Sydkorea

Korea’s cultural warehouse, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도) is a region resplendent in both natural beauty and heritage sites, including enchanting temples, ancient pagodas, rock-carved Buddhas and sublime tombs. Gyeongju is often called ‘the museum without walls’ for its historical treasures, many of which are outdoors. The rounded tumuli (burial mounds) hillocks in the centre of town are beautiful and serene pyramids – stately reminders of the dead they still honour.

New York–London eller Hongkong–Singapore? Nej, världens mest trafikerade flyglinje är kanske inte den du tror.

Koreanska smekmånadspar älskar Jeju. Även vandrare attraheras av ön som utsetts till ett av världens naturliga underverk. Vi tog båten till Koreas Hawaii.

This beautiful southwest province is one of Korea’s greenest and least developed. The heartland of Jeollanam-do (전라남도) has rolling hills, the towering Sobaek Mountains to the east and 6100km of coastline to the south and west, with more than 2000 islands offshore – less than 300 of which are inhabited. The province was largely isolated for centuries and it retains an off-the-beaten-track feel. It also has a rebel edge, and is proud of its ceramic and artistic traditions, its exiled poets and its pro-democracy martyrs.

Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도) tends to fly under the radar of most travellers, and that's unfortunate. Some of the best nature within striking distance of Seoul is here. Gorgeous Daecheon Beach is popular, especially during the Boryeong Mud Festival, while those preferring solitude can hop on a ferry to one of the nearby islands. To the north is Taeanhaean National Marine Park, dotted with more islands, beaches and 150km of trails that flit in and out of coastline.

The charms of Gangwon-do’s capital, Chuncheon (춘천, meaning 'Spring River'), dwell in its shimmering lake views, gorgeous surrounding mountains, and doses of the fiery chicken dish dakgalbi. It’s also a good base for outdoor activities, and its superb transport links with Seoul makes it a popular weekend getaway for denizens of the capital.

The 4km-wide, 240km-long buffer known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) slashes across the peninsula, separating North and South Korea. Lined on both sides by tank traps, electric fences, landmines and armies in full battle readiness, it's a sinister place where the tension is palpable. Surreally, it's also a major tourist attraction, with several observation points allowing you to peek into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK; North Korea). For history buffs and collectors of weird and unsettling experiences, a visit here is not to be missed.

South Korea’s fourth-largest city is a pleasant and progressive place with a fascinating traditional-medicine market; a historic central area packed with heritage, old churches and missionary residences; some excellent eating options; and a humming downtown that’s good fun to explore. The city is a popular place for exchange students and English teachers, and the large student population gives Daegu (대구) a young and carefree feel.

Despite its proximity to Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho (속초) is more of a fishing town than a tourist hub. The main commercial activity – and its attendant aromas – are clustered along the waterfront. For most domestic tourists the main draw is the chance to sup on fresh raw fish with the tang of salt in the air. Seafood restaurant Abai Shikdang has been particularly attractive to visitors since its vintage eatery appeared in K-drama Autumn in My Heart. The beaches get crowded on New Year’s Eve when people gather to watch the first sunrise of the year.

The centuries-old heart of Seoul revolves around these once-regal quarters of palaces. Between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, Bukchon covers several smaller areas, including Samcheong-dong, and Gahoe-dong, famous for its traditional hanok (wooden homes). West of Gyeongbokgung, Seochon is an increasingly popular area for casual wanderings between galleries, cafes and boutiques. South of Bukchon are the equally maze-like and gallery-filled streets of Insa-dong, and the newly hip hanok area of Ikseon-dong.