And here are some of the important things I learnt during my VTL trip to South Korea. Please note that this is a summary of the full version of my VTL Korea blog. As the situation is evolving, this is only for your casual consumption.

CAUTION: My trip commenced from mid-December 2021 to mid-January 2022. All information below is reflective of my personal experience during the mentioned period. While I try my best to update the content, please do your due diligence by checking in with the authority and their websites listed in the full version of my VTL blog.

1. It is good to have a Korean Mobile Simcard. 

I have always skipped this in my previous trips to South Korea. A wifi-egg / router was more than enough back then but with COVID-19, you’ll need a local number for your PCR test & contact tracing.

Note that at the end of my trip, which was January of 2022, most of the restaurants and premises were no longer accepting writing down your name and your Singapore mobile number for contact tracing. Instead, they’re doing the “Ahn Shim Call” (안심콜) which requires you to make a toll-free call. To improve your chance to enter your favourite restaurant, please get a Korean SIMcard that includes a local voice call plan.

UPDATE: As the South Korea government has removed the "Ahn Shim Call" (안심콜), it is not a must to get a Korean Mobile Simcard. However, some reported that they were required to provide a local mobile number by the airport officer when they were registrating for their On-Arrival PCR at Incheon Airport. We did went ahead with purchasing a Korean Mobile Simcard. 

2. You No Longer Need So Many COVID-19 Tests.

During my trip in December 2021, we were required to do 7 tests that include PCR and ART. It sums up to SGD 673.48 for 1 person. Here are the breakdowns during my trip (end of December 2021-January 2022):

• Pre-departure PCR with PTD Swabs. (SGD 107 per pax)
• On-arrival PCR at Incheon Airport via Safe2go. (KRW 174,000, ~SGD 201.87 per pax)
• 6th/7th day PCR at Seegene 씨젠의료재단 (KRW 110,000, ~SGD 124.21 per pax)
• Pre-departure ART test at Eulji Bareun Clinic (KRW 45,000 ~SGD 50.4 per pax)
• On-arrival PCR at Changi Airport (SGD 160 per pax)
• Post-arrival day 3 – supervised self-administered test (SGD 15 per pax)
• Post-arrival day 7 – supervised self-administered test (SGD 15 per pax)

UPDATE: No more on-arrival COVID-19 Tests Required (as of 1st October 2022)

• Those who show symptoms within three days of their arrival can get a free PCR test at public health centers

3. You Need to Apply for K-ETA.

Contrary to the pre-COVID time where Singaporean enjoy VISA exemption for leisure travel, you will now need to apply for K-ETA, a travel authorisation by the South Korean government for your travel eligibility. This K-ETA will allow you to stay in South Korea for up to three months and is valid for two years.

4. You Can Take Public Transport from Incheon Airport to Seoul.  

Other than the expensive private taxi and limousine service that transport you from Incheon Airport to Seoul, you may also take public airport limousine buses that are designated for passengers arriving from overseas.

However, the frequency for such buses has been greatly reduced so it may be quite inconvenient. That said, you may also take AREX all-stop train from Incheon Airport to Hongik University Station, or Seoul Station, which cost way cheaper than a private taxi.

5. Some Hotels May Require Your Negative PCR Result to Check You In. 

While the instructions from the immigration officer were to take any mode of transportation head straight to the hotel and wait for the result, the hotels that I booked required my negative PCR test result to proceed with my check-in procedure. As the PCR test results will take approximately 2-3 hours to arrive, I decided not to take a private taxi from the airport. Taking the AREX train to Seoul station and then changing to a taxi to Gangnam makes more sense as it is way cheaper, and by the time I got to the hotel lobby, I have already received my test result.

6. Some Attractions May Require You To Wear a KF94 Mask. 

Generally, you can wear any type of mask you are comfortable with, especially in Seoul, Busan or any other cities. However, while I was in the mountains at Namhae, there was a public notice outside the entrance that requires visitors to wear a KF94 mask so you may want to prepare some. Also, I noticed my mask gets damp way more easily in the winter temperature so it is good to prepare extra in your bag just in case!

