Deal

The bright lights of neighbouring big city Seoul might burn brightly but Incheon, just 27 kilometres away, has nothing to be ashamed of. The coastal city was the first to open its borders to the world in 1883, and as such has always enjoyed a special relationship with the west. So much so that it was granted “English Status” in 2007, with many residents priding themselves on their command of the language. The city’s love of English has made it a business powerhouse so expect soaring skyscrapers and smart technology as part of the landscape. Incheon was also the first to welcome the Chinese and today the city’s Chinatown is one of the most vibrant and welcoming there is. A frenetic and exciting hybrid of Chinese and Korean heritage, it is said that Jjajangmyeon (black soy bean noodles), South Korea’s de facto national dish originates from here. Try a steaming bowl from one of the many vendors, then walk it off with the short 15-minute stroll from Chinatown to the traditional Sinpo Market for a different kind of sensational feast. The city is steeped in history, notably in recent times during the Korean War. In 1950, the US general General MacArthur led UN forces behind enemy lines in freeing the city from North Korean pressure. MacArthur’s victory is commemorated by a statue in the Jaya (Freedom) Park. The city’s history of course goes back much further, with the first historical record dating as far back as 475 CE. At the time the city was called Michuhol, only changing its name to Incheon in 1413.

China’s showpiece city, Shanghai is staggering in its scope and scale. A city of 24 million and growing, Shanghai is a global centre of soaring skyscrapers that is bursting with modernity and energy. The past hasn’t been totally engulfed, however, and leafy colonial streets and delicate temples linger below the skyward scramble.

Wealthy and wild, Shanghai is one of China’s most welcoming cities, and you’ll find a hedonistic flair of excess and exuberance below the iconic, jagged Lujiazui skyline. Shanghai’s celebrated waterfront, The Bund, is adorned with grand European style buildings and Art Deco wonders. The glowing orb of the Pearl Tower, meanwhile, rockets above the bending Yangtze River, providing a tall exclamation mark to China’s futuristic vision. Just as the urban spread and claustrophobic towers begin to overwhelm, you can discover the tranquillity of ancient temples and gardens. Then, stumble upon the contorted twist of the Shanghai Tower, a spectacular tube of glass and steel, that dwarfs the city as the world’s second-tallest building.

Join Shanghai’s high rollers to drink in swanky bars and restaurants, or bite explosively flavourful street food, below a flood of neon lights. More earthy delights keep the city grounded – head to an open park where locals flow through tai chi routines en masse, or explore rich cultural treasures like the Jade Buddha Temple. A sensory assault, Shanghai is China at its most extreme and intense, yet perhaps most accessible and open-minded.

A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colors, intense seafood flavours, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula’s southeast. One of the biggest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea’s second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful, and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, livable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple’s multi-story pagoda is adorned with lions – each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678. The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colourful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow, and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef, and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea’s best beaches – Haeundae’s banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival – when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli Beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge – the country’s second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this “engineering marvel in colour”.

With its cosmopolitan energy, contemplative gardens, and spiritual depth, Hiroshima is a true centre of Japanese creativity. Koi carp ease through ponds while water trickles beneath ornamental bridges in the peaceful Shukkei-en garden. The reconstructed Hiroshima Castle recalls the feudal era, and shrines are resplendent as the Sakura season’s pale pink spreads. In this culinary capital, okonomiyaki — an umami-rich savoury pancake — is a must. Hiroshima is brushed with artistry too, and is renowned for its handmade Kumano brushes, crafted in the surrounding hills since the Edo period for calligraphy and traditional ink painting. The iconic floating torii gate of sacred Miyajima Island is also within reach, rising from calm waters. Cradled by the Honkawa and Motoyasu rivers, the Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum, and Genbaku Dome offer spaces to reflect on the events of 1945.

The lantern-lit hot springs of Beppu, known for its eight scorching “Hells”, is a town that’s prettier than a picture. The town is found in a particularly volcanically active part of Japan (hence the abundance of hot springs, or in Japanese, onsens). The viewing pools have evocative names; think Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell, and Tornado Hell. While the names might seem a little off-putting, the reality is stunning; sulfur laced air and vast spectrums of blues and reds, depending on the mineralisation of the earth. As if the gorgeous palette of colours at the onsen was not enough, Beppu is also world famous for its Sakura, or cherry blossom season. More than 2,000 cherry trees near the base of the ropeway to Mount Tsurumi make for one of Beppu’s most impressive hanami (flower viewing) spots. If not lucky enough to be in the area during Sakura, from May to June rhododendrons colour the mountain. The view from this 1,375-metre mountain is beyond impressive, allowing you to see all the way to the Kuju Mountains, Chugoku, and Shikoku. If brave enough to climb to the top, the stone Buddhas that were carved into the mountainside during the Heian Period (794-1185) are a worthy reward! As with much of Japan, duality is ever present. Modernity sits very comfortably beside ancient buildings. While Beppu’s biggest pull is by far the hot springs and the thermal baths, nearby. Yufuin has a wealth of art museums, cafes, and boutiques, catering to trendsetters and urbanites alike.

Kochi Castle, with its elegant black and white tiered roofs, is one of only twelve of the original castles remaining in Japan. Step inside to explore authentic feudal architecture and admire sweeping views over the city and mountains. The surrounding landscape is dotted with temples and forested hillsides, where the historic Shikoku Pilgrimage route winds. Beyond the castle, the Makino Botanical Garden guides visitors through pathways and greenhouses of diverse flora. The Shimanto River — Shikoku’s longest — draws outdoor enthusiasts with peaceful hiking trails and a serene backdrop for reflection. Facing the vast Pacific on Shikoku’s southern coast, Kochi is celebrated for its katsuo no tataki, lightly seared skipjack tuna, and thriving sake-brewing tradition.