Summer in Korea
Documenting my 18 days in South Korea, exploring the southern coastal cities, starting with Busan!
Busan | 부산Busan | 부산+울산 Busan+Ulsan | 부산Busan part 2
Pohang-si (day trip) | 포항Pohang
Damyang-gun (day trip) | 담양Damyang
Suncheon-si (day trip) | 보성&순천Boseong+Suncheon
📍Namhae (day trip) | 남해Namhae
Geoje-si | 거제Geoje | Geoje Accoms
It’s my 10th trip to South Korea, and definitely a memorable one!
We travelled in a group of 3, and rented a car for 2 weeks to drive around these cities!
Here’s a breakdown on some of our costs:
Flight (SIN - PUS) round trip: SGD$850 per pax
Accommodation (17 nights): SGD$3,610.08 total / ~SGD$1,200 per pax
14 days car rental from Lotte rent-a-car: KRW 1,109,000
Inclusive of:
- CDW Excess
- Hipass card (added cost of KRW 35,000, with KRW 30,000 preloaded value)
Will write more into details on what we did in each city on posts to come!
Summer in Korea's southern coastal region offers a unique blend of urban excitement, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, especially during the warm and vibrant summer months. Cities like Busan, known for its beautiful beaches and bustling markets, provide a dynamic introduction to Korean coastal life. Gyeongju-si, often called the 'museum without walls,' invites travelers to explore ancient temples and royal tombs showcasing Korea's rich historical legacy. For day trips, Pohang-si presents an excellent mix of industrial innovation and seafood delights, while Damyang-gun is famous for its picturesque bamboo forests and serene walking trails, perfect for a refreshing escape into nature. Mokpo-si and Suncheon-si each offer unique coastal scenery and relaxed atmospheres, with Suncheon boasting some of the country's most impressive wetlands. Renting a car for two weeks, like the author did with Lotte rent-a-car, is an advantageous way to explore these diverse cities at your own pace. It also eases access to less touristy areas and offers flexible schedules. Travelers should consider including a Hipass card for convenient toll payments on highways, as done in the trip shared. Budget-wise, flights from Singapore to Busan round-trip are approximately SGD 850, with accommodation for 17 nights averaging around SGD 1,200 per person, and car rental costing about KRW 1,109,000 including CDW Excess. Summer in Korea encourages outdoor activities such as hiking, beach visits, and exploring local festivals. Make sure to try local seasonal foods to enhance your travel experience. This detailed snapshot of costs, routes, and city highlights is invaluable for planning a comprehensive summer vacation in South Korea that balances culture, nature, and convenience.
