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Discover South Korea, where the intricately painted eaves of mountain temples meet the vibrant neon lights of Seoul. We’ve curated the finest routes to experience the rich history diverse culture, and stunning wilderness that this remarkable country has to offer.
When to visit
Each of South Korea's four seasons offers its charm, but spring and autumn truly steal the spotlight. Ideal conditions for hikers prevail during these months, with warm, dry spells and minimal rainfall. For cherry blossoms, plan your visit between mid-March and early April, as they bloom first in Jeju and gradually move north. In contrast, autumn foliage begins in the north in October and continues south into November, with Seoul peaking in colour during the last two weeks of October. Expect a significant temperature range, from winter lows of -20°C to summer highs in the 30s°C), with summer being the wettest season.
Getting there & around
Korean Air (koreanair.com) and Asiana (flyasiana.com) are the only airlines offering direct flights from the UK to South Korea, departing from London Heathrow to Incheon International Airport, just 45 minutes by express train from Seoul. Round-trip flights start at around £800 and have a travel time of approximately 12.5. While the Korean Trains (KT;atrains.com) rail network is somewhat limited by the mountainous terrain, modern high-speed trains (KTX) can travel the length of the country in under three hours. Major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju have metro systems, with Seoul being one of the most advanced and extensive globally, featuring 768 stations across the metropolitan area. The bus network is extensive as well, though some knowledge of Korean may be helpful in navigating the destinations.
Top Experiences on A Heritage Journey
Experience the allure of ancient temples, vibrant folk traditions, and sacred shrines as you journey from the tranquil rural landscapes of South Korea to its energetic megacities.
Perfect for:
Architecture, history, treasures, crafts, and heritage
Reasons to visit:
Del into South Korea's cultural gems, from Joseon pal to Buddhist temples, within a diverse array of stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Suggested route:
Gyeongju; Andong; Seoul Suwon; Jeju Island. yeongju, the historic capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC935 AD), is a mesmerizing city rich in ancient heritage.
Its landscape is with burial mounds, the final resting places of S royalty. Explore Tumuli Park to view 23 of these tombs and artifacts at the Gyeongju National Museum.
Nearby, the historic Donggung Palace by Wolji Pond offers picturesque sunset view, while the seventh-century Cheomseongdae the oldest observatory, reflects remarkable astronomical knowledge. Together, these sites form UNESCO World Heritage location, and further, Bulguksa Temple invites visitors to appreciate its beautifully restored Silla-era architecture.
From Gyeongju, travel north to Andong, recognized as Korea’s spiritual heart, where Confucian traditions in traditional hanok homes. Visit the Municipal Folk Museum and Andong Folk, and don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Hoe Folk Village, which provides insights into Joseon-era within a living community.
Next, take a direct train from Gwangju to Seoul, home to half the country's population. Historicalations in South Korea often commence here, with UNESCO sites Jongmyo Shrine displaying ancestral tablets of the 27on kings.
Participate in the Jongmyo Jerye on the first Sunday in May for a unique cultural experience honouring royal ancestors through music and dance.
Among the city’s five royal palaces, Changdeok and Changgyeonggung lie to the north, while Gyeongbokgung is situated further west.
Seoul’s National Museum of houses many of the country’s 354 National Treasures, with the National Palace Museum located on the grounds. Two UNESCO-listed fortresses south of Seoul recount the challenges faced during the late 16th-century Japanese invasions.
Namhansanseong served as an emergency fortress for Joseon monarchs, while Suwon is encircled by the impressive Hwaseong Fortress, originally intended for a capital that never came to fruition.
On Jeju Island, a unique culture thrives within its biosphere reserve, famous for its lava tubes. Discover Haenyeo, female divers acknowledged by UNESCO for their traditional free-diving practices, at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum.
