South Korea

South Korea lies on a peninsula in East Asia: mountains cover most of the country, and a long coastline is scattered with islands. In Seoul, the Joseon-era palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung — the latter UNESCO-listed — and the hanok lanes of Bukchon sit beside contemporary architecture, the riverside parks of the Han, Namsan, Gangnam's shopping, markets and late-night street food.

Seaside Busan, roughly 2.5 hours from Seoul by KTX, has the Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches, the Haedong Yonggungsa temple on rocks above the sea, the colourful hillside Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi fish market; Gyeongju, with Bulguksa temple and the Seokguram grotto (UNESCO), makes a fine day trip. Volcanic Jeju is UNESCO natural heritage for Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong and its lava tubes, with Olle trails past waterfalls and tangerine groves and haenyeo women divers keeping a living tradition.

Food alone is worth the trip: Korean barbecue, kimchi, bibimbap, temple and street food, a strong fine-dining scene — plus the jjimjilbang bathhouse and a little K-beauty shopping. Spring (April–May), with cherry blossom, and autumn (late September to November), with red-gold hills, are usually best; summer is hot and humid, with rains roughly from late June into July, and winter cold and dry, with mountain skiing. It suits city, culture and food lovers, couples and families, and pairs easily with Japan.