself with flavours like gochujang (red chilli paste), doenjang (soybean paste), and kimchi (fermented vegetable dish traditionally made with napa cabbage or radish), often an acquired taste. Your taste buds will thank you for it later.

Now, let’s dive into the experiences that will make your trip truly unforgettable:

K-pop dance workshop

Channel your inner BTS J-Hope or Blackpink Lisa by participating in a K-pop dance workshop. Many studios in Seoul offer classes where you can learn iconic moves from your favourite music videos. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent–or two.

Drama location tour

Relive your favourite K-drama moments by visiting iconic filming locations. Walk the same paths as your beloved characters in spots like Nami Island (Winter Sonata), Ihwa Mural Village (Rooftop Prince), Oriole (Itaewon Class), and Gamcheon Culture Village (Fight for My Way). Don’t forget to strike a pose for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot.

Read more: ‘Queen of Tears’: Discover the filming locations of the explosive K-drama

Temple stay

For a serene contrast to the bustling city life, consider a temple stay. It’ll allow you to immerse yourself in Buddhist culture, participate in meditation sessions, and enjoy vegetarian temple cuisine such as naengmyeon (cold noodles). It’s a wonderful way to find inner peace and gain a deeper understanding of Korean spirituality.

Hanbok experience

Embrace tradition by donning a hanbok, the beautiful yet fashionable traditional attire and a symbol of Korea’s culture and rich history. Many rental shops offer a wide array of styles and colours, all intricately made with the oriental philosophy of harmony in mind. Stroll through historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most beautiful and the largest of all five palaces of the Joseon dynasty, or Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of restored traditional Korean houses in your elegant ensemble for a truly immersive experience.

Pro tip: The admission price for Gyeongbokgung Palace varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase but if you wear a hanbok, your admission is free.

See also: From stage to runway: K-pop idols-turned high-fashion models

Noraebang night

No Korean trip is complete without belting out your favourite tunes in a noraebang (singing room). These private singing rooms are perfect for showcasing your vocal prowess or simply having a laugh with friends.

Pro tip: Many noraebangs have an extensive selection of K-pop and international songs and while most noraebangs serve a range of drinks, some are alcohol-free.

Ensure your stomach has enough real estate and prepare to tantalise your taste buds for a gastronomic South Korean culinary adventure. Here are some must-try dishes:

Bibimbap

One of the most well-known Korean dishes, this colourful bowl of mixed rice, vegetables, and gochujang is a flavour explosion in every bite. For an extra, crunchy treat, try the dolsot bibimbap served in a sizzling stone bowl. You’ll love the bottom layer of crispy rice which adds a nice texture and flavour.

Korean BBQ

Gather your fellow K-drama and K-pop stans for a Korean BBQ feast. Grill your own meat at the table and wrap it in lettuce leaves with various banchan (side dishes) for a truly interactive dining experience. On Jeju Island, there’s a whole street in the city called ‘Black Pork Street’ lined with Korean BBQ restaurants that serve its local delicacy, Jeju black pork, which boasts a distinctive chewy texture that’s similar to steak.

Don’t miss: 8 must-try Korean BBQ restaurants in the Klang Valley

Ganjang gejang

If you’re feeling slightly adventurous, well, nothing screams “Umami!” more than ganjang gejang (soy sauce-marinated crab). It’s a rich and delicious Korean dish made with fresh raw crabs (usually the blue crabs variant) marinated in a soy sauce-based brine which gives a sweet and savoury kick. You can find it almost anywhere in Busan, South Korea’s port city. Pair it with a steaming bowl of fluffy rice for a perfect meal.

Street food

Get on your feet and explore the streets and try local street food favourites like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), eomuk (fish cakes), and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste). If you’d like to try them all in one go, visit the local markets like Gwangjang Market or Tongin Market in Seoul.

Samgyetang

This ginseng chicken soup is delicious and believed to have health benefits as it’s a popular ‘stamina food’. It’s particularly popular during hot summer days. Some restaurants, like Tosokchon Samgyetang in Seoul, offer a shot of ginseng liquor for patrons to pour into their soup.

Read more: Guilty pleasures: Foods loved by your favourite Korean celebrities

Bingsu

Cool down with this fluffy, snow-like dessert topped with various sweet treats, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. The traditional bingsu comes with toppings of red bean, bean paste, tteok (rice cake), or groundnut powder. But these days, there’s a variety of flavours, from melon to coffee, to berries and even yoghurt. The mango bingsu is particularly divine.

Before jetting off to K-entertainment land, be sure to check if your passport requires a K-eta (Korean electronic travel authorisation), an electronic travel authorisation that visa-free foreign visitors will need to obtain before entering South Korea. Without this, you won’t be allowed to board your flight. Visit https://visit-app.org/korea/en-form for more information and to apply for one.

Lastly, don’t forget to arm yourself with a T-money card upon arrival to use on taxis, express buses, intercity buses, or trains. You can find it at convenience stores nationwide and it’s reloadable (with cash) through subway ticket vending machines inside subway stations.

See also: The Hallyu tsunami: 3 Korean entertainment giants conquering Asian markets

As you embark on your Korean adventure, remember to keep an open mind and heart. From the neon-lit, bustling streets of Gangnam to the tranquil temples of Gyeongju, South Korea offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition that will captivate any K-pop or K-drama enthusiast. Happy travels!

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