Winter Adventures in South Korea with Unique Experiences

 South Korea presents different faces throughout the seasons. Soon, the upcoming winter in Korea will offer a unique experience compared to other seasons.

For travelers who enjoy active journeys, winter might seem like a time to take it easy, but there are plenty of activities in Korea during this season that can create wonderful memories. Instead of the typical museum or art gallery visits, here are some activities that are more active and will allow you to cherish the memories of a Korean winter for a long time.

First, let's talk about Temple Stay. Temples in Korea are often nestled in the mountains, and many of them offer Temple Stay programs where civilians can spend a day or two living like monks. During your stay, you can participate in chanting ceremonies, experience daily routine of Monks by participating in their rituals, and share meals with the monks. Additionally, you can learn about the traditional temple architecture and its history. While during the pandemic, one-on-one conversations with monks might have been limited, these days, they have reintroduced dialogue sessions, allowing you to discuss any concerns or questions you might have. Temple Stay programs can be easily booked online, and there are options for English-speaking participants as well. I recommend visiting www.templestay.com, choosing your preferred location and date, making a payment, and then simply showing up on the specified date. The natural surroundings of the temples also provide a delightful journey to reach them.

Secondly, National Park hiking is a great option. Korea boasts many mountains designated as national parks, which are well-maintained and safe. You can take leisurely walks around the mountains or challenge yourself to hike up to the peaks for more breathtaking views. Typically, it takes about 2-5 hours to reach the summit and return, and upon descending, you'll find rows of food stalls where you can't resist the tempting aromas of Korean dishes prepared by the owners. These meals, along with traditional drinks, are an excellent way to wrap up your day. If you are not familiar with hiking in Korea, I recommend joining the "Indigo Hiking Group" through "Meetup Korea." This group is led by several hosts who select beautiful Korean mountains each week and hike with both local and international members. Joining a group of people who truly love mountains can be a rewarding experience.

Thirdly, consider a visit to a Korean-style sauna, known as "Jjimjilbang." You can choose one based on internet reviews and facility preferences. These saunas are particularly effective at relieving sore muscles, which can be a blessing after a challenging hike. After soaking your body in hot baths, your tired muscles will find relaxation.

Lastly, I recommend the DMZ Tour, which offers a unique opportunity to visit South Korea's northernmost area. You can see North Korean territory and, if you're lucky, observe North Korean activities through binoculars. You can even experience North Korean specialty products. The DMZ is like an open-air history museum, and many travel agencies offer this tour. You can book it anytime, and with a tour guide, you'll learn about Korea's wartime history on the way.

For DMZ Tour recommendations, you can visit www.vviptravel.com. 

Just let me know with your comments, what type of tour you're interested in, and I'll provide further information.