East Asia
Ancient palaces, neon nights, and the world's best street food.
South Korea is where a 600-year-old palace sits in the shadow of glass towers, where Buddhist temples share the hills with the world's fastest internet, and where the food — barbecue, stews, and a thousand tiny side dishes — is a national obsession. Riding the wave of K-pop, K-drama and Korean cool, it is dynamic, spotless and endlessly energetic, yet green mountains and quiet tea houses are never far. Seoul, the mega-city capital, is the beating heart: historic and hyper-modern at once, and one of the most exciting cities in Asia.
What things cost: South Korea is mid-range for Asia — cheaper than Japan, dearer than Southeast Asia. Street food, the subway and many palaces cost little; smart restaurants, bars and hotels add up. The convenience stores and cheap, brilliant eateries keep any budget fed well. When a zone below says 'low', that means low for Seoul.
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
For a week each April the road behind the National Assembly on Yeouido island vanishes under a tunnel of cherry blossom, and half the city comes to stroll beneath it. The headline of Seoul's spring, with food stalls and crowds; the exact dates shift with the bloom, so check before you go.
Seoul · Yeouiseo-ro, Yeouido
Korea's most spectacular festival, marking Buddha's Birthday — a vast night-time parade of glowing paper lanterns winding through central Seoul to Jogyesa temple, which is itself roofed with a canopy of thousands of coloured lanterns. Joyful, beautiful and welcoming to all; one of the great sights of the Seoul year.
Seoul · Jongno & Jogyesa Temple
A fun early-summer festival on Haeundae Beach celebrating its famous sand — huge, intricate sand sculptures, sand-play events, concerts and beachside activities kicking off the beach season. Family-friendly and free, with the added novelty of barefoot fun on the sand before the summer crowds arrive; a lively, colourful reason to be on Busan's most famous beach in late spring.
Busan · Haeundae Beach
Asia's most important film festival — ten days of premieres, stars and screenings centred on the striking Busan Cinema Center, with red carpets, outdoor showings and a festive buzz across the city, especially around Haeundae and BIFF Square. A glamorous, exciting time to visit, with public tickets available; the whole city celebrates cinema, and the autumn weather is at its best.
Busan · Busan Cinema Center & across the city
A celebration of the great Korean tradition of kimjang — communal winter kimchi-making — with thousands gathering around City Hall to salt, spice and pack cabbage together, much of it donated to those in need. A hands-on, only-in-Korea food festival you can join in with; a fun, fragrant slice of the culture.
Seoul · Seoul Plaza, City Hall
One of the largest fireworks festivals in Asia — a spectacular, choreographed pyrotechnic show launched over the sea and the Gwangan Bridge, watched by over a million people packing Gwangalli Beach and the surrounding hills. Dazzling and hugely popular; arrive very early for a spot on the sand, or watch from a bar or a boat. An unforgettable night to be in Busan.
Busan · Gwangalli Beach & Gwangan Bridge
