This month, Travis (@mrdavids1, on Instagram) joined The Dragon Journey on our wonderful 12-day journey throughout South Korea. We caught up with him to find his favorite moments from the tour, what he adored about South Korea, and a few prime journey ideas for fellow adventurers.
Why did you select to go to South Korea?
I’m the kind of individual to journey primarily for out of doors trekking and cultural experiences, however I needed to go to South Korea primarily for the meals. Sure! It is a dream vacation spot for foodies and I already accepted the truth that I’d be going house heavier. South Korea is blessed with an abundance of wonderful alternatives to get pleasure from all kinds of scrumptious meals. In Seoul, I frequented Myeongdong Avenue and Gyeongdong Market to stuff my face with all kinds of scrumptious meals. From tteokbokki, Korean BBQ, gimbap and dakgalbi, my tastebuds went on a culinary journey.
In fact, the cultural points of South Korea had been wonderful as nicely, and I used to be fascinated to walk round century previous temples from the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul, like Gyeongbokgung Palace. I additionally rented a hanbok (conventional Korean apparel) throughout my tour with The Dragon Journey. South Korea additionally didn’t disappoint with its unbelievable views. I really like mountaineering and Jeju Island was heaven for me, because the entirety of the island is one large mountaineering path and also you’re consistently blessed with lovely cliffside views and waterfalls.
What was your favorite factor that you simply realized about South Korea in your journey?
Koreans are very pleasant and are at all times keen to show you extra about their language and tradition. I actually met a number of the kindest avenue distributors and tour guides whereas I used to be there.
What was the most effective expertise you had on the journey?
Your complete journey was a spotlight, it’s actually tough to slender it down. I actually loved my whole journey in South Korea. It’s an incredible nation!
The place was your favorite place to go to in South Korea?
Seoul! There’s simply a lot to do in Seoul, but when I had extra time in Busan I believe my opinion would change as a result of Busan is mainly Seoul, with a seaside. So that you get the hustle and bustle with some tropical vibes as nicely. I’m an enormous fan of cities.
I additionally skilled the most effective spa of my whole life in Busan, I extremely suggest it! Jeju Island can be an in depth contender as a result of it’s fully completely different to each different place we visited through the tour. It’s your escape from the noise. It’s quiet and peaceable and I can see why Koreans go to Jeju Island for a trip.
Do you’ve got a favorite story or second out of your journey?
Hahaha, nicely, I’ve two. I actually by no means thought in my whole life that I’d be breaking a picket board with my naked fist – and I did precisely that in our Taekwondo class. This was additionally our first exercise on the tour and possibly essentially the most distinctive method I’ve ever needed to break the ice on a bunch tour. Fortunately, solely picket boards acquired damaged through the class and never any faces! One thing else I’ll always remember is memorising dance choreography throughout a Ok-pop class. Each time I hear ‘God of Music’ by Seventeen now, I’ll bust out into the choreography we practiced throughout our class. I’m in all probability going to get the strangest stares in public – however it’s now my life’s objective to bop each time I hear this track.
What was the most effective meals you ate in South Korea?
Tteokbokki! Fingers down! It’s scrumptious chewy rice desserts in spicy gochujang sauce and I really like my spice! I ate a lot tteokbokki in South Korea that I believe in the event you might analyze my physique composition, I’m primarily half tteokbokki now. I establish as a spicy rice cake.
What stunned you essentially the most about how folks reside in South Korea?
I had visited Japan lately, and didn’t actually encounter any new tradition shocks in South Korea by way of how folks reside, it’s fairly related for my part. I believe for most individuals visiting South Korea for the primary time, one thing like taking off your footwear to enter sure institutions will likely be one thing new to adapt to. Clear public loos is usually a tradition shock. Conserving quiet on metros may also be a tradition shock. Though I have to say, throughout a kimchi making class that I organised throughout my free time, I went right into a hanok (conventional Korean house) and I believed they appeared completely beautiful with the entire picket interiors. You’re primarily venturing into the previous.
Have been you in a position to choose up a number of the native language?
Ne! (Which implies ‘sure’ in Korean – I nonetheless do not forget that). I bear in mind a few phrases, and I at all times suppose it’s essential to no less than study a number of. It exhibits that you simply’re invested within the tradition and also you’ll get some attention-grabbing and generally astonished interactions with the locals, particularly in the event you can maintain a fundamental dialog. Clearly, language translation apps make communication easy these days, however truly taking the time to study a pair phrases in a brand new language is at all times enjoyable and the locals recognize it.
Any prime ideas for travellers going to South Korea?
- Purchase a T-Cash card. This card can be utilized at metros, buses, and even sure comfort shops (7-Eleven, GS25, CU), so it’s a really helpful card to have with you.
- Be open minded, you’re in a brand new nation with their very own traditions, meals and language, be respectful but additionally be open to attempting new issues.
- In all probability crucial tip… eat after which eat some extra! The meals is gooooooooood – wait, did I point out that already? In fact I did… eat, eat, eat!
The place’s subsequent in your journey bucket listing?
I used to be travelling for two and half years, so now I’m taking a break and getting again into some kind of routine… till I see a journey deal, after which the journey bug will maintain nagging me to e book one other flight. That darn journey bug, it’s making me go broke – ship assist, please! Though I’m planning on visiting extra off the overwhelmed path locations sooner or later like Mauritania, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
A ultimate be aware from Travis…
Dwell extra and discover extra! Take that journey! Even in the event you’re a solo traveler (like myself), go on a bunch tour. The Dragon Journey is the proper approach to discover a brand new vacation spot and meet some superior folks as nicely 🙂 I extremely suggest South Korea in the event you’re searching for a mix of wonderful meals, tradition, and breathtaking views. The itinerary is jam full of issues to see and do. You’ll find it irresistible!
To seek out out extra about Travis, comply with him on Instagram or take a look at his journey eBook – Our World – Past Borders – a group of his photographs, captured from all around the world.
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