1. Discover a historic temple and grotto near Gyeongju
Bulguksa Temple is set amidst the forests southeast of Gyeongju, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Its stone pagodas and gilt Buddha statues rank among South Korea's most extraordinary, recognized as National Treasures. Originally constructed in 528 AD, the current structure, featuring a picturesque stone staircase and bridges, was built on the hillside several centuries later. Around the same period, the nearby Seokguram Grotto was artfully carved into the mountainside, displaying stunning granite Buddha sculptures. These UNESCO-listed sites together exemplify some of the best-preserved examples of Silla architecture, with the temple playing a vital role in Jogye Buddhism in South Korea. Notable attractions include the nine-pillared Museoljeon hall, the 10.4-meter-tall Dabotap pagoda, and the guardian deities that embellish the temple grounds.
2. Wander the Korea of yesteryear at Hahoe Folk Village
Hahoe Folk Village is not only a glorious showcase for Joseon-era architecture, which unravels all around you as you wander its quiet lanes, it is also a living community of people. Unlike other folk villages, which tend to be purposely preserved or restored, Hahoe has naturally remained unchanged over the last century, earning it World Heritage status alongside the village of Yangdong.
Hahoe belonged to the Ryu clan for six centuries, a noble lineage that produced notable Confucian scholars and a prime minister during the Joseon era. Among its 124 houses, you can see simple thatched-roof peasant homes as well as wood-framed yangban mansions, with their fish-scale or ribbed tile roofs. At the heart of the village stands a 650-year-old elm tree, said to be inhabited by a goddess, onto which visitors pin scraps of paper bearing their deepest wishes.
Don’t miss the village’s Hahoe Byeolsingut Tallori mask dance. Part ritualised drama, part slapstick comedy, performances are held on weekend afternoons at the amphitheatre. Also look out for the Seonyu Julbul Nori fire festival, which takes place one night a year, usually in October.
3. Visit Seoul's royal palaces
Seoul became the capital of Korea at the beginning of the Joseon dynasty's 500-year rule, resulting in an abundance of imperial palaces. Among them, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, constructed in the early 15th century, are the oldest. Situated just a kilometer apart in the northern part of the city, Changdeokgung was particularly favored by the Joseon kings and remains the best preserved, showcasing lavishly decorated throne rooms and living quarters. Its grounds also house Changgyeonggung Palace, originally built for King Taejong by his son, King Sejong, in 1418. The grandeur of the palaces is reflected in their lush surroundings, with Changdeokgung boasting around 26, trees, many of which are located in the Biwon (Secret Garden), featuring charming bridges and octagonal pavilions. After touring the palaces, take the time to wander through the Bukchangdong and Samcheongdong districts, where you can find remnants of traditional hanok houses, now transformed into delightful restaurants and boutiques.
Inhale the rich aroma of South Korea's lush, forested mountains alongside the salty air from the coast.
Ideal for:
Mountain hikes, seasonal celebrations, forest temple retreats, wildlife exploration, and island parks.
Reasons to visit:
Exciting treks on welled and maintained paths offer the perfect opportunity to yourself in Korea's vibrant seasonal scenery and ancient mountain temples.
Route:
Jirisan; Changwon; Seoraksan National; Bukhansan National Park; Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve Pyeongchang.
While 70% of South Korea is mountainous, these heights are not the icy granite formations found in the Himalayas. Instead, they are predominantly surrounded by dense forests, with roughly two-thirds of the country covered in deciduous trees. Jisan, the tallest peak on the mainland at 1915m, is known for its lush environment, while Hallasan a shield volcano on Jeju Island, rises slightly higher 1,947m and is often home to wild deer in its sub-alpine forests leading to the crater lake.
With the challenging terrain, hiking is a serious for Koreans, many of whom join walking clubs and invest in proper gear.
The classic Jirisan Ridge Trail45km) is a popular dulle-gil (mountain trail), but the 688km Baekdu-Daegan trail, stretching from Samcheong near Jirisan the south to the North Korean border, is the ultimate hiking experience. These mountains are so revered that pungsu-jiri, a version of feng shui, suggests the nation's energy emanates from this range.
