South Korea Travel Specialist

South Korea is a relatively unexplored slice of Asia – but it’s about time you added it to your travel wish list. The country seamlessly and attractively juxtaposes over 5,000 years of culture and history with all things hyper-modern. Admire modern architecture in Seoul, visit folk villages in Andong and shop-‘til-you-drop at Busan’s markets. Join me for a closer look!

Experiencing a country’s local cuisine is an essential part of traveling and this is certainly true of any trip to South Korea. Bibimbap, tteok-bokki, a classic Korean barbecue. South Korea’s cuisine is unrivalled. Most meals are accompanied with small side dishes, including kimchi, a pickled and fermented cabbage. You’ll find a range of meat, seafood and fish options – South Korea offers plenty of variety for vegetarians, too. The country is also famed for its fried chicken and beer combination - visit a traditional brewery that specializes in makgeolli, a lightly sparkling rice wine. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Seoul’s five great palaces. This mighty palace was built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1395 and to this day remains the grandest. With a backdrop of Mount Bugaksan shadowing the ornate architecture, this palace emits a truly majestic feel. Gyeonbokgung is steeped in history and watching a changing of the guards ceremony provides a deep insight into South Korean culture. Other palaces worth visiting in South Korea include Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju, which was the former ancient capital of the Silla kingdom.

South Korea boasts a magnificent traditional culture, and Buyeongdae viewpoint offers fantastic views of Hahoe, Seokguram Grotto and the Bulguksa Temple, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Get up close and personal with rich cultural heritage at Hahoe Folk Village, where the cobbled alleyways are filled with Josean Dynasty-era thatched roof houses and tile-roofed mansions, and a fascinating mask museum. Learn about Korean Buddhism and the meditative martial art of Sunmudo from monks at a temple visit. 

South Korea prides itself on hallyu, or ‘Korean Wave’, a term used to describe the cultural phenomenon the country has experienced over the last few decades. Riveting K-Dramas, exciting K-Pop bands, world-acclaimed skincare. South Korea is just as worth visiting for its modern culture as much as its centuries-old temples and pagodas. Check out contemporary art galleries, buzzing nightlife scenes, trendy stores and colorful street art in the likes of Seoul and Busan.

Seoul is a wonderfully modern city that provides a stark contrast to the ancient traditional surroundings of the rest of the country. One of the world’s fastest growing cities, this dynamic capital is a fascinating mix of glass towers, historic temples and inviting parks.The National Museum of Contemporary Korean History explains how South Korea has become an economic powerhouse, while exploring bustling suburbs like Hongdae and Gangnam gives a first-hand insight into this ever-evolving city. 

South Korea is a great destination for lovers of the great outdoors, as it offers plenty in the way of nature walks, mountain hikes and green parks. Trek through Mudeungsan National Park to reach the historic Jeungsimsa Temple, or tackle Namsan Mountain, which is home to 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas. Coastal scenes await in Busan, where after visiting the beaches and breathing in that fresh sea air, you can reward yourself with endless fresh seafood afterwards.

Situated on the south coast, Busan is a port city renowned for its beaches, seafood and links to the sea. The ‘capital of the south’ of the country, Busan is just as exciting to visit as Seoul – but with its own identity that makes for an unforgettable visit. 

Korea is a country that works hard and plays hard — in the restaurants and bars, but also in out in nature — green spaces, parks, mountains. There are island getaways and vast rural areas. There really is something for everyone – but that something will be uniquely Korean.South Korea keeps you on your toes, and if you expect the unexpected, it’s brilliant.