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Be Inspired

Discover the latest offers, newest additions, and relevant travel trends below. These are our resources to inspire your next journey.

Korea Rising: Arts, Film, Cuisine, Palaces, Wellness, Islands, and more.

  • Writer: Jason Carter
    Jason Carter
  • Dec 30, 2025
  • 3 min read
Pink flower logo with a Korean flag circle in the center. Text below reads "INDOCHINA TRAVEL KOREA." Clean, modern design.
Green and red traditional pavilion by a pond, surrounded by vibrant autumn trees in shades of orange, yellow, and red under a clear sky.

Emerging Korea


Korea was the hidden gem of East Asia—a destination only mentioned in passing by seasoned travelers, but overshadowed by other places in the region. Now with plentiful luxury hotel openings, world-class dining, and the global explosion of popular culture "K-Wave" with K-pop music, K-food, Oscar-winning film and top series, K-beauty, and premier art and fashion festivals, Korea has transformed into a must-visit. We're honored to be selected for a second year as a consultant to the KTO—Korea's official government tourism organization and thrilled to share our expertise with our travelers. Read on for more about the highlights of Korea.





Performers in traditional Korean attire play drums and dance energetically outdoors. Bright costumes with red, blue, yellow accents.

The Best of Korea


For a rather small country, Korea packs a lot in: bustling cities, rural highlands blanketed in forests, and hundreds of scenic islands around its coastline. From neon-lit streets and royal palaces of Seoul, Gangwon's lush and mountainous national parks, remote monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage "museum without walls" Gyeongju, the colorful rolling neighborhoods of Busan, to the volcanic and coastal landscapes of Jeju Island, explore the best of Korea top to bottom. Click below to see ideas for your Korean journey.




Coastal landscape with lush green cliffs and a black sand beach. Clear blue sea and sky create a serene and natural setting.

Explore Gyeongju, Busan, Andong & Jeju Island


Discover Korea's iconic regions, from Gyeongju—the "museum without walls," seaside vistas and colorful neighborhoods of Busan, the Confucian heartland of Andong, and the stunning volcanic majesty of Jeju Island. In the ancient capital of Gyeongju, explore the legacies of Silla kings, admire the ancient timber homes of Hahoe Folk Village in Andong, while in coastal Busan, watch the neon lights of the city shimmer over the surf and stroll the busy markets and colorful, cliff-hugging alleys of villages. Finally, escape to the volcanic sanctuary of Jeju Island, where the jagged cliffs of Seongsan Ilchulbong rise from the sea and the mist-shrouded peak of Hallasan anchors a landscape of emerald craters and sapphire shores.




Monks in gray robes gather around traditional jars, preparing food outdoors at a temple with lush greenery and tiled roofs in the background.

The Splendors of Gangwon


Gangwon is known as the "adventure province" where the rugged majesty of the Taebaek Mountains meets the serenity of the East Sea. At the heart lies Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where jagged granite peaks tower into the sky and deep within these remote mountains are situated tranquil Buddhist monasteries and ancient stone pagodas amidst centuries-old fir forests. As the mountains descend toward the coast, the landscape transforms into a tranquil shoreline dotted with pristine beaches, where the rhythmic crashing of waves against the rocky cliffs provides a meditative backdrop to panoramic ocean views. From mist-shrouded summits to the crystal-clear emerald waters of the coastline, Gangwon offers a haven for those seeking nature and peaceful experiences.




A woman in a yellow floral kimono performs a tea ceremony, using a ladle to pour water. The serene scene is set in a softly blurred setting.

Korea & Japan


The proximity and shared history make Japan and Korea a perfect match. Now is the time to witness Seoul’s busy neon-lit streets, rustic ancient villages, and remote mountain monasteries—a stark contrast of the future rushing in on a deep-rooted heritage as it has already in much of Japan. With our planning, combine Seoul and secondary destinations in Korea with Japan on a seamless journey taking in the best of both countries.




Artist drawing intricate black-and-white artwork on a large canvas. Focused expression, glasses perched on head. Framed sketches in background.

Asia New Art Capital: Seoul


South Korea's art scene is now one the world's most robust, driven by the "Hallyu Wave" of K-pop music, K-drama film and shows, with Seoul emerging as a major Asian art hub featuring innovative contemporary art and digital media art, and vibrant indie design, supported by government initiatives and a shift towards small, creative studios blending tradition with tech and global trends. Explore these facets with studio visits, artist encounters, and annual art events such as Seoul Art Week, the 2022 event which firmly cemented Seoul's reputation as the center of one of the world's most interesting and vibrant art scenes.




A person in a detailed feathered headdress looks surprised. The headdress is colorful with beads and feathers. Lush greenery in the background.

Korea Film Golden Age


Korean cinema has entered a golden age, with films like "Parasite," "The Handmaiden," and "Minari" winning international acclaim. The industry's success is driven by exceptional storytelling, innovative directors, and a unique blend of genres. From psychological thrillers to historical epics, Korean films showcase the country's rich culture and creative talent. Visit filming locations and discover the stories, themes, and traditions behind Korea's cinematic achievements during your trip.




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