A confluence of innovation and honored traditions: South Korea 2024
The “Korean Wave” — the global popularity the country’s cultural economy has gained thanks to K-pop, K-dramas and movies — is washing across the globe faster than ever. However, the country’s entertainment culture is just one of a long list of reasons why South Korea should be on your 2024 travel list.
Four distinct seasons provide a stunning backdrop year-round. Take in the magic of Jinhae’s cotton-candy cherry blossoms in the spring or tour the historic temples of Naejangsa and Taeansa against fiery autumn landscapes.
South Korea also plays host to several festivals throughout the year. About two hours from Seoul, the coastal city of Gyeongju celebrates the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring. Travelers flock to a small mountain town in the heart of the country for the fall Muju Firefly Festival. Head to the sunny coast of Busan for summer’s Busan Sea Festival. Experience the beauty of winter in the spectacular Taebaek Mountains, where the Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival takes place. It was the backdrop for many events during the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
Related: How to get to South Korea on points and miles
The past and the future intersect everywhere you look in the capital, Seoul, where heritage sites like Jongmyo Shrine coexist with futuristic architecture, including the Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the striking Seoul City Hall with its seven-story vertical garden wall and waves of steel and glass.
The capital city is also home to five royal palaces, including Changdeokgung Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul’s main royal palace).
Visitors can see the fruits of a five-year restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Gyejodang. The pavilion, which was destroyed by the Japanese colonial government around 1910, was formerly home to the crown princes of the Joseon dynasty. It’s the first time in over 110 years the facility has been opened to the public. The main hall, several rooms, ceremonial facilities, surrounding pathways and outer wall were restored using traditional and historically accurate materials and techniques.
On the other end of the spectrum, set to open in late 2024, the Seoul Robot and AI Museum will showcase science and technology through interactive exhibits featuring artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Robots used in the museum’s construction will participate in day-to-day operations, such as leading tours and guiding visitors to various exhibits.
New spaces and exhibitions await visitors at the Busan Museum of Art, which showcases modern Korean artwork, too. Renovations begin in 2024 and will focus on high-tech features like evolving 3D projections.
Also, youth tour company Contiki has announced the first-ever Korean Wave trip to South Korea to showcase local pop culture. Set for March 2024, the tour features a K-pop dance class, behind-the-scenes visits to popular music video locations and a high-speed rail trip to Busan.
South Korea has a robust shopping scene as well, with everything from local crafts to high-end cosmetics. Gangnam Station’s underground shopping center is home to over 600 stores teeming with great deals on K-beauty items, clothes and accessories. Hit up Seoul’s Myeong-dong district for a mind-blowing selection of the most popular Korean skincare and cosmetic brands. Head to Hongdae, near Hongik University, for thrift store finds, local art and various crafts.
Carve out time to experience South Korea’s rich food culture — from sweet culinary trends like the popular croiffle (a croissant baked with a waffle maker) to traditional dishes like bulgogi (a marinated meat dish believed to date back to the Goguryeo period from the first century B.C.E.).
Savor modern interpretations of traditional dishes eaten by Korean royals at Poom Seoul. The seasonally changing menu may feature songi beoseot tang (fresh pine mushroom soup), nakji bae naengchae (chilled octopus and pear salad) and house-made kimchi. Your meal also comes with impressive views of the city, thanks to the restaurant’s spot on Namsan Mountain.
Whether tucking into bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) or devouring a steaming bowl of bibimbap piled with vegetables, barley, kimchi and usually a fried egg on top (and sometimes meat), sampling street food at Seoul’s Gwangjang Market is a must.
Also, quirky cafes, including Ddong Cafe in Seoul’s Jongno district, are in no short supply here. Ddong translates to “poop” in English (yes, you read that correctly). The cafe pays homage to it with poo-themed decor, toilet bowl mugs and dishes, and graffiti.
South Korea has an extensive collection of points-friendly properties. One of the newest, the JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, is a luxury clifftop retreat overlooking the East China Sea. It opened in 2023 and was designed by well-known architect Bill Bensley.
Related: The 26 best Marriott hotels in the world
Your World of Hyatt points, meanwhile, will come in handy at the Andaz Seoul Gangnam, where a locally inspired aesthetic takes center stage. Expect design details like bojagi, a traditional Korean cloth used to create textile art. Guests can also enjoy hot tubs, a sauna and an herb bath in the wellness center, as well as a lap pool illuminated by a 7-meter LED screen that scrolls through eye-catching images of Seoul.
In 2025, the luxury resort brand Capella Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first Korean property, Capella Yang Yang, near Songjeon Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, where travelers venture to enjoy its pristine pine forests and ultra-fresh seafood.
Travelers eager to explore South Korea’s vast lures can take advantage of the country’s increased airlift. United Airlines increased its routes between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to 12 flights weekly. In 2024, Air Premia will add flights between Seoul and Honolulu.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.