South Korea
Ancient temples, colourful hillside villages and hanok-style homes seamlessly blend with modern cityscapes in South Korea, offering a fascinating mix of high-tech and tradition.
The best place to kick off a South Korea itinerary is in the flashy capital Seoul, where centuries-old palaces are framed by mountain backdrops and glittering skyscrapers. Head up to Namsan Park for sweeping views of this sprawling city, soak up the cafe culture, rent a traditional hanbok for a photoshoot in dreamy Bukchon Hanok Village or at Gyeongbokgung Palace, pamper your skin with an innovative K-Beauty treatment, and try some fun street eats at the Myeongdong night market.
Take the bullet train to Gyeongju, which is like a living museum with a dizzying array of impressive temples and tombs, pagodas, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and traditions dating back to the Silla Kingdom.
The coastal city of Busan is well worth a visit, which boasts golden beaches, lively markets, sky-high observation decks and fun attractions like the Instagram-worthy Sky Capsule, skywalks, and Busan Air Cruise that glides above the Songdo Sea.
Have more time? Take a day trip to see the notorious DMZ, hike in Seoraksan National Park unwind on Jeju Island, nicknamed the 'Hawaii of Korea.' Be sure to read through these helpful tips for booking a trip to South Korea to learn about transportation logistics in Korea and essential apps you'll want to download before your visit.