UPDATE: While it is not compulsory to wear a mask outdoor nowadays, similar to Singapore, we do see that the South Koreans are still wearing mask outdoor. 

7. Don’t Be Surprised if You Get Turned Away at Restaurants or Properties.

While this is definitely not common, there may still be chances that you’ll be rejected an entry due to many reasons. I had an up-to-date vaccination status, I brought my vaccination cert with me all the time, and I have the COOV app and a local mobile number to do my “Ahn Shim Call”, but I was turned away as the cafe did not have their unique “Ahn Shim Call” number and the owner thought it was risky to accept me. I have explained this in detail in my dedicated blog post (click the square banner at the end of this blog). My tip is to avoid visiting your “wishlist cafe/resto” at peak hours. If all things fail, let’s just go with the flow and eat/ visit other places nearby.

UPDATE: During my recent trip in May 2022, the restaurants are no longer checking the Ahn Shim Call and COOV app, there is no problem of being rejected an entry anymore. 

8. You Can Travel Out of Seoul.

Once you received your on-arrival test result, you can roam freely. That includes taking a KTX to Busan, to the heritage city Jeonju, taking a bus to the Treasure Island Namhae, or flying to Jeju Island! However, please plan your trip accordingly so that you can take your mid-trip PCR on the 6th/7th day at these designated hospitals.

UPDATE: You only need to take self-administered ART on Day 6 / 7 in South Korea (if stay ≥8 days)

9. The ART Test at Incheon Airport Can Be More Expensive.

During my time, we were allowed to do an ART test for pre-departure to Singapore. While the one at Incheon Airport cost ~SGD 75, we found an alternative at Eulji Bareun Clinic, which is located in the charming Euljiro area that cost KRW 45,000 (~SGD 50.4) per pax.

UPDATE: There is no need for travellers to do any COVID-19 Test when they're coming back from South Korea through Changi Airport.

10.  Sanitise Frequently.  

As we are travelling during the pandemic and with all the changing rules and regulations, I wouldn’t say that it is absolutely risk-free. What we did was really sanitise every single thing we touch, drink a lot of water and I am also taking a few supplements that help to improve my immunity (DM me on Instagram to find out more!). We also got this Hinoki sanitising spray from Olive Young and have religiously sprayed it all over ourselves and on our clothing the first thing we reach the hotel every single day!

I hope you enjoy reading this blog and if you would like to get more in-depth information about the VTL trip to South Korea, click on the banner below to read my ultimate preparation guide & travel information you should know before embarking on your Singapore – Korea VTL trip!

Related Articles:

Singapore-Korea Quarantine Free Travel – Preparation & Travel Information 

What Supplements I take to boost my Immunity during COVID-19

We stayed in the Patio room which features natural jade ondol flooring, a modern bathroom and an exclusive, traditional-style patio. The temperature went down to -18°C at night but the ondol kept the room warm and mattresses were thick and comfortable enough to sleep in. I like that the hotel strived to merge modern day comfort while retaining the authentic hanok experiences for their guests.

Breakfast at our very own patio was a highlight too! We were also very lucky to enjoy the Jjimjilbang all to ourselves during our stay. Read about my entire experience in detail here: Rakkojae Seoul Hanok Stay 

Full Article:

RAKKOJAE SEOUL: A Hanok Stay at a 130-year-old Property at Bukchon Hanok Village

Check out my IG Reels about Rakkojae Hanok Stay below:

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So when my friend, Mong, told me about her new venture called UDUL Studio, where she conducts DIY custom jewellery workshops and even invited me for a studio tour, I got really excited. I thought it would be fun to find out how is it like to make jewellery entirely by hand.

NOTE: Udul studio has moved from Seoul to Daejeon as of Dec 2018.
Below was written based on my experience at their then Seoul studio. Her latest info was updated at the end of the article.  

