Amazing South Korea 2026
South Korea
|
Apr 6 - Apr 16, 2026
Our trip to South Korea with Kimkim was truly the trip of a lifetime—honestly, it exceeded even our highest expectations. We were already passionate about South Korea, its culture, history, food, and of course BTS, so we came with a long “must-see” list. We shared those dreams with Kimkim, and somehow they turned every one of them into reality—and then added so much more.
From the very beginning in Seoul, Kimkim hit the nail on the head. As BTS fans, visiting places significant to their journey to stardom was incredibly meaningful, and Kimkim thoughtfully wove those experiences into our itinerary. But beyond that, they immersed us in Korean culture in the most unforgettable ways. Wearing traditional hanboks while exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace felt like stepping into history. Walking through Bukchon Hanok Village was magical, and visiting N Seoul Tower gave us breathtaking views of Seoul we will never forget.
And then there was Wookie—our guide in Seoul, Andong, and Busan—who was simply exceptional. Wookie was not just a guide; he felt like a friend we were lucky enough to travel with. He listened when we told him one of our biggest wishes was simple: “Take us where you like to eat.” And wow, did he deliver. Our food experiences were beyond anything we imagined—from Korean fried chicken, Andong’s famous jjimdak, and incredible seaweed soup in Busan, to even stopping at a roadside rest area where we had one of the most memorable lunches and tasted warm hodugwaja donuts (still dreaming about those!). Through food alone, Wookie gave us a deeper connection to Korea.
Our journey to Andong was full of surprises and authentic moments. Wandering through the traditional market, interacting with the kind and welcoming shopkeepers, and experiencing the cultural village with its mask performance during cherry blossom season felt like walking through another era. It was one of those places that leaves a permanent mark on your heart.
Then came Busan, and once again Wookie made us feel less like tourists and more like locals. Riding the Busan Sky Capsule was unforgettable and something we highly recommend. From exploring the BIFF district and fish markets to wandering through one of the world’s largest department stores, every day felt alive with discovery.
Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get any better, we arrived in Jeju Island and met Clover—another extraordinary guide who gave us an entirely different, but equally incredible, side of Korea. Clover was warm, knowledgeable, adventurous, and so much fun to spend time with. She made Jeju feel magical.
With Clover, we visited a BTS-themed café, explored the fascinating Jeju Haenyeo Museum, and climbed Seongsan Ilchulbong where we were lucky enough to witness the legendary women divers in action—absolutely breathtaking. She introduced us to foods we never would have discovered on our own, including eun-galchi (silver hairtail fish), which I still crave, and the black pork BBQ experience… honestly, we nearly cried over how delicious it was.
Another unforgettable day was visiting Jeongbang Falls with Clover. For adventurous travelers, this is a must. Sitting by the water eating fresh-caught abalone and conch was one of those spontaneous travel moments you remember forever. We also marveled at the dramatic beauty of Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff and its stunning hexagonal rock formations.
And I would be remiss not to mention the hotels Kimkim selected, which elevated the trip even further. The Westin Josun Seoul, Signiel Busan, and Grand Hyatt Jeju all had the most welcoming, gracious staff. Everywhere we stayed, we felt less like guests at a hotel and more like we were being welcomed into someone’s home.
What made this trip so special wasn’t just the destinations—it was how personal and thoughtfully curated every moment felt. Kimkim didn’t just plan a vacation; they created an experience full of heart, culture, adventure, and memories we will treasure forever.
And Wookie and Clover… they made this journey extraordinary. Their warmth, humor, knowledge, and genuine care transformed this from a tour into something deeply personal and unforgettable.
We can say without hesitation: Kimkim gave us the trip of a lifetime. South Korea stole our hearts all over again, and thanks to Kimkim, we are already dreaming of coming back. If there is ever a reason to return for another adventure (and we hope there is!), we would book with Kimkim again in a heartbeat.
Thank you for memories we will carry forever.
Hotel Reviews
Our stay at The Westin Josun Seoul was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, we knew this was going to be a special place, but by the time we left, it felt like leaving friends behind. Our hearts already miss the wonderful people there. First, the location simply cannot be beat. The hotel is just steps from Myeong-dong, which made it the perfect home base for exploring Seoul. Incredible food, endless shopping, vibrant nightlife—it was all right outside the door. Whether heading out for street food, late-night wandering, or sightseeing, we could not have asked for a better location. The hotel itself is elegant, immaculate, and incredibly comfortable. Our room was beautiful, peaceful, and luxurious, with every detail thoughtfully curated. After long days exploring, it felt like returning to a sanctuary. But what truly sets this hotel apart is the people. The staff made this stay unforgettable. William, the back doorman, was such a warm and welcoming presence and made us feel cared for from day one. The concierge staff were equally amazing—knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely invested in making our experience special. We truly felt like friends, not visitors, and that level of hospitality is rare and deeply meaningful. The breakfast buffet deserves its own standing ovation. It was absolutely out of this world—one of the best hotel breakfasts we have ever experienced. The quality, variety, and service were exceptional. Highlights for us were the dumplings, salmon, and kimchi, all absolutely delicious. Every morning felt like a culinary event. What makes this hotel so remarkable is that it combines luxury with heart. It offers world-class accommodations, an unbeatable location, and service that makes you feel at home in another country. This is not just a great hotel—it is a must-stay when visiting Seoul. We would return in a heartbeat, and honestly cannot imagine staying anywhere else. The Westin Josun Seoul helped make our trip unforgettable. Five stars are not enough.
