Along with dramatic granite peaks and breathtaking scenery, there are more than 1300 species of plants at Bukhansan National Park, on the northern outskirts of Seoul. There’s more than just native foliage underfoot at the park; keep your eyes peeled for remains of ancient temples and historic relics as you meander through the imposing mountain range. Bukhansan National Park provides trails for all abilities, but specialist equipment is recommended for hiking during the winter months. 

Once a purpose-built village to house the city’s poor in the 1920s and ’30s, this village underwent a radical transformation in 2010. Thanks to the creative minds behind the public themed art restoration project, the village is now a colourful maze of pastel homes and art houses sat amongst a sloped landscape of painted murals, sculptures and narrow, twisty streets. Set aside a few hours and allow yourself to get lost amongst the vibrant street art, artsy cafes and endless craft shops.

Kick off your culinary adventure at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and busiest markets. Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cake) or the mayak kimbap (a seaweed rice roll synonymous with the century-old market) are as traditional as they are hearty and delicious and all prepared in a lively atmosphere that’s somewhere between hospitality and showmanship. Keen to try something new? The Dongdaemun Night Market serves a post-shopping Korean classic: soondae (blood sausage).

Start planning your South Korean adventure today. Use 30% less Qantas Points^ when you book your stay at qantas.com/hotels. Book now.

Japan’s cherry blossoms are legendary but South Korea has its own stunner of a season (without the crowds). Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, known locally as Jinhae Gunhangje, is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the world. Held for just one week over March or April, depending on when the trees bloom, the small naval town of Jinhae is a symphony of delicate pink buds, thanks to their estimated 360,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees. Jinhae is a four-and-a-half hour scenic bus ride south of Seoul, or two-and-a-half hours from Busan.

Seoul is home to no less than five stately and intricately-decorated palaces, each with their own fascinating history, rituals and features. Don’t miss the changing of the guard at Gyeonbokgung or Changdeokgung’s secret garden, or a turn in the courtyard of tree-framed Deoksugung Palace. For a hotel that’s close to the action, Stanford Hotel, Myeongdong is just a few hundred metres away from Deoksugung Palace. The palaces are free to visit on public holidays, the last Wednesday of every month and for anyone wearing a hanbok (a traditional Korean garment). 

Busan is the country’s second largest city, famed for its bustling atmosphere, stunning beaches, open-air restaurants, fresh seafood and arthouse cinema. Before you start exploring it, get a glimpse from above. At more than 100 metres tall, Busan Tower offers far reaching views of the city and is especially impressive at night, when the city’s glittering skyscrapers light up. The Lavalse Hotel, in the heart of Busan, is just a five-minute drive away from the tower, while the Arban Hotel is in Seomyeon, the city’s vibrant shopping and nightlife district. 

Then, stroll into Jagalchi Fish Market, in the city’s south, where hundreds of vendors, all preparing, cooking and selling a seemingly endless array of weird and wonderful seafood from sea squirt to eel-esque hagfish.

Start planning your South Korean adventure today. Use 30% less Qantas Points^ when you book your stay at qantas.com/hotels. Book now.

BTS might be on a mandatory hiatus for the next two years while they complete their military service, but there are plenty of other revered K-pop acts to see in South Korea. In Seoul, visitors can pop in for free to a TV pre-recording almost any day of the week to watch local acts perform live on shows such as M Countdown or The Show. For those seeking a fully-fledged concert, check out the upcoming listings at Olympic Hall, Seoul, or City Hall in Busan.

For those eager to tap into their spiritual side, you can live like a monk during a temple stay. Hwaeomsa Temple is located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain in Jirisan National Park, a popular hiking destination in the country’s south. An overnight stay here includes participation in traditional ceremonies, including a pre-dawn chanting ceremony, drumming, simple monastic meals and meditation alongside the monks that inhabit the temple. Clothing is provided, but sensible shoes are recommended.

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