Located in the Gangnam district, this cozy little heaven of all-things-handmade will bring out the inner designer in you. Classes are conducted at an underground studio where she shares with other artists. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun. You get to learn all the jewellery making basics before creating one you can proudly call it your work.

I was given a small tray upon arrival, with all things needed – several tweezers and a wooden holder where I can put all my selected materials in the later part of the class. The class covers basic skills like how to make simple jewellery clasps, closures, and connectors. By the 1 hour mark, I have got the basics and started working on my wood earring.

It wasn’t easy. The thin, fine wires are delicate. You’ll need to stay focus for a very long time, tweezing them to the correct size and to close the tiny loop tight. This requires so much patience and an excessive amount of attention. Twisting them too much will cause breakage and I destroyed several connectors before finally connecting the wooden piece together. Super hard work, but it is all worth it!

The classes are conducted either in group or solo, depending on the total amount of guests who signed up at one time. I’d say it is a great way to spend your time in Seoul, if you’re up to creating something unique and meaningful for yourself (or even for a friend)!

Writer’s Note: I made a wood earring and a sky blue colour suede bracelet during the session. I do not have photos of the bracelet but I do have photos of me wearing the lovely wood earrings. The dangling wood pieces somehow make my face looks smaller. It makes a perfect accessory for my summer dresses! I matched it with my LIE SS18 stripped dress with ribbon when I met up with the designer of the dress, Mr. Chung Chung Lee when he was in Seoul.

I really enjoyed the whole DIY Jewellery making session with Mong. It just feels like having a cup of tea with a friend while having a jewellery making party at an underground studio. Mong speaks English so you’ll be able to follow the class. Hit her IG up to arrange a class if you’re interested!

Class Information

Single Class (one-off class suitable for travellers) 
Participants will bring back 2 types of jewellery (1 pair of earring + 1 bracelet/ 2 bracelets/ 2 pairs of earrings).
Class Price:  KRW 45,000
Class Duration: 2-3 hours

Other classes suitable for Seoulites:
Class Pack A – 6 times, KRW350,000
Class Pack B – 10 times, KRW 700,000
Jewellery Making Certification Class – 14 times, KRW2,800,000

Contact Details

You may contact Mong via her official Instagram prior to your arrival in Daejeon. Kakaotalk users may contact her via her Kakao ID: jimong20

Udul Studio (Daejeon)
Daejon-si, Seo-gu, Mannyeon-ro 12-21, No. 302.
대전 서구 만년로 12번길 21, 302호

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So if you have decided to brave the heat for a long waited shopping retreat and already bought/ planning to get your 2017 summer-Seoul-bound air ticket, congrats! Here is the list of 12 summer eats and treats to combat the sweltering heat in South Korea, with introduction and address for your convenience. Bookmark them down and check them out while you enjoy your next summer getaway in Korea! Most of the eateries are just within walking distance from major shopping areas, tourist spots and downtown Seoul!

Below is my 12 recommendation of must-eat summer food in Korea:

1. Sul-Bing: Injeolmi Bingsu

Area: all around Korea (franchise)
Shaved ice, or bingsu in romanized Korean, is the first thing you can’t skip if you’re here in Korea during summer. Sul-Bing 설빙 is in fact, one of my favourite dessert cafe for bingsu in Korea. It is the company that claimed its originality, the one that came out with many of the bingsu flavours you are now having in Singapore.

A classic favourite is the Injeolmi Bingsu (인절미) . The nutty flavour of the sand colour bean powder goes well together with the chewy rice cakes and the fluffy shaved milk ice. My other personal favourite is Heuk-im-ja Bingsu 흑임자 (Black Sesame Bingsu). It is a brilliant mixture of bean powder and black sesame powder, topping up with red bean paste, rice cakes, red dates and almond. If you love black sesame tang yuan, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this too.

Another snack I’ll never forget to order there is Double Bar Rice Cakes (쌍쌍치즈가래떡) Ssang-Ssang Cheese Garaeddeok. It is grilled rice cakes covered with cheddar and parmesan cheese. Calling all cheese fanatics not to miss this. The 4 inches rice cakes are filled with mozzarella cheese, each bite is a pure cheesy bliss!

