South Korea is a beacon of progress and modernity in Asia, second only to Japan in its enthusiasm for scientific advances and future tech. Korean expats have spread the cuisine of their homeland across the globe, but surprisingly, few travelers explore this ultramodern but deeply traditional corner of Asia. While the public image of South Korea is all skyscrapers and smartphones, for every high-tech metropolis, there’s a medieval fortress or a tranquil national park where locals come to escape the 21st-century hubbub. South Korea’s uneasy relationship with its neighbor to the North casts a periodic shadow. Still, for travelers, this is a place to experience Confucian culture without political baggage, enjoying every mealtime as a feast.
