Korea

Want to escape your hectic 9-to-5 job and travel to one of Asia’s best destinations? Then, look no further, as you’ve landed at the most perfect place! Rising as a top destination in recent years, South Korea is a nation that left many tourists absolutely stunned! Promising you a number of adventures, destinations here like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu offer you the perfect slice of city life, where you can stroll around century-old markets, get a taste of the most authentic Korean cuisine, or even spend days island-hopping or exploring scenic beaches! For a taste of local culture, small towns like Jeonju and Gangdong are perfect for you, as you can spend your travel days joyfully here, stopping by traditional villages, unwinding in Jjimlinbangs (Korean bathhouses), or even learning how to make delectable Korean cuisine. Fulfilling all your travel dreams, Korea is surely a destination you must visit at least once in your lifetime!

Tracing back Korea’s history, before the North and South division, Korea functioned as a singular country, but after the Second World War, the U.S. and Soviet Union, two powerful nations in 1948, consequently made a decision to divide Korea into two parts. Later down the line, two years after surviving separately, the North invaded and attacked the South (also known as the Korean War), which lasted for three years, until finally in 1953 things finally settled down, with these two nations separating permanently. In the current time, though, South Korea has flourished and grown tremendously in terms of economic, social and political development since the war, whereas sadly its counterpart, the North, still remains strictly a dictatorial nation ruled by three generations of the same family. 

Due to South Korea having an abundant amount of tranquil natural valleys, lush green forests, and snow-covered mountains that are best viewed during the early hours of the morning underneath the soft glow of the sunlight, it is said that exploring Korea’s natural attractions during the early morning hours is almost as good as going to therapy! The morning calm offered by Korea’s natural beauty is said to melt all your stress and anxiety away, allowing you to enter a state of peace and tranquility, which is one major reason why people go traveling to the beautiful nation of Korea, also giving this nation its nickname “The Land of the Morning Calm”.

Located in East Asia, Korea is divided into 9 provinces and 7 major metropolitan cities with many towns and villages and is neighbored by many renowned countries such as Japan, China, and Russia. With Seoul being the capital city, this nation deeply cherishes its historical/cultural roots, where historical landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the DMZ, the Korean Folk Village, and the National Museum of Seoul have tremendously helped preserve this nation’s deep history and flourishing cultural heritage. Likewise, on the other hand, this vibrant country also believes in modernization being one of the stepping stones in bringing positive and lasting economic, social, and political growth to the country, where destinations such as Lotte World Tower, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and N Seoul Tower are some of Korea’s most high-tech and technologically driven attractions, helping this nation adapt seamlessly to all the contemporary changes while still being rooted in its flourishing cultural heritage. 

Why visit Korea?

Rising as a top destination in recent years, Korea is a country that you have to visit at least once in your lifetime! Every corner and street of this thriving nation is steeped in years of history and cultural heritage, providing travelers an abundance of knowledge and wisdom. Below we’ve listed the top reasons why you should keep this nation on your list of destinations to visit!

• A versatile destination: Korea is one of Asia’s most versatile destinations, as this nation is home to a range of diverse mountains, valleys, plains, and beaches. So, if you’re someone who is looking to engage in a number of different travel activities in a short amount of time, then Korea can be an excellent choice for you! For instance, destinations like Jeju Island, Pocheon, and Gyeongju are ideal for exploring scenic natural attractions perfect for travelers looking to engage in various adventurous activities. On the other hand, if we look at cities such as Seoul, Busan, Gyeong-ju, Incheon, and Daegu, they offer a ton of historic, cultural, and adventurous sites that you can choose to explore according to your travel tastes and preferences. Therefore, if you’re someone who wants to gain a variety of travel experiences, then you should definitely add Korea to your bucket list!
• Thriving K-pop culture: The world of K-pop and K-dramas has infiltrated the lives of many millions, where in the year 2024 alone there are an estimated 150 million K-pop fans globally. Popular K-pop groups such as BTS and Blackpink have tremendously helped popularize this country, where many fans from different parts of the world travel to Korea solely to attend concerts and music festivals. If you happen to be a fan of Korean entertainment, then this nation must surely be on top of your bucket list. Additionally, K-Star Road and SM Town Coex Artium in Gangnam are two of the most popular spots in the nation for fans to explore, as they provide a plethora of merchandise stores, K-pop-centered cafes/restaurants, and even offer K-pop-inspired makeup and hairstyling studios that can make you look like your favorite celebrities! 
• Convenient public transport: Due to Korea’s extensive networks of public transportation systems, tourists traveling to this country are easily able to find their way around here. Additionally, due to the widely available transportation mediums such as buses, trains, ferries, and airplanes which are said to be efficient and punctual, with many of these transportation mediums also providing services such as free wifi, along with English-friendly signs certainly adding to the easiness factor, helping many international travelers navigate this process.
• Mouthwatering food cuisines: Cities such as Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, and Gwangju are a few of Korea’s major food hubs that offer some of the best dishes in the world! With many regions here having their own unique food specialities, this nation is an unmissable destination for you if you’re a food lover. Dishes such as tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes served in a spicy/sweet sauce), samgyetang (noodles served in a chicken broth), naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), and samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) are some of the nation’s most prized dishes loved by both locals and tourists. 

