Let yourself be seduced by South Korea, a fascinating country in the Far East that, despite having roots dating back to the dawn of humanity, is currently one of the most advanced and cutting-edge nations on the planet.
A clear example is Seoul, its magnificent capital, where the modernity and tradition of South Korea can be appreciated in many of its corners. Thanks to its efficient subway, tourists can move around the city with great ease and visit, among other attractions, the tsunami-shaped City Hall, with the Deoksugung Palace opposite it; the marvelous palaces of the Changdeokgung complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Qyeongbokgung Palace, with 600 years of history behind it; and the Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-meter-high building. The Myeongdong neighborhood (which means shining tunnel) constitutes the largest commercial and residential area in South Korea, while Bukchon Hanok Village is the traditional historic neighborhood dotted with small houses. A must-see is the War Memorial, a museum that reviews the conflicts experienced in the region throughout history, such as the various Chinese and Japanese invasions and the Korean War of the last century.
Busan is Korea's second most modern city. It is home to the United Nations Memorial, with a cemetery where people of diverse origins are buried. In the Doosan Haeundae complex, you can admire its skyscrapers, over 300 meters high, and its marina. Don't miss the country's largest fish market, next to Nampo Port, or Yongdusan Park, home to a huge 120-meter pagoda.
After seeing the highlights of South Korea, you'll make the leap to Japan.
The third-biggest city in Japan, Osaka is one of the most attractive destinations in the Land of the Rising Sun. Not surprisingly, one of its monuments is the most visited tourist attraction in the whole of Japan, both by local tourists and foreigners. We're talking about the majestic Osaka Castle, an emblem of power since the late fifteenth century. What's more, you'll get to enjoy the siren song of Japanese technology, with state-of-the-art projects such as the 173-metre Umeda Sky Building, which simulates a floating city and boasts a great observation deck; the spectacular Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest in the world; and numerous theme parks, such as Universal Studios Japan or Expoland, which are attracting more and more visitors each year. And make sure you head to the Dotonbori neighbourhood, in the heart of Osaka, to experience the city's crazy nightlife and famous karaoke bars.
Capital of Japan between the eighth and nineteenth centuries, Kyoto proudly hosts an exceptional and diverse legacy in the fields of arts, culture, religion and thinking. Each step will take you to a new architectural treasure in the form of a castle, palace, temple, sanctuary or garden. Among all this architectural wealth, highlights include the sumptuous Nijo Castle, residence of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu; the 1,001 gilded wooden statues of the Sanjusangendo Temple; the temples of Kiyomizu, Ryoanji, Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion); and the Katsura Imperial Villa, one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture. Don't miss the Gion neighbourhood, the ideal place to discover 'Kabuki' theatre, traditional arts such as floral arranging, and the 'Maiko', whose ornate appearance is the stereotype of the geisha for Westerners.
Modern, eccentric, unparalleled, extravagant, attractive, crazy, fun, solemn, traditional... Words struggle to define a city like Tokyo, a vibrant global metropolis with thirteen million inhabitants. Despite spearheading technological innovations and urban modernity, it retains a perpetual traditional soul that makes it a potpourri of contrasts. Highlights awaiting you include the Akihabara neighbourhood, a true geek's paradise; the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, where up to a thousand people can coincide at the same time; or the area known as Golden Gai, a maze of winding streets and narrow two-storey wooden buildings full of cute bars, each with its own eccentric character. And this is just the tip of the iceberg of the endless attractions offered by the unforgettable capital of Japan.
