If you're looking for a place to enjoy a solo trip, you might want to consider traveling to South Korea alone. As this nation boasts a rich history, amazing cultural splendor, endless sightseeing options, and a wide array of modern-day luxuries, a vacation in South Korea could be the perfect way to spend some time on your own. To help you get started, we have put together a few tips for planning your first solo trip to South Korea, including a 5-day travel plan, but before we get down to it, let’s take a look at the top reasons why South Korea is awesome for solo travel.
Find a Halal Restaurant near you in South Korea
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South Korea is one of those nations which boasts a proud history, dating back over a thousand years. Whether you are a history enthusiast or not, this is great, 'cause it ensures you will have lots to learn that will make your solo travel to South Korea much more meaningful. This historical splendor extends to regal palaces, royal tombs, and beautiful places of worship, some of which have even been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is truly amazing to see how a mix of age-old traditions blends in with modern-day luxuries, which makes for the perfect setting for a rejuvenating holiday experience.
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While the hectic lifestyles of vibrant cities like Seoul and Busan might dominate your itinerary, you should also make some time to enjoy the scenic, natural surroundings of South Korea. Even among the city landscapes, you can find well-preserved countryside, majestic mountain ranges, and pristine-quality beaches, perfect for relaxing during your solo trip to South Korea.
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In recent years South Korea has gained much popularity for the unique trends it has introduced into the fashion world. So, as you explore the many wonders of South Korea alone, you can treat yourself to a very enjoyable shopping experience in their glamorous shopping malls and shopping streets. This is also a perfect time to grab gifts for all your near and dear ones, who surely must be missing you while you are out on an adventurous holiday in South Korea. You might notice that South Koreans have also mastered the art of maintaining flawless and radiant skin, so you might want to keep an eye out for some of their popular make-up and skincare brands that are some of the best, internationally renowned products available.
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South Korean cuisine is known to be one of the most exciting culinary options from around the world. Be prepared to enjoy a variety of dishes made from fresh ingredients that'll most certainly tantalize your taste buds. For this reason, we've also included some of the best places to enjoy Halal food in South Korea as part of your South Korea solo travel guide.
Now that you know plenty of reasons why South Korea is awesome for solo travel, you might want to make a note of the following useful tips for planning your first solo trip to South Korea.
Make the most out of the public transport system – the public transport system in South Korea is known to be very efficient and cost-effective. especially around busy city areas. Try and download a few transportation apps that provide information on the subway and bus systems and you're good to go! Taxis, too, are a great way to get about quickly and avoid the crowd during rush hour.
Get yourself a T-money card or Hanaro card to pay for transport and other amenities.
Be mindful of your luggage and carry around identification wherever you go.
Dial 1330 for South Korea’s 24/7 hotline maintained to provide information for tourists.
Take a look at this 5-Day Itinerary which could be a great inspiration for your vacation in South Korea.
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What better way to kickstart your holiday than exploring the wonders of one of the best-known travel destinations in the world, Seoul. You will have the choice of landing between two of Seoul's premier airports - Incheon International Airport or Seoul Gimpo Airport. Once you're there, you'd probably want to first settle down at your hotel and freshen up before you begin your journey. Here are some of the best Muslim-friendly hotels you could consider for your stay.
Follow our airport guide to Incheon International Airport
Address: 510-14 Changcheon-Dong, Seodaemun-Gu, 120-836 Seoul, South Korea
Access: 5-minute walk from Hongik University Subway Station
Address: 179, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu , Yongsan-Gu, 04350 Seoul, South Korea
Access: Just in front of Itaewon Subway Station
Address: 67-20, Usadan-ro 4-gil, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-Gu, 140-824 Seoul, South Korea
Address: 634-8, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Gangnam-Gu, 135-895 Seoul, South Korea
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Address: 131-11 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-Gu, 140-858 Seoul, South Korea
Access: One minute walk from Itaewon Subway Station
As a premier shopping destination, Seoul has quite a number of ultra-modern shopping malls, street markets, and boutiques that are perfect for every type of shopping need. While you might have to resist the urge to purchase everything great that catches your eye, this sure is a great way to wander and explore all the amazing things the city has to offer in the top shopping locations like Dongdaemun Market, Lotte Department Store, Times Square Mall, and I’Park Mall. In between your shopping expedition you can stop by some of the famous historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum located nearby.
On your second day in Seoul, you could get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of the seven mountains, a great place to enjoy an adventurous hike.
Among the main prayer facilities and mosques in South Korea, you should visit the Seoul Central Mosque as it is famous for being the first mosque in South Korea. Food-wise, you will have plenty of options to enjoy some great-tasting Halal food in South Korea. Our top picks include:
Address: 67, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sundays: 11.30 am - 9 pm
Contact: +82 070 8899 8210
Address: 52, Usadan-ro 10 gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea 140-911
Opening Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays - Sundays: 10.30 am - 10 pm
Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Nonhyeon-ro, 95 gil, 15
Opening Hours: 4 pm - 2 am daily
Address: 140-7 Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-858
Opening Hours: 10.30 am - 11 pm
Address: 192 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10 am - 6 pm
Address: 127-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 11.30 am - 11 pm
Contact: 02-792-4767
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Address: 110-522 9, Sungkyunkwan-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 11 am - 10 pm
Contact: +82-2-763-6050
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The De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) and Joint Security Area (JSA) are very important sites every traveler should visit in South Korea. You can join a group tour which has to be booked in advance, and this is a great way to learn about the historic division of the peninsula. The tour includes stops at main attractions like Imjingak Park, the Unification Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and Dorasan Station – the famous railway between South and North Korea. Following the tour, you can go back to Seoul and get set for the next part of your journey.
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This is the largest island in South Korea, and you need to take a short flight from Seoul to get there. The island includes many amazing attractions and relaxing things to do, like enjoying a serene walk among the bonsai trees of Hallim Park, following the nature trails of Seolbong Park, witnessing the splendor of Cheonjiyeon Falls or Manjanggul Lava Tube, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, or spending time in the Seongeup Folk Village.
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You can leave Jeju Airport to reach South Korea’s second most-populous city, Busan. There are quite a number of fun places to visit in South Korea alone within the city, so this is a great way to end your vacation. Some of the things you can do during this time include relaxing on one of the top beaches, like Haeundae, Dadaepo, and Gwangali, or exploring Dongbaekseom Island – famous for the iconic mermaid statue, Gamcheon Cultural Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Before you catch your flight at Gimhae International Airport to head home, you'll be able to find some authentic souvenirs in Nampodong. The Busan Al-Fatah Mosque is located nearby for prayer facilities.
To enjoy a great South Korean meal before you leave, the Busan Jib Restaurant is a great place that serves mouthwatering, spicy Halal food in South Korea:
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: 11-4 Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, South Korea
