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Traveling to Asia can be the adventure of a lifetime.
Some places are excellent gateways for new international travelers, while others can fuel sensory overload with beautiful locations, unique cultural norms, and the flavors and aromas of savory food.
Summer is just around the corner, so there’s no better time to take advantage of your PTO by hopping aboard a long-haul flight to one of the most fascinating continents in the world.
The problem is that Asia has so many cool places to explore, so how do you choose one?
Well, according to the latest statisticsmore and more americans are visiting the incredible country of South Koreaand for the record.
Home to a fascinating culture and delicious food, Americans love to visit this vibrant Asian destination.
A trending foodie destination
At the next stop you drive through your hometown, take the time to look around. In all likelihood you will come across a Korean restaurant, but this has not always been the case.
Korean BBQ, hotpots and Bibimbap Bowls, and even Korean-style fried chicken are all the rage these days.
It’s no longer just classic Chinese takeaway or inauthentic sushi as your choice for your Asian meal.
Korean cuisine is so flavorful and hearty; Who can blame anyone for taking a foodie journey around the world?
In fact, many locals rarely cook at home in big cities. Even yours truly is really trying to master a Kimchi Bloody Mary concoction, and I don’t live anywhere near Asia.
You can’t go wrong in big cities like Seoul. Kimchi is a way of life, but if you have a barbecue or make hotpots, it is a social gathering and it becomes a more fun outing.
Whether it’s finding the latest restaurant everyone is talking about on TikTok or cruising the action-packed streets for cheap eats, South Korea is one of the best places in Asia to enjoy one of the trendiest types of cuisine from this moment.
Who knows, maybe some small soju and sake will take your visit to the next level and have you singing the latest K-Pop hits at a karaoke bar – one of the most popular social activities here.
One of the most fascinating cultures in Asia
Most travelers visiting South Korea are in Seoul, the country’s phenomenal capital, home to nearly 10 million people.
This vibrant city is an endless playground for travelers who love delicious food, historic sights and bustling markets.
While it seems like every major city in the world has some form of an “old town” or areas dedicated to the past, it’s hard to ignore what Seoul has become today: a major metropolis with the latest technology and futuristic amenities.
While there are no hotels where robot dinosaurs check you into your room like in Tokyo, the bright neon lights of Seoul, the high-speed subway system and the future plans to eliminate all the boring gray structures and go figuratively and literally green,
Tourists will find a mix of old and new, both equally fun to explore, from traditional markets, Buddhist temples to the latest gadgets and gizmos at tech shows and eSports competitions, South Korea is a magnet for everyone.
This also applies to budget travelers. A little known fact about Seoul is how much attractions are free.
These 4 museums are free to enter:
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Seoul History Museum
- War commemoration
- National Historical Museum
South Korea is getting in on the digital nomad craze
First of all, South Korea did that almost 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, benefiting all travelers, not just digital nomads.
With the relaunch of the critically acclaimed Digital Nomad Visa earlier this year, it wasn’t a success for your regular remote worker on the go.
Issuing visas for digital nomads has become a new trend with countries trying to keep up with the digital nomad craze, but it is more difficult to qualify for.
I don’t want to say it’s not attractive, but it’s a far cry from Colombia, for example.
Although more and more Americans are flooding into South Korea, not all of them are digital nomads. That said, traveling here may require you to obtain a long-term visa.
Seoul is a great place to visit, but don’t skimp on other gems where digital nomads would love to base themselves.
That is another big city full of excitement, history and even beautiful beaches Busan. Better yet, South Korea is home to an island known as “the Hawaii of South Korea.”
Jeju Island is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, scenic mountains and lush forests, perfect for an exotic escape away from the hustle and bustle of Busan and Seoul.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
