Flavours of South Korea

Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, perhaps venturing out around late afternoon for a stroll on the plaza surrounding Seoul Tower.

Begin exploration of the capital with its dazzling mix of tradition and trend. Dive into Gwangjang Market for mung-bean pancakes and handmade noodles, then roam Myeongdong’s street stalls, tasting tteokbokki, hotteok and skewered fish cakes.

Kimchi (pictured) is the national dish of South Korea, so we recommend trying it while you're out there! Bibimbap (a warm rice dish) is also a local favourite.

The coffee culture in South Korea is palpable as you walk down high streets. With a growing number of boutique cafés and large coffee chains in major cities, coffee consumption is on the rise, especially with the younger generation. There are plenty of options to choose from, see how the taste compares to home.

Travel to Suwon this morning and sample its famed fried chicken before continuing to Andong for its celebrated jjimdak (soy-braised chicken, pictured). Explore Hahoe Folk Village, where recipes echo centuries of culinary tradition.

Stay in the atmospheric Hanok Village, birthplace of bibimbap. Enjoy guided tastings of makgeolli, Korea’s rice wine, paired with pancakes and side dishes.

Spend some time to wander the city. Street food culture thrives here too — expect dumplings, skewered meats and hand-pulled noodles.

Journey into lush Boseong tea country. Hike or stroll through emerald-green plantations, sip delicate green teas, and join a hands-on tea-making workshop. Stay overnight in a rustic guesthouse overlooking the fields.

Pause at Suncheon Bay, then continue to Tongyeong, famed for oysters and seafood. Explore lively harbourside markets filled with seaweed snacks, dried fish and spicy stews.

At Jagalchi Fish Market, taste seafood straight off the boat. Browse Gukje Market for hearty comfort dishes and wander Gwangalli Beach, where night-time vendors serve fried squid and fish cakes. End the day at Spa Land or with a coffee overlooking the sea.

Cycle between volcanic-soil coffee plantations, sampling single-origin brews. Enjoy one last seafood feast by the ocean before your departure to Seoul and connect with onward back to the UK.