South Korea is still off the tourist trail, but with its modern infrastructure and charming people it’s a great place to immerse yourself in.
Claire Barnes, North & Central Asia Specialist, 01993 838216
The Korean Peninsula remains one of Asia’s great enigmas: a nation divided but possessing a unique and fascinating culture, and independent yet welcoming people.
In prosperous, modern South Korea thriving cities climb up around ancient temples and fortresses then fade out to reveal charming villages and glorious mountain scenery. Few travellers reach Korea, and fewer still venture beyond Seoul’s high-tech throng. Those who do will be rewarded with a truly unique experience - spellbinding mountain and coastal scenery offering countless outdoor opportunities, ancient working monasteries welcoming visitors to stay and join their daily rituals, and friendly locals delighted to engage in conversation and share the traditional fiery Korean cuisine.
This is an enthralling country, both breathtakingly modern and fiercely traditional, and guaranteed to challenge your expectations at every turn. There is more than enough of interest to devote an entire trip to South Korea, but with cultural and religious influence flowing for millennia between the countries of East Asia, a trip combining Korea, Japan and China offers a fascinating insight into the development of this remarkable and influential region.
Browse places of interest and view details of our selected accommodation.
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Read about the climate and find out the best time to travel to this destination.
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Selected Highlights
Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.
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Explore historical Gyeongju
Wander around the city known as the 'museum without walls' taking in the Royal Tumuli and the mysterious Cheomseondae Observatory. Gyeongju was the...
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Hike up Mount Halla
The long extinct Mount Halla dominates the island of Jeju off the south coast of South Korea. At 2000 metres in height it will take a while to reach...
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Sample traditional temple food
Korean Buddhist temple food is based on vegetarian principles serving freshly prepared seasonally adjusted cuisine. Over twenty different kinds of...
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