With China and Japan still barred to foreign travellers who don’t want to spend most of their time in quarantine, South Korea has emerged from the shadows of its better-known neighbours as an alternative for tourists from Britain, the US and elsewhere. And it has a heck of a lot going for it. Here are five reasons you should consider South Korea for your next Asian adventure.
You can go there!
Unlike other countries in the region, South Korea is now almost entirely free of Covid restrictions. Vaccinated travellers don’t need to quarantine, restaurants and other sites can be visited freely, and – aside from showing proof of a negative PCR test prior to travel and taking a second on arrival – there are no longer any barriers to access or enjoyment of your holiday.
Korean Airlines is one of several airlines serving Seoul’s Incheon Airport, with up to five direct flights a week from London airports taking approximately 11 hours.
The food is stupendous
Korean meals tend to feature a whole range of dishes – sometimes almost daunting in number – that genuinely offer something for everyone. A main dish, which might be a stew or soup of meat and noodles or a fillet of fish, will be accompanied by a host of sides, from pickled kimchi to steamed vegetables, marinated tofu, fried pancakes and much, much more.
Some of the classics to look out for are bibimbap (a selection of six vegetables, rice and beef that you stir together, adding as much or little of a red pepper sauce as you want); bulgogi (beef barbeque, featuring thin and smoky slices of meat eaten in lettuce wraps); and mandoo (dumplings made with minced beef, pork, chicken or vegetables).
They like a drink
Drinking is integral to social interaction in South Korea, but there’s…