Spring and autumn transform South Korea into a vibrant wonderland, and timing visit with one of the nature festivals will enhance your experience. The cherry blossoms paint the forests in hues, especially during the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival in Changwon, while the Gangneung Danoje in May features shistic dancing and lively rituals.
In autumn, the mountains explode with shades of orange and red.oraksan National Park, like Jirisan, offers trails for skill levels, including the scenic Biryongpo Waterfall Trail and the more challenging Ulsanbawi Rock Trail. path to Sinheungsa, one of many mountain temples (ansa) in South Korea, is more accessible, with notable temples like the eighth-century Beopjusa and Haeinsa offering overnight stays.
Though South Korea's national can be hard to reach without a car, Bukhansan National Park provides accessible day hikes from Seoul. The trek to the smooth formations of Dobongsan rewards hikers with magnificent views of the sprawling capital. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, Korea features a rugged 2413km coastline dotted with traditional fishing villages where squid is dried in the sea breeze. The southern coast is particularly wild, with the giving way to numerous islands. Ferries from Mokpo can transport you to Hongdo, a remote within Dadohaehaesang National Park.
The long, cold winters in Korea made it an ideal host for the 2018 Winter Olympics, showcasing the trails and slopes of the Taebaek Mountains near Pyeongchang.onjaryeong in Gangwon-do is a winter hiking paradise, offering plenty of opportunities for snowshoe along pristine, snow-covered trails.
1. Hike to the summit of Hallasan volcano
Mount Halla (with the suffix -san meaning "ain" in Korean) is the centrepiece of Jeju Island. Some might say that this volcano defines the island due to its geological significance. Hallasan is not only the tallest peak in South Korea, but it also offers a tremendous vertical climb starting from sea level. Various trails to the summit cater to different skill levels: the north and south routes are more challenging, while the well-maintained east slope hike is the easiest. The ideal time for this hike is in May, when the lower slopes are adorned with blooming azalea fields in pink. Another popular option is the Jeju Olle Trail, a 437km loop around the island divided into 21 main routes along with smaller spurs like Route 10-1, which a straightforward 2.2km trek on picturesque Gapa Island.
2. Multi-day hiking along the Jirisan Ridge Trail
According to ancient stories, people once journeyed to Jirisan in search of truth, living as hermits on its slopes. When it became South Korea’s first national park in 1967, visitors began coming for its hiking trails, although the area still holds a significant place in local legends. The challenging 45km Jirisan Ridge Trail, taking three to four days to complete, reaches the peaks of the Sobaek Range, with several mountains exceeding 1,700m. The of hiking here lies in its diverse wildlife, including frequent sightings of elk and deer, and it is also home to the nation’s only wild population of Asiatic black bears, thanks to a successful reintroduction program. During this and other multi-hikes in Korea’s national parks, hikers can spend the night in a despise, a basic mountain shelter that requires advance booking (blankets are typically available for rent). Some shelters, like Byeoksoryeong Shelter, which is ideal for your first night on Jirisan Ridge Trail, can accommodate over 100 guests.
3. Unwind with a Haeinsa temple stay
Many travellers venture into South Korea's forests to find peace of mind amidst nature. A stay at Haeinsa, located an hour from Daegu by bus, offers a serene escape from urban life, nestled in the picturesque Gayasan National Park However, be sure to plan, as accommodations are typically available only on select nights throughout the year. During your stay, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Korean temple cuisine, part of a sustainable, organic food movement that dates back 1,700 years. The highlight of the experience is the Janggyeong Panjeon, housing the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist texts in Hanja script. This remarkable collection, carved onto around 81,000 wooden blocks in the 13th century, has withstood the test of time, surviving numerous fires.
Top Experiences From Hanbok to Hallyu
Immerse yourself in Korean culture, exploring everything from traditional practices to contemporary music and cinema. Ideal for:
K-pop, filming sites for TV and movies, traditional arts, and cultural festivals.
Reasons to visit:
Experience Hallyu, the vibrant cultural movement known as the Wave, through live K-pop performances and modern art exhibitions, while also celebrating Korean traditions at yearly festivals
Itinerary:
Seoul; Yongin; Chuncheon; Busan; Yeosu.
