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Hina Khan Recounts Seoul-Searching in South Korea
Actor Hina Khan explores South Korea’s scenic beauty, historic palaces, cosy cafés and celebrated skincare rituals — all packed into a one-week getaway.
Imagine cruising through a country where glassy skyscrapers reflect ancient palaces, where mountain roads curve into ocean views, and where every street feels like it belongs on the set of a beloved K-drama. One only needs to take in the scenery to realises something magical — South Korea has a way of making even the busiest days feel serene.
“It was all absolutely beautiful,” says actor Hina Khan, recalling her recent one-week getaway to Seoul and Gangneung with her husband, writer and producer Rocky Jaiswal. Managing to pack in culture, food, views and moments, Khan now calls the trip unforgettable.
As someone who has explored many destinations across continents, Khan had long been fascinated by Korea’s blend of old-world charm and fast-paced energy. This year, she finally made the journey — and tells The Hollywood Reporter India that it exceeded every expectation.
Getting K-razy
“Seoul has this incredible vibe,” Khan says. “We visited so many locations where K-dramas were shot.”
The couple wandered through Gyeongbokgung Palace’s sprawling grounds, walked hand-in-hand along the storybook-like Samcheongdong-gil (K-drama fans will instantly recognise it from 2016’s Goblin), and took in the glittering cityscape from Namsan Tower, an iconic romantic backdrop seen in many Korean dramas. By the time they reached the popular Anmok Coffee Street in Gangneung, hopping from one cosy café to another, they had slipped into a slower, softer rhythm — the kind of peace that only travel can offer.
And yet, the trip’s highlight for Khan wasn’t just the sights.
“I got to indulge in some amazing skincare and beauty treatments,” she says. “Korean skincare is world-famous and experiencing it in its birthplace was so soothing. My skin felt happy and free — that was a huge highlight for me.”
Another moment she’ll always treasure came in the form of an unexpected honour: Khan was appointed the Honorary Ambassador for Korea Tourism from India by the Korea Tourism Organization. “It was such a milestone,” Khan says. “They held a proper ceremony for me. It was lovely to experience that in a different country.”
Feeling Koreative
Of course, no trip is complete without culinary adventures, and Khan remembers the meals just as vividly as the sights. From the Mediterranean-Korean fusion plates at Hummus Kitchen in Gangnam, to the calming, philosophical temple cuisine at Balwoo Gongyang in Insadong, to the mountain-vegetable delicacies at Sanchon, each meal offered a new flavour, a new story. She recalls finding comfort in familiar tastes at Agra in Seoul, and the pizzas and pastas at Green Bowl in Gangneung. “There were so many amazing spots, but these were definitely some of my favourites.”
If she could relive the entire experience, she would — the luxury hotels, the scenic drives, the warm, welcoming locals who helped them discover hidden gems, the endless beauty shopping she couldn’t resist. But as always, the traveller in her is already dreaming of what’s next.
“The Northern Lights,” she says instantly. “I want to watch them from Finland in the winter. It’s been on my bucket list forever. It would be a dream.”
For Khan, travel isn’t just a break from work — it’s a way to reset, reconnect, and rediscover herself. And South Korea, with all its charm, came to her as the kind of journey that lingers long after the suitcases are unpacked.
It was, as she puts it, “A trip I’d want to do all over again.”
Khan’s South Korea Must-do List
● Visit Namsan Tower, or the N Seoul Tower, at sunset for its unforgettable panoramic view of Seoul.
● Experience authentic Korean skincare treatments — the true essence of K-beauty.
● Spend a slow, dreamy morning café-hopping along Anmok Coffee Street in Gangneung.
● Walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace and Samcheongdong-gil to feel like you’ve stepped into a K-drama.
● Leave room in your luggage — shopping in Korea is irresistible.
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