Love Korean food? Then you’ll most likely love Jeonju too – Koreans themselves call this charming city their culinary capital. And if filling your belly’s not enough, its central district of traditional wooden hanok buildings might just be the most attractive neighbourhood in the country.

The largest of Korea’s thousands of islands is also the country’s favourite holiday destination, and it’s not difficult to see why. Jeju Island boasts a balmy climate, juicy tangerines, beautiful beaches, Korea’s highest mountain, and a rich, indigenous culture all of its own.

Korea’s bustling second city often comes out in first place with visitors, and it should be no surprise – as well as boasting the country’s most popular beach and Asia’s biggest film festival, “Seoul by the sea” has spent the last decade cementing its reputation as the country’s hippest destination.

Known for its proud, independent streak, Gwangju has an authenticity that is all its own. In addition to being testament to Korea’s long and often bloody struggle for democracy, Gwangju is famous for its fiery cuisine, colorful street art, and as a gateway to the bucolic wonder of southwest Korea.

This once-hidden treasure is now served by the high-speed KTX train, making it easily accessible from the capital. Mokpo boasts a bounty of natural attractions and is the gateway to Dadohaehaesan National Park, a whole host of islands (about 1,700!) that stretches into the distance off the coast.

Spend a week in Seoul, and you’ll most likely come away feeling that you’ve barely scratched the surface – this hyperactive, endlessly beguiling megalopolis somehow feels uber-cool, hyper-modern, charmingly traditional and historically fascinating, all at the same time.