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Home » Asia » South Korea » 26 South Korea Travel Tips You Need to Know! • 2024

26 South Korea Travel Tips You Need to Know! • 2024

South Korea is a tiny country that punches way above its weight in a number of arenas, and that extends to being one of Asia’s greatest travel spots!

The land of KBBQ, the world’s fastest internet speeds, futuristic cities, and a breathtaking mix of ancient and modern, this is one of the best countries in Asia to travel in, and yet it’s criminally underrated.  

I spent a few years calling this country home, and I’ve created the ultimate Korea travel guide to help you navigate your way through this gem of northeast Asia.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a return visitor, here’s a list of 26 South Korea travel tips you need to know before stepping off the plane!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

26 EPIC South Korea Travel Tips

After years of living and traveling in South Korea , here are some of the most important tips I’ve learned along the way!

1.  Download These Apps!

South Korea is one of the most tech-savvy societies on the planet, and you’re going to need to keep up. These apps are just a few of the essentials you want to have to make your trip to South Korea the unforgettable experience it should be.

Subway Korea

Not the most exciting app to download but crucial all the same, this is going to make your time in Seoul so much easier.

With a full, interactive map of Seoul’s ( Korea’s capital city ) absolutely sprawling subway system, Subway Korea tells you exactly which station you need to begin and end at, which stations to transfer at, and how long it’s going to take you from start to finish.

You can find this on the App Store for both Android and iPhone, and a companion app exists for Busan’s smaller (but still pretty big!) subway system.

When it comes to Korean, Google Translate can give you some hilariously bad translations and while that’s always entertaining, you’re going to need to be able to communicate with more than just hand gestures!

That’s why you need to download Papago . It serves many languages and its Korean translations are far better than Google’s, so this is going to make traveling to South Korea for the first time go much smoother.

You can get around places in Seoul with only English, but beyond that you’re going to need some help which makes Papago a must-download.

In my experience, Google Maps isn’t too helpful in Korea, and that’s why you’ve got to download Kakao Maps!

An app made by a Korean company, Kakao Maps is going to provide you with a level of detail, precision, and helpfulness that Google Maps simply can’t deliver.

Whether you’re exploring the city or out in Korea’s gorgeous countryside, this app is the best option for navigating the country.

2.      Learn Some Basic Korean Phrases

Having a solid translation app is all well and good, but it’s also important to memorize a few basic phrases in Korean just in case your phone doesn’t come through for you.

Anyeong Hasaeyeo – Hello

(You might have heard anyeong as meaning “hello” in Korean before and while that’s true, it’s important to say the full phrase because shortening it to anyeong can be seen as disrespectful.)

Kamsamnida – ­ Thank you

Kohn Bae! – Cheers!

Odi / Odi…? – where / where is…?

Hwajangshil – Bathroom

3. Explore the Dramatic East Coast

Staying in Seoul is great, but the country has SO much more to offer.

Korea’s east coast in particular flies far under the radar for most foreigners and isn’t visited nearly enough. But I can attest that it’s easily one of the most epic regions in Korea!

With tall, jagged peaks rising straight out of the sea, the east coast is the perfect place for travelers looking to escape Korea’s ultramodern cities and get out to explore the country’s natural wonders.

The east coast holds some of Korea’s best hiking spots, and Seoraksan National Park in particular is a favorite of mine, especially during winter and spring.

4. Korea is a Shopper’s Mecca

If you’re keen on shopping for the latest fashion or newest tech, South Korea is pretty much unbeatable.

Between Shinsegae, Lotte World, and a TON more, Korea has limitless options for shoppers of all stripes.

Shinsegae and Lotte are two absolutely massive department store chains in Korea that house countless stores within their walls, and there are so many more on top of those two to choose from and explore.

Your choices really are infinite.

The one thing you need to keep in mind though is that you should be prepared to spend.

Korea is not a cheap country in general, and that extends to its shopping scene. If you’re going to buy a higher-end item here, be ready to shell out a lot of cash.

5.      Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Sadly, Korea isn’t a place where you can drink the tap water worry-free. While many places in the countryside have springs with fresh water straight from the mountains, you will need to have a filtered water bottle for your trip!

That’s why we strongly recommend you invest your hard-earned cash in getting a Grayl Filtration Bottle to accompany you on your travels!

It’s a reusable, zero-waste system that allows you to drink water from pretty much anywhere and in the long run, will save you countless dollars that you would have otherwise spent on water bottles, filters, and purification tablets.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

6. Learn How to Get Around in South Korea

Nearly every corner of South Korea is connected by an intricate web of trains and buses that link large cities like Seoul and Busan in the south with the tiny villages and hamlets in the countryside.

Public transportation in Korea is fantastic: it’s reliable, clean, convenient, and always on time!

Even if you’re waiting at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere, if the schedule says a bus arrives at 8:30, it will be there at 8:30, give or take a few minutes.

On that note, if you’ve got a bus or train ticket departing at a certain time, make sure you’re there early because you will get left behind if you’re not there on time!

That brings me to one of the most important points of this piece: I highly recommend that you do NOT rent a car or motorbike in Korea if you’re considering it.

While the roads are modern, impressive feats of engineering, drivers here can often be very unpredictable and that can lead to some dangerous situations on the road if you’re not used to it.

A one-hour motorbike ride between two cities in Korea felt longer and scarier to me than a nine-hour ride on Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway, and anyone who’s made that trip can tell you how much that statement means!

It’s for that reason that I think you should avoid getting your own wheels in Korea, and that risk combined with the excellent public transportation system makes any rentals a needless expense.

When going between different cities, you can use Trip.com to book your train or bus tickets.

Remember to book in advance because if you show up and try to buy the ticket the day of your intended departure, there’s a good chance you’ll be out of luck.

Simple Seoul Travel Tips You Need to Know

Whether you’re traveling to South Korea for the first time or coming back for more, you’ll be spending a ton of time in Seoul so it’s good to know how to stay on top of things when exploring this behemoth of a city!

7. Invest in a Month-Long Tmoney Card

You’ll probably be using public transportation a lot, so it’s best to invest your money where it counts to get the most bang for your buck.

Bus and train fares in Korea are cheap anyway (about one dollar or less per ride), but the government just launched a new transit card option which allows passengers to spend $49 for a one-month pass and get unlimited access to Seoul’s huge network of trains and buses, as well as public bicycle rentals.

The card is rechargeable, so if you plan on staying in Korea for longer than a month, this is a great option to make your Seoul itinerary easier to execute.

You can get one at any major subway station, but sadly this card only covers public transportation in Seoul for now, so keep that in mind before buying.

If you’re just looking for a good old-fashioned Tmoney card without the month-long plan, you can get one at any convenience store or subway station and charge it with cash.

8. Make Reservations in Advance if Possible

When it comes to accommodations or more popular restaurants/cafés, it can be difficult in Seoul to simply show up to a place and expect to find an open spot, especially in high season.

This is a country where it’s best to make your reservations beforehand. If you don’t, there’s a very good chance that you’re going to miss out and get turned away.

9. Try Seoul’s amazing street food

Korean cuisine has plenty of tasty street snacks that are quick and cheap, making this one way to cut costs in Seoul! There’s no shortage of markets and stalls offering a quick bite, so be sure to check them out.

Kimbap and tteokbokki are two classic Korean eats that are cheap, delicious, and filling.

10. Understand Internet and Data in South Korea

Wifi is everywhere and internet speeds are lightning fast, but you’ll still want to stay connected when you’re on the move!

SIM cards and data plans tend to be pricy by Asian standards, and while you can get Korean e-SIMs at the airports, there’s a better option: a WiFi Egg rental.

You can check out a list of rental options here , and any of them will keep you connected to Korea’s ridiculously fast internet while you’re on the go without breaking the bank.

11. Korea Isn’t Cheap

Expenses in Korea aren’t quite as scary as Western Europe in summer but this isn’t Thailand either, so you need to be prepared to spend a little more.

Hostels will cost at least $15 USD/night but usually a bit more, and proper meals will start at around $8.

Public transportation is cheap, but going to a different city is going to cost a bit more: between $10-$50 depending on how far you’re going.

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12. Bring Masks to Protect Yourself from Pollution

Korea and neighboring China are heavily dependent on coal for their energy needs, and as a result, the skies can occasionally have dangerous levels of smog, especially in big cities.

Masks are technically not an essential, but you’re going to want to have a few masks on hand to help you deal with this problem.

Just to give you an idea of how bad this can be sometimes: I’ve had an easier time breathing whilst hiking in difficult conditions at 5000m+ altitudes than I’ve had while just sitting outdoors at a café in Seoul trying to enjoy my coffee on a day when the pollution is at its worst.

13. Pay Attention to the Rules

Koreans are meticulous rule-followers, and it’s very important to keep this in mind when planning a trip to South Korea.

No matter how ridiculous a rule might seem to you, Koreans will obey it almost without exception. Even if it’s 3am and the roads are completely empty, a pedestrian is going to wait until the crosswalk turns green before they think about venturing out onto the empty road while the sign is red.

Many countries are really loose with the law but this is not one of them, so make sure that you’re completely respectful of the rules when you’re visiting South Korea.

A Few South Korea Cultural Travel Tips

Respecting Korean societal norms are SUPER important. Let’s get into a few of them…

14. Don’t tip

This might come as a huge relief to visitors, especially for Americans, but it’s important to know that tipping isn’t really a thing in Korea. Very rarely a place will ask for tips for its workers, but otherwise you should avoid tipping in all situations.

15. Politeness and respect are non-negotiable

Korean culture is deeply rooted in visibly showing respect for others, and it’s important to adopt that attitude while you’re visiting South Korea. Sass and sarcasm are looked down upon in nearly all situations so it’s best to avoid using those entirely.

16. Koreans tend to be reserved

While Koreans are very polite and hospitable, they are usually pretty reserved and it takes awhile for them to open up, so don’t worry if it seems like they’re not too friendly at first!

17.      Learn to Read Korean

Okay, I realize this might sound insane, but hear me out!

Hangul – the name for the Korean alphabet – is incredibly easy to learn how to read and will take you an hour or two max to get the basics down.

Just a bit of study goes a long way in helping you read signs and menus, making this a great return on investment for your time.

Even if learning languages isn’t your thing, I promise you that this is way easier than it sounds and strongly recommend giving it a try!

18. Understand When to Visit South Korea

Autumn and Spring are majestic.

Japan gets a lot of recognition for its stunning seasonal colors (and rightly so!) but these seasons in Korea are just as magical and can’t be missed.

It’s also way less crowded than Japan, and the colors you’ll see here are simply unreal.

These are not busy seasons in Korea as far as foreign tourism is concerned, so you’ll have a lot more space than you would in summer.

You’ll have to get out of the city to see these colors at their best, and Magoksa Temple is one of the most stunning locations in Korea during peak foliage!

Magoksa Temple is not too far from Seoul so it’s very accessible. If you’re in Korea during Autumn, this spot is a can’t-miss.

If you’re keen on visiting South Korea during Spring, you will see spellbinding cherry blossoms pretty much everywhere you go, but Seoraksan National Park on the east coast is one of the best spots in the country this time of year.

This one’s a bit further out of the way as it’s a 3-hour bus ride from Seoul, but it’s more than worth it! I’ve made the trip out to Seoraksan multiple times and it still isn’t enough.

Going to South Korea in summer is going to be a non-stop sweatfest and while winter can be utterly breathtaking, it’s freezing cold, so Autumn and Spring are the ideal seasons to visit Korea.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

19. Seoul is a Foodie’s Paradise

Not only does Seoul have tons of excellent spots for trying Korean food, but the capital is also home to cuisines from all over the world! Italian, Japanese, Mexican, barbecue of all kinds, and so much more: you name it, Seoul has it.

While you could easily dedicate an entire book to Seoul’s many restaurants, here are a few highlights!

One of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve found anywhere in East Asia is Taco Amigo , located right in the heart of Itaewon.

Just up the road and right on Itaewon’s main street is Vatos , a Mexican fusion restaurant that has a seemingly infinite number of delicious meals to try out.

If you’re craving some classic Texas BBQ, Low and Slow Itaewon has got you covered.

The Royal Food and Drink is a cliffside restaurant with a stunning view of Seoul and serves a majestic brunch that will send you into a food coma.

Not only one of the best brunch places in Seoul but one of the best I’ve been to anywhere, meals here are unforgettable.

Whether you’re looking for izakayas, Levantine restaurants, kebabs, Mexican, or pretty much anything else: this city is a paradise of cosmopolitan cuisine, and taking advantage of that is a must.

Seoul does have unforgettable KBBQ restaurants and countless more excellent Korean restaurants, but the best (and cheapest) Korean food will be found beyond Seoul’s expansive boundaries!

20. Being Vegetarian or Vegan in Korea Isn’t Easy

As with a lot of Asian countries, it can be a challenge to navigate the food scene if you’re vegetarian or vegan. When visiting Busan , Seoul, Daegu, and other larger cities, many restaurants can cater to your diet but in the countryside, you’ll find that your options are much more limited.

Thankfully, Korean food does have some options for those of you who don’t eat meat!

Vegetarian mandu (dumplings), kimbap, and bibimbap are all tasty vegetarian dishes that you can’t miss out on, and jjajangmyeon is one of my personal favorites.

If you’re at a restaurant and ordering food that may or may not come with meat, like dumplings, just ask the waiter for “gogi opsoyo” (“no meat”) and you’ll be all set.

21. Explore Korea’s Amazing Café Scene

Going to South Korea means you get to explore a café scene which is second to none. A massively diverse range of cafés awaits travelers from the traditional to ultra-modern and quirky.

Seoul itself is home to countless unique, very photogenic cafés that you could probably spend a lifetime venturing through.

One of the capital’s most iconic spots is C.Through Café, which you’ll find here . Not only are the drinks delicious, but they also look so good that you almost feel bad for drinking them.

The coffee itself may or may not be what you’re looking for depending on your own personal tastes, but Korea’s cafés and teahouses are so diverse and incredible that I highly recommend you spend some time exploring what they have to offer!

22. Discover Korean Meals You Might Not Know Of!

Korean BBQ, samgyupsal, and kimchi are famous Korean culinary exports for good reason, but there are so many more Korean dishes that any backpacker worth their salt has got to try at least once.

Dakkalbi is a truly epic dish served in a massive pan that contains meat, rice cakes (called dak), vegetables, spices, and more depending on what you request. 

This is the perfect meal to have after you’ve worked up a huge appetite from exploring all day, and best to share with friends.

Quite possibly my favorite Korean meal is jjimdak. Often served in an enormous pan, this dish consisting at its core of chicken, glass noodles, rice, spices, and onions is a gluttonous, decadent meal that everyone should reward themselves with, and you can add more to the pan to mix things up a little.

Hint : add cheese.

23. Get Lost in Seoul’s Insane Nightlife

Seoul’s nightlife is famous and for very good reason: it’s amazing .

Coming out of a difficult few years due to the COVID pandemic, the capital’s bars and clubs are slowly returning to their former glory.

Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hongdae each have an endless supply of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore that are wild fun, and a visit to Seoul is incomplete without at least a few sleepless nights spent in these districts.

You’ll also find unique escape rooms, board game cafés, and more.

It’s simply not possible to list all the things you can do in Seoul, which is exactly why you should get hopelessly lost in wandering through this amazing city’s nightlife.

24. Get Off the Beaten Path

South Korea is rightly well-known for being a haven of futuristic cities, shopping, and lightning-fast internet, but it’s so much more than that!

This is a country where ancient wonders mix with natural beauty in a way that doesn’t happen anywhere else, and one of the best tips for traveling to South Korea I can give you is to journey away from the typical tourist loop of Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.

That might seem like hard advice to follow in a tiny country that’s so modernized, but venture beyond the confines of the cities and you’ll find a side of Korea that most people don’t see.

Experiencing Korea’s ancient, rich culture and all the gems hiding in its many hills simply can’t be missed out on, and this is what makes going to South Korea an unforgettable experience, far more so than a night out in Seoul or Busan.

25. Know Which Places to Stay/Avoid

Korea has no shortage of great hostels to stay at that range from cozy and classy to social and wild, but here are just a few to keep in mind:

If you’re looking for a good time in Seoul that doesn’t involve much sleeping, The Time Traveler’s Party Hostel in Hongdae is hard to beat. Fun and social with a downstairs bar and a crew that goes out into Hongdae’s vibrant nightlife every night, this is the place to be for all kinds of partiers.

Its sister hostel, Time Travelers’ Relax Guesthouse , is for backpackers looking for something more low-key and restful. Also in Hongdae, this hostel is in a quiet neighborhood that’s just a short distance from the district’s unbelievable nightlife scene, so it gives you the best of both worlds.

Seoul Cube Itaewon is also an incredible hostel with a great reputation, and its location right in the center of Itaewon is basically unbeatable!

When it comes to Seoul – and Korea in general – pretty much any hostel or guesthouse you choose is going to be solid with one exception: the Hongdae Bird’s Nest Hostel. This is the one place I recommend you absolutely avoid at all costs unless you have no other choice.

You might be tempted by its low prices and convenient location (I was!), but the facilities are less than ideal and the management is strange, unhelpful, and at times very unfriendly to guests. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

Time Traveler's Party Hostel

With a basement bar and a perfect location just 7 minutes from Seoul's Hongdae neighborhood, this is the best hostel for those looking to get the most out of the city's epic nightlife. It's super social, and you can even get a taste of authentic Korean BBQ every Friday night at their weekly group dinners.

26. Travel With Good Insurance!

Travel insurance is one of the most essential items all travelers simply should not go without, and you need to make sure you’re covered in the event a disaster happens!

Korean healthcare is some of the best – and most affordable – in the world, but you still don’t want to be stuck paying for 100% of a hospital bill.

That’s where SafetyWings comes in: at $40 per month and contract-free, this is an excellent choice for travelers and digital nomads.

Having that peace of mind that you’re covered in case of emergencies is priceless, so don’t forget to sign up before you set out on your travels: it could make all the difference.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

So is South Korea Worth Visiting?

100%, absolutely, undeniably yes. Not only is it more than worth the effort, I stand by the fact that Korea is one of Asia’s greatest countries to travel in.

Temples, towers, unforgettable nights, delicious food and more await travelers who make the trip to this unique land caught at a crossroads.

Going to South Korea is the experience of a lifetime and when your trip is at an end, no matter how long it is, you’ll find yourself wanting more.

I hope you’ve learned something from these South Korea travel tips. Now all that’s left is to book that ticket.

A wild ride awaits!

• Become a MASTER traveler with our epic travel tips.
• Embrace your backpacker spirit and travel off the beaten path , because… why not?
• Our killer guide to living in hostels will transform your stay. Check it out!
• Get off the couch and into the great outdoors with our hiking guide .
• Or… explore more of the region and go backpack Japan .
• See what most backpackers do not with an epic trip to China .

Nathan Jordan

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50 South Korea Travel Tips

This post will cover all the Korea travel tips I can think of, from what to do before you come to accommodation tips to safety concerns and more.

I’ve been meaning to write some sort of practical guide with tips for visiting South Korea for ages now, but I just never got around to it! I think when you live in a country vs. visiting for a short time, you just don’t think about certain things.

Anyhow, since ending my last teaching contract in 2018, I’ve been back a handful of times as a tourist and had to think about things I didn’t have to consider when I had an E-2 visa and a residency card (ARC). If you’re traveling to South Korea for the first time, here are 50 tips you may want to keep handy!

I’ve divided it up by:

What to Do Before Traveling to South Korea

• Korea Itinerary + Things to Do

Where to Stay in Korea + Tour Options

Korea transportation guide.

• What to Eat
• Safety + Sanitary Concerns

Little Things to Know About Korean Culture

• What to Buy in Korea
• Final Notes

Feel free to click the link to jump to each section if you don’t want to scroll.

Once you’ve decided to visit South Korea, there are a few things I suggest doing so you can get from Point A to Point B with little to no issue.

1. Learn Hangul + some key phrases.

I cannot emphasize enough how much easier it will be if you just learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet. It was literally created to be easy enough for commoners to learn to read under King Sejong, so trust me you can learn it.

It took me an afternoon of watching a Youtube video on loop and copying the sounds and letters down. I even have a handy guide to start learning.

2. Try to book with Asiana or Korean.

It’s a  long journey to get from most places in the U.S. to Seoul, which is where you’ll most likely fly into. I’ve made the journey multiple times now and used a different airline each time: American, United, Asiana, and Japan Airlines.

I honestly don’t remember Japan because I was so tired that I think I just fell asleep for most of it. American and United were hellish to put it lightly, but Asiana has always been my favorite. I flew it to and fro my first time in 2011 and then again coming from Denver.

Book with Asiana or Korean as much as you can. It’s SO worth it. Usually, this means flying from San Francisco or Los Angeles (not sure of their other main US hubs), so if you want a little California side trip before you go, it’s the perfect excuse!

3. Read up a bit on Korean history

I think to really enjoy a new country, you should do at least a  little research into the country’s history and culture. Even if you just pop on a Crash Course video to get the gist, it gives you more of a connection with a place than not.

If you really want to get in depth, feel free to again browse Amazon’s Korean history section . Look for things about the  Joseon dynasty and the  Korean War if you want something specific to focus on.

3. Watch some Korean dramas, movies, or K-pop music videos.

This is totally NOT necessary, but, hey, I love both of these things, so I’m biased. While Korean dramas are incredibly glossy versions of this country, they do still give you a general idea of the modern culture, beautiful scenery, and some of the quirks. I recommend:

• Reply 1997 or 1988 to learn more about Korea’s own nostalgia period
• Taegugki –  a SUPER good movie about the Korean War
• Boys Over Flowers , Secret Garden , or My Love from the Star are some more recent insanely popular shows
• She Was Pretty is a personal favorite, and I think the message of it is so lovely
• Two newer movies:  1987 and  I Can Speak

4. Do you need a SIM Card?

This honestly depends! If you’re a good planner and can speak decent Korean, then you can get by without needing one.

In general, I’d probably recommend it, especially if this is your first time. Whether it’s translating something on the fly, trying to pull up KakaoMap, or fiddling on your phone for the duration of a long bus ride, it’s worth it. Korea’s data plans and wifi are insane, and you might get a little spoiled.

The fun thing is NOW Korea has a thing called an eSIM ! This means you don’t even have to physically buy one at a kiosk, but can sign up online and just snap a picture of the QR code (or manually input the info, which is a pain). I JUST did this on my most recent trip and it makes life so much easier not having to worry about my US SIM card.

Get one online here . It’s much cheaper than waiting until you’re in the airport and buying one off your phone or at the kiosk.

5. Best Time to Go to Korea

Fall or spring.

The weather is the best during these seasons, and the country is absolutely beautiful. Early spring has the cherry blossoms while autumn has the gorgeous foliage . Winter and summer aren’t bad but if you have the freedom, don’t come during those seasons. Summer is so humid , you’ll never want to leave your hotel room, and winter is, well, winter.

6. Exchange + Money Matters

Korea uses the won, and 1,000 KRW is roughly $1 USD. There are 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 notes and 500, 100, 50, and 10 coins.

You can use a card mostly anywhere in the country, though smaller places may prefer cash. Every convenience store should have an ATM that works with a foreign card.

7. Is Korea expensive?

I’m not the best person to dole out budget advice because I suck at budgeting , but I’d say Korea falls in the middle for Asian countries. It’s a  lot cheaper than traveling Japan , but you’ll be in for a bit of a shock if you’re used to Cambodia or Vietnam prices. In general:

• A Korean meal can be anywhere from 5,000 KRW to 20,000 KRW depending on where you go, but typically 5,000-10,000. Korean BBQ usually costs between 10,000-15,000 KRW per person, but they often want you to buy more than one serving.
• Drinks in bars can be pricey, sometimes up to 7,000 KRW, so what some people do is pregame at one of the convenience stores and then buy one drink there.
• Club cover fees are around 10-15,000 KRW
• A regular hostel can range from 15,000-20,000 KRW/night while a franchise hotel can be 150,000 KRW+.
• Street food can be 1,000 – 5,000 KRW
• Entrance fees are 1,000-3,000 KRW, sometimes 8,000-10,000 KRW for bigger nature areas like Suncheon Bay or the Camelia Hill in Jeju .
• A subway or local bus ride is usually between 1,000-2,000 depending on how far you go.

Korea Itinerary Tips + Things to Do

Before I get into this section, if you want some inspiration on where to go exactly, I have a massive post outlining 102 beautiful places in Korea , and I re-organized them so they were grouped by similar location.

8. Where to go if you have…

If you only have one week, then I recommend basing yourself out of Seoul or Busan . If it’s your first visit, then definitely choose Seoul . There’s plenty in the city to keep you occupied, and even after studying there and spending too many weekends to count, I  still haven’t scratched the surface of things to do .

You’ll have time for a day trip or two and not feel too rushed. I’ve heard of some people opting to do an overnight trip to Busan, but honestly, that’s just a  lot . Check here for my Korea itinerary for 7 days.

If you have 2 weeks, then you have a little more wiggle room! I’d choose to either spend the 2nd week in Busan, Gwangju, or Jeju depending on what you want to see. If you want a full breakdown, I have a post with four sample 2-week itineraries.

Busan is a beautiful city, and you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. It’s also more laid back, so if you want to go enjoy the beach or relax, then save your rest days for here. Gwangju is great if you want to see more of the Korean countryside. It’s a huge city itself, but it’s a good hub for day trips like  Suncheon , Yeosu , Namwon , Boseong , and more. Jeju is great if you want Korea’s version of an island experience. It’s personally one of my favorite places in the country, but you definitely need to rent a car and  not stay in Jeju City.

4 Weeks/ 1 Month

This is honestly the best option if you really want to get a full idea of Korea, but I get that most people don’t just have 4 weeks of vacation! I would split my time up so I have 1 week in Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, and Jeju. Bookend your trip with Seoul and Busan (or reverse) depending on where you’re flying to next. For a more detailed guide, check this 1-month itinerary guide .

9. Major things to do in Seoul

Okay, Seoul is overwhelming. Once you get used to it, though, it’s an awesome city to explore. And the subway system is one of the best in the world. I actually have been working on a crazy long “Things to Do in Seoul” post but I just keep adding to it! Here are some things to get you started:

• Traditional Culture – Check out the palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Jongmyo Shrine, do a temple stay
• Trendy Things to Do – Look up all the random cafés , visit the filming locations of your favorite dramas, go to a K-pop show (hey, no judgment, I almost cried when I couldn’t get tickets to Kyuhyun’s solo concert), visit the many funky museums or outdoor parks… The sky is really the limit in a city where the poop cafe isn’t even the most random cafe!
• Scenic views – Head up to Namsan tower, hang out the manmade stream, Cheonggyecheon, hike Bukhansan, stroll near the city walls, go to Pocheon Herb Island , take a day trip out to Gapyeong or Suwon … the list goes on!
• Things related to the Korean War –  Visit the DMZ/JSA and spend the afternoon at the War Memorial Museum of Korea

For more on Seoul, check these guides:

• Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Neighborhoods
• 15 Fun Day Tours in Seoul and Nearby

10. Some other good hubs to base yourself out of:

• Sokcho – Good if you want to hike Seoraksan and travel Gangwondo.
• Jeonju – Good for Jeollabukdo and a lot of big outdoorsy/hiking spots
• Gwangju – Good for Jeollanamdo and popular countryside spots — Boseong Green Tea Fields , Suncheon Bay , Damyang Bamboo Forest , Yeosu, Gokseong Rose Festival , Namwon + Jirisan , Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival , and more.
• Busan – other fairly close by spots include Tongyeong , Gyeongju, and Ulsan, also a good place for the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival .
• Seogwipo – Good place to stay in Jeju that isn’t Jeju City! Check here for  where else to stay in Jeju  if you don’t want to be in a city.

11. Go hiking!

No, seriously. It always irks me how underplayed Korea’s hiking culture is to those visiting from the outside. This peninsula is  mostly mountainous! There are tons of beautiful hikes no matter where you’re staying, so bring your sneakers and dedicate a few days to the mountains. Most of the popular mountains have trails to follow, and you really don’t even need special hiking boots.

Here are some of my posts on hiking:

• Daedunsan near Jeonju
• Jirisan’s Baemsagol Course near Namwon
• Wolchulsan near Mokpo
• Jogyesan near Suncheon

12. Check out the big festivals for when you visit.

If there’s a statistic out there for the countries with the most festivals, I’m going to bet Korea is on there somewhere. You name it, there’s probably some sort of festival for it. I would look up any big festivals for when you visit because they can be a lot of fun, and many are the biggest events of the year for the smaller town.

Namwon’s big event, for example, is the Chunhyang Festival sometime in May. From the beauty pageant to the Gwanghallu performances and more, it’s a huge deal!

13. Is the cafe culture really a thing?

It is, and it’s amazing. I really don’t think you could walk too far without stumbling across at least  one cafe, and with Korea’s wifi availability, this is actually a great country for digital nomads.

If you want quirkier cafes, just imagine any kind and look it up.

Here are some cafes I’ve specifically covered:

• Zapangi: The Pink Vending Cafe in Seoul
• Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafes in Seoul
• Dreamy Camera Cafe near Seoul
• Enrogel Teapot Cafe
• Grand Garden near Mokpo (sadly no longer exists)

14. Is a love motel what I think it is?

It is, and they’re probably more plentiful than actual hotels or hostels!

Love motels are exactly what the sound like — hotels for couples to have some private time. I’ve heard of them even being rented by the hour.

While some can be on the grungier side, there are actually a lot of nice love motels, and they’re a good middle ground if you want something more private than a hostel but don’t want to pay the hotel prices.

15. How is the hostel culture in Korea?

It’s a lot better than the U.S! There’s at least one hostel in most towns, and they usually come to around $20/night. Chances are you  will have to share a room  and a bathroom.

Keep in mind, the “whole bathroom is the shower” will be the case in most places. I’ve gotten used to it with my two apartments here, but it can be a bit of a shock for a foreign traveler! Yes, the whole bathroom gets soaked, and there’s usually a small window that’s always cracked to let the place dry out.

It’s fine, though I will say my hostel bathroom in Hyeopjae was a little gross. It was perpetually wet because 6 girls shared one normal bathroom  and there wasn’t a window to air it out…

16. Can I get an Airbnb in Korea?

You can! Airbnb is on the rise here, so you’ll find plenty of options! I’ve written about my little apartment stay in Seoul ages ago (unfortunately that apartment is no longer listed), and I’ve stayed at this studio one weekend in Seoul, this cute home in Jeju, and this apartment in Ulsan.

17. How are the hotels?

The hotels are  really  nice but the price gap between hostels and hotels is a lot higher than you’d expect. I did a sponsored stay at Holiday Inn in Gwangju , and the price for our room would be at least $300+. I can’t imagine a Holiday Inn in the US costing that much or being quite that fancy.

There  are guesthouses that have decent prices, but they’re more concentrated in bigger cities.

18. Do you recommend taking a tour or is it easy to DIY?

It depends on where you’re going and who you’re with. For some of the hikes, I’d definitely recommend a tour if you’re solo traveling just because you’ll be with other people and someone who can translate if anything happens.

Also, some places like Naejangsan are much easier to get to if you go on a tour than alone, especially if you’re coming from Seoul.

A lot, though, is easy to do on your own. For example, it’s super easy to organize your own itinerary for Seoul and any of the bigger cities.

I’d figure out what you want to do and look at the different tour packages to see for yourself.

19. What are the best websites for tours?

If you want to take a tour, I’m affiliated with:

• Trazy  – mainly for Korea with some Thailand options
• Klook – mainly for Asia, and I also compare prices for Korea options
• And I went on a tour in Jeju with Indieway.

I’d check all three sites to compare tours for what you want to do. Sometimes one is slightly cheaper than the other!

20. Don’t rely on Google Maps.

Korea’s not a huge fan of outside companies, so they block them as much as feasible in this day and age. While I won’t get into how that can be both good and annoying here, let’s just say this mindset manifests itself the most in Google Maps.

Google isn’t allowed access to Korean information in order to update their maps, and I heard 2009 was the last update. I just checked to see for any updates in 2018, and it’s still pretty bad.

On the plus side, my favorite app is KakaoMap and it even has an English interface! Another option is Naver Maps, but I discovered in one of my classes that it’s not nearly as detailed as Kakao.

Check my post on which apps to download for travel in Korea

21. Using KTX

There are a few different train options in Korea, but the KTX is the nicest and fastest. For example, the KTX takes me about 2 1/2 hours from Seoul’s Yongsan Station to Suncheon Station. Another train would take 4 1/2 hours. The one downside, of course, is how much more expensive it is.

The website is a little tricky to use if it’s your first time, so here’s a super quick guide:

• Go to www.letskorail.com
• Choose “ENGLISH” in the top right corner
• In the center tabs, hover over “RAIL TICKETS”
• Then click “TICKET RESERVATION”
• I usually just pick: Normal Type, Direct, “All” for Type of Train
• Hit Inquiry.
• You can see  all the train times so you know when you need to be at the station, and if you want, you can book online. I usually just book in person at the station, but if I’m going somewhere at a busier time or I just want to do it then, I book online with my US credit card. You also have to input your Passport Number to buy and will need some form of ID to get your ticket (which is just a piece of paper).

Below I have a screenshot of what it looks like if I’m traveling from Suncheon to Seoul. There are two stations in Seoul (Yongsan station and Seoul station), so if nothing comes up when you search “Seoul,” try looking up “Yongsan. The site will show you all the different train options, not only the KTX.

