Explorer's Journal: A Journey Through South Korea with SA Explorer Jackie

Join SA Explorer Jackie on an unforgettable journey through South Korea, where ancient palaces, vibrant cities, volcanic landscapes, and coastal treasures come together in one incredible adventure. From taking in sweeping views over Seoul from N Seoul Tower and exploring royal palaces in traditional hanbok to discovering Jeju Island's lava tubes, waterfalls, and famous women divers, this journey showcases the rich culture, history, and natural beauty that make South Korea such a fascinating destination.

Hi everyone, SA Explorer Jackie here! I recently set off on an adventure through South Korea, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights with you. From exploring Seoul’s historic neighborhoods and bustling markets to hiking volcanic landscapes on Jeju Island and discovering the coastal charm of Busan, every destination offered something completely different. Along the way, I experienced incredible food, meaningful cultural traditions, stunning scenery, and unforgettable moments that gave me a deeper appreciation for this remarkable country. Come along as I take you through each chapter of my South Korean adventure!

First Views of Seoul: A Perfect Arrival Day

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Taking it slow for my first day in Seoul, and visiting the N Seoul Tower (Photo: Jackie Becker).

After a long international flight to Seoul, I intentionally kept my first day free. But once I woke up and looked out at the city, I knew there was one place I had to visit: N Seoul Tower.

Perched high above Seoul, this iconic landmark offers incredible views of the city below. Getting there is part of the fun, too! Visitors can either hike up the mountain or take a scenic cable car ride. Since I never pass up a good view, the cable car was an easy choice for me.

Once at the top, I quickly understood why N Seoul Tower is one of Seoul's most beloved attractions. The views were absolutely stunning, stretching as far as the eye could see and offering the perfect introduction to this vibrant city. I also loved discovering the displays throughout the tower showing how far away different destinations around the world are from Seoul—a fun reminder of just how far I'd traveled to get here.

As if the views weren't enough, I was also treated to a traditional Korean music performance on the observation platform. It was a wonderful introduction to Korean culture and an unexpected highlight of the day. One thing that immediately struck me about Seoul was how seamlessly it blends modern life with tradition.

In fact, I enjoyed N Seoul Tower so much that I ended up visiting twice during my time in Seoul!

Looking back, it was the perfect first-day activity: relaxed, scenic, culturally interesting, and just enough adventure to help me beat jet lag. 

History, Markets & K-Wellness in Seoul

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Visiting Bukchon Hanok Village (left) and tasting the flavors of South Korea at Gwangjang Market (right). (Photo: Jackie Becker)

Our day began in Bukchon Hanok Village, a beautiful historic neighborhood home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses known as hanok. While many of these homes are centuries old, some are still lived in today, creating a fascinating blend of old and new right in the heart of the city.

From there, we visited the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae), the former official residence of South Korea's president. While the landmark itself is impressive, I found myself completely captivated by the colorful artwork decorating the buildings, known as Dancheong. Dating back more than a thousand years, these intricate patterns were believed to protect buildings while symbolizing harmony with nature. I couldn't stop admiring the incredible craftsmanship and detail.

Another highlight was seeing the Irworobongdo ("Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks"), one of Korea's most recognizable royal symbols. Traditionally displayed behind the king's throne, it represents harmony, stability, and the natural forces believed to support the kingdom. (So if I’m standing in front, I suppose that makes me royalty for today!?)

After working up an appetite, it was time for lunch at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest and most famous markets. Featured on Netflix's Street Food: Asia, it's the perfect place to sample Korean specialties. I tried everything from tteokbokki and kimbap to mandu and even sundae, Korea's famous blood sausage. Some dishes were familiar, while others pushed me outside my comfort zone—but that's one of my favorite parts of travel!

To end the day, I embraced another famous Korean tradition: K-wellness. An aromatic herbal bath at a Korean spa was the perfect way to relax after a day spent exploring.

The history, food, wellness, and endless cultural discoveries made this an unforgettable day in Seoul. 

Experiencing Korea Through Hanbok & Royal Palaces

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Experiencing Korean culture by wearing a hanbok, Korea’s traditional clothing (Photo: Jackie Becker).

This was my absolute favorite experience in Seoul!

One of the most memorable ways to experience Korean culture is by wearing hanbok, Korea's traditional clothing. While it's an activity enjoyed by many visitors, you'll also spot locals wearing hanbok for special occasions and cultural celebrations. As my SA Expeditions guide took me to a local hanbok shop to prepare for the day, I was excited to experience it for myself.

The experience was so much more than simply putting on a beautiful outfit. The staff helped me select a hanbok, styled my hair, and completed the look with traditional accessories. Watching the transformation come together made the experience feel even more special.

Dressed in hanbok, I made my way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic royal palace in South Korea. Built in 1395, the palace served as the main royal residence during the Joseon Dynasty. Walking through its gates in traditional attire felt like stepping into another era and offered a unique perspective on Korea's history.

I also loved admiring the colorful Dancheong decorating the palace buildings. The longer I looked, the more Dancheong details I noticed. By this point in my trip, my fascination with these intricate designs was already well established!

Some people might think wearing hanbok is "touristy," but honestly, I couldn't disagree more. The experience helped me connect with Korea's history and culture in a way I didn't expect. Now, whenever I see hanbok, I have a deeper appreciation for the tradition and craftsmanship behind it.

And yes—the photos were pretty incredible, too.

