Arriving at the South Korean island of Jeju-do, tourists could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stepped onto another country entirely. The palm trees and volcanic landscape remind visitors of being in Hawaii. The sandy beaches look as if they belong in a Mediterranean travel brochure, while the festivals and circus shows are as close to Disneyland as you’ll find in these parts. While most international travelers explore energetic Seoul, historic Gyeongju, and the seaside port of Busan, the Koreans themselves head to Jeju-do when they’re looking for a little rest and relaxation. The island delivers, with a dozen beaches and lush golfing greens. If you’d prefer a little...

It doesn’t have the global reputation of Aspen in the United States or Cerro Catedral in Argentina, but many tourists and locals flock to the ski resorts of South Korea every winter. The country’s snow season generally commences in the middle of November or early December, and lasts until March or April. A trip to the Korean snowfields is unlike any other skiing vacation. Rather than communing with nature and enjoying the wide open spaces as with many North American resorts, you’ll spend your time racing down the slopes to a throbbing K-pop soundtrack. The runs are groomed, and often packed with artificial snow and plenty of nervous yet enthusiastic Koreans. The country...

Visitors to South Korea have a number of travel options to consider before embarking on a journey to the East Asian nation. There are no restrictions for foreign travelers visiting South Korea. In fact, most tourists won’t even need a visa to enter the country. However, all visitors should consult the visa-free list to confirm how long they can stay in South Korea without visa documentation. Airlines ticket prices vary depending on the time of year you wish to visit. Flights are at their most expensive in July and August, so it’s advisable to travel in other months if possible. Cathay Pacific and Malaysian Airlines fly from major New Zealand and Australian airports, while visitor...