Expo 2025: South Korea and Japan in one trip

The World Expo has always set trends, not followed them. Thanks to it, we have the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Atomium in Brussels, and the Space Needle in Seattle. In 2025, Osaka hosted the World Expo for the second time, and among the many pavilions of different countries, the Korean one, of course, stands out brightly. The Expo speaks of the future, technologies, and their connection with traditions and the present day. And Japan, along with Korea, has particularly succeeded in these matters. So why not visit both countries in one trip, especially when there's such a rare bonus as Expo 2025?

Expo 2025 in Osaka

The exhibition opened on April 13 and will run until October 13, so you still have time to visit! It is located on the artificial island of Yumeshima, and its theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The main directions are artificial intelligence, space, and sustainable development. 161 countries are participating in the exhibition, and it is projected to attract as many as 28 million tourists.

The Republic of Korea Pavilion at “Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai” consists of three exhibition halls. All of them are united by a common theme – With Hearts (literally – “with hearts”). At the entrance to the first one, visitors are asked a question, their answer is recorded, and then creatively reprocessed into content for the exhibition space. Speech in different languages of the world merges and transforms into music thanks to the use of artificial intelligence.

The second hall is dedicated to eco-friendly technologies aimed at restoring nature. Concrete artifacts and ephemeral everyday objects are displayed here as symbols of modernity.

The third part of the exhibition is titled “A Melody Shared Through the Years.” On a three-sided panoramic screen, it tells the story of a high school student who finds common ground with her grandfather across time. This is a metaphor for future Korean society, speaking of “values that do not change over many years.”

Korea and Japan are top travel destinations

It's true! Japan has simplified visa acquisition, and South Korea has an electronic entry permit. All of this has positively impacted tourism. Tickets to Seoul or to Osaka can be found within 45-55 thousand rubles, with just one layover in Beijing. The high season in both countries runs from April to October. So you'll even manage to get a tan and relax on the beaches when autumn is already in full swing back home.

What to see in Korea

Seoul

Is it worth repeating that Seoul is a dynamic metropolis, a city of contrasts, offering an incredible variety of experiences for every traveler? It impresses with its developed infrastructure, high-speed internet, and advanced technologies integrated into daily life, yet at the same time, it carefully preserves its history and culture. In autumn, Seoul is especially beautiful when the city's colors are sharply invaded by yellow-red-orange hues from maple leaves. This period even has its own name – “danpung.”

Cheonggyecheon Park

Therefore, it's best to start exploring autumn Seoul with the park. Especially since Cheonggyecheon is an amazing example of urban revitalization, where an abandoned and dreary area was transformed into a popular recreation spot and a symbol of Seoul's rebirth. The long, narrow park stretches for 11 kilometers through the city center.

A moment of history: originally, Cheonggyecheon was a river flowing through Seoul. But as the city grew, the river waters became increasingly dirty and unsightly, so in the 1950s, they were hidden away from the eyes of citizens in a concrete channel. An elevated highway was built over it, which led to a deterioration of the environmental situation in the area. And now, 50 years have passed.

In the early 2000s, Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak initiated a large-scale project to restore the river. All changes were reversed: the elevated highway was dismantled, the river was freed, and pedestrian paths were laid along its banks. The result was not just a park convenient for life, but also proof that nature can organically fit into the life of a big city.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Cultural and Entertainment Complex

Not just a “building,” but an entire architectural and cultural icon of Seoul! This futuristic complex, located in the historic Dongdaemun district, was designed by Zaha Hadid, which speaks volumes. Even standing next to it is an important item on the list of “things to do in Seoul.” Its shape has almost no right angles and resembles a spaceship that landed in the city center. The facade is covered with thousands of aluminum panels that reflect light and create a dynamic effect.

DDP regularly hosts exhibitions dedicated to design, art, fashion, and other topics. Seoul Fashion Week also takes place here. But perhaps the best part of Design Plaza is the rooftop terrace, which offers a magnificent view of the Dongdaemun area. Here you can do everything at once: buy clothes from trendy Korean designers, attend a cultural event, try tteokbokki or something else very spicy and very authentic from the local cuisine, and in the process, take a ton of great photos for social media.

