Benefitting from four very distinct seasons, South Korea offers a different experience depending on your month of travel. Particularly delightful are spring and autumn when the country is full of colour and every street corner begs to be photographed.

South Korea can claim to be one of the best places in the world to view cherry blossoms, benefitting from fewer crowds than its neighbour, Japan. Visit between mid-March and mid-April to view the country’s best sights with a beautiful pink backdrop. 

Alternatively, autumn also brings a burst of colour to the trees throughout Korea, this time yellow, red and brown. Whether you’re exploring the palaces of Seoul, the world heritage sites of Gyeongju or one of the country’s 22 National Parks, you will not be disappointed.

 

South Korea holidays offer a captivating blend of old and new – this is a country where towering skyscrapers and the latest technology sit side by side with historic monuments and world heritage sights.

The country’s culture is undeniably world class, with significant influence around the globe despite the nation’s relatively small size. With ‘Parasite’ winning Best Picture at the Oscars and ‘Squid Game’ now the most watched Netflix show ever, it is safe to say that Korean film and TV is making an impact. Visit in October and you’ll have the chance to catch a new release at the Busan Film Festival.

Whether you’re in Seoul, Busan or pretty much every city, town or village in the whole country, you’ll see the influence of K-Pop. Sing your favourite BTS song at one of the many karaoke bars that feature on every high street… 

There is also a wealth of traditional culture to dive into, from learning about Hanbok (the national dress) to watching a traditional play or a ssireum match (Korea’s version of sumo wrestling!).

 

Eating out is the norm in Korea, with restaurants offering incredible value for money. Most specialise in just one type of food, whether that’s Bibimbap, Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Barbeque or Mandu (Korean dumplings). What is for sure, all your meals will be served with Kimchi – the country’s national dish which even has its own national day!

Whether you’re eating at a restaurant or a street food market, everything will be communal. Sharing your meal is a big part of the culture in Korea, whether you’re grilling pork in the middle of the table or helping yourselves from one huge bowl of ramen.

Of course, you can’t mention Korean food without giving a nod to Korean drinks. With a booming beer scene, you can try multiple lagers and craft beers brewed locally around the country. Most locals will drink Soju (a version of Vodka) with every meal, but if that’s a bit strong for you, try the weaker and more traditional Makgeolli – a lightly sparkling rice wine usually served from a golden kettle. 

What is for certain, you will not have one bad meal in South Korea.

 

South Korea offers spectacular scenery wherever you look. With over 70% of the country’s land area covered by mountains, the hiking opportunities are endless. The 22 national parks are spread evenly across its 9 provinces meaning you can experience nature regardless of your itinerary.

If you can only choose a few to visit, we’d recommend Bukhansan (easily accessible from Seoul), Gyeongju (the country’s only historical national park) or Hallasan (spectacularly located at the centre of Jeju Island).

But it’s not just about the mountains in Korea. Being a peninsular, Korea boasts over 5,000 miles of coastline as well as a number of stunning islands. Haeundae Beach in Busan is perhaps the most famous, forming a central part of the city and attracting over 10 million visitors a year! 

However, the real gem is Jeju Island, located just off the south coast. This remarkable volcanic island offers crater lakes, lava tubes, stunning beaches, a unique historic culture and numerous local delicacies.

 

South Korea offers an amazing mixture of ancient and modern history. From Seoul’s palaces to Gyeongju’s temples you will be able to get under the skin of the country’s proud history. Did you know that Korea’s alphabet ‘Hangul’ was created in 1443 by King Sejong in a bid to increase literacy? As a result, South Korea boasts a phonetic alphabet making the language one of the easiest to learn in Asia.

If you’ve read or watched Pachinko, you’ll know a bit more about the long Japanese occupation of Korea between 1910-1945. Not long after, The Korean War split the country in two and created what is now known as South Korea. The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is now a fascinating day tour from Seoul offering a glimpse of into the reclusive nation of North Korea.

Wherever you are, history is all around and very accessible. If only on a short visit or stopover in Seoul, you can access ancient fortresses by metro or wander through traditional folk villages that form part of the city.

 

Sold on visiting this stunning country? We’d recommend the 7 night South Korea Real Food Adventure with Intrepid Travel.

Discover the best of the country from the buzzing metropolises of Seoul and Busan to the more historic, traditional and beautiful towns of Gyeongju and Jeonju. Chow down on meals served with dozens of toppings, light and crispy Korean fried chicken washed down with a small-batch craft beer, silky glass noodles stirred with colourful salad and the various delightful iterations of kimchi.

Give us a call to book, or take a look at our South Korea Holidays pages for more inspiration.