Stunning nature, diverse culture and exceptional culinary experiences: There are many reasons for travelling to South Korea. Do you still have another Asian country at the top of your bucket list? No problem - a stopover in the "Land of the Morning Calm" is always worthwhile. Wondering where to stay? Seoul, the capital city, boasts some top-notch accommodations. When it comes to luxury, you can't do better than 5-star hotels in Seoul https://www.seoulhotelspage.com/en/5-stars/. These hotels personify opulence, offering breathtaking views, superior comfort, and first-rate service that ensure your stay is as pleasant as possible. And thanks to the "Stopover Korea!" event organised by the Korea Tourism Organization and Asiana Airlines, there are several opportunities to do so this summer. Browse through the wide selection of accommodations on tophotels.com and find the perfect place that fits your taste and budget. Make the most out of your visit to South Korea, a destination that promises a unique blend of traditional culture and modern vibrance. Whether you're drawn by the vitalizing K-beauty, the thrilling K-pop, the ancient palaces, or the vibrant night markets, South Korea is sure to provide an experience you’ll never forget.
For example, you can make a stopover on the paradise island of Jeju until at least 30 June 2021. South Korea's "honeymoon island" is characterised above all by its diverse nature and promises fantastic views and exciting hiking tours through forests, up mountain peaks or along the emerald green sea. So it's no wonder that, alongside South Korea's capital Seoul, it is one of the country's most popular destinations for tourists from within the country and increasingly also for holidaymakers from all over the world.
South Korea's Jeju Island: between dream beaches and volcanic craters
The volcanic island off the south coast of the country has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 and is home to numerous exciting excursion destinations and nature hotspots that are perfect for a stopover in South Korea. Beach lovers, for example, can settle down on one of the island's many fine, extensive sandy beaches and enjoy the gentle sea breeze and pleasant temperatures.
Hamdeok Seoubong beach is a particular favourite. A picturesque arched bridge made of black basalt and a long walkway adorn this enchanting spot by the sea. If you are dreaming of a delicious café with a sea view, then Woljeong-ri beach is the place for you. Here, one hip café follows the next. Two other tips are Geommeolle and Hagosudong beaches.
Jeju Island is a place characterised by contrasts. Holidaymakers often encounter rugged cliffs and impressive volcanic craters not far from the fine, idyllic sandy beaches. Tourists with an appreciation for natural wonders should definitely make a stop at the Jusangjeolli cliffs. The meticulously shaped rock formations offer a unique sight in combination with the roaring, turquoise-blue sea - and an impressive photo opportunity.
The Jusangjeolli cliffs consist of hexagonal or cubically shaped stones that were formed when lava flowed into the sea and solidified on contact with the water.
© Source: Yousef Abdulqader Abdulrahman Fatani
Another popular excursion destination is Mount Seongsan Ilchulbong. It ebbs into the sea on one side in the form of rugged cliffs and therefore offers a fantastic view of endless expanses. Those who reach the top of the mountain will also be rewarded with another highlight: there is a huge crater with a diameter of around 600 metres and a height of around 90 metres. By the way: if you have time, you should definitely watch the sunrise from this magical place.
Wanderlust in South Korea: the most beautiful routes on Jeju Island
Anyone travelling to Asia often spends many hours on a plane. During a stopover, it's often time to stretch your legs until your onward journey - or perhaps go on a real hike through South Korea's idyllic nature?
On Jeju, you are spoilt for choice: a total of 21 hiking trails lead you right across the island. Hallassan National Park in the heart of the island is probably THE hiking Mecca on Jeju. The mountain of the same name is the highest mountain in the whole of South Korea. A total of seven hiking routes run through the national park. However, the destination for many hikers is not the mountain peak, but the picturesque, clear crater lake Baengnokdam.
A hike through the beautiful landscapes of Jejudo Island, past mountains and the vast ocean, will quickly fill you with new energy
© Source: Live Studio
If you've left your hiking boots at home, you can also explore the island by bus, scooter or bike. You can even travel through the Eco Land theme park with its unique Gotjawal primeval forest in comfort on a train modelled on a historic English steam locomotive. The Gotjawal primeval forest is the only one in the world where tropical and polar plants grow.