Lotte World Tower

The tallest building in South Korea, overlooking Seoul from a height of 555 meters. The tower's architecture is inspired by traditional Korean art and design: its elegant form tapers smoothly towards the top, resembling a calligraphy brush.

Lotte World Tower is a multifunctional complex that includes a hotel, offices, residential apartments, a shopping mall, a cinema, and an observation deck. At the base of the tower is Lotte World Mall, and on the 117th-123rd floors is the Seoul Sky observation deck. Partially with a glass floor, which in itself is quite an attraction!

Gyeonggi-do Province

A densely populated region surrounding Seoul on all sides. Its administrative center is Suwon. Such is Korean geography. This is a true realm of triumphant civilization: for natural beauty, you'll have to travel further from Seoul. Few architectural monuments have been preserved in Gyeonggi-do, so everything here is dominated by technology. Especially Samsung technologies. However, we did find something historical.

Hwaseong Fortress

A monument of Korean history, architecture, and engineering, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fortress was built between 1794 and 1796 under the leadership of King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty. Advanced technologies and engineering solutions for that time were used in the construction of the fortress, including the use of cranes and bricks, so even then, Gyeonggi-do was destined to become a center of innovation.

Pavilions and gazebos are located on the territory, and along the walls are numerous battle towers, guard posts, and embrasures. Hwaseong Fortress is easy to reach: first by subway from Seoul to Suwon city, then by bus.

Samsung Innovation Museum

To “feel” technology, understand its principles of operation, and assess its impact on our lives – it's all here. Here you can trace the entire history of electronics development, from the very first electrical appliances to modern smartphones, televisions, and home appliances. There are very cool exhibits, like the structure of a Samsung phone: when viewed from the front, you see a finished, complete product, and from the side, it unfolds into separate layers.

Entry is through the Samsung Digital City building, admission is free, no prior booking is required. All amenities are available for visitors: audio guides, interactive screens, Wi-Fi, and a cafe.

Gangwon-do Province

If Gyeonggi-do is more about humans and their impact on the world, Gangwon-do is more about the opposite. Here, nature takes all the attention: mountains for trekking, climbing, and skiing, beaches for lazy relaxation, cliffs and waterfalls just for beauty. Thanks to its mountainous terrain and remoteness from major cities, Gangwon-do is famous for its clean air and untouched nature. After the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, the region's popularity sharply increased: skiers and snowboarders flocked here. However, in August-September, it's better to head to the coast – to Gangneung or Sokcho.

Gangneung

A charming coastal town and coffee resort. How so? Well, people come here either for the beautiful beaches or for coffee. Back in the late 80s, coffee vending machines were installed on Anmok Street. At that time, coffee was a real discovery for Koreans, and they started coming here specifically for a cup of coffee with a sea view. Then barista Park I-chu opened the first full-fledged coffee shop, and things took a new turn. Americano, espresso, and affogato gained a crowd of loyal fans. Coffee shops continued to spring up like mushrooms after rain, their own unique bean roasting appeared, and now there's even a festival in honor of the drink. And all this coexists with the beaches – Gyeongpo Beach, Jumunjin Beach, and Anmok Beach.

Gyeongpo Beach

Perhaps the most famous and beloved beach on the east coast of South Korea. It stretches for 6 kilometers, forming a long strip of soft white sand. And nearby is Gyeongpoho Lake, where you can go boating. The water in the sea is clean and clear, the shore is gentle, and a pine grove stretches along it, mixing resins and sea breeze salt in the air – a combination better than any selective fragrance! The beach has all the necessary infrastructure, including toilets, showers, changing rooms, umbrella and sun lounger rental points, as well as cafes and restaurants.