21. Intercity buses

Another option that I typically use is the intercity buses. I use them because the KTX is twice as expensive, they take as much time to get to Seoul as the slow trains, and they actually stop in between for a 15-minute break.

I’d also much rather kill time in Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal, which is connected to a Shinsegae Department Store and has a million things to do, while Yongsan is much more limited. Also if you miss a bus, it’s cheaper to get a refund and a new ticket than with a train. Learned that one from experience…

I buy mine at the kiosks in the terminals, but you can get them online too at www.kobus.co.kr and www.bustago.co.kr .

22. Tips for booking flights

And yet another option is flying! There are a few smaller airports around Korea, but the main ones you’ll probably want to use are Incheon and Gimpo in Seoul, Gimhae in Busan, and Jeju International Airport. I usually just book on Expedia or Kiwi, but if you want specific Korean airlines, they are:

• Asiana Airlines
• T’Way Air

I’ve flown Korean, T’Way, Asiana, Air Busan, Eastar Jet, and Jeju personally. They’re all fine, some obviously nicer than the more budget-friendly ones, but the longest flights around the country are only an hour or less, so save your money and get the cheapest one with the best luggage policy.

23. Using Seoul’s subway

Seriously, this subway is the best, and I’ve ridden many a subway in my travels. It’s clean, fairly cheap, and will get you everywhere in Seoul and nearby.

You can get a T-Money card from any convenience store and fill it up as you need. The machines are in English too, so don’t worry about making a mistake. You can also use the same card for local buses both in Seoul and the rest of the city.

They’re also clean! Like super clean! Download the Subway Korea app before you go, and it’ll help you plan your route out.

24. Using local taxis and buses

Everywhere in Korea pretty much has a local bus system, but some cities are way more reliable than others. Another nice thing is that there are taxis everywhere, and there’s usually a stand at every train station and bus terminal.

Taxi drivers are generally fine and some are even lovely and friendly, but it’s the same thing as any city you’d take a taxi in. Sometimes it can be a frustrating experience! I’d just screenshot the Korean address and name of where you want to go and show them that.

Most I’ve seen start at 2,800 KRW ($2.80 USD) with that number being a little higher in the countryside areas.

Tips on What to Eat in Korea

26. so…. the dog thing..

Dog soup does exist here. No, I haven’t tried it nor do I have any desire to, but I won’t judge someone who chooses to try it. Here’s the thing: Yes, the story behind how dog soup is made here is pretty horrifying, but so are the stories we hear about farms in the U.S. and around the world.

I choose not to eat dog soup, but I’m still not able to say no to Korean BBQ or lamb skewers. How can I judge someone who wants to eat dog soup just because culturally I was brought up loving them as extended family members?

For the record, though, dog soup is quickly dwindling in popularity and if my elementary students are anything to go by, it’ll be out of fashion in one or two generations. It’s already quite rare to see them in bigger cities, and the only 보신탕 restaurants I’ve seen are in the countryside.

26. What food should I eat while I’m here?

Korean food is one of my favorite styles along with Vietnamese and Italian. Here’s a quick list of food to try:

• Naengmyun in the summer
• Gamjatang in the fall and winter
• A Buddhist temple meal (great for vegetarians)
• Korean street food! There are so many, and I don’t even know the names of all of them
• Pajeon, especially after a hike

Pro and also slightly biased tip: Korean food outside of Seoul is 10000x better than in it!

If you want, while you’re here, try a Korean cooking class in Seoul or even a food tour if you just want to eat and not cook.

27. How is vegetarian and vegan-friendly Korea?

Um… It’s not. Korean food by nature relies heavily on meat or fish. While Seoul may have a lot of options, you’re going to struggle. I’d always look at Happy Cow for restaurant ideas.

28. Any unique drinks to try?

Ha! Yes! I’ve tried these at least once even if I don’t drink:

• Soju – Korea’s alcohol of choice. You can get different mixes of it too, from yogurt soju to fruit soju. I’ve heard that Hallasan soju is the best tasting on it sown
• Makgeolli – Especially with pajeon, it’s a sweet rice wine type alcohol and you drink it from little bowls
• Cider – This is my favorite soda, and you can get it at any restaurant or grocery store. I don’t know what it is, but I always get addicted
• Omijacha – This is a really yummy tea you can get at cafes. It’s supposed to have five different flavors in it, so it tastes a bit tart and sweet at once.
• Hallabong drinks – Hallabong are the orange fruits from Jeju, and they’re delicious in drink form.

29. What’s the deal with the takeout culture?

Korea loves takeout. It’s amazing. In bigger cities, you can order to the exact place you’re at, even if you’re not in a building or home! The most popular things to order are fried chicken, pizza, pig’s feet, and random Korean dishes that are easy to transport.

If you can use Hangul, then download the 배달요기요 app.

Safety and Sanitary Concerns

31. is it safe to travel to south korea now.

Short answer: YES!

I wrote about it in a post on  the Department of Wandering  with more details. You can read it in full here.

32. Sooo… North Korea…

The North Korean threat is kind of blown out of proportion by the Western media. At this point, I’d be more concerned about living in NYC or LA.

Now…if you’re asking about visiting North Korea while you’re here, well, I have some strong opinions on that.

33. How safe is public transportation?

Super safe. I can’t tell you how many subways, buses, and trains I’ve taken here, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable.

34. How safe is Korea for a solo female traveler?

One of the safest places. Korea is honestly one of the safest countries in the world.

Of course, be as cautious as you’d be anywhere. Watch your drink, don’t get too inebriated if you’re on your own, and, you know, keep an eye out for your fellow female! I feel like there’s a silent solidarity of women around the world against creepy, drunk men, so if you ever feel uncomfortable, just go towards a woman and quietly let her know your situation.

35. How clean is Korea?

Overall, it’s clean. There are some areas that are kind of gross, but it’s no different than any other super industrialized country.

36. What’s the deal with this squat potty? Am I going to have to squat?

Ahhh, the squat potty. If you don’t know what it is, you’re blessed. I  know it’s actually more hygienic than regular toilets, but I just can’t get used to the idea.

Fun fact, in the 3 years I lived there, I never once needed to use one. Regular toilets are far more common, especially for most of the places you’re visiting.

Some more rural areas may only have a squat potty, such as hiking trails or campgrounds, but major places will have normal ones. And hey, the fancier buildings even have the seat bidets, which are truly the greatest toilet invention since indoor plumbing.

These are just some things I and other friends have noticed, and that I think you might be surprised by if you’ve never been here. I should preface this section with this: Of course, not ALL Koreans are like this, and many of these things you may not even experience. This is from my personal point of view and some trends I’ve seen with other foreign friends who live here.

37. You will get stared at.

Maybe not in Seoul, but in the rest of the country, just be prepared. There’s the episode of Conan when he goes to Korea and all the kids are craning their necks and just staring. That’s pretty common even if you’re not a tall ginger with a camera crew.

If you hear “wayguk,” they’re just pointing out that you’re a foreigner. I had a friend who would reply in the same awed tone, “hanguk saram,” or Korean!

38. Here’s a typical line of questioning:

• Korean: Where are you from?
• Me: America.
• Korean: Are you Korean?
• Me: No, I’m Chinese-American.
• Korean: Ahhh you speak Korean well.
• Me: Thank you.
• Korean: Are you married?
• Korean: Ahhh.

Couple culture is also very real here, and you’ll probably see  plenty  of couples out and about enjoying their day in matching gear. Elissa and I always joked that if you’re not sure where exactly to go on your way to a major site, just follow the couples! Works like a charm.

39. Are Koreans actually racist?

Ummmm, for the most part, no. And the more they see of foreign visitors and travel, the less likely they are. There are a few, especially from the older generation, who might be racist. Once in a blue moon, you might come across a bar that bans foreigners, but that’s super rare.

I will say, MANY of my friends have pointed out that the xenophobia in Korea really, really jumped out during COVID. However, this is not something I think you’d have to deal with as a visitor, but it maybe be something you start to get frustrated by if you’re here long term.

40. A note on the introverted nature of many Koreans.

A lot of Koreans keep to themselves. Don’t get me wrong, they can be insanely nice and kind, and I’ve had complete strangers stop to lead me to my next destination. But you have to  ask for that to happen.

Also if you’re in trouble, such as feeling harassed by a drunk old man, they won’t help on their own. They’ll kind of stare and avoid the general area.

41. What the heck is an ahjumma and ahjussi?

Okay, so technically:

• Ahjumma – married woman
• Ahjussi – married man

However, that’s not quite accurate. If you called a 22-year-old married woman an ahjumma, she’d be pretty offended!

Ahjummas are considered tough as nails mothers with cropped perms, comfy pants, and a brusque attitude that can be helpful or frustrating depending on the situation. If you ever need to get through a crowd, follow the ahjumma openly just pushing her way through.

Ahjussis are middle-aged men, and the connotation is that they’re soju drinking, sometimes grumpy, sometimes nice men. A lot of times they drive taxis. Now,  gaejeossis are something else entirely.

42. Do you Koreans really get drunk all the time?

No, though you’d think that, wouldn’t you? While the drinking culture is huge in Korea, the country is not a giant group of alcoholics.

However, some of my friendliest interactions with Koreans have been while they were drunk singing norebang. I guess I could say the same for America too.

43. Treatment of animals in Korea.

Animal treatment is getting  so much better, even in the time I’ve been here. However, I do think I should warn any diehard animal lovers that you’re not going to love what you see, especially out of the cities.

It’s very common to see bigger dogs chained up outside their homes all year round, and one of my adult students told me that near her apartment building, people were feeding the stray cats poisoned food to kill them.

Again, things are seriously improving, and there are so many great groups around the country that help strays. In Suncheon, there’s a cate cafe that’s strictly for helping stray cats!

44. What should I know about the suicide culture?

The suicide culture is a really unfortunate part of Korean culture, but it’s not something you’re really going to encounter unless you’ve been living here, and even then it’s fairly rare.

I wanted to make note of it, especially with SHINee’s Jonghyun passing and because it’s just something to be aware of, but I feel like to really discuss it, I’d have to dedicate a whole post which I’m not ready to delve into researching.

What to Buy for Souvenirs

On a much lighter note, here’s a fun section of what to buy in Korea for souvenirs!

45. The deal with Korean skincare products

Korean skincare is top notch, and it’s all I really use. There are  so many brands compared to the U.S., and they all have their own marketing and store locations. I personally  love Innisfree the most, so I buy from there for classic products. I like Etude House for make-up, and I just pop around to the different brands if I want something trendy or quirky to give as gifts. Some other brands are:

• Nature Republic
• The Face Shop
• Dr. Jart (check Olive Young)
• Peripera (check Olive Young)

If you have time, do research on what kind of products you want for your skin type, but as gifts, my go-to buy is face masks.

46. Clothes + Accessories

There are a ton of clothing stores in Korea, and the two big areas are Myeongdong and Dongdaemun in Seoul. I’m not really that big into clothes shopping here because everything is free size, so it’s either too small or a sack, but it’s worth looking around if you’re on the slim, petite side.

If you want something quirky, then I recommend getting either something with Hangul on it or, for fun, get one of the super bad English motto shirts!

Another clothing item that could be really lovely is a modern hanbok. Instead of buying a regular hanbok, which is crazy expensive, you can buy a modern looking one. Sometimes they’re really subtle details, so you can wear them in normal life without it feeling like a costume.

47. Food and drinks to buy for home

Soju bottles, Korean snacks found in any convenience store or grocery store, specialty teas… The only two specific things I can think of are Pepero and brown rice green tea packets.

48. Any other unique souvenirs to know about?

Hmm, there are quite a lot! Most souvenir shops have similar items that are supposed to be more for traditional Korea. If you have friends getting married, you could get them cute wedding ducks.

The cute culture is very real, so you could always get cute versions of everyday items like stationary or pens. If you’re a fan, go to the Naver Friends or Kakao friends stores and pick up one of their mascots.

There are a lot of adult coloring books too, so if you can find ones for Korean places, then I think those would make super cute gifts.

Other souvenirs would be, of course, K-pop related things if you have friends who love specific groups. I bought the physical CDs of a few groups and singers I like.

Final Notes on Traveling Korea

49. koreans  are actually really lovely and kind..

As a whole, Koreans are the bomb. They’re so kind, and even if some things can feel frustrating, they’re always polite and try to be as helpful as they can. I’ve had frustrating moments here, but, in all honesty, my overall frustration levels living in Korea are less after 3 years than the semester I spent living in Madrid, so that should say something.

50. Ultimately, traveling this country is what you make of it.

If you come in thinking you’re going to have a meet-cute with some perfect-skinned chaebol oppa, you’re probably going to leave pretty displeased.

My best advice is to take Korea for Korea and not compare it to other places. It’s pretty unique, for better or worse, and it  so wants to be better known for welcoming foreign travelers! I’ve been here, cumulatively, for 3+ years, and I wouldn’t keep coming back if I disliked my time.

And there you have it! Fifty things to know about traveling to South Korea. Let me know if I’m missing anything or if you’re planning your own trip here this year!

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37 comments.

Thank you for providing such a wealth of information. I was born in Busan circa 1980 and have lived in the States for 41 years. I am planning to bring my husband and our two sons back in the next year or so and have no idea what to expect!

Ahh have an amazing time!! Busan is so lovely – I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad time there. Gamcheon Culture Village is one of my favorite places in all of Korea!

Great tips! I’m making a list of the things to prepare before going to Korea. You don’t know how helpful it is to me. I’m becoming a lot more excited. Thank you! What do you think of getting a tour guide in South Korea? Found a guide that offers customized tours Do you think I should also consider this?

Hi! Think it depends on how you like to plan. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone else plan for you altogether, but I personally like researching every aspect of my trips!

Rock on. This is a really great blog with so many useful tips, thank you so much for all the details! I’m looking forward to visiting Korea and this has helped a lot!

Thank you for all the awesome tips and helpful information. We’ll be going in April, 2023 and will be visiting Jeju Island. In Seoul we’re planning use subway and train, but while in Jeju Island we are thinking renting a car. Is it expensive and easy to rent a car there? How are the road there? Do you have a car rental place you recommend in Jeju? :)

Hi! Fun! I might be in Korea around that time too depending :)

For Jeju I definitely recommend a car, though the bus system is pretty robust (way better than when I first went). I rented one the last time I went and it wasn’t too bad! I used Trazy – https://thereshegoesagain.org/korea/jeju/car-rental and while April is too far in the future, it looks like it’s around $40 a day.

Hi Samantha! Thank you for your helpful articles. My question is when at Incheon airport the priorities are to get just enough KRW till you get to myundeong (i hope im right T T) but to get there using public transportation, you do need cards for subway/train/bus? Or not necessary? Do you buy them at kiosks or machines near the terminals? Do you just buy an adequate plan card according to your stay (3 weeks in seoul)

Hi Maha! I promise the subway system is really, really easy to use and tourist-friendly in Incheon! (Like easily the best I’ve ever seen). Honestly, when you take out cash, I’d do like 100,000 KRW max. Korea is really card-friendly, so you really only need cash for subway/bus tickets and food stands! Everywhere else takes CC even if it’s only buying a water bottle.

When you arrive, follow signs for the metro. It’ll take you down a level or two and then you’ll see the entrance to the subway. There are literally arrows on the floor! In front are kiosks to buy tickets – you’ll need cash for them. If you just buy a single journey, you can get it there and it’ll pop you out a little ticket. If you want to get a subway card, you can buy one in one of the convenience stores like GS25. Ask for a TMoney card, and then you can just recharge that at any kiosk. Subway cards are super cheap and so easy to use and have on hand; I’d recommend getting one if you’re visiting for 3 weeks.

There’s also at least one or two stands/travel centers to help you if you get truly lost!

I love buying at stores in Korea and getting lots of free samples

Agree, the free samples are so fun!

We are taking our daughter to Seoul for the fall semester as an exchange student to Yonsei University. We are equally excited for her and also fearful at the same time. She has severe food allergies to fish and all tree nuts and peanuts. She already had a few anaphylactic reactions here at home while on college campus so when she said she applied to study abroad, my worry meter just shoot up!!! Anyways, we are set to fly with her and plan to spend a week in Seoul. Your blog and tips are extremely helpful. Thank you!

Ahh enjoy your week in Seoul! I think as long as she has everything she needs on her and explicitly avoids any restaurants using fish/tree nuts/peanuts she should be ok. Luckily most Korean cuisine doesn’t use anything peanuts or tree nuts.

i’m going to south korea next september and you blog has been so useful! thanks a lot <3

Aw yay, I’m glad it’s been helpful!!

So happy I came across your site. So many great articles. My partner and I will be travelling to South Korea (3 weeks) with our 6-month old. We are still struggling on the logistics: rental car or train/bus. I think it all comes down to the question what can we carry comfortably. Q / Is a infant car seat required for taxis and distance buses? I struggle to find reliable and up to date information. Q / Feom your travelling experience in South Korea what would you recommend?

So the only time I’ve driven in South Korea is on Jeju because I’m too scared to drive otherwise haha. BUT I highly recommend reaching out to my friend, Hallie – https://thesoulofseoul.net/ ! She has a daughter in Korea, and she’ll know all the ins and outs of carseats, etc. I think your best bet is DMing her on Instagram or joining our FB group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/108958789789483 ) and asking there!

Great information! My husband and I are planning to spend a week in Seoul next year. I’m Black and he is Filipino American. Do you think we will encounter any racial issues?

Hi Stephanie! Good question. Racism in Korea is a pretty loaded topic. Essentially everyone who doesn’t look Korean or East Asian has a good chance of experiencing some sort of micoaggression at least. However, because you’re in Seoul for only a week (aka a short time and in the most progressive part of the country used to seeing international visitors), you’ll most likely be fine.

Thank you for this info. Love the content! This is very helpful for those people like me who’s planning to go to Korea. Hopefully I can visit there next year! May I ask what are the requirements to get Korean Visa?

Hi Juliet! Depends on the visas. I recommend checking out the Korean embassy website in your country for specific details. The E-2 visa for teachers is a whole process!

Hi thank you so much for a detailed outline for tips on traveling to south korea, this helped a lot!

Traveling soon there, do I need to know someone in South Korea as a list of contact or do they ask that when first time travelers arrive there? What if i do not know anyone?

Thank you! I don’t think so, but I’m not sure how things have changed with COVID!

Thank you for this! I am planning my 40th birthday for 2022 and this came up in my search!

Ooh so exciting!! I hope you have fun planning!

I loved this so much! I’m hoping to go to korea next year on my own and i’m so excited but very nervous. and this has been so helpful! I’m not sure if you have already but do you have an article or any advise on getting visas or how it works depending on how long you plan on staying. Thank you x:)

Aw you’ll love it!! I have one on getting the E-2 visa but I’m not familiar with the rest. You’ll want to check out some of the Facebook groups for Korea for that :)

So detailed and so impressive! There are lots of articles of Korean travel tips, but I haven’t seen like this one :) Thanks for your post!

Hi! Thank you :) This means so much to me!

This is so helpful, I’ll be going next year and I can’t wait! When you first traveled to South Korea; did you have to book a hotel and give them the hotel information?

Hi! That’s so exciting; I hope you have the best time!!

Yes! So when you go through immigration, they’ll have you fill out the typical form and it’ll ask for an address and phone number. If I’m not staying with friends, I’ll book an Airbnb in Hongdae or hotel and use their address and phone number on the form.

Hi! I’m going to South Korea this year with 4 other girls (2 of whom are my sisters). I came across your post and it gave a very usueful insight to visiting South Korea for the first time. Thank you!

I cannot wait for my trip in 3 weeks!

Thank you so much :). I hope you ladies have such a fun trip! If your timing is just right, I think you should see the cherry blossoms!

Hi, I’m a Korean preparing to be a tour guide for foreign travelers.

I’m impressed by this post full of affection for Korea. I love it! I think most of, no, all of tips you wrote in this post are super helpful to travelers considering trip to Korea. And actually this post is a good text for me to take a foreigners’ perspective, too.

I’m keeping to see your other posts that is so worth to study(!). Nice to meet your posts. :)

Hi Narae, thanks so much for your kind words :) Good luck with your tour guide prep!

I’m a Korean In this post, I think that you got realistic Korean knowledges and useful tips. I didn’t think about foreigner’s perspacetive. And I am amazed by your tips that is most right thing. Thx for your post :)

Thank you, Jae Youl! I’m glad you like the post :)

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17 South Korea Travel Tips (From a Longtime Resident)

Last Updated: Nov 12, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

When I first came to Korea, I made the mistake of thinking that I could just wing it and survive in a totally different culture without almost any preparation. Within my first week, I’d read every article on South Korea travel tips available on the internet.

It was embarrassing coming to Korea without knowing how to do the simplest of things by myself, so I went into observation and Korean language study mode. In the meanwhile, I definitely looked ignorant making mistakes I could have easily avoided had I prepared myself beforehand.

For instance, one of the biggest mistakes I ever made was wearing tank tops to school my first few weeks as an English teacher. In the US, it’s nothing to comment on. But in Korea? I was embarrassingly pulled aside at a school assembly and told I was making other teachers uncomfortable, yet I’d been dressing the same for weeks and nobody had said a word. I was mortified.

A smaller error I made during my first week was in assuming that you can just say anything in any way in Korea. But due to Confucian social conventions, there are important levels of formality I should have been mindful of.

Imagine how offended my teacher looked when I replied “ Annyeong ” without the “ haseyo !” It was such an embarrassing moment that, again, I could have avoided had I read some Korea cultural tips before arriving.

We don’t want you to offend the locals, so to ensure that you do not make the same mistakes I did, I made a list of my top South Korea travel tips to help you on your trip.

Basics of Travel in South Korea

What to know before visiting korea (tips from locals).

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

Asking about your age is okay

You might feel offended if a Korean person suddenly asks about your age, but this is a totally normal thing to them. Refusing to answer this question also gives them great stress, because then they don’t know how to properly address you; there’s an explicit social hierarchy in Korea.

So as much as this question might make you uncomfortable, understand that this is their custom, and they primarily use it to learn how they should talk to you.

Know the proper honorifics to use

The worst thing about conversing with people is that you don’t know whether you’re using the right honorifics, and there’s always a chance you might use the wrong one.

Even if you’re speaking with them in English, there are different ways to address someone depending on their status (usually relative to yours). So if you’re unsure where you might fall in the hierarchy, you can prepare yourself with this guide on how to properly address people in Korea first. 

Don’t forget to bow!

One of the things I’ve learned here in Korea is that: “when in doubt, bow.” Koreans bow whenever they greet, thank, and even apologize. Sometimes I wonder if I’m bowing too much, or if I’m bowing lower than I should.

But Koreans don’t really expect you to bow at all, especially if it’s totally obvious that you are not from their culture, but it’s still respectful and appreciated if you try.

Remove your shoes as soon as you enter a home

One fascinating thing about Korean homes is the existence of the ondol system, or the traditional method of keeping their floors warm. This is why Koreans find winters tolerable and comfortable; their feet are never cold.

The issue with Westerners is that they oftentimes forget this, and they walk into places with their shoes on, leaving grimy bits of dust and pebbles that sully the pristine floors. But shoes are not acceptable in most Korean homes or restaurants, so if you are not comfortable with exposing your bare feet, at least keep your socks on.

Koreans eat from the same bowl

You might think this is unhygienic, but in Korea, this is absolutely normal. Sharing is a massive part of the culture, and if you do not participate in this custom, they may take it personally. Also, while we’re talking about bowls – never lift it up while eating!

Your bowl should stay in front of you at all times, which is why you generally see Koreans stoop over their bowls and scoop food using a soup spoon. 

Never stick chopsticks in your food

While sticking our chopsticks in a bowl of rice is not really a big deal to us, to them it’s an insensitive act. This is because it replicates a jesa , or a funeral ritual that Koreans do to offer food to the dead.

The eldest eats first

Koreans love to eat together, but remember that age matters in Korea, so if the eldest person is not ready to eat yet, you really have to wait.

Also, the seating arrangement when eating is also different in Korea, but my trick here is to wait for everyone else to be seated and then wait for their gesture to tell me where to sit. Works like a charm.

Even if it’s too spicy for you to handle, don’t blow your nose at the table

Koreans are known for their spicy food, and we have a tendency to sniffle if we are not used to it. But Koreans find it rude to blow your nose at the table (and you don’t want to send your snot to the food ), so as much as possible, hold it in or excuse yourself to the bathroom. That way you can blow as much as you want without getting flak for it.

If you’re drinking with the elderly, turn your head away when taking a shot

There are so many drinking rules in Korea , and one thing you have to keep in mind is always to mind the seniority. If you have to clink glasses with somebody older than you, make sure your glass is slightly lower than theirs. Then you turn away and take the shot, not looking back until you’re all done.

Don’t pour your own drink

You should never serve drinks to yourself in Korea, though if you’re the youngest, you should pour for everyone else. Instead, you should wait until someone pours it for you, and always receive it with both hands.

You should also keep a lookout for whether those who are older than you need a refill, and when you pour, never forget to use both hands.

Don’t tip in Korea!

Koreans do not like it when you tip, as it imbalances a careful power dynamic between customers and proprietors. In Korea, they hold the strong belief that the customer is King, and that they should uphold the highest quality of standards whenever they serve you.

So if you find yourself impressed by someone’s service, just thank them and leave a nice review in Kakao Maps (and offer them a compliment, if you can!).

Writing people’s names in red ink is a big no-no

Koreans love receiving handwritten letters, and if you want to show your gratitude and appreciation for a new friend, a helpful Korean tip would be to avoid red ink. You’ll actually rarely see red ink pens for sale in Korea, because writing names in red ink is believed to bring death upon the person whose name was written.

Don’t be part of the problem: toss your trash properly

Korea has a serious littering problem. Even if there are clear, established rules on how to properly segregate trash, you’ll still see bottles, plastic cups, and cigarette butts on the side of the road across the country.

What you can do, however, is to bring your trash with you wherever you go, and throw it in proper bins in the public spaces. 

Don’t give gifts in fours

Giving gifts is a big thing in Korea. People seem to love exchanging things as a sign of appreciation, hence Teacher’s Day, Single’s Day, and White Day (all gift-giving holidays). However, if you give them something that comes in a set of 4, they might freeze for a moment, as the number four is inherently connected to death in Korea.

This is because this number sounds a lot like death in their language, so avoid this unlucky number by choosing just one thoughtful gift. There are plenty of places where you can buy gifts in Korea !

Take the time to appreciate a business card

While in Korea, you’ll likely encounter interesting people, many of whom may offer you a business card. This is a common way to non-threateningly try to connect with foreigners, so remember to receive it with both hands.

Then make an effort to at least appreciate the fine details of it before storing it; rushing to pocket these things often rubs them the wrong way.

Don’t cross your legs in the presence of other people

This is another custom I never knew was rude, since I grew up being told as a woman that I should keep my legs crossed if I don’t want to look improper. In Korea, however, crossing your legs is a sign of disrespect, though foreigners sometimes get a pass.

If you have to sit across from somebody and you’re wearing a skirt that’s too short for your liking, instead of crossing your legs, aim to straighten your posture and keep your hands on your lap.

Shoving is okay

I know this is something that may confuse you, because in most cultures, shoving is rude. But in Korea they don’t like getting held back or blocked.

So if people shove you in Korea, they may do it with such force that it throws you off balance – but here’s the rub: if you get mad, people will think you’re making a scene. This is totally normal behavior to most Koreans, especially from the elderly, but this fact took me years to accept.

Now that you’ve seen all my most important Korea tips, I hope that my advice will help keep you away from trouble and speed up your acclimating process.

More South Korea

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Max Ritchie says

October 01, 2022 at 8:23 pm

Hi Max, I'm a Max as well and love all things Korean. I'm planning a trip early next year and will concentrate just on Seoul (as I'll be back). I found your information very helpful and will keep reading. I'm planning the trip alone and I'm a very active 73yr old female, if i fitted the criteria I would have loved to teach english there so I could experience the country more fully than just a trip.

regards max

October 01, 2022 at 8:48 pm

Awww thanks, Max! I'm glad you've found it helpful, and please let me know if you have any questions. My mom (an active 69-year old, herself!) had a similar sentiment when she came to visit me in Korea for the first time. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

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25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know

Looking for some South Korea Travel Tips ? We’re here to tell you all the best things to know before visiting South Korea! We’ll share many recommendations along the way – including sim cards, Korean street food, transportation , and a few things that stand out in South Korea compared to other countries.

Let’s find out what to know before visiting South Korea & the best South Korea travel tips!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

South Korea is a unique country in East Asia that’s a little underrated compared to its neighbours! The country has so much to offer, Koreans are so friendly, the nature is incredible and the culture is beautiful! We can’t recommend visiting South Korea enough which is why we’re excited to create these guides!

This guide was created to show you the best South Korea travel tips so you can plan your trip and have a great time. We’ve created itineraries for some amazing destinations in South Korea – check them out!

2 week South Korea Itinerary / 5 Day Seoul Itinerary / The Best Templestay in Korea / 3 day Busan Itinerary / Best Things to do in Gyeongju & Itinerary

25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

Let’s get straight into it! Here are the best South Korea travel tips and all the best things to know before visiting South Korea! Enjoy !

1. Book Accommodation in Advance

If you want to get the best accommodation for your time and budget then we recommend booking accommodation at least 3 weeks in advance! Although it’s possible to find hostels or hotels last minute, they may not be the best you could have had.

If you’re travelling to South Korea on a budget – hostels do exist but they can get booked up quite fast compared to on-the-go travel! We’ve listed all our recommendations in our 2 week South Korea itinerary – check it out !

2. South Korea has a big cafe culture

It’s impossible to walk around a corner in Seoul without discovering another cafe. The cafe culture is huge in South Korea and you’ll find trendy or themed cafes all around the country. Check out Hongdae in Seoul to experience dog cafes or a Harry Potter themed cafe!

3. Download Naver Maps & More(alternative to Google)

One of the most important things to know before visiting South Korea is that Naver will become your Google of South Korea! When trying to get around South Korea, Naver Maps is the way to go! Google Maps doesn’t work too well in South Korea so it’s best to download the Naver and Naver Maps apps before you arrive in the country.

Here are a few other apps to download for travelling in South Korea:

• Naver (like the Google search engine)
• Kakao Maps (like Google Maps)
• Kakao Talk (like Whats App)
• Subway Korea (subway navigation)
• Klook (deals on activities)
• Papago (like Google Translate)
• Naver Dictionary & Translate (like Google Translate)
• XE Currency (currency comparison)
• Kakao Taxi (like Uber)

4. Get Data!

Another one of the best things to know before visiting South Korea is that although the wi-fi is good, it isn’t everywhere . This means you’ll struggle with navigation if you’re used to using Google Maps to get around. As almost everything is online these days we recommend getting a sim card or portable wifi for your trip to South Korea! Here are a few options (we used an E-sim!) :

E-Sim  – The best option if you don’t need a Korean number. They’re really easy to use – purchase the sim online and with instructions you can install the sim on your phone settings. You don’t even have to worry about a physical sim or picking anything up! Here’s a  12 Day E-Sim . (around £9.50 for 12 days)

Prepaid Sim  – This may be the best option if you want a Korean number as well as data. Price changes depending on the length you want the sim. Find  a sim card on Klook here ! (around £15 for 10 days) Pick up at the airport.

Portable Wifi  – A great option if you want to connect with multiple devices. These are usually the more expensive option but so handy! Find a  portable Wifi on Klook here ! (around £20 for 10 days) Pick up at the airport.

We also recommend carrying a  portable charger  for your phone so you always have enough battery to last a full day! We recommend this one –  Anker Power Bank .

5. Try some of the best Korean Skincare

Korean Beauty is popular all over the beauty world – with Korean skincare and Korean makeup designed to give you flawless and glowing skin. Myeongdong in Seoul is definitely the area to hunt for Korean beauty products and even get a makeover done! It’s also more common to get plastic surgery in South Korea as appearance is really important to Koreans.

6. Best time to visit South Korea

The best time to visit South Korea is Spring (April to June) or Autumn (September to November) ! In these months the weather is usually at its best with sunny days and comfortable temperatures.

It’s totally possible to visit South Korea any time of year – the winter is a magical time of year to visit with snow covering the mountains and cities. Summer is rain and typhoon season, so it’s not really the best time of year to visit due to the unpredictable climate.

7. Learn some Korean phrases

Another one of our South Korea travel tips is how handy it will be to learn some Korean phrases before visiting South Korea. Learning basic phrases should be done when travelling to any country around the world. Here are a few we think you should memorize:

• Hello – ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo
• Thank you – gahm-sah-hahm-ni-da
• Yes – neh or deh
• No – ah-nee-oh
• Please – jwe-song-ha-ji-mahn
• Excuse me – sil-le-hahm-ni-da
• Good-bye – ahn-nyong-hee ga-se-yo

The best way to start learning some Korean phrases is to watch YouTube videos or use apps such as Lingodeer, Duolingo or Memrise . It’s very helpful when travelling in Seoul and around the country.

8. Book trains tickets in advance

If you’re planning on taking any trains or buses on a weekend, then a South Korea travel tip for you is to book your train tickets in advance ! Trains in South Korea can often sell out if you leave them till the day. Make your reservations at least 1-2 weeks in advance to secure them on the Korail website !

You can only book buses in advance if you have a Korean phone number – however, you can book them a couple of days in advance when arriving at the station. Get your train tickets here – Korail tickets ! and here’s a link to check bus times !

