Dynamic, dazzling and progressive are some of the words commonly used to describe South Korea. Seoul is fast-paced yet offers a charming blend of traditions and modernity, while Gyeongju, in the southeast, is an ancient Shilla capital home to royal tombs and palaces. Further south, Busan is a buzzing port city, while the volcanic island of Jeju is a favorite among couples.
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South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, with spring and autumn being the most popular times for visiting as temperatures are generally mild and the entire country is awash with picturesque colors. July and August mark the rainy period, which brings hot, humid weather and heavy rainfalls, as well as occasional typhoons.
Some places just scream “cool”, others do it with a casual whisper. Seoul, with its historic nooks and enviable style, is the rare place that does both. Ensconce yourself in chic city living that stays rooted in the culture at Andaz Seoul Gangnam.
Pizza-and-beer pioneer Magpie helped make craft beer a thing in South Korea with its pale ale, an easy-drinking brew with hints of apricot that seven years on is still its most popular.
Asia’s craft suds scene keeps getting better. Craig Sauers checks in with six exciting breweries using local flavors and ingredients to push beer boundaries.
By Daven Wu. As islands go, the first impression of Ulleungdo tends to be a little underwhelming. Rising out of South Korea’s East Sea, this squat, dark mound of cedar- and juniper-cloaked volcanic rock seems an unlikely dream destination, especially as getting here is, to put it mildly, a major schlep. And yet, for generations, successive waves […]
With its dead central location in swanky Gangnam, the Park Hyatt Seoul makes for an ideal jumping off point to explore this surreal, multifaceted metropolis.
On verdant, volcanic Cheju, farmers raise tasty black pigs, grandpa statues boost fertility, and lady divers pry abalone from the icy depths of the sea. Duncan Forgan reports from this legendary treasure chest in the Korean Strait.
The attention to detail at this 317-room class-act is astounding. From the carefully curated ambiance music to botanical sculptures by Nicolai Bergmann to the signature scent custom-made by Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze, every subtle touch enhances the overall aura of sophistication and style.
The clean, modern design of Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, pays homage to Korea’s close relationship with nature: think leaf-shaped loungers, rugged granite pillars, marble-and-pebble interiors and a profusion of fountains and streams.
