South Korea vacations

High-tech meets ancient traditions in South Korea’s ultra-cool capital. From ornate temples and palaces to a forward-thinking food and drink scene, see why this Asian city is on everyone’s bucket list.

In South Korea’s picturesque second city, you’ll find rugged mountains, colorful architecture, glistening beaches and one of the best fish markets in the country.

The volcanic island of Jeju is a place of mystical beauty. Admire cherry blossoms, hike towering peaks or laze on ivory shorelines lapped by waves in the South Korean getaway.

Experience life under the Joseon dynasty at the Bukchon Hanok Village, where dressing in traditional ‘hanbok’ borrowed from vendors is highly encouraged. Time your visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace with the elaborate changing of the guard ceremony. South Korea is home to around 20,000 Buddhist temples — opt for a meditation retreat to discover the joy of zen.

From movies and music to face moisturizers, K-culture has taken the world by storm. Seoul is ground zero for K-pop fans. Catch a local K-pop concert, take a K-pop dance class or record yourself on K-pop video sets. To experience the country’s thriving beauty and wellness industry, schedule a soak at a Korean bath house, known as ‘jjimjilbang.’

Snacking on street food is one of the best things to do in South Korea. Vendors here have been cooking up cheap and tasty dishes since the Goryeo dynasty. Chicken skewers, mung bean pancakes and kimchi dumplings are all on the menu at Seoul’s Gwangjang Market, with plenty of offerings for more adventurous palates too.

This futuristic country is also blessed with the paradise shores of Jeju Island. On the mainland, Busan has some of the most popular beaches in South Korea. On Saturday nights, the sky above Gwangalli Beach dazzles with the country’s largest drone show. In North Gyeongsang Province, the Jukbyeon Coast Skyrail hugs the rocky shoreline, providing panoramic views of the East Sea as waves crash below.

Seoul is ringed by the peaks of Bukhansan National Park. Well-marked trails take in the sea of skyscrapers below, while lush forest reveals hidden temples to anyone not afraid of a little hiking. Tropical Jeju Island is South Korea’s answer to Hawaii. Start the day here at the volcanic crater Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak.

Seoul is full of themed cafes celebrating everything from witches to raccoons. The famous barbecue restaurants in South Korea are very much a communal activity, with meats cooked atop a central charcoal grill. No meal is complete without kimchi, a fiery side of fermented cabbage, South Korea’s national dish and a staple here for thousands of years.

The museums in South Korea span subjects from kimchi to high-tech toilets. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) marks the border between North and South Korea. Book a tour with a North Korean defector to learn about their harrowing escape. On Jeju Island, the Jeju Haenyeo Museum documents the elderly women — known as the Jeju Mermaids — who free dive these shores to feed their community.

Spring is the best time to visit South Korea for gorgeous backdrops. March to April marks the fleeting cherry blossom season, while May’s Lotus Lantern Festival honors the birth of the Buddha. June to November is typhoon season. Though many travel for the Boryeong Mud Festival in July, when participants smear themselves in the region’s mineral-packed mud before rinsing off in the sea.

For a cheap holiday to South Korea, make use of the country’s fantastic public transportation system and affordable street food. A short taxi ride will cost you about 4,000 South Korean won (₩), and an inexpensive meal is around ₩10,000.