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South Korea ready to welcome back tourists
As borders reopen and the pandemic is well on its way to becoming a thing of the past, those itching to travel might look no further than South Korea for their next adventure.
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Gyeongbokgung Palace from the Joseon Dynasty has remained one of the most popular tourist sites in South Korea.
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s borders reopen and the pandemic is well on its way to becoming a thing of the past, those itching to travel might look no further than South Korea for their next adventure. The first incentive: once tourists arrive, they can be picked up at the Welcome Center in Incheon International Airport for arrivals from May 25 to July 24. All visitors can get a welcome kit, coupons and a chance to win a giveaway prize before they exit the airport.
Let’s break down the itinerary to three of South Korea’s most tourist-friendly cities: Seoul, Busan and Jeju. Starting the adventure from Seoul makes the most sense, as it is the closest to Incheon International Airport and is the capital city.
Like its neighboring countries, South Korea has a long and interesting history. Among Seoul’s numerous attractions, the sites that continually draw in tourists are four palaces and a Confucian shrine: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Deoksugung Palace and Jongmyo shrine. They are a legacy left by the Joseon Dynasty that ruled the country from 1392 to 1910. Each palace has its own charm, from its interior to its pavilions.
To soak up more history, visit Hahoe village and Yangdong village in Gyeongju, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category of Historic Villages in Korea. Transportation is available from most hotels in Seoul, and each village offers a look at South Korea’s traditional houses, scenic sights and delicious delicacies.
South Korea is arguably most famous for its entertainment industry. Hype Insight is the place to soak up more of that side of the country’s culture. K-pop enthusiasts should not miss their chance to connect with other fans from across the world here.
Our next destination is Busan, a city known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and a prestigious international film festival. To relax, take the Haeundae Blue Line Park to fully enjoy the view of the Haeundae Beach or get a helicopter view from over 400 meters above at Busan x the SKY.
Busan may give tourists a chance to relax, but they won’t want to miss the fun of Lotte World Adventure, which features a roller coaster that reaches a speed of 105 kilometers per hour and a water coaster that plunges into a 2,000-ton water tank from 45 m above the ground.
The dazzling adventure does not stop in Busan. Oedo Island Tropical Garden is located quite near Busan and the breathtaking views are sure to wow tourists. The garden is located on a small island in the South Sea that is most famously known for its European-inspired botanical garden and stunning views of the ocean. Another day trip away from Busan is the “Naples of Korea”, Tongyeong, which is home to 150 big and small islands.
Jeju island is the last on the itinerary; a place that offers spectacular views of volcanoes and lava tunnels. Known as South Korea’s Hawaii, it is an expanse of natural beauty and beaches that is fit for Gods and Goddesses, who according to legend, live on the island along with demi-Gods.
Travelers from Indonesia need to apply for a visa to enter South Korea and have a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result carried out within 48 hours before departure or a rapid antigen test result 24 hours before departure. Visitors are also required to have a PCR test within three days after arrival and are recommended to have a rapid antigen test within six or seven days after arrival. Those under 18 years of age only need to show a certificate for their second vaccination or get one immediately following arrival.
Travelers are advised to register their information on the Q-code website prior to boarding their plane to speed up the entry process in South Korea by using a QR code. While it is not a requirement, travelers who have been fully vaccinated overseas must register their certificates online to be free from quarantine. Please note that this technology is only available at Incheon International Airport for now.
To read more about additional and updated information, visit their website www.visitkorea.or.id or their social media @ktoid. Make sure to bring masks and adhere to the country’s health protocols, and get ready for one of the best life experiences after COVID-19!
