https://dailyhive.com/canada/travel-to-us-canadians-top-destinations-2025-skyscanner">skip U.S. travel this year, now is the perfect time to explore some of those bucket-list destinations you’ve been putting off.

One of the top destinations is South Korea — and for good reason. Korean culture is widely known for its great food, high-quality skincare, and of course, K-Culture.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for your next appetizing adventure or a die-hard K-Pop fan, here are just a few ways you can explore Korea.

Dive into Korean history and culture

Lee Bumsu/Korea Tourism Organization

With a rich history that spans centuries, Korea offers tourists an immersive cultural experience that’ll take you through its traditional royal heritage right up to the country’s modern creativity.

Get a vivid glimpse into the Joseon Dynasty through the Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul. The palace offers one of Korea’s most iconic cultural moments with the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, which happens twice daily — definitely something not to be missed.

Lee Byeonghyun/Korea Tourism Organization

Beyond Seoul, take the high-speed rail to the historical city of Gyeongju, often called the “museum without walls,” since it’s home to many cultural gems, including Bulguksa Temple. This is one of Korea’s most important cultural sites, dating all the way back to the Silla kingdom. With impressive architecture and history, this is a must-visit for travellers looking to experience Korea’s rich culture.

Other iconic attractions in Gyeongju include Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, which is especially beautiful at night, and the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, an outdoor complex of royal tombs ready to transport you through history.

Explore Korea’s world-famous food scene

Studio 4cats/Korea Tourism Organization

Korea’s food scene offers a rich taste of its culture, from traditional markets to Michelin-starred dining.

Must-visits include Gwangjang and Tongin Market in Seoul, which are known for classic Korean street food dishes you know and love, like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and bindaetteok (savoury mung-bean pancakes).

IR STUDIO/Korea Tourism Organization

If you’re looking to slow down and try more regional cuisine, the popular Chungnam and Yesan Market in Chungcheongnam Province offers a number of local specialties such as apples, shishito peppers, and Korean beef.

Are you a fan of the hit Korean TV show Culinary Class Wars? Go beyond the screen and taste what these chefs are cooking up in their kitchens by dining at one of their hit restaurants instead!

You can also taste Korean cuisine at its most elevated by checking out the recent Michelin Guide, showcasing some of the best restaurants in Seoul and Busan.

The skincare and makeup mecca

Lee Bumsu/Korea Tourism Organization

As the epicentre of beauty innovation and skincare culture, take a spa vacation to the next level by indulging in some K-Beauty treatments. First things first, Olive Young — South Korea’s leading health and beauty store chain — has become almost synonymous with K-Beauty and is an absolute must-visit.

Other spots include Amore Seongsu, located in Seoul’s trendy Seongsu district, has a host of interactive skincare experiences, product trials, and personalized beauty consultations. And we mean personal, because their staff can provide treatments and plans that are personalized to your skin.

CHICOR Gangnam Station offers hundreds of top Korean and global beauty brands — making it a one-stop shop for skincare and makeup lovers. You can also score a mani-pedi by visiting the fully stocked nail bar.

For those wanting to dive deep and learn more about the world of Korean skincare and makeup, Beauty Play is the place for you. Operated by the Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute, this spot provides a peek into the latest beauty trends, plus skincare and makeup workshops that dive deeper into various techniques and products. With two locations, you can find these stores in the lively neighbourhoods of Myeongdong and Hongdae, which are also home to countless more K-Beauty shops perfect for picking up the latest trending products.

Go beyond just skincare and make your stay in Korea a wellness getaway at a local healing and meditation retreat or spa, by reconnecting with nature, or learning more about traditional Korean medicine.

Ride the Korean Wave

IR Studio/Korea Tourism Organization

There’s a term to help describe the global popularity of South Korean culture: Hallyu. The term dates back to the late 1990s and has helped fans of Korean pop culture connect.

Obviously, K-Pop has taken the world by storm, and there are major concerts, showcases, and pop-up fan events year-round waiting to be explored. Want to get behind the mic? Try an interactive dance and vocal workshop held by professional instructors to help you seek your stardom.

The recent success of Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters has once again put the spotlight on Korean entertainment. Sites like Naksan Park and the National Museum of Korea have been drawing attention due to the film’s success.

Plus, let’s not forget K-Dramas, especially popular shows like Crash Landing on You or King the Land. These series are filmed across Korea, and fans can check out the locations on their visit.

Lee Bumsu/Korea Tourism Organization

But to get a real 360 view of Korean pop culture, no place showcases that more than HiKR Ground. The multi-floor cultural space features K-Pop experiences, art exhibits, and interactive displays designed to help spark curiosity into different aspects of Korean culture.

K-Culture is a journey through contrasting elements — where ancient traditions meet glowing neon-lit neighbourhoods. Regardless of your K-Culture wish list, there’s something incredible waiting for you in Korea.

For travellers in Calgary, you can fly non-stop from Calgary to Seoul with WestJet (YYC–ICN) and dive into everything Korea has to offer.

So cross Korea off your travel bucket list and plan your trip today! And be sure to follow @ktocanada on Instagram for all the latest updates and news about South Korea.