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South Korea

From Seoul nights to temple mornings – say annyeong to adventure


K culture, history and everyone’s favourite street food

Since Psy bounced onto our screens with Gangnam Style, the world’s been hooked on Korean culture. From K-dramas and K-pop to K-beauty and street eats, we’re officially obsessed. But a trip to South Korea offers all of that plus centuries of rich tradition and deep history – it’s the best of both worlds.

Wander the buzzing streets of Seoul, where high-tech towers hide hanok villages and secret teahouses. Shop everything from designer labels to quirky underground finds. Head south to Busan for sun-soaked beaches, street markets and seaside museums. Or hop on a slow train through the countryside and discover peaceful temples, UNESCO-listed villages and fields of cherry blossoms in spring.

And then there’s the food. From sizzling bulgogi and pillowy mandu dumplings to sweet-hot tteokbokki and crispy Korean fried chicken, good food – and good times – are never far away.

Chat to our South Korea travel specialists and plan your perfect K-adventure today.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to South Korea takes roughly 12 hours nonstop. It's not short but once you get your K-culture fix you'll forget all about it.

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Best time to go

The best time to visit South Korea is from March to May, when mild weather, cherry blossoms, and colourful festivals fill the Land. September to November is also pretty great.

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Time difference

South Korea is 3-4 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving here. You won't take long to adjust.

Meet our Asia specialists

Shane Robertson

Shane Robertson

House of Travel Rotorua

“I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list” has pretty much been my life motto since I was 14. I sold a motorbike I’d outgrown and used the money to book myself, as an unaccompanied minor, on a flight to Australia to visit family, and I’ve never really stopped travelling since.

In my early 20s I did the classic European OE, and what I love most is how my travel style has evolved with each stage of life. I’ve backpacked, joined coach tours, sailed on luxury cruises and stayed in five star chateaus with two Michelin star restaurants. Now, with two young children, I’m genuinely excited about the next chapter: beach resorts with brilliant kids clubs, multi generational escapes and, of course, the Disneyland years.

I’ve travelled extensively through the South Pacific, Europe and Asia, and I’ve spent 17 years in the travel industry, most of that time working in product. That behind the scenes experience means I know how to sort the genuinely great options from the glossy brochure fluff, and how to build itineraries that flow well in real life, not just on paper.

As a consultant, I am especially passionate about the South Pacific, road trips and multi generational travel. I love finding those little “in between” moments that become the stories you tell for years, like taking the slow roads instead of highways or exploring a new neighbourhood while the washing is spinning at a local laundromat. My goal is to design journeys that feel personal, well considered and fun, with a little bit of something for everyone who is coming along.

If you are looking for someone who understands how travel changes as life does, from solo adventures to family holidays and everything in between, I would love to help you plan your next chapter.

Shane

Lisa Crawford

Lisa Crawford

House of Travel Lower Hutt

My love of languages and exploring the world has naturally evolved into a career in travel. I enjoy discovering what motivates your travels and tailoring your trip to suit your own style and interests.

I have travelled extensively across Europe and lived abroad both in the UK and Paraguay. Recent travel highlights include cruising Hawaii’s Islands and experiencing the best of Washington DC.

My special interest is in cruising, from the world’s largest floating resorts to casually cruising Europe’s rivers or the more adventurous Expedition ships to the Antarctic. There is a cruise possibility for every personality and preference!

I look forward to getting to know you and helping you to get the most out of your next adventure. 

Lisa

Fiona Muir

Fiona Muir

House of Travel Whanganui

You know how some people collect handbags or shoes, well I have a love of collecting passport stamps! I developed a bit of a passion for adventure travel since working in the States at a summer camp in my early 20’s. I have travelled to over 40 countries, doing everything from eating scorpions in China, snorkelling the Silfra fissure in Iceland, to skydiving in Namibia.


Fiona


Katy Devia

Katy Devia

House of Travel Nelson

Hi, I'm Katy Devia.  My love affair with travel started young, but it truly came alive during 3.5 years of living out of a backpack across Canada, the US, Europe, and the UK. I spent my winters chasing snow—working two snowboard seasons in Whistler, Canada, and two in the French Alps. My summers were just as unforgettable, backpacking through Europe, working on luxury power boats in the South of France, and even selling surf and snowboard gear in the UK. Those years taught me resilience, flexibility, and the pure magic of stepping into the unknown. I then headed back to the United States, where I lived and worked in Berkeley, California, for a year.

Later, love took me further south. Marrying a South American man opened my eyes to the vibrant, untamed beauty of Colombia. Over the years, I've soaked up the sun in the Pacific Islands, explored the streets of Hong Kong and Singapore, visited Bali, and even adventured deep into a gold mine in Borneo.

So, why did I become a travel agent? Honestly? Because I can't stop talking about it. After 15 years away from the industry raising my kids here in Nelson, I realised that my greatest joy is still helping others find that same spark I felt on my very first big adventure. I became a consultant not just to book trips, but to help people discover their perfect version of travel, whether that's heart-pumping adventure or total relaxation. My 'why' is simple: I want your memories to be as vivid as mine.


Katy

Customer holidays snaps

Best. South Korea Holidays. Ever!

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