Over the past few years, South Korea has become a powerhouse for popular culture. It’s now one of the most sought-after travel destinations among 18-35s globally, thanks in no small part to movies and TV shows such as Parasite and Squid Game, plus the rising popularity of K-pop and K-beauty.
This increased interest by travellers for South Korea as a destination has prompted Contiki, the leading social travel brand for 18-35s, to launch its first ever trip to South Korea.
“We’re delighted to be launching this trip. It does a great job of showcasing both the modern and traditional aspects of this diverse and wonderful country,” says Taryn Welsh, Operations Director, Asia at Contiki.
“Travellers will flitter from traditional Buddhist temples to the vending machines of Gangnam and back again. And with Contiki, they don’t need to worry about the language barriers, navigation, transport or anything like that. Our Trip Manager and local guide take care of all this for them, so they’re free to relax and enjoy their trip.”
The 9-day trip begins and ends in Seoul, and includes a high-speed rail journey to Busan, plus a stopover at Jeonju – the UNESCO World Heritage town known for its traditional ambience and local hospitality. In and around the capital, travellers will have the chance to visit Gangnam, made famous worldwide by Psy’s smash hit song ‘Gangnam Style’, along with Seongsu – once known as a shoe-making district and now heralded as one South Korea’s most exciting shopping districts. Among the included experiences are a trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where on a clear day you can look over the border into North Korea, a visit to the Awon Hanok Gallery and of course, plenty of authentic cuisine – including a Korean BBQ dinner on the final night.
Alongside this, travellers will have the chance to discover Busan by night on board a private yacht, to watch a baseball game and to star in their very own K-pop music video.
Flights from South Africa to South Korea average around 21 hours, and South African travellers do require a visa to visit South Korea.
March, April and May are among the best months to visit South Korea if you want to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Travelling between September and November will expose you to Autumn in South Korea where temperatures are generally pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. For outdoor
June, July and August offer the best conditions for hiking, but the weather is hot and humid away from the mountains.
