7 reasons to see SOUTH KOREA
1. THE SEASONS ARE BEAUTIFUL
When it comes to seasonality, the cherry blossoms and fiery-red leaves of Japan command the most global attention. South Korea, however, is just as seasonally spectacular — and comes with far fewer crowds. Frigid winters are lent good cheer with ice skating, ice fishing and ice festivals before melting away into a riot of pink blossoms in spring. Jinhae’s Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival is home to a sea of petals, while the historic buildings of Gyeongju (Korea’s “museum without walls”) are made all the prettier by the flower-filled trees.
Summers are hot and humid, but see a huge number of public pools open in the cities, while the autumn colours are every bit as magical as those in nearby Japan.
2. HIKING IS A NATIONAL PASTIME
Seoul may look urban but with seven mountains and thousands of trails, it’s easy to get back to nature. Northerly Bukhansan National Park is one of the most famous and has a great range of trails for beginners. The whole of South Korea is dominated by fantastic scenery; 64% of the country is covered in forest. As well as the mountains of Seoul, there are two major ranges; Taebaek Mountains and the Sobaek Mountains. Autumn is a great time to visit, when the forested peaks transform into a blaze of red and gold.
There’s also 2,413km of seaside, with wide coastal plains to the west and south and nearly 3,000 small, uninhabited islands just offshore to explore.
3. THERE ARE 14 WORLD HERITAGE SITES ...
South Korea has a roster of 14 Unesco World Heritage sites, two of which were added in the last two years: Sansa, the Buddhist mountain monasteries found throughout the southern provinces, and the Seowon (Korean neo-Confucian academies). Other treasures include the beautifully preserved historic villages of Hahoe and Yangdong; Hwaseong Fortress; the grand Changdeokgung Palace Complex and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty scattered across 18 different locations.
4. … BUT ALSO FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE
A country of contradictions, South Korea is as modern as it is traditional. The 600-year-old history seen in the well-preserved hanok villages, shrines and tombs sit alongside some of the world’s most futuristic architecture. Zaha Hadid’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul is a highlight of the city’s innovative buildings, as is the Lotte World Tower, a 123-floor, 555.7m skyscraper opened in 2017. It’s currently the sixth-tallest building in the world.
5. THERE’S A ’KOREAN HAWAII’ …
The 450km hop from Seoul to Jeju International is the most crowded flight path on Earth. Jeju is the capital of an island, Jejudo, which might just be the most popular holiday island you’ve never heard of. Demand is so high, the Korean government is building a second, 19-million capacity airport on the island, set to open in 2025. Billed as South Korea’s Hawaii, the Unesco-listed destination is full of dramatic volcanic landscapes, underground caves, hiking trails and scenic beaches — the stuff Instagram dreams are made of.
6. … AND AN EROTIC THEME PARK
The most bizarre sight on Jeju island? Jeju Love Land, a sex-themed park featuring phallus statues and interactive exhibits. Legend has it the park sprang up in response to Jeju’s popularity as a honeymoon destination. Innocent young couples were arriving on the island without any sex education, so helpful hotel employees started stepping in with advice. Soon this evolved into the theme park, the unofficial place for those lacking in knowledge about the birds and the bees.
7. YOU’LL NEVER GO HUNGRY
In 2016 the Michelin Guide launched its first Seoul edition, and there are now 31 Michelin-starred restaurants in South Korea.
For the budget conscious, it’s also a place where you can eat exceptionally well, very cheaply. For street food, head to Gwangjang Market, Seoul’s largest food alley, to feast on bindaetteok (mungbean pancake), haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) and japchae (sweet-potato noodles). Korean barbecue is one of the most popular dishes, where diners can cook their own galbi (beef) and samgyeopsal (pork) on smoky grills built into tables.