It’s no coincidence that Psy was named tourism ambassador of South Korea in late April. Love him or loathe him, the sunglasses-sporting rapper has become a symbol of the west’s fascination with Korean pop music, film and television. But North Americans who’ve long known names like Samsung and LG are now hungry for Korean culture beyond what makes it to the West, and many are going right to the source. South Korean tourism increased over 13 percent in 2011-2012.
In between two tourist juggernauts, Korea has long been one of Asia’s best-kept travel secrets, where cutting-edge technology rises out of a dynamic history spanning 5,000 years.
Seoul is a capital pulsing with 24-hour shopping and historic sights including Chandeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. Dining out here is also serious business, making Seoul one of the best cities to partake in some of Asia’s most delicious—and noisy—cuisine. A trek out to the Demilitarized Zone has become a rite of passage for any traveler fascinated by the political intrigues of this divided peninsula. Some visitors prefer to see the traditional way of life that lives on in folk villages throughout Korea. The country also boasts 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the eighth century Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
A visit to Korea is one packed with enough culture, history and beauty to push any thoughts of “Gangnam Style” far from mind—at least until returning to Seoul.
Asia by Goway is now offering a 30 percent discount on its 8-day Korea trip. More than just another Korea tour, this package includes visits to all of the above sights, accommodations, small-group touring with English-speaking guides, all transfers and entrance fees, numerous meals and return airfares to Seoul, flying Japan Airlines.
This offer is priced at just $2,435 from Los Angeles or $2,689 from New York, saving over $800 pp. Departures are also available from other North American cities. For more information, visit goway.com.
