korea
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confi dencerings of
It may be more laid back than some of its neighbours, but Korea loses nothing in comparison for a well-rounded holiday with authentic experiences, says Debbie Ward
U
ntil recently mostly a secondary con- sideration after China and Japan, Korea has taken great strides in recent years
to establish itself as a standalone destination. Culturally rich and packed with heritage attractions, the country both surprises and rewards adventurous visitors. Its capital, Seoul, combines ancient palaces with huge shopping malls, and most tours also include Gyeongju, with its UNESCO-listed temples close to beach city, Busan. There are more beaches and impressive volcanic structures on Jeju island, while active tourists enjoy Korea’s beautiful national parks. Korea’s creative cuisine has been in the spotlight with UK celebrity chefs the Hairy Bikers visiting in 2014 and Korean celebrity chef Judy Joo opening acclaimed restaurant, Jinjuu, in London. Travellers are able to hone in on the country’s gastronomy with both Emerald Travel and TransIndus having developed new food tours. This August marks 70 years since Korea’s liberation from Japan and various events will mark the anniversary. The country is also gearing up for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Regent Holidays Korea expert Carl Meadows
says: “South Korea’s an interesting destination as it combines the modernity and fast pace of Japan with traditional elements of countries like China. “It works as a good contrast to China, being a few steps along in terms of development, and is good for stopovers.” Chinmay Vasavada, South East Asia and Far East Sales Manager for TransIndus adds: “For tourists, Korea’s stuck between China and Japan and people don’t know it well. The tourist offi ce has been very active however, part-sponsoring WTM and, like Japan, they’re preparing for the winter Olympics so there’s a big push on. “I think Korea is a much more gentle introduction to the region as China and Japan can be a bit intense. It’s more casual and friendly and it’s well developed.”
Perfect ten Fabulous food: Korean
food’s fresh and colourful. Try an indoor barbecue.
Major attractions: Seoul’s top cultural sights include Gyeongbokgung and
Changdeokgung palaces and National Museum. Temple stays: Several Buddhist temples allow overnight visitors to
experience monastery life including dawn rituals. Home of Taekwondo: Sports clubs may like to visit the new state-of-the-art
Taekwondo park at Muju. Great city views: Head up North Seoul tower where lovers leave padlocks. Cherry blossom: Head to Korea in the spring ito see beautiful cherry blossom. Hot springs: Seoul offers many hot. springs spas, some incorporating ginseng. Second City: Busan has good beaches, a fascinating fi sh market and easy access
to Gyeongju’s Unesco sites. Volcanic surprises: Jeju has volcanic lava tunnels and cliffs with hexagonal
columns like Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway. DMZ: See attempted tunnels between North and South Korea at the
Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) near Seoul.
sellingtravel.co.uk
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