I know for sure that not many of you, my dear readers, have visited Korea. It’s a land less explored by tourists than its near neighbours China and Japan, but it has so much to offer the traveller. Korean history is rich and turbulent, its food unique and its culture proud.
Lonely Planet presents a guide that is thoroughly researched and with the independent traveller in mind. It starts with an overview to help you make up your mind that you need to go. It’s a vibrant country and Seoul, the capital, has a reputation as the city that never stops. There are late-night markets, early-morning cinemas and 24-hour baths – now that’s a long bath!
The Korean countryside is peppered with charming villages, temples, rice paddies and National Parks. You might find a Korean phrase book to be an advantage. It’s less likely you’ll find an English speaker away from the larger cities but that’s part of the adventure. The whole of South Korea is small enough to fly across in an hour so you’ll never be too lost.
Read the “Don’t Leave Home Without…” section before you leave. Check your socks as you’ll need to take off your shoes to visit private homes, traditional restaurants and religious buildings. You don’t want to let yourself down by showing your toes through holes. Practise parading naked in front of strangers so that you’ll not be embarrassed when taking a communal bath.
Romantic reputation
Lonely Planet has designed 5 South Korean and 1 North Korean itinerary for you. Classic Routes takes 10 days and covers 750km. This takes you from Seoul in the North to Busan in the south with a trip to the volcanic island of Ulleungdo on the way.
Honeymoon Island is a 1 week, 300km trip around Jejudo. They will let you onto the island even if you are not on honeymoon but this resort has a romantic reputation. Go scuba diving and walk along beaches at sunset (aaahh), visit waterfalls and take in an amazing Chinese acrobat show.
Korea is a conservative country and women can sometimes find themselves in difficulties. The advice here is the same as for most destinations: dress in a modest fashion, act with dignity and wear a big hat if you have blonde hair – men might ask if you are a Russian prostitute! People are, on the whole, pleasant so don’t be put off.
Korea – Lonely Planet is a guide that will steer you away from problems but will give you sufficient advice for you to be able to plan your ideal trip and to take advantage of all that Korea has to offer. It’s not quite China and it’s not quite Japan but it’s very definitely a Korea in its own right.
Korea
Published by: Lonely Planet
Price: £15.99
ISBN 978-1-74104-558-1
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Travel guidebook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018