Travel News: News Scraps

Hikers will soon be able to explore the infamous demilitarized zone that divides North and South Korea. This month, the South Korean government approved plans to construct three walking trails within the “DMZ” buffer, which is 2.5 miles wide, 160 miles long and has divided the two nations since 1953. The first is scheduled to open at the end of Continue Reading . . .

From food to football, fashion to pop music, South Korea’s creative exports are making their mark. The ears of millions of young music fans have been captured by its polished pop, foodies have been tantalised by its gastronomic delights, and the country’s artists and actors are also part of a creative wave, known as hallyu, that is establishing South Korea as a major cultural Continue Reading . . .

They made history last year when they became the first Korean pop band to enter the top 40 UK singles chart with their song Idol. Well now the boy band BTS have done it again, this time becoming the first act from that country to go to number one in the British album charts. Described as a K-pop sensation, BTS Continue Reading . . .

South Korea is set to open a series of new hiking trails inside the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), the 4km-wide, 240km-long zone which has separated it from North Korea since 1953. . . .

Something about South Korea feels just right. It ticks so many boxes for travellers who want to experience Asian culture but not be intimidated by it. Often overshadowed by its noisy, northern neighbour, it’s now deservedly becoming a must-see holiday destination. . . .

We are in a deeper, quieter, more thoughtful Seoul here. A succession of delicate dishes arrive in bowls and on plates that themselves look as if they belong in a glass display case. This is serious cuisine accompanied by seriously modern jazz. You suspect Psy and his pneumatic Gangnam dancers wouldn’t feel overly comfortable here. . . .

After a flight to Seoul, a 2.5-hour train ride east to Pohang Port and 3.5-hour ferry journey across the East Sea, you’ll finally arrive in Ulleungdo. Flung off the eastern coast of South Korea, this 2.5-million-year-old volcanic island is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Korea – and, yes, it’s well worth the journey. . . .

Vogue contributing editor Tania Fares is a multi-tasking maven: an art patron, philanthropist and British fashion champion, based between London, LA, Paris and Beirut, she’s never not on the road. Here, she rounds up her favourite things to do when in Seoul. . . .

For those really wanting to plan ahead, book this year for Great Rail Journeys’ first foray into South Korea in 2020. Using the whizz-bang Seoul to Busan high-speed train as its backbone and developed using French TGV technology, the route whisks passengers from kimchi-making classes in the capital to fish markets on the Sea of Japan. The nine-day itinerary includes Continue Reading . . .

South Korea, historically known as Goryeo, has a long and eventful history dating back over 4,000 years, with palaces, temples, archaeological ruins, markets and prisons bringing this history to life. The spectre of history is ever-present throughout the country and it makes for an unforgettable journey of discovery. . . .