South Korea

We had just 48 hours in Seoul, just enough time to see the capital of South Korea before flying south to the island of Jeju, South Korea?s playground. While planning our time in South Korea, I readthat there was not much to see and do in Seoul. One day is sufficient and two days are more than enough.

Tim and I have been intrigued by the alleyway of restaurants near our hotel. The fish place that we smell before we see it has always caught our interest as we walked by, but tonight neither of us felt motivated enough to pick around the bones. We walked down the alleyway and picked the first restaurant that was filled with people. Those are usually the best.

We heard great things about Jeju so we devoted most of our time in South Korea here. For us, Jeju Island became a “been there done that” sort of place. None of us were all that impressed with the things to do and see here…maybe we are just hard to please now but more likely this was just not our kind of place.

South Korea’s capital city is transformed every decade by its citizens’ energy and love of the new. Forever morphing into the future, the gung-ho vitality and bulldozer chutzpah may push you off the pavement occasionally, but the energy of 10 million Seoulites is infectious and amazing.

With easy to access dormant volcanoes, hearty seaside fare and a panoply of hiking trails that redefine contemporary notions of exploration, Jeju Island has much to offer the modern day adventurer seeking challenge, delight and cause to reflect.

Jeonju is one of South Korea's top destinations, though it remains under the radar for international travellers. The largest city in the country's southwest, Jeonju has a vibrant historic district and a fantastic food scene: 'eat once in Jeonju and you'll be spoiled for life', Koreans say.