Jeju Island: Lava Tubes, Tea Meditation & Coastal Views

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Arriving at Jeju Island, South Korea (Photo: Jackie Becker).

Often called the "Hawaii of South Korea," Jeju feels like a completely different side of the country. Known for its volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, and laid-back atmosphere, it's one of South Korea's most beloved vacation destinations.

Before we even landed, I got a fun reminder of just how important pop culture is in Korea. K-pop is so popular that some airlines even feature K-pop stars in their safety videos to help capture passengers' attention!

Then, our first stop on the island was Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest lava tubes in the world and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created by ancient volcanic activity, this enormous underground passage stretches for miles beneath Jeju Island. Walking through the lava tube felt like stepping into another world and gave me a whole new appreciation for the volcanic activity that created Jeju Island.

After exploring Jeju's natural wonders, it was time to experience a different side of Korean culture through a traditional Tea Meditation Ceremony. Our guide explained that tea is often used in meditation because it engages all five senses: seeing the tea, hearing it pour, smelling its aroma, tasting it, and feeling the warmth of the cup. It was such a peaceful and meaningful experience, and I loved having the opportunity to try it for myself.

To end the day, I checked into a stunning waterfront hotel overlooking the sea. As I relaxed and took in the view, I couldn't help but feel excited for the next day. Jeju had already impressed me, and I couldn't wait to explore more of its incredible natural beauty.

Sunrise Peak & the Women of the Sea

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The beautiful views of Jeju Island (Photo: Jackie Becker).

SA Explorer Jackie takes on one of Jeju's most famous landmarks: Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak! 

This UNESCO-listed site was formed by an underwater volcanic eruption thousands of years ago and today offers one of the most spectacular views in South Korea. Of course, there was just one small detail standing between me and that view: about 600 stairs!

The climb sounded much easier before I actually started it. But with every step, the anticipation grew. And once I reached the summit, I immediately understood why this is one of Jeju's most iconic attractions. The panoramic views of the coastline, ocean, and surrounding landscape were absolutely breathtaking. It was one of those travel moments where you simply stop, take it all in, and realize you'll never forget it.

One of the experiences I was most excited about came later in the day: seeing the famous Haenyeo, or "Women of the Sea." These remarkable women free dive to harvest seafood, often reaching depths of 65 feet (20 meters) and holding their breath for up to two minutes—all without oxygen tanks. Watching them work was both inspiring and fascinating, and seeing them prepare their fresh catch afterward made the experience even more memorable.

Before returning to the hotel, I made one final stop at Jeongbang Waterfall, one of the only waterfalls in Asia that flows directly into the ocean. It was the perfect reminder of how unique Jeju Island truly is.

As I soaked in the view from my hotel on my final evening in Jeju, I found myself reflecting on an unforgettable few days. While I was sad to say goodbye to this beautiful island, I was also excited for the adventures that awaited at our next destination. 

Busan's Coastline, Seafood & Sacred Temples

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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea (Photo: Jackie Becker).

As South Korea's second-largest city, Busan combines the energy of a major metropolis with the beauty of a coastal destination. With beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, dramatic coastlines, and colorful neighborhoods, it's easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with this seaside city.

Of course, no visit to Busan would be complete without sampling some of the city's famous seafood. Thanks to its coastal location, Busan is known for some of the freshest seafood in the country. One of my favorite discoveries was Haemul Pajeon, a crispy Korean pancake packed with seafood and green onions. Consider it officially Jackie-approved—10/10! 

Another highlight of the day was visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Korea's most unique temples. Unlike most Korean temples, which are tucked away in the mountains, this beautiful temple sits directly on the coastline overlooking the sea. Walking down the 108 steps leading to the temple, I learned that the number 108 holds special significance in Buddhism, representing the earthly desires and attachments that can stand in the way of enlightenment.

Another detail that stood out to me was the hundreds of colorful prayer lanterns hanging throughout the temple grounds. Many were sponsored by worshippers who requested prayers from the monks for themselves or their loved ones. Combined with the stunning ocean views and the beautiful Dancheong decorating the temple buildings, the entire experience felt incredibly peaceful and meaningful.

As the sun set over the sea from my hotel balcony, I couldn't imagine a better way to end my day in Busan.

A Farewell Feast & Final Reflections

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Heading back to Seoul by train and trying Korean BBQ (Photo: Jackie Becker).

After an incredible journey through Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan, it was time to make my way back to Seoul. Thankfully, South Korea's high-speed rail network makes traveling around the country incredibly easy. I hopped aboard the train and soon found myself cruising toward the capital at speeds of up to 180 mph!

Before leaving South Korea, there was one experience I still had to check off my list: Korean BBQ. And wow—this upscale Seoul restaurant did not disappoint!

One of the things that makes Korean BBQ so special is that it's about much more than what's on the grill. The meal comes with an incredible variety of side dishes, known as banchan, creating a dining experience that's as much about sampling and sharing as it is about the main course. Between the endless side dishes and the sizzling, mouthwatering meats, I could absolutely see why Korean BBQ has become famous around the world. If you're going to have one final meal in South Korea, Korean BBQ is a pretty hard final meal to beat!

On my final evening in South Korea, I stayed near Seoul's airport, making for an easy (and surprisingly scenic!) journey to my flight home the next morning.

Over the course of this journey, I discovered so many different sides of South Korea. Every destination had its own personality, and each left me with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the country's culture and people.

Goodbye for now, South Korea.