Korea refers to a peninsular region in East Asia, currently divided into two sovereign states: South Korea (Republic of Korea) and North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). Due to their vastly different political systems, social structures, and tourism accessibility, I will provide information for both separately.

South Korea (Republic of Korea)

Area: Approximately 100,210 km² (38,691 sq mi)

Population (2025 estimate): 51,667,029

Official Language: Korean

Currency: South Korean Won (₩) (KRW)

Religion: A diverse mix, with a significant portion of the population identifying as irreligious. Major religions include Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism) and Buddhism. Confucianism also has a strong influence on culture and social norms.

Capital: Seoul

Major Cities: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan

Attractions:

• Historical and Cultural Sites: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace (with Huwon Secret Garden), Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional Korean houses), Namsan Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO World Heritage sites).
• Modern and Urban Attractions: N Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae, Insadong.
• Natural Landscapes: Jeju Island (volcanic island with unique geological features, a UNESCO World Heritage site, often called the “Hawaii of Korea”), Seoraksan National Park (mountains, hot springs, temples), Nami Island, Upo Wetlands, Gosu Cave, Cheonjiyeon Falls, Juknokwon (bamboo forest).
• Unique Experiences: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tours, Korean Folk Village, Everland, Lotte World (theme parks).

Natural Wonders: Jeju Island (including Mount Hallasan, Jusangjeolli Cliff, Manjanggul Lava Tube), Seoraksan National Park, Nami Island, Upo Wetlands.

Architecture: South Korean architecture showcases a fascinating blend of traditional and modern styles.

• Traditional: Characterized by elegant lines, curved roofs, and the use of natural materials like wood and stone, seen in palaces, temples, and hanok (traditional houses). Examples include the intricate details of royal palaces and the serene beauty of Buddhist temples.
• Modern: Marked by innovative designs, towering skyscrapers, and cutting-edge technology. Seoul, in particular, is a hub for contemporary architecture, with iconic structures like the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the Lotte World Tower.

Roads: South Korea boasts a highly developed and efficient road infrastructure. It has an extensive network of well-maintained highways, expressways, and local roads connecting major cities and regions. While driving is generally smooth, urban areas, especially Seoul, can experience heavy traffic.

Hotels: South Korea offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxurious international hotel chains and boutique hotels to traditional guesthouses (hanok stays), budget-friendly hostels, and serviced apartments.

Restaurants: Seoul, in particular, is a culinary paradise with countless restaurants ranging from traditional Korean eateries to international fine dining. Some famous establishments in Seoul include:

• Song Jook Heon (traditional Korean royal cuisine – Hanjeongsik)
• Byeokje Galbi (Korean BBQ)
• Eulji Myun Oak (Pyongyang-style cold noodles)
• Imun Seolleongtang (ox bone soup)
• Na Jeong-sun Halmae Jjukkumi (spicy stir-fried webfoot octopus)
• Migabon (porridge and other Korean dishes)

Cuisine: Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and emphasis on fermented foods. Staple dishes include:

• Kimchi: Fermented spicy cabbage, a ubiquitous side dish.
• Bibimbap: Mixed rice with various vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.
• Bulgogi: Marinated grilled beef.
• Samgyeopsal: Grilled pork belly.
• Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes.
• Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables.
• Kimchi Jjigae: Kimchi stew.
• Sundubu Jjigae: Soft tofu stew.
• Korean BBQ: A popular dining experience where various meats are grilled at the table.

Annual Travel: In 2024, South Korea welcomed approximately 16.36 million international visitors. Pre-pandemic (2019), the number was 17.5 million. The country’s tourism industry is robust and continues to recover.

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)

Area: Approximately 120,540 km² (46,541 sq mi)

Population (2023 estimate): 26,418,204

Official Language: Korean (specifically, the North Korean standard language)

Currency: North Korean Won (₩) (KPW)

Religion: Officially, North Korea is an atheist state with religious freedom largely suppressed. Traditional religions like Cheondoism, Shamanism, Buddhism, and Christianity exist in very limited and controlled forms. Cheondoism is sometimes regarded as a “national religion” due to its historical significance.

