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More and more tourists are choosing to visit South Korea. Not only Taiwanese tourists are coming to Korea, but also South Asian tourists.
Where do these international tourists go when they are in South Korea?
The answer would be Insadong, Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Myeongdong, N-Seoul Tower, and Dongdaemun.
How about Koreans' least favorite touristy places? Can you guess?
Today, Creatrip presents you the least recommendable places (ranked by Koreans) in Seoul.
1. Nami Island (남이섬)
You might already have heard of Nami Island at some point in your research on visiting South Korea.
This place was featured on the K-drama 'Winter Sonata' about 10 years ago. This drama series was a big hit in Japan. Nami Island has been a famous tourist attraction ever since then.
A few days ago, I visited Nami Island with my parents.
And wow.. I do not want to go back to this place.
First of all, this place is all packed with tourists.
I had to wait an hour to get on a ferry from Gapyeong to enter Nami Island.
(Of course, I had to wait for that same ferry again for more than an hour from Nami Island to come back to Gapyeong!)
Some foreign tourists were cutting the line and were not keeping their manners very well..
Plus, every photo I took from the island had a bunch of strangers in the background, which was not what I wanted.
As you can see from this picture above, Nami Island is only famous among foreign tourists. Koreans usually do not go here.
Address: 강원도 춘천시 남산면 방하리 197
2. Myeongdong (명동)
Myeongdong is a well-known, popular shopping district among foreign tourists.
In Myeongdong, you can find almost every clothing and cosmetics brands in Korea, from the major Korean high-end brands to road shop brands. You can do one-stop shopping in Myeongdong. Shoppers love this place.
In fact, Myeongdong is always overcrowded. There are more foreign tourists than local Koreans on the streets and in the stores. Koreans usually do not come to Myeongdong to shop. If you visit Myeongdong, you can hear other languages other than Korean. Many shop clerks speak English or Chinese.
Some stores and restaurant overcharges the bill to foreigners, while others reject Korean customers. Many Koreans think Myeongdong as almost like a "foreign country," and the district lost its charm among Koreans. I think I haven't been to Myeongdong for more than 4 years.
Address: 서울특별시 중구 명동8길 52
3. Namsan N-Seoul Tower (남산 N서울타워)
When it comes to Seoul, N Seoul Tower would be the most famous landmark. N Seoul Tower is located on top of the "Namsan" in the center of Seoul, and it was previously called 'Namsan Tower'. As this tower is on top of the mountain, you can see an amazing view of Seoul skyline! Especially, many visitors come at night to enjoy the Seoul's beautiful night view.
Korean people used to visit Namsan Tower to install the "promise lock." The rumor was that the person who installed the lock could have his or her dream come true if the lock remains locked. So many Koreans (especially the couples) installed the locks on almost every fence. It was easy to find people's wishes on thousands of locks.
However, Koreans now rarely visit N-Seoul Tower. Because this place is overcrowded with tourists. You can barely find a place to step on in the tower. You can see a lot of people so you won't be able to fully enjoy the beautiful night scenery of Seoul. So Koreans simply stopped going to Namsan Tower.
Address: 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 N서울타워
4. Hongdae (홍대)
Hongdae is known as "the place for hanging out" among Korean college students. There are lots of great restaurants, cafes, and stores. Many couples come to Hongdae to date or shop. Korean youngsters occasionally visit this shopping district.
Recently, an increasing number of foreign tourists started to visit Hongdae. This area used to be crowded with Korean youngsters. Now with foreign tourists too, the streets are packed with the crowd. There are just too many people even during the weekdays. Many Koreans are saying Hongdae is no longer the same place as it used to be. You will find fewer Koreans in Hongdae nowadays
Instead of Hongdae, Koreans usually go to Yeonnamdong or Sangsudong (near Mangwon Station and Sangsu Station respectively). Hongdae is still a great place to experience Korean nightlife. Many Koreans still go to Hongdae for clubbing and drinking at night.
Today I gave you the four touristy spots avoided by Koreans. Most of Koreans do not want to go to these four places unless they have something there.
Even if the place is a super popular tourist attraction, the locals would not want to go if it is overly crowded.
Leave me your any comments if you have any question regarding South Korea.
Until I see you again in the next post, Ciao!
