Silverbird Travel - The Far East travel Specialists

Home to ancient dynasties and now a modern day industrial powerhouse born of a determination to overcome war and strife. Largely unexplored by European tourists, its distinctive ancient architecture and artefacts alongside its adventurous food and festivals, celebrating everything from gods to ginseng, are proof that a holiday in Korea is something a little bit different.

Four distinct seasons make Korea a fascinating holiday at any time of the year. Spring and autumn are probably the best time to visit as winter temperatures drop below zero and summers can be humid and wet.

Interested in the cherry blossom? Korea has many festivities countrywide to celebrate the blooming. Good places to see it are Geongju and Yeouido

For a culinary treat try a taste of kimchi that is unique to Korea or for those interested in the martial arts, watch a display of Taekwondo, the traditional Korean form of karate. In 2010 Korea will host its first ever F1 Grand Prix. Up to 200,000 spectators are expected at the race track

South Korea has a wealth of natural spring spas to choose from - not only bringing all the usual health and wellness benefits but in addition giving an insight into the culture of the Korean people. Salt-laden and mineral or sulphur rich hot water spews from depths of hundreds of metres underground. "Jimjilbang" now ranks first in the ’10 Unique Korean Customs & Practices” according to a Korea Times article.

There are plenty of shopping bargains to be found - fashionable designer brands in the many shopping malls; antiques in Insadong market and electrical goods in Yongsan.

Fringed by the East and Yellow Seas and next door neighbour to both Japan and China make it an interesting two or multi-country tailor-made tour.

Read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's official travel advice for Korea.

Click button above to display the country map. You can then search for a hotel by clicking on the regions within the map. Alternatively click the close button to hide the map and search manually.


	Seoul Seoul, the capital city of South Korea has been the centre of culture and politics for six centuries. It has preserved many of its historical landmarks with the imposing Gyeongbokgung the oldest palace of the Joseon dynasty but at the same time has embraced modernity. In the heart of the city is Insa-dong with its tea houses, restaurants and traditional craft shops. For the shopaholic Seoul has modern malls and shopping complexes and tiny cubby-hole outlets, traditional craft shops and interesting markets. The city has an easy to use metro system but if you want to explore the capital at a gentle pace buy a Seoul City Tour Bus day ticket which allows you to get on and off any of the professional guided buses. Dont miss: Ancient palaces and markets; the 155 mile cease-fire line from the East Sea to the Yellow Sea known as the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone); the living Korean Folk Village; ride to the top of N'Seoul Tower for views of the city; visit one of the grand palaces of the Joseon era