Ondanks het feit dat Zuid-Korea stevig van de populaire toeristische route af blijft, is Zuid-Korea een droombestemming — een intrigerende, gastvrije natie die naadloos de gemakken van de moderniteit combineert met een diepe eerbied voor hun opmerkelijke 5000-jarige culturele erfgoed. De hoofdstad Seoul, bijvoorbeeld, staat vol met enorme winkelcentra naast traditionele markten, terwijl ultramoderne wolkenkrabbers naast de overblijfselen van oude koninklijke paleizen staan. Reizigers die willen ontsnappen aan deze levendige megatropolis zullen merken dat de rust van de natuur gemakkelijk bereikbaar is dankzij het uitzonderlijke transportsysteem van het land, dat u wegvoert naar verre wildernis gebieden waar u prachtige bergachtige gebieden kunt verkennen, omgeven door dichtbeboste nationale parken en bezaaid met rustige dorpjes omgeven door pittoreske rijstvelden. Terwijl Zuid-Korea's steden genoeg avontuur bieden om elke route te vullen, is het buiten deze stedelijke gebieden dat zijn echte natuurlijke schoonheid zich ontvouwt in al zijn verrassende variatie.
De architectonische esthetiek van de hoofdstad van Zuid-Korea, Seoul, weerspiegelt een verleidelijke mix van oud en nieuw. State-of-the-art wolkenkrabbers, glinsterende kantoorgebouwen en uitgestrekte moderne winkelcentra domineren de skyline. Ondanks dat het een van's werelds modernste en meest levendige megasteden is, verscholen aan de voet van deze jungle van glas, staal en beton, vindt u een wirwar van kronkelende geplaveide straatjes omzoomd met traditionele houten huizen en een hele reeks historische bezienswaardigheden, rustige parken, heilige heiligdommen en tempels, en schilderachtige thee huizen. De uitgestrekte avondmarkten waar reizigers enkele van Korea's heerlijkste pittige nationale gerechten met hun verleidelijke aroma's en unieke smaken kunnen proeven, zijn zeker een bezoek waard. Seoul wordt gekenmerkt door een snelle, waanzinnige sfeer met een natuurlijke ontsnapping in de buurt van een prachtige keten van vredige bergen, allemaal op loopafstand van het opmerkelijk efficiënte openbaar vervoersysteem van de stad. Onmisbare attracties zijn onder meer de weelderige paleizen uit de late 14e eeuw rondom deze dynamische en betoverende metropool.
Gyeongju, known as the ‘museum without walls’, is nothing short of enchanting, its urban landscape rich with traditional architecture, distinctive round grass tombs (called tumuli), temples, rock carvings, statues, ruins and pagodas embraced by rolling green mountains. Bulguk-sa temple on the slopes of Mount Toham is situated on a series of stone terraces is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a must-see, as is the Gyeongju National Museum with its displays of jewellery, weaponry and ceremonial items. Pop into Golgul-sa temple for a display of Korean martial arts, hike or enjoy a trail in the Gyeongju National Park, visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest observatory in the Far East, and enjoy a host of fresh seafood at the sheltered market near Geyongju train station.
Located in South Korea’s southern peninsula, this thriving port city has an immediate cosmopolitan appeal; with an eclectic mix of sights, sounds and tastes for travellers, Busan manages to be surprisingly laid back. Beomeosa Temple, situated deep in the mountains, and the Yonggungsa Temple, located along the shoreline, are not to be missed. Wander the halls of the Busan Modern History Museum and visit the colourful alleyways of Gamcheon Cultural Village. Dongbaek Island and Nakdong River Estuary are perfect for birdwatching. Stroll through the fish markets to sample a wide variety of seafood and pop into a tent bar or chic café for sunset drinks when the day is done.
Jeju Island, also known as “The Island of the Gods”, is a South Korean province located off the south coast. It is a prime destination due to its subtle tropical climate and access to excellent hiking trails atop Hallasan - South Korea’s highest mountain, the majestic Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and an abundance of fascinating sites to visit if one is interested in Korean culture and local folklore. Jeju Folk Village Museum provides a glimpse into the past with structures and artefacts relating to the island’s unique history. Daheeyeon features a lush green tea farm in addition to the renowned Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, while Osulloc Tea Museum allows guests to explore the proud tradition of tea drinking. Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest contains several cedar trees within walking distance and enchanting viewpoints. The Jeju Stone Park provides another entrancing experience with sculptures that evoke memories of this island’s myths and legends.
Perhaps best known for its traditional-medicine markets, and humming, carefree student vibe, ‘Colourful Daegu’ as it’s called, is a fun, progressive and popular South Korean destination. Hiking in the nearby Palgongsan mountains will bring you face to face with myriad Buddhist temples, statues and pagodas. For views of the city, take the cable car to Apsan and visit the observatory there. Don’t miss out on a trip to the Daegu National Museum, the Museum of Oriental Medicine or the Herbal Medicine Market (dating from 1658). And if the mood grabs you, head off to downtown Daegu where you’ll find some of the best swing and salsa clubs around.
Situated in the North Gyeongsang Province of South Korea, Andong serves as the capital and largest city of the region. Renowned as the birthplace of wooden folk masks, and the national drink of Korea - Soju; this city boasts a rich cultural heritage. It is a centre for Korean culture and folk traditions. Visitors can look forward to participating in folk dances, sampling local specialities and stay on overnight in the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village. Don’t miss the annual Andong Folk Festival where visitors can immerse themselves in an array of ancient traditions. Other highlights include Hwasan Mountain, Nakdong River, and Buyongdae, a 64-metre-high cliff offering visitors a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape and the traditional homes of Haehoe Village.
Situated along the eastern coast of South Korea, Sokcho is set in Gangwon-do province. This tourist hub serves as a gateway to the popular Seoraksan National Park. It is a holiday destination as well as a working fishing port. Visitors flock here to hike the scenic forest trails to see the changing autumn leaves. Take a cable car to the peak of Seoraksan, sample the famous sweet and sour Mansuk Fried Chicken at the Jungang Market, view the impressive bronze Buddha Statue at Sinheungsa Temple, enjoy an array of fresh seafood at the Daepo Fish Market, taste a local speciality of Squid Sundae, a type of squid sausage; and relax on Sokcho Beach. Don’t miss a visit to Abai Village, a hidden gem, known for its rustic charm and rich history.
Situated along the picturesque Yellow Sea, Incheon boasts an impressive skyline adorned with skyscrapers and modern architectural marvels that dominate the cityscape. From the serene Incheon Grand Park and its lush vistas to the contemporary Incheon Art Platform, where creativity flourishes, there is something for every taste. The breathtaking views of the Yellow Sea from Eurwangni Beach leave a lasting impression, while the vibrant Sinpo International Market tantalizes with its bustling atmosphere and unique flavours. The ancient Jeondeungsa Temple offers a glimpse into Korea's rich spiritual heritage, and the lively Wolmido Island promises endless entertainment. Incheon's Chinatown charms with its cultural fusion, while the Korea Traditional Cultural Experience Centre immerses visitors in the country's traditions.
