If you've been contemplating a journey to South Korea to savor the tantalizing cuisine, lively nightlife, shopping experiences that rival New York, the allure of K-pop, and all that Korean culture encompasses—consider this your cue to go. 

South Korea is, without a doubt, an ideal holiday destination. It's a trending hotspot and just a 10-hour flight from Australia directly to the bustling capital of Seoul. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant city life on a weeknight in Gangnam or unwind in a local spa house in the tranquil town of Jeonju, only a short trip from the capital.

No matter what you wish to do during your well-earned break, South Korea is bound to have it.

So, if you're planning to revisit South Korea or are venturing there for the first time, here are some places and activities you must include in your itinerary. Think of this as your South Korea 2024 bingo card.

Best Places To Eat In South Korea

Dining is a cornerstone of any trip to South Korea. From vibrant markets to cozy hot pots, the culinary delights I encountered there were astounding. Participating in Intrepid’s brand new 18 – 35 year old South Korea tour, food plays a significant role, and local guides expertly uncover the best hidden gems to ensure you have an authentic experience, from street food to upscale restaurants.

Here’s a curated list of some top choices if you’re seeking exceptional dining experiences in various South Korean cities.

Jayeon Shabu Shabu This hot pot restaurant is a must-visit in Seoul, especially if you are a mushroom enthusiast, as it offers a selection that is truly extraordinary. Pairing your meal with a glass of somaek (soju and beer) is highly recommended. This is the perfect spot for a warm, comforting meal, particularly on a chilly night in Seoul.

(Some of the selection of mushrooms at Jayeon Shabu Shabu. Yes, there were more mushrooms outside of this amazing bowl.)

Jayeon Shabu Shabu – 197, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 03993 South Korea

Gajok Hoegwan If you find yourself venturing outside of Seoul to Jeonju (a stunning city two hours south of Seoul), this bibimbap restaurant (a.k.a a rice bowl topped with a variety of seasoned sautéed vegetables and marinated meat) is an absolute must.

(Vegetarian bibimbap at Gajok Hoegwan)

Run by a mother-daughter team for decades, they also cater to vegetarians, which can be challenging to find in South Korea. The bibimbap is fresh and delicious, and you're supporting a family business—what could be better?

Gajok Hoegwan – 17 Jeollagamyeong 5-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 55038 South Korea

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Taejongdae YOLO Grilled Clams Without a doubt, this was the best meal I had in South Korea (or anywhere, for that matter). This seafood restaurant on the beach in Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, offers an experience like no other. You sit at a table with a BBQ overlooking the beach, grilling fresh seafood. It's hard to imagine anything better.

(Sensational scallops at Taejongdae YOLO Grilled Clams.)

In addition to the fresh seafood, you can also order gochujang fried rice, silk worms, spoon worms, and even live octopus. If you’re in Busan and miss dining here, you'll be missing out.

Taejongdae YOLO Grilled Clams – 21, Gajang-gil 87beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49126 South Korea

Best Things To Do In South Korea

Night out in Hongdae Hongdae is a vibrant university district in Seoul teeming with young people, bars, shopping, and a bustling nightlife. You can discover anything from a fully pink bar called (you guessed it) Pink’s to a beach-themed bar complete with a sand floor, all the way up on level 6.

(When on holiday, one must have an obligatory blue cocktail (obviously) you can get this one from Pink’s.)

Whether you choose karaoke, late-night shopping, or clubbing, a night out in Hongdae is sure to be a trip highlight.

Pink’s, 39 Jandari-ro 6-gil – Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Enjoy a relaxing night at the spa I’ve never felt more relaxed than after visiting a Korean bath house. Spa Land in Busan is one of the largest spa houses in South Korea, offering a variety of treatments including massages, saunas, and the famous Korean scrub where every inch of dead skin is scrubbed off, leaving you feeling amazing.

Some parts of the bathhouses are gender-segregated, and depending on where you are in South Korea, you can choose a more modern spa house or delve into something more traditional.

(Feel this relaxed overlooking the city post spa and scrub.)

If you're feeling drained from your travels or looking to recharge for your upcoming adventures, you can find a bathhouse in almost every city around Korea. Prices and treatments vary from one bathhouse to another, but if you find one offering the scrub—definitely get it! You won’t regret it.

Shinsegae Centum City Spaland – 35, Centum nam-daero, Haeundae-gu 1F, Shinsegae Mall Centum City, Busan 48058 South Korea.

Visit Olive Young Olive Young is your ultimate destination for makeup and skincare in South Korea. K-beauty is globally acclaimed for a reason—it’s simply incredible. From lip stains to sheet masks, whatever your beauty needs, Olive Young is the place to find it. It’s a chain store with locations nearly everywhere, like a Sephora but even better (sorry, Sephora).

Olive Young is your headquarters for skincare, offering serums, oils, masks, and just about everything you could ever need. Be sure to check out the sunscreen section, as the products available range from sun sticks to lightweight serums. If you're passionate about sunscreen, it’s truly paradise.

Olive Young – locations all over South Korea.

So, what are you waiting for? South Korea beckons. You can experience all of this and so much more on Intrepid’s new 18 – 35 tour of South Korea. Discover more information here.

The author traveled to South Korea courtesy of Intrepid Travel.