Solo in South Korea

South Korea has become a hotspot for many foreigners to visit and even permanently stay. As the world became more globalized and S. Korea ousted from the shadows, people took notice and visited this bold, honest, and creative culture, which has molded Korea to be the vibrant community and near-perfect host for foreigners that it is today. Traveling to South Korea is one of the best choices anyone can make and below I've compiled a list of places to go to and things to do in S.Korea.

Even the most seasoned travelers need help. Below are some tips on how to prepare before your flight:

Incheon International Airport is the most common airport to arrive in. It is the 14th most busiest airport in the world and boasts an array of shops where you can buy books, make-up, clothes, and other miscellaneous gidgets and gadgets. It is also home to a cultural Korean museum, a golf course, and a sauna.

HOSTELS

Korea offers copious amounts of hostels that are comfortable and doesn't break the bank. Hostels are on the shabbier end of hotels and are often shared with other travelers. The lack of privacy is offset by the cheap prices. Some hostels can even be as cheap as $9. Click here on an article that has compiled many of the active hostels in Korea. Here is another link that redirects you to the website hostelworld.com where they list different hostel options.

There are many places to visit in Korea, but I've listed the best places that embody the heart and Seoul of Korea.

TRANSPORTATION MONEY

Upon arrival, travelers are highly recommended to get a T-CARD, a card that holds your money for transportation. Subways and buses are the main mode of transportation in S.Korea, so it will be harder to get around without it. Taxis are another alternative as they are relatively cheaper compared to western countries.

CURRENCY

Korean has a monetary unit called the 원, and it is about the amount of one US dollar.

Below, I name the four top places to visit in Korea.

Visiting the DMZ

The DMZ is a demilitarized military zone and is the arbitrary border between South and North Korea. You can only go if you join a tour, however, I found an online story of a couple that went without a guide. You can see that story here.

On the tour, you have an interpreter and a guide. The guide details the contentious historical relationship between N.Korea and S.Korea throughout the tour. The tour also visit many areas where you can get an inside look into this mysterious and reclusive country.

North Korean defects are often marginalized in S.Korea, which makes it harder for them to assimilate into a modernized world. Reaching out to a nearby Korean university and getting in touch with North Korean defects with the help of the professors can add a whole new dimension to your traveling experience.

Korean Folk Village

Korean Folk Village is the epicenter of old Korean traditions. Located in the city of Yong-in, you can enter the venue with a small fee. The scenic backdrop and natural water features has made the Korean Folk Village a regular setting for movies and K-dramas. It really is an all-immersive experience, as the village design is based on the buildings in the Joseon period. In fact, they transported actual buildings into Yong-in in the efforts to emulate the Joseon period. There are different types of performances that demonstrate unique Korean talents, for example - Jultagi (줄타기), which is a form of tightroping.

You can have a guide, but there are plenty of signs and on-site interpreters who assist foreigners so that the village can be enjoyed without one.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, this palace is a historical remnant of the Joseon dynasty. Most of it has been damaged, but it has since been repaired.

Outside of the palace are a variety of shops to attend to. One of the more popular shops rents out traditional Korean clothes for tourists and travelers to wear while exploring the palace.

A photo of a girl in a hanbok (한복). Click here for prices and various deals at a shop near Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Nami Island

Nami Island is where you can enjoy Korea's natural beauty. You must ride a 15 minute ferry ride from Gapyeong Wharf to get there. Just like the Korean Folk Village, Nami Island has been the backdrop for many photoshoots and Korean dramas. Nami Island looks different and acclimates to every season, so it can be thoroughly enjoyed all year-round.

There are other ways to enjoy Korea. Here are other things you can do while you're there that do not take the whole day:

• Get the dead dry skin on your feet cleaned off by some fish in Myeong-dong.
• Enjoy the night-life. Korea's night life is akin to New York - Korea never sleeps! Virtually everything is open 24/7 - that includes restauraunts, clubs, and saunas.
• Go to a public sauna
• Pack a picnic and head over to Han River. Han River is a popular spot for people to congregate, drink, and eat. You can also fish and take a bike ride at sunset.
• Go to Jeju Island, which is located off the southern coast of Korea. Aside from the pristine water and island views, this island is marked as a vacation destination for many.
• Go to karaoke.
• Go to the yearly Boryeong Mud Festival which is about 88 miles from Seoul.

Since it's humble beginnings, South Korea has grown to be a major political, social, and economic player in the multi-national stage. S.Korea has become one of the most powerful countries in the world, as a leader in cutting-edge technology and Korean music and movie influences taking precedence in western media, to name a few. Much of this has influenced the landscape, architecture, and even people of Korea, which will become more salient (especially in industrialized areas) as your visit progresses. Moreover, Korea also has preserved their countrysides, with sun-drenched arable plains and beautiful places like Nami Island to visit. Korea is a host to many diverse places, experiences, and people which makes it a traveler's jackpot.

Korea awaits you.