Smartphones and cars, K-pop and K-beauty: Have you ever wondered how Korean products and cultural exports became world-famous over the past few decades? If so, it’s time to delve deeper into the complicated past, day-to-day life, and societal challenges of this economic powerhouse – through this list of essential cultural experiences in Korea (or South Korea, to be exact!)
THE LIST: CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN KOREA
According to legend, the first Korean state of Gojoseon was founded in 2333 BC. Over thousands of years of trade and warfare, Korean culture was influenced by its Chinese, Mongolian, and Japanese neighbours – and in more modern times, the United States. While these cultural experiences in Korea won’t instantly get you to the heart of Korean beliefs, values, and ways of thinking, they’re fun and easy ways to learn about Korean culture on your next trip.
1. Visit a traditional market
Despite rapid modernization over the past few decades, Korea’s large open-air markets have remained a part of Korean everyday life. Fresh seafood and produce, cookware, linens, toys, souvenirs, and even clothing can be found amid the hundreds of stalls in each market – and best of all, these markets are full of traditional food stalls and street food carts where you can fill up on delicious Korean dishes!
Many of the traditional markets in Korea are centuries old; Seoul’s Namdaemun market is the largest and oldest, going as far back as the 15th century. These are some of the most famous markets worth visiting:
Seoul: Namdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, Noryangjin Fish Market
Pohang: Jukdo Market
Daegu: Seomun Market, + Seomun Night Market on weekends
Busan: Jagalchi Market
The markets are very safe and solo-friendly, so you can absolutely wander the markets on your own (just practice the usual vigilance against pickpockets). If you want to learn how to make Korean food as you explore, then this cooking class with local market tour is a must!
2. Explore the royal palaces in a hanbok
The Joseon dynasty, which was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea, had its capital in modern-day Seoul. Today, the city gates and Five Grand Palaces – including the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung – have been carefully restored and remain the finest example of Korean historical architecture.
To immerse yourself in the beauty of these palaces (and get some lovely photos of yourself), step into a hanbok (Korean traditional dress) for your palace explorations! Plenty of shops around the palaces offer hanbok rentals or even photoshoots. Prices start from KRW 8000-15,000 per hour, depending on the style and quality of hanbok you choose.
3. Feast on a royal banquet for dinner
While you’re imagining life as a Joseon dynasty royal, why not eat like one as well? The surasang (royal table) is one of the main daily meals served to the king and consists of a sumptuous spread including rice and soup, stew, meat or fish, a hot pot, as well as 12 banchan (side dishes) – the higher your status, the more banchan you were served, and only the king got the maximum of 12.
The food presented at a royal banquet also tells a centuries-old story of Korean cuisine. For instance, the huge variety of wild greens reflects the country’s mountainous terrain, while preservation methods such as fermentation ensured that food could last through searing summers and frigid winters. Today, Korean full-course meals or hanjeongsik can be found in many places, but restaurants specializing in surasang will have knowledgeable servers at hand to explain the symbolism of the dishes served. I’ve tried and recommend the royal banquet at Korea House and Jihwaja in Seoul.
4. Break a sweat at a jjimjilbang
A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a Korean bathhouse and sauna, similar in concept to the Turkish hamam, and visiting one is a relatively inexpensive way to experience the local way of life while giving your body a deep-cleansing treat! You can even stay overnight in most jjimjilbang, just like the Korean dramas show.
5. Stay at a local temple
Buddhism forms a vital part of Korean history, and there are about 900 traditional Buddhist temples in South Korea, many of which are part of the Templestay programme. A temple stay offers a day-in-the-life experience of resident monks and nuns at some of the country’s most renowned temples – including some inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Over the course of half a day or an overnight stay, you’ll get to try Seon meditation and Buddhist chanting, a typical tea ceremony, a monastic meal, and even learn how to make a lotus flower lantern or prayer beads.
6. Hike a sacred mountain
Korea’s expansive mountain ranges are shrouded in mist and mythical power. For thousands of years, the most distinctive peaks on the Baekdu-daegan – the mountain range often considered the “spine” of the Korean Peninsula – have been revered for their life-giving rivers and spiritual powers. If you enjoy hiking, Korea’s mountains are equal parts challenging and rewarding.
