South Korea is home to two electrifying cities that we visit on our new itinerary: Seoul in the north and Busan in the south. Seoul is the capital and the heart of Korea and is known for its buzzing energy, neon lights and iconic sights. Seoul is home to many cool and trendy neighbourhoods and numerous Hanok (traditional Korean house) districts, which are the perfect place to explore and immerse yourself in Korean culture. 

Busan is known for its more laidback vibes and its beautiful beachside location, which also makes it a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. Busan is also home to some of the most colourful and vibrant villages in Korea, including Gamcheon, which has become an artists’ haven known for its colourful mountain-side houses. 

Established after the Armistice Agreement in 1953, which symbolised the end of the Korean War, the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is a heavily guarded buffer zone which separates North and South Korea across the peninsula. The area is home to key sights including the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom, where North and South Korean soldiers stand face-to-face during tense peace talks and the Dora Observatory, where you can enjoy scenic views across the DMZ. Due to the lack of human activity in the region, the DMZ has become a haven for wildlife and rare birdlife, making it a desired, if unexpected, hot spot for animal lovers. 

Mountains cover 70% of South Korea’s land, making it the perfect destination for hikers. Around the city of Seoul, there are numerous walking trails which offer panoramic views of the hustle and bustle of the city below. The Inwangsan Mountain trail in Seoul is a relatively short but rewarding hike that offers great views of the city and a mix of nature and history. It’s known for its rocky terrain and the impressive Inwangsan Fortress walls, which date back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). Throughout Korea, there are many national parks which offer a variety of different hiking trails, scenery and difficulty levels. Mudeungsan National Park in the south of the peninsula is such an area, where you can enjoy a range of routes through the mountains whilst you admire the rich flora and fauna here as well as the unique rock formations. 

Korean food has become known and enjoyed the world over and is a key draw to visiting South Korea. Korean BBQ is a favourite culinary experience of locals and visitors alike, as you get to cook the meat fresh at your table. Kimchi, fermented cabbage, has become synonymous with South Korea and is often spiced with chili, garlic and ginger to make the perfect side dish. Bibimbap, Korea’s answer to Japanese donburi, translated as ‘mixed rice’, is a mouth-watering dish of white rice topped with egg, sliced meat, gochujang (chili pepper paste) and vegetables. Soju is the tipple of choice for Koreans and is a rice liquor that tastes similar to vodka. It is common to see groups of Koreans drinking soju and cheering each time they take a sip; it is also common to prevent a glass from becoming empty! 

Buddhist temples hold deep historical, cultural and religious significance in South Korea and can be traced back to the introduction of Buddhism to the Korean Peninsula as early as the 4th century CE. Many temples offer stay programmes where visitors can enjoy an overnight stay at a temple and immerse themselves in Buddhist practices. In our ‘South Korea: Secrets of the Peninsula’  group tour, guests will spend a night at the UNESCO World Heritage, Haeinsa Temple, located on Mount Gaya in central South Korea. Here, you will have the opportunity to take part in both seated and walking meditation as well as chanting, and enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, in line with the Buddhist principle of non-harm (ahisma).