LiNGER - Enriching Life Through Travel

South Korea

Buzzing street markets, ancient hilltop temples and cherry-blossomed palaces – LiNGER longer in South Korea







LiNGER - Enriching Life Through Travel    Seoul, South Korea


Sabbaticals & Experiential Holidays in South Korea

South Korea is a captivating blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. A land where tranquil temples sit in the shadow of sleek skyscrapers, and centuries-old customs thrive amid the buzz of neon-lit cities. In Seoul, immerse yourself in a dynamic mix of street food stalls, design districts and royal palaces. Venture beyond the capital to explore misty mountains, remote islands and serene national parks. Wander through hanok villages where time seems to pause, hike through volcanic landscapes and sample the country’s bold, flavour-packed cuisine. From the calm of tea ceremonies to the rhythm of K-pop, South Korea invites you to experience a culture that’s deeply traditional yet thrillingly contemporary.


Best off the beaten path experiences in South Korea

  • Seongsu-dong Street, Seoul – Stop for a coffee in an innovatively repurposed warehouse Seoul’s trendiest neighbourhood.
  • Gwangjang Market, Seoul – Take your pick of streetfood eateries along the bustling undercover avenues of this famous market.
  • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress – Explore this designated Unesco Heritage site, with its 5,700 km of fortified walls.
  • Yongin Folk Village – A daytrip from Seoul, this village recreates the Joseon dynasty in its architecture, customs and demonstrations.
  • Sokcho Market – Try dakgangjeong (crispy sweet fried chicken) and ojingeo sundae (stuffed squid) at before strolling along the beach.
  • Seoraksan Mountain  -Trek through the pine forested slopes to reach the gilt-bronze buddha of Sinheungsa Temple.
  • Gwongeumseong stone fortress – Ride a cable car over the rhododendrons of Seoraksan National Park to the remains of the hilltop fortress.
  • Visit an expert Hahoe maker – an expert in the cherished tradition of wooden masks, to learn of their craft.
  • Gamcheon Village – Climb the colourful alleys, spotting murals and sculptures by local residents, at this artistic spot.
  • Jeonju – prepare the Bibimbap rice dish that the region is famous for, with an expert chef.
  • Hyangiram Hermitage – Pass all seven stone caves along the climb to this temple complex to bring good fortune.
  • Yeosu cable car – Watch the ocean below through the glass floor as you glide between Dolsan Island and the mainland.
  • Temple Food – try slow cooked vegan dishes at a temple. Visit Guinsa for an authentic experience, where you can join monks who serve lunch free of charge.
  • Incheon – enjoy the futuristic Songdo island park and the traditional China Town of Incheon before boarding your flight at the airport here.





When to go to South Korea

Catch cherry blossom season late March to mid-April, with the blooms starting in the warmer south.

Summer – June to August – is around 29°C, 84°F and humid with showers.

Autumn – September and October – is beautiful with little rainfall and pleasant temperatures.

Winter – late November to February- can drop to freezing in many places across South Korea, with snow covering the mountainous areas.


How to get to South Korea

Fly directly from London to South Korea, Incheon airport, located 34 miles from Seoul. The flight time is approx 12 hours 25 minutes.

From New York there are direct flights to South Korea, also to Incheon. Flight times are approx 15 hours 40 minutes.






Who will love South Korea?

South Korea offers spectacular landscapes, cultural immersion and fantastic food. Society is ordered – everything works like clockwork – yet overlayered with a real sense of fun. It is a great destination for:

  • History buffs
  • Active travellers
  • Foodies
  • Culture lovers

Where to stay in South Korea

In Seoul and Busan, large and glamorous hotels abound, with names you’d recognise. In less visited areas, hotels can be more in the 4 star category.

Mix up your accommodation with stays in Hanoks – traditional Korean houses with ornate, curved rooftops, wooden beams and original underfloor heating.

A temple stay will provide a more rustic yet authentic experience, with slow-cooked, vegan temple food prepared by the monks.

 





How to plan a trip to South Korea

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience South Korea.

Consider visiting South Korea in combination with neighbouring Japan – particularly lush, volcanic Kyushu and the tropical south, Okinawa.

View the sample itinerary for an example of what off the beaten track experiences await in South Korea. No matter how long you wish to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.

Contact us to start planning a holiday or sabbatical to South Korea.








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    Photo Credits: South Korea - hero image - Seoul - Samcheongdong Street - @Photo Korea - Korean Tourism Organization - Camelpress ; Jeju-@Photo-Korea-Lee-Seung-Hwan ; Spring-in-Donggung-Palace-Geonju-@Photo-Korea-Korea-Tourism-Board-Kim-Jiho ; seorak-@photo-korea-Lee-Mo-Yeon ; Songdo-Incheon-@Photo-Korea-Jeon-Jong-hun ; Uniram-Baniram-Tourist-Area-@Photo-Korea-Live-Studio ; Tapsa-Temple-Jinan-@Photo-Kkorea-Kim-Jiho ; Seonamsa-Temple-@Photo-Korea-Yang-Sungyoung


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