Much of Korea's traditional culture was significantly diminished during Japanese colonization, persisting mainly in remote villages and mountain temples. Today, these customs are proudly celebrated, particularly during festivals like the winter Seoul Lantern Festival and lunar events such as Chuseok, the mid-autumn harvest festival featuring ancestral rituals, which visitors can experience at the National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul.
For traditional music, folk villages like Namsangol Hanok Village at the foot of Namsan are fantastic venues. The Seoul Arts Centre hosts gugaktraditional Korean music) performances and national dances year-round. In the Insadong neighbourhood, you’ll find shops selling seoye (Korean calligraphy) supplies and handmade hanji paper amidst teahouses and restaurants. Don’t miss Gangnam, the upscale district that inspired the viral K-pop dance by Psy, which helped elevate K-pop to global prominence. Major K-pop concerts regularly take place at venues like Seoul’s KSPO Dome and Gocheok Sky Dome, as well as the Inspire Arena in Incheon.
Travel south to Yongin, a satellite city of Seoul known for its Korean Folk Village, featured in numerous local dramas. Throughout South Korea, you’ll see people wearing traditional hanbok (Korean attire), often a two-piece outfit with intricate designs. Wearing a hanbok at Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung palaces grants free entry, a trend popularised by K-dramas. This cultural movement, known as Hallyu or the Korean Wave, has propelled Korea into the global cultural spotlight, beginning in the early 2000s with hits like Winter Sonata (2002), filmed on Nami Island and a sensation across Asia.
Iconic filming locations have transformed various regions into tourist attractions, particularly in Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. Busan offers a laid-back beach lifestyle, contrasting with the vibrant atmosphere of Seoul, boasting dining and lively nightlife, especially at Haeundae Beach, which has been featured in productions like The King: Eternal Monarch and Black Panther.
About three hours east of Busan lies Yeosu, a gaining popularity among K-drama enthusiasts. Key cultural attractions include Arte Museum Yeosu, the street art of Angel Mural Village, and Admiral Yi Sun-Shin Square, home to a of the celebrated Korean naval hero featured in many dramas, including The Admiral: Roaring Currents, alongside a replica of one of famous turtle ships from the Joseon era.
1. Enjoy the panoramic views from N Seoul Tower.
N Seoul Tower is a prominent national landmark, often featured in various Korean dramas films. Perched on Namsan Mountain (243m), is situated in the capital and surrounded by beautiful parkland, it includes remnants the old city wall. You can take a cable car from Myeongdong, a lively commercial district famous for Hallyu and the Star tunnel, reminiscent of Hollywood's Walk of Fame with celebrity handprints. The tower nearly doubles the's height, providing breathtaking views of Seoul from its observation deck, where you can admire the mountains to the north and the vast Han River to the south. If you're looking for a snack after your visit, consider stopping Korea House, a traditional restaurant housed in a historic building near Nangol Hanok Village.
2.Experience the picturesque Korean countryside on Nami Island,
Also known as Namiseom. To visit this stunning nature reserve, take a train from Seoul to Gapyeong, near Chuncheon, and then catch a ferry to the island, which is a man-made gem in the heart of the Han River. Your ticket acts as a whimsical "visa" to the ‘Republic of Naminara,’ embracing its unique identity as a cultural micronation. For the adventurous, consider by zipline, soaring nearly a kilometer over the riverside. Once on Nami Island, find that the absence of traffic allows nature to thrive, with tree-lined paths featuring ginkgo trees that bloom pink in spring and turn golden in fall. This tranquil beauty has made it a favorite filming location, with signs out scenes from the beloved K-drama Winter Sonata. Just north of Nami, Jade Garden awaits, another filming site for various K-dramas and movies like That Winter, the Wind Bl. Chuncheon also serves as the gateway to Korea's lake district, showcasing a series of reservoirs created by along the North Han River.
