South Korea is a must-see destination for many, especially following the pandemic when we all got obsessed with everything Korean-related. And if, after a long travel hiatus, you’ve finally decided to book that flight to the land of Hallyu, DIY-ing your way is a great option for a well-curated trip you will surely remember.

Tip 1: Get your finances in order

Having a trusty card such as a BDO Debit Card with you is important to enjoying your Koreangetaway to the fullest. Through safe and seamless transactions it lets you shop better and dinebetter on your trip. Having one will make your trip as easy as smiling to “Kimchi!” Plus, you won’thave to worry about bringing a bulk of cash and having it converted to the local currency. Makesure to have one so you can travel better.

Tip 2: Book your airline tickets and accommodations ahead

Plan your trip way ahead of time and book your flights early to get low ticket fares. Make sureyou also have a comfy place to stay during your trip. To get great deals on both, keep an eyeout for travel sales and time-limited flash deals. One travel sale you can take advantage of isThe Great BDO Travel Sale happening throughout January with stops in Manila, Davao, andCebu, as well as online at www.travel.bdo.com.ph for exclusive discounts.

Choosing long-term stays on Airbnb can also get you a big chunk off the original booking prices!Preparing ahead can reward you big time and spare you from stress, especially if you want tostay in popular districts such as Myeongdong or Hongdae.

Tip 3: Consider your luggage

In terms of luggage, consider the season you’re flying in – summer can guarantee lightweightpacking, while autumn and spring will require you to bring light cover ups and sweaters forlayering. Winter is for coats and puffer jackets, so get a bigger baggage allowance if you plan tobring all those thick knits and cozy pieces! Or if you have the budget, just bring luggage and buyyour winter wear when you arrive. The underground shopping area in Myeongdong and thriftstores in Dongdaemun offer good quality winter clothing that won’t hurt your wallet!

Tip 4: Plan your food tour

From tteokbboki to bibimbap, enjoy a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience sampling variousstreet foods at affordable prices! Go cafe-hopping at Yeonnamdong, enjoy cheap eats atHongdae and Ewha, head to Incheon for jjajangmyeon, and experience Korea’s unique fooddelivery service when you order chicken and beer by the Han River. The options are endless!

Tip 5: Set fangirling/ fanboying activities

You’re in South Korea. This is it! If you’re a K-Pop fan who wants to see your favorite idols livein Korea, you can bookmark go-to ticketing websites and register ahead of the open-ticket date.Fulfill your fangirl or fanboy dreams further by agency-hopping or by visiting your bias’ favoriterestaurants and hangout spots.

Tip 6: Map out filming locations and go on a K-drama pilgrimage

If you’re a K-Drama fan, curate a specially-themed escapade by visiting filming locations. Forstarters, there’s Gwanghwamun Square, where the iconic The King: Eternal Monarch meetingscene was shot; Yeouido Han River where scenes from Squid Game and My Love from AnotherStar was filmed; COEX Starfield Library for Record of Youth fans; and Everland if you want torecreate that romantic scene in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.

You can search about these locations on various websites such as Korean Dramaland (KDL),with over 3,000 locations on their archive, and VISITKOREA with published K-Drama guidesthat you can just bookmark and follow.

Tip 7: Participate in a culture tour

If you’re in love with Korean culture and would like to learn more about South Korea’s richhistory, join a culture tour. Sightsee places such as Bukchon Hanok Village where you can takepictures of traditional hanok houses; Gyeongbokgung Palace where you can experiencewearing a hanbok while walking the palace grounds; and Insadong for some traditional tea atDawon Traditional Tea House and Shin Old Teahouse.

Tip 8: Stock up on skincare products

Since it’s Korea, go crazy choosing among their wide selection of beauty goodies available!Various skin care products can be found almost everywhere, and buy-1-get-1 deals (and more!) are also rampant in Hongdae and Ewha Women’s University that you can effortlessly pay forusing your debit or credit card! A premium K-Beauty experience awaits as well when you visitsalons, such as Jenny House or Woosun, and get luxury facials at Sulwhasoo Spa Gangnam.

Tip 9: Make sure you have BDO Debit Card

Are you ready for the trip of your Hallyu dreams? Before you fly out, don’t forget your BDO Debit Card so you can go cashless! It’s most convenient for shopping, food trips, dining out, paying foryour accommodations, booking tickets to concerts, movies, and fan-meets, and more! And ifyou still need cash, you can use it to make ATM withdrawals while abroad.

Plus, your BDO Debit Card gives you access to exclusive travel deals with airlines and travelagencies at the Great BDO Travel Sale! Don’t miss your chance to get exclusive exclusive faresonline at www.travel.bdo.com.ph or onsite at:

• Manila – SMX Convention Center Aura, SM Aura Premier on January 11-14
• Davao – Mall Atrium, SM Lanang on January 19-21
• Cebu – First Level Northwing, SM City Cebu on January 26-28

Got inspired yet? Here are all the places we mentioned in this story!

Myeongdong

Dongdaemun Design PlazaPhoto by Håkon Grimstad on Unsplash

Cafe-hopping at Yeonnamdong / Greem CafePhoto from @greem_cafe

Restaurant scene in HongdaePhoto by Ethan Brooke

Order chicken and beer by the Han RiverPhoto by Keiteu Ko on Unsplash

Gwanghwamun SquarePhoto by Skyler W on Unsplash

COEX Starfield LibraryPhoto by Josip Ivankovic on Unsplash

EverlandPhoto by Skyler W on Unsplash

Bukchon Hanok VillagePhoto by Y K on Unsplash

Traditional tea house - Insadong Chatjip Tea HousePhoto from VisitKorea.or.kr

Olive YoungPhoto from Visit Korea

Jenny HousePhoto from Klook

For more information, visit the BDO Debit Card Website.