South Korea and Taiwan Tours & Travel | May 2021

Korea is not a popular tourist destination for Australians. In fact, apart from its capital Seoul, there are not many European travellers on the peninsular at all. The entire country is easy to get around as it’s just 100,000 square km’s (less than half the size of Victoria). While there is much to see and do in Seoul – and about a quarter of the county’s population lives in and around the capital - you need to leave Seoul to see this wonderful country. Traditional villages, UNESCO temples and Buddha’s, large and small cities, gorgeous countryside with hills full of native trees and rice paddies on what appears to be every spare piece of flat land. The famous Jagalchi Fish Markets in Busan Hahoe Traditional Village, Seorak & Mt Gaya National Parks, the stunning Jeju Island… Korea is a photographer’s dream! The subtropical island of Taiwan is smaller than Tasmania. Yet it has the same population as our entire country at around 23 million people. Most of the island is mountainous and every available piece of flat land is used for some purpose – mainly to grow crops. The capital city Taipei is very modern and efficient. It’s home to about one-third of the total population but strangely, it doesn’t feel that crowded. While most of Han Chinese origins, most Taiwanese are fiercely independent and do not feel a connection to China. The Chinese government maintain that Taiwan is part of China and there is a constant tension between the two. Putting politics aside, if you like mountains, lakes, trying different foods, friendly people, peaceful walks in scenic forests and exploring villages and towns, then you should visit Taiwan.   

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

1. Korea’s temples, traditional villages and stunning countryside
2. The Jagalchi Fish Markets in Busan
3. Jeju Island
4. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan 
5. Taipei’s delicious dumplings – yum! 
6. Tarako Gorge, North East Taiwan