Moving on, let’s learn about the most remarkable cities of Korea that are known for their top-notch architecture, diverse sightseeing attractions and exquisite food cuisines! 

Seoul- The City That Never Sleeps

With the huge wave of K-world pop/dramas dominating the whole world, Seoul is one such city in Korea that gets instantly recognized by many people. Often dubbed “the city that never sleeps” due to the abundant amounts of 24-hour convenience stores, traditional hansikjibs (Korean restaurants) and lively karaoke bars operating till late hours of the morning, Seoul is a city that comes most alive at night! This bustling metropolitan city has it all, whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for specific attractions or a newbie who has just entered the world of traveling, Seoul is one of those unforgettable destinations that truly leaves a mark on you long after you’ve visited it.

Located in the northwestern region of Korea, this bustling city has been functioning as the capital city of Korea for more than 600 years and is hugely responsible for the country’s rapid economic, social and political progress. Places in the city like Gangnam, Hongdae, Itaewon, Insadong and Myeongdong are known for their lively street markets, trendy Instagram-worthy cafes and modern art galleries visited by tourists in huge numbers every year! Likewise, travelers who want to experience a moment of peace and serenity can still do so despite Seoul being a chaotic and busy city, and a handful of the most popular destinations catering to just these include Bukhansan National Park, Seoul Forest and Namsan Park. On top of this, Seoul also offers an assortment of diverse food markets that sell some of the most delectable Korean foods, like tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes served in spicy sauce), bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancakes), kalguksu (knife cut noodles) and hotteok (cinnamon-filled pancakes), making any food lover swoon at these mouthwatering dishes!

Busan Attractions

If you’re looking to spend your holidays strolling around serene beaches, exploring historic villages or simply just want to have a taste of the freshest seafood items, then Busan is a destination that you have to visit while exploring Korea! Being the second biggest city after Seoul, Busan is a vibrant port city located on the southern coast of the country and has been a major source of trade and income for the nation for more than a thousand years! Sharing a close proximity to the capital city, many travelers coming here immediately fall in love with this city as it offers some of Korea’s best beaches (Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Songdo), temples (Beomeosa and Daegaksha), and markets (Gukje and Busanji). Additionally, this city also celebrates many festivals, such as the Busan International Film Festival, the Busan Firework Festival, and the Busan Lotus Lantern Festival, on a yearly basis as well. 

Furthermore, a popular way to tour the city is by going on bus tours where you’ll be able to see popular attractions such as Busanhangdaegyo (bridge), Dongbaekseom Island, Haeundae Beach, and Igidae cliff right out of your window! Another top spot here is the Gamcheon Cultural Village, which is a picturesque destination known for its colorful hillside houses and vibrant souvenir shops. Additionally, there are also many Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) rental shops where tourists can also rent beautiful sets of hanboks and go for photoshoots around the town, which can be both a great way to learn about Korean culture. Due to Busan being a port city, there are several traditional food markets and restaurants, such as Jagalchi Fish Market and Chungmu Hoetip, that have been operating for decades that sell some of the most unique and fresh seafood in all of Korea, perfect for food lovers. Additionally, a handful of the most popular dishes here, loved by locals and tourists alike, include hoedeopbap (fresh seafood served on a bed of rice), haemul pajeon (crispy fried seafood pancakes), eomuk guk (savory fish cake soup), and miyeok-guk (seaweed soup).

Jeju Island- Hawaii of Korea

Looking more like a slice of paradise than an actual island, Jeju Island is one of Korea's most renowned destinations. Due to the island’s classic beauty that has remained unchanged since forever, this destination is sure to leave you stunned, as it is home to a number of picturesque beaches, tranquil forests, and scenic Korean villages. Due to Jeju sharing similar volcanic landscapes and stunning coastlines with that of Hawaii, it is also known as the “Hawaii of Korea.” Additionally, this destination is also well-known for its traditional fishing practices, where “Hanyeos,” also called “women of the sea,” are female fish divers who go diving deep into the sea to collect various seafood items. Estimated to have started around the 17th century, this ancient practice has also been listed under UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Travelers who are into adventure will find Jeju-do (a term used by locals) an absolutely enthralling destination! The Hallasan National Park, located here, is an unmissable destination where hiking is considered one of the most popular activities. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, climbers are welcomed with a panoramic view of the picturesque Jeju Island. Moreover, Saryeoni Forest Path, Seongsan Sunrise Peak, and Jeju Jeolmul Recreational Forest are three other attractions that offer serene natural landscapes and abundant biodiversity. In contrast, Jeju-do also has a number of historical and cultural attractions that have helped to preserve this island’s history and cultural heritage, and a few destinations catering to these include Haenyeo Museum, Seongeup Folk Village, and Jeju Folk Village. In terms of food culture, most foods available here are meat and seafood based, where dishes like galchi jorim (braised beltfish), momguk (seaweed soup), heukdwaejigau (grilled black pork), and samgyetang (ginseng-infused chicken soup) are absolute crowd-pleasers!

