art, food & landscape in south korea
Rebecca Kitlinska
03 November 2023
Limelight Arts Travel’s Senior Operations Manager, Rebecca Kitlinska, recently travelled to South Korea to check arrangements for our tour in April 2024. She didn’t have many preconceptions, but she returned full of enthusiasm for the art and history, landscape and cuisine of this emerging cultural destination.
I'm not sure what preconceptions I had before visiting South Korea for the first time in September, but whatever they were I was very impressed by what would have to be the most unexpectedly wondrous adventure I have had in a long time!
My 'work' trip was a reconnaissance mission to scout out hotels, activities, museums, galleries and, of course, restaurants for upcoming Limelight tours. As a guest of the Korea Tourism Organization, I took in Seoul, not just the built-up, congested metropolis one might expect; Gyeongju, where I stayed in a traditional Hanok oasis; and Busan, with its cooling sea breezes and delicious seafood. I also took a side trip to Jeju Island - a definite highlight for its volcanic landscapes, peaceful island lifestyle and the fascinating culture of the Haenyeo women divers.
contemporary art & architectURE
Jeju Island is the home to Bonte Museum, designed by superstar architect, Tadao Ando. The collection is spread out over five separate halls and juxtaposes the contemporary with the traditional – the iconic Yayoi Kusama pumpkin and infinity mirror room, and works by the Korean 'father of video art', Nam June Paik, sit in beautifully serene concrete buildings alongside the halls containing traditional works and handicrafts. It's well worth the trip to Jeju!
The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul is another expert in the coexistence of the contemporary and traditional, but for contemporary architecture, and a philosophy built on supporting young Korean artists, you can't go past SongEun Art Space.
TRADITION IS NEVER FAR AWAY
South Koreans are expert in perfectly melding the future with their understanding of a centuries-old history, and one gets this feel of new and old everywhere in Korea.
World Heritage-listed Gyeonguju is the perfect location to slow down and take a breath after the frenetic pace of Seoul, and staying in a Hanok (traditional house) provides a chance to relax in the simple, communal feel of quietly shared courtyards and traditional minimalist architecture.
ACTIVE LANDSCAPES
I loved exploring South Korea's great outdoors – a precariously balanced seaside cliff temple in Busan, gentle (and not so gentle) walks through volcanic landscapes on Jeju Island, and the almost Brazilian-like Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan.
a gastronome’s delight
Oh, the food in South Korea! It's not all kimchi, bibimbap and bulgogi, although of course these are all wonderful elements of Korean cuisine.
There are delicate flavours and beautifully presented dishes that seem a shame to dismantle – although not to would also be a crime against cuisine. There are cosy Michelin-starred vegan restaurants, tea houses serving myriad flavours, traditional desserts, and superlative fine dining. The soups and stews are tasty and the variety of salads, pickles and fresh vegetables on offer is astounding. A wander through one of the many markets in Korea is the perfect opportunity to seek out all of these new flavours – a foodie's paradise!
UNIQUE CULTURES
A dive (if you'll pardon the pun!) into the lives and history of the remarkable Haenyeo women divers is a must when on Jeju Island, as is a visit to the Jeju Haenyeo Museum. These divers, some in their 80s, are an example of the resilience and hardiness of Jeju women, and their sustainable harvesting practices essential to the financial survival of the island. And of course, what visit to South Korea wouldn't be complete without a friendly reminder about the perils of transporting kimchi in your carry-on luggage?
All photographs courtesy Rebecca Kitlinska.
Rebecca Kitlinska is Limelight Arts Travel’s Senior Operations Manager, and looks after all phases of the client journey. She liaises with our group members before their departure and ensures that all on-tour arrangements run smoothly. A travel industry professional, Rebecca has over twenty years’ experience in small group travel and has worked at Wendy Wu Tours and Bill Peach Journeys. For five years, Rebecca was Head of Operations at Renaissance Tours, one of Australia’s largest cultural tour operators.
Travel to South Korea in 2024
SOUTH KOREA
& JAPAN
Dates: 28 April - 14 May 2024
Tour Leader: Dr Nick Gordon
Price: $17,500pp twinshare
Status: Limited places available
Discover contemporary art and architecture in South Korea and Japan and their deep connections to tradition, on this new 17-day tour combining our South Korea: Classic to Contemporary and Fukuoka, Naoshima and Tokyo tours.