Things to do in South Korea

Seoul, the dynamic capital, holds grand Joseon palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, the traditional houses of Bukchon, shopping districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam, and buzzing markets and food streets. The Demilitarized Zone along the border is a sobering trip from the city.

Busan, on the south coast, is a port city of beaches, seafood markets and hillside villages, and Gyeongju, capital of the ancient Silla kingdom, is filled with royal tombs and temples such as Bulguksa. Jeju Island offers volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and Hallasan, the highest peak in the country, and national parks such as Seoraksan are beloved for hiking.

Meals are made for sharing, from barbecue grilled at the table to bibimbap, kimchi, fried chicken and street snacks, often with soju. Cherry blossom lines the streets in spring and maple leaves blaze across Seoraksan in autumn, while summer brings monsoon rain and winter is cold and dry. High-speed trains connect Seoul with Busan and other cities.