South Korea

Although small, South Korea is a country of many different contrasts and is often overlooked by nearby Japan or China on the popular ‘tourist map’.

The capital Seoul is as busy, bright and bustling as you would expect from a modern Asian city, yet is only 40 miles from the border with North Korea (where you can visit the DMZ for the day). Outside the city, there are mountains and national parks in the pristine and quiet countryside, and you’ll find a temple or two as well…

With its heart rooted in Buddhism, you can temple-hop in the former Silia Kingdom of Gyeongju, see the preserved houses in Gayasan National Park’s Haeinsa Temple and visit Jeju Island voted ‘one of the new Seven wonders of the world’.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Winters can be cold, and summers hot and humid (although that’s the perfect time to head to one of their beach resorts).

FLIGHT TIME

Around 12 hours if flying direct, up to 15 or 16 if flying via the Middle East.

TIME ZONE

GMT/BST +8

CURRENCY

Won

IDEAL FOR

Those who may have visited other places in the Far East like Japan, China or Vietnam

HOW TO GET THERE

There are daily flights from Korean Air & Asiana from Heathrow throughout the year to Seoul.

LANGUAGE

Korean

IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH

Tour on the mainland, with a beach stay on Jeju Island (in summer)