A Tale of 4 Cities in 4 Weeks: Introduction

AUTHOR

Ike A.

SEASON

Summer

LOCATION

Seoul

START DATE

6/27/24

CATEGORY

Cultural Experiences

man sitting on floor surrounded by Korean food

Rediscovering Seoul and Exploring South Korea

lit up paper sculpture

When it comes to travel, I firmly believe that it takes at least two trips to a destination to fully appreciate what it has to offer. The first trip is often about visiting the must-see attractions, while the second trip is for experiencing the local culture. This is the story of my second trip to Seoul, South Korea.

Planning a four-week trip from Chicago to Seoul and beyond is a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience a blend of vibrant city life, stunning islands, and rich cultural heritage in Asia. This journey, spanning Seoul, Chuncheon, Busan, Daegu, Jeju in South Korea; and Coron in the Philippines, is filled with incredible landscapes, unforgettable food, and diverse activities for every travel enthusiast.

If you are interested in my first trip to Seoul, including valuable tips for first-time visitors, you can check out my previous article here.

For budget-conscious travelers, I recommend reading this guide on maximizing your travel budget that helped me prepare for a trip of this length.

Starting the Adventure in Seoul, South Korea

My trip was centered around Seoul as a base. This bustling city blends tradition and modernity seamlessly, offering iconic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the vibrant neighborhood of Myeong-dong. Spend a few days exploring local street food, visiting popular shopping spots like Dongdaemun, and soaking in panoramic views from Namsan Seoul Tower.

If you want to make the most of your time, the efficient public transit system in Seoul makes exploring neighborhoods like Gangnam, Insadong, and Hongdae a breeze. Each neighborhood presents a unique facet of Seoul’s rich culture. Don’t miss Bukchon Hanok Village, a picturesque area showcasing traditional Korean houses, perfect for those who want a glimpse into Korea’s cultural heritage.

Since this was my second visit, I spent less time on the popular attractions and focused instead on exploring the off-the-beaten-path experiences that make Seoul special. Whether it’s your first or your hundredth time visiting, there’s one particular experience that every traveler should include in their itinerary.

Dialogue in the Dark: A Unique Seoul Experience

Dialogue in the Dark (located in Bukchon) is an immersive exhibition designed to raise awareness about the experiences of visually impaired individuals. This interactive exhibition was created in 1988 by Andreas Heinecke to challenge people's perceptions of blindness. It has since been featured in over 20 countries, with more than 9 million visitors.

Upon entering, you are stripped of all light-emitting devices and plunged into complete darkness for 100 minutes. Guided by a visually impaired 'road master,' you navigate rooms of various themes: forest sounds, rotating a sailboat using wind, riding a rickshaw, and matching smells and textures to objects. These guides are truly inspiring, showcasing how adept they are in navigating the environment despite visual impairment.

This exhibition is not only about navigating in darkness; it's about heightening your other senses and challenging preconceived notions. Visitors aged 9 to 70 can participate, but those with claustrophobia are advised to consult beforehand. Reservations are required for English tours, with a maximum group size of 8 people.

Dialogue in the Dark is a must-have experience for anyone visiting Seoul, as it provides a profound appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of visually impaired individuals. It’s truly an unforgettable way to connect to Seoul beyond the traditional tourist attractions.

man standing in front of a building

Discovering More Cities in South Korea and Beyond

While Seoul was my base, my journey didn’t end there. From Chuncheon's lakeside charm to Busan's stunning beaches, Daegu's cultural festivals, and the natural beauty of Jeju Island, South Korea offers an incredible range of experiences that every traveler should explore. After soaking in South Korea's diverse offerings, I also made my way to the beautiful tropical island of Coron in the Philippines—a destination filled with crystal-clear waters, colorful marine life, and a laid-back vibe.

As this story is already getting too long, I will be breaking it up into segments. You can click on the links below to access the different sections of the trip:

  • Coron, Philippines

  • Daegu, South Korea

  • Jeju, South Korea

  • Busan, South Korea

The Beauty of Diverse Destinations

This four-week trip gave me an incredible look at the contrasts and similarities between different cities and countries in Asia. From bustling city streets in Seoul to serene beaches in Coron, the variety made each day an adventure.

If you’re considering a similar journey, don’t be afraid to mix popular attractions with more unique experiences. It’s this blend that makes traveling so rewarding. I hope my journey inspires you to explore Seoul, South Korea, and beyond in a deeper, more meaningful way.

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