Why South Korea Is My New Favourite Destination

By Hannah Douch

Last updated: 13th October 2025

Help, I cannot stop daydreaming about South Korea. Now that I have eaten every iconic dish, well and truly explored the streets of Seoul, and shopped beyond my means on K-pop and K-beauty products (you know how everyone jokes about getting a second suitcase? I was about 2kg away from actually needing one), the biggest question on my mind is, “So… when can I go back?”

Believe the hype. And believe me when I say that South Korea needs to be on your Travel Wishlist. Because if post-travel blues is the price I have to pay for the most incredible 2 weeks, send me out on the next flight. In the meantime, here is a snapshot of my top highlights from our 13-day Ultimate South Korea.

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K-Culture Never Misses a Beat 🌟

Let me ask you something: how many times have you sung along to the high notes of “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters (yep, I can’t hit them either)? Found your shoulders swaying to “Soda Pop”? Or maybe you memorised all the moves to “Gangnam Style” by heart long ago? South Korea’s vibrant pop culture has taken the world by storm, so much so that there is a name for this phenomenon: “Hallyu”, aka the Korean wave of entertainment.

I had to experience it first-hand, and what better way than with a K-pop dance class? My group and I were laughing as we learned the choreography from a professional back-up dancer, thinking we had nailed a section, only to completely forget just moments later. I’ve got a long way to go before I make my debut as an idol… if ever. Next time I watch a BTS music video, I’ll have a newfound appreciation, that’s for sure.

Best Food Ever - Seriously, So Good! 😍

Although I had high expectations for Korean cuisine after hearing everyone rave about it, I was still blown away by how insanely tasty it was. At every group outing, you could bet that at least one person would say, “This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten!” We finished each night with our bellies full and our hearts content.

From braised chicken stews that I still think about at least twice a day, to chewy tteokbokki rice cakes, spicy ramyeon noodles and the smoky flavours of K-BBQ, Korean cuisine is love at first bite. And who could forget about all the snacks you can try at the convenience stores around every corner in Seoul, including my latest obsession, banana milk?

Beyond the Seoul City Life 🏙️

While I cannot get enough of the Seoul city life, one of the perks of travelling on one of our South Korea tours is how much of the country you get to experience. Between getting wanderlust inside the traditional streets of Jeonju to chasing waterfalls and hiking along the coast in Jeju Island, every destination had its own sense of magic.

If I could only pick one? Gyeongju has my heart. Famed for its sloped emerald hills and floating palaces, there’s a reason why this city is nicknamed the “Museum Without Walls”. It’s like historic and urban worlds have collided here. Taking a cycling tour around all the temples and green stretches is the best way to soak it all in… Even if you end up crashing your bike into a barrier pole like I did, whoops!

Gyeongju is also where we had our Taekwondo class. This was hands-down one of my favourite activities that we did, especially when it came to practising all the different kicks and tricks. Not to brag, but I sent one of the wooden boards flying into pieces. Just overlook the fact that it’s designed for 6-year-olds to break, shhh…

A Shopping Paradise 🛍️

Have you really been to South Korea without heading to the nearest Olive Young store and treating yourself to a few beauty products? My skincare routine has been thriving ever since.

Whether your heart is calling out for cute souvenirs, trending items or more traditional handicrafts, you can shop for it here. And whilst I’ll be the first to admit that I think I could manage a week of the budget backpacker lifestyle before checking myself into a hotel, I was still impressed by how affordable many things were compared to prices back home.

Making the Dream Trip a Reality 💫

After longing to visit South Korea for almost a decade, part of me was nervous about whether it could really live up to my dream-like expectations. Could this destination meet everything I had hoped for?

Long story short, reader, it did. If anything, I didn’t set my hopes high enough. Aside from all the places I had the privilege of visiting, what makes travel feel so sentimental is the people you share it with. My group, promising such a fun mix of personalities, yet each person was so individually lovely. And my amazing trip leaders, Yoojin and Eun Hye, who made us feel so welcome in their home country. “Saranghaeyo!” (“Love ya!”)

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