If you’re an adventurer who wants a little bit of everything on your vacation, like beautiful beaches, incredible cuisine, city life, and cultural experiences, then Korea is a destination worth having on your radar.
No two trips to Korea are the same, thanks to the distinct vibes and identities that accompany each of its four seasons. And now, with more direct flights from Vancouver to Korea, it’s never been easier to experience the best of this magnificent country, no matter the time of year.
Will you lounge on the beautiful beaches in summertime, or traipse through the foliage come fall? Whatever the season, we have you covered.
Spring into Korean spring
Spring in Korea is lush with country blossoms and flower festivals against the backdrop of vibrant landscapes blooming back to life. Wild greens, strawberries, clams, and other seasonal ingredients shine in the culinary scene, where specialty restaurants delight guests with a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes.
Buddha’s birthday is honoured in the fourth lunar month, which is typically April or May, in a lantern celebration called Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival). Visitors from all walks of life come to enjoy the festivals and parades held across the country. Lighting a lotus lantern is definitely a bucket-list item.
And, just like in Canada, baseball season is back and open for business! One of Korea’s favourite pastimes is cheering for their favourite team in the ballpark. Between the cheer songs, customizable jerseys, and stadium Chimaek (chicken and beer) you don’t have to be a sports lover to have a good time.
Summer lovin’
When the summer months roll around, Korea becomes a beach destination like no other. Because Korea is a peninsula, you can escape to the coast for turquoise waters and sea salt breezes. Two must-visit spots are Busan, a port city with an unforgettable beachy vibe, and Jeju, a southern island off the bottom of Korea known for its mix of natural beauty and specialty shops.
Korea also has no shortage of water and amusement parks, featuring rides, street foods, and cultural attractions. Take the plunge on thrilling rides, and then enjoy a different sort of plunge by chilling out in the wave pool.
And, if you watch K-dramas, you’ve probably seen Hangang Park. The iconic landmark has a way of showing up in countless shows and is the perfect summer spot for picnics, water activities, and watching the sunset.
Fall features
Korea is 70 per cent mountains, which means the autumn views are absolutely incredible. Seoraksan National Park is the perfect spot to go hiking and check out the Buddhist temples tucked away in the mountainside, and end your day amongst waterfalls, hot springs, and mineral water on the south end of the park.
Each spring and fall, Korea’s national palaces open up for visitors after dark. Embark on a special tour with exclusive access to take in the stunning night scape lights, and traditional architecture. Plus, if you dress up in Hanbok, admission is free!
And finally, festivals like the Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival, the Andong Mask Dance Festival, and K-Link Festival are just a few of the cultural, modern, and musical events happening in the fall months.
Winter wonderland
Nothing is quite as romantic as wintertime in Korea. Premium ski facilities and terrific snow powder make the ski resorts in Korea the perfect destinations for all skill levels. Many resorts even offer nighttime skiing beneath the moonlight.
If something on the warmer side is more your vibe, jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) is unlike anything else in the world. Sweat out your toxins in a charcoal or salt room before dunking in a hot tub, and end with a Korean body scrub for the softest, cleanest skin imaginable.
And finally, there’s no better time to embark on a little shopping spree in Korea than right before Christmas. Take advantage of end-of-year sales and stock up on your favourite Korean skincare products as stores pull out all of the stops to create a winter wonderland.
With more direct flights now available from Vancouver to Seoul, getting to Korea has never been simpler. Whether you’re visiting family or going on vacation, you can go on your schedule for your convenience. Check out the new flight routes through Korean Air, Air Canada, and T’way Air, visit the Korea Tourism Organization online and on Instagram, and start planning your getaway today.
Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
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