3. Explore South Korea's Second City
During the fighting phase of the Korean War (1950–53), Busan became the de facto capital of the south. Today it exhibits much of the same modern spirit as Seoul but enjoys a distinct character defined by its links to the sea. You can even see this in the city’s cultural scene – whether in the stone bridges and lantern-strung courtyards of Haedong Yonggungsa temple on the headland or in the National Maritime Museum. Many come just to see Jagalchi Fish Market, the most-visited market in the country, or style it out on the city’s beaches, which have been featured in countless films. Even the train journey to Busan from Seoul spawned its zombie-horror movie franchise. Inland, forest-clad mountains give way to artistic communities such as Huinnyeoul and Gamcheon culture villages, where brightly painted homes and murals have transformed these formerly rundown areas. Don’t forget to unwind at one of Busan’s legendary spas, set over multiple floors, including SPA LAND Centum City and Heosimcheong Spa.
Top Experiences for Overlooking cities and wild frontiers
Explore the hidden gems of South Korea that often go unnoticed by tourists, including lush tea plantations, innovative museums, and the untamed areas of the Korean Demilitarised Zone.
Gwangju serves as an excellent example, featuring a National Museum that showcases vital aspects of South Korea's history through its collection of Joseon dynasty scroll paintings and Ne artifacts. If you're a kimchi enthusiast, plan a in early autumn for the annual Kimchi Festival, where you can enjoy numerous cooking classes and sample a wide variety of South Korea's beloved dish.
Next, catch a bus north to Jeonju a UNESCO City of Gastronomy that celebrates Korean cultural traditions. Visit the Hanji Museum see how traditional Korean paper is crafted, and explore woodworking and ceramics at the Korea Traditional Culture Center. For a contemporary twist, check out the creative exhibits at the Factory of Contemporary Arts.
, take a train to Daejeon, often referred to as Korea’s Silicon Valley. This city which once flourished due to its rail connections, is now recognized as the ‘Science City,’ featuring attractions like the National Science Museum and the innovative structures at Daejeon Expo Science Park. Don't miss the Daejeon Museum of Art, home to one of the country’s premier contemporary art, including Nam June Paik’s interpretation of a ‘turtle ship’ made entirely of video screens.
From Daejeon cross-country trains can take you east to Daegu, South Korea’s fourth city, showcasing the contrast between traditional rural values and modern urban life. Here, you explore Yakjeon Alley and the Museum of Oriental Medicine, which into traditional medicine's aromatic ingredients, while the nightlife around Seomun Shijang, a traditional market, offers a taste of contemporary excitement.
Finally, conclude your journey in Yanggu, easily accessible from Seoul and renowned for its stunning autumn foliage. Located just a few kilometers south of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), this, mountainous area was the site of some of the Korean War's fiercest battles, and visitors can now delve into this history through enlightening tours and treks.
1. A day trip from Gwangju
There are numerous green spaces to discover around Gwangju. Notably, Mudeungsan, a mountain with picturesque trails, provides stunning views of the city and its beautiful countryside. the north-east, Damyang is known as the heart of bamboo cultivation in the country. The Bamboo Museum showcases the diverse uses of bamboo, while the impressive bamboo forest nearby offers fantastic photography opportunities. Heading south, you can visit the Boseong tea fields, where lush tea bushes gracefully line the hills; the Green Tea Festival is typically held in May. To the east, you'll find Soswaewon Garden, a serene oasis dating back to the Joseon era.
2. Visit a stretch of the DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) stands as a significant reminder of unresolved history. Spanning approximately 4km, this military area divides two distinct nations once unified until the aftermath of World War II, when the north fell to Soviet forces and the south to American troops. In the town, you'll find the Yanggu War Memorial Hall, dedicated to those who served in the Korean War. Head north to discover The Fourth Tunnel, excavated by the North Korean Army beneath the DMZ, and the Eulji Observatory, which offers views into the Hermit Kingdom. For breathtaking scenery, hike along the73km DMZ Punch Bowl Trail, which winds through mountains named after the intense battles there.
