Article about South Korea

Hi,

Great article that really captures what makes South Korea so appealing!

South Korea: Between Hallyu and the search for authenticity, the French are falling for the destination

Yeah, now it’d be great if agencies started promoting something other than Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, and Jeju—it’s starting to feel like Japan, when there are so many hidden gems to discover in the countryside.

True, but these spots are the must-sees for a first 2- to 3-week trip and fit the request. Agencies are jumping on the Korean wave for economic reasons. Let’s hope some sites don’t end up like Kyoto, which I visited nearly 30 years ago—now it’s lost its soul with tourists in "safari" mode hunting for geishas and maikos, crowds swarming the temples 😞. DMZ tours from Seoul have been in "Disneyland" mode for a while now 😞.

How many people return to South Korea multiple times or stay 2–3 months to see the other gems? Just a tiny minority, except for a few addicts.

We should highlight other must-see spots. Gyeongju and Jeonju are overcrowded now. Bukchon has a curfew.

There are colorful villages with seafood to enjoy outside of Busan. In short, travel agencies and social media create demand too, so we need to showcase other sides of Korea: Buan, Taean, Tongyeong, Gimhae, Suncheon...

Yes, there’s so much to see on the south and east coasts, and I particularly love this area with all the different islands. And the restaurants—don’t even get me started! Like here for two people 😋😋😋. All of that, of course, while drinking somaek and without having to drive 😉.





Another perk is being able to improvise at the last minute, and with a car, you can always find nice spots to settle in.

Oh yum! That looks delicious!

Luckily, I have a Korean restaurant near my place where I’m a regular. It’s excellent, but nothing compares to this feast! 😋