[theList] Everyone Goes Except Pyongyang... The Ticket to Paradise on Earth is the 'Republic of Korea Passport'

South Korea Passport Power Ranks 2nd Worldwide... Visa-Free Access to 192 Countries
Where Can You Go with a 125×88mm Booklet?
Seychelles, Niue, Aruba, Belize, Curacao, and More

"We request all relevant authorities to allow the bearer of this passport, a citizen of the Republic of Korea, to pass without any hindrance and to provide all necessary conveniences and protection."

The first page of the passport contains the above statement. A passport is an international identification document that certifies the identity and nationality of a person traveling abroad. It is also a document requesting protection from the host country.

Henry & Partners, an international exchange consulting firm based in London, UK, evaluates and publishes the 'passport power' of various countries based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The ranking is based on the number of countries that can be visited without a visa or through relatively simple entry procedures when holding the respective passport.

Until now, the top ranks have been dominated by the United States and Europe. Recently, Asian countries have shown strong performance. South Korea ranked 2nd among 199 countries worldwide this year. Japan took 1st place.

Although it is a small booklet measuring 125 × 88 mm, it is also a document that proves a nation's power. Henry & Partners stated, "Our ongoing research shows that 'passport power' means more than just the number of destinations a passport holder can visit visa-free," adding, "Visa-free access is often closely correlated with other benefits such as business and investment freedom, judicial independence, fiscal soundness, and property rights."

How far does the power of the internationally recognized 'Republic of Korea passport' extend? We explored unfamiliar countries around the world that can be visited with just this palm-sized booklet, the passport.

The Last Paradise of the Indian Ocean, 'Seychelles'

[Image source=Getty Images]

The island nation of 'Seychelles' in the Indian Ocean consists of 115 islands and is home to rare flora and fauna such as giant tortoises and Coco de Mer palms. Especially, its clear and transparent emerald beaches have earned it the nickname 'The Last Paradise of the Indian Ocean.'

Seychelles is also known as a luxury resort destination, having been the honeymoon spot of Prince William of the United Kingdom and the 10th wedding anniversary destination for David Beckham and his wife. Seychelles gained fame as one of the 'must-visit places before you die,' selected by major global broadcasters such as the UK's BBC and the US's CNN.

Nature and Sea Fantasies in 'Fiji'

[Image provided by Fiji Tourism Board]

Located in the middle of the South Pacific, 'Fiji' is ten times the size of Jeju Island and consists of a total of 333 islands. Geographically, Fiji belongs to Melanesia but is also close to Australia, New Zealand, and Polynesia, serving as a bridge connecting these regions.

Fiji is a place that still preserves wild nature and culture, known for its deep blue skies, emerald coral seas, palm forests, tropical flowers, and tropical fish, making it an attractive travel destination.

A Place to Make Memories with Humpback Whales, 'Niue'

[Image provided by Taepyeongyang Tourism Organization]

'Niue' is a country made up of a single island, unlike other Pacific islands. Niue is only about one-third the size of Seoul (260㎢). It can be compared in size to Ganghwa Island or Goyang City in Gyeonggi Province, but it is famous for its beautiful scenery and stunning starlit skies.

Niue is known as one of the easiest places to encounter humpback whales. It is reachable by a 3-hour flight from Auckland, New Zealand, making it a recommended destination for Pacific trips linked with New Zealand.

The Third Smallest Country in Europe, 'San Marino'

[Image source=Getty Images Bank]

'San Marino' is so small that it is hard to find on a map. It is the third smallest country in Europe after Vatican City and Monaco and is a long-standing republic with historical sites bearing traces of the Middle Ages. Tourists will find unique enjoyment in exploring the ancient houses and alleys preserved in their medieval state, reflecting a rich history.

A Romantic Trip with Pink Flamingos, 'Aruba'

[Image source=Getty Images Bank]

Located on the Caribbean coast north of Venezuela in South America, Aruba is famous for its wide-open emerald beaches and the opportunity to see pink flamingos. Also known as 'Flamingo Beach,' Aruba offers tourists a fun experience where they can see and feed pink flamingos, usually only seen in zoos, right in front of their eyes.

Beloved by Coffee Enthusiasts, 'Costa Rica'

[Image source=Gay Image Bank]

Costa Rica, meaning 'rich coast' in Spanish, is a paradise of volcanoes, coffee, and ecotourism. Since gaining independence from Spain, Costa Rica has been one of the most politically stable countries in Latin America, known for its love of peace and the environment. About 25% of its territory is designated as national parks or protected areas, and it is home to 4% of the world's animal and plant species.

Especially, Costa Rica's coffee, Tarrazu, is renowned for its top quality. The coffee is so famous that there is a joke: 'People want to go to heaven after death, but coffee lovers want to go to Costa Rica.'

The Hidden Jewel of the Arabian Peninsula, 'Jordan'

[Photo by Jordan Tourism Board]

Jordan accounts for about 40% of the travel demand in the Middle East and is a major tourist country. It is one of the few Middle Eastern countries where religious freedom is recognized and is known as the 'Switzerland of the Middle East' for its peaceful nature. Notably, movies such as Aladdin and The Martian were filmed against Jordan's attractive natural landscapes.

Besides the nickname 'Switzerland of the Middle East,' Jordan is also called the 'Hidden Jewel of the Arabian Peninsula.' It boasts diverse attractions including Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient ruins of Jerash, the red desert Wadi Rum, the healing and relaxing Dead Sea, and the waterfall hot springs of Hammamat Ma'in.

The Jewel of the Caribbean Sea, 'Belize'

[Image source=Getty Images Bank]

Belize is still a relatively unfamiliar tourist destination domestically. However, it gained some attention when comedian Kim Byung-man visited Belize on the show Law of the Jungle in 2013. Belize, a young nation that gained independence in 1981, is surrounded by beautiful lagoons and coral reefs, earning it the nickname 'Jewel of the Caribbean Sea.'

Notably, the 'Great Blue Hole,' known as 'God's trap,' is located off the coast of Belize. The Great Blue Hole is a circular sinkhole about 142 meters deep and 310 meters in diameter, popular among divers.

The Land of Gold, 'Brunei'

[Image source=Pixabay]

Brunei is known as the 'Land of Gold' due to its lavishly decorated buildings and top-class golf courses, making it a favorite destination for golfers. Brunei maintains an average annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, allowing travelers to enjoy mild weather anytime. The streets are clean, and the security is safe, making it a great destination for family trips.

The Heart of the Caribbean... 'Cura?ao'

[Image source - Getty Images Bank]

Cura?ao is a small island country in the southern Caribbean with a population of about 160,000 and is one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It gained autonomy in 2010 following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, based on the wishes of its residents.

True to its name as the 'Caribbean hub connecting the Americas,' Cura?ao boasts many beautiful beaches. Tourists from around the world flock here to enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving.