Speaking of making plans, thinking about which destinations to visit is an essential part.

South Korea, famed for its pop music and drama, as well as a favored destination for many, recently promoted “glocal trips” through its tourism organization (KTO).

Aware that the way people vacation is changing, the KTO realizes that travelers are now searching for that hidden gem, a place off the beaten path that only they know about.

The organization pointed out how the term “global village” has the connotation that everything is closer now than before, and that places deemed big cities are all the same no matter where you go. Therefore, the term “glocal”, which combines the words global and local, is considered the new traveling style, in which a glocal trip immerses people in the vibrant and colorful cultures of different regions in one country.

Ready to go on a glocal trip to South Korea? Here are three destinations to consider:

Busan

Dubbed a romantic city but also popular as a medical and beauty retreat, Busan is a destination suitable for true urbanites. It is known for its port that bustles 24 hours a day, hence starting your exploration with a cruise on a luxury yacht is a great option.

A cruise by popular Busan landmarks such as Haeundae, Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge begins from the Suyeong Bay yachting center, which was used during the Olympics. This cruise offers you an overview of the city, and could be available in the evening when the twinkling lights from the skyscrapers illuminate the city.

Speaking of evenings in Busan, it is also a good time to explore the night market, namely the Bupyeong Kkangtong. Its name meaning “tin can”, the market originally sold canned goods for the United States forces stationed in Korea in the past. Although it also operates in the daytime,the night market, which starts at 7:30 p.m. sells Korean, Japanese and Filipino food, as well as clothes and accessories.

Those who visit Busan may also want to explore Haeundae Beach, which is always crowded in summer. But when physical distancing is in place, a quiet autumn day at the beach should be more favorable. Thinking of eating seafood? Head to the seaside Jagalchi Market, selling both live and dried fish that can be eaten on the premises.

To get a glimpse of the daily life of Busan residents, a visit to Gamcheon culture village should be on your list. Getting lost in the village’s labyrinth of alleys is recommended. However, it is advisable to be mindful of the residents’ privacy.

Daegu

Looking for a city that is alive even at night? Then Daegu is for you. The city is home to Korea’s largest night market, Soemun Market. It is a place where you can enjoy a variety of delectable treats in a festive surrounding.

Before you call it a night, hop on the cable car up to Palgongsan mountain and visit the Apsan Observatory Deck to see the nightscape on the basin-like terrain of Daegu.

Daytime in Daegu should be no less charming, though, and uncovering the city’s streets and alleys could be an insightful adventure to remember. You are likely to be steered to visit Kim Kwangseok-gil street, which pays tribute to the city’s famous figure, folk rock singer and songwriter Kim Kwang-seok, whose many songs talk about suffering during the early stages of democracy.

Furthermore, history buffs would be even more delighted to continue the alleyexploration to Jung-gu district with several routes tochoose from. One route, for instance, begins with a string of American missionary houses, according to the footsteps of the Korean patriots on the March 1 Independence Movement Road.

Gyeongsangnam

Get to know South Korea as a peninsula and embark on a trip to an island, such as Gyeongsangnam, which is regarded as “the romantic island that promises the future”.

Your trip to the island should be highlighted with a ride on the Hallyeosudo cable car, that will present you with a view of the ocean as you descend. Meanwhile, the Hallyeosudo waterway itself stretches from Hansando in the coastal city of Tongyeong all the way to Yeosu, dotted with over 360 little islands “like small gems in the blue sea”.

For those who have time to explore Tongyeong, a visit to the hillside village Dongpirang –famous for its murals– is recommended. Aside from taking photos, you might as well stop for ice cream or ginger tea at the little cafes or shops in the area.

As for K-drama lovers, a visit to Windy Hill –the filming site for Eve’s Garden (2003) and Merry-Go-Round (2004) should be mandatory. It is a hill covered in grass, overlooking the sea, that can be seen from a ferry traveling to Oedo island and the Haegeumgang River.

Not far from Windy Hill, the Sineondae cliff and observatory awaits, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding islands. Meanwhile, in the area itself, the terrain formation is interesting to observe.

Popular

Ahok questions Agus' flood mitigation stance in first debate

K-pop group BTS to make comeback in February

Agus cash assistance plan slammed by Ahok, Anies