9. Spend the most time in Seoul

We don’t want these South Korea travel tips to be too obvious but – you will fall in love with Seoul! It’s the capital city of South Korea surrounded by beautiful mountains and there’s so much to do in the city including many neighbourhoods to explore! Check out our  5 Day Seoul Itinerary travel guide here!

10. Get a T-Money Card

The best way to get around cities and towns in South Korea is by public transport! One of the first things to do when you arrive in South Korea ( which is probably going to be Seoul ) is to purchase a T-Money Card .

T-Money Cards are transport cards that you top up with cash-only and you just swipe the card when entering transport. It’s the easiest way to use public transport as you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket every time you want to travel. You can purchase these cards at convenience stores or vending machines at main points of travel (such as the airport) .

11. Always carry cash (Korean Won ₩)

This leads us to one of the next South Korea travel tips – carry cash everywhere you go in South Korea! To top up your T-Money card you have to use cash even in convenience stores to add to the card. Cash is also used for buying Korean street food and is often preferred in restaurants! We even had two accommodations asking for cash-only which was a panic rush to a cash machine!

12. Get Papago (or use GoogleTranslate)

Papago is an app for translating the Korean language into your own. It also helps with translating your own language to Korean when speaking with any Koreans. Papago was recommended to us by travellers we met in South Korea, however, Google Translate actually worked perfectly for us! We even used it to have conversations with Koreans – which was so fun!

One of our South Korea trips is to use the Google Translate app to scan your food in grocery stores, the app picks up the Hangul characters. There are a few ingredients we don’t eat, so it was very helpful to read the ingredients on food packets just like it was in English!

13. No need to tip

Another one of the things to know before visiting South Korea is that you won’t have to tip! There’s no tipping culture in South Korea as service should be the best at all times. It’s a very useful tip to know when visiting South Korea!

14. Prepare for the season

South Korea has four seasons and it’s definitely good to be prepared for the season at any time of year.

• Winter – (December – February) – Wrap up warm and be prepared for snow!
• Spring – (March – May) – One of the best times to visit, it may still be cold & it’s a busy time of year!
• Summer – (June – August) – Be prepared for hot & humid weather with heavy rains!
• Fall – (September – November) – Another popular time to visit, fall starts to get a little chilly!

15. South Korea is safe

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world ! We’ve heard that some Koreans leave their phone on the table to keep their spot when buying a coffee – we’re not sure if that’s true, but it’s honestly believable! South Korea has a low crime rate and strong security measures in the country.

It’s important to note – whenever travelling, always be cautious of your surroundings and stay safe.

16. South Korea Travel Costs

From our experience, prices in South Korea are pretty good if you’re travelling on a budget as long as you know it’s not as inexpensive as South East Asian countries. However, South Korea is less expensive than Japan and the UK. We’re in the process of creating a full breakdown of our costs in South Korea, for now here’s what you can expect for 2 weeks of travel in South Korea per person.

Accommodation – £33 / ₩52,000 per night (private room, can be shared between two people)

Food – around £20 / ₩300,00 a day with a mix of restaurant and convince store meals

Transport – around £95 / ₩150,000 for 2 weeks of travel

Activities – around £10 / ₩15,000 a day

How can you save extra money?  Choose restaurants that aren’t so expensive, shop at convenience stores more often, stay in private rooms in hostels and take buses instead of trains.

17. Couples culture is a thing

When walking around South Korea you’ll notice that couples often wear matching clothes or shoes and it’s the cutest thing. Korean couples love doing things together and if you visit one of South Korea’s many theme parks you’ll definitely notice a lot of matching outfits ( including friend groups! )

We use a  Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  to take photos of us together on our camera, it’s so useful especially when there’s no one around! There’s also a version for a phone –  Joby Phone Tripod  to get the best photos on your South Korea trip!

18. The tap water is safe to drink

Another one of the things to know before visiting South Korea is that tap water is safe to drink! Most Koreans will often boil the water before drinking it but the water is completely safe. Bring a reusable water bottle to always have water on the go without buying plastic!

19. Watch a Korean Drama before you visit

K-dramas are a big deal in South Korea and many people outside of the country love them too! Filming locations are very popular sights to see around South Korea! If you’ve never seen a K-drama before, here’s a list of some of the most popular shows:

• Mr. Queen (2020-2021)
• The World of the Married (2020)
• Sky Castle (2018-2019)
• Reply 1988 (2015-2016)
• Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)

20. You have to try Korean food

Korean cuisine is amazing! ( even for vegetarians !) Hopefully one of the reasons you’re visiting South Korea is to try the food but even if it isn’t – you will love the experience! Korean food is warming, tasty and unique all at the same time. Here’s few dishes to try on your visit to South Korea:

• Tteokbokki (Rice cakes in a spicy sauce)
• Kimchi (Spicy fermented cabbage)
• Gun Goguma (Roasted sweet potatoes)
• Mandu (Korean dumplings)
• Bibimbap (Rice bowl with toppings)
• Gamja-Hotdog (Korean-style corn dog covered with potato)
• Dakgangjeong (Korean fried chicken with a sweet spicy coating – There’s vegan options too!)
• Soju (like Korean wine)

21. Trains are fast, but buses are amazing!

Another one of our South Korea travel tips is that although trains are fast, they aren’t the only way to get around the country. Express and intercity buses are underrated in South Korea and they’re so comfortable.

Buses are usually half the price of trains and they do take a little longer to get to the destination – but South Korea is a small country so it’s really not too long! Find tickets here – Express & Intercity Kobus tickets !

22. The country has so much to offer

There isn’t enough time you can give yourself on a trip to South Korea. We spent 2 amazing weeks exploring the country and wanted to stay longer! If your first trip is a few days in Seoul – that’s the best introduction to the country and we’re sure you’ll be planning another trip straight away.

Seoul / Jeju Island / Gyeongju / Seoraksan National Park / Gunsan / Golgulsa Temple / Gwangju / Suwon / Hwaseong / Busan / Chuncheon / Andong / Jeonju / Boseong – Check out our Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024) to plan your trip!

23. Eat at convenience stores

Convenience stores are everywhere in South Korea with more than 40,000 stores in the country. They’re helpful for everyday items but most importantly they’re great for food. Whether you’re on a budget or not, eating meals from convenience stores has to be done on your trip.

Try a ramyeon or rice snack from CU , 7/11 or GS25 !

24. Korea is fashionable

As we’ve mentioned in this South Korea travel tips – Koreans take pride in their appearance! This means South Korea has amazing fashion taste. The country has maintained a unique and individual style of fashion and it’s usually quite contemporary. Unfortunately, our backpacker clothes didn’t really look the part in South Korea and we felt like getting a new wardrobe!

25. Try to learn Hangul (Korea’s Alphabet)

South Korea’s alphabet is surprisingly easy to learn compared to other surrounding countries. Hangul is made up of 24 characters and although it looks difficult to learn at first, it’s actually quite logical and makes sense.

Learning Hangul will be so helpful for menus, shops and transport in South Korea although there are also English signs in cities! Here are a few apps to help you learn: Lingodeer, Duolingo or Memrise .

26. Understand Korean Culture

When visiting a country it’s always polite to follow the etiquette being used and to respect the culture. Here are a few things to know before visiting South Korea! (not all of these are used by every Korean!)

• When accepting or offering money use both hands.
• Remove your hat when indoors
• Remove shoes when entering a home or accommodation
• Respect anyone whose older than yourself
• Respect anywhere that’s quiet (such as subways or quiet outdoor spaces)

27. Look into going on a hike

South Korea is amazing for nature! The country is made up of beautiful greenery and mountains and it’s even possible to go hiking in the capital city – Seoul! If you’re not into hiking, you do the short walk up to Seoul Tower in Namsan Park.

• Ulsanbawi Trail (Seoraksan National Park)
• Biryong Falls (Seoraksan National Park)
• Bukhansan (Seoul)
• Jirisan (near Gurye / South part of South Korea)
• Hallasan (Jeju Island)

That concludes our 25+ best things to know before visiting South Korea and top South Korea travel tips! We hope that these will help you on your future trip to South Korea! Check out our other South Korea travel guides to plan the most amazing trip.

What to pack for South Korea?

As you know, from this South Korea travel tips guide – there are four seasons in South Korea! Make sure you’re prepared and have the correct type of clothes when visiting the country. Always have a decent pair of footwear with you for lots of walking! Here are a few travel essentials we always carry:

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle  – A must when travelling to countries with drinkable tap water!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes  – The best way to pack your bag or suitcase!
• Rain Mac in a Bag  – A lightweight raincoat to carry around with you in South Korea!
• Anker Power Bank  – Always have charged gadgets with your own portable charger!
• Worldwide Travel Adaptor  – The ultimate travel adaptor when travelling to multiple countries!
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  – The best lightweight tripod to take anywhere in South Korea! We are obsessed with our  Joby GorillaPod  and use it with our  Sony A600 . Joby also has a phone version –  Joby Phone Tripod .

Here’s 10 travel essentials for women travelling in South Korea and anywhere around the world!

Quick South Korea travel tips:

Currency  – Korean Won  (compare to your own currency  here ) Language  – Korean (한글) Cuisine  – Korean Cuisine  (noodles, rice, bbq & kimchi) Apps  –  NaverMaps  (like GoogleMaps) &  Kako Talk  (like GoogleTranslate) Transport Card  – T-Money Card  (the easiest way to use public transport in South Korea) Korea Power Voltage  – Plugs C & F (220 V)

Best places to stay in South Korea

• Seoul – Hostel Tommy – Find here on Booking.com !
• Busan – Dynamic Guesthouse – Find here on Booking.com !
• Jeonju – Jungdam –  Find here on Booking.com !
• Gyeongju – Doobaki Guesthouse –  Find here on Booking.com !

More  South Korea  guides:

• Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)
• 5 Day Seoul Itinerary – Best Things To Do (2024)
• Staying in Golgulsa Temple: The Best Templestay in Korea (2024)
• 3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024)
• 11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024)

Ultimate South Korea Bucket List: 20 Best Things To Do

• All our  South Korea  posts!

That’s the end of our  25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know Before Visiting South Korea ! Have the best trip to South Korea and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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30 South Korea Travel Tips To Know Before Going!

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

South Korea is a place you’ll benefit from researching before visiting. If you’re reading my South Korea travel tips, you’re already doing a good job! Saying this, I went in fairly blind and didn’t do much research before I arrived. Nothing went majorly wrong but there were a few things that floored me, such as why Google Maps wasn’t working and why no one would sell me an aff ordable SIM card!

KOREA ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com /  Hostelworld Activities:  Viator / GetYourGuide Getting there: air ( Skyscanner )   Getting around: Train ( Trip.com ) / bus Pre-book private airport to hotel transfer Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads)

South Korea tips

After spending three weeks in South Korea , I feel confident to share my Korea tips and advice. I can’t promise I know absolutely everything about the culture and history (although I did my best) but I’m certainly clued up when it comes to Korea travel tips. The following 30 tips for visiting South Korea are designed to share practical advice and cultural know-how, making your trip easier and more meaningful. Here are some things to know before going to South Korea:

Psst – looking for Seoul travel tips? Check out my Seoul itinerary and guide!

1. Data is expensive

My first Korea travel tip relates to the internet. I assumed I’d buy a local SIM like I do everywhere but this turned out to be more complicated than I’d realised . Without a residency card, you can’t access the deals the locals get. I tried asking in countless stores and phone shops but to no avail.

2. But Wi-Fi is everywhere

When visiting South Korea, ask yourself if you actually need a SIM card. I’ve never been anywhere with quite so many Wi-Fi hotspots. Every subway station has Wi-Fi access as well as many trains and local buses. Whenever I was out sightseeing, I’d nip into a station to download directions to my next location even if I wasn’t catching a train. I got by fine without data so you might want to disregard my South Korea travel tip #1 and use Wi-Fi instead.

3. Rent your SIM/hotspot at the airport

If you do decide you’d rather get a SIM card than rely on Wi-Fi, a good option is to pre-order one and collect it at the airport. I started my SIM card hunt by asking my hostel owner where to get one. She answered ‘the airport’ which wasn’t ideal since I’d just spent an hour coming from there. Yep, it’s hard to find tourist SIM cards anywhere but the airport so this is definitely a helpful thing to know before visiting South Korea. B ook your 4g SIM to collect at Seoul airport . The other option is renting a portable Wi-Fi device. This often works out a bit cheaper than a SIM card and they also can be collected at the airport. Reserve your pocket Wi-fi device here.

4. Tipping isn’t necessary

Worried about the cost of travelling in South Korea ? I’ll touch on this later but there’s one thing you don’t need to worry about: tipping. The price you see on a restaurant menu or at the bar is exactly what you’ll pay. In fact, tipping can appear quite rude, just like in Japan. Giving a tip might suggest you think a waiter is below you hierarchically which is obviously to be avoided. Save those pennies for dessert!

5. Google Maps doesn’t really work

I’d never been somewhere without Google Maps so I was very surprised when I arrived in South Korea. It’s not that Maps doesn’t work at all but it’s not regularly updated and the maps won’t load to a close level. Public transport directions work but walking and driving ones do not. South Korea prefers to rely on its own system rather than global companies which explains its reluctance to partner with Google. Some apps for travelling in Korea are Naver Maps and KakaoMap.

6. South Korea gets COLD

A tip for visiting South Korea in the winter is to prepare for the weathe r. Unlike other places in Asia that stay warm all year round, South Korea has severe winters. This means you’ll want to look at the seasons and weather before planning your trip, or at least dress accordingly. As a lover of the sun (and a backpacker with too many sarongs and summer dresses), I waited for spring to visit. But if you have a woolly wardrobe ready to be packed, winter might be a beautiful time to visit South Korea.

Of all the things to know before going to Korea, the weather may be the most impactful. Here’s a rundown of the seasons.

• Spring (March to May) – the best time for cool temperatures and seeing cherry blossoms
• Summer (June to August) – hot and humid in the cities but generally manageable
• Autumn (September to November) – this season is short with cool temperatures of 10-20 degrees. Note this is typhoon season.
• Winter (December to March) – temperatures go down to -3 degrees.

7. It’s amazing for hiking

One thing that South Korea isn’t overly famous for is hiking . I hope this changes because this green and glorious island is the perfect place for long and short hikes for all abilities. I took some excellent day trips from Busan that nature lovers will enjoy. Most are super easy to reach from the city thanks to efficient public transport.

Worthwhile hikes include:

• Bukhansan National Park from Seoul
• Seoraksan National Park (2.5 hours from Seoul, stay over in Sokcho city)
• Apsan Park and observation deck from Daegu
• Palgongsan Mountain from Daegu
• Igidae Coastal Walk from Busan
• Taejongdae Resort island hike from Busan.

8. The Korean alphabet is easy

Apparently! I can’t say I learnt it but many travellers claim it’s pretty easy, plus it would be a fun activity for your South Korea bucket list . Of course, I’m not saying that learning fluent spoken Korean is easy, but knowing the alphabet will enable you to recognise dishes on menus and place names. If you’re good with languages, this could be a worthwhile tip for visiting South Korea.

9. Get a Tmoney card

My top South Korea tip for getting from a to b? Purchase a travel card. Tmoney cards only cost 500 won when you consider that you get back 3,500 of the 4,000 deposit you pay. They make travelling South Korea so much easier because you don’t need to queue for ticket machines and you can quickly tap onto any bus or subway train. You can buy them at subway stations and convenience stores.

10. The subway is efficient but don’t overlook the buses

Jumping on buses in foreign countries can be nerve-wracking but don’t worry in South Korea. The buses are safe, efficient and regular. For certain routes, they’ll even be quicker than catching the subway. Personally, I much prefer to get my bearings and watch the world go by from the window of a bus than sit underground so I always take the bus when I can. In smaller cities like Daegu, Gyeongju and Jeonju , buses are the only option as there’s no subway. This South Korea travel tip is to embrace them!

11. Use Trip.com to book trains

You can book trains on Trip.com , the official partner of Korail (the railway network of Korea). This is the only train website that will take foreign payment card.

12. For buses, just show up

Unfortunately, for buses, you can’t use Trip.com and other booking websites only take Korean payment cards. Don’t worry because buses rarely book up so you can just turn up on the day. This is what I did and never had any problems. As a general rule, before moving to a new place I checked out bus and train prices then took whichever was cheapest or quickest, depending on how much time I had.

13. You can only visit the DMZ with a tour

Visiting the DMZ is a fascinating addition to your South Korea trip. However, the only way to visit is with an official guide and organised tour group. Check out my tips for taking a DMZ tour from Seoul .

The second thing to know about visiting the DMZ is that tours can book up during busy months. Book a couple of days in advance if possible. An additional South Korea tip: bring your passport to the DMZ with you otherwise you’ll be refused entry to the area. Imagine coming all that way and not being allowed in!

14. There are lots of affordable tours

Despite the fact that general costs are higher in South Korea than many other Asian countries, the price of tours a r e pretty similar. Trips and day tours on GetYourGuide and Klook start at $15, a useful Korea tip if travelling on a budget without your own vehicle.

15. Bank cards are widely accepted

Before arriving in South Korea I’d been in Southeast Asia, somewhere you can rarely pay on card. While I’d recommend having some cash on you in South Korea, most restaurants and shops do allow card transactions. However if you’re having street food for dinner, it’s cash payment or going hungry.

16. The currency is the South Korean won

The South Korean currency might make you feel wealthy but soz, it’s an illusion! The rate at the time of writing (Jan ‘22) is 1,600 to the pound or 1,200 to the dollar. You’ll be dropping at least 5,000 for dinner and 20,000 for hostel beds.

17. Prices are fairly high

I’d put South Korea between Southeast Asia and the West in terms of costs. You’ll certainly find it expensive if you’re used to Vietnam or Thailand but it won’t seem so bad if you’re arriving from the UK or US.

Read next: Korea on a budget

Hostel dorms cost around 20,000 won (£15 / $18) per night; street food meals cost between 2-5,000 won; cheap restaurant meals cost between 5,000-10,000 won; and train journeys are between 5-000-25,000 won. If you’re looking for South Korea tips for travelling on a budget, you need to get familiar with market food and dorms!

Read next: guide to Seoul street food

18. The beauty culture is something else

Get ready to be bombarded with beauty products left right and centre ! The South Korean beauty industry is one of the biggest in the world worth over $10 billion US. It’s also impossible to avoid. South Koreans are often super glamorous and rely heavily on whitening p roducts. Areas of Seoul like Myeondong are packed with beauty stores selling everything you never knew you needed. They’re a lot of fun to browse.

19. Get ready to feel scruffy!

On that note, I’ve never felt scruffier than in South Korea. My backpack wardrobe was passable in other Asian countries but felt oh-so-crumpled and faded compared to what the locals wore. Particularly in Seoul! If you’re looking for Seoul travel tips, I would suggest you pack a few smart outfits if you want to visit nice restaurants and bars. They aren’t mandatory but might make you blend in better!

20. Go hard or go home

I was surprised to learn that South Koreans are big social drinkers and love to party. Previously I’d been in Taiwan where the drinking culture was virtually nonexistent so I’d expected more of the same. How wrong I was! In Seoul’s Hongdae, local partygoers stay out until 6am. You’ll also see businessmen pretty tipsy after post-work drinks. It was a side I’d not seen before in Asia and liked – after all, how often do you get to party with the locals?

21. Soju is life

If you’re headed to South Korea and don’t yet know Soju, you’ll want to remember this Korea travel tip. Soju is a fermented spirit and the national drink of South Korea. Apparently, it’s considered offensive to refuse a shot. And we wouldn’t want to cause offence now, would we? 😉 If you’re backpacking Korea on a budget, there’s a second reason to know about soju. It’s very cheap. Drinking soju at home is a fraction of the cost of drinking at a bar. Visit the 7-Eleven for apple, grape and grapefruit flavoured soju that can be drunk neat (it’s nowhere near as strong as the flavourless version).

22. There’s nowhere as crazy as Seoul

Seoul is different from anywhere in the country. It reminded me of London in that way. If you try and compare anywhere else in South Korea to Seoul, you’ll end up surprised or even disappointed. While I’d recommend around 3 days in Busan , I’d suggest at least 5 days in Seoul. Nowhere rivals Seoul in size, quirkiness or diversity of the things to do. For a real taste of what makes Seoul special, visit Hongdae in the evenings. You’ll find live music, street food, bizarre cafes where you can pet sheep and racoons, street art, and locals dining out and drinking coffee ‘til 4am . And partying ‘til even later!

23. Buddy up for dinner

Something I didn’t anticipate in South Korea was not being to dine solo. Sure, sometimes newbie solo travellers might feel uncomfortable dining solo anywhere but that’s usually down to fear of being judged rather than actual restaurant restrictions. For Korean barbecues and dak galbi meals (a chicken and cheese hotplate dish), there’s often a minimum of 2 diners required. Super annoying right? My best South Korea travel tip is to always ask. I found a barbecue restaurant that were happy to seat me but charged me an extra 5,000 won (£3). Irritating but better than not being able to try a Korean barbecue while in Korea. The other option is to stay in a hostel where they offer shared dinner trips to counteract this problem.

Read next: tips for solo female travel in South Korea

24. Veggies & vegans may struggle

South Korean food is meat-heavy, from barbecues to Korean fried chicken and street food. Even bibimbap usually contains beef although you can usually ask for it without. Use HappyCow to seek out veggie and vegan cafes and restaurants. You can also check out this Seoul vegan guide .

25. Fresh veggies are hard to find

This follows on from the last point. I’m not vegetarian but that doesn’t mean I want to eat fried meat three times a day and never see a vegetable! Of all the places I’ve been (apart from maybe the P hilippines), South Korea is the most challenging for finding fresh food. The best you’ll get in a 7-Eleven is a lone banana wrapped in plastic and strapped to polystyrene. Supermarkets aren’t prevalent so unless you know where the local markets are and manage to haggle in Korean (or with a bit of pointing and gesturing) it can be tricky. My best Korea travel tip for staying healthy is to have a Korean barbeque meal and go easy on the meat and heavy on the salad bar. Otherwise, get your miming skills on and pick up some sweet potatoes and peppers at a local market.

26. South Korea is safe for solo females

Super safe! South Korea has a low crime rate and you’ll feel perfectly safe during your trip. The locals can be shy when talking to foreigners but they’ll certainly help you out if they can. Whenever I asked for directions, they went out of their way to help even if they clearly had no idea! Check out my solo female travel archives for travel tips around the world.

Finally, some tips around etiquette and society…

27. South Korea only became wealthy recently

South Korea today is thriving, especially in the cities. Locals have money for leisure and socialising which means there are great cafes, restaurants and theme parks. However this hasn’t always been the case. The Korean War lasted until 1953, destroying the economy and ripping the country in two quite literally. For many years, people struggled and the average family had very little to live on. Nowadays things have drastically improved. Young people may not remember the dark days but the older generation do. Many traditional professions are dying because young people prefer to work in offices or within the tourist industry. I can’t say I blame them but it’s a sad situation to consider.

28. South Koreans are very romantic

When you arrive in South Korea, you might notice the couples behaving very… coupley. Although not quite how they would in the West. Rather than openly kissing, young couples in South Korea like to play fight in a cutesy way. They’ll tickle each other’s arms, pinch ears, lovingly caress elbows. Well, each to their own right? Apparently, showing public affection wasn’t considered acceptable until a couple of decades ago. In fact, it was frowned upon to even hold hands. Nowadays, young people are enjoying their newfound freedom – elbows and all! The other thing to know? There’s a huge pressure to couple up. Single shaming is way worse than the West and I’m sure some of us can vouch for how bad it is there!

29. Respect the elders

Most Asian societies have strong respect for their elders but Korea has a whole language to honour theirs! The Korean language takes into consideration the relationship between the speaker and their subject. So if you’re addressing someone of hierarchal superiority (like a boss, customer or teacher) or an elder, you’ll use different nouns and word endings. You’ll only use informal versions if someone is younger than you or an employee/student. And getting it wrong is considered very rude. Eek. It’s unlikely to affect you as a tourist but you should always try to be extra polite and respectful to older Koreans.

30. South Korean society is stressful for young people

This point is more of a cultural one than a tip for visiting South Korea. However I think it’s an interesting point to consider while travelling around. South Korea is a wealthy nation with good education and career opportunities for young people. Perhaps because of recent improvement in these areas, the older generation are keen to ensure their children and grandchildren do as well as possible and therefore sometimes put tremendous pressure on them, in terms of getting good grades and then high-flying jobs. Despite being modernised, South Korea is still a conservative country. Gay rights are poor and sex before marriage is still frowned upon. People are expected to get married young and feel they are ‘left on the shelf’ otherwise. Combine that with unrealistic beauty standards (remember all those products I mentioned) and I’m sure you can imagine the stress on young South Koreans. With all the above considered, it’s little wonder mental illness and suicide rates are at an all-time high for South Koreans. With a long life expectancy and ageing population, the problem even extends to older people who don’t want to be a burden on their families. You’ll unlikely see any evidence of this travelling around but it’s something to think about, plus we should all practise kindness wherever we go!

Thanks for reading my South Korea travel tips!

Check out my other South Korea blogs:

• South Korea 2 week itinerary
• The perfect 5 days in Seoul
• Korea travel budget guide
• Solo female travel in Korea
• A guide to visiting Jeju Island without a car
• Best things to do in Busan + 3 day itinerary 
• Tips for visiting the DMZ from Seoul
• Jeonju travel guide & 1 day itinerary
• The ultimate South Korea bucket list
• 20 best South Korean foods to try
• The best day trips from Busan

See you next time for more adventures,

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked these Korea travel tips? Pin this for later!

VISITING SOUTH KOREA? These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Buses – buses are comfy and efficient. It’s tricky for foreigners to book online so it’s best to turn up on the day. Trains – use Trip.com , partner of Korail (the official railway network of Korea) to book your tickets in advance. The website accepts international payment options, unlike Korean rail websites. Click the three stripes in the top right corner then the flag to change it to English. Driving in Korea – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals. Hiring a car will be especially useful on Jeju Island. For hotels in Korea, I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse South Korea tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator and Klook in case they have a better price. For food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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South Korea Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

Though South Korea is small (about the size of the US state of Indiana), it punches well above its weight in terms of things to see and do. Boasting a vibrant culture, incredible history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a wild nightlife, it’s home to both major cities and untouched nature, offering something for every traveler.

Seoul, the capital city and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the world (over half the country’s population of 50 million is concentrated here), is a lively hub for food lovers and partying. But while it gets all the attention, there is much more to explore, including 22 national parks, lush Jeju Island, and the infamous Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) bordering North Korea.

Best of all, since South Korea is a manageable size, you can see a good portion of it in a limited amount of time. The transportation here is modern, clean, and efficient, so it’s easy to get around quickly.

The country is also a foodie’s paradise, with cheap street food and delicious dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and the famed Korean barbecue.

It’s one of my favorite countries in the world and one that I think is super under the radar and often overlooked by travelers. You never see the tourist crowds found in other Asian countries.

This travel guide to South Korea can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on South Korea

Top 5 Things to See and Do in South Korea

1. Explore Seoul

Korea’s capital has a little bit of everything. It’s a bustling metropolis and global technology hub, with sleek and modern neighborhoods like Gangnam and iconic sights like the Lotte World Tower, the sixth-tallest building in the world. Yet there is a lot of history here too, including many museums, palaces, and temples, among them five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When you’re done exploring for the day, Seoul has a robust street food scene, countless trendy restaurants, and fast-paced, soju-driven nightlife. You could easily spend weeks here and never get bored.

2. Tour the DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates North and South Korea and, despite the name, is the most militarized border in the world. You can only visit the Joint Security Area (JSA), which has military personnel from both sides, on a guided tour, but it’s a unique experience and an important way to learn about this ongoing conflict (the war started in 1950 and has not officially ended). On the tour, you’ll be able to actually stand in North Korea, visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression (which North Korea dug to sneak soldiers across the border), see the Freedom Bridge, and catch glimpses of North Korea from the Unification Observatory. Guided tours of the DMZ start from 80,000 KRW.

3. Visit Jeju Island

This volcanic, semitropical island is a popular domestic vacation spot. It’s accessible via cheap daily flights from Seoul that take just one hour. Known as “the Hawaii of Korea,” it’s a natural paradise, home to the tallest mountain in Korea (Mount Hallasan), lava tubes, beautiful beaches, and countless hiking and walking trails. Other attractions include visiting mythic Jeju Stone Park, wandering the Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, and watching the haenyeo divers — women who dive without any protective equipment to gather underwater treasures like shellfish and seaweed, which they then sell on the beaches. You can visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum as well to learn more about this cultural practice that dates back centuries.

4. Sing karaoke

Known as noraebang , this is a cultural phenomenon and something worth experiencing at least once while visiting Korea. While the karaoke machine was originally invented in Japan, Koreans have adopted the pastime and made it their own. Here, you rent out a private room with a group of friends (instead of singing in a public bar, as is often the case in Western countries). Pricing is determined by the hour, with rates varying wildly depending on the number of people, time of day, day of the week, and whether snacks and drinks are included. Average group karaoke rates range from 5,000 to 15,000 KRW.

5. Step back in time at a hanok village

Other things to see and do in south korea, 1. visit changdeokgung palace.

One of the Joseon dynasty’s Five Grand Palaces, this 15th-century complex in Seoul was built in harmony with the natural environment at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain. Changdeokgung, or “Palace of Prospering Virtue,” was the main royal residence for 13 kings over the course of three centuries. The complex sprawls over 110 acres, 60% of which is taken up by the beautiful Huwon Secret Garden, home to over a hundred species of trees, flowers, and other plants (some of the trees here are over 300 years old!). The main draw is wandering around the exterior, with its restored buildings and gates, though you can also go inside Injeongjeon Hall, the palace’s throne room. Admission to the complex is 3,000 KRW; the Secret Garden is an additional 5,000 KRW. There are guided tours in English as well.

2. Explore Busan

Korea’s second-largest city is located just two hours from Seoul on the KTX high-speed bullet train. A coastal city, Busan boasts great beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, with its miles of sand, and Gwangalli Beach, known for its sunsets. Gamcheon Culture Village, the “mural village of Korea,” is a hillside neighborhood rich in street art and covered in murals, and nearly all the houses are painted bright colors. It’s a great place to wander around for a few hours, popping into the unique shops, cafés, and restaurants.

3. See the National Museum of Korea

If you visit only one museum in Korea, make it this one. Located in Seoul, it covers all aspects of Korean culture, art, and history, from prehistory to the early modern era. It also contains many national treasures and artifacts that have been designated as having special importance and value in Korean culture and history. Some of the most important ones include the sixth-century inscribed Bukhansan Monument, detailing military expansions; sixth-century gilt-bronze Buddhist statues; and the 10-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, which dates to the 14th century. Don’t miss the exterior gardens, which feature indigenous plants, reflecting pools, and traditional Korean sculptures and lanterns. Admission to the main exhibitions and children’s museum is free.

4. Take a food tour

As a foodie, learning about a culture through its food is one of my favorite things to do while traveling. Korea has an incredible variety of amazing dishes to try, as well as a bustling (and delicious) street food scene. Taking a food tour with an experienced guide is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of Korean cuisine. O’ngo Food offers a variety of tours in Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, and Jeju, with prices starting from 70,000 KRW per person.

5. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Originally built in the 14th century by the kings of the Joseon dynasty, this palace in Seoul served as the seat of the government for two hundred years until it was destroyed by a fire and abandoned for centuries. Since the 19th century (and still today), it has been undergoing renovations to restore the complex to its former glory. It is considered the most stunning of all five royal palaces in Seoul, featuring grand gates, open courtyards, and terracotta-topped buildings set against the backdrop of Mount Bugak. In addition to wandering through the complex, you can also go into the many administrative halls and residential chambers set up to resemble the palace’s heyday. You can watch the changing-of-the-guard ceremony as well, every day except Monday. The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum are also located in the complex. Admission is 3,000 KRW.

6. See the cherry blossoms

While cherry blossoms are often associated with Japan, festivities surrounding the blooms are incredibly popular in Korea as well. Here, the season runs from late March to late April, with many festivals throughout the country. Just be prepared for crowds at the more popular ones, like the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul.

7. Try taekwondo

Korean’s native martial art, taekwondo, is characterized by high kicks and punches and, like all such disciplines, emphasizes mental training. An Olympic event since 2000, taekwondo has only grown in popularity in recent years and is a point of pride in Korean culture. Kang’s Global Taekwondo in Seoul offers classes to adults and foreigners that cost around 43,000 KRW for one hour.

8. Learn to cook classic Korean foods

If you’d like to take your knowledge of Korean food one step further, take a cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare classics like bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi, and Korean pancakes. Hello K Cooking in Seoul offers a class where you’ll learn how to cook three main dishes and one stew — recipes and skills that you can bring home with you. Classes are 107,000 KRW.

9. Go hiking

Korea is an incredibly mountainous country, so hiking is a favorite pastime for locals. Be sure to immerse yourself in nature while visiting this lush land. There are even hiking spots near the bigger cities if you don’t have enough time or don’t want to venture too far afield. Bukhansan National Park, just outside Seoul, is a popular place to go hiking, offering panoramic views over the capital (expect crowds due to its proximity to the city, though). Yet with 22 national parks spread across the country, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds (including lots of guided hikes if you don’t want to organize one yourself). For a multiday hike, the Jirisan Ridge Trek in Jirisan National Park is one of the most famous — a four-day walk from mountain shelter to mountain shelter.

