Maldives

Maldives is the world's most iconic overwater villa paradise — population 540,000 across 1,192 coral islands forming 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean (only 200 inhabited + 150+ resort islands), the lowest country on Earth (average elevation 1.5m + projected to be underwater within 50-100 years due to rising sea levels). 100% of population is Muslim (Sunni). Independent from British protectorate 1965.

Each resort occupies its own private island (one-resort-per-island rule unique to Maldives) — accessible only by speedboat (10-30min for North Malé Atoll resorts) or seaplane (30-90min for outer atolls, $400-600 RT but iconic experience). Famous for **overwater villas** (invented in Maldives 1970s by Robinson Club Maldives — now $500-3,000/night), **world-class diving** (200+ dive sites + manta rays + whale sharks year-round at South Ari Atoll + Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere), and **house-reefs** (snorkel from your villa).

Korean tourism #2 honeymoon destination after Bali (9h direct flight from Seoul). Most travelers choose all-inclusive resort packages ($300-2,000/night including meals + drinks + transfers). Cheaper local guesthouse alternative on Maafushi local island ($50-100/night) — different experience but more authentic.

Iconic Maldivian + international cuisine: Mas huni (tuna + coconut + onion breakfast staple, $5-10), Garudhiya (clear fish broth with rice + lime, $8-15), Hedhikaa (Maldivian short eats, $3-8 — mas roshi tuna pancakes), International cuisine at resorts (most have 5-10 restaurants from Italian to Japanese to Indian — $50-300 per meal), Underwater Restaurant Ithaa at Conrad Rangali (world's first all-glass underwater restaurant, $300-500 tasting menu).

Bottom line: Maldives is canonical bucket-list overwater paradise + honeymoon destination + manta diving + 9h from Seoul. 4-5 days minimum at one resort.