Recently, South Korea has become one of the world’s premier vacation destinations. Along with other East Asia hubs, from Shanghai to Tokyo, Seoul is becoming a popular haunt for global travelers. Next to several European destinations, these locations are some of the most unique and unforgettable.

South Korea has one of the most comfortable airports in the world, which is filled with gardens, spas, and high-end shopping centers. It also has one of the highest internet speed rates, which makes it a haven for tech enthusiasts. 

Much of the country combines old and new seamlessly; architecture in South Korea is a mix of modern and ancient influences. With a strong emphasis on culture, South Korea is a melting pot of innovation and tradition. 

According to Vogue Business, South Korea is also a haven for high-end luxury. Last year, $15 trillion of luxury goods were traded to and from the country, mostly made up of leather goods and top-tier jewelry. Along with K-Pop and new beauty regimens, South Korea has positioned itself as a global trendsetter. 

Though Seoul’s the nation’s capital and is a hotspot for all things trendy and extravagant, it’s not the only option for curious jet setters. Below, we also explore Jeju Island and Daegu.

Jeju Island

Earlier this month, prestigious British brand Burberry installed a mirror sculpture on the Jeju, titled Imagined Landscapes. The piece is the latest pop-up style store for the fashion brand. Its purpose is to highlight Jeju’s volcanic setting and breath-taking natural splendor, along with its emphasis on technology, design, and fashion.

Aside from natural beauty and design, one major attraction in Jeju is gaming. Casino offerings in Jeju are similar to the traditional fare offered in Manila and Macau, in the Philippines and China, respectively. Unlike Western gaming capitals like Vegas and Atlantic City, games like sic bo and baccarat are most popular among visitors.

However, like in Macau, entertainment centers in Jeju are luxurious. They aren’t just casinos, but five-star hotel projects from brands like Grand Hyatt and Utop Ubless. Visitors can relax in rooftop pools and jacuzzis while enjoying volcanic views… all with a casino and spa located on the floors below.

Daegu

Daegu is one of the largest cities in South Korea, located in the southeast near Busan. Daegu is rich in ancient history, which makes it popular for cultural locations like Seonbosa Temple. However, Daegu is primarily known for its natural beauty, like Jeju, as well as fine-dining experiences.

The Dodong Thuja Forest is a nature preserve filled with lakes, tall thuja trees, and artistic statues. It’s a favorite among domestic travelers who make the journey from across the country. Another noteworthy destination is Apsan Park, which is a series of valleys and peaks that spans miles of country.

In terms of shopping and fun activities, the city is popular for Dongseongro, which translates to the east fortress. The area is filled with small alleyways that lead to many upscale shops and fancy restaurants. It’s ideal for a gourmet tour, where fusion dishes are incredibly popular.

Seoul

Seoul is known for its cosmopolitan-like nature. In fact, its official name is the Special Metropolitan City of South Korea. It combines lavish dining, high-end shopping, and calming walks in nature.

In terms of fine dining, visitors can choose from a wide array of options including fresh seafood dishes, vegetarian noodles, and steak cuts unique to the region. Ryunique, an upscale restaurant, is known for its hybrid dishes, with 11-course meals one of its most popular experiences.

Dongdaemun Market, located just outside the city’s center, has 30,000 fashion shops and 26 shopping malls. From traditional Korean-style clothing to the latest tech gadgets, Dongdaemun center has a quality product on offer.

South of Seoul sits the Gangnam district, also known as the Beverly Hills of South Korea, which many celebrities consider a home away from home. Upscale brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel can be found there, as well as local high-end brands such as Gentle Monster, KYE, and MINJUKIM.