Tozawa Goryeo Hall in Tozawa, Japan

As you drive through the scenic Japanese prefecture of Yamagata, take a detour to a place that feels wonderfully out of place. An unexpected Korean complex, complete with heavenly generals, K-pop merch, and food that will teleport your taste buds to Seoul. The roadside station for the village of Tozawa is a true cultural portal. Its name Koryo-kan (高麗館), or "Goryeo Hall," is a graceful nod to the Korean dynasty that ruled from 918 to 1392. The arrival is a spectacle. The majestic, curved roofs of a Korean palace suddenly rise beside the road, guarded by stone lions and wooden statues depict...