10. Wander around Seoul Olympic Park

In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics, which was only the second time the summer games had been held in Asia (the first was in Tokyo in 1964). Today, you can visit the massive park where the games were staged, and while Olympic Park does have many sports facilities, there’s much more to explore here as well. The park is divided into four sections, focusing on the arts, history, nature, and sports. In the arts section, you’ll find the SOMA Museum of Art and a park with over 200 sculptures, while in the history section, you can see the third-century defensive Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortifications, excavated dugout huts and storage pits left in the state in which they were uncovered. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here. Admission to the park is free.

11. Discover Jirisan National Park

Located in the southern part of the country (Namwon is the nearest city), this park is named after Jirisan (Mt. Jiri for short), the tallest mountain on mainland Korea. As it’s South Korea’s first national park (as well as its largest), hiking trails and cultural sites abound. You can visit seven major Buddhist temples and see several of Korea’s national treasures of ancient carved stonework from the seventh to the tenth centuries. One of the most important sites here is Samseonggung, or Three Sages Palace, a mountainside shrine dedicated to the legendary founders of Korea. Admission to the park is 1,600 KRW.

South Korea Travel Costs

Cheap hotel rooms start at 28,000 KRW for a room that sleeps one, while a double room generally costs at least 40,000 KRW. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, a TV, air conditioning, and an electric teapot. Breakfast is usually not included at budget hotels.

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at 25,000-30,000 KRW. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 50,000-70,000 KRW per night.

While wild camping is illegal in Korea, there are plenty of campgrounds should you want to pitch a tent. Expect to pay 7,000-20,000 KRW for a plot with access to bathroom and shower facilities, and usually even Wi-Fi.

Food – Korean cuisine has developed its own traditions and flavors over the centuries, with a unique emphasis on using uncooked, fermented, and pickled vegetables. Traditional Korean meals are often composed of a variety of side dishes, eaten with short-grain rice. A meal isn’t considered complete unless there’s kimchi on the table.

Common dishes include bulgogi (marinated, grilled beef), samgye-tang (chicken and ginseng soup), bibimbap (a mixed rice bowl), chap chae (a glass noodle dish), and many other noodle and rice dishes. Popular street foods include hotteok (a sweet, filled pancake), tteokbokki (spicy cylindrical rice cakes), and bungeo-ppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste).

Dining out in South Korea is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a casual restaurant serving traditional Korean food is around 9,000-15,000 KRW, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 25,000-30,000 KRW. Expect higher prices in larger cities.

Western food is more expensive. Expect to pay at least 20,000 KRW for a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant.

In terms of fast food, a combo meal (think McDonald’s) is around 7,000 KRW, while a burger is around 4,500 KRW. A typical Korean street food dish is 1,500-3,000 KRW.

A pint of beer is 4,000-5,000 KRW, a glass of wine is 6,000 KRW and up, and a cocktail is 7,000 KRW and up. A latte or cappuccino is 5,000 KRW.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50,000-70,000 KRW per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. Shopping at local markets is the best way to get great fresh produce for cheap.

Backpacking South Korea: Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 75,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, use public transportation and intercity buses to get around, skip the alcohol, and do mostly free activities like walking tours and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 135,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or cheap hotel, eat out for most meals at casual restaurants, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi as well as trains between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and food tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 255,000 KRW or more per day, you can stay in a nicer hotel or entire Airbnb apartment, eat out pretty much anywhere you want, drink at the bar, get a high-speed rail pass, and do as many guided tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in KRW.

South Korea Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

I find South Korea to be one of the best value countries out there. It’s a really affordable place to visit. Accommodation can add up but food and drinks are generally cheap. Here are some ways to save money when you travel around South Korea:

• Visit the free attractions – With countless museums, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods, and parks, Korea is filled with opportunities to become immersed in its culture. Many of the nation’s museums and cultural attractions are free, so don’t pass them up!
• Purchase a KORAIL Pass – If you want to travel by train, getting a rail pass is the most economical way to do so. You’ll get unlimited train travel for the time period you choose (2-5-day increments). Prices start at 121,000 KRW.
• Get a transit pass – Most major cities in Korea offer a day pass for public transit, which means great savings if you plan to hop around using buses and subways. Seoul’s day pass costs 15,000 KRW, though the longer you stay, the more you’ll save (a seven-day pass is 64,500 KRW).
• Buy a city pass – If you plan on visiting a lot of attractions, buy a city pass . Seoul and Busan both offer ones that include admission to popular sights, a transit pass, and discounts to restaurants and other attractions. A one-day pass starts at 33,000 KRW.
• Eat from the convenience stores – Convenience stores in Korea offer not only snacks and drinks but prepared boxed meals and cheap alcohol. If you’re on a tight budget, shop in those.
• Take the bus – While the trains are fun, the cheapest way to get around Korea is by bus. They take longer but are much cheaper, so if you have the time, opt for long-distance buses. Just show up at the bus station to reserve your tickets in advance, as most websites and apps are in Korean.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing lets you stay with a local for free, cutting your accommodation costs drastically. You’ll get to spend time with someone who can share their tips and advice in exchange for your own travel stories and culture. You can also use the app to meet people for activities (coffee, museum visits, etc.) if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger.
• Drink like the locals – Soju, the national alcohol of Korea, is incredibly cheap, as is domestic beer. Just be careful to not let it sneak up on you — both monetarily and physically. Korea’s drinking culture is infamous!
• Stay in capsule hotels – If you don’t want to Couchsurf or stay in hostels but still want to save money, capsule or pod hotels are great options. These offer just what you need to sleep (a small, basic pod) yet can be surprisingly comfy and much more affordable than a traditional hotel. Prices start as low as 45,000 KRW per night.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as its bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in South Korea

South Korea has plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of my recommended places to stay when you visit:

• Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse (Seoul)
• Zzzip Guesthouse (Seoul)
• Time Travelers party Hostel (Seoul)
• INSIDE Busan (Busan)
• Jeju Hiking Inn (Jeju)
• Backpacker’s Home (Jeju)

How to Get Around South Korea

Bus – Taking a long-distance bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get around the country. There are two types: express (which makes few to no stops) and intercity (which travels between smaller destinations and makes more stops).

Your best bet for reserving tickets in advance is to go directly to the bus terminal, as most bus websites and booking apps are in Korean and only accept Korean credit or debit cards.

Pricing depends on what class ticket you choose: standard, luxury, or premium. The four-hour bus ride from Seoul to Busan costs around 36,000 KRW for a standard ticket, Incheon to Busan takes just over four hours and costs 38,000 KRW, and Seoul to Daegu is 29,000 KRW and takes just under four hours.

Train – South Korea has a robust train system that can take you all over the country. Korean Train Express (KTX) is the country’s bullet train, regularly running at speeds up to 305 kilometers (190 miles) per hour. However, these only go between major cities, have limited schedules, and are more expensive, so KTX may not always be the most convenient choice.

KORAIL (the national railway service) operates slower-speed, intercity trains that offer a wider range of schedules and destination choices. You can also get the unlimited KORAIL Pass, which is offered exclusively to international tourists. A two-day adult pass is 121,000 KRW; a five-day adult pass is 210,000 KRW.

As a comparison of the two train types: the journey from Seoul to Busan on a KRX train costs around 90,000 KRW and takes 2.5 hours, while on a regular intercity train, it takes 5.5 hours and costs 47,500 KRW.

The further out you book, the cheaper KTX train prices get, while intercity prices stay about the same. You can book up to a year in advance.

Flying – South Korea is so small that flying around the country doesn’t really make sense. Trains can get you anywhere pretty quickly. However, if you’re very pressed for time and have cash to burn, there are a few budget airlines offering domestic flights between major cities. Most are around one hour long.

The flight from Seoul to Busan is around 30,500 KRW, Seoul to Jeju is 55,000 KRW, and Busan to Jeju is 22,000 KRW. However, you can find flights even cheaper when you book further in advance.

Low-cost airlines in South Korea include the following:

Car rental – Renting a car isn’t incredibly cheap in South Korea. However, it is one of the best ways to explore all the natural wonders that the country has to offer, many of which are inaccessible by public transportation. Expect to pay around 50,000-55,000 KRW per day on a multiday rental. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to South Korea

Generally, the best times to visit South Korea are March-May and September-November. During these periods, the weather is mild, with temperatures of 10-24°C (50-75°F); prices for accommodation and transportation are lower; and there are fewer crowds.

In the spring, the cherry blossoms are in bloom all over the country, while the fall brings the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. Also, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, the fall is the best time to visit.

The summer starts with monsoon season, from June through mid-July, and the rest of the summer is hot and humid in the cities (though it cools down in the mountains and along the coasts). Prices for accommodation are also very high during this time.

Winters in South Korea get very cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -6°C (21°F), so unless you plan on skiing, visiting from December through February might not be the best option (though the temples and landscapes look beautiful covered in snow).

How to Stay Safe in South Korea

South Korea is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel around. Petty crime is rare here, though it never hurts to be cautious on public transportation and around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your wallet and valuables secure and out of reach, just in case. Violent crime is even more rare.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard safety precautions apply as always. For specific tips, consult one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

While scams are super rare in South Korea, to avoid getting ripped off, you can check out this list of common travel scams to avoid .

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

Earthquakes occur regularly in the region, so it’s best to be prepared and download the Emergency Ready app, which the Korean government developed to provide information in English to foreign residents and tourists. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters, shows you where nearby emergency shelters are, and sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, and forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

South Korea Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

South Korea Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 13 Best Things to See and Do in Taipei

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

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First-Timer’s Ultimate South Korea Travel Guide – Things to Know Before Traveling to South Korea

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Before making your travel plans South Korea, check out this South Korea travel guide that will help you in finalizing your travel itinerary!

South Korea is a country of juxtaposition. You can find serene mountain valleys bumping against pulsing lights and rush of 24-hour cities. Korean tradition collides with ultra-modern fashion and design. To experience the depth and vibrancy of the country, you must see the serene countryside as well as rapidly changing cities. 

There is something for everyone in the country, whether you like city-life, mountains, beaches, or anything in between. Planning can become a bit difficult as there is so much to see and do in South Korea. 

Traveling to a new country like South Korea can be very exciting. It’s a whole new adventure waiting for you, but the entire planning and going to a different country can be a bit distressing. The culture, the people, and the laws governing the country are probably very different from where you are from. This is why we have compiled a guide for you of what to expect when you visit South Korea for the first time. 

Table of Contents

South Korea Travel Guide

Most travelers do not need to get a visa to travel to South Korea. You can check the visa requirements on your country’s State Department website. Citizens from many countries have visa-free entry for a limited period under certain conditions. To check whether you can enter Korea without a visa issuance, please contact a Korean Embassy or consular offices in your country or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm.

There are some changes to visa requirements for Jeju Island in lieu of COVID-19 situation worldwide.

The local language is Korean, and it script is Hangeul. But there is no need to worry! There are lots of signs in and around the city in English as well. A lot of restaurant menus also include translations of main dish ingredients. 

You can always learn a little Korean before you travel from apps like Duolingo . The locals are definitely going to appreciate your efforts! 

Money Matters

The official currency of South Korea is ‘ Korean Won .’ Most places accept credit cards too. Small stores and mom-n-pop food outlets generally accept cash only.  

Getting around in South Korea is very easy. There are domestic airlines, trains, and intercity buses. It’s easy to move around within the country. Even intercity travel is very convenient with all the available public transportation. 

We have covered transportation in detail in the guide about understanding Korean culture. 

Travel Apps

For first time travelers to South Korea, travel Apps are handy and can be useful as guide. The train and bus maps might look complicated, but you can use maps with English translations. Apps like KAKAO Maps and Naver Maps are especially for use in South Korea and are the preferred travel Apps. For more traveling tips, you can download the VisitKorea App. It can provide you with suggestions regarding food, tourist destinations, and many more. 

Read More: 10 Best Apps for South Korea Trip You Must Download

There are quite a number of public toilets wherever we go, and they are generally clean. If you can’t find one right away, you can search in any of the travel map Apps “화장실,” which means toilet in Korean. On the other hand, it is challenging to find dustbins around, so you may have to carry your trash for quite a distance before you find one bin.

Read More: Understanding Korean Culture: Hygiene Culture in South Korea

South Korea has four distinct seasons — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Each season has something unique to offer visitors to the country, but depending on what you want out of your Korean experience, sometimes are better to travel than others. The best time of year to visit South Korea is generally the spring months of April, May & June, and the autumn months of September, October & November. During these two seasons, days are typically sunny and dry with comfortable average temperatures.

Read More: South Korea Travel Guide – When is The Best Time of Year to Visit South Korea?

Drinking-Water

Tap water in South Korea is drinkable. If you are not comfortable with it, you can purchase bottles of water from convenience stores or vending machines. 

Accommodation  

No matter what your budget is, you will find amazing places to stay during your trip to Korea. You can stay anywhere, ranging from a youth hostel to a luxurious hotel. For a unique cultural experience, you can also arrange a homestay like hanok stay via the Korea Tourism Organization. 

Tour and Travel Services

Some places are only accessible with a tour guide or a tour bus to bring you around. The added benefit is that you can relax on the bus while you are going from one destination to the next. 

Internet Connectivity

South Korea is a well-connected country. Wherever you are, you will have access to mobile data and public Wi-Fi. Did you know that you can get free WiFi in most of the buses in Seoul? 

Read More: Korean Sim Card Guide for All the Travelers

Most tourists are familiar with Korean barbeque and look forward to having the authentic dish right from the source. You can find it in abundance no matter where you go in Korea! To avoid any goof-ups in restaurants, you can check out our restaurant guide . You can also check out the post on Netflix-fame street food places. 

Read More: What to Eat in Seoul – Best Korean Food

Shopping Tips

The prices are pretty much fixed in stores. Most store owners hardly speak in English, even in tourist places. You won’t face such problems in popular shopping areas with big brand stores. Some of the shopping places in Seoul include Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Common Ground , and many others. 

Read More: 10 Exquisite Handmade Gifts You Can Buy in Seoul

Travel During COVID-19

The South Korean government raised the coronavirus disease threat alert level to its highest on February 23, 2020. Many attractions have been temporarily closed, and festivals have been postponed or canceled throughout the country. Travelers are recommended to check the attractions’ official website before visiting. 

Korea aggressively maps and tracks infected cases. Self-quarantine is strictly monitored and enforced. The country also prohibits individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases from exiting Korea during the day 14-day self-quarantine period. Korea provides advanced medical care to confirmed patients. The treatment is free-of-charge for both Koreans and foreign nationals. 

The KCDC has urged everyone to participate in an enhanced social distancing campaign for the next 15 days (March 22 – April 5). The KCDC strongly recommended that all non-urgent international travel plans be canceled or postponed. Persons who are unable to avoid traveling for a critical reason are advised to refrain from visiting any enclosed facilities or healthcare facilities.

Starting March 22, the KCDC is conducting COVID-19 diagnostic testing for every inbound traveler entering from Europe. Asymptomatic Korean nationals (with domestic residence) will be directed into self-quarantine at home and get tested at their local public health center within 3 days of arrival. Foreigners will be quarantined at the facility and tested. 

Apps to Track COVID-19 in South Korea

You can use a locally developed App like ‘Corona 100m,’ which, as its name implies, alerts users if they breach a 100-meter (328-foot) radius of the latest tracked whereabouts of the coronavirus patient. The person using the app can see how close they are to coronavirus patients. It also allows people to see the date that a coronavirus patient was confirmed to have the disease, along with that patient’s nationality, gender, age, and where the patient visited. It was launched on February 11 and had a million downloads in the first 17 days.

‘Corona Map’ is another such app that tracks the locations of people know to have COVID-19. Like Corona 100m, Corona Map plots the places where people known to have had COVID-19 have been, to make avoiding these areas easier. 

These are some of the essentials that you need to know before making your travel plans to South Korea and this travel guide will be helpful in making your itinerary!

KoreaTravelPost Editor

Hello there! I'm the Features Editor for KoreaTravelPost.

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In My Korea

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Here’s your complete South Korea Travel Guide with all the essential information you need to plan your dream trip to the Land of Morning Calm.

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Travel Essentials

Travelling to a country like Korea, with a completely different language and culture, might seem a bit daunting for many travellers. That’s why I’ve put together essential travel articles like these to make travelling in Korea easier and to help you save money in Korea.

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A Brit In Korea

Hi! My name is Joel, I’m the author of In My Korea. I’ve lived and travelled across Korea since 2015. I love learning more about Korean culture, hiking the many mountains, and visiting all the coolest places in Korea, both modern and traditional.

I’m a Brit, a lover of exploring, travelling, hiking, trying new things, meeting new people, digging into foreign cultures, understanding how things work, learning about history, eating all the foods, and playing in the snow.

Thanks For reading! Have a Great Time In Korea

What to know before you visit Seoul

Feb 4, 2024 • 8 min read

The hustle and bustle of Seoul can be overwhelming, but we've got the top insider tips to make your trip a success © Mongkol Chuewong / Getty Images

When I moved to Seoul , I had a clear plan that I was determined to stick to – teach English for one year and then move on to explore other parts of the world. But my plan didn't account for the way Seoul captivated and delighted me, and that single year I was committed to soon rolled into two, three, and then, ultimately, six years.

From the moment I stepped off the crowded bus from the airport and onto its bustling streets, I became enamored with its colorful neighborhoods, eclectic markets and diverse nightlife.

Here are my top insider tips to make your first trip to Seoul as special as mine was.

1. Buy a local SIM card

While many businesses around Seoul offer free wi-fi, a local SIM card ensures you're connected when you're out and about, too. Order a prepaid SIM card from Internet providers like KT and SKT and pick it up when you arrive at Incheon Airport, or purchase one from almost any convenience store around the capital.

Having a local SIM means making calls and accessing apps for restaurant reservations and late-night taxis won't result in a painful bill once you're back home again. It's also a great way to ensure you don't get lost on one of the many hikes outside of the city. SIM cards are cheap, and prices are based on the length of your stay, starting from about ₩5500 for one day.

2. Choose accommodations based on the Seoul attractions that inspire you most

Each of Seoul's neighborhoods has its own personality  – consider which district best matches your interests and base yourself there. Relish nightlife and multicultural menus? Itaewon is the place to be. Shopaholics and foodies should stay in Myeongdong or Dongdaemun , where outdoor food stalls and high-rise (and high-end) retail empires reign.

Art connoisseurs and history buffs will thrive and delight in the local art galleries and Gyeongbokgung Palace in Insadong. If staying up all night for pop-up art shows, buskers and noraebangs (karaoke rooms) is your thing, then Hongdae won't disappoint.

To dive into Korean culture, book a stay at a hanok (a traditional Korean house). These homes show off Korea's past through traditional architecture, complete with ondols (heated floors) and scenic courtyard gardens tucked away from the noisy city.

3. Download this app to navigate Seoul's subway system

Seoul's subway system is clean and safe, and it's the most efficient way to cruise around the sprawling city. Entrances and exits are marked with numbers and station names in English. Use a subway navigation app like Subway Korea (available on both iOS  and Android ) to figure out which exit number will get you closest to where you want to go. All stations and trains have wi-fi.

While subways get crowded during rush hour, the rest of the day is an easy ride. Even when the trains are packed with people, you'll find your personal space is always respected.

4. Use Kakao Taxi for late-night travel

The subway closes at midnight and doesn't reopen until 6am, so taxis are the only options for late-night journeys. The hardest places to find a ride are the bar districts – especially Gangnam , Itaewon and Hongdae – so download the Kakao T app to get better visibility of available cars. You can select exactly where you want to go and secure the price of the ride before getting into the car. It's fine to pay in cash, and the price won't change after the ride is secured.

5. Buy a Tmoney card for public transportation

Tmoney cards are rechargeable, easy-to-use travel cards that cover all of Seoul's public transportation, and they cost just ₩2500. Just pick one up from any of the ubiquitous convenience stores around the city and load it with money – congratulations, you no longer need to wait in line to buy individual tickets! Each time you scan your card, the balance is shown. When the amount gets low, head back to a convenience store or subway station kiosk to add more funds. All kiosks have a button for English-language options.

6. Korean navigation and translation apps are essentials

Some popular phone apps that work fine in other countries don't fare well in Korea, including Google Maps. While it can be useful when searching for restaurants in English, attempting to find that restaurant is a challenge. Instead, download KakaoMap to easily navigate the city – it also highlights nearby sightseeing spots and popular restaurants with user reviews.

If you're not fluent in Korean, don't despair – download Papago , which translates text, speech and images of Korean words. You can take a picture of nearly anything with Korean writing on it, from signs to bags of potato chips, and the app will translate any words it detects.

7. Familiarize yourself with Korean etiquette and key phrases

Korea embraces social harmony as an extension of the Confucianism engrained in the culture. Being polite when you speak is imperative, and knowing a few words and phrases in Korean goes a long way. Practice saying simple greetings such as " gamsahabnida " (thank you), " annyeonghaseyo " (hello) and " juseyo " (please).

In every subway car and bus, a specific seat is designated for pregnant women. It's very much frowned upon to use it unless you're pregnant. Age is highly valued in Korean society, and elders are treated with the utmost respect. If offered food or drink from someone older than you, accept it and show gratitude. A small bow will go a long way.

8. Use two hands when giving or receiving gifts, drinks and money

When meeting someone for the first time, it's best to clasp their hand with both of yours. The rule is also key when drinking in Korea. Never pour your own drink – instead, take turns pouring for one another. Whether pouring or receiving, always use two hands.

Also, when giving or accepting a gift or exchanging money in a store, the two-hand rule also applies.

9. Mind your table manners

Dining out in South Korea is a social affair. Soju (Korean rice liquor), beer and banchan (Korean side dishes) are set out on the table to share before the main course. In many restaurants, pushing the yeo-gi-yo ("over here") button located on the table summons the server. If there isn't a button, it's fine to wave down staff to get their attention. It might feel rude, but it's customary in Korea, so don't feel shy.

Koreans use metal chopsticks, which tend to be more slippery than the wooden kind. No one judges chopstick skills or lack thereof, but it's important not to pick up chopsticks until the eldest at the table does first. Avoid sticking chopsticks straight into a bowl of rice, which symbolizes a funeral ritual. Koreans use a spoon to eat rice.

Tipping is not required at restaurants and is considered impolite.

10. Take caution on Seoul's sidewalks

Seoul is not dangerous, but its traffic is a different story. Motorbikes speed down sidewalks without much regard for who's in the way, and cars use them as parking spaces. When exploring Seoul on foot, stay alert and be prepared to get out of the way quickly.

11. Public restrooms are fine to use

Many cafes and restaurants give the passcode to their restrooms only after the customer has ordered from the menu. To save some time and money, keep an eye out for public bathrooms. They are clearly marked for men and women in English and are commonly found in subway stations as well as busier districts.

Seoul's public toilets are clean, and they are one of the only places to find trash cans when you're out and about. They're also often quite sophisticated, with bidets, heated seats and a button that you can push to play rushing water if you get stage fright.

12. Understand Korea's drinking culture

Drinking alcohol is a national pastime in Korea, and Seoul is a haven for throwback dive bars and strobe-lit nightclubs. You might spot young revelers rallying outside convenience stores at 7am or suited business people passed out on benches after rowdy hoesiks (after-hours business dinners and drinks). Korean drinking etiquette encourages no glass to be left empty as a rule. If someone offers you a shot of soju , it's rude to refuse it. Stores selling alcohol are open 24/7, and there are no open container laws. Walking the streets with a drink in hand on the way to the next bar is common and accepted.

13. You'll feel safe in the city

Confucianism teaches that mutual respect and trust are of the utmost importance. Take the usual big-city precautions, but walking back to your accommodations alone at night is generally pretty safe. You can save a seat at bars and restaurants with your jacket or purse without worrying too much about it being stolen. Phones left in taxis are usually dropped off at the police station by the driver.

14. Don't worry about North Korea, but stay informed

What appears to be an ominous threat an hour and a half to the north is one mostly felt outside of Korea's borders. North and South Korea have been at a stalemate since the 1950s, and while scaremongering headlines are frightening to read, the actual threat is apparently low . You'll find Korean citizens generally unconcerned about their northerly neighbor.

This article was first published Aug 20, 2022 and updated Feb 4, 2024.

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50+ Insider South Korea travel tips from a long term expat

So you’ve planned your journey to the Land of the Morning Calm, but you want to find out a bit more about the nation. From the intricacies of drinking culture to practicalities like visas and vaccinations, this article has all and the best South Korea travel tips directly from a Korean-speaking expat who has lived in the country for over 10 years. 

Find out how to experience South Korea like a local, from riding the subway like a pro to where to get the best shopping deals. This is an essential guide for both tourists and for those who are considering living in Seoul and beyond. You’ll definitely find some practical and really interesting tips for traveling to South Korea below… 

Preparing a trip to South Korea

There are some things to consider when traveling to South Korea. Even if you’ve visited several times, you may find some new information below, so don’t skip to the next section just yet. After living here for over 10 years there’s always something new to learn. Here are our most useful South Korean tips. 

The very first thing to consider when traveling to South Korea is to check whether you need a visa. Many countries are allowed to enter visa free for 30 days, some can be extended to 90 days. You can see which countries are allowed in here . 

Of course, this has now changed with the Coronavirus pandemic. Tourist visas have currently been put on hold and if you do have a visa currently and are in the country, you will need to obtain a re-entry permit in order to leave and come back into the country, no matter whether you are teaching, are married or even have a child with a Korean national. There is also a 2-week mandatory quarantine on arrival.

One travel tip for South Korea concerning visa extension that I learned the hard way is that you cannot extend your visa in the country. 

For example, I am a South African citizen and can enter Korea with no visa for up to 30 days (pre-Covid). I am also allowed to extend this to 90 days, BUT only if I do it before entering the country. Even though I am married to a Korean citizen, I was not able to extend my visa and had to do a visa run to Taiwan. 

The best South Korea travel advice I can give about visa extension is that you may extend in an emergency, but there needs to be proven documentation from hospitals or the relevant institution. So it’s best to you to understand how long you’re allowed and if you need to obtain a visa or visa extension before your trip. 

Vaccinations

Other than a negative PCR test , you do not have to prove any vaccinations to enter the country like you may need in some parts of Southeast Asia. South Korea is a first world country with brilliant medical practitioners. It is recommended to keep up to date on all routine vaccinations like Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) & Polio. For other vaccines you may want to get, you can check this list .

Connectivity

South Korea is notably one of the most connected countries in the world. With 96% of the country online and an average mobile Internet speed of 52.4 MB/s, South Korea’s internet connectivity is ridiculously fast and ubiquitous. 

While you can connect to the public Wifi, it can sometimes get choppy and may even be difficult to connect to at times. Cafes are more stable with 5G connections, but you will need to purchase a drink as the passwords are usually on the receipts. If you can’t find the password, just ask the staff for Wifi bimilbeonho (비밀번호 = password). 

Internet plays a vital role in the comfortability of your trip as you will need it constantly when traveling, especially when mapping your journey. For this reason, one of the useful tips for traveling to South Korea is to rent a portable pocket Wifi device as soon as you land at Incheon or Gimpo airports. This will save you a lot of time and worry when traveling. You can book one ahead of time by visiting this link for Incheon and this link for Gimpo . You could also get a 4G LTE sim card at Incheon if you’d rather not carry around an additional device. 

What you can/cannot bring into the country

South Korea has an absolute 0 tolerance policy for illegal drugs. Controversially, they are even allowed to throw Koreans in jail if they have partaken in drug activities abroad even if they were legal in the country taken. For example, a citizen could be locked up in South Korea for smoking a joint in Oregon in the US where marijuana is legal. 

Once I brought in two bottles of wine from Cape Town and a bottle of olive oil. The limit is one liter of alcohol. I have traveled to Seoul many times, but this time I found a large belt around my luggage with a lock. I needed to visit the customs official who told me I needed to declare the wine, as they thought the bottle of olive oil was wine. If this happens to you, don’t panic, it’s just a precaution from customs. 

You’re not in trouble if this happens, you just need to state how much the items cost as you may need to pay import taxes if it is over a certain monetary limit. Usually, they don’t speak English too well, so you can just show the amount on your calculator and they will either ask you to pay or they’ll let you pass through.

Quick mention here if you are visiting Jeju, due to conservation efforts it is illegal to take the black volcanic stones with you when flying out of the island, just like in Hawaii . There are souvenir stores all around the island that sell the lava rocks where you can buy it legally. 

Learning Hangul & Korean phrases

One thing I always recommend to friends when coming to Korea is to not only learn a few helpful phrases but to also learn the writing system called Hangul. This will be especially helpful if you’re planning to visit some of the remote areas outside of Seoul, but will also help when traveling around the country. 

The reason why learning the alphabet is one of the top South Korea travel tips is that it is both super useful and extremely easy to learn. Unlike Japanese and Chinese that use thousands of pictograms, Hangul was developed fairly recently and mimics the shapes of the mouth, throat and tongue to bring about sounds, i.e. the sound for “m” is “ㅁ” mimicking the closed mouth. Consonants and vowels are grouped together to form blocks of syllables, i.e. bap or rice is a combination of  b (ㅂ), a (ㅏ) and b (ㅂ) to form “밥”. 

There are only 10 consonants & 14 vowels to learn, making it an alphabet with a total of 24 letters. Sound familiar? I am terrible with languages and it took me 2 weeks to learn Hangul before I came. 

Many English words are also brought into Korean, but written in Hangul. For example, you might encounter the word “세일” at a store and keep on walking. If you knew that that word phonetically sounded out “Sale”, you most likely would have got a great bargain. 

So basically, you don’t have to even speak the language in order to phonetically sound out and understand words that are borrowed from English. This is also great if you’re on a bus and need to go to a destination but all the bus stops are in Hangul, you can easily read where to get off. 

Another one of the most useful travel planning tips for South Korea is that it also helps when using Korean map apps like Kakaomap or Naver Map . The English is quite limited on Kakoamap and Naver has a strange translation system (i.e. 릴리스커피 “Lillies Coffee” in Korean is translated as “Release Coffee”). Also when you type coffee in English there are limited results.

Take for example, typing in “coffee”. This will only bring up a few search results. Yet, if you type “커피” (coffee), “카페” (cafe) or “로스터리” (roastery) thousands of options come up for coffee shops and cafes. 

Visit a site like this one and give it a try for a few days, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to learn. For phrases, visit this link . You’ll get around just fine in Seoul with a few key phrases under your belt and you’ll very quickly learn a few after arriving. 

Familiarising yourself with the culture

Korea has a very strong and proud cultural heritage and there are a lot of interesting and unique facts worth understanding ahead of your trip and many intricacies that you can only learn by living in the country. 

It pays to read up on interesting and uniquely Korean concepts like bballi bballi (getting things done fast), nunchi (ability to listen and gauge others’ moods), jeong (feeling attachment, affection, or bonding) and han (emotion that is a form of resentment and hatred). 

You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor if you read up a little on Korean history, culture and traditions before you go. There is a lot more than the glossiness of Kdramas and superficiality of Kpop and some people are shocked to find that Korea is a very different place than what’s shown on TV. So doing a little research online is probably one of the top South Korea travel tips I can give. But watching some beloved Kdramas can also help, like Secret Garden, Reply 1997 or 1988, Signal, or the recent The World of the Married.

I highly recommend browsing through or reading in its entirety “ Korea: The Impossible Country ” by Daniel Tudor. He covers a lot of concepts in depth, so you can choose which sections you’d like to read and which to gloss over or skip. You’ll really get to understand why Korea is the way it is due to its tumultuous history and lightning-pace recovery after the Korean War. 

Booking accommodation

Booking an accommodation is fairly easy as sites like Agoda and Booking.com have plenty of options, even in the more rural and off-the-beaten-path destinations. All you need to remember is that Korean accommodation is fairly unique in that there are many more options than just the hotel. 

What you should note is how the different types of accommodation differ so you can make a more informed decision. While this will not always be mentioned on the booking site, you can understand what you’re getting by looking at the images and facilities provided. One of the top things to consider when traveling to South Korea is where you are going to stay as there are so many options. Here is a breakdown of each type.

Pro South Korea travel tips: Instead of air heaters, Koreans use a system known as ondol (온돌 translated as “warm stone”) which is essentially floor heating. With modern ondol , water is heated in a boiler, pumped throughout a network of pipes under the floor, which then heats up to the temperature you choose. Most Korean accommodation will have ondol (even templestays out in the mountains). So if you have to sleep on the floor in winter, this is no problem!

The same you’ll find anywhere else in the world, on a sliding scale from the cheap and old to the fancy and luxurious. Usually with an option for breakfast and various other facilities. Check our guide to the best luxury hotels in Seoul for the best options in the capital as well as a description of the various neighborhoods. 

Motel & Love Motel (모텔)

The same set up as a hotel but with a more “romantic” undertone. Love motels, as the name suggests, are usually hired by the hour for amorous escapes. In Korea, much of the population lives at home until marriage, so this is the only option if you’d like to get intimate with your partner. 

They may look like a standard hotel, but you’ll notice a strange heavy “curtain” for cars, the telltale sign it’s a love motel. They are usually discrete, have covered parking, and are super kitsch. These are good options if you’d like to save some cash.

While originally Love Motels have gotten a bad wrap, they are changing more to just Motels these days and are brighter, cleaner and more done up.  