Some of the most sacred mountains in Korea, as described by local professor David A. Mason, are located in North Korea. Others like Bukhansan in Seoul and Hallasan in Jeju island are popular local attractions, and you’ll get a great introduction to Korea’s vibrant hiking culture on a hike.
7. Get into Korean art, design, and crafts
Despite their intertwined history and mutual influences, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean art are each distinct in their own way. For instance, papermaking was spread from China to Korea and Japan, while Korean artisans were kidnapped to Japan in the late 16th century and premiered certain Japanese pottery styles. Here are a few ways to get introduced to Korean art and craft:
- Leeum Samsung Museum of Art houses contemporary and traditional collections of Korean art, including antique ceramics listed as national treasures. Pricing varies depending on the exhibition (the permanent antiques exhibition is free), but advance booking is required.
- Andong Hanji paper factory showcases the history of hanji (Korean paper) through its guided tours and you’ll have the chance to try making your own paper. Read about the experience here.
8. Explore a folk village
If you’ve had a taste of royal life in ancient Korea, you might also be curious about commoners’ lives outside the capital. If so, go visit a traditional folk village! Across Korea, villages were traditionally clan-based and led by aristocratic families of the area. Each village was usually structured around farmland, with areas for nobles, servants, and schools.
While there are several “folk villages” near Seoul, you may prefer to visit places with more historical integrity, like the UNESCO-listed Andong Hahoe Folk Village. I personally enjoyed Gyochon Village in Gyeongju: while it’s not a UNESCO site, it did have more activities for visitors and is a great inclusion for a comprehensive tour of Gyeongju (which is renowned for its many UNESCO sites and national treasures).
9. Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Korean history is like no other: after all, North and South Korea are technically still at war, cleaved in two at the whim of warring superpowers and thus forever transformed. The difference between the two Koreas may be stark today, but their shared history and genealogy is irrefutable.
At the DMZ, you’ll learn about the circumstances that lead to the Korean War and its aftermath as you visit key sites such as Panmunjom, the Third Tunnel of Aggression, Freedom Bridge, and more. Book a guided tour here.
10. Attend a Korean festival
Festivals are the easiest way to gain an understanding of what a community values and celebrates – and it can be so much fun! Korea holds hundreds of festivals around the year, so there’s always something you can join. Here are a few favourites:
Jeju Fire Festival (March). Jeju’s local culture is distinct from mainland Korea in many ways, and its pastoral land-burning is just one example. During this festival, you’ll get to experience local performances, Jeju cuisine, and mingle with locals as the massive Saebyeol Oreum (volcanic cone) goes up in flames.
Jinhae Gunhangje (Cherry Blossom Festival) (Late March). This is the oldest and most magnificent cherry blossom festival in Korea. In early spring, the seaside town is flooded in a dreamy sea of pink from 360,000 cherry trees and streets fill with festive markets.
Boryeong Mud Festival (July). This two-week-long extravaganza is the biggest summer festival in the country, with mud baths and games, live music performances, and street food – all on the sun-kissed Daecheon Beach.
OPENHOUSE Seoul (October). As part of the Open House Worldwide movement, OPENHOUSE Seoul promotes explorations and conversations about the city’s architecture through volunteer-led guided tours of buildings that are usually closed to the public.
Busan International Film Festival (October). This is Asia’s largest film festival and serves as a platform to celebrate Asian cinema, but also showcases international films. You’ll be able to watch showings at venues across the city while immersing in Busan’s vibrant street shopping, nightlife, and beaches.
You’ll also find festivals dedicated to food, arts and crafts, music, video gaming, sports, and so much more – Visit Korea Year gives you a list of the top 100 festivals.
Note: Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) are the biggest holidays in Korea, but they’re family holidays in which businesses close and people return to their hometown. As a tourist, this won’t be an exciting time unless you find a local friend/family with whom you can spend the holidays.
EXCITED YET?
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