In addition to really good food, Korea has interesting places to visit. I wouldn't go so far to say it is a tourist place, but if you live here there are really interesting places one must visit. If you wanted to buy touristy things such as T-shirts and things, it isn't a good country to visit--although you can find these items for purchase in Seoul.
If you are into new culture, good food, and a country that is unashamedly themselves then you're visiting the right place.
Some of our favorite cities to visit are as follows. No particular order; just as they come to my head.
Sockcho--on the north east side of Korea. This is a really pretty area of Korea. The beaches are lovely and look more like a Florida beach. The water is COLD so try not to make the mistake of running full speed into the sea. We had a lovely experience here and there are a lot of things to do there from an expat perspective.
Jeju--it takes a full day to get there and back but if you have the time it is worth a visit. Going during the summer it can be expensive, but if you go any other time the prices are great as it is off season. Hiking Hallasan mountain is a must--as the tallest mountain in Korea--but the views are fabulous and not to be missed. Renting a car is also a must. The local busses take a long time and can be confusing. There is not a subway and taxis can be expensive as it take an hour or so to go to another part of the island. All you need is an International drivers license to rent a car. Rentals are cheap including the insurance.
Seoul--overrated but worth it to find the special neighborhoods. If you only go to the foreign places you'll miss out on truly special experiences. The French neighborhood is lovely as well as Pongyo and the COEX area of Gangnam. It depends on what you want to experience. The Han river near Yueoido (the financial district) has a lot to offer. This is the location of the cherry blossom festival and there is a great "central park" feel to it. If you Google, "unique Seoul neighborhoods" then you will have a better idea of what will work for you.
If you live in Korea versus just visiting then the following cities can be helpful for foreign food or foreign shopping.
Chungju--has Old Navy and larger H&M (as well as Gwangju) plus a few decent English bookstores and foreign food selections-all in the same area.
Gogje Island--south east coastal area of Korea. Great to rent a car and drive around. Good for a weekend away and feel as if you have left Korea. Only 2.5 hours away from Daejeon. Korean food is everywhere but the views and prices are good. There's not a lot to do but what is there is quality and well done.
Busan--highly over rated BUT worth it to eat foreign food and have foreign cocktails. You can also have a really good time at the fish market. Like Seoul but a little rough around the edges. A car is a good idea to get around if you will do a lot of sightseeing away from the city center. This is also where you can find the Buddhist temple on the sea. It is gorgeous and worth the taxi ride.
Muju--an easy car ride away and has excellent powder during ski season. The rest of the year is easy peasy and there are a few national parks to explore. An easy day trip to enjoy nature. There's really good Korean food as well.
Gyeongju--lovely in Fall or Winter. Has a beautiful temple, grotto, and pond to check out. The food is delicious. Easy drive from Daejeon (approx 2.5 hours). A nice day trip or a lovely weekend. Slow and easy.
Korean cities are *kind of* similar. Not exactly the same, but you can generally find the same things at each city. The cities above have more character in that they offer more than other cities. If you have a couple of weeks to visit, I'd recommend Gyeongju, Busan, and Sokcho (in addition to Seoul). You will have enough variety while still viewing all that Korea has to offer.
If you only have a week I'd visit Busan and Gyeongju (in addition to Seoul).
If you'll be in Korea for a few months but with limited time I would recommend Gyeongju, Busan, and Sokcho (as well as Seoul). These cities encompass most of what Korea has to offer while still experiencing true Korea. You can spend one or two days in each city (3 or 4 in Seoul) and experience the main points. You should feel that you have experienced what you wanted to.
Korea is a changing place. Hurry and experience true Korea while it is still here.
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