Yeogwan or Inn (여관)

Similar to motels, the yeogwan (also yeoinsu) are older, a bit more dingy, usually located in alleyways, and are the cheapest options when everything else is booked up. This is your last port of call and best to be avoided if you can. 

Hostel (호스텔)

The same concept as anywhere else in the world. Budget accommodation with either your own room or a shared dormitory, bathroom and possibly kitchen facilities. 

Favorited by intrepid and extroverted backpackers, hostels are great for serendipitous meetings of fellow travelers. Staff are usually friendly and speak some English as they have lived the backpacker lifestyle themselves. You can ask the staff about any insider info in the area you’re traveling. 

Minbak (민박)

A very uniquely Korean accommodation, a minbak is sort of a guest house style stay that is very basic and sometimes you will be sleeping on the (heated in winter) floor. There are a few kitchen facilities and an en-suite bathroom. Minbak can be hotel style or a spare room in the owner’s house. The cheaper the minbak, the more basic and older. 

Some minbak are really nice though, which is related to the price, the higher the price, the better the minbak. If you just need a place to sleep for the night in a rural area, minbak are great options. I once stayed at one in Sapsi-do (island) and the owner cooked us a seafood stew for breakfast with clams she caught before sunrise. Yum!

Pension (펜션)

Pensions are basically the big brothers of minbak. They are quite basic with a few amenities and en suite bathroom. These are catered toward groups of travelers and families vacationing together. Some provide BBQ facilities and patios. 

We’ve stayed at all kinds of pensions and there is usually a relaxed and calm feel where elder folk stay up drinking at night with the doors wide open. They can also be cheap or more expensive and can range from dated and in need of renovation to recently renovated, from kitsch to classy. They are usually clean and great for larger groups and more in remote destinations like mountains, islands and beaches. 

Guesthouse (게스트 하우스)

For a bit of a local taste, guesthouses have rooms with either private or shared facilities and set up in the owner’s house. They are similar to minbaks in the sense that you are renting a room in another person’s house, but are more like a B&B. They are often in the same category as hostels in Korea.   

Just like anywhere in the world, Airbnbs can range from the simple to the glamorous. Some are hotels that are also on sites like Booking.com , others are guesthouses with very hands-on hosts.

Our favorite Airbnb was in Jeju where the host offered to teach us wood carving, calligraphy and coffee roasting. He took his property off Airbnb but we still visit him when we go to Jeju. This shows that you can get a really local experience, just read the reviews to get a better vibe. One of the top South Korea travel tips is to stay with a local family and Airbnb is a great place to find this type of experience.

Templestay (템프스테이)

Another uniquely Korean experience is to go on a Templestay where you get to live like a Zen (Seon in Korean) monk. You literally get a (shared or single) room at a Buddhist temple. This is an extremely calming and relaxing stay that focuses on mindfulness and inner peace. There are usually schedules to follow like bowing, chanting and meditating, but it’s kind of up to you if you want to partake in all these. My Christian friends had an issue with the bowing, so they either stood, sat or just skipped this completely. 

You eat in silence with real monks, discuss Zen principles over tea with a head monk, and just wander around the ancient temple grounds. I went for a full hike on my own when I stayed at Haeinsa.

The rooms vary by temple. I got my own room with ondol, an aircon, a desk, and en-suite bathroom. This is a bit more expensive than staying dormitory style, but nice if you want to get away alone. It can be as pricey as an average hotel if you get your own room. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and calm as the setting is otherworldly.    

Basically a guesthouse, but this time in a traditional Korean house, which is called hanok. These could be in recently built houses that mimic ancient architecture, or actual hanok that are sometimes 100 years old. 

The traditional rooms have sliding paper doors and you may be sleeping on a yo (a soft mattress) or a western bed. It’s similar to the templestay in that there is no TV or Wifi in the older buildings, so be warned if you need the Internet. 

This is a homely experience and truly Korean, although the Japanese ryokan does come very close. One of the most popular South Korea travel tips when considering staying in a Hanok is that toilets may be in an outhouse, which is not fun when temperatures get negative in winter. You can always just visit Bukchon in Seoul for the day and have tea in a Hanok and skip the sleepover.

Resort (리조트) & Condo (콘도)

Definitely catered toward locals and family, resorts, like in other area of the world, are usually all-inclusive and therefore more expensive. They’re usually out of the major cities and are for holiday seekers that don’t want to worry about what to eat, how to keep their kids entertained or where to venture off to. 

Resorts are usually upper scale and can be exorbitant in the high season or weekends. While a condo is usually partially owned by several people, similar to a timeshare, the word is often used interchangeably with resort. Sometimes you’ll have both in the name, like “Yongpyong Resort Villa Condo”. If not used interchangeably, the condo would be more like a pension than a resort, meaning it is more basic with less amenities. 

Goshiwon (고시원)

While you most likely will not come across a goshiwon, I wanted to include it here as some Airbnbs are goshiwon. If the images of the place just show a bed and desk and looks like a shoebox, this is a goshiwon. 

These may be good options if you are coming to Korea alone for an extended period of time and don’t have the budget for a hotel. They are very small (roughly 16 sqm) with an en suite bathroom. Outside guests are not allowed, so take this into account before booking.

Connecting with other travelers or expats

Traveling alone doesn’t mean you need to be lonely. There are a multitude of different options to meet up with both foreigners and locals as you travel through the country. 

If you stay at a hostel, you are likely to meet other travelers, especially solo ones. If you aren’t staying at a hostel, one of the best ways to meet others is by joining a group tour on providers like Klook or Getyourguide where you can meet like-minded individuals and connect with a local guide. 

Meetup is also a great place to join groups of expats and locals who go on hikes, drink wine together, do pub crawls, visit UNESCO sites and so much more. Another one of the useful South Korean tips is that Facebook Groups are also pretty amazing places to find out more information on the areas you’re visiting, travel issues and general questions you may need answered. Just type in “Korea” and you’ll see the ample results from surfing to expats to foodies. 

You’ll miss out on a lot of the culture if you don’t at least go out once with a local. Koreans are communal by nature, so much of the culture involves meeting, drinking, chatting and eating outside the home. 

South Korea travel tips for safety – which areas are unsafe

The answer to which areas are unsafe is basically none of them. The entire country is pretty safe . Coming from South Africa , I still can’t believe the things people do here on a daily basis. 

Delivery men leave their motorbike running, people leave the keys in their car when popping into a convenience store, customers leave their laptops and phones on the table of coffee shops when going to the bathroom. It still blows my mind. 

The other day I dropped my gloves at a busy subway station in Seoul. They were pretty expensive too. Counting my losses, my wife suggested I phone Lost & Found, and yup, they had it there, waiting for me. I have heard numerous stories like this where expats have left their bags, cameras or laptops on buses or taxis, only to recover them the next day. 

Of course, don’t go doing these things on purpose, there are criminals in the country that will take the opportunity to steal if the situation arises. The major South Korea travel advice here is that there are no areas that you should “stay away” from, that if you happen to wander there by mistake your life will be in danger. 

Take normal precautions, don’t flash your valuables (even if everyone else is), and use your common sense. For some objective facts you can read this South Korea Crime & Safety Report (for 2020). You can also read my in depth article on Safety in South Korea for a more personal view on the topic (although a lot of objective research was also done). 

What about North Korea

While the Korean War never officially ended and the North and South are still technically at war, Western media usually has a way of blowing things out of proportion. The “North Korean threat” is not felt at all in the country and the South Korean army is all over the border with service being mandatory for all South Korean males.

If you want to visit North Korea, you can only do this through China. We have written extensively on visiting the hermit country which you can read about here .

How about safety in South Korea for a solo female traveler

There are women of all ages walking around alone at all hours of the night and there are CCTV cameras everywhere, especially in tourist destinations. While it is one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travellers there are a few precautions you will needs to take.

There was a rise on toilet, upskirt and changing room cameras ( molka or spy porn ) for a while in South Korea. The government has now placed extremely stringent rules on this where even pointing your camera at a female in the wrong place will wind you up in jail. This is due to large protests headed by the slogan “ My life is not your porn “. There are now also free hidden camera detectors you can download on your phone.

Laws in South Korea are also quite archaic when it comes to charging men for sex crimes. Being drunk in some cases if a legitimate excuse in the eyes of the law . Women are even victimised and blamed for “bringing it upon themselves”. So when you hit the club, always watch your drink. Some very bad people do take advantage of extremely drunk women.

Other than the above, South Korea travel tips for solo female travelers is to try and avoid going solo to the clubs. If you aren’t planning to visit South Korea for the clubs, you will be in good hands as South Korea is generally an amazingly safe place for female travelers.

Best season to visit South Korea

Korea is always a good idea. The entire country is on year round. There are festivals happening throughout the year as the citizens love being entertained and the country provides. 

The best time to visit Korea will largely depend on the type of weather you like as South Korea has four very distinct seasons. 

Autumn and Spring are the shortest and most beautiful with mild temperatures and the most beautiful foliage. The only thing is that they only last for just under 2 months each. Spring sees the cherry blossoms bloom and Autumn witnesses the changing of the leaves (dan-poong – 단풍 in Korean).

Winter and Summer in Korea are stark opposites, the former being absolutely freezing and dry, hovering around zero Celsius for four months. The latter is humid with harsh downpours and will have you sweating profusely. 

One of the top South Korea travel tips for seasons is that there is roughly a 3-4 hour difference of sunlight between peak summer and winter, so your days will either be longer or shorter depending on the season you travel. Food is also seasonal, which is why there are so many food festivals in South Korea. 

There are pros and cons of each season. Autumn and Spring have more moderate temperatures with higher tourist traffic. Winter is constantly freezing, but you can ski and hike the snow capped mountains. Summer sees a hoard of festivals and outdoor activities and you can visit all the best beaches. 

I would personally suggest coming just before Summer (April) or Winter (October) where temperatures are more moderate and tourist traffic is slightly down. Avoid all public holidays, especially Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Harvest Festival), as transportation is fully booked and many things are closed.

How long you need to visit South Korea

The question of how long you’ll need to visit South Korea depends very much on your travel style and what you’re coming to see. If you’re just visiting the capital, you will need less time, but a weekend in Seoul would be very rushed. We’d recommend at least 4 days in Seoul as there is a lot to cover and you won’t want to skim by the sites. 

Those wanting to venture onto other areas like Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju, Jeju or any day trips from Seoul to places like the DMZ or Suwon will need much more time. Each additional place can be visited over 2 days on their own. 

We would say a good amount of time to Seoul plus one other area is a full week. This way you can explore the various districts of the capital and you get to visit another area to get a well-rounded experience of the country. South Koreans might all be one nation with a similar mentality, but the cities all vary in vibe and atmosphere and you’d be doing yourself a disservice by only visiting Seoul. 

We have written pretty extensive articles on all these topics and suggest perusing through them before booking your trip. It will give you an idea of where to stay in Seoul, over 100 things to do in Seoul, which day trips you want to make and a complete suggested itinerary for 2, 4 and 7 days (including day trips). 

• Complete Seoul Itinerary – 2, 4 & 7 Days in Seoul

All the best day trips from Seoul

100+ great things to do in seoul, best areas to stay in seoul.

Seoul is spread out quite haphazardly and where to stay will very much depend on the sites you want to see. 

In our article on where to Stay in Seoul , we map out the entire city into different districts, state the best things to do in those districts and then offer advice on which type of traveler would stay there, offering tips for choosing the best place to stay in Seoul. Use the article to decide on where to stay. 

South Korea travel tips

In this section we’ll be providing actual South Korea travel tips and tricks to make your visit easier and more convenient. Read it all or skip to the sections that you need the most. 

There are some gems in here that you won’t find anywhere else on the internet as they are drawn from personal experiences throughout the years and a short term traveler cannot provide the same level of insight of someone who has lived here for a decade. 

General South Korea travel tips on public transportation

While using public transportation in South Korea is much like other countries, there are a few things to note that will make your life a whole lot easier and help you get around with ease. Before we start, know that in Seoul public transportation does shut down from around 12am-5:30am, so plan your trips accordingly. 

Taxis are always in operation but the rates differ depending on the times and days, rush hour and weekends are more expensive for example. They can also be a bit more difficult to find in the wee hours of the morning. One of the most useful South Korea travel tips is to download an app. Having an app will be a big help for finding cabs and also planning your journeys on public transportation. 

Using an app

There are two major apps that you can use when traveling in South Korea. They can be used to see the best routes for walking, driving, cycling or taking public transportation. In fact, they show the exact times that buses will arrive, to the second. You will however need a basic knowledge of Hangul to use them, another reason to learn the Korean alphabet. 

Google Maps is terrible in Korea, especially if you’re looking for the best routes. Before your trip, download and familiarize yourself with the following three apps: Kakaomap , Naver Map and Subway ( Mac , Android ). 

Naver is Korea’s Google and is better for English speakers than Kakaomap (started as Korea’s Whatsapp but is now a major conglomerate), but you can find many more options if you know how to write basic Hangul. 

Travel cards

It’s very rare to see people carrying cash these days. Wireless is the way forward in South Korea. People even have their credit cards on the phones now, where banks provide app cards instead of the usual plastic. This means wallets are a thing of the past .

This is no different for transportation. While there is the option to pay for your ride with cash, it is very rare and inconvenient to do these days. You could purchase a transportation card (called Tmoney) from any convenience store, but you will need to have a good handling of the language to direct the clerk to what you want. 

The easiest way to get your scannable travel card is to order it online and then pick it up from the airport as soon as you land. Reserve a Tmoney card with $5 top up online here . You can use this card on basically any form of transportation including buses, the subway, taxis and even some retail stores. It even comes on a mobile app where you can top up your card instantly and check your remaining balance. 

One of the top South Korea travel tips for those traveling by rail to other areas is to also book a KR Rail Pass. Book it online here . The pass allows you to travel to over 600 stations on 80 different routes using the high-speed rail. It provides unlimited rides for options of 3 or 5 consecutive days or flexible 2 and 4 day options. 

Riding the bus

Buses in South Korea are color coded by type, super modern, and ridiculously punctual. In Seoul, you get several types of city buses. 

The red buses go between districts and even provinces and have less stops as they usually only stop at major stations before hitting the highway. The green or blue buses are smaller and more local with more stops along the way so they can take longer to get between destinations. The yellow buses are super local tiny little things that don’t stretch too far. Purple buses are airport limousines. 

Larger buses occasionally have Wifi and USB chargers that actually work (many don’t) and most buses have small TVs playing constant ads. Seats are clearly marked for the elderly (yellow) and pregnant women (pink) and are usually close to the front. It is customary to give your seat to an elderly person should no other seats be available.

Bus driver friendliness will range from polite to aggressive. Some bow to each person that enters, some listen to the radio without even looking in your general direction and they don’t speak much English. They are under extremely tight schedules and often drive like they’re in an F1 race, but accidents are few and far between . It’s a common sight to see bus drivers hop out the bus, take a smoke break while the light is red and hop back in. Occasionally they jump into buildings to use the bathroom. 

The bus is a very common mode of travel in Korea as they are really efficient. One major reason to choose the subway over the bus is traffic, which gets atrocious during rush hours. Otherwise the bus is usually quicker and more convenient. Buses are the kings of the road in Korea with their own lanes on the freeways and people actually let them cut in. 

As bus drivers are trying to stick to an almost impossible schedule, they can be quite cranky. One of the top South Korea travel tips to know to avoid their wrath, is to have your bus card or cash ready and waiting. Know that you need to scan your bus card when you get on and off the bus (see our section above on cards to understand where to get them).

I have seen a driver scream at a poor female foreigner passenger when she couldn’t find her card when getting off. Just have your card on the ready and know where you’re getting off. 

Taking the subway

The subway is the most convenient way to travel around Seoul. There are also subways in Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju. The reason I say that this is the most convenient is that the subway is most always on time, you can plan your trip to the minute using the subway app mentioned above, there is no traffic to sit in, and you will not be waiting outdoors. 

Getting a seat during rush hour is most likely not going to happen. Note that there are seats reserved for the elderly and pregnant women. If you are not in this category, you are expected not to sit in these seats, even if they are empty. It is also etiquette to give your seat up to an elderly person. 

Pro South Korea travel tips: Drinking and eating is prohibited on the train and you are supposed to either talk very quietly or not at all (on the phone or in person) unless you want to get the evil eye from fellow passengers. 

The subway is extremely well connected in Seoul. You can get to almost anywhere in the city and places in surrounding Gyeonggi Province conveniently. All maps, directions and stops are mentioned in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. If you use the app mentioned above you can see the best possible routes, depending on if you want less time or less transfers. There is even information on which cart to stand in to lessen your transfer time. 

Avoid rush hours at all costs if you can. It gets absolutely packed, especially in areas like Gangnam. Sometimes it gets so packed that it feels as if your feet leave the ground as you are pushed up against other passengers. 

All subways have free bathroom facilities, vending machines and some have convenience stores. You can either use a single transfer card at one of the machines which is in multiple languages. You get 500 won back at your final destination when you give the card back. Another option is to get a T-money card which you can top up at any subway station and most convenience stores around the city. You then just tap it when entering the subway. 

Catching a cab

Cabs are very affordable in South Korea and there are millions of them wherever you are in the country. They are more difficult to find in rural areas though. Not all drivers speak English so you may need to learn a few phrases to get by. 

The driver may choose not to give you a ride if your destination is too close or if they are headed to another city, like catching a Seoul taxi in Gyeonggi. Note that there are different color taxis depending on the service you need. We have written about the system here . 

You can ask your hotel to order you a call taxi to take you to your destination. If you are registered, you could also use an app like Kakao T or the premium TaDa (which took a short hiatus ), which is Korea’s version of Uber or Grab. 

Pro South Korea travel tips: It is against the law for a cab driver to swindle you out of money by going on extended routes or overcharging. If you feel something is up, you can take a picture of the driver’s taxi license which is always prominently displayed and call the Dasan Call Center by dialing 120. Once taking the picture, the driver will most likely change their tune. 

Hiring a car

It is advisable not to hire a car if you are only visiting Seoul. Public transportation is so good and convenient that you would not need a car to get around at all. If you are planning on taking a day trip from Seoul, you still have the option of taking an intercity bus or train (like the KTX, ITX or SRT) as they are also pretty easy and convenient to catch. 

Hiring a car is also more convenient when traveling outside of major cities where public transportation is less frequent. Places like Gangnueng on the East Coast or even Daegu are just so much better when you have a car as you can explore more and really understand the areas much better. 

If you do choose to hire a car you will need an international driving permit along with your original license. Hiring a car is a great option if you plan on venturing out to more unknown, rural areas as there is so much to explore in Korea beyond the bus routes. Driving, like in the US or most of Europe, is on the right. Try Kayak or Lotte Rentacar to book your car. 

Camping has grown in popularity and there are many RV camp sites popping up all over the country. You will need to book well in advance in season though if you plan to hire a car and go camping. 

Unfortunately, in order to use the keyless and contactless car hire services like GreenCar , where all you need is an app to unlock the car, you need to have a Korean license. Enterprise is apparently trying to introduce contactless car pickup though.

I do feel the need to mention Korean driving style as this is different from other countries. Korean driving style is very aggressive where you need to push to get into a different lane. Oftentimes drivers will turn without signaling, so be aware of this. Don’t be afraid to push in when needed. And always allow buses in.

Pro South Korea travel tips: You can turn right on red traffic lights and are expected to if no pedestrian is crossing the road. Always let buses in, they will drive directly into you if you don’t. 

Korea has many speed cameras. Your car will come with navigation, so make sure it is set to English before leaving. The navigation will warn you of any traffic lights ahead, the dinging sound can become quite annoying as there are so many, but it’s better than paying fines. Filling up with gas is very easy and simple, just say how much you need to fill up in Won. Note that there are both self services and gas stations with staff. 

Public bikes & scooters

There are multiple choices when it comes to e-scooters and bikes in Korea. Unfortunately, most of them cater to the locals. The easiest to set up for foreigners is Lime. 

Because scooters have been classified as motorcycles, most of the local options like Beam or Kickgoing , require you to put in your Korean driver’s license. Laws have changed though and e-scooters are classified as bicycles, so it may be easier to grab one of these. You also now do not have to wear a helmet and you can be as young as 13 to ride one of these. These laws may change in the future.

Remember that Korean drivers are quite aggressive and will turn into oncoming pedestrian traffic occasionally. So always make sure that you are safe before crossing the road. It may even be a good idea to get off the scooter before crossing as cars come fast and furious. 

Cities have public bicycles to use which can be normal manual push pedal bikes like the green Ddareungi (따릉이) in Seoul or electric hybrid ones like Kakao T Bike . They are pretty simple and easy to use and charge per kilometer. 

Pro South Korea travel tips: Note that some of the bike and scooter apps only allow you to place the items in certain areas when you are done. If you plan on going far, make sure that your final destination is not out of the zone otherwise you will be charged with an additional fee. These are clearly delineated on the apps as greyed out areas. You will also get a warning when you are entering one of these zones. 

Queuing in Korea

This is some South Korea travel advice you learn by living here. Queuing for public transportation in Korea is slightly different from other countries. The style of queuing will depend on the type of transport you are taking. 

When catching intercity buses, for example, the usual first-come-first-serve method works here. For more local transport, there is no queuing system whatsoever. Even if you got there early and have been waiting for 20 minutes, once the bus comes, everyone will fight to be the first on the bus, especially elderly women. 

You will need to push in like the rest of the people even if this seems against your instincts. The same goes for the subway in Seoul. Unlike places like Taiwan where the flow is very Zen, people tend to form a cluster instead of waiting patiently in line. My advice as a Westerner is to just go with the flow and not to get too hung up about people cutting in line. And if you see a seat, make a beeline for it. If you hesitate for a moment, it will be gone. 

Taking shoes off in homes & in changing rooms

As in other Asian countries like Japan or China , it is customary to take off your shoes when visiting some Korean homes and also some restaurants where you need to sit on the floor. As it was traditionally customary to sit on the floor at homes in Korea, this is an obvious hygienic practice, so you don’t muddy up the place you’re about to sit on. 

It’s mostly traditional Korean restaurants that will ask you to take off your shoes at the door where you will be provided with a pair of inside slippers (if you have feet over 280cm, i.e. US 10, expect them not to fit). It’s becoming more rare these days though. 

Korean homes still practice this custom, so make sure to take off your shoes before entering a house or any establishment where you will be sitting on the floor, like a tea room. Other places you may need to do this is in changing rooms like at Uniqlo or Zara. The sales person may say this to you in Korean which will be clearly indicated with their body language (they will point to your feet). If you are unsure, just ask!

Is South Korea expensive

Generally South Korea is less expensive that Japan, but definitely miles more expensive than most of Southeast Asia. Imported products like wine or alcohol are all very pricey. A meal out for one will most likely fall around the 10,000 KRW range, but this will vary depending on the restaurant.

Pizza and Western dishes can be outrageously pricey, like 25,000 KRW for a pizza. Local dishes will also vary on the prestige of the restaurant and the meal served. Eating Korean style sashimi or eel for example can be around 25,000 – 40,000 per person. Eating at a pojang macha can be roughly 1,000-5,000 KRW per item.

Alcohol at a convenience store is pretty cheap if you’re buying local. A beer will set you back around 4,000 KRW from 7-11 but will cost around 7,000 at a pub for exactly the same thing. Restaurants may charge even more. An Americano is about 4,000 KRW at a chain.

Hotels can vary largely depending on where you’re staying and can range from 20,000 KRW for a hostel to over 150,000 KRW for a quality hotel per night. Motels are roughly 50,000 KRW depending on the quality.

Subway rides and buses are around 2,000 KRW but can vary depending on where you are traveling to. Taxis have a basic fee of around 3,000 as soon as you step in and then charge an additional 700 KRW per km.

Shopping tips 

Shopping is Korea’s national pastime. So of course a lot of our South Korea travel tips revolve around this. Although much of the shopping has moved online over the past few years, malls and department stores are still thriving. They allow a sense of escapism and are always busy on the weekend and public holidays no matter where you are in the country. 

We have written extensively about shopping in South Korea, so we won’t talk much about that here. You can find out some shopping facts (facts 2 & 14), places to go shopping on a Seoul itinerary , or more about shopping at major areas in Seoul like Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, Insadong or Apgujeong. 

Here, we will concentrate on the different types of shopping experiences you can have in Korea along with sizing, events, currency, discounting and bartering. This will help you to plan your shopping so that you are well prepared and can save some time, energy and hopefully money!

Currency & ATMs

Korean currency is known as the won (KRW) and written “₩”. Like the Japanese yen, the won is displayed in larger numbers such as ₩1,000 being equivalent to roughly US$1. So, expect to change your mindset before entering the country as everything will be in the thousands and millions. You’ll be an instant millionaire on arrival. 

As an economic powerhouse, Korea has a very strong and stable currency. For example in 2011, US$1 equaled 1,117 won; in 2021, it was at 1,098 .

Withdrawing money is not an issue in South Korea as there are ATMs all over the place. You can even search for ATMs if you download Korean map apps like Kakaomap or Naver Map. Withdrawal fees will depend on the bank and country of origin of the card, I usually pay around US$2 for withdrawals. 

The only issue withdrawing cash in South Korea is that you will need to find a “Global ATM” otherwise your card will not be accepted. Of course, you will also need to make sure your bank has activated your card for overseas usage.

I always use Woori Bank to withdraw as they are consistently in working order and allow for the highest withdrawal allowance (1 million per transaction). I have personally had issues with Hana and Shinhan where the ATM clearly said “Global” but the card didn’t work. Woori, Hana and Shinhan ATMs all offer international languages beyond English which you can choose by selecting the correct button on the touch screen. The amount will be in won, so convert the amount before you step up to the ATM. 

One of the best South Korea travel tips for currency conversion is that the best place to exchange foreign currency other than at the airport (which should be your first pick) is at Dongdaemun in Seoul. I don’t have experience of exchanging currency outside of Seoul, but market areas usually have money changers. 

Shopping experiences

There’s a lot of shopping to go around in South Korea. If you’re visiting the greater Seoul area and surrounding Gyeonggi Province, you’ll be struck with the number of department stores. Along the yellow subway line going from Seoul into Bundang District and onto Suwon, there is almost a department store at every subway stop. 

So where do you start your shopping journey and what do you need to know along the way? The best places to begin are the touristy areas as they cater for foreigners with store clerks that speak some English, tax refund services and larger sizes if you want to purchase clothing. 

For this reason you can start at places like Dongdaemun, Myeongdong and Namdaemun for all your fashion needs. Insadong is the best spot for cultural souvenirs. These areas have all the different shopping location types available from malls to department stores, outlets to underground shopping, big brands to boutique stores. 

Starfield COEX , the largest underground mall in the world, is a great option if you prefer a mall setting. Lotte & Avenuel in Jamsil (the same building that houses the Seoul Sky Tower ) is another option for upscale brands. 

Luxury items can be purchased at Apgujeong along Rodeo Street or at one of the big name malls like Galleria department store or top-notch Hyundai Department store . We have written extensively about all these places in our Top Things to do in Seoul Guide . 

Now that you know where to start your shopping spree in Seoul, we think some great South Korea travel tips will include more about the types of shopping experiences you can have in the country for a bit more insider info and a few more personal suggestions of places we love. 

First is to know the difference between the various types of places you can shop at. Operating hours will vary but usually go between 10am-11pm.

Shopping at fashion streets

These are quaint outdoor areas where shops are lined along paved pedestrian avenues and usually have more of a boutique, fashion-forward feel, but some have major brands too. There are usually also eateries and cafes all around. 

Some famous areas in Seoul include Insadong, Myeongdong, Samcheongdong (next to Gyeongbokgung Palace), or Apgujeong Rodeo Street. All major cities will have at least one of these roads which will sometimes end in “Pashon eu Gori” (패션의거리 – “Fashion Street”) like in Busan or Suncheon. Some are less obviously stated like Daegu Dongseongno Street (대구 동성로거리). 

Student boutique shopping areas

Very similar in layout to the fashion streets, the major difference is that they cater to students and are mostly situated around major universities. The brands are therefore mostly youth culture with an array of dives, bars, cafes and inexpensive eateries. 

These areas are rowdier, particularly at night when everyone’s had a drink or two, but they are quite vibey and fun. It’s always an interesting experience going shopping here at night and you can also find super trendy brands as well as some great sales. 

In Seoul you can try Hongdae (Hongik Uni), Edae (Ewha Women’s Uni), and Kondae (Konkuk Uni near Seongsu). It’s good to know that not all student areas will have shopping streets, but most do have a few stores around, i.e. Hyehwa is known for its theaters, but there are some shops along the main road. 

Underground shopping

If you want to go subterranean, you can visit one of the major underground shopping complexes in Seoul or around the country. These are usually near or joining the subway stations, so it includes smaller boutique style stores in small compartments along the passageways. They are different from COEX which is a proper mall. 

You can find some really great fashion finds here sometimes. Just note one of our South Korea travel tips for shopping is to be aware that electronics and some brands may be fake, so use your common sense and if something is too good of a bargain, it probably is. 

The most popular underground sopping areas include the ones at Gangnam, Jamsil & Jonggak Stations, with another in Myeongdong near Euljiro 1(il)ga Station entrance 6.  

Department Stores

Department stores are great places to experience shopping like a local, which means you can find discounts like a local. These are multi-level shopping complexes housed in large buildings where each level has a theme. They are usually separated into Mens fashion, Ladies fashion, Youth, Sports, and Home. 

As is the case across most Asian capital cities, some classier department stores have luxury brands and perfume on the first floor which feels more like an airport, and there is typically a grocery store in B1 with a food court or restaurants and an Event Hall somewhere in the building with ever-changing sales, sometimes the events are outside at the entrance. 

There are cafes, events, activities for kids and year-round sales at department stores where you can sometimes find items for up to 80% off. There are also concierge services, pushcarts, wheelchair facilities, seamstresses, shoe repairs, tax refund services, everything under one roof. 

In terms of which department stores to check out, there are too many to recommend, but if you are staying in Seoul, you could visit one of the many in the Dongdaemun or Myeongdong areas that we mention in our post . Alternatively, take a day trip to Bundang to visit some of the other options if you want to get away from the touristy ones, just don’t expect much English.

Outlets & Malls

My favorite places to find sales, outlets are huge spaces where fashion goes to die. Korea is extremely fashion-forward, so if you’re okay with wearing Nike’s from last season, then these are great places to visit as there are some enormous sales. 

Outlets and malls are basically department stores, yet spread out over 2-3 floors instead of 8-10. Malls are closer to department stores in content with seasonal international brands and occasional sales. Outlets are more the places where last season’s fashion is dumped and there are always sales. 

There are some great places to visit in Seoul and Gyeonggi including Lotte Mall in Suwon, Suji and Gimpo. Lotte outlet in Giheung, right next to Ikea, is my favorite as it reminds me of a Californian American Mall and it has a flowrider . There is also one in Gwanggyo which we mentioned in our Day Trips from Seoul article. 

Starfield, part of Shinsegae Group and owner of COEX also has some amazing Malls, the best one is in Hanam (city in Gyeonggi, not Hannam-dong in Seoul), next to Misa-ri and close to a marsh along the Han River. It is massive and joined to a Shinsegae Department Store.  

One more thing to note is the major shopping chains brands to look out for. Most department stores, malls and outlets are owned by Lotte, Hyundai, AK or Shinsegae (Starfield). Each has its own vibe, for example Lotte is more family-focused while Hyundai is more concerned about boasting a premium and luxury experience. The stores are basically the same. Happy shopping!

Bartering & cash discounts

If you’re expecting to come to Korea to haggle, your ability to get a cash discount will depend very much on where you are shopping and what you are buying. 

Some places in Korea are known for bargaining like the Yongsan electronics area, or if you are purchasing in bulk at places like Dongdaemun, Namdaemun or one of the wet markets like Noryangjin. Cash discounts are also accepted here. 

Prices at malls, department stores and chains are all fixed, so you won’t be able to haggle prices down at these establishments. You can try your luck at smaller, boutique stores or college areas, but expect nothing. 

To ask for a discount, you can say “kkakka juseyo” which basically translates into “give it to me for less”. The store clerk will then whip out a calculator and start typing furious equations to get a new price. You can always use your phone calculator if they don’t speak English and you are having troubles with the large numbers.

Sizes (Asian fit)

The stereotype that South Asians have a smaller frame is fairly true in South Korea. Due to size differences clothing is catered to Koreans and is therefore smaller in the country. I take a male large in the US, but in Korea I’m an XL, for example. Lululemon has been clever and introduced an “Asian Fit” that caters for a more petit frame, so their sizing is universal. 

Clothing is also measured differently here, so you can’t always rely on the S, M, L, XL etc. sizing guide. I have found one of the top South Korea travel tips is to measure using centimetres. I found out that I am a 105 for a t-shirt, so I completely disregard the previously mentioned format and look only for the numbers. The same goes with waist size. 

I have heard from my plus size female friends that shopping for clothing in Korea is quite a nightmare and that bras in larger sizes are basically non-existent. Some areas, like Itaewon, do cater for larger sized individuals though. 

When it comes to shoes, it is extremely difficult to find larger sizes, which is a 290 (US 11) for males. What is standard in Western countries, is extremely large in Korea. There are some places with larger sizes like Itaewon, flagship stores and the bargain bins at the outlets. Going to places like ABC Mart that sell multiple shoe brands will most likely result in failure. 

