Destination Profile
It's 6,000 miles from North Island to the Korean Peninsula, which means cheap flights to South Korea from New Zealand will typically take in the region of 12 hours when going direct. Seoul – the bucket-list capital of the country – is the most likely place to arrive. It's a throbbing mass of a metropolis, home to Joseon-era palaces and neon-lit districts where beating bars pulse to Gangnam tunes. However, it's not the only choice. You could also opt to jet into the salty fish bazaars and sandy bays of Busan on the Sea of Japan. Or, there are indirect connections that go to off-beat Jeju, where you'll discover rugged cliffs, lava craters, caves, and waters teeming with marine life.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is where Seoul looks to the past. The onetime home of the Joseon Dynasty, it's a grand mass of dragon-wreathed court rooms and serene pavilions.
Jeju is a far cry from Seoul. Here, neon-lit streets are swapped with lava landscapes, volcano peaks, and golden beaches.
The UNESCO reserve of Seoraksan National Park includes wonders like jagged Dinosaur Ridge and sweeping forests of yew and fir.
Korean Air fly non-stop to South Korea from New Zealand.
Qatar Airways is the best airline to fly to South Korea from New Zealand. Korean Air is the best if you want non-stop flights. The best low-cost airline is Jetstar.