South Korea in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited South Korea in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Haeundae Beach without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Gyeongju felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best Korean BBQ I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

very safe was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.