Travel creator Ha Hien recently explored South Korea from north to south in 12 days. "Even now, Korean autumn remains the most beautiful autumn I've ever seen in my life. I've never seen scenery as beautiful as a tranquil, dreamy, and peaceful oil painting," Ha Hien shared with Travellive.

AUTUMN DESTINATIONS IN KOREA

Seoul

At the top of the list for exploring autumn in South Korea is undoubtedly Seoul. Seoul is famous for its many ancient palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung, built in 1395. Designed in the traditional Korean architectural style, the palace was once the residence of the king and queen, and the venue for political and cultural ceremonies of the Joseon dynasty. If you visit, don't miss the opportunity to rent a Hanbok and take photos at Gyeongbokgung.

Changdoekgung Palace, with its sweet autumn scenery and golden ginkgo trees, is just as beautiful as Gyeongbokgung. Additionally, you can spend time at Seoul's cafes, leisurely immersing yourself in the cool autumn air and watching the golden leaves fall along the streets – a delightful experience. "Namsan Tower and Seoul Tower are also must-see destinations in Seoul. You can buy tickets to visit both to experience the sweet autumn colors of Seoul," Ha Hien said.

Nami Island

Nami Island is located in the middle of the Beihan River, just 63 km from Seoul. From above, Nami looks like a leaf-shaped boat filled with lush vegetation. Nami Island is beautiful in every season, but it's most spectacular in autumn, when the trees change color and transform the island into a colorful painting. "What overwhelmed me wasn't the number of visitors to Nami in autumn, but the surreal beauty of the scenery," Ha Hien exclaimed.

Gyeongju

In stark contrast to the modern, bustling atmosphere of Seoul, Gyeongju exudes a tranquil, ancient charm, from its scenery and architecture to the very air itself, which still carries a hint of the past. Once the capital of South Korea, it is renowned for its historical sites and UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Buddhist Cave, and Gyeongju National Park. Additionally, when visiting Gyeongju, don't forget to stop by the vast fields of pink grass for stunning photos and to enjoy the sunset over the ancient capital.

Busan

Despite being a modern seaside city, Busan still retains its romantic and peaceful charm. Ha Hien chose to rent a hotel on Gwangalli coastal road to enjoy the autumn days in this seaside city.

"Early in the morning, I go to the beach to watch the sunrise, seeing seagulls soaring in the sky, their songs blending with the sound of the waves – it's so peaceful. In Busan, everything feels so slow. Autumn in Busan isn't painted in vibrant yellow and red, but is tranquil in the blue of the sea and sky," he confided.

Here, the male travel creator also spent time at Cheongsapo train station to watch the trains go by and take photos with the lighthouse. "If you're in Busan, don't forget to explore the unique and colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. You can take some amazing photos there, and then visit Jagalchi Seafood Market to enjoy a plate of incredibly fresh sashimi," Ha Hien suggested.

SOME TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO SOUTH KOREA IN AUTUMN

Getting a South Korean visa isn't too difficult, but you need to prepare thoroughly and have all the necessary documents. "If you can't apply yourself or are worried, you can go through travel agencies specializing in South Korean visas for a faster and more convenient process, with only a small additional fee," he shared.

There are cameras almost everywhere, so it's quite safe to travel in South Korea. If you accidentally leave something behind, you don't need to worry too much because there's a high chance you'll find it again. "The people here are also very friendly to tourists. On my first day in South Korea, I got lost on the subway, but the locals helped me very enthusiastically, which made me feel even more positive. Traffic and security here are also very safe because the people are very conscious and civilized," he shared.

When it comes to Korean cuisine, there are countless dishes to enjoy. Head to Haundae Night Market in Busan and try Hotteok (Korean rice cakes), and if you're in Gyeongju, be sure to try the cheesy coin-shaped dumplings. Don't forget to try BBQ or bibimbap (mixed rice). Additionally, trying kimbap (Korean rice rolls), tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes), and fish cakes at subway stations or on the sidewalks is also a worthwhile experience.

Regarding accommodation, hotel rooms in Seoul are quite expensive, but the spaces are rather small. "In Seoul, you can consider the Henna Hotel and Standford Hotel, both near the central Myeongdong area, making them convenient for sightseeing. The Henna Hotel has an automated concept, with a robot receptionist and fully automated, modern amenities in the rooms. The Standford Hotel offers more spacious, comfortable, and modern accommodations. In Busan, rooms are cheaper and more spacious than in Seoul, so you don't need to worry too much about the cost," the male travel creator shared.

Regarding transportation, you should use public transport to save money because taxis in Korea are quite expensive. In Seoul and Busan, I mainly traveled by subway, while in Nami Island and Gyeongju, I mainly used buses and taxis.

Ha Hien suggests that tourists buy the Discover Seoul Pass on Traveloka, which is very convenient for using the subway and buses, and also offers free entrance tickets to many tourist attractions in Seoul such as palaces, Seoul Tower, Namsan Tower, and free AREX train tickets from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul.

Some things to keep in mind when traveling to South Korea.

• Most older Koreans don't speak English, so communication can be difficult. This is especially true for taxi drivers; you'll need to give them the address in Korean to get there correctly. Therefore, preparing some basic Korean phrases will make your trip easier.
• Public transport runs very punctually; even a one-minute delay can mean missing your trip, so preparation and attention to time are essential.

Bi Le