South Korea
Our Top Picks For South Korea
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1 Seoraksan National Park
Be inspired by South Korea's most beautiful mountains and forests
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2 Gyeongju
Explore the ancient Shilla kingdom's capital with its awesome temples, pagodas and royal tombs
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3 Busan
Join the bargain-hunters in the traditional markets of this bustling port city
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4 Jejudo
Enjoy the spectacular volcanic landscapes of this activity-filled holiday island
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5 Dadohae Haesang National Marine Park
Voyage to remote, unspoilt islands where life is still traditional
Our favourite South Korea Blogs (beta)
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Locked in Everlasting Love
Blog: Unearthing Asia - 14 February 2009
Locks and love aren’t exactly synonymous. Love after all, was supposed to set you free. But at the N Seoul Tower in Namsan Park, South Korea, you’ll find thousands and thousands of locks symbolizing the love between couples. Unearthing Asia takes a peek behind this unusual tradition that has seen tourists both locals and internationals [...]
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Introducing South Korea
How to capture the essence of this fascinating, complex nation? Social relations may be grounded in ancient Confucianism but South Korea is most decidedly a forward-thinking country thanks to its hurry-hurry approach to everything, an insatiable appetite for technological advancement and an indomitable can-do attitude. No one knows where the country is headed, but it’s fast-forward all the way. That’s what makes South Korea so exciting and at times unnerving; it’s a country of endless possibilities. Seoul is where this is felt most keenly. There’s an infectious energy here and it’s easy to get caught up in the Korean joie de vivre, as well as the city's non-stop attractions. Less modern but no less appealing is the ancient city of Gyeongju, where temples, pagodas and royal tombs are a source of much fascination. Further south, the bustling port town of Busan is a little rough around the edges but rewards those travellers willing to persevere.
Few international travellers explore the countryside, which is a tragedy and a blessing. Serene temples, picturesque mountains, lush rice paddies, unspoiled fishing villages and endless hiking opportunities are so far off the beaten track, it’s unlikely you’ll meet any Westerners (or even English speakers) on the road less travelled. Voyage to the remote, unspoilt islands of Dadohae Haesang National Park, or head to the charming backwater of Buyeo for its historic Baekje relics and lively covered market. For a somewhat less rural (and considerably more surreal) experience, there is Panmunjom & the DMZ Tour - the closest you can get to North Korea from its southern neighbour without being shot.
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Latest headlines for South Korea
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James Landale's G8 diary
10 July 2009 5:04PM
BBC chief political correspondent James Landale is reporting from the G8 summit.
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Carmakers suffer around the world
10 July 2009 7:36AM
Governments around the world have stepped in to rescue carmakers that have been hit by a slump in sales in recent months.
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