South Korea: Between Ultra-Modernity and Millennia-Old Traditions
Royal palaces, Buddhist temples, hanok villages, and temple stays: South Korea offers so much more than just K-pop. Explore it with local guides who will reveal its true spirit.
South Korea has been one of the most sought-after Asian destinations in recent years—and not just because of K-pop. Seoul is one of the most dynamic and fascinating cities in the world, but it is merely the gateway to a country that holds surprises at every turn. ** Gyeongbokgung**, Seoul’s grand royal palace, is the capital’s number one must-see. Its upturned roofs, pavilions on stilts, and royal gardens—all of it fully lives up to its reputation. Your Korean guide will take you there at dawn, before the official opening to the public, to parts of the palace that the standard tour avoids, and will recount the history of the Joseon Dynasty with a precision and passion that bring the stones to life.
Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto near Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, are among Korea’s most important Buddhist sites. But it is in the lesser-known mountain temples, such as Haeinsa in the Gayasan Mountains, that you truly experience Korean Buddhist spirituality. Your guide invites you to spend a night there on a temple stay, featuring meditation at 4 a.m., silent meals, and conversation with the monks.
Jeonju and its hanok district of 700 preserved traditional houses is the perfect antidote to Seoul. The cobblestone alleys, black-tiled roofs, calligraphy and hanji workshops—and the country’s most authentic bibimbap, served in a hot stone bowl by a halmeoni who has been preparing it for 40 years. Your Jeonju guide will introduce you to her.
**South Korea will surprise you at every turn. Find your So-Guide. **
