The Korean Peninsula, separated from the rest of the world by an impenetrable border, offers visitors a dizzying array of travel opportunities, stunning landscapes, and 5000 years of culture and history.
Koreans’ natural generosity has an endearing quality, and etiquette plays an essential role in how generous they are to strangers. There’s always someone willing to help, whether you’re in a tourist information center, looking for directions, or just striking up a conversation with a stranger.
In a reflective society and ethical and affirmative, time-honoured Confucian principles have established a template for great civic pride. As beautiful as the scenery may be, don’t forget that half of your journey is about the people you meet, and the Koreans are an especially delightful bunch.
Even though Korea is known as the Land of the Morning Calm, the capital city of Asia’s third-largest economy, Seoul, is anything but tranquil. This city is always on the go, with a work-hard, play-hard attitude that embodies the American spirit.
Almost no corner in this multifaceted metropolis goes by without running into a friendly tourist information desk, a humming subway station, or a taxi. Meticulously restored palaces coexist peacefully with bustling night markets and strikingly modern architecture.
Courtesy Korea Tourism Organization
Stunning Views of the Landscape
Because of its small size and excellent transportation infrastructure, the urban sprawl in South Korea can easily reach peace. Hike through densely forested national parks to the tops of craggy mountains, some of which become ski slopes in the winter.
Travel to remote islands where farming and fishing communities welcome you into their homes or simple seafood cafes to get away from it all.
Sleep in traditional hanok (wooden house) guesthouses and gaze up at the distant stars in tranquil villages surrounded by rice fields.
Festivals and food are two things I love.
There’s no doubt about it: the ROK knows how to party. Everywhere you go, there’s always a festival or event taking place.
It could be in Boryeong for the mud festival, or Gwangju’s Biennale or its annual celebration of the most Korean of foods: kimchi. Koreans take great pride in their culinary heritage, and with good reason – the local cuisine offers a mouth-watering array of dishes, flavors, aromas, and textures, all washed down with a dizzying array of alcoholic concoctions.
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