North Korea

Hermit Kingdom travel primer: what to know before you visit North Korea

North Korea is a curious but compelling place to visit, and one of the only places in the world where even the most hardcore independent travellers find themselves signing up for a package tour.

The restrictions on what you can see and do are tight, but as the country very slowly continues to open up to the outside world, more and more people are making the journey to a land still living in the Cold War era.

Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Writer

East Asia's craft beer revolution: the ultimate guide to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and China

There’s something brewing in the Orient, something that will make beer drinkers positively hoppy with glee. It’s a craft beer revolution, and one long overdue in a corner of the world known largely for samey, light lagers.

Fresh IPA at Craftworks in Seoul. Image by Megan Eaves / Lonely Planet

Megan Eaves

Lonely Planet Writer

The island-hopper's guide to Korea

Mention Korea and several things probably spring to mind: the division of North and South, the sparkling city of Seoul (headquarters to Samsung, Hyundai and other Korean powerhouses) and Psy’s manic and flashy ‘Gangnam Style’. What’s not commonly known is that the Korean peninsula is studded with hundreds of islands (do, pronounced doe). Some have been converted into protected marine national parks, many are still working bases for fishing folk, while others are famed for their beaches and as holiday getaways. For a not-oft-seen look at South Korea, consider going beyond Seoul and heading to a do or three.

View of Hongdo harbour. Image by Tim Draper / Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images.