South Korea
South Korea rises ever higher on travel horizons, with everything from kimchi to K-Pop taking the world by storm. We love the fiery intensity of its cuisine every bit as much as its historic temples, mist-clad mountains, remote archipelagos, tranquil rice paddies and neon-lit cities.
Despite South Korea’s many highlights, we rarely see this enigmatic country as a stand-alone destination. As with so many classic combinations – gin and tonic, wine and cheese, Mario and Luigi! – the pairing of South Korea with Japan creates much more than the sum of its parts. Frequent flights and ferries connect the two, and seeing these comparable countries in one trip brings every enticing similarity and difference into vibrant focus. It shows you South Korea at its very best.
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Two’s company
On paper, South Korea and Japan seem to share several intriguing cultural crossovers. However, when seen side-by-side, it’s each country’s distinctive complexities that stand out. Although both countries have intense foodie cultures, South Korea’s cuisine is full of spice and heat, whereas Japan’s traditional dishes favour subtler flavours. In both countries, a famously energetic and edgy popular culture sits alongside gentler traditions, but with completely different outcomes. It’s a ‘perfectly imperfect’ partnership!
Two’s company
On paper, South Korea and Japan seem to share several intriguing cultural crossovers. However, when seen side-by-side, it’s each country’s distinctive complexities that stand out. Although both countries have intense foodie cultures, South Korea’s cuisine is full of spice and heat, whereas Japan’s traditional dishes favour subtler flavours. In both countries, a famously energetic and edgy popular culture sits alongside gentler traditions, but with completely different outcomes. It’s a ‘perfectly imperfect’ partnership!
Tranquillity, temples and tradition
The cloistered life of a Buddhist monk is one that few outsiders ever experience. The heightened awareness, serenity and composure that the monks achieve by following their chosen path is evident, but many details of their daily routines remain a mystery. Staying overnight in a South Korean Buddhist temple, waking with the monks before dawn and taking meals together, gives you an immersive taste of monastic life that will stay with you.
Tranquillity, temples and tradition
The cloistered life of a Buddhist monk is one that few outsiders ever experience. The heightened awareness, serenity and composure that the monks achieve by following their chosen path is evident, but many details of their daily routines remain a mystery. Staying overnight in a South Korean Buddhist temple, waking with the monks before dawn and taking meals together, gives you an immersive taste of monastic life that will stay with you.
Take a soak
Not dissimilar to Japanese onsen, South Korean jjimjilbang bath houses have many rules and etiquettes to follow, but offer excellent opportunities to relax among locals. The shared pools and saunas typically include a range of temperatures and themes, such as different minerals, hot and cold tubs, and some that are outdoors (it is especially lovely to sit in a warm outdoor spa pool while it’s raining). Strip off, scrub up, and adopt a ‘when in Rome’ attitude, and you’ll find they’re a sublime way to unwind.
Take a soak
Not dissimilar to Japanese onsen, South Korean jjimjilbang bath houses have many rules and etiquettes to follow, but offer excellent opportunities to relax among locals. The shared pools and saunas typically include a range of temperatures and themes, such as different minerals, hot and cold tubs, and some that are outdoors (it is especially lovely to sit in a warm outdoor spa pool while it’s raining). Strip off, scrub up, and adopt a ‘when in Rome’ attitude, and you’ll find they’re a sublime way to unwind.
Visit the DMZ
The elephant in the room on any visit to South Korea will always be the infamous tensions between the country and its immediate neighbour, North Korea. In the borderlands between the two lies an eerie expanse of controversial territory: the Demilitarised Zone. The air is thick with the weight of its history, and the memory of those who have lost their lives in conflict. A visit to the DMZ gives you the opportunity to understand a little more about this region’s constantly developing story.
Visit the DMZ
The elephant in the room on any visit to South Korea will always be the infamous tensions between the country and its immediate neighbour, North Korea. In the borderlands between the two lies an eerie expanse of controversial territory: the Demilitarised Zone. The air is thick with the weight of its history, and the memory of those who have lost their lives in conflict. A visit to the DMZ gives you the opportunity to understand a little more about this region’s constantly developing story.
Stunning landscapes, friendly people
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Inspiring experiences and places to stay…
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The Selective Asia difference
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Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
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Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
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Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
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Responsible travel
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24 hour local support
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Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity
No ordinary Travel Company
For us, travel is one of life's great privileges — one that should never be taken for granted. It’s about taking things slow — giving yourself time for thoughtful curiosity. Time to immerse yourself in your destination, get closer to the ground, and feel your way to greater understanding.
Fully protected and flexible bookings
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