Events (or Sales)

There’s always sales going on in Korea and if you know where and when to look you can get some amazing deals. 

Firstly, if you’re visiting a department store or outlet, try locating the Event Hall. This is a partitioned area with massive sales. They are usually once off and change every week. Sometimes they have luxury brands, other times they have homeware, but it never hurts to walk past to see what’s on sale at the time of visit. Sometimes they’re located outside under tents by the entrance to the building. 

Seasonal sales are massive in Korea. As the country changes in season, so does the fashion and there is a massive push to get rid of “old” stock. The biggest event is Korea Festa which usually happens in November throughout the entire country where every mall has some kind of sale going on. 

Basically, one of the top South Korea travel tips is to buy winter goods in summer and summer goods in winter. And always look for the red tags in department stores, as well as sale racks which might have a sign saying “Last Chance” or “Last Size”. And if a store is having a sale, always ask if the price tag has the final price. Oftentimes, the discount is not clearly stated. Many times I’ve come to the counter and there had been an additional 40% off the marked discounted price on the label.

Then, look out for various other events marked “2+1 Event”, “1+1 Event” etc. This basically means buy 2, get 1 free or buy 1, get 1 free etc. This is everywhere from food items at convenience stores to clothing and electronics. 

Sometimes it gets a bit complicated like if you buy 2 of the same item, you get 50% off the second item only. Or you need a specific bank card to obtain the discount. These types of sales are even difficult to understand for native speakers. With that being said, there are always discounts available if you keep your eyes open. 

Walking paths & hiking

The entire country is absolutely covered in hills and mountains of all sizes and for all fitness levels. You could easily go from sprawling metropolis to the splendor of nature in minutes. One example is visiting Seoul Arts Center in Seocho. 

The huge art center is located right in the center of the Gangnam greater district close to Seoul National University of Education and Nambu Bus Terminal. At the back of the art center there is a path that leads up to a mountain called Umyeonsan (우면산) which is a 4.5km hiking trail ending near Sadang station, reaching an elevation of 221m with a temple called Daesongsa to visit. 

This is just one of thousands of examples of how accessible hiking is in Korea. All paths are well trodden, sometimes even lit up at night, with bathrooms along the way and outdoor fitness areas if you feel like having a workout on the top of a mountain. 

Hiking is extremely safe in South Korea with CCTV cameras usually at the start and end of the trails. You will notice that Koreans like to dress for each occasion and hiking is no different, with hikers decked out in the most up to date trekking apparel. 

Try to download one of the map apps mentioned above before you go as path signage can be deceiving, in Korean only and are not always 100% clear or accurate. While there is always a path down to a metropolitan area, especially in Seoul, you may take a completely wrong turn and end up going for longer than expected. Maps will help with this. 

Pro South Korea travel tips: Always take enough water and some snacks with you in case you get lost or need some energy. You can always call 119 if you need urgent assistance. On the more popular routes, there are even signs with numbers so that you can clearly tell the operator exactly where you are. 

Korea is also a very walkable country. There is even a path from Seoul in the north to Haenam in the south called the Samnam Route (삼남길) or you could walk from Busan to Haenam on the Namparang (south wave) Route. Jeju has it’s Olle Gil Route circling the entire island. Koreans love their “courses” and each major mountain has several to follow, usually marked on maps and color-coded.  

You can take a stroll along the Han River into Gyeonggi Province and beyond. Or just get lost in the maze that is Seoul, there is always a convenience store, public bathroom or transportation nearby.

Avoiding crowds 

If you can, always try to avoid using public transportation or driving during rush hour which can be from around 7-10am and 5-8pm. Being packed on the subway or waiting to get onto a bus can be quite an uncomfortable experience, so try to abide by these South Korea travel tips on avoiding crowds.

Lunch and dinner times are also extremely busy at restaurants. Like clockwork, the restaurants will all be filled up with people between 12-1pm and 7-8 and then like magic, everyone disappears. Coffee shops also fill up after lunch as Koreans love going to a second destination after the main meal. If you want a good seat at a cafe, arrive during lunch hours.

Pro South Korea travel tips : Avoid traveling to Korea on the biggest holidays Chusoek and Lunar New Year (Seollal) as the entire population goes on holiday, so prices for accommodation are sky high and sold out. Transportation is also sold out as the entire country goes back to their hometowns during these holidays. As these go by the Lunar calendar, the date changes each year. Chuseok is in September or October and Seollal is in January or February. 

Weekends are also super busy, so if you can, avoid the major sites on Saturdays and Sundays as there will be loads of foot and road traffic. Weekdays see much less people. 

Night clubs

Clubbing in Korea is an impressive experience. Megaclubs are state of the art facilities attracting international DJs and are always a blast. 

Pro South Korea travel tips: There have been cases of racial profiling at certain establishments , as South Korea has no legal prohibitions on racial discrimination by private businesses. Whatever the reason, you may be declined entry into particular venues for the way you look. Some clubs, pubs or bars deny entry to US military GIs for example. So just keep this in mind, there is not much one can do about the situation unfortunately. Just try the next venue on your list. If you get aggressive, or act against verbal assaults, know that Korean law most always favors the Korean citizen, no matter whether you instigated or not. Just walk away. 

Drinking culture

If you read our Korean facts article , you might be shocked to see how heavily Koreans drink , or that you can get alcohol at any time of the day and can drink in public. 

My first experience of drinking culture in Korea was seeing a group of youngish men huddled in a circle throwing up in the centre. Later that night I witnessed a grown businessman passed out on a staircase, cell phone in hand. These are not once-off sights. 

It’s important to note that alcohol is a social lubricant that cancels out otherwise stringent social norms. It’s a way for Korans to open up about their very busy and frantic lives to friends, family and coworkers. If you get blind drunk at a social gathering, it’s not uncommon for this to be canceled out Monday morning when you come back to work. 

At the centre of most meals is alcohol, usually a bottle of soju (rice wine) or makgeolli (fermented rice wine) depending on the meal. If you end up drinking with a local, you’ll also see that you’ll move locations quite frequently, especially if it’s a gathering of business colleagues. You may have pre drinks somewhereI (il-cha or first round), then move onto your main meal (i-cha or second round), and then head to a noraebang (sam-cha or third round) and beyond.

The heaviness of drinking culture is thankfully shifting in recent years, making it much easier to skip on the alcohol if you aren’t a heavy drinker. Older men will still push the alcohol though as old habits die hard. 

South Korea food tips

In our next section on South Korea travel tips, we’ll move onto one of the biggest draws the country has to offer, the glorious food. See our complete guide to Korean food if you’re unsure what there is on offer. 

This section provides some tips on dining out, etiquette at the table and a few small things that will make your life a bit easier at restaurants, eating in South Korea is a whole new experience worth enjoying fully.

Matjib Gori (Delicious food streets)

A lot of the tips for traveling to South Korea are for getting the best food. If you read the shopping section above, you will remember that we mentioned above about “fashion streets” or clusters to go shopping at. The same thing goes for food in Korea. 

When you hear the expression “matjib” (맛집 – directly translated as “delicious house”), this means a popular restaurant where the food is highly rated. 

Restaurant areas, like fashion districts, are usually clustered together where there are hundreds of choices to choose from. These areas will have different names such as matjib gori (matjib street), meokja golmok (먹자골목 – Let’s eat alleyway) and so on and are usually situated near business districts or universities. They are lively areas where everyone is eating and drinking in a jovial and social atmosphere. 

You will be able to find just about any meal in these areas from Western and Southeast Asian to Indian, fusion and local. As restaurants are clustered together, in Korea, it’s not necessarily about visiting a specific restaurant, but rather you select the meal you feel like and then choose a restaurant accordingly. There are also Cafe Streets (Cafe Gori) which have an array of cafes to choose from. 

Restaurant breaks between rush hours

Restaurants usually have a break time between meals to prepare for the next rush. If you are visiting a specific restaurant from afar, make sure they will be open. Eateries in malls usually don’t have a break time. Just keep this in mind if you choose to eat out of the usual dining times, many restaurants may be closed. 

One of the greatest things to consider when traveling to South Korea is that is does not have a tipping culture at all. In fact, some people may feel insulted if you provide a tip. The only places I have seen with a tip jar are bars and pubs, but then again, it is not necessary to leave anything. I have been chased down the street by store owners wanting to give me my cash back when I left a tip. 

Eating times

Koreans are trained very well at eating 3 meals a day. For this reason you will find meal times extremely busy. You may have walked into a restaurant at 11:50 to think they are going out of business and by 12:10 you can’t even hear the person sitting across from you it’s so noisy. 

Restaurants also often take breaks between meals to rejuvenate or prepare for the next rush. The door may be open, but they may not be serving food at the particular time you walk in. If it is not meal time and you pop your head in and things look stagnant, you may want to ask if they are serving food. You can say “문 열었나요?” (mun yeol-eotnayo, basically “is your door open?”). 

Try to arrive early at meal times, which is roughly 12pm for lunch and 6:30pm for dinner. Breakfast is usually eaten at home, so you won’t really be struggling early in the morning. In fact, many restaurants only open for lunch and dinner. There may already be queues outside of popular places 30 minutes before meal times for fear of missing out, or as they say in Singapore , kiasu . 

Call bells & ordering food

In western countries, your server is usually friendly and chatty as they know this will provide a greater tip. In Korea, servers are exactly that, people to serve your every foodie desire. There is no chit chat, discussing menu options, asking for recommendations and so on. You select what you want to eat and then either shout for service or some larger establishments have a call button on the table which calls for a server. 

Pro South Korea travel tips: Don’t be afraid to shout “yogi-yo!” (여기요! – over here!) to get someone’s attention. You’ll hear the response neh! (yes) and a server will come your way. Don’t keep them waiting. Ordering food in Korea is a quick process and is done swiftly so as to save time.

Not all servers will speak English, or at least they won’t feel confident to speak it. So you can either point at what you want on the menu and say how many you want. They should understand one through ten in English. If the menu is in Korean either ask for an English menu or use the translate image feature on Google Translate. Just know that this may bring some very strange translation results. 

Your food will come with the bill which is inclusive of tax. If you want to order something else, go ahead and they will update your bill. Unless the restaurant you are visiting is super fancy, you are expected to order, eat and leave as quickly as possible. Lingering around means less customers and you will feel a very rushed and awkward vibe if you stay around chatting after you have finished your meal. This is what coffee shops are for. 

Unless you are ordering Western food, your meal will come with metal or wooden chopsticks and a spoon. Some restaurants offer forks if they see you are struggling, but not all will have. It’s up to you to bring your own fork if you struggle with chopsticks. 

Sometimes cutlery is hidden out of sight. If this is the case, either it will come with your meal, it may also be in a small container on the table, or it might be in a cutlery drawer underneath the table. 

Self water / coffee / side dishes

Most restaurants have a free water filtration system. You are expected to collect your own water and if you are with locals, you will also get water for the entire table as a custom. Sometimes there is free mix or capsule coffee too. If it isn’t free there should be a price nearby. 

Traditional Korean food comes with several side dishes like kimchi or sigeumchi (seasoned seaweed). If you finish one, don’t be afraid to ask for more, they will bring it to you for free. Just know that the second helping is usually aggressively larger and you are expected to finish everything. Sometimes side dishes are also self service where you can fill up to your heart’s content. Look for the “Self” sign to see if anything is self service.

Vegan & Vegetarian friendly

I am a pescatarian and know very well about vegetarianism in South Korea. When I first arrived there was one single vegan restaurant in the entire country, but now it seems to be coming a new craze. From all the Impossible Burgers sprouting up in the fast food chains to plant-based restaurants, South Korea is becoming more vege friendly.

Beware that if you use ask if something has “meat” in it (gogi in Korean) and the person answers “no”, don’t be shocked if you bite into a piece of ham. You will have to say that you are vegetarian rather as there are multiple words for various types of meat and Koreans will take you very literally. Gogi means “cow meat”, so if it has “pig meat” they will answer you directly.

Broths will 99% of the time contain some form of meat or bones. So if you ask if the kimchi or tofu stew has meat in it, and the answer is “no”, what they really mean is, “It was made using meat but doesn’t include chunks of meat in its current form”.

Join the Seoul Veggie Club on Facebook where you can find all the best plant-based restaurants and food in the city.  Happy Cow is another great option to finding the most amazing and avant-garde restaurants that do not have meat on the menu.  

Cafe culture – Sitting / working in a cafe

As a digital nomad, this is probably one of my favorite parts about living in Korea. There seems to be an endless stream of cafes and coffee houses throughout the country. It’s not an uncommon sight to see five Starbucks on one block, surrounded by other chains like Ediya, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or Mega Coffee with a sprinkle of mom and pop stores.

One of the best things about these cafes is that they are a digital nomad’s dream with super fast free Wifi, power outlets, bathrooms and pretty comfortable seats. The best part is that, unless you’re at a more boutique cafe, you won’t get evil stares from the staff when you’ve been sitting there for several hours. 

South Korea also has something called a “study cafe” where you can hire a desk for a specified period of time. Shared workspaces are also popping up in Seoul like WeWork or FastFive . But coffee shops, especially the chains, are still amazing places to go to get some work done. The larger double, triple or even quadruple storey mega franchises are always great if you want a bit of privacy. And this is all for the price of an Americano. 

Coffee shops are a little different in Korea than in other countries. They are more focused on dessert and baked goods than brunch and meals, as bread is a dessert food in Korea. So don’t go expecting a huge assortment of food. 

Cafes also tend to get really busy after lunch as they are usually post-lunch meetup spaces. So if you want to get a seat, try going mid-morning before the rush. And when you’re done, always take your mug and plate back to the designated spot, don’t leave it on the table. As you can stay in cafes for hours, some places offer discounts for takeaways so that more seats open up, or if you bring your own tumbler. 

There are also designated areas in certain districts called Cafe Streets (Cafe gori) which is a cluster of cafes all in one walking street. Great examples include Samcheongdong (near Gyeongbokgung), Buamdong (only reached by bus), a few in the Hongdae / Hapjeong / Sangsu area and a really romantic one near Jukjeon Station in Bundang, Gyeonggi province. 

This is one of the most important South Korea travel tips, especially when dining with locals. Dining with others is an art in South Korea. When a Korean person invites you to a meal and at the end the bill is miraculously paid, don’t take it personally.

Of course, the situation may differ depending on who you are dining with, but usually the oldest person at the table or the senior of the company will pay for everyone. You can then pay for coffee, dessert, or wherever you go for round two or three if you are younger.

If someone travels to your area, you will need to pick up the check as they have put in the effort, and vice versa. Going Dutch (splitting the bill) is not really a thing here. Although, things are changing a bit with the younger, more worldly, generation. But still, expect an awkward pause or a bit of a struggle if you say “Shall we split?”

You may need to be quite sneaky if you want to pay for a meal. The best is to say you’re going to the bathroom and then you take the bill with you to the counter to pay. Expect to be berated and shouted at by the oldest at the table if you do pay as you may have disrespected their honor. It’s all about knowing the person you’re dining with. I still have no clue when I’m supposed to pay for my Korean in-laws.

Pouring drinks, dishing food

Drinking is a serious and subtle art in Korea. The most important thing to know is that you don’t decline a drink from someone who is older than you unless you have legitimate religious or health concerns. You are also expected to keep up with the oldest, having as many shots as them. One cheat is to sip slowly and always leave some alcohol in your glass. If your glass has liquid in it, it will not be topped up. 

If you are the youngest, keep a hawk’s eye on the other diners’ glasses. It is customary to pour for other people and to always top up when the glass is empty. You pour with one hand, the other hand holds onto your arm or rib while you pour. To receive a drink, hold your cup with two hands. When taking a sip it is customary for the younger individuals to turn their heads either to the right or away from the table, covering your mouth with your left hand as you drink. If someone is topping you up and it is enough, gently lift your glass up to inadvertently tell them “it’s enough”. When toasting, say “geon-bae”.

As with alcohol, if your dish is empty, it means you want more. Always leave a bit of food on your plate if you’re done. If you see others with empty plates, you can take some of the shared food and place it on their dish. If one of the side dishes is empty, call the server and ask for a top up – the table will be very impressed with you. 

Before the meal, you can place tissues at the table and then lay out the chopsticks and spoons as well. If there is self service water, you can pour a glass for everyone at the table.

The importance of sharing & communal eating

Following from the previous point, you should know that eating with company in Korea is a shared experience. This means that you will sit around a table and order a meal for everyone to share, unless it is a Western style restaurant. This is exemplified by Korean BBQ where you sit at a round table, cooking a meal for everyone to eat. 

Side dishes, main courses and desserts are all shared. This takes quite a bit of getting used to if you come from the West where it’s all about the individual. Dining is not about “what do I feel like today”, it’s more about sharing time together and eating “delicious food”. 

So what constitutes delicious in Korea. Healthy and fresh are the words that come to mind. You will find that Korean food has much less sodium and sugar than other countries, so expect a bit more of a dull taste. Over time your palate will change and when you return to the West everything will taste processed and unhealthy. 

You will most likely never be invited to eat at a Korean person’s home as this is not the norm for the culture. To dine with a Korean is to learn a lot about the culture and the traditions.  

Street food & pochang macha

A top experience in Korea is to dine on some deep fried, sugary street food at a pochang macha. Pochang macha are street food vendors housed in makeshift clear tented apparatus. They are either set up randomly around the area or at a specific location like Jongno 3-ga Pojangmacha Street, Namdaemun or Gwangjang Market, or even underground at Jamsil Station. 

We will not tell you what amazing food to find or where to find, that’s all been written in our article on the Best Korean Food in the street food section . What we focus on here is street food dos and don’ts. 

Eating street food at a pochang macha will be a different experience depending on the type of establishment. Some places you sit down, have a few drinks and eat multiple courses. Other places you stand, munch down your meal as fast as possible and leave. If the pochang macha has seats and it’s night time, it’s usually a longer affair. 

Unless you’re in a very touristy area, English will most likely not be spoken, so you will need to know how to order your food in Korean. Some vendors will have card machines, but it’s always best to pay in cash so that they don’t have to incur any fees.

If you’re eating tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng tang (fish cake soup) from a wheel cart vendor, know that you can drink as much of the soup as you like, just use the ladle and dish up for yourself. Know what you want to order and how to order before you go up to the cart as the vendor will not be patient. Don’t even expect them to look at you, just shout your order and pay the money. Eat there or take it away, the choice is yours. 

Ordering food at a pub, bar or hof

The biggest difference between going to a bar in the west and one in South Korea is that you’re expected to order food with your drinks. The type of food will depend on the establishment ranging from Western style finger food to Korean snacks to full on pub food. 

One thing for sure is that you will at least need to order one thing off the menu along with your drinks, even if you’ve just had a gigantic meal a few minutes before. The words pub, bar and hof are basically used interchangeably to mean a watering hole with snacks.

Sometimes there will be electronic dart boards and other fun stuff too. These days wine bars are also gaining in popularity. While they are usually pretty pricey, there are some cheaper ones like the Wine Han Jan franchise. 

South Korea travel tips on etiquette

While a lot of Korean etiquette has been discussed throughout the article already, we thought it would be nice to have some general etiquette tips so that you don’t commit too many cultural faux pas. 

As you saw in the food section above, there are a lot of intricate dining and drinking musts that are interwoven into the culture. The biggest take away is that you need to respect your elders. This is shown most noticeably in the language where the wording will actually change depending on whether you’re speaking to someone older or younger than you, whether they are senior or junior at your company. 

While you most likely won’t be learning the language on your trip, respecting your elders is evident in other areas of Korean life. For this reason, one of the first questions Koreans ask is your age. This is not considered rude, in fact, it would be rude not to ask as you may be speaking impolitely by using the incorrect phrasing. 

Respect for your elders and also the patriarchy has its roots in Confucianism which places emphasis on family, personal betterment and respect for age and authority. It is the reason why Korean women may seem more timid, why the elderly are treated so well and why everything in Korea is about family and the community. 

If you come from a Western country, which places more emphasis on the individual, this may be quite a shock to the system. My advice would be to go with flow, silently observe the difference in culture and don’t visit Korea with the idea that an entire culture with thousands of years’ history should change to suit your “modern” needs. 

This may sound harsh, but many Westerners visit without considering that things will be vastly different which leads to anger and rage. Visiting Korea is a chance to really explore a wonderful nation with many great practical positives that you can take home with you. 

No doubt you’ll witness the harsh elbows of the furious ajumma at the bus stop (ajumma is the word for “aunt” but is basically a stereotypical middle-aged to elderly woman), the politically incorrect meanderings and wind breaking of the ajeossi (like ajumma, but for a man), the leech-like store clerk following your every move and the handbag carrying 20-something man. Soak it all in, be attentive, let things slide and you will have a wonderful time. 

• Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa .
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• I find all of my flights on KAYAK . Check their Deals section too.
• Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway .
• I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide , they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb .
• Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com .
• Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com

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Where to Go, What to See & How to Stay on Budget

By Patricia Liu and Joel Marinan

There has never been a better time to visit South Korea. Clean, modern, sophisticated, and ultra safe, Korea is a destination that you will want to come back to again and again. With the rise of Korean culture and entertainment throughout the world, the country is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, especially for foreigners who wish to experience all that Korea has to offer.

Korea has always been a fascinating country to visit and deserves a place on everyone’s travel bucket list. Known for its stunning blend of tradition and modernity, Korea features futuristic technology, bustling markets, and a thriving pop culture scene. There are no guns or drugs allowed in Korea, and visitors can expect a high level of safety and cleanliness while exploring the country. Also of note is that Korea is a no tipping culture, so savoring the delicious cuisine is extra affordable, as are the cab rides to restaurants and other destinations.

Speaking of affordability, the exchange rate between the Korean won and the US Dollar has been very favorable for Westerners, which is another perk of traveling to Korea right now.

Our South Korea Travel Guide shows you where to go, what to see, and when to travel. Start your journey with itinerary ideas and pre-travel tips, the best day trips, and lots more essential Korean travel advice. Let’s go!

Here are some of our most popular articles that will help you make the most of your trip to South Korea.

A Local’s Guide to Gyeongju

What To Do in Korea in May: The Family Month

19 Did-You-Knows About Korea

10 Ways to Spend a Magical Christmas in Korea

Hiking in Seoul, the Top 5 Mountains You Must Try

Jeju Island: Top 10 Places You Must See

19 Best Things to Do in Seoul Right Now- An Insider’s Guide

23 Reasons Seoul Will Be Your New Favorite City

Latest travel updates.

• Vaccination is NOT a requirement for entry into Korea.
• There is no requirement on the passport’s remainder validity for entry. You may travel to Korea as long as your passport remains valid throughout your stay in Korea.
• From April 1st, 2023, travelers from the USA, Canada, and 21 other countries no longer need to apply for the K-ETA to travel to Korea. This will run at least until 31st December, 2024 and is designed to make it easier to travel to Korea.

Planning Your Trip To Korea

Check the Korean Embassy for any possible travel restrictions.

• If you’re not sure where to stay, check out our guide to the  best hotels in Seoul  . You can find our recommendations for the best luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels in Seoul, as well as long-term apartments that you’ll love.
• For the best flight deals to South Korea, Best of Korea recommends  Skyscanner  and  Expedia . You  can find the cheapest prices and most convenient flights and buy the one that suits you best.
• For the best hotel prices in Seoul, Best of Korea recommends  Klook  0r  Agoda  – they cover most hotels in Seoul and the rest of Korea and offer great prices without hidden fees.
• Before you travel to Korea, it’s a good idea to order an eSim card, regular  sim card  or  portable WiFi router  to collect at the airport so you’re connected as soon as you arrive. You can change a small bit of money before you travel, but you can also use the airport ATM to get some Korean won.
• There are large differences in exchange rates so you will need to do some comparing before you exchange a large sum of money. You can exchange USD to KRW easily at banks or money exchange shops in all major tourist areas like central Seoul (Myeongdong and Namdaemun are good places but the Coex Center also offers money exchange. You can also negotiate the exchange rate with the vendor if you think it is too high.
• You can withdraw cash from bank ATMs. Alternatively, use a pre-paid travel card like the one offered by  Wise , which allows ATM withdrawals and payments and works perfectly in Korea.
• Don’t forget to bring a  travel adapter for your electronics and leave plenty of extra space in your suitcase for the many Korean souvenirs and goodies you’ll buy on your tri

Do US Citizens Need A Tourist Visa?

No, travelers from the USA don’t need a tourist visa to enter South Korea. You can visit for up to 90 days visa-free.

Current COVID-19 Rules In Korea

Most COVID-19 rules in Korea have been dropped and now there are only 2 main rules to be aware of. First, face masks are mandatory when visiting medical facilities (hospitals). There is no longer a 7-day mandatory quarantine for people in South Korea. If you’re infected with COVID, the Korean government recommends a 5 day self-quarantine, but it’s not enforced. Travelers to Korea should follow the current restrictions or may be liable for fines or deportation.

Korean Tourism Support Hotline

If you have any concerns or problems when traveling in Korea, you can call  1330 . This is a dedicated tourism support hotline where trained specialists provide tourist assistance and is available in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Malay.

US Government Travel Advisory For Korea

The U.S. Department of State currently has a level 1 travel advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions) for the Republic of Korea (ROK). Find out more about current travel advisories for South Korea on the  Department of State  website.

6 Best Destinations In Korea

South Korea is truly a country of contrasts. From the bustling, modern city of  Seoul , with cutting-edge designer buildings, VR labs, and AI robots, to peaceful UNESCO World Heritage cities like Jeonju  and  Gyeongju , there are many unique places to explore.

There’s nothing worse than coming back from vacation and hearing about incredible places you missed that you wished you’d seen, such as a beautiful Buddhist temple by the beach (Haedong Yonggungsa Temple) or a leafy island getaway where deer and rabbits roam freely (Nami Island).

Here are 6 of the best destinations in Korea that you absolutely must visit, as well as some of the sights you’ll want to check out while you’re there. We’ll be bringing you lots more detailed destination guides in the future, so be sure to visit again soon.

Korea’s Busy Capital

Seoul is Korea’s largest city, capital, and first, stop for most travelers to Korea. There are  many beautiful places in Seoul , including landmarks, relics from ancient kingdoms, towering skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, Michelin-starred restaurants, and some of the best street food you’ll find in the world. If you see only one city in Korea, you should definitely visit Seoul.

You’ll never be bored in Seoul. Whether you’re traveling as a family, as a couple, or by yourself, there’s so much to do. Be sure to plan lots of time to check out Korea’s capital.

This  Full Day Tour  of Seoul will show you some of the hottest spots in the city, while this  Customized Private Tour of Seoul will allow you to choose where to go.

Here are 10 of the best Seoul attractions:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Starfield COEX Mall
• Bukhansan National Park
• Myeongdong Street Markets
• Lotte World Tower
• Secret Garden (Changdeokgung Palace)
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza
• N Seoul Tower
• Yeouido Hangang Park

Korea’s Second City

Busan, Korea’s second city, is a thriving port city far away from Seoul both physically and culturally. This popular summer destination features some of Korea’s most popular beaches and bars. Explore Busan and you’ll find sprawling markets, fresh seafood, film festivals, the world’s largest shopping mall, coastal temples, and lots more.

Busan is a city with some very photogenic sights. See the sunrise on the beach, hike around leafy coastal streets on the side of cliffs, and marvel at the wide range of (living!) seafood in the markets.

This  Full Day Tour  of Busan will show you the best beaches, markets, and local sights, while this  Customized Private Tour of Busan  will allow you to choose where to go.

Here are 10 of the best Busan attractions:

• Haeundae Beach
• Gwangbokdong Food Street
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Huinnyeoul Culture Village
• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Oryukdo Sky Walk
• Lotte World Busan
• Jagalchi Fish Market
• BIFF Square & Centum City Mall
• Taejongdae Resort Park

UNESCO City

Gyeongju is the former capital of the Silla Kingdom, part of the Three Kingdoms part of Korean history. These days, Gyeongju is an open air museum housing Korea’s finest history and monument. This UNESCO World Heritage City is a must-see for those who want to learn more about Korea’s deep cultural past.

Gyeongju is packed with temples, palaces, historical sights, and monuments. But it’s not just the history that draws the crowds, the city is an area of natural beauty, lined with cherry blossoms and shadowed by misty mountains.

This  Full Day Tour of Gyeongju  from Busan will take you around Korea’s open-air museum city, showing the top UNESCO sites along the way, while this  Customized Private Tour of Gyeongju  will allow you to choose where to go.

Here are 10 of the best Gyeongju attractions:

• Gyeongju Historic Area
• Bomun Lake Tourist Complex
• Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Shrine
• Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
• Yangdong Folk Village
• Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory
• Gyeongju National Museum
• Gyochon Traditional Hanok Village
• Woljeonggyo Bridge
• Gyeongju National Park

Natural Wonder

Jeju Island is Korea’s semi-tropical island that’s a popular vacation destination for locals and tourists alike. This area of outstanding natural beauty offers up rugged coastal walks, sandy beaches, green hills, and a volcano to hike up for those who enjoy a challenge. Culture and cafe lovers will also find Jeju Island a charm.

From snorkelling under the sea, to hiking above the clouds, sampling Jeju’s black pork BBQ, and drinking local green tea, there’s so many exciting activities, sights, tastes, and experiences waiting for you on Jeju Island.

This  Full Day Tour of Jeju Island  will show you some of the most incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites on Jeju’s East Coast, while this  Customized Private Tour of Jeju Island  will allow you to choose where to go.

Here are 10 of the best Jeju Island attractions:

• Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak
• Jusangjeolli Hexagonal Lava Cliff
• Hallasan Mountain (Volcano)
• Hamdeok Beach
• Jeju Folk Village
• Hyeopjae & Geumneung Beach Areas
• Cheonjeyeon & Jeongbang Waterfalls
• Udo Traditional Island
• Yakcheonnsa Coastal Buddhist Temple
• O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields

Traditional Korea

Jeonju is famous for its historical and cultural sights, including the sprawling Jeonju Hanok Village, packed with more than 700 traditional  hanok  houses. Jeonju’s many impressive sights are close to each other and perfect for a day trip from Seoul or Busan. You can even stay overnight in one of the traditional houses.

Jeonju is a tourist hotspot so there are plenty of things to keep travelers entertained and places to experience traditional Korean food and drinks. Be sure to check out the Jeonju bibimbap, one of Korea’s national dishes. Rent hanbok (traditional clothes), take lots of pictures, and see the sights.

This  Full Day Tour of Jeonju  will show you around the beautiful  hanok  houses and traditional Korean restaurants, while this  2-Day Tour of Jeonju  includes an overnight stay in a  hanok  and lots of delicious Korean meals.

Here are 10 of the best Jeonju attractions:

• Jeonju Hanok Village
• Gyeonggijeon Shrine & Portrait Museum
• Jeongdon Catholic Church
• Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School
• Nambu Traditional Market
• Jaman Mural Village
• Omokdae Viewpoint
• Deokjin Park
• Hanbyeokdang Pavilion
• Taiji-ro & Hyangoyo-gil Shopping Streets

Rural Attractions

Gapyeong County is an area just outside of Seoul that’s home to several interesting attractions celebrating Korean and foreign culture. The lush green hills and blue rivers of Gapyeong make it a great place to immerse in Korean nature.

You’ll find some of the hottest day trip locations here. Explore Gapyeong County on a day trip from Seoul. You can see romantic tree-lined streets and cafes on Nami Island, explore one of Korea’s most beautiful gardens, take a trip to Petite France, and enjoy cycling through the hills on an abandoned railway track.

This  Full Day Tour of Gapyeong  will show you around Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm, and the Rail Bike Park.

Here are 10 of the best Gapyeong attractions:

• Nami Island
• Garden of Morning Calm
• Petite France
• Ganchon Rail Bike Park
• Edelweiss Swiss Village
• Cheongpyeong Lake
• Jarasum Island
• Kalbongsan Recreational Forest
• Gapyeong Sledding Hills
• Nami Island Zip Line

There are loads of locations to visit in Korea that make for a perfect day trip from Seoul. Hop on a coach, train, or tour bus in the morning and explore one or more of these unique destinations.

Here are 10 of the best day trips from Seoul to discover on your next journey to Korea:

• DMZ (North Korean Border)
• Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
• Everland Theme Park
• Jeonju Historic City
• Seoraksan National Park
• Korean Folk Village
• Alpaca World
• Gwangmyeong Cave

Most travelers to Korea arrive at Incheon Airport and then travel into Seoul (it’s only 40 minutes away) to begin their journey. Seoul is certainly an incredible place to start traveling, but it definitely shouldn’t be your only destination. Korea has a lot to offer, including a lot of seasonal activities and events that you should take into consideration.

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Korea and during these times the traditional cities like Gyeongju and Jeonju look amazing. They’re covered with cherry blossoms or fall foliage and this creates some postcard-like scenes. Gapyeong area is packed full of natural sights to enjoy, so definitely check out these areas.

If you’re visiting during summer, head towards the coastal areas, including the north-east coastal towns of Gangneung & Sokcho, or the south-east coastal areas of Busan and the nearby islands, such as Geoje, Tongyeong, and Yeosu. You’ll find lots of winter activities to enjoy in these areas.

Winter is cold and dry and, ironically, a great time to visit Jeju Island. This semi-tropical island is warmer than the mainland, but still gets snow on the mighty Hallasan Mountain. You can sit on a sunny beach one day and then hike knee-deep in snow the next. Jeju is also famous for its citrus, with thousands of tangerine trees dropping their juicy fruits in early winter.

