Five Fun Things to do in Korea this Summer

Parasailing

Summer is here, and with it many will find themselves with extended periods of time off. Rather than just sitting at home, what better way to enjoy the Korean Summer than to dust off your shoes and set course for adventure? Here are five fun things to do in Korea to get the most out one of the best seasons of the year!

See Korea in a whole new light by running off a mountain and leave the earth behind. Available in Seoul and several other areas around the country, parasailing is a fast growing pastime for many. Novices are teamed up with an instructor and they run from peaks as high as 860m. Then at the edge, both leap and soar into the sky. What ensues is a glorious trip downward, offering spectacular views.

ParaLove: http://www.para114.com – Phone: 010-4255-1102

Hike Hallasan

Photo: Jeju Provincial Government.

Probably the most recognizable feature of Jeju Island is its massive volcanic mountain, Hallasan. It was set aside as a national park in 1970 and home to some of the best hiking trails in Korea. The trails vary in difficulty, ranging from easy to strenuous, offering something for everyone. Here are some recommended routes:

- Seongpanak course:
Seongpanak → Dongneung Peak
9.6km / 4 hrs 30 mins each way

- Eorimok course:
Eorimok → Nambyeok Bungijeom
6.8km / 3 hrs each way

- Eoseungsaengak course:
Eorimok → Eoseungsangak Peak
1.3km / 30 mins each way

- Yeongsil course:
Yeongsil – Nambyeok Bungijeom
5.8km / 2 hrs 30 mins each way

- Gwaneumsa course:
Gwaneumsa Temple – Dongneung Peak
8.7km / 5 hrs each way

Gorge on Street Food

While K-Pop may be taking over the world, one of the best things to do in Korea is to walk the city's streets taking in all the delicacies served up along the road. Perhaps one of the best places to do this in Seoul is Myeongdong. With its fabulous shopping boutiques, what better way keep your body energized than with healthy doses of sausages, ddeokbokki, corn, and other treats. For those not wanting hot foods, summer dishes like naengmyeon (cold noodle soup) or patbingsoo (shaved ice, fruit, and red beans) might just be for you. What ever you choose, eat up!

Hahoe Folk Village

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Located just outside the city of Andong, is the Hahoe Folk Village. It's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace to Korea's Ryu clan and several Joseon era scholars. The village was founded on this site because the Nakdong River flows around the entire village, creating magnificent sandy beaches. Buyongdae Cliff overlooks Hahoe and provides a great panoramic view of the settlement. A lush, pine forest dots the landscape creating a tranquil environment. Should one like to experience rustic life, several minbaks are available.

Address: Gyeongsangbuk-do Andong-si Pungcheon-myeon Hahoe-ri

Phone: +82-54-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Web: www.hahoe.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese)

Hours: March-October: 09:00-19:00; November-February: 09:00-18:00

Directions: Take bus 46 from Andong Terminal (06:20, 08:40, 10:30, 11:25, 14:05, 14:40, 16:00, 18:10/ 40min-ride)

Korean Templestay

One of the most recognizable sights across Korea is Buddhist Temples. Back in 2002, when Korea hosted the World Cup, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism initiated the Templestay program. To date, it's one of the most popular tourist activities in Korea. For those not practicing Buddhism, it's also the best way to learn more about Korea's history and culture. The Korean Templestay website can help you determine which Templestay program best suits your needs and plan your trip.

Website: http://templestay.com

Written by Steve Miller on June 11, 2012 in Travel