Insider’s Guide to Luxury Travel in South Korea

Seoul:

A guided tour with a private guide and driver will ensure your sightseeing experience is easier and more streamlined. What to see? Start at the Namsan Seoul Tower Cable Car for breathtaking panoramic views of this vast city. Then head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's royal palaces, which comes alive with the traditional changing of the guard ceremony. See the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-shin and King Sejong the Great on the street in front of Seoul’s main palace. With a good guide, you’ll learn why these heroes are so beloved by Koreans. Finally, marvel at the architectural wonder of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a center for cutting-edge art, design, and, of course, shopping.

Korea is known for the very best skincare products, so stop at an Olive Young or one of the unique organic skincare stores like the Pyunkang Yul Flagship in Bukchon Hanok Village. Also don’t miss the Korean Spa & Scrub experience in Seoul — your skin will feel brand new!

Seoul's many neighborhoods each offer a unique flavor. In Myeongdong, trendy shops, street foods and towering K-Pop star billboards create a dazzling sensory overload as it becomes a night market after dark. Wander through charming alleys lined with traditional Korean houses in Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can rent Hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) and do a photoshoot at the lesser-known but more tranquil Changgyeonggung Palace and grounds nearby or enjoy Korea’s cafe culture.

Delve into Seoul's artistic soul by exploring Insadong's hidden alleyways brimming with art galleries, unique craft and pottery shops and cute cafes in old traditional houses. For something edgy, dive into Hongdae's youthful energy, where street performers and independent cafes share the vibrant streets. Head to Seoul Forest, a sprawling park with gardens and walking trails where you might see deer next to the trendy Seoulsup-Gil area, a haven for cute cafes and unique shops. Refuel with a cup of tea or coffee and browse for unique finds before diving back into the city's energy.

For a day trip, take the train and then either a short ferry or zipline to Nami Island, a half-moon-shaped island full of instagrammable spots. Stroll beneath ginkgo and pine trees or rent a bike to explore scenic paths while soaking in the natural beauty, cultural charm and outdoor activities, all within easy reach of Seoul.

Seoul promises an unforgettable journey through Korea's rich past, dynamic present and innovative future.

Busan:

Taking the high-speed train, you can be in Busan in 3 hours. This is the largest port city located on the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Here, you’ll want to visit and stroll the grounds at the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. You can zoom over the sea on the Haeundae Blueline Park's super cute colorful sky capsules. Explore the whimsical Gamcheon Culture Village, a historic neighborhood transformed into a living art project.

For a bit of nature, head to Yongdusan Park with its iconic Busan Tower, or lose yourself in the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market. Venture to the futuristic Songdo district, connected to Haeundae by the scenic Songdo Skywalk. This glass-bottomed walkway offers breathtaking ocean views and leads to Amnam Park. Here, you can explore the Busan Air Cruise cable car, ride across the sea to Songdo Sky Park for panoramic cityscapes or simply relax on the beach. With two or three days in Busan, you'll have plenty of time to discover both its historic and modern sides.

Jeju-do:

A short flight from Seoul or Busan will get you to Jeju-do, South Korea’s beloved island paradise. Since there is so much to see, I recommend at least two full days of touring here.

There is so much to see on Jeju-do's eastern side! Venture to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a stunning volcanic tuff cone that rises dramatically from the ocean. Here, you can witness the captivating sunrise and maybe catch the legendary "Haenyeo" women divers in action. These remarkable women, some in their 70s and 80s, free-dive for seafood to support their families, a testament to their strength and cultural significance. Learn more about their fascinating way of life at the nearby museum. Next, head to Seopjikoji, known for its dramatic coastline, lighthouse, scenic walking trails and unique architecture. Admire the Tadao Ando-designed structure, a masterpiece of modern design that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. To delve deeper into Jeju's rich heritage, don't miss the Seongeup Folk Village. Here, wander through traditional thatched-roof houses and gain insights into the island's rural way of life. Jeju's east coast promises breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion and a glimpse into the lives of Korea's extraordinary Haenyeo women.

Jeju-do's west coast is also beautiful. Hike amid cascading waterfalls at Cheonjiyeon Falls and marvel at the iconic Seonimgyo bridge before immersing yourself in colorful blooms at Camellia Hill. Learn about and purchase uniquely Jeju-do tea at the O'sulloc Tea Museum and shop for quality organic skincare at Innisfree Jeju House, surrounded by lush green fields. Stop for the most amazing tea drinks, desserts and lunch at the cafe next to Innisfree, overlooking the tea fields. Spend part of the day soaking in the sun on the pristine white sand of Hyeopjae Beach with turquoise waters and views of Biyangdo Island before doing the Handam Coastal Walk and Aewol Cafes, the ending to a perfect day exploring the west coast.

Seoul:

Gwangjang Traditional Market, a haven for traditional Korean street foods, is a must-stop for any traveler in Seoul — don’t miss the mung bean pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies in the center of the market. In Insadong, you’ll want to try traditional dumplings at the very casual Gaeseong Mandu, but don’t stop there — the traditional dumpling soup, the acorn jelly and savory Korean pancakes.

For a multi-course Korean meal traditionally presented to royalty, Yongsusan is an institution (you’ll also find one in Los Angeles). Chicken Soup with ginseng is traditionally a food as medicine in Korea, and it’s done well at Tosokchon Samgyetang, but there will likely be a long wait for a table. For elevated Korean cuisine, reserve a table at Onjium for innovative and beautifully presented modern Korean dishes. Walk down an alleyway to find Bar Cham, which offers inventive soju and mock cocktails in a Hanok, a traditional Korean house.

Busan:

Sinbalwon has been serving up steamed shrimp and fried pork dumplings since 1951 and is a must-stop in Busan’s Chinatown near Busan Station. For a special experience, reserve Mori, run by a husband-wife team, for a cozy Japanese kaiseki dining experience using local seafood and seasonal ingredients. Stop by Waveon Cafe, for coffee or tea and for stunning ocean views and architecture.

Jeju:

While touring the northeastern part of the island, make a stop at Orrrn, a minimalist modern cafe and bakery with ocean views, then stop for lunch with breathtaking views at Mint, located in a stunning building designed by architect Tadao Ando in Seopji-koji. The Spoon is an Italian Wine Bistro serving up fresh pastas and dishes using local ingredients.

Since Jeju is known for black pork, don’t miss Somos in Jeju City for black pork omakase. On the southwest side, stop at One & Only Cafe for lunch and an iced coconut latte with modern beach-house vibes and ocean views. Cafe Tangerine Attic, also known as Cafe Gyulkkot Darak and on this side of the island in Seogwipo, embodies a cozy cottage aesthetic and serves tangerine lattes, ades and teas as well as incorporating Jeju’s famous tangerines into desserts.