Where To Stay In Seoul

South Korea is truly a country of contrasts. From the bustling, modern city of  Seoul , with cutting-edge designer buildings, VR labs, and AI robots, to peaceful UNESCO World Heritage cities like Jeonju  and  Gyeongju , there are many unique places to explore. If you’ve decided on Seoul, here are some of the best hotels that are well located and highly reviewed.

Choosing the best destinations to visit in Korea can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know what there is to see. You might not have heard of some of these destinations, which is not surprising. Korea is a country of undiscovered wonders that are waiting to be found.

If you want the best Seoul has to offer, these luxury hotels are for you. Located in Seoul’s glitziest neighborhoods, these hotels are within walking distance of Michelin-starred restaurants, chic boutiques, galleries, museums, and the finest shopping experiences available.

Expect nothing but the best in terms of service and style at these luxury hotels. Silky soft sheets, immaculate rooms with the finest fixtures and fittings, and true 5-star service from the hotel staff. These hotels have sports, dining, and entertainment facilities to make you comfortable during your stay.

Airport transfers are available with these hotels, making your journey into and out of Seoul a breeze. Located in popular upmarket districts in Seoul, these neighborhoods have lots of local charm for you to discover, as well as allow easy access to other parts of the city with excellent transport options nearby.

Not only are these beautiful, comfortable hotels inside, but they are also located in some of the most iconic buildings or districts and provide amazing views over some of Seoul’s most interesting districts. The view from the first hotel is worth the cost alone.

Recommended Luxury Hotels In Seoul

Here are 3 of the best luxury hotels in Seoul that we recommend for an unforgettable stay in Korea’s capital:

Families. couples and other travelers that want to experience the best of Seoul without breaking the bank can sleep easy with these mid-range hotel recommendations in some of Seoul’s trendy, vibrant districts, including Hongdae, Gangnam, and Myeongdong.

Encounter stylish accommodation in Seoul’s Hongdae districts, which is full of street culture and artistic scenes from the district’s eponymous Hongik University – one of Korea’s leading art centers.

Fashion lovers and shoppers will find lots to love in downtown Gangnam, with its wide streets and glassy storefronts bracketing narrow side streets and hidden delicacies.

Myeongdong is famous for its budget and mid-range accommodation options, including several hotels by the famous Lotte chain – one of Korea’s best mid-range brands.

Whichever mid-range hotel you choose in Seoul, you can be sure you’ll have fantastic city views, convenient subway access, and lots of unique cultural sights, sounds, and tastes to experience.

Recommended Mid-Range Hotels In Seoul

Here are 3 of the best mid-range hotels in Seoul that we recommend for an comfortable stay in Korea’s capital:

Seoul has a wealth of budget accommodation options that will help make your money go further. These hotels are all around $100 or less but offer the comfort and convenience that you’d expect to find in a mid-range hotel. One even has a beautiful rooftop pool.

Although these hotels are cheaper, don’t lower your expectations. You’ll always find great service in Korea. Save on sleeping to spend more on shopping, souvenirs, sights, and all the other fun things there are to do in Seoul.

These budget hotels in Seoul are also in great locations for shopping, enjoying local culture, and seeing the real side of Seoul and Korea. Hongdae offers bargain hunters the chance to get boutique fashion at market prices, Gangnam has plenty of cafes and cheap eats tucked away off the main avenues, and Myeongdong is a budget traveler’s paradise full of $1 street food and bargain souvenirs.

You won’t be disappointed with a night at any of these hotels. If you want to make your budget go further so you can spend more on some of the incredible day trips Seoul has to offer, definitely book a night at one of these hotels.

Recommended Budget Hotels In Seoul

Here are 3 of the best budget hotels in Seoul that we recommend for an affordable stay in Korea’s capital:

Korean Travel Tips

Korea is a unique country with a written language that looks nothing like English, fascinating etiquette rules , and an always busy lifestyle. Travelers may be lost trying to do even the simplest things.

These travel tips include the best options for staying connected, how to use public transportation easily and cheaply, great discount cards that will save you money as you travel, where to exchange money, and how to learn some basic Korean phrases for when you travel.

These essential Korean travel tips have been crafted by experienced travelers who love to save time and money. Only the best quality services and products are recommended here.

Here are our Korea travel essentials that’ll help you get around more easily, save you money, and let you get the most out of your trip.

Plan ahead now and you’ll have fewer troubles on your travels, giving you more time to enjoy your time in Korea.

If you’re traveling to Korea, you’re almost certainly going to want to get access to the internet to help you navigate, translate Korean, or even book tickets to attractions. Korea has one of the world’s best mobile internet and the prices are very reasonable. 5G mobile internet services are available across the country and Korea was one of the first to get the super-fast service. You won’t have problems connecting with a sim card or WiFi router when you travel.

Sim Cards & Data Plans

A Korean sim card is a great way to get access to all your usual cellphone services when you travel to Korea. Sim cards come with data-only packages, or data and phone services combined.

Buying a Korean sim card will give you access to a Korean phone number, which is useful when using Korean apps. If you want to order food online in Korea, you need to have a Korean phone number to complete the order.

Korean Sim Card Costs

Prices start at W5,900 ($5) for a 1-day sim. You can also get 10-day sim cards (W34,700/$28) and 30-day sim cards (64,400/$52). These all come with unlimited data, domestic calls, and texts.

You can purchase a  Korean Sim Card  From Klook and collect it at the airport. This is a very convenient option as you can use it immediately to help navigate and check in back home.

Portable WiFi Routers

A Korean portable WiFi router will give you access to mobile internet throughout Korea by connecting to WiFi hotspots run by the major phone companies in Korea and comes with great coverage.

The major benefits of a portable WiFi router include a lower cost than a Korean sim card and also the ability to connect up to 3 devices to 1 router. That means that families and groups will be able to share the service.

Korean Portable WiFi Router Costs

The cost of a Korean portable pocket WiFi router is W3,200 ($2.60) per day. You can rent the WiFi router for as many days as you require and pay in advance and pay any excess days when you return it.

You can also purchase a  Korean Portable WiFi Router From Klook and collect it at the airport. You can book online before you travel so that it’s guaranteed to be waiting for you.

Should I Get A Sim Card Or WiFi Router In Korea?​

Both a sim card and WiFi router are great options for travelers to Korea and will almost guarantee a great reception for mobile internet. The choice between whether you should get a sim card or WiFi router in Korea really comes down to the costs involved and if you need a Korean phone number.

WiFi routers are cheaper and allow you to connect 3 devices, so they’re perfect for families. However, a sim card gives you a Korean phone number, which means you can call people and also register for Korean apps which require a phone number.

Check out our detailed article about the  Best Sim Card & Portable WiFi  options for traveling to Korea.

Korea is a safe, modern country and one that has pushed hard for the mass adoption of cards. Almost every location that deals with money is required to accept card payments. This is great news for travelers to Korea as you can use a card to pay for meals out, entrance tickets, trains, and lots more.

Cash is still needed for some things, such as topping up transportation cards like the T-Money Card (more on that soon) and for paying for small things like street food. Please note, as Korea doesn’t have a tipping culture, you don’t need cash for leaving a tip. In fact, if you try to leave a cash tip, it’ll be returned to you in most places.

Read on to find the best tips to avoid getting ripped off when exchanging money and how to pay the lowest fees when you use a card to pay in Korea. Be a smart traveler and save more money for shopping and souvenirs.

Korean Money Exchange Options​

Once you arrive in Korea, there are several options for exchanging money. First, you can exchange money at a money changer in tourist areas such as Myeongdong. These money changers used to have the best rates in Seoul.

However, a better option these days is to use the currency exchange machines from WOW Exchange. These machines are located all over Seoul’s most popular tourist spots, stations, and hotels. They allow you to exchange foreign cash directly to Korean won, with better rates than at the airport. You can also use these machines to claim a tax refund for your shopping before heading to the airport. Both options require a passport.

Should I Change Money At The Airport?

Exchanging money at the airport is easy and convenient as you can instantly get cash to use for shopping, transportation, and general use. However, the exchange rate at the airport is usually much worse than you’ll find in other places in Korea, as mentioned previously. If you need cash as soon as you land, withdraw a small amount ($50) and then exchange the rest in Seoul.

Travel Money Cards For Korea

While cash is useful and familiar when traveling, a much better option is to use a travel money card (also known as a currency card). Travel money cards, such as the Wise Travel Money Card, allow you to pay for travel expenses without the need to carry cash or convert money.

A travel money card offers the convenience of using a credit card without high fees that a regular bank could charge. It also allows you to withdraw cash from an ATM without a fee (up to a limit), so you can avoid carrying any cash on the flight or using a money exchange. The exchange rate is the mid-market rate, meaning it’s better than you’ll find even at the money exchanges listed before.

Can I Use My Bank Card In Korea?​

Credit cards are widely accepted in Korea. Visa and Mastercard users shouldn’t face a problem, but other cards aren’t as widely accepted. Debit cards and cash withdrawals might not work depending on the bank. Your bank may charge a fee when using it overseas, or give a bad exchange rate. Check with your bank before traveling.

The best option for travel money in Korea is to have a mixture of cash and cards, with a backup credit card just in case. Taking some USD with you is always a good option as you can find plenty of places to exchange it to Korean won and probably at a better rate than you’ll get in the US. If you want to withdraw money in Korea, look for the global ATMs in tourist areas.

Taking a  travel money card  will be safer, cheaper, and more convenient than relying on your own bank or credit card, too. These cards offer competitive rates and are widely accepted around the world so you can use them to visit other countries, too. If you use a travel money card and it gets lost or stolen, you can freeze the card instantly with the app and not have to worry about losing the balance on the card.

When you visit Korea, you’ll notice that most people pay for goods with a card or payment app, even for small purchases like a bottle of water. Unfortunately, the payment apps that are common in the US, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, aren’t available in Korea. Korean apps, such as Kakao Pay, require a Korean bank account, and therefore aren’t an option for travelers.

T-Money For Public Transport

The T-Money Card is an essential purchase for every traveler to Korea. The T-Money Card is a transportation card that allows contactless travel on Korea’s buses and subways. Simply buy a T-Money Card, top-up the card, then use it to travel.

Not only is this transportation card really convenient, it also saves you money. You’ll receive a discount on every bus or subway journey when you pay with the T-Money Card. These discounted fares are available in all cities across Korea, not just Seoul.

This isn’t the only use of the T-Money Card. You can also use to buy a coffee from Starbucks, get lunch in McDonald’s, shop for Korean cosmetics, and even to watch a baseball game. It’s a very useful card that can be used anywhere you see the T-Money Card.

You can get the  T-Money Card in Korea from subway stations and at certain transport centers, including Seoul Station and Incheon Airport. The card costs 2,500 KRW. You can buy the card with a credit card, but to top-up the card, you need to use cash. If you buy a Discover Seoul Pass, this card includes the T-Money functions.

Save With The Discover Seoul Pass

Travelers to Seoul have a lot of options for incredible attractions to enjoy and experience. However, tourists, especially families, can find that the cost of these attractions quickly add up, especially when you are visiting many locations in a short time.

A great way to save money when you travel in Seoul is to buy a  Discover Seoul Pass  – a special card that offers you big savings on some of Seoul’s top attractions, as well as other benefits.

If you plan to visit Seoul’s Royal Palaces, N Seoul Tower, Lotte World Adventure Theme Park, the COEX Aquarium, Alive Museum, Seoul Zoo, or other premium attractions, you can gain free entry when you purchase a Discover Seoul Pass.

Not only that, you can also get a free river cruise, free hanbok rental, free ride on the Airport Express from Incheon Airport to Seoul, free City Tour Bus Ride, free T-Money Card and lots more.

The Discover Seoul Pass is valid for 24 | 48 | 72 hours and is valid from the moment you first use it until that many hours later.

Things To See & Do In Korea

If you want to build your own itinerary for South Korea, then this section of the South Korea Travel Guide will provide the building blocks you need to craft the perfect trip.

South Korea is a country packed with famous landmarks and sights, unique culture – modern & historical,  family-fun activities, outdoor adventures, cozy cafe districts, and natural wonders. There’s more to do in Korea than you could imagine and it’s impossible to explore it all in one trip. Try to plan your itinerary by cities and locations. For example, plan your day in Seoul stay by district.

Here are some of the best things to see and do in South Korea, broken down into different themes so you can find things that interest you the most. The location of each of these attractions is included, too, so you can create a city by city itinerary, seeing the best South Korea has to offer.

These attractions are available all year round so whenever you go to Korea, you can enjoy them. There are plenty of things to see and do in Korea that only happen during certain seasons. Check out the  Season Guide  in this South Korea Travel Guide for more information about Korean festivals and seasonal events.

Here are 10 of the best Korean landmarks:

• Lotte World Tower (Seoul)
• Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul)
• Nami Island (Gapyeong)
• Banwol ‘Purple Island’ (West Coast)
• N Seoul Tower (Seoul)
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Seoul)
• Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon Province)
• Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon)
• Cheonggyecheon Stream (Seoul)
• Gamcheon Cultural Village (Busan)

Why travel to a diverse country such as Korea and not embrace the local culture? Here are 10 of the best unique Korean experiences you can only enjoy fully in Korea. Be brave, try something new and create lasting memories of your Korean adventure.

Here are 10 of the best uniquely Korean experiences:

• Wear Traditional Korean Hanbok (Royal Palaces)
• Sing In A Korean Noraebang (Everywhere)
• Sleep In A Korean Hanok House (Hanok Villages)
• Visit The Kimchi Museum (Seoul)
• Eat Street Food (Traditional Markets)
• Experience A Korean Temple Stay (National Parks)
• Drink Makgeolli – Korean Rice Wine (Everywhere)
• Visit The World’s Most Dangerous Border – The DMZ
• Relax In A Korean Sauna (Everywhere)
• Visit A Korean Green Tea Field (Boseong, Jeju)

Here are 10 of the best Korean historic sights:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
• The Secret Garden (Seoul)
• Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju)
• Jeonju Hanok Village (Jeonju)
• Seoul Fortress Walls (Seoul)
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (Busan)
• Andong Hahoe Folk Village (Andong)
• Gyeongju Historic Area (Gyeongju)
• Baekje Historic Area (Gongju, Buyeo)
• Jangsaengpo Whale Museum (Ulsan)

Here are 10 of the best modern K-Culture spots:

• K-Pop Headquarters (Seoul)
• HYBE Insight (Seoul)
• COEX Artium (Seoul)
• K-Style Hub (Seoul)
• Hongdae Shopping Street (Seoul)
• Hallyu K-Star Road (Seoul)
• Asia Culture Center (Gwangju)
• Busan International Film Festival Square (Busan)
• MBC World Theme Park (Seoul)

As you’ll see, there’s just so much to see and do in Korea. You could spend a whole week in Seoul and not run out of exciting activities to do and sights to explore. Our advice is to try to avoid planning to do too many things in one day and adding in plenty of free time.

There’ll be many random things that catch your eye, such as a curious side street, or your nose, like the delicious smells from a food stall. Make sure you’ve got flexibility in your schedule to investigate these surprises and to take a rest if you need to – walking and traveling for days on end can get tiring.

Korea comes alive at night and markets and city streets are often best explored after the sun goes down. Drab concrete buildings come alive with neon signs, lanterns, and electric lights and are quite a sight to be seen. Visit popular tourist attractions such as the royal palaces and hanok villages during the morning as they’ll be less crowded.

If you plan to visit the Secret Garden in Changdeokgung Palace (you really should!), tickets are available on the day and sell out fast. Getting to these places early can guarantee you get tickets, see the sights unobstructed, and have time in the evening to soak up the night life and culture.

Here are the 10 best family-friendly activities in Korea:

• Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm (Gapyeong)
• Seoul Grand Park & Zoo (Seoul)
• Lotte World Adventure (Seoul, Busan)
• Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze (Seoul)
• Seoul Children’s Grand Park (Seoul)
• Seoul Children’s Museum (Seoul)
• Everland & Caribbean Bay Theme Parks (Near Seoul)
• Sea Life Busan Aquarium
• Jeju Dinosaur Island (Jeju)
• Alpaca World (Gangwon Province)

Here are the 10 best museums & galleries in Korea:

• National Museum of Korea (Seoul)
• Seoul Museum of Art (Seoul)
• Gyeongju National Museum (Gyeongju)
• War Memorial of Korea (Seoul)
• National Folk Museum of Korea (Seoul)
• National Maritime Museum (Busan)
• Seodaemun Prison History Museum (Seoul)
• Seoul Museum of History (Seoul)
• Museum Kimchikan (Seoul)
• Daegu Art Museum (Daegu)

Here are the 10 best cafe areas in Korea:

• Ikseondong Hanok Village (Seoul)
• Gyeongui Line Hongdae (Seoul)
• Samcheondong Cafe Street (Seoul)
• Jeonpo Cafe Street (Busan)
• Hwangnidan-Gil (Gyeongju)
• Gangneung Coffee Street (Gangneung)
• Sinsa-Dong / Garosugil Road (Seoul)
• Jukjeon Cafe Street (Seoul)
• Hwaseong Haenggung Area (Suwon)
• Kim Kwang Seok Gil Street (Daegu)

Here are 10 of the best Korean markets and shopping areas:

• Gwangjang Market (Seoul)
• Myeongdong Market Area (Seoul)
• Jagalchi Fish Market (Busan)
• Centum City Mall (Busan)
• IFC Mall (Seoul)
• Starfield COEX Mall (Seoul)
• Nambu Market (Jeonju)
• Seomyeong Underground Shopping Center (Busan)
• Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market (Jeju)

Here are 10 of the best natural sights in Korea:

• Hallasan Mountain (Jeju)
• Jirisan National Park (Jeollanam Provice)
• Seoraksan National Park (Gyeonggi Province)
• Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak (Jeju)
• Damyang Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (Damyang)
• Boseong Green Tea Plantation (Boseong)
• Haeundae Beach (Busan)
• Udo Island (Jeju)
• Hwaamdonggul Cave (Gangwon Province)

Travel Itinerary For Korea

When planning a travel itinerary for South Korea, it’s best to think about what kind of experience you want when you travel to South Korea and build your itinerary from that. What kind of traveler are you and what do you want to take away from your Korea trip? Are you planning a trip for yourself, for your family, or as a romantic escape?

Do you want to learn about traditional Korean culture and history? Are you visiting to immerse yourself in modern Korean culture and maybe meet your idols? Are you planning to get out into Korea’s mountains to hike and join a Buddhist Temple Stay? Or are you going to eat, drink, shop, and make the most of Korea’s discounted goods? Or all of the above?

This section of this South Korea Travel Guide will offer some of the best one-week and two-week itineraries for South Korea. These itineraries are rough guides, created to help you begin planning your trip. Feel free to pick and choose the parts from them that you like to create your own travel itinerary for South Korea. We’ll be adding more great itineraries soon, be sure to check back for the latest ideas.

Classic 1 Week Itinerary For Korea: Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju

This is one of the most popular of the 1-week itineraries for South Korea and will take you to the most famous and interesting places that are top of most travelers’ South Korea bucket lists. Starting in Seoul, Korea’s capital, you’ll explore the best sights in this city before taking a day trip out to the lovely Gapyeong County to get a breath of fresh Korean countryside air.

From day 4, zip across the whole of Korea on the high-speed KTX train and explore Korea’s second city, Busan. See coastal temples, fish markets, wide beaches, and more in Busan before taking a day trip to Korea’s historic UNESCO World Heritage City, Gyeongju. On the last day, it’s time to return to Seoul to pack your bags full of the best souvenirs and snacks and say farewell in the highest part of the city.

Afternoon : Dressed in your hanbok, enjoy more traditional Seoul with a walk around the narrow streets of the Bukchon Hanok Village. Visit traditional Korean teahouses, galleries, markets, and more.

Evening : Check out the stalls and shops of artsy Insadong, contemplate Jeogyesa Temple, and take an evening stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream before dining in Myeongdong or the Jonggak Avenue of Youth. This  Full Day Tour  of Seoul will show you some of the hottest spots in the city, while this  Customized Private Tour of Seoul  will allow you to choose where to go.

Afternoon : Head back to central Seoul and witness the bustling sights and delicious smells of Seoul’s traditional Gwangjang and Dongdaemun Markets. Try delectable Korean street foods here.

Evening : Take the Namsam Cable Car to the top of Namsan Mountain and watch the sunset from N Seoul Tower. See some of Seoul’s fortress walls before heading back down to go late-night shopping at Myeongdong Market.

Afternoon : Zip line or sail over to Nami Island for impressive nature, bike rides, leafy walks, and cozy cafes. See popular scenes from K-dramas and even some wild animals, like deer and rabbits.

Evening : Pedal your way along an abandoned railway at the Gangchon Rail Bike Park before heading back to Seoul for fine dining in Gangnam’s Apgujeong Rodeo district.

Afternoon : Head to the Nampo-dong near Busan Station and visit Jagalchi Market for a fresh seafood lunch. Then explore cosy Bosu-dong Book Alley or take a taxi to the Huinnyeoul Culture Village.

Evening : Take the subway up to Haeundae Beach for Busan’s best night-scenes. Grab dinner overlooking the beach, or at one of the market stalls. If you’re feeling brave, visit BUSAN X the SKY to see breathtaking views over the coast and city.

Afternoon : Head to the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village for a traditional meal and to see the stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge. Gyeongju National Museum is nearby, too.

Evening : See the tranquil night views of Wolji Pond where palace buildings reflect perfectly in still waters. Stop at Hwangnidan-gil area for dinner and drinks before returning to Busan.

Afternoon : Explore the artistic shopping streets of Hongdae for last minute souvenirs and gifts for yourself. Take a break in one of the unique animal or artsy cafes.

Evening : Either take a night cruise along the Han River from Yeouido Hangang Park or dine in style at the Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, the world’s 6th tallest building. Both offer great night views of Seoul and unforgettable memories to take home.

Korean Seasons Guide

The best time to visit South Korea is during the warm spring or fall seasons. The weather is mild and clear, there’s a range of festivals and seasonal activities to enjoy, and you can travel to Korea comfortably.

The best months to visit are April, May, September, and October. These months are all during the Korean school semester, so there won’t be as many local travelers around during the weekdays. However, expect the weekends to be busy as people leave the cities to travel within Korea.

Large public holidays, including  Chuseok (mid-autumn festival) in September / October) and Buddha’s Birthday (May), provides travelers with the opportunity to experience Korean culture and celebrations. These holidays change each year based on the lunar calendar.

Korean Weather & Climate

South Korea is a country that experiences four very distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from 100 Fahrenheit in the summer to below 0 Fahrenheit in the winter. Each of South Korea’s seasons brings opportunities to see unique natural views and enjoy the different climates in Korea.

Spring has some of the gentlest weather, with light rain and a quick jump in temperature to the 60s and 70s by late March. Summer begins with the rainy season in late June and becomes extremely humid and hot throughout July and August before cooling again in September.

Fall has the best weather in Korea, with many warm, sunny days. Cold winter weather appears very quickly in mid-November and the first snow usually appears by late November. Winter is dry and sunny with the lowest chance of rainfall but is also very cold. Snow isn’t constant, but can fall for several weeks on and off during winter.

Visiting in spring offers the chance to see beautiful cherry blossoms stretch across the country, as well as many other spring flowers that brighten up Korea after a cold winter.

Spring starts in late March with the awakening of the cherry blossoms and ends in early June with the start of the rainy season. South Korea is a country with a close connection to nature, which can be witnessed in the many spring festivals and celebrations that happen throughout the year.

Some of the best spring festivals include the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, Damyang Bamboo Forest Festival, Yeon Deung Hoe Lotus Lantern Festival, Jindo Sea Parting Festival, and Boseong Green Tea Plantation Festival.

The weather in summer is perfect for getting outside and relaxing on one of Korea’s many beaches. Some of the best activities include spending a weekend camping or glamping by the beach, hiking in shaded valleys in the national parks, and water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving.

Unfortunately, the heat may put off some travelers, and high humidity makes it uncomfortable to move around too much. Fortunately, Korea is a modern country with lots of air-conditioning and ways to deal with the hot weather, including delicious summer dishes.

Cool down with a bowl of Korean bingsu (shaved ice dessert) or a cool latte in one of the many cozy Korean cafes in popular beach destinations.

Travelers to Korea in the fall are treated to spectacular fall foliage creeping far and wide. You can see it falling on palace grounds, sprawled on mountains in national parks, and along city streets.

The start of the fall foliage season in Korea coincides with the end of the hot and humid summer, with clear skies and cool weather, making it the perfect time to travel in Korea. Like spring, the fall season in Korea is one of the festivals and celebrations.

The Chuseok holidays in late September / early October are the biggest public holidays of the year, with cultural events held in popular tourist destinations. There’s also a range of cultural festivals, such as the Andong Mask Festival, Baekje Culture Festival, Jinju Namdang Yudeung Lantern Festival, Jeonju Bibimbap Festival, and the Seoul Kimchi Festival.

Winter, like summer, has more extreme weather than spring and fall, with temperatures often in the 20s and 30s and below. This season, however, is also one of the best for travelers who want to see clear, blue skies and experience good weather.

Winter is the driest season and it very rarely rains. If you don’t mind the cold weather, it’s perfect for traveling around South Korea. One of the biggest draws during winter is the chance to see snowy Korean landscapes, from snow-bedecked royal palaces to frosty peaks atop Korea’s many mountains.

Winter sports are popular in Korea, with ski and snowboard resorts aplenty. Winter also offers the chance for family fun with winter attractions including sledding, winter illuminations, and Christmas parades.

Cost To Travel To Korea

The cost to travel in South Korea largely depends on your personal style of travel. You can travel on a low budget in Korea, for under $50 per day, or you could also travel for 10 times that amount if you wished to.

Food costs range from a few dollars for a bowl of  jajang  (black soybean) noodles to hundreds for premium  hanwoo (Korean beef) steak. The same applies to accommodation, with budget hostels costing $10 per night and premium 5 stars hotels costing hundreds.

Most travelers to Korea will already know what they want to prioritize their spending on. Some travel to Korea to eat, others to shop, and many more to experience the unique culture and history that Korea has to offer.

The costs in this section of our South Korea Travel Guide are based on the latest costs in Korea from this year. Examples of different costs have been covered to give you an idea of what to expect when you try to budget.

Please note, these prices are based on traveling in Seoul during non-peak times. Prices may be higher in peak times, which include cherry blossom season (Apr) and fall foliage season (Oct). Popular tourist cities, such as Gyeongju and Jeonju, may also have higher prices on weekends.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel In South Korea?

Travelers may find they want to spend more on hotels and less on eating out, or vice-versa, so don’t feel like you have to only follow the costs for one section. This is only a guideline to help you plan based on your own personal preferences.

To make it easier to figure out your expected costs to travel in Korea, this South Korea Travel Guide has broken down the costs into 3 different categories. These categories loosely fit 3 different types of travelers, as described below:

• Accommodation:  $200+ per night, per room (double)

Korea has a wide range of luxurious hotel options, including rooms in the Lotte World Tower, historic hanok houses, and glamping for those who want to escape to the countryside.

• Food & Drink:  $100+ per day, per person

It’s easy to spend a lot on food and drink in Korea as there are so many delectable restaurants. Fresh seafood, Korean steak, or the finest foreign foods are all available.

• Transportation:  $20+ per day, per person

Taxis and transportation are relatively cheap in Korea. A taxi journey across Seoul can cost less than $20 for 30 minutes and even the 1st class options on Korea’s high-speed trains are under $100 for the longest journey (Seoul to Busan).

• Accommodation:  $100 ~ $200 per night, per room (double)

You can book 4-star hotels in Seoul for very reasonable prices and enjoy both comfort and lower prices than you’d find at home. Korea has a wide range of comfortable mid-priced hotels.

• Food & Drink:  $50+ per day, per person

With all-you-can-eat Korean restaurants that serve unlimited Korean BBQ and other dishes for under $20 or $30 per person, it’s easy to enjoy the best food Korea has to offer without breaking the bank.

• Transportation:  up to $15 per day, per person

Use the subway and buses to get around the big cities and trains to travel further around Korea without breaking the bank. You can even splash out on a taxi and pay only a few dollars per person when traveling as a group for a few dollars extra.

• Accommodation:  up to $100 per night, per room (double)

Hostels and guesthouses can be found for under $50 per night and are perfect for somewhere to rest and recharge. If that’s all you need, save money here and spend it elsewhere.

• Food & Drink:  $20 – $30 per day, per person

If you budget well and stick to street food, free hotel breakfasts, and convenience store foods, you can eat well and still have enough to splurge on good food for dinner.

• Transportation:  up to $10 per day, per person

Walking and buses are cheap and convenient ways to travel around Korea’s biggest cities. Traveling from city to city is also cheap, with intercity buses costing less than $10 for 1-2 hour journeys.

Further Costs To Travel In South Korea

Besides these everyday costs to travel in South Korea, there are other costs that you’ll need to cover from time to time. These costs include internet & phone access, day trips, activities, souvenirs, travel insurance, and flights. These costs will be broken down into low and high-end costs that you can expect to pay in Korea.

Museums and galleries offer unique (and authentic) Korean souvenirs such as pottery, painting, tea & soju sets, and more. If you want something a bit more special, head to the underground markets near Gwangjang Market in Seoul and get your own handmade hanbok, which you can get posted back home to save luggage space.

• Small Souvenirs: $5+
• Korean Cosmetics: $5+
• Korean Artworks: $10+
• Korean Tea (box of): $10 to $20
• Korean Soju Set: $10 to $20
• Korean Handcrafts: $10+
• Tailored Hanbok: $200+

The day trip prices quoted below are the prices you can expect to pay with a reputable tour company like  Klook  or  Trazy . Hiring a private guide will be a lot more expensive and might come to $200+ per day.

Please note:  The prices quoted below are estimates and may change depending on the season or tour services.

• DMZ Tour – $50 to $120
• Nami Island Area – $40 to $70
• Everland Theme Park – $30 to $50
• Jeonju Hanok Village – $50 to $70
• Korean Folk Village – $50 to $60
• Seoraksan Mountain – $70 to $150

As mentioned earlier in this South Korea Travel Guide, buying a  Discover Seoul Pass  is a great way to save money on Seoul’s premium attractions.

• Royal Palaces – $3
• N Seoul Tower – $10
• Hanbok Rental – $10+
• Seoul City Tour Bus – $10
• Han River Cruise – $15 to $30
• Seoul Sky Observatory – $30 to $50
• Aquariums – $20 to $30
• Seoul Zoo & Seoul Grand Park $10
• Amusement Parks – $30 to $40

The cost to fly to Korea is more than twice the normal price right now. Fortunately, Korea ended the restrictions on the number of flights into the country from June 2022 and flight costs and availability should be improved in the near future.

Best of Korea recommends  Skyscanner  and  Expedia  for the best flight deals to Korea.

Why Travel To South Korea?

In recent years, travelers from around the world have been increasingly drawn to South Korea. The country is a must-see destination in Asia, with more than 17 million travelers in 2019. After reading this South Korea Travel Guide, you’ll understand what draws so many people to the Land of The Morning Calm, as Korea is also known.

There are myriad reasons why people visit Korea. Many come to experience life in a unique country, packed with historical and cultural sights that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. In the afternoon you can walk through a royal palace dressed in  hanbok  (traditional Korean clothes), sip green tea in a  hanok  (traditional Korean house), and pass Buddhist monks walking peacefully through an ancient temple.

Modern South Korean culture is conquering the world, with chart-topping acts that include BTS and Black Pink, Oscar-winning movies like Parasite, and phenomenally successful TV shows like Squid Game. This brings in legions of fans flocking to shooting locations and film sets to relive their favorite K-Culture moments. Some lucky travelers even get to catch sight of their favorite K-Stars walking around Gangnam, a hotspot for Korea’s most famous citizens.

Not only is Korea a beautiful country, it’s a country that will make you beautiful, with some of the world’s best fashion and beauty shops. Korea is famous for its K-Beauty products and is a beauty and fashion shoppers paradise. From the street fashions of Hongdae, to the luxurious fashion malls of Gangnam, and the wall-to-wall malls with discount clothes in Dongdaemun, you’re guaranteed to find something you can’t resist at a great price. If you prefer a cultural shopping experience, there are traditional markets all over Korea, where you can experience street food, buy novel gifts, and see how locals live and socialize.

There’s so much more to South Korea than what you’ll find in the cities, however. South Korea, a country that’s 70% mountainous with coasts on three sides, offers so much to nature and adventure lovers. Hiking, South Korea’s national pastime, is a popular way to see more of the Korean countryside, looking down over rice fields, forested valleys, and pockets of urbanization. Skydiving, parasailing, scuba diving, water sports, cycling, rock climbing, white water rafting, and lots more are on offer and very reasonably priced. South Korea is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.

The real jewel in South Korea’s natural crown, however, has to be Jeju Island – one of the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World. Explore lava caves, hike to the peak of the central dormant volcano (Hallasan Mountain), trek around the rugged coast, relax on a sandy beach in a modern cafe, and even try your hand at horse riding.

Whatever your reason to travel to South Korea, you’re sure to find more and more reasons to return again and again. Let this South Korea Travel Guide whet your appetite for your first trip, inspire you to plan a follow-up trip, and guide you to the best things to see and do in South Korea.

