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Rural Korea: 6 Things to Do, See and Experience

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A shot from my backyard in rural Korea.

A shot from my backyard in rural Korea.

It’s true: not many Westerners think of vacationing in Korea at all. And it’s even more true that those who do come to Korea spend the majority of their time in Seoul. As for short excursions out of the city, famous temples and mountain hiking tend to be the way they go. Rural Korea? Why would anyone go there?

I want to change that.

For over a year now, I’ve called rural Korea my home. Sure, rural Korea definitely doesn’t have any McDonald’s or reputable coffee shops to speak of, but when you take a moment to look, there are plenty of things worth seeing. The main roads are often clogged with giant construction vehicles, but the back roads wind through the scenic greenery behind those main roads. After doing quite a bit of exploring in my area, I’ve compiled a list of recommended activities for anyone with the time and willingness to see a different, seriously authentic side of Korea.

Take a local bus.

I can’t recommend this enough. First, you get to watch the bus route snake through tiny towns on the way to your destination. Instead of seeing the highway, you’re seeing the towns along the way. There’s nothing better than understanding how you got to a location in the first place, the sense of orientation that you get is wonderful. Secondly, the people on the bus are pure people-watching candy. Elderly women and men, little kids, students and middle aged workers all take the bus. I’ll end with this: taking the local bus is an experience to remember.

Walk down the paths that snake between rice paddies.

You know those back roads? They’re not always easy to find, but that’s why they’re so beautiful. In between large field of rice patties are roads that local farmers use to drive between their property. Sometimes the fields (and roads between them) stretch for miles and miles. The ones behind my house reach all the way to the nearby seawall. Walking deep into the fields affords new views of gorgeous wildlife, long-necked birds and a beautiful horizon.

Take a trip to the local grocery store.

“What, Sally? You’re crazy!” I know. But trust me on this one. Try to find some fruit for your back road walk and walk around, looking at the things available. Do you recognize anything? These are the bare basics of Korean cooking, and plenty of elderly grandmothers cook entire meals using only food that can be purchased in this store. You’ll walk out with a snack and a new found appreciation for any grocery stores that stock peanut butter.

If possible, find a coastline.

A local beach is pure gold. You’ll see unregulated fishing, boats galore and experience a beach that most tourism books would turn up their nose to mention. Perhaps it’s a little dirty, but that’s why you’re here. Grab a snack from the local convenience store and walk alone the coastline. Ajummas will try to sell you freshly caught seafood, you’ll notice friends spread out for a picnic and bits of old rope laying in the sand. Don’t forget, seafood restaurants on the beach serve the freshest fish.

[To see photographs of a rural beach near me, check out my photoessay on Waymook Beach.]

Buy and make instant noodles at the convenience store, then sit outside and eat them.

This activity is quintessentially Korean and you have to do it. What better excuse to stare at the locals (as they stare equally as intently at you)? Instant noodles may be low class, but they are usually pretty delicious, cheap and simple to make. Plus you’re going to need some food in your stomach for that 45 minute bus ride home, right? By eating noodles outside, you may even invite conversation with a curious townie and end up doing charades with them in an attempt at conversation.

Do a temple stay at a Buddhist temple.

Most temples are nestled into a mountain, away from nearby cities. While plenty of visitors to Korea take the time to visit a Buddhist temple or two, there’s a better way to dive headfirst into a new way of thinking: a temple stay. Spending the night at a temple gives you a new appreciation for the architecture of the buildings around you and the people that actually live there day in and day out. You eat meals with the monks and get the chance to join their prayer rituals as well. While this isn’t doesn’t put you in the shoes of most rural Korean lives, it gives you insight into a small subculture that resides alongside rural Koreans.

[You can read about my experience doing a temple stay and also look at the photographs I took while there.]

Finally, walk a lap around town. Look in the corners.

This is an exercise in attention to detail that pretty much applies anywhere you travel, but is particularly important in rural Korea. If you don’t look closely at your surroundings, you’ll miss the apple orchard behind the bike shop and the older Koreans doing exercises in the elementary school’s tiny park. There’s plenty to see, even in such a rural area, but it’s a part of Korea where you’ll have to be extra diligent to see it.

Have you ever been to rural Korea? What do you recommend seeing or doing while there?

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