Here’s why South Korea has never been hotter

Parasite and Squid Game, BTS and Blackpink are just some of South Korea’s stellar cultural exports that have made the country so appealing – but 5,000 years of history and a thrilling food scene also await those travelling to this gem of Northeast Asia

Seoul is South Korea’s beating heart, a vast and exhilarating metropolis which is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the country. The first stop for many comes amidst the shrines and gardens of the royal Gyeongbokgung Palace. Thanks to the huge appeal of K-Dramas, travellers from all around the globe often don traditional Korean costumes, while another prime selfie spot comes in the picturesque laneways and houses of the nearby Bukchon Hanok village.

Seoul food

Seoul is also heavenly for foodies, whether tucking in to sensational and affordable local street eats in markets like Gwangjang, or enjoying creative and classy fine dining in the restaurants of Gangnam – yes, that Gangnam.

Northern exposure

Just an hour’s drive north of Seoul, the Demilitarised Zone or ‘DMZ’ which splits North and South Korea offers a remarkable and fascinating history lesson, as well as the surreal chance to look through telescopes into North Korea.

Historical & cultural charm

For a very different pace of life, visit the charming coastal city of Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Silla kingdom.  Stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites include Seokguram Grotto, while serene Buddhist temples, atmospheric pagodas, jaw-dropping palaces and ancient tombs also vie for your attention. Don’t miss Gyeongju’s picture-perfect lakes, mountains and hot springs, then book in a tea ceremony for the ultimate local experience.

Island escape

Jeju is known as the “Island of the Gods” and shows a whole different side again of South Korea thanks to incredible natural landscapes including pristine beaches and lush tea fields, rocky coastlines and even extinct volcanic craters.

Just an hour’s flight south from Seoul, you’ll want to pack walking boots to discover the waterfalls, hiking trails, mountains and valleys as well as the remarkable lava tubes of Manjanggul Cave. Real adventurers may want to tackle Hallasan, the country’s highest mountain towering almost 2,000 metres above sea level.

Local flavours

Jeju is also famed for its incredible octogenarian female divers known as haenyeo. They don wetsuits to retrieve the freshest imaginable delicacies such as abalone or sea urchin, while other must-try local ingredients include black pork and Jeju tangerines.

Where mountains meet the sea

Sitting on the coast, Busan is South Korea’s second largest city but retains a welcoming, friendly feel with a gentle pace of life, making it another charming escape.

Beaches and flower-filled parks attract both locals and visitors, then dramatic cliffs and breath-taking coastal trails draw the intrepid to Igidae Park. Another unmissable pearl is Gamcheon Cultural Village where hillside streets decked in brightly coloured houses have been likened to Santorini in Greece – and make for a perfect Instagram background.

Heart-stopping views

If you’re feeling especially brave – and definitely don’t suffer from vertigo – then Oryukdo Skywalk is a transparent glass walkway where the ocean waves crash in far below you. The 120-metre Busan Tower offers more fabulous panoramic vistas, then the UN Memorial Cemetery Park lets visitors learn about the Korean War.

Food fans have plenty of reasons to enjoy themselves at Jagalchi, the country’s most famous seafood market, but spa treatments and retail therapy are other brilliant ways to reveal more of the second city of South Korea, undeniably Asia’s hottest destination.

Learn more about Korea and start planning your trip by visiting the Korea Tourism Organization