Busan

If you've decided to visit the Republic of Korea, it's worth stopping by Busan for a couple of days. Not only because of the famous train movie, but also for a seaside vacation. Although it's a port city, the beaches here are excellent. And the most popular among them is Haeundae: 1.5 kilometers long, up to 50 meters wide. Several surf schools are located along the beach, and for good reason. Haeundae is ideal for surfing, especially from June to October, when the water is warm and the waves are stable.

Beomeosa Temple

One of Busan's main attractions. This temple is located in the Geumjeongsan mountains and was founded in 678 during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty. Since then, it has been repeatedly destroyed, restored, built, rebuilt, and expanded. Currently, its “composition” includes many buildings and structures, including main halls, pavilions, and gates.

Busan X the Sky Observation Deck

One of the most popular and impressive observation decks in Busan. To see the city from above, you'll have to climb to the 98th floor of Landmark Tower. The view, of course, is magnificent: Haeundae Beach, Gwangandaegyo Bridge, mountains, and the ocean are all laid out before you. Everything looks especially impressive at sunset when the colors of the sky mix with the city lights. Admission here is paid, but there is a souvenir shop, cafes, and restaurants where you can relax and grab a bite.

What to visit in Korea

However, the main tourist routes change little from year to year and largely depend on your personal preferences. Some want to visit all the temples and museums, some only want to shop, and some travel specifically for k-pop idol concerts. Therefore, it makes sense to combine your travel dates with interesting events in the country. We've also taken the initiative here and found you the optimal travel dates for 2025.

Hwaseong Cultural Festival in Suwon

Every October, the Hwaseong Fortress hosts a large-scale and exciting festival that immerses spectators in the historical context of Korea. The main part of the program is a reenactment of the parade of the Great King of the Jeongjo Dynasty. The procession moves through the city streets, its participants dressed in national costumes, followed by an inaugural banquet. In the evening, a drone show is arranged for spectators, and stalls with traditional Korean food operate all day, so no one will go hungry or bored.

Admission: free

Dates: September 27 – October 04, 2025

Royal Culture Festival

Korea's largest cultural heritage festival, held against the backdrop of Seoul's five majestic palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung), Jongmyo Shrine, and Sajikdan Altar. It is held twice a year – in spring and autumn. The May festival was held under the slogan “Full of Bright Moments,” and we are now awaiting the theme for the autumn one. The program includes exhibitions and master classes that reflect the history and characteristics of each royal palace. An ideal opportunity to see real palaces just like in Korean dramas!

Admission: ticket price varies depending on the palace

Dates: October 8-12, 2025

Yeongdong World Traditional Music and Arts Expo

Korea is not just BTS, Stray Kids, and TXT. The country's traditional music also lives its own life, and the Yeongdong Music Expo is a chance to experience it. This year's motto is “The Scent of Traditional Music, Coloring the World.” The exhibition will be held at the Rainbow Healing tourist complex and Gugak Village in Yeongdong. Of course, Korea wouldn't be Korea if it didn't mix something modern with something classical, so visitors can expect a synthesis of traditional motifs and digital technologies, musical meditation, and healing therapy.

Admission: if purchasing tickets on-site – adults 10,000 ₩, teenagers 7,000 ₩, children 5,000 ₩. Advance booking – adults 5,000 ₩, teenagers: 4,000 ₩, children: 2,000 ₩.

Dates: September 12 – October 11, 2025

Contemporary Art at Frieze Seoul

What do you know about contemporary art? Do you still think of it as strange drawings that children could easily replicate with watercolors? Well, it's time to rethink your approach. Contemporary art challenges established norms, opens new topics for discussion, and pushes creative boundaries. And Frieze Seoul actively supports it in this. The 2025 fair will feature 120 influential art galleries from across Asia and beyond. Covering all directions – from classical painting to avant-garde digital installations and dynamic performance – the fair serves as a platform for both recognized masters and emerging talents.

Frieze Seoul will take place at the COEX shopping center, in the Gangnam-gu district, in the heart of Seoul.

