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Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Tatler Asia
9 senior-friendly travel destinations in Asia with inclusive design and accessible experiences
2. Kyoto, Japan Kyoto offers a slower, more contemplative pace than Tokyo, with cultural experiences that don't require extensive mobility. Public transport is reliable and prioritises accessibility, while temples like Kinkaku-ji and gardens such as Ritsurin Koen feature level paths and benches. The city also caters well to travellers who may benefit from in-room dining or private onsen experiences. Many of Kyoto's attractions are walkable, with frequent rest stops and clean public toilets. 3. Taipei, Taiwan Taipei is one of the region's most proactive cities when it comes to senior-friendly policies. Locals over 65 receive free or heavily subsidised public transport, and many museums and public spaces follow suit. Most metro stations are equipped with elevators, and tactile paving is widespread. What sets Taipei apart is its cultural sensitivity—elderly travellers are treated with warmth and patience, especially in markets, parks and religious sites. 4. Seoul, South Korea While Seoul can be hectic, the city's infrastructure is surprisingly well-adapted for senior travellers. Elevators and escalators are standard in subway stations and public buildings. Attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village have well-maintained paths, and many restaurants offer private rooms with floor seating options. The government's investment in senior welfare is visible in both healthcare accessibility and cultural programming. 5. Chiang Mai, Thailand A long-time favourite among retirees, Chiang Mai offers a peaceful, relatively flat urban centre paired with affordable private healthcare. The city's many wellness resorts are attuned to the needs of older visitors, offering treatments and services without requiring strenuous activity. As tourism evolves, local operators have introduced senior-friendly tours that avoid rushed itineraries and favour meaningful cultural engagement. 6. Penang, Malaysia George Town, the historic core of Penang, is one of the few Southeast Asian cities where senior travellers can explore on foot without constant obstruction. The area's flat terrain, colonial-era architecture and café culture make it ideal for slow travel. Local hospitals are well-regarded, with many doctors speaking English. Penang's mix of tradition and modernity appeals to travellers who want substance without stress. 7. Da Nang, Vietnam Da Nang is a beach destination with a surprising amount of age-friendly infrastructure. The city's coastal promenade is flat and accessible, and several public areas now include ramps, seating and shaded zones. Compared to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang has less traffic chaos and better air quality. It's also close to Hoi An, where walking tours are popular and generally suitable for seniors. 8. Hong Kong Despite its topography, Hong Kong has invested heavily in vertical accessibility. Most public walkways and crossings are equipped with escalators or lifts, and public transport is efficient, affordable and senior-friendly thanks to the Octopus card scheme. Elderly visitors benefit from multilingual support, especially in medical centres, museums and heritage sites. Parks and nature trails such as those at Victoria Peak have well-marked paths with ample rest areas. 9. Kagoshima, Japan Located in Japan's southern Kyushu region, Kagoshima offers a more relaxed alternative to major cities. Known for its hot springs and clean air, it attracts older travellers in search of therapeutic benefits. Ferries and sightseeing routes are well maintained, and the local culture places high value on elder care. With fewer crowds and a strong emphasis on wellness, Kagoshima is a rewarding but underrated senior-friendly destination.
South China Morning Post
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
South Korea bids farewell to Squid Game as dystopian drama concludes
Thousands of fans gathered in Seoul this weekend to celebrate the final Squid Game season, ending a global Netflix hit that's seen as a symbol of South Korea 's cultural clout. The third and final season was released on Friday, concluding the series that sees desperate people compete in deadly versions of traditional children's games for a massive cash prize. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said he had 'poured everything' into the series, which launched nearly four years ago. 'So while it's sentimental to see it end,' he said, 'there's also a sense of relief'. Performers dressed as the pink guards from 'Squid Game' take part in a parade in Seoul on Saturday celebrating the final season of the Netflix series. Photo: AFP Fans gathered near Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace on Saturday, led by marchers dressed in the bright pink uniforms worn by the show's mysterious masked guards. They were followed by others carrying oversized toys from one of the games featured in the series, along with the show's flag.
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Fans Celebrate ‘Squid Game' Finale with Seoul Parade
Thousands of fans gathered in Seoul on Saturday to celebrate the final "Squid Game" season, ending a global Netflix hit that is seen as a symbol of South Korea's cultural clout. The third and final season was released Friday, concluding the series that sees desperate people compete in deadly versions of traditional children's games for a massive cash prize. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said he had "poured everything" into the series, which launched nearly four years ago. "So while it's sentimental to see it end," he said, "there's also a sense of relief". Fans gathered near Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, led by marchers dressed in the bright pink uniforms worn by the show's mysterious masked agents. They were followed by others carrying oversize toys from one of the games featured in the series, along with the show's flag. Park Sang-gyu, a fan who stayed up all night watching the final season, said the dystopian drama was "ultimately a story about people". "As you watch, you realize it's not just about the games -- it reflects many aspects of real life." The walls of the Seoul Metropolitan Library were lit up with key scenes, including Young-hee -- the giant motion-sensing animatronic doll featured in one of its brutal games. Lee Byung-hun, who played the masked Front Man overseeing the competition, said the show had become "something of a cultural phenomenon". "One that has drawn one of the boldest lines in the history of Korean content," he said. The first two seasons of the series are among Netflix's most-watched shows, and in 2022, Hwang and the show's leading actor, Lee Jung-jae, became the first Asian men to win Emmy Awards. The final season follows its hero Gi-hun, played by Lee, as he returns to the ultra-violent games to dismantle them from within after surviving the first round. Along with filmmaker Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning 2019 thriller "Parasite" and K-pop sensation BTS, "Squid Game" is considered one of the most powerful examples of South Korea's rise as a global cultural force.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Up and Away: Here's where Bengalureans are travelling this Summer
With summer vacations in full swing, Bengalureans are ready to pack up and travel. Among Indian travellers, Thailand and Bhutan remain ever-popular, Singapore and Hong Kong are the places to be for luxury splurging, and Japan and Korea are newer on the list. According to travel influencer Nicky Parmar, young people's love for unique but 'instagrammable' experiences is leading to seeking lesser-known destinations. 'Instead of just touristy places, people are looking for experiences – local festivals, adventures – with longer stays,' she says. Sharing her experience in Vietnam she adds, 'Nihn Bihn [a river valley] is not visited by international tourists often. Similarly, Phong Nha National Park offers a stunning view of landscapes and caves. Also, Mui Ne, known for its dunes and sunrise is just amazing!' Trendy Travel - Japan and Korea Mahipal Singh, who runs Sonana Travel, has noticed increased interest in travelling to South Korea, partly due to interest in K-culture. 'Because of the language barrier and difference in food, it's mainly Gen Z that's interested in going to Korea. They want to see something new,' he says. K-drama fans may particularly be interested in Jeju Island, a popular filming spot featured in dramas like Goblin and When Life Gives You Tangerines; he adds, 'On the mainland, Busan has beautiful beaches and is good for shopping. In Seoul, there's the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace and Seoul Tower.' With Japan Airlines introducing a free domestic air travel scheme, visitors' interest in Japan has surged. Shreya Choubey, an influencer, who makes travel content with partner Daksh Tripathi shares an off-the-radar spot. 'Miyajima Island near Hiroshima can be reached through cable car. The entire island is surrounded by the sea of Japan and is a secluded, non-commercial, and spiritual place. There are also deer roaming all over the island, around shrines' she notes.