Address: (There’re many more outlets, the below list are their outlets near tourist sites) 
Sulbing Gangnam
202, Jang-yeon Building, Yeoksam-dong 619-4, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul.
서울시 강남구 역삼동 619-4 장연빌딩 202호

Sulbing Myeongdong
level 2, Nam Gyeong Building, Myeongdong 2(yi)ga, 55-2, Junggu, Seoul.
서울시 중구 명동2가 55-2번지 남경빌딩 2층

Sulbing Ehwa Womens University
Level 2 & 3, Daehyeon Dong, 54-9, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul.
서울시 서대문구 대현동 54-9 2,3층

Sulbing Garosu-gil
Level 2, Gangnamdaero 152 bon-gil 45, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul.
서울시 강남구 강남대로 152번길 45, 2층

2. Gelati-Gelati: Gelato Ice-cream

Area: Hongdae (Hongik University) 
How about savoring a smooth and velvety gelato ice-cream when you’re half-done with your shopping ar Hongik University Area? This cosy little ice-cream store is a favourite for all local and tourist alike. Citrus based gelato ice-cream flavours are great and refreshing. If you are more adventurous, try flavours like white rice and milk tea, you won’t regret!

Address:
Gelati Gelati. Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. 407-8, Level 1.
젤라띠 쩰라띠. 서울시 마포구 서교동 487-8

3. Yurim-Myeon: Buckwheat Cold Noodles

Area: City Hall, Deoksugung Palace.
A restaurant with 50 years know-how of making noodles. If you like cold noodles (Mae-mil Guksu), this place is where you should go after your visit at Deoksugung. It is located just walking distance away from the palace. Dip the chewy al-dente buckwheat noodles into the icy cool shuyu stock soup and slurpp the refreshing summer delicacy down your throat! Check the detailed review here (click me).

Address:
Yurim Myeon 유림면
139-1, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울 중구 서소문로 139-1 (서소문동)
Tel: +82-2-755-0659 (Reservation available during lunch time only)
Operation hours: 11am- 830pm.

 4. Tosokchon Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken)

Area: Gyeongbok Palace
Korean believes to survive the heat one must eat “hot” food. You’ll see busy restaurant selling hot, soupy and nourishing food during summer here in South Korea. These hot soups will heal your dehydrated and exhausted body in the sweltering heat, also boost your energy level and metabolism.

One best place I could recommend is Tosokchon Samgyetang, one of the South Korean ex-president favourite samgyetang. I love their milky broth, assorted nuts and seeds toppings, and tender, easily off-the-bone chicken meat– I’d say it is still one of the few best samgyetangs in South Korea, especially after I sampled a fair amount of samgyetang across the country. Complete review here (click me).

Address:
Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌 삼계탕
85-1 Jongno-Gu, Chebu-Dong, Seoul.
Tel: +82 2-737-7444 | Operating Hours: 10am-11pm |
대한민국 서울특별시 종로구 체부동 85-1

5. Dok-dabang: Melon Shaved Ice

Area: Sinchon (Right opposite Yonsei University) 
This melon shaved ice craze swept the whole country a few summers back — and have yet to die down. If the traditional bingsu failed to capture your heart, try out this refreshing combination of real melon, with melon flavoured shaved ice and a ball of vanilla ice cream. Not only looking extraordinarily pretty, this seasonal dessert from one of the oldest cafe in Seoul is also yummy! Reviews about the melon bingsu and the cafe here (click me).

Address:
독수리다방 Dok-dabang
Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Changcheon-dong, 31-4 Dok-suri Building (독수리빌딩), level 8.
서울시 서대문구 창천동 31-4 독수리빌딩8층
Tel. 02-363-1222

6. Mamangateau: Caramel Bingsu

Area: Gangnam (Garosugil) 
Garosugil 가로수길 is one of the places I frequent with my friends. Either for shopping or food hunt, Garosugil can never disappoint. Amidst the fancy restaurants and fashion boutiques, Mamangateau is a bakery school & cafe I’ll go to whenever I have sweet cravings. They serve marvellous roll cakes and solid iced coffees that will definitely perk you up within seconds. Their caramel bingsu is what I’ll make sure not to miss out during summer.

Milk shaved ice coated with layers of salted caramel syrup, topped with caramelised roasted almond, a scoop of caramel ice cream and a piece of caramel nut sugar biscuits, this baby is so guiltily rich and delicious. I took my first bite and knew my quest for a really good caramel bingsu was over. It was just that good. The roasted almond and grounded peanuts added texture to the bingsu and it was oh-so-wonderful.

Address: 
마망갸또Maman Gateau
524-27, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 강남구 신사동 524-27

7.  Cha Mashineunddeul: Iced Tea in a Hanok

Area: Samcheong-dong/ Bukchon Hanok Village
Nothing feels greater with a beautiful (and yummy) cup of iced flower tea, while gazing at the amazing sunset of Samcheong-dong in a traditional garden setting. Cha Mashinneunddeul 차 마시는 뜰, is a beautiful traditional Korean tea house hidden in Bukchon Hanok Village. It is very popular with foreigners and locals due to its Zen environment, pretty looking teawares and yummy teas. They serve one of the best floral iced tea in Seoul. The delicate fragrance and refreshing taste just wash the blistering summer heat away in a few seconds.

Address:
Cha-massineun ddeul 차 마시는 뜰
35-169 Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
서울시 종로구 삼청동 35-169
10am-10pm

8. Mak Guk Su: Cold Buckwheat Noodles

Area: All Around Korea, best place: Chuncheon 
A dish usually served after a sumptuous Korean BBQ, Dakgalbi or any hot plate dishes in summer, I will get a bowl of makguksu, a fantastic dish to cleanse my palette. I am not a fan of Korean cold noodles, i.e. the Naengmyun, but man! makguksu…they’re simply delicious: Pickled onions, fresh vegetables and seaweed added a refreshing crisp to the noodles and the sweet in the sauce balanced the fiery hotness of the sauce. This dish is available almost everywhere during summer, but I’ll recommend you to try out in Chuncheon, where the dish is originated from.

Address:
Chuncheon Miso Dakgalbi 춘천 미소 닭갈비
288-20 Geunhwa-dong, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
강원도 춘천시 근화동288-20

9. Milky Bee: Rose Ice-cream

Area: Myeongdong

Just too pretty to be eaten! These edible roses made of gelato ice-cream bloom in Myeongdong and Nampodong, Busan. Each and every petal is painstakingly put together sometimes the owner gets annoyed when you film the making process. The flavour inclusive of strawberry, vanilla, dark chocolate and matcha. All flavour tasted so good I couldn’t decide which one is better.

Address: 
Milky Bee 밀키비
66-6 Chungmuro-2(yi)ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
서울시 중구 충무로2가 66-6

10. fboong: Not your usual Bungeoppang

Area: All around South Korea (Franchise) 

Certainly, it is not your usual Bungeoppang 붕어빵, a nostalgic street snack that could possibly be the nation’s most favourite snack. This particular one went to jiak-gan-tang (study abroad) in France and came back with its upgraded version of Bungeoppang. Croissant crust substituted the usual pancake texture, giving off a luxurious feel. There are various fillings one can choose from, including the traditional flavours like red bean, injeolmi, choco, purple sweet potato, to the more contemporary flavours like sweet cheese, hot dog, taco, apple mango and of course, the summer must have: ice-cream fillings!