Traces of the past: discover the history of Jeju Island
Have you ever heard of Manjanggul Cave? If not, then it's about time - because at 8,928 metres, it is the longest lava tunnel in the world. And as luck would have it, this special cave is located in the middle of the paradise island of Jeju. When visiting the cave system, tourists can walk in the footsteps of the past and dive into the island's underground.
The temperature here is 11-21°C all year round, making it a pleasant temperature to visit the majestic cave
Source: Korea Tourism Organisation
Speaking of diving: This is something that women in particular like to do on Jeju. The so-called "Jeju Haenyeo" - which literally means "sea woman" or "mermaid" - regularly dive around 10 metres into the depths to harvest seafood. And as if that wasn't challenging enough, they do it without diving equipment. The knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. Nowadays, however, only a few young women want to learn this culturally valuable profession, which is why the "Jeju Haenyeo" are mainly older women. If you meet one of them during your stopover in South Korea, ask her to tell you about her profession, which has even been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible world cultural heritage site.
The Jeju Folklore Village is about much more than diving: There are 100 traditional houses where people live according to old traditions in order to familiarise visitors with the cultural diversity of the island. A historical adventure awaits holidaymakers in Maze Land. The theme park is home to the longest stone labyrinth in the world at 5.3 kilometres.
If you want to take it a little easier, you can also simply take a leisurely stroll through one of the many museums in the island's tourist centre, for example the Teddy Bear Museum or the Tea Museum, or visit the largest aquarium in Korea.
Bucket list food for your stopover on South Korea's Jeju Island
To make the most of your stopover on the paradise island of Jeju in South Korea, there are a few things that should definitely be on your bucket list. For example, you should definitely switch on the radio in South Korea to experience the globally celebrated K-pop music genre in its home country.
A visit to a traditional market is also a must. At the Dongmun market, for example, you can browse for souvenirs and snacks for your onward flight and enjoy the colourful hustle and bustle of the market. And while you're there, why not try some of the island's culinary highlights? Try a mandarin chicken, peanut ice cream or green barley ice cream, for example.
The Sumokwon-gil night market is a new hotspot for night-time activities on Jejudo.
Source: Korea Tourism Organisation
Would you somehow prefer to do something more ordinary? Then why not use your stopover for a brewery tour through the Jeju Beer Company or try your hand at seawalking, parasailing or jet boating. In the special atmosphere of the South Korean island, even the most 'normal' things are somehow special.
Stopover in South Korea - a stopover that's worth it
Long story short: If you have to - or want to - make a stopover on your next trip to Asia or Oceania, why not plan it for South Korea and explore the country instead of just waiting at the airport for your connection?
It's that simple: When booking your flight, make sure that you have at least four hours for your stopover in South Korea. When you arrive at the airport, you can then simply choose a tour at the Asiana Airline transit desk that suits your schedule and wishes - and your very own South Korean adventure can begin.
By the way: If you want to take more time for your stopover in South Korea, you can also plan a longer stopover there when booking your flight. Sounds cool to you? Then you should be quick now - because Asiana Airlines is offering discounts of up to 30 per cent on the flight price until 30 June 2021.
Since it was founded in 1988, there is hardly a corner of the Asian continent that Asiana Airlines cannot get you to quickly, comfortably and, above all, safely. The five-star airline emphasises service and quality - and not just because they are nouns. The Korean airline connects Germany's largest airport Frankfurt with the international hub Seoul (Incheon).
The Asian airline's service does not stop at the exit of the German airport: In coordination with Deutsche Bahn, Asiana Airline has a practical Rail&Fly ticket on offer that virtually picks you up directly at your home town and takes you all the way to your dream holiday in Asia or Oceania. A total of 5,600 railway stations throughout Germany are now connected to the airline's Rail&Fly fare
In combination with the faster Deutsche Bahn connections, this means that you can be at Frankfurt Airport in just two hours from Düsseldorf, Cologne, Stuttgart and Nuremberg, for example - without any additional costs or hassle at the ticket counter at the station.