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Everyone likes to go on vacation, but, like everyone else, most people also prefer to save money while having tremendous amounts of fun. In Korea, you will find plenty of things to do on a budget, while still getting to experience all of the spectacular sights and entertainment that this beautiful country has to offer. From walking through some Korean history to simply admiring the beauty of the country's modern world, there are so many ways to keep busy without burning a hole in your pocket. With that in mind, this article is here to help you start planning your next trip to Korea. Let's get started.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Taking a trip to this location is a brilliant way to learn about the history of the country. Gyeongbokgung, built back in the Joseon Dynasty in 1395, sits in the heart of Seoul and is one of the many different royal monuments that lie within Korea. While there, not only will you be taken back in time, but you will also become entranced with the beautiful gardens inside the palace grounds.
A great thing about this place is the budget friendly admission fees. For one adult, the cost is only 3,000 won (around 3 USD), and for a child it is half the price at 1,500 won (about 1.50 USD). On top of that, if you show up wearing hanbok, you get in for free. There are many shops nearby where you can rent a hanbok, though this can be a bit more costly than the admission fees themselves, with prices ranging from about 10,000 won (10 USD) for 1.5 hours to nearly 30 USD for a whole day. Despite that, many people still wear the gorgeous gowns and take plenty of photos against the beautiful scenery.
2. Seoraksan National Park
If you want to escape the bustling streets of urban environments like Seoul, take some time to bask in the relaxing scenery of one of Korea's most beautiful national parks. Seoraksan offers a different palette for each season, from bright pinks and yellows in the spring and summer, to burnt orange and light browns in the autumn, and a gentle white that covers the land in winter. Here, you can hike along the trail of one of the most beautiful mountains within Korea, stroll past glistening streams and rivers, and even reach the park's highest peak, Daecheongbong, which sits at 1,708m above sea level.
There are also multiple hiking trails that take anywhere from around 1 hour all the way up to 15 hours, depending on which one you choose. Parking fees range from 2,000 won (about 2 USD) for a small car up to 7,500 won (about 7.50 USD) for a larger one, making this a very affordable nature day out.
3. Fortress Wall of Seoul
This long wall spreads for 18.6km around the city of Seoul and is made from a mix of materials such as wood, stone, and brick. It was originally built in 1396 to mark the boundaries of the city and to keep out any potential invaders. Around 12km of the wall is designated as a historical site and is therefore protected, so please be respectful at all times. It makes for a great activity to pass the time and the perfect way to get a quick scout of the city, as you take a long but fun stroll around the edges of Seoul. What's even better is that admission is completely free.
4. The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
Also known as the longest bridge fountain in the world, this spectacle is located along Banpo Bridge in Seoul and even set a Guinness World Record with 10,000 LED lights all coming together to create a magnificent display of color. When night finally falls and you are wondering what there is left to do, saunter on down to Banpo Bridge and witness the incredible fountain they have on show. Of course, it is free to enjoy this water show, so go ahead and add it to your evening plans.
5. Ihwa Mural Village
This beautiful village full of interesting pieces of art came about way back in 2006 when, instead of demolishing the older houses in the area, the community decided to create a project called the Ihwa-dong Naksan Project that focused on revitalizing the neighborhood with a wide ensemble of color and art. This is a great quick way to get a short tour of the art culture in Korea, with multiple artworks spread across the walls in an array of colors and many of the works being interactive, making for perfect photos. It is definitely a place to visit whether you are on a budget or not. People who visit are reminded that this is still a residential area, so please be respectful of the people who live in the houses.
After reading this article, we hope you can see that, even if you are on a budget, you still have the chance to experience Korea's beauty and culture while having a great time. Maybe your bucket list just got a little bit longer.
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