Country book · Asia

South Korea

Tradition, tech and a global pop culture engine

South Korea rebuilt itself from war-time ruin into a global cultural and technology powerhouse within a single lifetime. K-pop, K-drama, kimchi and Samsung phones now travel the world from a peninsula that still keeps ancient palaces and mountain temples close.

Myths

What's true, what isn't

Actually true

Internet speeds are among the fastest in the world
South Korea has had near-universal high-speed broadband and gaming PC cafés (PC bang) since the early 2000s.
Skincare culture runs deep
Korea's multi-step skincare routines and cosmetics industry are genuinely a major export and daily habit for many.
Delivery culture is extremely fast
Food delivery apps can bring a hot meal to a park bench or apartment within 20-30 minutes almost anywhere in the city.
Military service is mandatory for men
Nearly all able-bodied men serve around 18-21 months, a shared rite of passage that shapes friendships and career timing.

Commonly believed, wrong

"K-pop is the whole music scene"
Indie rock, trot, hip-hop and traditional pansori all have dedicated audiences alongside the internationally famous idol groups.
"It's basically the same as Japan or China"
Korean language, cuisine, social customs and history are distinct, and locals are quick to point out the differences.
"The DMZ area is dangerous to visit"
The Demilitarized Zone is a heavily controlled but popular tour destination, visited safely by hundreds of thousands yearly.
"Seoul is the whole country"
Busan's beaches, Jeju's volcanic landscape and Gyeongju's ancient temples offer completely different experiences from the capital.

Highlights

The best of South Korea

Jeju Island's volcanic coast

Black lava rock beaches, waterfalls and Hallasan volcano make Jeju feel like another country.

Seoul's palace-to-market walk

Gyeongbokgung Palace spills into the Bukchon hanok village and Insadong's traditional craft alleys.

Busan's beaches and markets

Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi fish market and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village.

Temple stays in the mountains

Overnight stays at working Buddhist temples like Haeinsa, with monk-led meditation and meals.

Culture

Cultural riches

K-pop and idol culture

A tightly produced global entertainment industry with fandoms as devoted and organised as any in the world.

Hanbok in daily celebration

Traditional dress is still worn for holidays, weddings and increasingly for photo walks around palaces.

Jjimjilbang bathhouse culture

Communal public bathhouses with saunas, sleeping rooms and snack counters are a weekend family tradition.

Chuseok harvest festival

A major holiday for family reunions, ancestral rites and sharing songpyeon rice cakes.

Food

What to eat

Kimchi

Fermented cabbage with chilli, garlic and fish sauce — a side dish present at nearly every meal.

Korean BBQ

Tabletop grilling of marinated pork belly or beef, wrapped in lettuce with garlic and ssamjang.

Bibimbap

A bowl of rice, vegetables, egg and gochujang chilli paste, mixed together at the table.

Tteokbokki

Chewy rice cakes simmered in a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce, a street food staple.

Bossam and jjigae

Steamed pork wraps and bubbling stews like kimchi jjigae are home-cooking comfort staples.

Music

World-famous voices

BTS

The group that made K-pop a global industry.

BLACKPINK

Stadium-scale K-pop.

PSY

"Gangnam Style".

IU

Korea's most beloved solo singer-songwriter.

G-Dragon

K-pop's style-defining artist.

History

Important people in history

King Sejong the Great

1418–1450

Created hangul, the Korean alphabet, to improve literacy among common people.

Park Chung-hee

1963–1979

Drove the rapid industrialisation that transformed South Korea into an export-led economy.

Kim Dae-jung

1998–2003

Nobel Peace Prize laureate who pursued the 'Sunshine Policy' of engagement with North Korea.

Cities