Escape Shanghai: what to see and do in South Korea beyond Seoul

Photograph: Seoraksan by Alexandre Chambon via Unsplash

For one of the quickest and cheapest destinations for a last-minute vacation from the Mainland, Seoul can’t be beat. But what about life beyond the capital? From relaxed cities to stunning countryside, here's where to visit in the Korean Peninsula's friendly south side that offers something for everyone.

Seoraksan

Checked off Seoul? Once you've got your city fix, hop on an express bus headed east to the beautiful national park of Seoraksan, which is the name of the third-highest peak in South Korea housed within the reservation. There are multiple trekking routes which range from one hour to eight in length, and easy to very difficult, although the flocks of elderly Korean hikers would suggest it's all a walk in the park. There are beautiful waterfalls, Buddhist caves and impressive rock formations to explore, and clean mountain air to detox your Shanghai lungs with.

Sleeping

Photograph: courtesy Kensington Stars Hotel

The Kensington Stars Hotel is, for some reason, a British-themed hotel right next to the national park. It's got Diana tributes, Harrods teddybears, 'the world's first Beatles-inspired bistro', a floor dedicated to sports stars and – crucially – two London buses parked in the front garden. It also has epic mountain views, if that's what you're into. Rooms start at 885RMB per night.

Ulleungdo

If you've got a bit more time on your hands, skip the tourist trap of Jeju Island and head to Ulleungdo instead, a dreamy island situated off of South Korea's eastern coast. Treacherous ferries run once a day from the port towns of Gangneung, Pohang and Mukho, all taking about three hours and likely involving some serious seasickness. It's worth it when you get there though, for an idyllic and sleepy oasis of untouched natural beauty.

Busan

South Korea's southern coastal hub, and now just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul on the KTX high-speed rail, Busan is a relaxed city to round off any South Korean trip with (there are also direct flights from Shanghai if you want to head over for just a weekend).

Drinking

Club Monk (58-34 Daeyeon 3-dong; [phone]) is a legendary local jazz club in Busan's university district, which hosts groovy talent every day of the week. Sip on a G&T and tap your feet in style, before releasing your inner Sinatra at the pay-per-hour KTV joint Coin Singer (68-5 Daeyeon-dong) round the corner.

Playing

The picture-perfect Gamcheon Culture Village is a mirage of colourful dwellings that some have dubiously named 'South Korea's Machu Picchu'. We'll let you make your own minds up on that one, but it's certainly a charming, if a bit touristy, area to wander through and then head down to the beaches.

Sleeping

Photograph: courtesy Park Hyatt Busan

The Park Hyatt Busan (51 Marine City 1-ro) is an understated yet luxurious hotel in the Haeundae area of Busan that's popular with a more sophisticated crowd. Rooms start at 1,350RMB per night.

Get there Direct flights from Shanghai to Seoul start at 1,800RMB for a round trip on Ctrip.

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