Hotels in South Korea

South Korea is a country in East Asia that covers the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. The country is called Hanguk by South Koreans.

Korean history begins with the establishment of Gojoseon in the 14th century by Dangun. The three Korean Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla governed Cape Korea. Later, the struggle for the Korean Peninsula ensued and for the first time was successfully unified by Silla in 676 called the Silla

Unified. However, United Silla collapsed in the late 9th century due to domestic unrest.

Until in 1392, Taejo founded the Joseon Dynasty. The Hangeul alphabet, which is now the official letter of South Korea, was created during 1397-1450 by the Fourth King of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong. The seizure of Korean land by Japan occurred in the 1870s until Japan surrendered in 1945. In 1945, North Korea and South Korea separated, and each formed a new government in 1948.

The capital of South Korea is Seoul, officially known as Soul Special Metropolitan City. Seoul is the largest metropolis in South Korea which is located in the northwest of the country. The image of South Korea in the eyes of the world is so popular as the development of Korean Waves since the 2000s which has become one of the main attractions of the country's tourism.

What Does South Korea Best Known For

South Korea is a country famous for its pop culture called Korean Pop, as well as big companies with worldwide products such as Samsung and Hyundai.

K-Pop or Korean Pop is a type of music genre that is identic with a group of boy bands and girl bands. In its development, K-Pop played a big role in spreading the "Korean Wave" around the world. K-Pop, which is full of modern culture, manages to blend traditional South Korean culture attractively.

Not only that, South Korea is also famous for Kimchi, which is the country's global specialty. Kimchi is made from fermented vegetables using traditional South Korean spices. This food has been very embedded in the lives of South Koreans, as it feels incomplete if eating without Kimchi as a side dish.

How to Get to South Korea from Malaysia

Because of the long distance, traveling to South Korea can only be done by plane. Before leaving, make sure you have the required travel documents, one of the most important of which is a Korean visa. There are several types of Korean visas with different purposes and validity periods.

You can depart from various international airports available in Malaysia, including from the cities of Kuala Lumpur, Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching, Langkawi, or other big cities in Malaysia. Book a flight to major cities in South Korea, such as Seoul, Jeju, Busan, or Daegu. The most common routes are to Seoul and Busan.

Once you arrive, you need to go through customs and immigration checks. Make sure your travel documents are prepared and complete any required arrival declarations.

Weather in South Korea

The weather in Malaysia and South Korea is very different. Malaysia is a tropical climate country with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, so there are only hot and rainy seasons. While South Korea is a temperate climate country that has 4 different seasons, so the seasonal changes and weather can often change to the extreme.

Therefore, when visiting the country, don't forget to check the seasons and weather. That way, you can bring the right clothes for the conditions. Also, bring an umbrella and sunscreen to protect your skin.

Here are the details of weather in South Korea:

• Spring: April to June, with an average temperature of 17℃
• Summer: July to August, with an average temperature of 27℃
• Fall: September to November, with an average temperature of 20℃
• Winter: December to March, with an average temperature of 5℃

Transportation in South Korea

As a vast archipelago, South Korea certainly needs transportation that can be accessed to various regions and abroad easily. There are many types of transportation available in South Korea, besides bicycles and motorcycles.

Here are several transportation available in South Korea:

• Road transport: cars, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing,
• Rail transport: subway, train
• Air travel: domestic and international flights,
• Ferries.

Accommodation in South Korea

1. Skypark Central Myeongdong Hotel

To complete the perfect vacation, you can stay at this 4-star hotel. It is conveniently located, close to the subway station and about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Incheon International Airport. You can easily reach Myeongdong Walking Street, Seoul Tower, Bukchon Hanok Village, and other places of interest. Regarding facilities, there is free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, kitchen, and breakfast service.

2. Whistlelark Hotel, BW Signature Collection

This hotel with an infinity pool is the perfect choice if you want to stay with a beach view. Strategically located in Downtown Jeju, it gives you easy access to local attractions and sights, such as Dongmun Market and Black Pork Street. The facilities and services are guaranteed to keep you satisfied, including laundry service, free Wi-Fi, coffee shop, and wheelchair accessible.

3. The Muse Hotel & Residence

If you plan to stay longer in Busan, you can choose this apartment that offers a beach view. The Muse Hotel & Residence puts you close to attractions, such as Ilgwang Beach, Dream Park, and Haedong Yonggung Temple. Facilities include food delivery, kitchen, coffee shop, free Wi-Fi, and vending machines.

Tourist Destinations in South Korea

1. Lotte World Theme Park

The largest theme park in Seoul. Lotte World Theme Park Seoul offers two types of rides, Lotte World Adventure and Magic Island. Discover the excitement of all the rides, try out the 22 different types of games, and take part in fun parades and special performances.

2. Nami Island and Petite France

Do you want a complete tour that includes visiting natural attractions as well as Korean drama filming locations and hunting for unique photo spots? Then, Nami Island and Petite France is the perfect destination. Nami Island is the filming location of the popular Korean drama, Winter Sonata. Meanwhile, Petite France is a French-style cultural village in rural Korea.

3. N Seoul Tower

Visiting N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower, you will be presented with a 360° view of Seoul from a very beautiful height. You can also take part in Love Padlocks & Wishing Pond, which is a tradition of writing your name or initials with your partner on a padlock that you have to be installed on the fence of Namsan Tower.

South Korea Food Specialties

1. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a snack made from rice flour cooked with spicy and sweet gochujang seasoning. The popularity of this Korean street food is undoubted.

2. Kimchi

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable that has a distinctive fresh sour taste.

The vegetables used are not only chicory, but can be radish, cabbage, cucumber, and lettuce.

3. Jajangmyeon

You might be familiar with this food because it often appears on Korean TV shows. Jajangmyeon is noodles mixed with black bean sauce. Usually, pieces of meat, vegetables, or seafood are also added.

4. Kimbap

Kimchi is made from vegetables and nori or dried seaweed, high in nutrition and low in fat. This Korean specialty is often a complement or addition to other dishes, such as fried rice and soup.

5. Samgyetang

This is also a culinary that often appears in Korean dramas. Samgyetang is actually chicken soup with ginseng broth. This soup is considered a stamina-boosting food for Koreans.

Travel Tips in South Korea

There are some tips that you need to remember when you want to travel to South Korea. Considering the weather in South Korea is very different, you must diligently check the weather information before traveling. Bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the air and heat. Also an umbrella or raincoat to anticipate sudden rain.

It's a good idea to buy a public transportation pass to make it easier for you to travel. Even though it's cashless, there's nothing wrong with pocketing extra cash just in case. Since South Korea is also known as a country with a high cost of living, make sure to bring enough money.

The excitement in South Korea can always be surprising and you should visit it at least once in your lifetime. Traveling to South Korea is even more fun by booking accommodations at Traveloka. Enjoy the easy and attractive promos here.