Country Guides: South Korea

Once a pawn between bigger and stronger Asian and Western super powers, South Korea has laid its volatile past to rest and is on the up having developed from being one of Asia's poorest countrys to one of the richest. Its economic success is matched by its cultural richness and nowhere is this more evident than in Seoul. Amongst the skyscrapers and hotels, centuries-old palaces and shrines remain intact and theres a sense of history that goes back to the Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century. Added to all this is its lively social scene and breadth of shopping opportunities.

With a myriad of beaches, mountains, lakes and tropical islands within the countrys borders, life and excitement exist far beyond the capital. The cherry on top is that doable distances and good transport links make it easy to get to countrys lesser-known delights.