Seoul gets the lion's share of visitors to South Korea, but the country rewards travellers who push further. Thanks to a tight network of trains and buses — and direct flights from Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal — hopping between regions is straightforward. Here are five destinations that show a very different side of the country.
Busan is the easy first step. Korea's second-largest city curves around the coast, mixing beach life with big-city energy. Gwangalli Beach has golden sand and views of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, which lights up the skyline after dark. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple perches dramatically on the East Sea coast — go early for sunrise, and local legend says a wish might come true. Then there's the food: Jagalchi Market is the place for fresh seafood, and every October the city hosts the Busan International Film Festival, one of Asia's biggest.
Gyeongju is for history lovers. Dubbed a "museum without walls," the former Silla kingdom capital is scattered with royal tombs, pagodas and temples. Highlights include Bulguksa Temple, the Seokguram Grotto overlooking the sea, and the Gyeongju Historic Area. Nearby Yangdong Village offers a look at traditional Korean homes and heritage.
Jeonju is the foodie pick — Korea's first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. It's the birthplace of Jeonju bibimbap, and you'll also find kongnamulgukbap (bean sprout soup with rice) and hanjeongsik, a full spread of small traditional dishes. After eating, wander Jeonju Hanok Village, where more than 700 traditional houses glow under lanterns in the evening. K-drama fans can track down filming spots from Parasite and Our Beloved Summer, and the city hosts film and music festivals in spring and autumn.
Sokcho suits anyone who'd rather have mountains and markets than skyscrapers. Its big draw is Seoraksan National Park, with rugged peaks, dense forest and dramatic valleys. Back in town, Yeongnangho Lake sits between the centre and the sea, and traditional markets are great for sampling regional specialities.
Finally, Jeju — Korea's island escape, reached by air via Jeju International Airport. Volcanic craters, lava tubes and black-basalt coastline meet sandy beaches like Hamdeok and Hyeopjae. The food is distinct too: black pork, seafood and tangerines, plus the famous haenyeo, women free-divers featured in the Apple TV documentary The Last of the Sea Women. You can watch them work near Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Whether you're after beaches, ancient history, a food pilgrimage, mountain hikes or an island break, Korea's regions each deliver something Seoul can't — and getting between them is genuinely easy.
