Exploring: Korea
Despite holding last year's Winter Olympics, Korea remains under the radar of many Asia bound travellers - but there's a wealth of reasons for visiting, says Anna Maria Espsäter
Oh dear, I am running late for my bibimbap cooking lesson. That's perhaps not surprising given that so far today I’ve tried my hand at learning Korean drumming, sampled various rice wines and dressed up for a traditional wedding - as the bride!
There’s no end to the fun to be had at the Traditional Cultural Centre in Jeonju, a city in western Korea well-known for its Hanok Heritage village, an area of traditionally-built houses.
I am spending the day exploring the city, complete with cultural and culinary delights. My day starts with an amble around some of the 800-plus hanok buildings, followed by a visit to the Traditional Wine Museum, giving a good introduction into the history and process of rice wine-making.
There is some sampling, of course, just in time to increase my confidence before the drumming lesson.
This is not for the faint-hearted as much shouting in Korean ensues to get us all warmed up and ready to pound the drums, all of which are on the large side.
I actually find the traditional wedding far more relaxing, and dressing up is plenty of fun. Last, but not least, there is food, even if I have to cook it myself.
Pots and pans at the ready, I learn how to make the classic rice dish, bibimbap and, much to my relief, it is not too hard. Rounding off a hard day’s learning, I tuck into a hearty dish and some soju rice wine.
A great alternative
Korea may not be topping any trending lists but that’s all the more reason to sell it before it does.
“South Korea provides a really great, cost-effective alternative to its neighbour, Japan,” says Paul Ingram, Product & Category Manager at Kuoni.
“You can get similar experiences, including amazing cuisine, natural hot springs, modern cities, historic towns and villages, plus fast and efficient public transport. Visit in the spring for inspiring cherry blossom or head there in the autumn and experience the stunning colours of the autumn leaves,” he says.
Must-sees
Korean history spans over 5,000 years and there are plenty of sights dotted across the country that are well worth a visit. Many, from palaces and temples to shrines and fortresses, are included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Firmly in touch with its history, Korea is also well and truly moving with the times and its technology is second to none.
The country is compact and easy to get around, with high-speed trains linking all the main hubs. Korea is a populous nation, but it’s still possible to get away from it all and head out into nature.
Although a comparatively small nation, there are 22 national parks to choose from, most of them in mountainous areas.
The oldest, Jirisan, celebrated 50 years as a protected area in 2017.
Visitors shouldn’t miss the exciting capital, Seoul, for its wonderful mix of ancient temples and modern sky scrapers and is crammed with fabulous, bustling night markets.
Must-dos
One of the absolute must-dos in Korea is sampling the country’s fantastic, varied food scene. Markets can be a good place to start, as long as your clients are feeling brave and don’t expect everyone to speak
English, but there are also numerous restaurants offering traditional cuisine from kimchi (fermented vegetables) to barbequed meats. Just tuck in!
Korea is quite a healthy, sporty nation and trying the national sport of Taekwondo is a fun way to learn about the culture.
Cycling is popular and there are many well-maintained, scenic cycle paths along the country’s main rivers.
Although spring and autumn are the best times to visit, those looking for a winter adventure will find ample winter sport options. Pyeongchang, in the northeast and the 2018 host of the Winter Olympics, is now a world-class resort.
The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) along the border between North and South Korea is also a major fascination for visitors.
As a contrast, many temples are open for overnight and longer stays, for those wanting to get away from it all and have a peaceful experience.
What’s new
Due to the positive developments in relations between North and South Korea in 2018, the DMZ tour is a big focus for 2019. Korea Tourism Organisation’s head office is currently running a campaign called #LoveforDMZ (lovefordmz.com).
Seoul Botanic Park is officially opening its doors in the summer of 2019 and will include Korea’s largest greenhouse.
Improvements are being made to the infrastructure of several palaces in Seoul, including a new entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
After focusing on Busan in 2018, the KTO is currently emphasising local provinces such as Gangwon-do, which hosted the Winter Olympics last year.
Great Rail Journeys (greatrail.com) has introduced Timeless South Korea, a new nine-day tour for 2020.
"Korea is undoubtedly becoming much more popular with travellers, which is why we have introduced our new tour for 2020,” says Louise Heatley, Head of Product and Contracting, Great Rail Journeys.
“There's so much to discover in Korea, which has managed to hang on to its authentic charm.
"Our new tour takes in palaces, shrines and local delicacies, making it the perfect introduction to this fascinating country," adds Heatley.
Where to stay
A growing number of the major hotel groups have recently opened up new properties in Seoul, including Best Western, Holiday Inn, JW Marriott, Novotel, Courtyard and Sheraton.
There are also plenty of options for the more budget-conscious, as well as boutique and unusual places to stay.
Traditional hanok buildings, temple stays, sleeping in a converted train carriage or a decorated bus are some of the many options on offer.
“There's so much to discover in Korea, which has managed
to hang on to its authentic charm. Our new
tour takes in palaces, shrines and local delicacies” Louise Heatley, Head of Product and
Contracting, Great Rail Journeys