Discover Korea: A Blend of Tradition, Entertainment, and Shopping

South Korea is a treasure trove of entertainment, shopping and heritage. From ancient traditions to modern-day travel experiences, Korea offers an unparalleled blend of the old and new. This makes it a must-visit destination for culture enthusiasts and fans of Korean pop culture alike. Let’s explore what Korea has to offer!

Entertainment and shopping in Korea

1. Fulfill your Korean pop culture dreams

Image credit: Klook | Official Website

When it comes to entertainment, Korean media has become a global phenomenon that needs no introduction. From the catchy beats of K-pop to the compelling narratives of K-dramas and K-movies, it’s likely that you’ve already experienced a taste of Korea’s vibrant entertainment scene. Whether you’re an ardent fan or a quiet spectator, there’s no denying the impact and appeal of Korean entertainment internationally.

2. Discover mouthwatering Korean snacks

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization – Lee Beomsu

As a fellow Singaporean, I totally get our obsession with great food and our eagerness to travel to the most popular spots. Korean cafes, with their hanok-style charm, train tracks and salt pond designs offer the perfect balance of cozy and trendy. This makes them the ideal place to spend your day chatting with friends over coffee or munching on Korean snacks. 

As you soak in the calm atmosphere, try traditional treats like injeolmi (chewy rice cake coated in soybean powder), yanggaeng (sweet red bean jelly), yakgwa (honey cookies), and yukwa (deep-fried sweet rice cake). 

Koreans are now traveling across regions and hundreds of kilometers to search for delicious bakeries and breads. Bbangjisullae, or a bread pilgrimage, is a portmanteau of bbang meaning bread & seongjisullae meaning pilgrimage. Embrace this trend and discover the best of Korea’s snacks! 

3. Pamper yourself with Korean self-care

Image credit: The Hyundai Seoul | Official Website

The Hyundai Department Store is one of the top three largest department store chains in Korea, known for its aesthetic and futuristic interior. A fantastic one-stop destination for retail therapy, most stores are located in major cities in Korea, and provide a comfortable area with diverse brands, high-quality service and cultural benefits.

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

If walking around doesn’t interest you, indulge in one of the many beauty and wellness treatments available! Whether it’s a rejuvenating facial, a complete hair transformation, or a relaxing spa day, Korea’s beauty services are second to none. 

4. Shop for Korean wellness products

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

When exploring beauty stores in Korea, expect to encounter a dazzling array of balms, serums, ampoules, toners, essences, lotions, and creams. While large-scale retailers like Olive Young feature the latest TikTok trending products, don’t overlook the charm of specialty shops that incorporate local ingredients unique to their regions into their skincare products. 

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

While stocking up on skincare and revamping your wardrobe may be at the top of your list of things to do, I’m sure you will be looking for goodies to bring back for your loved ones too! Gifting health-related products is popular in Korea, making it easy to find thoughtful gift sets for elderly relatives.

Ganghwado Island provides top-quality 6-year ginseng in various forms such as red ginseng jelly and concentrate. These products boost immunity and mitigate fatigue, and, as seen in K-drama product placements, they make for perfect on-the-go pick-me-ups!

Exploring Korea’s cultural heritage

About the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign (국가유산 방문 캠페인)

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Culture vultures are in for a treat with the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign. This initiative offers immersive routes through Confucian academies, folk music, temple monasteries, antiquity sites, and stunning landscapes. Covering 76 heritage sites across 10 routes, each journey provides a firsthand look at Korea’s rich cultural tapestry and the authentic roots of Hallyu (Korean Wave). Enhanced by background context and insider tips from locals, the information provided adds deeper meaning to your visits and makes the exploration even more engaging!

Here’s a fun addition: get yourself a Korean Heritage Passport and collect stamps at the various national treasure sites along the route and claim unique souvenirs, such as a Korean brassware spoon and chopstick set at the end!

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

You don’t need to visit Korea to appreciate its rich culture. Through videos on traditional fashion and temple monasteries, you can explore Korea’s heritage from afar. International workshops, such as dessert-tasting events in Japan and the USA or folk music sessions in the UK, also bring Korean culture closer to you. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about Korea’s culture, these experiences promise an enriching insight into Korea’s tangible and intangible heritage.

Celebrate Korean history at the World Heritage Festival (세계유산축전)

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The World Heritage Festival celebrates the cultural and historic significance of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Offering an immersive experience for both locals and visitors through a variety of activities, the festival features locations selected each year through a public contest. For 2024, the event will take place from September to October in Goryeong, Baekje Historic Areas, Suncheon, and Jeju. 

Goryeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is home to the Gaya Tumuli, a collection of seven ancient tomb clusters located in Jisan-dong. A tumulus is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave and it served as a royal and elite burial site. 

Meanwhile, Gongju, Buyeo and Iksan represent the Baekje Kingdom. These historic areas shed light on the kingdom’s strategic fortification systems and profound religious influence which also impacted neighbouring countries in East Asia. 

Suncheon, located in Jeollanam-do, is renowned for Seonamsa Temple and Suncheon Getbol. Seonamsa Temple is a historic Buddhist site with over 1,000 years of history, while the Suncheon Getbol consists of tidal flats full of various organisms.

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The theme for the 2024 festival in Jeju is “The Joy of Discovery,” emphasizing the exploration and celebration of Korea’s natural and cultural heritage. The festival includes a variety of programs such as the Geomunoreum lava walking tour, Gimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul cave explorations, Hallasan night hiking and even a mindfulness festival!

Celebrate Korean art at the K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The K-Royal Culture Festival is the largest cultural heritage festival in Korea, held twice a year in spring and autumn. The autumn festival, from 9 Oct to 13 Oct 2024, will offer a variety of cultural and artistic programs set against the stunning backdrop of fall foliage. 

Also read: Autumn in Korea: Reasons Why Fall is the Best Season to Visit

These activities range from performances to exhibitions and even ritual reenactments for you to learn more about the history of Joseon and the Korean Empire. Festival activities are held at and relate to the history of Seoul’s culturally significant locations such as the Jongmyo Shrine, Sajikdan Altar and five royal palaces: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace and Gyeonghuigung Palace.

The Jongmyo Shrine houses the spirit tablets of former members of the royal family. Here, kings would participate in ancestral ceremonies, seeking the safety and security of the country. Similarly, at the Sajikdan Altar, people prayed for favourable weather to ensure a successful harvest. Meanwhile, the royal palaces offer a breathtaking glimpse into the architectural splendour of the Joseon dynasty. As the primary residences of the royal family, these palaces boast grand throne halls, majestic gates and serene pavilions.

About the Korea Heritage Agency

The Korea Heritage Agency was established to promote and utilize Korea’s national heritage through a range of initiatives. These efforts include projects centred around royal palaces, heritage promotion through concerts, performances, and exhibitions, and initiatives aimed at excavating cultural artifacts. The agency also focuses on developing and distributing cultural content, as well as fostering international exchange and cooperation in the field of national heritage.

Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization