South Korea

Travelers to South Korea will find a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. In Seoul, historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung sit alongside vibrant shopping districts such as Myeongdong and bustling nightlife in Gangnam. Most will start there, but don’t forget to venture beyond Seoul as well. The coastal city of Busan is known for its beautiful beaches, seafood markets, and stunning temples like Haedong Yonggungsa. For nature, hike the scenic trails of Seoraksan National Park or head to Jeju Island’s for sandy beaches and volcanic landscapes. And at every stop, don’t forget to savor the country’s cuisine and try everything from savory bulgogi and kimchi to sweet patbingsu.

Everything You Need to Know About Korean Banchan

Photo by Jun Michael Park

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to South Korea.

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Seoul’s concrete towers punctuate the skyline like the rat-a-tat-tat of Morse code. In this uncompromisingly massive megalopolis, at first it can seem impossible to find a moment’s peace. But under the surface of modernity lies a place of healing with wellness traditions that date back a thousand years.
From ancient palaces to the futuristic new city hall, Seoul is a marvel of architecture and design. Evidence of this modern way of thinking is everywhere. Just take a stroll in downtown Seoul to discover it for yourself.
Buddhist temples and grand palaces meet neon skylines in Seoul. The city’s hotels are just as varied, ranging from design properties with no-fuss amenities to over-the-top luxury resorts with Michelin-starred cuisine. Here are some of the highlights.

Once upon a time, Incheon was a quiet seaside village, pretty typical for Korea. The men went fishing, the women made kimchi. There were maybe a couple thousand people altogether in the region.

And then it got caught in the middle of a war. Incheon is where, late in 1950, the U.S. Marines landed, marking the beginning of the end of the Korean War, a war that ultimately claimed more than 40,000 American soldiers’ lives and an undetermined number of Koreans.

After the fighting, when Incheon had a chance to dig itself out from the mud and shrapnel, it became part of the Korean economic miracle, the country’s first official free-enterprise zone. With its perfect natural port, flat landscape and 3 million residents, it’s become as much a part of the Seoul megalopolis now as it is a place of its own.

Visit Incheon with a Korean War vet, and they likely won’t recognize a thing, except maybe a small area around Freedom Park. Where once there were rice ponds, there are now high-rise apartment buildings. Even the beach the Marines landed on has been filled and reshaped to make more room for the Korean economic miracle. But there’s an entire generation haunted by this place, and it’s well worth looking around.

Seoul is a vast metropolis with an efficient public transportation system. In addition to major sites like temples, museums, and palaces, the city boasts unexpected gems including nature trails and mazes of alluring backstreets.
The speakeasy tradition is going strong here: dozens of lounges serve sophisticated cocktails in elegant settings, but traditional soju sipping goes on, too. Drinking is taken seriously in Seoul. So choose your poison (and drink responsibly).
There’s a reason that designers, chefs, and travelers love to dive into the boutiques, malls, markets, and designer shops of Seoul and that Gangnum Style was such a sensation back in 2012. It’s no secret: Seoul loves to shop.
With everything from street food to Michelin-starred cuisine, Seoul boasts an extensive culinary scene. Be sure to sample specialties like bulgogi (barbecued meat), japchae (stir-fried noodles), and comforting soups, all served with kimchi.
Want to know your bibimbap from your banchan? Our primer to classic Korean dishes, sides, sauces, and tipples can get you acquainted with this popular cuisine.
Sometimes treasured World Heritage sites aren’t sites at all.
You may know and love these destinations for their bustling urban centers or lush outdoor spaces, but they probably wouldn’t top your list for a top-notch seaside getaway. That is, until now.
Korean Air’s innovative “farm-to-flight” program features food grown on the airline’s very own farm.
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