Beyond •

The Dynasty of Design

OVER THE PAST two decades South Korea – once a relatively neglected corner of Northeast Asia – has blossomed into an alluring destination, with a recordbreaking 18.5 million visitors arriving in 2025 alone. Many are attracted to the country’s hyperkinetic vibes and ultra-modern splendours as seen and heard in its pop music, TV dramas and films. But some come seeking a quieter, older and perhaps more elegant version of the country, as found in a hanok stay.
The Telegraph •

South Korea is the fastest-growing tourism destination on the planet, but it comes at a cost

Polly Faber had never intended to visit the Land of Morning Calm. “I had some interest in holidaying in Japan one day,” she told The Telegraph, “but none in South Korea.” However, while trying to occupy her mind during the first lockdown of the Covid pandemic, she came across the Korean drama Crash Landing on You – and was soon hooked. Over the next six months, she watched at least 30 more K-dramas – “over 500 hours of telly,” by her own admission – some of them several times through.
The Telegraph •

The secrets of the world’s ‘best’ airline – and how BA measures up

The consumer website AirlineRatings.com recently released its 2025 ranking of the World’s Best Airlines and, to the surprise of some, Korean Air was crowned king. This comes after several years of dominance by Qatar Airlines, a brand widely recognised for its top-notch business- and first-class cabins. Korean Air – while internationally respected – is often seen as more of a well-oiled workhouse than a high-end brand.AirlineRatings.com, however, uses a wide range of criteria to balance out the s...
The Telegraph •

Why now is the time to discover South Korea’s charming second city

Where Koreans are concerned, the dynamic seaside city of Busan has long been South Korea’s best-kept secret. Now, however, the rest of the world is starting to catch on.Home to 3.4 million people, this pint-sized port city is famous for its wealth of beaches, making it one of the nation’s top summer getaways – though there’s plenty to it beyond sand and surf. It’s also a kinetic, 21st-century Asian metropolis home to ancient mountains, buzzing street markets, labyrinthian hillside neighbourhoods...
National Geographic •

Take a journey to Busan's sacred temples to uncover South Korea's spiritual side

A spring breeze blows in from the sea, carrying the scent of kelp and the faint taste of salt. The gentle wind passes through my hair and rustles the pines, which stand over the rocks and deep blue water like evergreen sentinels. A wispy cloud drifts across the sky, temporarily obscuring the sun before its rays pour down once again, warming my face. I almost forget I’m sitting within the city limits of Busan, a modern metropolis that’s home to nearly 3.5 million people. And though there's much t...
koreatimes •

Busan film fest brings cinema magic, star power to Korea's 'second city'

Last Friday saw the wrapping up of the 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), that electric time of the year when Korea’s oft-neglected second city is temporarily transformed into the most glamorous spot on the peninsula. This year’s fest was a resounding success, drawing industry folks, aficionados, media and festival organizers from across Asia and beyond for 10 days of movies, events, boozy soirees and enough schmoozing to power all of Los Angeles for a good month.
Wanderlust •

Art and architecture in Roppongi area, Tokyo: 5 must-see buildings - Wanderlust

When it comes to urban design, Tokyo is a treasure trove, though the sheer number of amazing structures can be overwhelming, making it difficult for architecture fans to know where to start. With this in mind, the upscale and artsy Roppongi neighbourhood is a good place to focus your exploration, as it possesses an incredible mix of both ancient and modern sites. Here are five must-see buildings in the area.
Travel + Leisure •

This Massive Lake in Mongolia Has Caribbean-like Blue Waters — and It's an Outdoor Lover's Dream

With rugged hills, pristine rivers, and impossibly vast spaces, Mongolia is gaining ground as a destination with travelers thirsty for adventure. This large, landlocked Asian nation offers natural splendor in massive doses. And though getting there may take some effort, the payoff is well worth it. Simply put, Mongolia is an outdoor lover’s dream — and Lake Khovsgol National Park is the perfect place to soak it all in. Situated in the country’s far north and surrounded by mountains, rocky shor...
The Telegraph •

The 50 best beaches in the world

The question of what constitutes the world’s best beaches will always prompt a subjective answer. There are beaches for pure indolence, where you want nothing more than to snooze under a blue sky. There are beaches for play, where families set up sun-tents and sandcastles are constructed. There are beaches for fun, where bars line the promenade and a party is never far away. There are beaches where you will not meet another soul.
National Geographic •

A neighbourhood guide to Busan

South Korea's southeastern city of Busan is a lively modern metropolis, home to the country's largest port. This once rough-and-tumble maritime hub has developed into a bustling centre for commerce, culture and technology — pockets of the old port town, however, remain thriving neighbourhoods where the past rubs shoulders with the bright, shiny and new. From colourful hillside villages to bustling beachside strips, each of Busan’s local districts offers its own unique flavour and a window into what makes the city tick. Combine this with fresh seafood and an emerging restaurant and bar scene, and it’s no wonder people are starting to take notice of Busan. Here are four of the city’s most exciting districts .
The Telegraph •

A beginner's guide to South Korea

Sticking out into the western Pacific like a rocky appendage, South Korea is one of the most rugged countries on earth, with 70 per cent of its landmass made up of mountains. Once seen as a sleepy backwater, South Korea has finally stepped into the spotlight, with an industrial, technical and pop-cultural output that boggles the mind. Just the size of Portugal, this densely packed nation of 50 million punches well above its weight when it comes to making things, especially the films, TV dramas a
CNN •

Why now is the time to visit Busan, South Korea’s ‘second city’

Editor’s Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the destination it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. Known for its fiery cuisine, cutting-edge technology and hefty pop-cultural output, South Korea is currently enjoying its moment in the spotlight. While the capital, Seoul, gets the lion’s share of attention, the country’s second city, Busan,
koreatimes •

Busan International Short Film Festival returns for 41st year

While the city of Busan is famous for its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, iconic bridge and savory pork soup, it has also carved out a rightful spot on the map of global cinema. The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is the largest of its kind in Asia, delivering a big dose of glitz, glamour and high art to South Korea’s second city every year in early October. However, despite the fact that BIFF is the town’s cultural marquee event, it’s not even the city’s oldest film festival: That honor
National Geographic •

South Korea: What’s cooking

Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and home to several wide, sandy beaches, Busan has long been where South Koreans come to unwind. But the country’s second city is now coming into its own as a culinary destination, with its boat-fresh seafood and timehonoured recipes beginning to attract international attention. Its place on the world culinary map will be established in February, when the city is set to be included in the Michelin Guide — the only South Korean destination other than the capital to be featured.
KOREA PRO •

South Korea’s Jamboree debacle: Implications for the country’s 2030 Expo bid

Allegations of financial malfeasance and lack of preparations for the event could sway BIE voters away from Korea South Korea recently hosted the World Scout Jamboree in North Jeolla Province, aiming to showcase its capacity to manage grand international events. However, the jamboree faced numerous challenges. Extreme heat and humidity affected hundreds of scouts. Issues arose from inadequate infrastructure and sanitation concerns. A typhoon’s arrival didn’t help matters, nor did the site itsel
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