Korea Tourism Organization

Located in Northeast Asia, the peninsula of Korea is surrounded by water on three sides and is comprised of 70% mountainous terrain. Korea enjoys a four-season climate with beautiful natural landscape across the country. Each season features a different charm. In particular, spring is a time of luscious flower fields and autumn is a time to take in gorgeous foliage across the country. The rich history – more than 5,000 years of ancient history and 500 years of pre-modern history during the Joseon Dynasty – culture, geographic diversity, K-Pop along with the K-Beauty industry and the contrast between traditional culture and modern high-tech innovations attract travellers from all over the world.

HANSIK – KOREAN CUISINE

Over the course of Korea´s history, Korean cuisine has evolved to include natural foods that are as nutritious as they are tasty. Capturing the philosophy that “food and medicine come from the same root”, Korean cuisine primarily consists of nutritious vegetable dishes. Namul, or salad, is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Meat and fish are prepared by steaming, boiling, or pan-frying rather than deep-frying so as to preserve the inherent flavours. Korea’s kimchi, now globally established as a health food, along with the great variety of fermented condiments such as gochujang (red chilli paste), ganjang (soy sauce) and doenjang (soybean paste) are not only healthy but also enhance the flavour of food.

Korean cuisine can be experienced in different styles such as:
• Korean BBQ: a fun and social food experience
• Temple Food: a vegetarian cuisine with a history of more than 1,700 years
• Royal Cuisine: an elegant and colourful culinary culture sprouted from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) court
• Jongga Foods: foods that have been passed down for hundreds of years within a single-family or clan
• Street Foods: Korea’s most folksy and casual food with a great assortment
• Michelin Star Restaurants
• Stylish Cafés

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Korea offers a rich variety of cultural experiences from temple stay to yachting, suiting every age, interest and preferences throughout the country. It is a great way to truly understand and experience traditional Korean culture and nature. With a hanbok experience, traditional and colourful Korean attire are worn whilst walking around traditional villages and palaces. And if desired, professional photo shootings are also available to capture those moments for eternity. With participation in a temple stay program one can not only get an insight of a monk’s life but also experience a spiritual journey into Korean Buddhism midst Korea’s astonishing nature. Traditional cultural performances are also important resources in getting to know the culture, therefore, a visit to the Korea House, National Theatre or National Gugak Centre is recommended. But if one would like to lend its hand on traditional crafts – like brewing liquor, making tableware or pottery – workshops with master artisans are also widely available.

WELLNESS & BEAUTY

Leave your soul to rest and relax! Wellness and Beauty are a big topic in Korea. It not only helps from recovering from fatigue but is also seen as medical treatment. Body and soul are polished from the in and outside. The best way to experience these good deeds are for example in one of many Korean Saunas called Jimjilbang (e.g. Spa 1988 Dongbini / Spa Land Centum City / CIMER at Paradise City) or in Wellness & Healing Centres (e.g. Healience Seounmaeul / Korea Forest Welfare Institute Daslim). Korean Cosmetics are also globally well known for its effects and variety of products. Luxury brands like Sulhwasoo also offer not only cosmetic products but also instore spa & facial treatments.

ACCOMMODATION

Korea offers a number of accommodation possibilities. Visitors can enjoy traditional accommodations, international hotel chains, as well as pensions and temple, stay accommodations.

• Luxurious 5-star hotels & resorts
• Traditional Hanok hotels