Travelling by rail across South Korea, Michael explores one of the worldโs most successful modern nations, shaped by division, resilience and rapid change.
DirectorBen Rowland
DMZ to Seoul
May 4, 2026
Michael begins his journey at the tense frontier of the Demilitarised Zone before heading to the capital of Seoul, a vast-fast moving city that has become one of the world's most advanced cities.
Suwon to Seodaemun (Seoul)
May 5, 2026
Michaelโs South Korean railway journey continues in Seoul. Travelling across one of the worldโs largest metro systems, he heads south to Suwon to visit Samsungโs headquarters.
Daejeon to Busan
May 6, 2026
Leaving Seoul aboard South Koreaโs high-speed KTX train, Michael travels south through the heart of the country to explore how rail has shaped both its economy and identity.
Busan to Jeonju
May 7, 2026
Michaelโs journey continues in Busan, South Koreaโs second city, on the countryโs south eastern coast. Later, he heads to Jeonju, where he meets a master craftsman producing hanji paper.
Gwangju to Jeju
May 8, 2026
On the final leg of his journey, Michael travels to South Koreaโs south west, where food, protest and landscape reveal the values that have shaped the modern nation.
