Spring is here! But even with the official first day of spring behind us, there’s still plenty of time to plan for spring travel. One of my favorite destinations for this time of year is South Korea. The cities, culture, and landscapes are all incredible and can’t be missed. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to try lots of new things! I know my last trip to South Korea was an exercise in stepping outside my comfort zone. Nevertheless, you simply have to see this beautiful country at least once. Here’s why you should visit South Korea in spring 2025, especially if you’re an over-60 traveler like me.
Explore Bustling Korean Cities
My trip to South Korea started out in the capital city of Seoul. I only had a few days in this wonderful city—nowhere near enough time to even scratch the surface! However, my group travel itinerary included popular tourist stops and hidden gems alike. On day one, I got to try on a traditional Korean dress, Hanbok, and see the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace. I highly recommend over-60 travelers visit the Hanbok shops to get your own authentic outfit for the experience. They’ve got purses and accessories, too!
Just a few days in Seoul doesn’t quite do it justice, even though I got to see a range of attractions. I was definitely glad I got to check out the cosmetic district and grab some skincare for myself. Would you believe I’m still using products I bought in South Korea over a year ago? For your South Korea trip, I recommend spending more time in this dazzling metropolis.
Take in Breathtaking Views at the DMZ
Next up was one of the most fascinating places in the world—the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ for short. Yes, we’ve seen it in the news and heard so much about it. However, nothing compares to seeing it in person. We got up bright and early to head to the notorious border between South and North Korea. Photography was prohibited everywhere except a small designated area, so you’ll have to trust me when I say it was breathtaking! In the spring, the views will be especially fantastic.
Our guided tour included a train descent into one of the underground tunnels the North had allegedly carved out to spy on and enter the South. We were also able to look through powerful binoculars into the bordering North Korean town and countryside. Sure enough, we didn’t see any cars moving. It’s still unbelievable that I’ve “seen” North Korea. You think it counts on my Road to 100 Countries total??
Deep Dive into Jeju Island Culture
Now for one of my favorite parts of the trip. Jeju Island was really a wonder, and I loved it all the more because I had just read about it in The Island of Sea Women, a novel by Lisa See. This island is home to female divers (haenyeo in Korean), who plunge ten meters under water to gather abalone, sea urchins, and other shellfish, often holding their breath for three minutes at a time. Most of these women are over 60, and many keep diving well into their 80s. For obvious reasons, this grueling profession isn’t attracting younger generations as other employment opportunities are now available due to growing tourism to this unique island. It’s now in the UNESCO National Heritage Registry! If you visit Korea this spring, don’t miss a chance to see Jeju Island—it was one of my faves in this fascinating country.
Bask in Busan’s Magnificent Sights
Besides Seoul, Busan is one of the most recognizable place names in South Korea. This magnificent city certainly has lots of hustle and bustle, but it’s also a cultural hub and the people were SO nice. I had the privilege of seeing the Gamcheon Culture Village, which was absolutely packed with young travelers and fellow Instagrammers! This village has to be one of the most colorful, photographable in Korea, and at night, the reflections off the water are awe-inspiring. Your spring photos are bound to be incredible!
In addition to views, Busan is also full of delicious food. If you’re a fan of street food, I can’t recommend Busan enough—even our tour guide stopped for a bite at her favorite stall. While I’m a meat-and-potatoes kind of girl, I still loved my walk through the Jagalchi Fish Market. It’s always enlightening to see what other cultures consider a delicacy! Fish is eaten alive in Korea and is actually considered somewhat undesirable if it’s been refrigerated for a while. I had read about eating live octopus, but just couldn’t wrap my head around it. It even took nerve to hold the plate of squirming tentacles!
Enjoy Nature in the Mountain Region
South Korea’s countryside is just as amazing in the spring as its cities. After finishing up in Busan, take a trip to Pyeongchang, a county in the mountainous northern region. This beautiful area has so much to offer, from picturesque views, thriving culture, and incredible food. While in the region, I enjoyed bibimbap for lunch. Locals loved to mention that it was Michael Jackson’s favorite Korean dish. It’s healthy with lots of veggies and quite filling.
Afterward, we continued on to the city of Andong, where my South Korea tour group and I had some really special experiences. For one, I got the chance to learn meditation techniques with a monk at a popular local temple. Then, I visited the local rice wine brewery where I got to make this popular Asian beverage. Who knows—maybe you’ll get the rice wine I made on your spring trip to South Korea!
Visit Gyeongju, Where Food and Culture Come Together
One of the final stops on my trek around South Korea was Gyeongju, the country’s ancient capital. This gorgeous city is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and absolutely marvelous Buddhist temples. While the area may not be as busy as Seoul or Busan, this destination would be perfect for a mother daughter trip during just about any season of the year.
The culinary scene in Gyeongju is not to be missed. You could spend all day sampling the dishes I found at a breakfast buffet in the city. There were simple dishes like fried rice, as well as more traditional Korean fare like kimchi, which is served at every meal. And don’t forget the all-you-can-eat seaweed!
Make Your Spring Break Spectacular
Step outside your comfort zone this spring break! If you’ve already been to Lake Como or taken a girls trip to New Orleans, mix it up this season. If this boomer traveler is still having brand-new experiences, you’ll definitely find something unlike the rest. I highly recommend South Korea for everyone—whether you’re planning solo travel or gearing up for a mother daughter getaway. Just be sure to save some Korean barbecue for me!