Tourism to S. Korea stronger than expected in February

Chinese led latest on-year jump, as plans to diversify travel strategies underway Some 1.14 million tourists came to South Korea in February, a jump from both the same period last year and the month prior, indicating political tumult prompted by the country’s short-lived martial rule in December was not as off-putting as expected for travelers. The 1.14 million total in February marks a 10.5 percent rise from 1.03 million a year earlier, and settles slightly above 1.12 million recorded in Januar

April 1, 2025

Early spring meets historical highs

Sani Garden ideal for sun seekers; Jindo Tower best for dizzying cable car rides HAENAM AND JINDO, South Jeolla Province — A trip down to this province at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula can be both peaceful and thrilling, if you make the right stops. The first destination is the Sani Garden in Haenam, a county that has been upping efforts to take on new cultural relevance. Sani Garden in Haenam Since May last year, the garden has been drawing a steady stream of visitors from across the

March 22, 2025

Reservations to open for Seokjojeon nighttime tours

Tours will run from April 8-May 25 after reservations end March 25 Online reservations for nighttime tours of Seokjojeon at Deoksugung, one of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces in Seoul, will run through March 25 on Ticketlink. On March 27, the Korea Heritage Service will announce applicants to take part in the 90-hour tours, which will take place three times a day between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. from April 8 to May 25. A guide will start off the tour introducing the history of Seokjojeon, a two

March 21, 2025

Reservations for Deoksugung tours to open March 27

Tours set for April 4-19 on Fridays, Saturdays Online reservations for guide tours of Deoksugung, one of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces in Seoul, will begin on March 27, according to the Korea Heritage Service. The reservations will open on the palace website on a first come, first served basis. The 70-minute tours will take place twice daily on Fridays and Saturdays from April 4-19, with each session accepting up to 15 people. The guide tours will focus on three halls: Junghwajeon, Ham

March 21, 2025

Inspire Resort unveils spring lineup featuring diverse entertainment events

Inspire Entertainment Resort announced its exciting spring event lineup Thursday, featuring a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences at both the Inspire Arena and Discovery Park from March through May. The resort’s offerings will include concerts by popular K-pop and J-pop artists, classical music performances, sports events, stand-up comedy and music festivals. On March 22-23, renowned J-pop artist Kenshi Yonezu will perform as part of his 2025 world tour "Junk,” marking his first concert in Kor

March 15, 2025

Spring is here — so are blossoms

Five breathtaking places to surround yourself with flowers in full bloom The season of blooms has finally arrived. A kaleidoscope of spring flowers renders travel across the country ever-more tempting. Check out some of the best spots to soak in spring blooms from Seoul to Jeju Island. Plum blossoms in Gwangyang The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival runs through Sunday at Maehwa Village in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province. The 10-day annual celebration of plum blossoms, in its 24th year, is one of Korea

March 15, 2025

Hotels add 'beauty' to spring promotions

As spring approaches, several hotels nationwide are unveiling exclusive collaborations with beauty brands, offering guests a range of seasonal promotions designed to enhance their stay. These include luxury beauty gifts and special cocktails inspired by the brands. The Westin Josun Seoul has launched its spring package, "Spring Escape," which runs through June 30. Guests who book this package will receive a one-night stay in a deluxe room and a 500 milliliter bottle of "Luna" body lotion from th

March 14, 2025

Reservations open for guided tours of Nakseonjae

Online reservations for guided tours of the Nakseonjae complex at Changdeokgung, one of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces in Seoul, will run through Sunday, according to the Korea Heritage Service. The agency will notify successful applicants on Monday for the tours taking place twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. from March 21-27. A guide will explain the history and significance of the Nakseonjae complex, which comprises the king’s study of Nakseonjae and two halls, Seokbokheon and Suga

March 14, 2025

Reservations to open for nighttime royal palace tours

Online reservations for nighttime tours of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, two of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces in Seoul, will run through March 19 and 23, respectively, according to the Korea Heritage Service. The agency will randomly choose applicants to take part in the two tours, announcing those selected March 20 for the Gyeongbokgung Moonlight Night Tour, and March 25 for Changdeokgung Moonlight Night Tour applicants. Gyeongbokgung reservations are open now but Changdeokgung res

March 13, 2025

Jeju most popular domestic destination during spring flower bloom: trip platform

Entertainment trips gain traction For the second consecutive year, Jeju Island is the most sought-after domestic destination for the spring flower season, from March 25 to April 30, according to data from global travel platform Trip.com on Wednesday. This year, the two main cities of Jeju Island swapped places, with Jeju City in the north of island taking the top spot, followed by Seogwipo in the south. Seoul and Busan also remained popular choices, at third and fourth, respectively. A standout

March 12, 2025

Korail to operate train for temple tour

A one-day temple tour by train will be available March 22, organized jointly by the Korail Tourism Development and the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism. The train will depart from Seoul Station and make stops at Yeongdeungpo, Suwon and Cheonan stations before visiting 10 temples, including Magoksa in Gongju, Banyasa in Yeongdong and Naesosa in Buan. The participants can choose the temple they wish to visit. At each temple, visitors will participate in various programs, including having tea, Bud

March 11, 2025

Largest pet-friendly hike to take place in May

High1 Resort expects about 10,000 participants and 2,000 dogs to attend High1 Resort, owned by Kangwon Land Inc., will host "Daengdaeng Trekking 2025," South Korea's largest pet-friendly hiking event, in May. The event, now in its fifth year, will take place along the Untangodo Trail, a scenic route that has been transformed into a popular tourism destination after the closure of local coal mines. The event will be held over two weekends — May 17-18 and May 24-25. Participants can enjoy trekking

March 9, 2025

Airbnb hosts discuss empowering women

Women who hosted guests on home-sharing platform aid speak of rewarding experiences Hosting Airbnb travelers at home is not just a financially rewarding experience for women taking time away from their careers, it’s a way to better reconnect with society, according to women who recently recounted their experiences hosting on the platform. “I had always thought I was good at my work until I quit my fashion merchandising job to look after my children. I wanted to feel alive again, so I jumped at t

March 8, 2025

Club Med eyes Asia expansion as demand for all-inclusive travel surges

With bold expansion plans and focus on family-oriented, all-inclusive experiences, Club Med is set to capitalize on Asia's growing demand for seamless vacations As demand for all-inclusive vacations surges, Club Med is setting its sights on expanding across Asia. In an interview with The Korea Herald in Seoul, Rachel Harding, CEO for East and South Asia & Pacific markets, shared insights into this growing trend and the company's future plans. "People are eager to reconnect with their families. D

March 7, 2025

Foodie tour of Namwon uncovers surprises

Meltingly tender pork paired with wine stands out in city best known for mudfish soup NAMWON, North Jeolla Province — Namwon is a foodie city. And that is increasingly palpable as trendy eateries like a gluten-free, sugar-free bakery for the health-conscious and a bar known for pairing wine with jambon, jamon and salami open up around the city. It’s worth the roughly two-hour high-speed KTX ride from Seoul to sample the food options in Namwon, because unlike in the capital, venues are much less

March 6, 2025