Journey through South Korea

South Korea is a country of various juxtapositions. Serene mountain valleys bump against pulsing lights and the rush of 24-hour cities. Confucian tradition collides with ultra modern fashion and design. To fully understand the depth and vibrancy of this country, you need to experience both the calm countryside and the rapidly growing cities. (Text by Reva Vidyalankar)

Dive straight into this dynamic mash-up of night markets, K-pop music, temple lined streets, majestic palaces, skyscrapers and design. Capital of South Korea, Seoul is a powerhouse of high-rise apartments and modern buildings interspersed with historical treasures.

Located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first royal palace built by the Korean Joseon Dynasty. One of the most beautiful palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung remains the largest and the grandest of the Five Grand Palaces.

The Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal palace built following the construction of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Enter through its imposing gates and you’ll be greeted with a sight of the main palace building that sits surrounded by paved courtyards and open corridors. Its size and design exude an elegant and stately aura.

It’s not hard to imagine how Korea of the yesteryears would have looked as you stroll through the picturesque village of Bukchon. This village has the largest cluster of privately-owned traditional Korean wooden homes also known as hanok. Keep an eye out for beautifully restored courtyards, decorative outer walls and dark-tiled roofs.

Myeongdong is Seoul’s shopping mecca as well as a centre of commerce. From street stalls to retail outlets, this market sells everything from high-street fashion to high quality cosmetics. Don’t just look at things on the ground level though—there are always shops lurking around a couple of storeys high.

You could spend all day at this night-and-day market and not see it all. A fantastic place to pick up inexpensive clothing, house wares, fabrics, jewellery, accessories, toys, appliances and more—there is possibly nothing that you won’t find here.

As iconic as Korea’s kimchi, Namsan tower offers panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline. Perched atop Mt Namsan, the tower can be reached through a seven-minute cable car ride or a walk up Namsan’s windy stone staircase.

Korea’s food has always been a defining element of its culture. From the signature rice dish bibimbap to the spicy ddukbokkie—the aroma of which fills the streets of Seoul at night—there is a lot of food to feast upon.

Many Seoul residents don’t feel that it’s been a real Korean-style dinner unless soju is involved. You can easily duck into one of the orange coloured soju tents, and wash down your dinner with a drink or two. For those who don't know Soju is the most consumed alcohol in the world.

Karaoke has grown to become a massive phenomenon all over Asia. The noraebang is a designated booth in which young Koreans let off steam by letting it all out on the microphone. You’ll find dozens of these sprinkled around various street corners in Seoul.

Get acquainted with the cultures and traditions of Korea by staying in a traditional Korean temple. Temple stay was devised as an opportunity for foreigners to learn about Buddhist culture.

A busy port city known for its distinctive local dialect and rugged character, Busan is the place to discover a more authentic side of Korea. The city is full of hidden charms: the famously fresh seafood, a buzzing nightlife, historic temples, an idyllic coastline and a vibrant student population.

Created by a series of volcanic eruptions around two million years ago, Jeju-do is Korea’s answer to Hawaii. A breathtaking combination of pristine waterfalls, unspoilt beaches and a dramatic volcanic landscape make this the nation’s number one vacation getaway.

A four-kilometre-wide strip of land runs clean across the Korean peninsula, dividing the North and the South. The Korean Demilitarized Zone or the DMZ is by far the most heavily fortified border on the planet and has been often referred to as the ‘scariest place on earth’. Yet, it’s also one of the country’s most popular tourist draws.