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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.

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.

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.

Time difference

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

Blossoms in South Korea. Image Credit: Getty

A temple in South Korea. Image Credit: Getty

A stadium is lit up at night in South Korea. Image Credit: Getty

Meet our Asia specialists

Linley Pearce

House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square

I have travelled to many countries & experienced many forms of travel - plane, train, river boat, coach, helicopter, longtail boat ....... I love to travel to old cities as I love buildings & architecture, food, wine, people watching & taking photos.

Travel constantly challenges me, I especially love interesting flight itineraries. I have over 35 yrs experience in this complex and dynamic industry, I can use my knowledge to work with you to create your journey no matter the destination.

Linley

Monique McKechie

House of Travel Nelson

Hello there! You may be asking, "Why choose me?" Truth be told, I've never been one to wax lyrical about myself. But ask me about travel—my real passion—and I could chat with you for hours, sharing experiences and hearing about yours!

I'm tremendously honored to have been part of the travel scene for 15 fabulous years. This isn't just work for me; it's a love affair that defies reason. The joy of facilitating someone's journey is unparalleled. Travel is the key to personal growth, offering insights that enhance our souls and let us cherish the beauty of our world.

I pride myself on my unwavering dedication to delivering exactly what you're seeking. I live for those moments when clients find the joy and ease in travel, and I’m dedicated to ensuring you get the holiday you’ve been dreaming of.

If you’re on the lookout for a travel consultant who truly cares and stands by you throughout—and beyond—your journey, look no further. I'll make sure that every detail aligns perfectly with your desires, from selecting the ideal ship or tour to finding the right accommodation. Reach out, and let's brainstorm your next adventure together.

Monique

Anna O'Dell-Smith

House of Travel Ferrymead

Having travelled extensively I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the rich culture of any country I am fortunate enough to visit. Travel is my passion and I love helping clients create an unforgettable experience that is uniquely their own.

I genuinely believe that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. I enjoy being part of each and every journey. No day is the same in the life of a travel consultant and I relish the challenge that this represents. I am flattered by the number of clients who have come back to me time and time again.

Having travelled to nearly 50 countries, my bucket list is still never ending. I have backpacked my way through the world in my youth as well as enjoying five star luxury in more recent times. I have definitely felt richer from each and every experience. Travel is a way of life, I love what I do and that passion and enthusiasm always translates into the work I put into my clients plans.

Anna

Robyn Oretsky

House of Travel Wellington City

For me, travel has been more than just a series of destinations, it has been a transformative journey that has sculpted my character and contributed to my personal evolution. My travel experiences are not merely about ticking off destinations from a bucket list, but about immersing myself in the heart and soul of each place I’ve visited visit.

My early travels began with frequent road trips around my home country of Canada and the USA, and I am fortunate enough to have now been to six of the seven continents. Exploring the world through various modes of transportation has been a thrilling adventure for me, from cruise ships, to trains, to rickshaws, and I have an appreciation for the experiences that local transport offers. I am comfortable with sleeping in a hammock in the rainforest, an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific, and everything in between.

My experiences have taught me to adapt to different situations and understand diverse perspectives, and my background in customer service and sales has equipped me with valuable skills that I believe make me well-suited for various client needs. I believe this makes me well-suited to meet your needs as a client. Whether it's finding solutions to problems or anticipating your preferences, I strive to provide an exceptional service tailored to you. My aim is to not just meet but exceed your expectations by drawing on my varied background.

My enthusiasm for travel is infectious, and it is my goal to inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the beauty of our planet.

Robyn