Address: 
fboong 프랑스에 다녀온 붕어빵
332-14 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
서울 마포구 와우산로 27길 56(서교동 332-14)
11am-930pm

11. Mat-Jarang: Soybean Broth Cold Noodles (Kong-guk Su)

Area: Gangnam (Daechi-Dong)
If the usual Naengmyun (냉면 Korean Cold Noodles) isn’t your cup of tea bowl of noodles, try this soybean broth cold noodles. I am not a fan of cold naengmyun either. I can’t even finish one serving by myself simply because I like my noodles hot. But this not the case for this Soybean Broth Cold noodles at Mat-Jarang. I figured it could be their special soybean broth, a mixture of usual soybean and some other grains that make it so pleasantly palatable. Savour the dish together with their sweet and spicy house kimchi, you’ll come back for more!

Address:
맛자랑칼국수  Mat-Jarang
987-7 Daechi 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
서울시 강남구 대치동 987-7
Tel. 02-563-9646

12. So-Bok: Minimalist & Traditional Ice-cream

Area: Hongdae
Yet another Instagram-worthy, minimal, and yummy dessert house to combat the summer heat in Hongdae area. I love the fact that they’re using an edible flower to garnish the ice-cream, making them looking so very elegant and indie at the same time. They only have bingsu, ice-cream and ice balls, in limited flavours like Injeolmi, matcha and strawberry — Told ya, minimal is the new black.

I ordered their Injeolmi Ice-cream, and they garnish it with assorted nuts, a honeycomb and an injeolmi ice-balls. The nutty flavour from the bean powder was heavenly good. For those who love injeolmi and nuts, you’ll love this. And if you want to have something more flavourful, the ice balls will be ideal.

Address:
소복 So Bok
408-7 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 마포구 서교동 408-7
1pm-11pm
Tel.02-6014-0861

This article is first published on 22nd May 2015, and updated on 1st May 2017. 

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Important Notice: Please note that I have stopped updating all South Korea-related content published before 2020 on this blog. You may find all updated South Korea travel content at my dedicated, new travel site here: www.thecalmchronicle.com 

The best autumn foliage venue got to be the ginkgo garden behind the queen dowager’s residence within the Gyeongbok Palace. — Insider Pheuron Tay

“One of my best place to embrace the autumn is the Gyeongbok Palace. I was taking a stroll on a weekday afternoon and accidentally found this beautiful ginkgo garden behind the Jagyeong-Jeon (자경전 慈慶殿). It was like walking into an ocean of glittering golden leaves.”

Tell us a must-do activity in Korea during autumn?
Glamping. Pack up your personal belongings, call your friends, and you can basically leave the rest of the stuff to the glamping site. Remember to prepare some Ramyeon and Army Stew ingredients and So-maek for an authentic Korean campsite experience. Read my detailed write-up about glamping here.

 

Autumn-to-do in Korea: camping. 날씨 가을가을이니까 글램핑 글램핑 가야징^^ 고미워 친구야~~ 내 생에 첫 캠핑추억을 함께 해줘서 #글램핑 #가을 #autumn #camping #campsite

A photo posted by 정가현. 정퓨니. (@pheurontay) on Oct 25, 2014 at 1:35am PDT

What are your personal must-eats during this season?
Grilled ginkgo nuts & fresh figs.

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.
– Korean mistaken me as local while people at home refuse to believe I am not a foreigner.
– I own 35 lipsticks but insist on wearing the same 5 shades over and over.
– I love bright sunlight. I get cranky and depressed in a dimly lighted room.

Gyeongju has the best autumn foliage…even the small maeul (village) bus stops match the autumn atmosphere so well. — Insider Neoh

“Although most Korean will recommend hiking to enjoy autumn foliage, I enjoy the scenery at Gyeongju (경주) very much. The slow-pace life over there, the streets filled with ginkgo trees and the endless rice fields…check out the small maeul (village) bus stops! Surprisingly they match the autumn atmosphere so well. Last but not least, the historical sites and temples covered in red and yellow leaves…makes a trip down to Gyeongju worthwhile.”

Tell us a must-do activity in Korea during autumn?
Hiking. Try Seorak Mountain. Basically autumn is a great season to travel, eat, drink and sleep. Remember to take lots of photo and hashtag them like mad.

