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Seoul's impossibly cool street food scene, ancient palaces, DMZ drama, and a country obsessed with doing everything very well.
Seoul is one of the most underrated cities in the world — incredible food, extraordinary nightlife, ancient palaces between skyscrapers, and a hostel scene that's genuinely social. Add Busan and Jeju and you have a complete country.
Each region has a completely different character. Here is what to expect.
One of Asia's most dynamic cities — ancient palaces within a modern metropolis, the Han River park culture, Hongdae's indie music scene, Myeongdong's street food and skincare shopping, and the Bukchon Hanok village of traditional wooden houses.
The ancient Silla Kingdom capital — burial mounds throughout the city, the Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO, 8th century), and the Seokguram grotto (a granite Buddha in a man-made cave on a mountain). Korea's most historically significant city and almost tourist-free.
South Korea's subtropical island — Hallasan (dormant volcano), the dramatic Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Manjanggul lava tube cave, and the haenyeo (women free-divers who harvest seafood without equipment — UNESCO Cultural Heritage).
South Korea's second city and great beach destination — Haeundae Beach, the Gamcheon Culture Village (painted hillside neighbourhood), Jagalchi Fish Market, and a raw fish dining scene that is the best in the country.
Korea is mid-range for Asia.
T-money card covers all subway, bus and some taxis — top up at convenience stores.
Street food (tteokbokki, hotteok, odeng fish cake) £1-3.
Restaurant bibimbap or kimchi jjigae £5-9.
Hostel dorm £12-20.
South Korea's Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul was restored from a concrete highway to a walking stream in 2005. The haenyeo diving tradition in Jeju is a genuinely sustainable fishing practice — support haenyeo-run seafood restaurants. Seoul's public transport network is among the world's best — use it exclusively.
Tell us where you want to go and your budget — we'll build a personalised quote with routes, hostels, and transport sorted.
SE Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, Central Asia and beyond.