The travel bug in you must be raring to go after spending months confined to the indoors. How about ditching the crowds and exploring areas off the tourist radar in South Korea? Picture long hikes into the mountains, days on the beach and if you time it right, you can also go skiing. South Korea has many hidden gems – Busan is home to the best beaches, while Incheon will give you an insight into the famous K-culture. If you want to really get away from urban sprawl, head straight to Gangwon-do to relax amidst national parks and snowy peaks. These three destinations offer travellers a truly “glocal” experience – authentic local traditions thriving right beside the latest technological innovations. Let’s dive in and see what makes each of these regions worth a visit.

 

Busan: Where pristine beaches cradle majestic mountains dotted with ancient temples

South Korea’s second-largest city is a bustling port town with lots to offer. Despite being a sprawling metropolis it’s home to two of the country’s best beaches, where you can escape for a break from the hustle of the city. The Gyeongju UNESCO sites are close to Busan and gives you a good understanding of the globally recognised local traditions of the country. The beaches of Busan are cradled by majestic mountains which offer great hiking trails and allow you to get away from the crowds while feasting your eyes on panoramic vistas of the city.

Incheon: South Korea’s new gateway and the heartbeat of the Korean Wave 

Incheon is South Korea’s third-largest city and is fast becoming the preferred gateway for travellers to get a glimpse into the country’s traditions and architecture. The city is home to the country’s largest airport, making it an ideal city to begin your journey through South Korea. Chinatown is a must when you visit the city, for its museums, galleries, and most of all the widely renowned local cuisine. Get away from the city with trips to nearby islands which offer seafront walks and walking trails in scenic parks. Incheon is also the heartbeat of the Hallyu or the ‘Korean Wave’ which refers to the growing popularity of Korean music and dramas across the world. In this fast-growing metropolis you can soak into the local culture while marvelling at the all-pervasive modernity.

Gangwon-do: Escape to the mountains and seek refuge amidst snow-capped peaks 

If you truly want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities then make your way straight to the Gangwon-do region in the east of South Korea. The mountainous region is home to some of the country’s most spectacular national parks and scenic landscapes. The national parks are teeming with dense forests, wildlife, hot springs and waterfalls. Then there’s the snow-capped peaks of Pyeongchang, the home of the 2018 Winter Olympics. You can go skiing and spend time at some of the best resorts the region has to offer. Korea’s transport system is second to none and Gangwon-do is easily accessed with the KTX Bullet Train that runs all across the country, making it convenient for visitors to get around.

South Korea awaits your arrival – start planning now!

Life is short, the world is large, and the times are unpredictable. Precisely for these reasons, grab the opportunity to make new memories with your near and dear ones in South Korea – a country like no other. To know more about the destinations mentioned in this article, visit https://www.visitkoreaforme.com/en/glocal/glocal.kto, and if you need help in planning an itinerary to visit these places, contact the Korea Tourism Organization, New Delhi office at india@knto.or.kr. 


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