What are your personal must-eats during this season?
You should definitely try fresh Bang-eo aka Japanese Amberjack (방어회) and Gwamaegi, Korean half-dried pacific herring (과메기), they’re my favourite sashimi during autumn. If raw fish isn’t your cup of tea, try their fresh persimmon or dried persimmon.

I went paragliding at Danyang during early autumn and I was genuinely blown away by the magnificent scenery beneath me. (It was so beautiful) I could’t stop smiling to myself .– Insider Irene Siah

Video Courtesy of Irene Siah

Tell us a must-do activity in Korea during autumn?
Road tripping or PARAGLIDING. It was a great experience flying in the air, with amazing autumn foliage beneath! Definitely something you want to add to your bucket list!

What are your personal must-eats during this season?
Autumn is the season of tangerine! I just had a tangerine-grapefruit juice (감귤 자몽 주스) from U:DALLY and it tastes sooooo good! You can even bring the cute little bottle home after drinking the juice!

 Naejangsan National Park was probably my favourite… The best photo spots: the Uhwajeong Pavilion & the Maple Tunnel.– Insider Siska

All Naejangsan Photos By Siska Ariyanti.

“I suggest to skip the free shuttle bus service and walk all the way up because the route from the car park to the cable car station is amazingly beautiful. It takes about 30 mins-1 hour to reach the cable car station, depending where you park your car at.The Naejangsa itself is just so-so, but the two scenic photo spots I mentioned above are situated along the way to Naejangsa. “

Any other insider autumn foliage locations you want to share with us?
For a place within Seoul, Children’s Grand Park (서울 어린이대공원) is worth a visit. I would recommend a stroll around the park or even go for a picnic.

If you have time to travel out of Seoul, I would recommend Jeonju (전주). You can have a foodie tour yet at the same time, enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage this city has to offer. Check out Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School, their ginkgo trees are at least 200-300 years old, therefore creating a picturesque view.

What is your personal must-eat during this season?
Danpatjuk, the sweet red bean soup (단팥죽) at “The Second Best in Seoul” (서울서 둘째로 잘 하는집), Samcheong-dong.

 

Coming back for this~ Danpatjuk (단팥죽) Not a fan of red bean porridge honestly but this one is an exception. ? #둘째로잘하는집 #thesecondbestinseol #danpatjuk #seoulfoodie #seoulfoods #koreandessert #koreanfoods #foodstagram #먹스타그램 #단팥죽 #삼천동 #삼천동맛집 #samcheondong #redbeanporridge #redbean

A photo posted by Siska Ariyanti (@seara3112) on Nov 17, 2016 at 5:11am PST

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Before you read on, please keep in mind that this is a rough guide for Seoul & Gyeonggi Province. Flowers at different regions of the country bloom and peak at a slightly different timing due to differences in climate. As the climate changes every year, it makes the prediction a tricky affair. Take this year (2016) as an example, people in Busan were already enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms since the last week of March while the trees in Seoul were still in winter sleep.

My advice is to consider the blooming of the flowers as a bonus to the trip. Ultimately, the flower is just a small element of your trip. You have good weather, delicious food, and great accompaniment anyway! If you missed the cherry blossom, no big deal. You probably have a fair share of flower sight-seeing with Forsythias, Azaleas, and Magnolia blooming just for you!

Plum Blossom (매화)

Mid March – Late March
Plum blossoms, more commonly known as the Maehwa (梅花) in Korea is one of the earliest flowers to bloom right after the winter. It signals the arrival of spring. Check out Gwangyang Maehwa Festival, if you book your “spring” trip a tad too early before the rest can blossom. You get to walk around the largest plum blossom village in Korea, basking in the “Spring has FINALLY arrived” mood, while braving the cold under the single digit weather.

Forsythia (개나리)

Late March-Early April 
As the warm sunshine casts through the land of morning calm in late March, these yellow forsythias come to full bloom, creating a cascade of yellow in the mountains of Korea. I love those mornings taking bus no. 5511 from the SNU subway station towards the campus. These bright yellow flowers right in front of my alma mater are one of the fond memories I keep close to my heart. For forsythia fans, Eungbongsan Mountain Forsythia Festival is where you get the best forsythia shoots of the year.