Capital: Pyongyang

Major Cities: Pyongyang, Hamhung, Chongjin, Nampo, Sinuiju, Wonsan

Attractions (for permitted foreign tourists): Tourism to North Korea is highly restricted and managed by the state. Attractions are often monumental and propagandistic.

• Pyongyang: Juche Tower, Arch of Triumph, Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (mausoleum for Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il), Mangyongdae Children’s Palace, Pyongyang Metro, Victorious War Museum, Kim Il-sung Square, Ryugyong Hotel (exterior view).
• Other areas (limited access): Mount Myohyang, Kaesong (historical city near the DMZ).

Natural Wonders: While North Korea possesses natural beauty, information on its “natural wonders” as tourist attractions is limited due to the restricted nature of tourism. Some areas with significant natural landscapes include Mount Kumgang and Mount Baekdu.

Architecture: North Korean architecture is heavily influenced by Soviet-era brutalism and monumentalism, often reflecting Juche (self-reliance) ideology. Key characteristics include:

• Grand and Impressive Scale: Buildings are often massive and designed to evoke a sense of power and national pride.
• Symmetry and Order: A strong emphasis on symmetry and orderly layouts in city planning and individual structures.
• Propagandistic Elements: Buildings often feature murals, statues, and mosaics depicting revolutionary themes and the country’s leaders.
• Repetitive High-Rise Blocks: Many residential areas consist of utilitarian high-rise apartment buildings.
• Notable Structures: Ryugyong Hotel (Pyongyang’s iconic, albeit unfinished, skyscraper), Arch of Triumph, Juche Tower, the various grand public buildings in Pyongyang.

Roads: The road network in North Korea is generally underdeveloped and in poor condition, especially outside of major cities. Rail transport is the primary mode of transportation. There are a few multi-lane motorways connecting major cities like Pyongyang, Wonsan, Nampo, and Kaesong, but traffic is very light and primarily restricted to authorized vehicles, including military and tourist buses. Walking or cycling on motorways is prohibited.

Hotels: Hotels for foreign tourists in North Korea are state-run and typically basic, though some offer more amenities. Prominent hotels in Pyongyang include the Koryo Hotel and Yanggakdo Hotel.

Restaurants (for permitted foreign tourists): Dining for tourists is often pre-arranged and limited to state-approved restaurants. While the cuisine is Korean, the variety and experience are curated. Some known places for tourists include:

• Okryugwan (famous for Pyongyang cold noodles)
• Duck BBQ Restaurant (Pyongyang)
• Tongil Restaurant (Kaesong, known for “Pansangi” royal meals)
• Samtaesong Hamburger Restaurant (a local fast-food chain)

Cuisine: North Korean cuisine shares many similarities with South Korean cuisine but can be less diverse due to economic limitations and isolation. Key dishes include:

• Pyongyang Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon): A signature dish, especially from Pyongyang.
• Pansangi: A traditional royal meal featuring numerous small dishes in bronze bowls.
• Kimchi: A staple.
• Injo Gogi Bap: A dish developed during famine times, made with artificial meat (soybean protein).
• Petrol Clam BBQ: Clams cooked on a hotplate over burning petrol (a unique local specialty in some coastal areas).
• Ostrich BBQ: Ostrich meat and eggs are consumed due to local farms.

Annual Travel: Foreign tourism to North Korea is extremely limited and subject to strict regulations. Before the pandemic, around 5,000 Western tourists and significantly more Chinese tourists visited annually. Since the pandemic, numbers have been minimal, with a very slow and controlled reopening to a small number of international visitors, including some from Russia in mid-2025. North Korea views tourism as a source of foreign currency.