Sokcho- City of Sea and Mountains

Explore Sokcho, a thriving port city located in the Gangwon province, which is majorly known for its attractive beaches, lively markets, and delectable seafood delicacies! During the Korean War that took place from 1950 to 1953, this city was also a part of North Korea during the war period but later was retaken by the South after the war. Additionally, this city is known for the popular Seorak National Park, which has also been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve frequently visited by huge numbers of nature lovers, as it has various mountain ranges, picturesque waterfalls, and lush green forests.

Due to Sokcho’s geographical location, as it is surrounded by the Seokran mountain ranges and the East Sea, it is also known as Korea’s “City of Sea and Mountains.” In terms of tourism, some unmissable destinations that capture this city’s scenic beauty and vibrant traditions are Jungang Market, Yung Geumjeong Pavilion, Sokcho Beach, and Cheongcho Lake. In a similar way, the Yeongrangho and Cheongcho lakes are two of Sokcho's most renowned natural attractions and are especially crowded during the spring season. Additionally, you can also rent bicycles along the Yeongrangho Lake and take a stroll around the picturesque lakeside and along the way also see some of this city’s major attractions, such as Beombawi Rock, Yeongnam Jeong Pavilion, and Ulsanbawi Rock. Likewise, many dishes available here are majorly seafood-based, and a couple of the most outstanding dishes here include ojingeo sundae (pork sausages), hamheung-style noodles (cold buckwheat noodles), mulhoe (spicy fish soup), and dakgangjeong (crispy fried chicken served with a sweet and spicy sauce).

Daegu- Apple City 

Being a perfect destination for families to travel in Korea, Daegu is a charming city located in the southeastern region of Korea. Comprising an area of 1499 square kilometers, Daegu is the fourth largest city and is also known as the “Apple City” of Korea, due to it producing large numbers of apples every year. Furthermore, Daegu is one of Korea’s most family-friendly destinations, as this city offers a ton of attractions that are able to cater to the tastes and preferences of different age groups living in a family. Additionally, a few of the most renowned family-oriented destinations in Daegu include E-World (an amusement park), Seomun Market, Apsan Market, Daegu Art Museum, and Duryu Park.

As Daegu offers a range of historic and adventurous attractions, travelers touring this city are able to gain multiple varied experiences. For instance, visitors who are interested in history/culture can travel to places such as Donghwasa, Kim Gwangseok Street, 83 Tower, and Gyesan Catholic Church that provide a ton of insights into Korea’s deep-rooted history, whereas travelers looking for a bit of adventure can tour places like Palgongsan Mountain, E-World amusement park, Apsan, and Duryu Park, which offer a range of different fun and exciting activities. Furthermore, the food in Daegu is another reason why this city has been rising as a top tourist destination, and a couple of the most popular dishes here are daegu yukgaejang (daegu-styled beef soup), nonmegi maeuntang (spicy fish stew), nureun guksu (daegu-styled noodle soup), and napjak mandu (flat pressed meat dumplings).

Best Time to Visit Korea

Due to Korea’s diverse geographical size and diverse regions, this nation is blessed with four distinct seasons, where each season holds its own unique appeal. In a general sense, the most favorable time to visit this nation is during spring, which begins in March and lasts through May. During this three-month period, temperatures in this nation slowly start to rise, usually ranging from 15 to 18 degrees in most provinces, creating the perfect atmosphere for engaging in a number of outdoor activities here, like visiting historic sites, exploring lively street markets, going on scenic hikes/nature walks, dining at local sikdang (restaurants), or participating in “Beotkkot-eul Boda,” a Korean term for going cherry blossom viewing, another popular activity best enjoyed during spring. Additionally, cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are the best cities to explore in Korea during this season.

Likewise, the autumn season that falls between September and November is another favorable time to visit this stunning destination. During these months, temperatures in the country slowly start to decrease (usually ranging from 19 to 21 degrees in most places). Due to the summer season finally wrapping up and the fall season bringing a much cooler and milder climate, travelers can go trekking around areas such as Seoraksan, Naejangsan, and Jirisan mountains to catch a glimpse of fall foliage or even go on food tours in areas such as Daepo Port, Gwangjang Market, and Jeonju to get a taste of the best autumnal-inspired Korean foods! Likewise, one can even spend an entire day in Jjimjilbangs (traditional Korean saunas), best found in cities like Seoul and Busan, as these places offer a number of services, such as aromatherapy, therapeutic body massages, and hot sauna rooms said to bring a ton of benefits for both the mind and body. 

Take a look through our South Korea Tour Packages that capture the everlasting beauty and tradition of this stunning destination! Providing you with the best destinations and experiences, our Korea packages are customizable as well, giving you the freedom to incorporate your travel interests as well!