A photo posted by 정가현. 정퓨니. (@pheurontay) on Apr 2, 2014 at 9:05am PDT

12 noon outside the Arts Museum

A photo posted by 정가현. 정퓨니. (@pheurontay) on Mar 31, 2014 at 10:14pm PDT

Azalea (진달래)

Early/Mid April – May
These pretties blossom in early spring, together, or perhaps one-two days slightly later than the forsythias. (At least according to my experience in the Seoul National University campus). The flower usually transforms the campuses and the mountains into a beautiful sea of pink. Sometimes you may find them blooming even more fiercely after the cherries have bloomed. Check out my blog post about the irresistible azaleas during full bloom in April here.

April Azalea.

A photo posted by 정가현. 정퓨니. (@pheurontay) on Apr 2, 2014 at 9:11am PDT

수업 끝나고 꽃 구경 고고씽~ ㅋ

A photo posted by 정가현. 정퓨니. (@pheurontay) on Apr 2, 2014 at 9:22am PDT

Magnolia (목련)

Late March/Early April onwards 
So this is that “beautiful white flower” we often see during our spring trips to Korea. It’s called Magnolia and Koreans call it Muk-ryun. I love the white bloom on the magnolia trees — a sure sign of spring. So elegant and oh-so-bridal – makes me wants to tie the knot already lol. One thing special about the Magnolia tree is it usually blooms before the leaves appear. And the easiest place to catch these beautiful sights? Check out Yonsei University campus & Ehwa Women’s University campus at Subway Line No.2, Sinchon Station & Ehwa Women’s University Station.

Cherry Blossom (벚꽃)

Early April – First Weekend of April (Peak) 
Nothing signifies spring more than cherry blossoms. If you ever walk through the cherry blossom trail and experienced the pale pink petals falling gently on your hair – you’ll understand what I mean. It is so magical. The whole city is perfumed with the delicate fragrance, and you know from then on, you won’t want to miss a single cherry blossom season.

If you have more than a week to spend in Seoul, book your trip from 3 days before the first weekend of April to the 2nd weekend of April. That is usually when the cherry flower blossom (from my recent 3 years experience in Seoul). But again, it all depends on the weather so, good luck!

Rapeseed Flower (유채꽃)

Early April – End April 
It wouldn’t take long for the South Koreans to shift their attention from the blooming cherry blossom trees to the rapeseed flower (a.k.a. Canola flower). That said, if you missed the cherry blossom, here’s another phenomenal spring flower that would probably take your breath away. If you’re in Seoul, check out Banpo Hangang Park (Seoraeseom) (반포 공원 서래섬) where the Rapeseed Flower Festival is held annually. Another place you should totally check out is the Daejeo Ecological Park (대저생태공원) located in Busan. Be ready to be swept away by the majestic sight of the sea of yellow rapeseed flower!

A photo posted by 셩스타? (@syoung2826) on Apr 9, 2016 at 12:33am PDT

 

Green Barley (청보리)

Mid April – Mid May
Green barley fields are one of the symbols of late spring. I love it when the setting sun shines on the field, creates a mystical, soft, light and airy feel to the field – a perfect wedding photo location for a rustic themed wedding. I don’t think you can find a barley field in Seoul, your nearest green barley field would probably be in the Sangdong Lake Park, located at the outskirt of Seoul. Check out  the post about the park here.

 

Poppies (양귀비꽃)

Mid May – Early June
Poppies are one of the most romantic flowers I’ve come across in Korea. The blooming of poppies mark the end of spring and that’s when you can sense summer beckoning around the corner. I love the swaying movement of the poppies in the wind – so delicate, airy and magical. The best place to see poppies? I am afraid you have to travel a little to the suburbs i.e. the Sangdong Lake Park. Check my complete guide about the park here.

 

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