South Korea
South Korea has gone from a country most Americans associated with war history and electronics to one of the most culturally influential nations on the planet. K-pop, Korean cinema, K-dramas, Korean beauty, and Korean food have swept across the globe, and visiting the country that created all of it is a revelation. Seoul is a megacity of 10 million people where 600 year old palaces sit in the shadow of glass skyscrapers, where Buddhist monks share the subway with fashion influencers, and where the street food alone is worth the 14 hour flight.
But South Korea is far more than Seoul. The ancient capital of Gyeongju is an open air museum of Silla dynasty tombs and temples. Busan, the country’s second city, has spectacular beaches, the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, and some of the best seafood in Asia. And Jeju Island, a volcanic island off the south coast, has otherworldly landscapes, lava tube caves, and a relaxed subtropical atmosphere that feels like a different country entirely.
Where to Go
Seoul is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Gangnam is the modern, upscale district famous from the Psy song. Hongdae is the university area with live music, street performers, and late night energy. Myeongdong is the shopping and beauty district. Bukchon Hanok Village is a preserved neighborhood of traditional Korean houses (hanok) on a hillside between two palaces, offering a window into old Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces, is a must visit. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is colorful and free. The National Museum of Korea, one of the largest in Asia, provides context for the country’s rich history. The War Memorial of Korea covers the Korean War with powerful exhibits and a sobering outdoor collection of military equipment.
The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) between North and South Korea is one of the most surreal places on Earth. Tours from Seoul take you to the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom where you can step into a conference room that straddles the border. The propaganda village visible from the South Korean side and the tunnels dug by North Korea beneath the DMZ add to the experience.
Busan on the southeast coast is a two and a half hour KTX train ride from Seoul. Haeundae Beach is one of the best urban beaches in Asia. Gamcheon Culture Village, a former hillside shantytown transformed into a colorful art village, is endlessly photogenic. Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in Korea, and eating fresh sashimi overlooking the harbor is a quintessential Busan experience.
Jeju Island, accessible by a one hour flight from Seoul, is a UNESCO Global Geopark with volcanic craters, lava tubes, tangerine orchards, and the famous haenyeo (women sea divers) who free dive for abalone and sea urchin. Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea, is a challenging but rewarding day hike.
Where to Stay
The Josun Palace in Gangnam is Seoul’s premier luxury hotel. Signiel Seoul, occupying the top floors of the Lotte World Tower (the fifth tallest building in the world), offers views that are difficult to comprehend. For something more intimate, Hotel Shilla Seoul and the Park Hyatt Seoul are both excellent. In Busan, Park Hyatt Busan overlooks the harbor and marina. On Jeju, the Lotte Hotel Jeju and Nine Palms offer luxury in a resort setting.
Let Us Plan Your South Korea Trip
South Korea is one of the most exciting destinations in Asia right now, with direct nonstop flights from several US cities making it more accessible than ever. We will help you navigate Seoul’s neighborhoods, arrange KTX tickets, plan around cherry blossom or fall foliage seasons, and build a trip that gives you the food, the culture, and the experiences that make Korea unforgettable.