Our stay at Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok was one of the most unique and memorable parts of our trip to South Korea. If you want to immerse yourself in Korean history and experience something truly special, this is a place you should not miss. The beauty of the surrounding area is breathtaking. Set near the historic Hahoe Folk Village, the scenery feels timeless—peaceful, cultural, and almost like stepping into another era. Waking up surrounded by nature and traditional architecture was an experience in itself. Sleeping in a traditional hanok was something we had looked forward to, and it exceeded expectations. The heated floors (ondol) made the room incredibly cozy and added to the authenticity of the experience. There was something so peaceful about staying in a traditional Korean home while still enjoying modern comfort. Our room was wonderfully spacious—three of us stayed in one room and never felt crowded. There was plenty of room to move around, the bathroom was large and beautifully appointed, and the amenities were fantastic. Every detail felt thoughtful and elevated, balancing tradition with comfort in a way that made the stay feel both authentic and luxurious. What makes this property so special is that it is not just a hotel stay, it feels like a cultural experience. The only small note for us was the dining experience. While beautifully presented and refined, it leaned a bit too bougie for our taste. We had hoped for a more traditional, rustic Korean meal that matched the authenticity of the hanok setting. It was still well done, just not quite what we expected. That said, this did not take away from how remarkable this property is. Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok is truly one of a kind—a rare chance to experience Korean heritage in such a beautiful and comfortable setting. For travelers looking for something meaningful, memorable, and unlike a standard hotel stay, this place is unforgettable.
Our stay at Signiel Busan was absolutely exceptional and easily one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we arrived, everything about this hotel felt elevated, thoughtful, and unforgettable. First, the location could not have been any better. Just a short walk to Haeundae Beach, it was the perfect base for enjoying Busan. And the views—absolutely breathtaking. Our room had a balcony (yes, a balcony!) overlooking the ocean, and waking up to that view each morning felt surreal. Sitting outside with the sea breeze and hearing the waves was pure magic. The room itself was stunning—beautifully designed, spotless, and incredibly comfortable. Every detail felt luxurious yet welcoming. The bed was heavenly, the space was serene, and honestly… we did not want to leave. What truly made the stay special, though, was the staff. The service was impeccable but also so warm and personal. Having tea brought to our room was such a thoughtful touch and made us feel genuinely cared for. It is rare to find a luxury hotel that feels this polished while also feeling so personal. And the breakfast buffet—simply outstanding. Every morning felt like a feast. The spread was beautifully laid out and absolutely delicious. Freshly made eggs, dumplings, soup, fresh fruit, pastries… we were completely spoiled. It was one of the best hotel breakfasts we have ever had. Everything about Signiel Busan speaks to excellence: the unbeatable location, breathtaking ocean views, luxurious rooms, extraordinary staff, and incredible dining. This is not just a hotel stay—it is an experience. If you are visiting Busan and want a stay that is elegant, memorable, and deeply relaxing, this is an absolute must. We would return in a heartbeat. Five stars do not do it justice.
Our stay at Grand Hyatt Jeju was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in comfort, luxury, and hospitality that far exceeded expectations. This hotel is truly a destination in itself. The rooms are absolutely stunning—among the largest and most comfortable we have ever stayed in. Spacious, elegant, beautifully designed, and incredibly relaxing, the room felt more like a luxury retreat than a hotel stay. After full days of exploring Jeju, it was a joy to return to such a serene and comfortable space. Every detail felt elevated. The dining at this hotel deserves the highest praise. Every restaurant we experienced was outstanding, with food that was memorable from start to finish. And the breakfast buffet—simply incredible. The variety was remarkable and everything was beautifully prepared. From bulgogi and dumplings to fresh salads, fruit, pastries, and countless other choices, each morning felt indulgent. We were completely spoiled and looked forward to breakfast every day. Another wonderful surprise was the shopping all on site, which made the experience feel even more complete. Having dining, luxury accommodations, and excellent shopping all in one place made the hotel feel like its own vibrant world. What truly elevated our stay, though, was the staff. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind, creating an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and personal. A special thank you to Jun, whose friendliness and wonderful conversations made our stay even more meaningful. It is rare to meet someone in a hotel who leaves such a lasting impression, and we will certainly miss our chats with him. Grand Hyatt Jeju offers everything you could want—beautiful oversized rooms, exceptional dining, incredible amenities, shopping, and heartfelt hospitality. It combines grandeur with warmth in a way that is hard to find. This was far more than a hotel stay—it was an unforgettable experience. We would return without hesitation and already miss it. If you are visiting Jeju and want true luxury paired with genuine hospitality, this is an absolute must-stay. Five stars are simply not enough.