Admission: from 80,000 ₩

Dates: September 3-6, 2025

Fashion and Street Style at Preview In Seoul

A theater begins with a coat rack, and fashion begins with fabrics. That's what guests go to PIS for. More than 500 participants from over 12 countries gather at the largest Korean textile exhibition. Of course, this is primarily an industry event for clothing manufacturers. But in addition to the main exhibition, PIS hosts a number of events, including international seminars and a trend forum, where the latest collections will be presented.

Admission: free, registration required

Dates: August 20-22

Geumcheon Fashion Film Festival

Do you love cinema? Do you love fashion? And films about fashion? At the Geumcheon festival, they love it very much. This is the first and only film festival in Korea dedicated to fashion. Its goal is to strengthen and highlight the uniqueness of films about the fashion industry. This year's festival has four competitive categories:

• “Fashion” – films about costumes, hairstyles, makeup, or representatives of related professions;
• “Trend” – films reflecting aspects of time from a social and cultural perspective;
• “Style” – films in a unique format from a production standpoint (filming, editing, art direction, etc.);
• “AI” – films created using AI technology, where AI participates in clothing design, styling, and video editing, or films dedicated to the fashion industry and other areas that use AI as a theme.

Admission: free

Dates: September 12-14, 2025

What to see in Osaka

Had enough of Korea? Then let's return to Japan! Tickets from Seoul to Osaka are available from many airlines – Jeju Airlines, Air Busan, Korean Air, Peach Airlines, and so on. The journey will only take one and a half to two hours. We recommend setting aside a few days to explore Osaka, because there's a lot of cool stuff here too.

Osaka Castle

One of the most famous and significant castles in Japan. It was originally built in 1583 and was intended to be a symbol of Japan's unification. But then there were episodes of destruction and reconstruction, so the modern building is already a reconstruction from 1931. The main tower (Tenshukaku) has five exterior floors and eight interior ones, and the impressive and high fortress walls are surrounded by a moat. Inside there is a museum displaying historical exhibits, artifacts, weapons, and armor.

Universal Studios Japan Theme Park

Do I need to explain anything, or is the name alone enough to entice you here? Let's just list the themed attractions: “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” “Spider-Man,” “Jurassic Park,” “Back to the Future,” “Terminator.” Both children and adults will be delighted by the Minions and Hello Kitty. The park is divided into themed zones; for example, Super Nintendo World has its own dedicated area. So you can eat a Mario burger and then try the famous butterbeer, just like in “The Three Broomsticks.” Dedicate a whole day to the park, or even better, two.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Area

A Japanese treat for shopping lovers. Here you'll find everything: luxury brand boutiques, discount centers, cosmetics stores, shoes, accessories, electronics, souvenirs, as well as traditional Japanese shops. Shinsaibashi features both well-known international brands and popular Japanese labels – from Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton to Uniqlo and Muji. In addition to shops and restaurants, Shinsaibashi also has cinemas, arcades, and karaoke bars.

National Museum of Art

This museum is located underground. Only a steel structure resembling bamboo “art sprouts,” which serves as the museum's symbol, is visible on the surface. Such an unusual architectural solution, befitting the main collection. And the works exhibited here are predominantly in the styles of pop art, minimalism, conceptualism, from Yoko Ono and Takashi Murakami to Andy Warhol.

Autumn Festivals in Japan

Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai will conclude on October 13, but reasons to linger in Japan will remain.

Fujiwara Autumn Festival

The Fujiwara clan ruled northern Japan from 794-1185, so the festival in its honor is primarily a samurai procession. Spectators can examine the finest details of armor, see Heian-era court attire, dances, and Shinto rituals. In 2025, the festival will take place from November 1 to 3.

Kawagoe Festival

It's worth heading closer to Tokyo for the Dashi float parade. If you've played Cyberpunk 2077, you know what that is, but for everyone else, let's explain: these are two-story structures that festival participants push and roll in front of them, and the platforms are topped with large dolls representing famous historical figures. It's a very spectacular sight. At Kawagoe, musical and dance “battles” of Ohayashi are added to it. The festival will take place on October 18 and 19.