Beyond the glow of Seoul’s skyline and Busan’s busy waterfront lies a different kind of South Korea – quieter, slower, and steeped in the rhythms of land, history and tradition. In the heart of North Gyeongsang Province, Seongju is one such place. Known for its sacred mountains and golden melons, it offers travellers a glimpse of rural life that balances deep heritage with a growing taste for adventure.

Published 2 November 2025