South Korea Travel Guide FAQs

Not sure about the South Korea travel restrictions and want to know more about visas, vaccinations, and what the rules are? This next section covers some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Korea now. If you have more questions that aren’t covered below, feel free to write to us on the  Best of Korea  Facebook page.

Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?

US citizens and tourists from 111 other countries, including Canada and Mexico, don’t need a visa to travel to South Korea. The US government and South Korea have a visa-free travel arrangement and tourists can stay for up to 90 days.

What happens when I arrive in South Korea?

From September 2022 onwards it is no longer necessary to provide any vaccination status or take any PCR or RAT tests. A mandatory health check will be required, but this is only a simple form you can fill in on arrival.

What happens if I get a positive PCR result?

If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Korea, you will need to quarantine for 7 days at government facilities. Travelers who break the quarantine rules are subject to deportation or fines.

Can I travel to Korea if I'm unvaccinated?

Yes, you can still travel to South Korea if you’re unvaccinated. South Korea no longer restricts travel based on vaccination status (as of October 2022).

However, if a traveler (vaccinated or unvaccinated) tests positive for COVID-19 in Korea, they will have to self-quarantine until negative.

South Korea is a dynamic and culturally rich country that deserves a place on everyone’s travel bucket list. Known for its stunning blend of tradition and modernity, Korea features futuristic technology, bustling markets, and a thriving pop culture scene. Perhaps most importantly, visitors can expect a high level of safety and cleanliness while exploring the country and savoring its delicious cuisine.

This South Korea Travel Guide shows you where to go, what to see, and when to travel. Start your journey with itinerary ideas and pre-travel tips, the best day trips, and lots more essential Korean travel advice. Let’s go!

LATEST KOREA TRAVEL UPDATES

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6/1/23 From June 1st, 2023, there is  no longer any mandatory quarantine  for COVID-infected people in Korea – both locals and travellers. The Korean government now recommends that infected people showing symptoms should self-isolate (voluntarily) for 5 days.

4/1/23 From April 1st, 2023, travelers from the USA and 21 other countries  no longer need to apply for the K-ETA  to travel to Korea. This will run until 31st December, 2024 and is designed to make it easier to travel to Korea.

3/20/23 From March 20th, 2023, the indoor mask mandate has been removed for public transport, including buses, trains, subway, taxis, and flights. The only remaining mask mandate is for medical facilities, including hospitals, care homes, and pharmacies.

How To Travel To Korea

Current Travel Restrictions For South Korea 2023

If you’re suspected of infection when you arrive (high temperature, feverish signs), you may be asked to take a PCR test. PCR tests are now free for travelers suspected of being COVID-19 positive within the first 3 days of arrival. This South Korea Travel Guide is regularly updated with the latest Korean travel restrictions.

Requirements To Travel To Korea

Here’s a simple 2-step guide about how to travel to Korea right now. Most restrictions have been lifted so travel to Korea is easier than ever. This applies to travelers from the US, Canada, and many other countries . As mentioned, it doesn’t matter whether you’re vaccinated or not.

Check the Korean Embassy if you’re not sure in either situation.

• When you travel to Korea, you will be asked to complete a self-check health questionnaire to show you’re not sick. You can do this when you arrive or complete it before you depart on the  Q-Code website .
• You don’t need to do any testing before you fly, but it is a good idea to take a self-test to make sure you’re safe. If you’re infected in Korea, it’s necessary to do 7 days self-quarantine. You don’t need to bring copies of your vaccination records but printing a copy of the K-ETA is recommended.

No, travelers from the USA don’t need a tourist visa to enter South Korea. You can visit for up to 90 days visa-free. However, you must apply for the K-ETA before traveling and upload your travel plans and hotel details.

Here are 6 of the best destinations in Korea that you absolutely must visit, as well as some of the sights you’ll want to check out while you’re there. We’ll be bringing you lots more detailed destination guides in the future, so be sure to visit again soon

This  Full Day Tour  of Seoul will show you some of the hottest spots in the city, while this  Customized Private Tour of Seoul  will allow you to choose where to go.

Korea is a unique country with a written language that looks nothing like English, interesting  Korean Cultural And Etiquette Rules , and an always busy lifestyle. Travelers may be lost trying to do even the simplest things.

If you’re traveling to Korea, you’re almost certainly going to want to get access to the internet to help you navigate, translate Korean, or even book tickets to attractions. Korea has one of the world’s best mobile internet and the prices are very reasonable. 5G mobile internet services are available across the country and Korea was one of the first to get the super-fast service. You won’t have problems connecting with a sim card or WiFi router when you travel

Traveling to any country involves potential scams, bad exchange rates, mistakes, and confusion when it comes to dealing with foreign currency. Fortunately, travelers to Korea have a wide range of options for travel money both before and while they travel.

South Korea is a country packed with famous landmarks and sights, unique culture – modern & historical,  family-fun activities, outdoor adventures, cozy cafe districts, and natural wonders. There’s more to do in Korea than you could imagine and it’s impossible to explore it all in one trip. Try to plan your itinerary by cities and locations. For example, plan your day in Seoul and stay by the district.

Here are some of the best things to see and do in South Korea, broken down into different themes so you can find things that interest you the most. The location of each of these attractions is included, too, so you can create a city-by-city itinerary, seeing the best South Korea has to offer.

Any South Korea Travel Guide would be incomplete without thee top landmarks & famous areas in Korea. These unmissable Korean attractions offer some of the best sights in Korea, showing you Korean history, culture, design, and sense of humor.

Learning about Korea’s past is not only enjoyable, it’ll also open your eyes to how modern Korean culture has evolved. Witness the majesty of grand palaces and the humble Buddhist temples and gain an insight into life in Korea with these fascination historical sights.

Are you a fan of Korean culture? Then check out these 10 modern K-Culture locations in Korea. Whether you’re ARMY or an arthouse cinema fan, you’ll love these sights. K-Drama fans, check out these  K-Drama Filming Spots in Seoul .

If you’re traveling to Korea with your family, you don’t need to worry about the kids getting bored. There are plenty of family-fun attractions in Korea to keep them amused and to show them what Korea’s really like.

Culture lovers will find no shortage of places to learn about Korean, Asian, and world history & culture. Korea has a rich history and displays this through a range of museums. Learn about traditional life, Korean wars, the democracy struggles, and even  kimchi .

Once a land of teahouses, Korea has now fully embraced coffee culture. Korea’s late-night culture makes cafes a great place to gather and chat. The rise of social media has also led to hundreds of insta-worthy cafes with photogenic decor, unusual coffee designs, and delicious desserts.

Many people travel to Korea just to shop, thanks to the low prices, haggling in the markets, and good quality items. From traditional markets to high-end designer goods, there’s somewhere to shop for everyone. Be sure to try authentic Korean street foods in the markets, too.

Korea is a country surrounded by sea on 3 sides and 70% mountainous, giving it a wealth of natural beauty. Besides  Korean cherry blossoms , flowers, and fall foliage, there are sculpted gardens, shimmering ponds, riverside parks, and a volcano to see.

Morning : Explore Seoul’s historic royal palaces starting with Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung Palace in central Seoul. You get free entry if you’re wearing a Korean hanbok, so be sure to pick one up from the rental shops outside.

Morning : Learn about Korea’s history at the National Museum or War Memorial in Yeongsan. These fascinating museums have interactive exhibits and feature 1000’s of years of Korean history.

Morning : Take a day trip from Seoul to explore Gapyeong County. See the wonders of the Garden of Morning Calm and its idyllic nature. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Korea.

Morning : Grab an early breakfast at Seoul Station and ride the high-speed KTX train directly to Seoul. It takes less than 4 hours and rides past rice fields, mountains, and the Korean countryside.

Morning : Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Gyeongju and roam the Gyeongju Historic Area. See Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae Observatory.

Morning : Pack your bags and ride the KTX back to Seoul. Head to Hongdae for street food snacks or Michelin-starred delights in famous restaurants.

March to May

June To August

September to November

December to February

Korean Souvenir Costs

The best places to buy souvenirs in Korea are in the traditional markets and tourist areas. Insadong in Seoul has a lot of art and souvenir shops, as do the market streets around Bukchon Hanok Village. Hongdae offers lots of bargain snacks and souvenirs to take home.

Day Trip Costs From Seoul

A day trip from Seoul is a must to see a different side of Korea from what you’ll experience in the capital. Taking a day trip is a great chance to experience Korea’s countryside, nature, and hard-to-reach cultural attractions.

Korean Activity Costs

Seoul and other Korean cities have so much to offer to tourists. From historical palaces to exciting theme parks and attractions, it’s easy to have fun, explore, and discover more about Korea’s history.

Flight Costs To Korea

Flight costs depend on which airports you’re traveling from. A flight from Los Angeles to Incheon Airport (Korea’s main airport) costs around $1370 right now. Flight costs vary depending on the season and time of day.

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Living and traveling in Korea

An Epic Travel Guide To Seoul, Korea For The First Timer

Seoul, Korea is huge and has gained a ton of attention in the past decade for not only a beautiful culture but also the Hallyu wave that has swept over the world. When you begin to plan your trip to the capital city of Korea it can seem overwhelming and you may not know where to begin.

While I’m known for promoting the off the beaten path spots in and around Seoul and promoting new hot spots to check out, I wanted to create an essential guide for the first time visitor to this busy and fun capital of Korea.

Having lived here since 2006 when I first came as an English teacher, you can be assured, this is THE guide to read before you get here. Whether or not it’s your first time to Korea though, read through it and make sure you’ve seen everything there is to see. From Seoul’s quirky cafes to the best spots to get gorgeous views. it’s all here. Make your time in Seoul, Korea the best it can be!

This is a massive travel guide with all of the information you need for any trip to Seoul, Korea. Because it’s so long, definitely feel free to skip around. Here is what you’ll find in this post:

• What To do To Prepare For Your Trip To Seoul
• Is It Safe To Travel In South Korea?

What To Know About Money & ATMs In Seoul

• Which Is The Best Area To Stay In Seoul?
• What Is The Best Time To Visit Korea?

General Travel Tips For Korea

• A Korean palace
• A traditional market
• Rent a Hanbok
• Find the hotspots
• Visit the Han River
• Get a good view
• Visit lots and lots of cafes
• Visit a museum
• Visit a spa
• Visit an amusement park
• See the DMZ
• Check out these notable spots in between

To Join A Tour Or Not To Join A Tour

• Where To Get Out Of Seoul For A Day Trip

Want To Get Off The Beaten Path In & Around Seoul?

Places to take trips from seoul.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

Need help with an itinerary? Elevate your travel experience with our downloadable Seoul Itinerary Pack. combine, and conquer the city’s wonders, one unforgettable day at a time.

What To Do To Prepare For Your Trip To Seoul

Are you traveling to Seoul soon? Here are some things to help you prepare for the trip:

Buy Your Plane Ticket: You can get some great deals on flights to Seoul, Korea. If you haven’t tried, check Skyscanner.com for the best rates.

Can I use the Wise Card In Korea? How To Send Money To Korea

Wise Travel Card: Whether you’re looking to travel to Korea for the first time or you’re moving to Korea and want to be able to use your money from home in Korea easily, you should look into the Wise travel card when it comes to converting currencies and getting away from card fees and bad exchange rates. The first time I came to Korea I had difficulty getting my debit card/Mastercard to work. Don’t be like me, come prepared. You can learn more about the Wise travel card in my review .

Get a Visa/Korea Electronic Travel Authorization: The process for coming into Korea has changed during Covid and now everyone must apply for a K-ETA before arrival. The K-ETA is for visa-free foreign visitors and while you’re visa free, they still want to know you’re coming and where you’re headed. Here is a guide to fill out the information for the K-ETA . Go to the K-ETA website to apply. You should find out if you’ve received approval within 24 hours, but usually faster.

Study Korean:  90 Day Languages has a great course on Korean and offers a lot of help if you’re interested in preparing before you come. A little goes a long way here and it actually only takes about an hour to learn how to read Hangul… no joke! You can also check out this guide to learning Korean online and through apps I put together to get some more Korean learning options.

Plan Your Airport Transfer:  There are numerous ways to transfer from Incheon International Airport outside of the city into the city of Seoul from the subway/train and bus to taxis. To be honest, we almost always opt for the private transfer. It’s fast and easy and we don’t have to worry about dragging our bags this way and that and up and down escalators. TaDa is a great company that provides transfers as well as rides within the city.  Book your transfer in advance  to make the trip smooth and easy.

Get Good Hard Case Luggage:  Packing all of the essentials is good only if they get to the other side with you. Make sure to have good luggage to get you and your belongings all the way.  Roam Luggage has awesome customizable bags that will go the distance and look super cool on the way. We highly recommend using hard case luggage for any international flight.

International Driver’s License: To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend driving in Seoul if it’s your first time to this massive city. BUT, if you plan to and will rent a car  while you’re here, then remember to bring your International Driver’s License. I highly recommend renting a car if you’ll be headed to Jeju Island or anywhere aside from Seoul and Busan because it’s much easier to get around that way in those cases.

Where To Buy A TMoney Card For Korea

How To Get A T-Money Card For Kids in Korea

The Discover Seoul Pass: Travel On A Budget In Seoul

The Seoul City Tour Bus Guide: What To See & Do When You Hop On Hop Off

T-Money Card/Discover Seoul Pass/Hop On & Hop Off Bus: To get around using the Seoul Subway System or buses or other public transportation options, you’ll need to get a T-Money card . This card allows you to put money on it and scan it at the turnstiles in subways and when you’re getting on and off buses and even works in taxis.

HOWEVER, if you’ll be doing a lot of touristy things and visiting the touristy sites, then you might be better off getting the Discover Seoul Pass . This pass comes with a variety of perks like access to Hanbok rentals, palaces, view points and other major attractions AND it also works as a T-Money card. On top of that, you get a free ride on the AREX and Airport bus to/from Incheon International Airport. 

SO, if you’ll be touristy,  grab the Discover Seoul Pass to get out and about plus this also acts as a T-Money card. But do know how to use it. Here is a guide and itineraries for using the Discover Seoul Pass to the max. There’s also a great Hop On/ Hop Off Tour Bus option here in Seoul you can use too.

Korea Rail Pass:  If you want to get out of Seoul and plan to use the train more than twice, then the Korea Rail Pass is the economical/budget choice you want to have on hand. You can get back and forth between the popular  Nami Island  nearby the city or go as far as  Andong  or even  Busan . The train line is the limits.  Grab the card here  and just head to the station with your confirmation and it’s as easy as that.

Wifi Eggs/Sim Cards:  While there is great WiFi in many places around Seoul and Korea, nothing beats having your own Wifi Egg so there’s no lag in connection. You can pre-reserve  Sim Cards via Klook so they’re ready and waiting for you when you fly into either Incheon International Airport or into Busan International Airport. You can alco get an eSIM with eSIM Korea which is even’t easier. Here’s a complete guide to the best Korean SIM cards for your trip to Korea.

Top 15 Apps to Download When You Come To Korea

Download Some Useful Apps: The Seoul subway system is super efficient and you can ride it for two hours or more, not pay an arm and a leg, and see a ton. Make sure to download the subway app to know where to go the easiest. The app even tells you which subway car to stand on when.

On the note of apps, do note that Google Maps is horrible when it comes to Korea and will be more difficulty than it’s worth. Another map app that you’ll find useful is Kakao Maps which can be used in both Korean and English. Kakao also has Kakao Taxi which is the best option should you want to get around using local taxis.

Pack The Right Clothes: Seoul has four distinct seasons. The summer is hot hot hot and the winter is cold cold cold! Be prepared. Check out this post for what to pack when you come to Korea . You’ll want to have everything from a fine dust mask to good walking shoes for the best trip you can have in Korea.

Recommended Travel Adapters For Korea

Don’t Forget A Travel Adapter: For some reason travel adapters are easily forgotten among the tourists I’ve met. Remember that not every place has the same plugs/outlets. Make sure you know which travel adapter to bring to Korea so your trip isn’t bumpy at the beginning as you race around trying to charge your devices.

Get Your TEFL:  This is less for travelers than it is for the soon to be teachers. There are a lot of teaching positions available in Korea so to make yourself stand out, definitely make sure you get your TEFL before you come… though you can also get it online once you come too!

Is it safe to travel in South Korea?

Generally, yes, it is very safe in Korea. That said, many foreigners come here assuming that because there is no gun violence or drug issues in Korea it’s MUCH safer than it really is. While you will likely not have any problems while you’re here, certainly don’t put yourself in situations you wouldn’t in your home country.

While I don’t think there is a ton of scamming to look out for, I do want to say you should be wary of cults in Korea that will see tourists coming a mile away. Most vendors aren’t jacking up prices just because you speak a different language, but I would watch out for people that spike drinks. Just be mindful as you should be at all times.

Is it safe to drink tap water in South Korea?

After coming here and seeing how everyone consistently opts for bottled water over tap water, you might be surprised to learn that tap water is indeed potable in Korea and actually tested more than most other places for safety. Yes, you can drink the tap water in Korea, but read this article to find out why Koreans tend to drink bottled water.

The unit of currency is the Korean Won (KRW)

Your cards will likely work, but they will also likely not work. That is to say that for every ATM you find that your card works at, it won’t work at two others and this can be frustrating. While Koreans walk around swiping everywhere now and probably have NO cash in their wallets, as a traveler, you’ll want to have some.

Make sure to let your bank/creditor know that you’ll be traveling to Korea before you come and you will be able to find an ATM that works…. at some point. But bring at least W300,000 = $300.00 in cash to get by at the beginning just in case it takes you longer to find cash.

You could even bring more just to be safe. Most places downtown will also accept your card, but if you’re looking to get into some hole in the wall spots, you’ll probably find spots that won’t take your card. Just be prepared. This is one of the biggest worries for tourists here so better to be safe rather than sorry.

If you want to exchange when you get here, the best spot to do it is in Myeongdong if you have cash and can’t find an ATM that works.

Tipping culture in Korea : Tipping is not a common part of Korean culture. Yes, you can try to tip at restaurants, to taxi drivers, or to your tour guides, but it isn’t expected, though may be accepted. Learn more in this guide to tipping in Korea so you can understand.

Is Korea cheap?

It can be, but it also may not be. For instance, a mistake a lot of new residents and tourists make is heading to expensive bars for drinks or trendy restaurants. Eating out can definitely rack up the bills, however, eating at traditional markets or in small mom and pop shops will definitely make it cheaper.

There are numerous ways to make a trip to Korea more budget friendly like taking advantage of the 40 free walking tours in Seoul. There is even hiking gear available to borrow for free from the city. Find out more ways to save money on a trip to Korea and check out this list of completely free things to do in Seoul to help you if you’re on a budget.

Which is the best area to stay in Seoul?

There are some areas that are definitely better for tourists to stay in if you’re hoping to see the top sites, have the fun, and get in the cultural experiences. Seoul is massive and you definitely don’t want to be in an area that requires a lot of transportation to get to the major sites. I’ve written a complete guide to where to stay in Seoul here. Check it out. More concisely, here are the top areas to stay in and a bit of info about each:

Myeongdong:  Myeongdong is a very central location and a great spot to stay for tourists, especially tourists that want to shop. It’s a big shopping district but that also means all of the restaurants and cafes have Korean AND English menus among other language options. Things open up with the tourists and stay open late with them too.

Transportation on the train, subway, and buses is easy from here and a lot of the tourists sites are within 20 to 30 minutes. I wrote a guide to the best places to stay in Myeongdong , but you can also go directly to Booking.com to find Myeongdong hotels here . If you want to check out the Airbnb options, look here.

Bukchon Hanok Village: If you’re looking for a more traditional Hanok house to stay in, then you’ll want to head to this area. The Bukchon Hanok Village is between the main palaces and near a lot of the cultural experiences. This is also a highly touristed area so restaurants will be able to help you and you’ll see some of the gorgeous older neighborhoods in the city.

You can find Bukchon Hanok Village stays here . If you’re an Airbnb person, then you can check here for some amazing Airbnbs in the Bukchon Hanok Village .

Hongdae: If you’re looking for a younger, hipper area with live music and an arts scene, this is the neighborhood for you. It doesn’t wake up as early as the above areas because it stays awake so late. There are a ton of restaurants and cafes here and it’s an area that best serves the night owls and the people that want to see busking, find a cool pub or bar, or see some live music.

I have culled a list of the best places to stay in Hongdae right here. But, if you want to get right to it, you can find Hongdae hotels here . For Airbnbs in the Hongdae area, look here .

Itaewon: Itaewon is the foreign area of Seoul and where a ton of foreign locals reside so there is GOOD foreign food if you’re looking for that foreign comfort food. I don’t usually recommend this area to tourists because I think the majority of sites you’ll want to see are more north, BUT if you’ll want to split your time between the Hanok villages and palaces and Gangnam which is south of the river, then Itaewon is your best bet so you have the same transportation time from here to there and everywhere.

You can find Itaewon hotels here . There are some great Airbnbs in the Itaewon area, too.

Dongdaemun: Another shopping district, Dongdaemun is very close to the touristy north and also has easy transportation to the south. This is a vibrant neighborhood with a lot of hidden gems and a lot fashionable people. There are quite a few subway line options, buses, and it’s easy to get taxis here too. You can find Dongdaemun hotels here . You can check here if you’re more of an Airbnb person.

What is the best time to visit Korea?

There are four distinct seasons in Korea… well maybe five if you include monsoon season. Since I live here and have gone through every season, I can honestly say that they are all amazing for one reason or another.

Summer (June ~ Mid-September): Summer can be horribly humid. If you aren’t used to humidity, then you definitely won’t want to stay in Seoul the entire time you’re here. Most Seoulites head to the coast whenever they can or up into the mountains to soak in the rivers and lakes because that is just the best way to cool off. There are beautiful beaches on the eastern, southern, and western coasts of Korea so make sure to have time to visit one.

Once you get here, you’ll definitely want to make the time because summer is hot hot hot! Find out all there is to know in this complete guide to summer in Korea for more information.

Autumn (Mid-September ~ November): Autumn is definitely one of the most beautiful times to visit Korea when the fall foliage bursts into an array of colors across the peninsula and the scents of cinnamony hoddeok waft down the streets. Not only do the leaves change, but there are flower fields that burst into bloom as well. You can find some gorgeous flowers in the World Cup Parks as well as at Nari Park .

The only problem with autumn is that it’s difficult to pin down. You can make plans, but the foliage can burst at any time. October is a sure bet and early November for flowers and foliage at the same time. Find out all there is to know in this complete guide to fall in Korea for more information.

Winter (December ~ February): Winter is not easy in Seoul. It can be beautiful if it snows and I know a lot of tourists headed here in the winter are hoping for that winter wonderland they may have seen in Korean dramas. Honestly though, if you definitely want to see snow, make plans to head out of Seoul to the mountains where you can ski or snowboard or just visit a resort with a ton of snow. There are some great options for getting out of the city to see snow if that’s what you’re looking for.

Otherwise, if you’re staying in Seoul this winter, just plan to wear a long parka and jump inside as often as possible. It is freezing especially in January and February. Find out all there is to know in this complete guide to winter in Korea for more information.

Spring (March ~ May): Spring is a gorgeous time to visit… again if it’s planned right. People often come looking for the cherry blossoms and that’s just so difficult to pinpoint early in the year. They’re often blooming on my birthday in mid April, but this year it was still soooo cold and no blooms that early, so it’s hard to say.

However, that said, there are lots of flowers to see around Seoul whether it be cherry blossoms, tulips, or daisies, so just be ready to look for some other bloomers if flowers is what you seek. Also, make sure to bring jackets and cover ups because it can still be quite chilly in the spring. Find out all there is to know in this complete guide to spring in Korea for more information. 

A Guide To Spring In Korea: Cherry Blossoms and More

A Guide to Summer in Korea: Get Ready For Fun

A Guide to Fall In Korea: Foliage and More

A Guide To Winter In Korea: Snow and Ice and Everything Nice

• Tipping is not required or expected in South Korea.
• Water from the tap is potable, safe to drink.
• You won’t find large glasses of water at restaurants but you can find water machines so grab a water bottle to carry along with you.

The Top Things You Must See & Do In Seoul

1. a korean palace.

There are five palaces in the city of Seoul with the largest and most popular being Gyeongbokgung Palace . Gyeongbokgung Palace is beautiful and very much worth the visit. This is THE palace that a first-timer to Korea should see but it does get crowded during high tourist seasons so here’s what you should know about the other palaces nearby just in case.

A lot of tourists rent Hanboks and visit the palaces. Did you know you actually get free entry if you’re wearing a Hanbok? Keep reading to find the best places to go to rent a Hanbok in downtown Seoul.

The nearby Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden require a tour reservation and is known for having gorgeous views in every season. Changgyeonggung Palace is just around the corner from Changdeokgung Palace and actually connects in the back corner and yet most people never even see this one.

If you want a palace to yourself with a beautiful pond and a gorgeous greenhouse built during the Japanese colonization, don’t miss it and then you can walk through the back gate into Changdeokgung Palace. Kind of a two for one experience and a unique one at that.

Deoksugung Palace is one that’s rather well known because it’s easy to find near City Hall and they have a changing of the guard ceremony which is great fun to watch. This palace is unique in that there are numerous architectural styles on the grounds as well as an art museum inside one of the buildings in the grounds. This palace is much smaller than the others and easy to see quickly if you don’t have much time in your schedule.

Gyeonghuigung Palace is the smallest and least popular of the palaces, which doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be visited, so do look at the info for it.

Though that is the five that are well known, there is also a royal residence that is downtown that you could easily walk to and is very different from the others in that it’s unpainted and often used for photos by the locals. The royal residence is called Unhyeonggung Royal Residence. This beautiful spot is great for photos.

2. A traditional market

There are traditional markets all around Seoul and in just about every district. Some are more popular than others, but what’s for sure is that traditional markets are fun to visit and always have delicious food to eat.

Gwangjang Market: This is my FAVORITE spot to take visitors and get good authentic eats in the city of Seoul. It is hustling and busy and there are good eats to be had from every vendor there.

If you want to see an awesome traditional market, the oldest traditional market, in Seoul, then go here and check out my guide t o Gwangjang Market if you want to know what to eat. This market was also featured in a Netflix series as well so if you’re a foodie, do not miss it.

Tongin Market: Tongin Market is another traditional market that does it just a bit differently. This market which is just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace , a neighborhood not often visited by tourists but more well known by locals, does a cool thing with old traditional coins and food.

This is a great option if you aren’t sure what you like yet and want to try a little of a lot of different things. Here is some information on how to use the coins at Tongin Market and what you can get.

Noryangjin Fish Market:  If you want to see the largest fish market in Seoul, then Noryangjin Fish Market is the one for you. While it is by no means the ONLY fish market in the city, it is the most popular for tourists to visit.

If you want to see the real action, you’ll have to wake up before sunrise to see the sale, but if you want to some good eats, definitely go later so you can pick out your own fish and then eat it in the market. There is both an old and a new part of Noryangjin Market , so make sure you know where you’re headed.

3. Rent a Hanbok

Renting a Hanbok is one of the most memorable and unique experiences you can have in Seoul. On top of it being a great way to learn more about the culture, it’s also a lot more budget friendly than you might realize and you can even get into traditional sites for FREE when you’re wearing a Hanbok. Learn more about where to rent a Hanbok in Seoul and everything else you need to know about it. 

4. Find the hotspots

Bukchon Hanok Village:  One of the must see neighborhoods in the city of Seoul, the Bukchon Hanok Village is popular for a reason. The residential neighborhood is home to traditional Korean Hanok houses lined up all in a row. They are beautiful and there are a ton of intimate Hanok cafes and traditional experiences.

This is one of those areas that you’ve seen pictures of again and again but will want to visit on your own. Check out this guide to Bukchon Hanok Village to learn more about the area, where to go, and what to eat. Or, check out this Bukchon Itinerary .

Insadong District:  Near Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace, this is a popular district for traditional tea houses and Buddhist restaurants. If you want to prepare for the traditional tea houses, check out this guide to traditional Korean tea options because there are so so many!

This is also THE district to head to if you’re looking to purchase Korean souvenirs to take home to friends and family. If you want to learn more about the area, check out this guide to Insadong that I put together.

Gangnam:  The district that became popular around the world when Psy’s song “Gangnam Style” took over the airwaves, this district is known for a bit of luxury, lots of cosmetic surgery, and some great eats too.

If you’re interested in seeing what there is to see in the area, then check out this guide to Gangnam to see it all from amazing street art to museums and more. Oh, and definitely make sure you see the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Show .

Hongdae: Full of live music, artistic fun, and plenty of pubs, restaurants, and fun cafes to check out . Check out this guide to Hongdae for all of the best things to do there.

The area has grown and expanded and now when people saying they’re going to Hongdae, they might very well mean they’re headed to Yeontral Park (a play on Central Park) in Yeonnam-dong or they’re headed to the up and coming district of Mangwon-dong . There are buskers and groups of K-pop dancers that make the entire area very vibrant and fun.

Myeongdong Shopping District:  Myeongdong is THE spot to go if you’re looking to get your shopping on while you’re in Seoul and is one of the best districts to try a ton of amazing street food options.

With all of the major international and local brands as well as a TON of K-beauty shops, you can get everything on your list in this area. Find out more in this guide to Myeongdong with some fun things to do in the area.

5. See a show

Nanta: This is the most popular and longest running theater show in Seoul. The show is a hilarious kitchen-based performance with a talented group of performers who have a mix of traditional folk pieces as well as modern skits.

Don’t worry if you can’t understand Korean, this performance is non-verbal and fun fun fun. Get your Nanta tickets through Klook to get an awesome discount.

The Painters: A new concept art performance that combines colorful live drawings with cutting-edge media art has been remodeled and reopened. Actors resembling idols, numbering from 4 to 8, express world-famous paintings such as Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Heaven,’ Vincent Van Gohee’s ‘Self-Portrait,’ and Gustav Klimt’s ‘Kiss’ with splendid choreography and live drawings.

Their super luxurious stereoscopic images and live performances create a a new impression of painting. G et your tickets to see The Painters online with Klook for the discount.

6. Visit the Han River

The Han River cuts through the center of the city so at some point, you’ll definitely see it either when you’re crossing a bridge or from your tall hotel, but you should definitely take some time to go and visit one of the Han riverside parks. They are gorgeous and there is definitely going to be one near wherever you’re staying. Some of them have beautiful art installations while others are where you can jump on a Eland Hangang River cruise .

There are some great experiences to be had at the river. Check out this complete guide to all of the Han River parks to see which one will be near you. Some have outdoor swimming pools, one even has a beautiful infinity pool that ends at the river and it is super budget friendly. Some have bike rental kiosks, kayaks, sail boats and more.

7. Get a good view

Seoul Sky Tower: Seoul Sky Observatory is the third highest observatory in the world and features the highest glass deck in the world. The views are absolutely stunning and there are multiple floors for viewing from the 117th to the 120th floor. This is just next to Lotte World as well if you want to combine it with some fun and views! Seoul Sky Tower is a bit out of the way compared to a lot of the tourist sites but worth the subway ride.

And, to top it off, if you want to stay in the tallest hotel in Seoul and get the most beautiful views right when you wake up in the morning, then look no further than Signiel Hotel which is right in this tower too!

N Seoul Tower: While Seoul Sky is the newest dazzling spot in the city to get views from, Namsan Tower, also called N Seoul Tower , is older, more central, and a bit more romantic. Take a cable car up to the tower and then sit beneath a beautiful pagoda until your time to head up to the top. This tour is a major highlight in the city and is easy to combine with any bit of the itinerary in central Seoul. It’s an iconic spot that is definitely one of the top three must visit locations in the city.

Other Spots For Views: The two spots above are definitely the most popular for views, but they are not the only places to get views though they are the most iconic. If you want some more ideas though, here are more great spots in Seoul to get amazing views that also happen to be super budget friendly. These are definitely spots that will surprise you and even some that locals don’t know about.

8. Visit lots and lots of cafes

It honestly amazes me how many cafes there are and how interesting they all are. Koreans go all out with aesthetics and creating Instagrammable cafes and you can really find them all over but there are a few neighborhoods that you can literally hop from fun and quirky cafe to beautiful cafe and back again. How many coffees can you possibly drink in one day? Don’t miss the cafes in Mangwon-dong . If you want to know what some of the trendiest cafes are, check out this guide to the awesome greenhouse cafes that have been popping up over the past couple of years.

9. Visit a museum

The Korean War Memorial: There are some really amazing museums in Korea and what’s even better is that they’re budget friendly if not free. The Korean War Memorial is really interesting especially if you’re interested in learning about the Korean War and the numerous other wars in Korean history.

There are also often docents who actually fought in the Korean War available to show you around and offer stories and information. If you have children, it’s also great because there are historic planes and other relics outside that kids can climb up to and through to check out. You can learn more about the museum here .

The National Museum Of Korea: Another great museum that has both free and paid exhibitions, is the National Museum of Korea which also has a substantial park and pond with relics beautiful in all seasons. This is a museum more focused on the historical artifacts of Korea.

This is also a great option to have during monsoon season. Learn more about the National Museum of Korea here. FYI, you can also visit the National Hangeul Museum which is just in front of this one as well.

Seodaemun Prison History Museum:  The Seodaemun Prison History Museum is a former prison that housed martyrs during the Japanese colonization of Korea and is now a museum dedicated to tell the stories about the people that were once housed there.

Again, this is a very impactful museum especially if you are interested in the tumultuous history in Korea. Here is more information about the Seodaemun Prison History Museum.

The War & Women’s Human Rights Museum: A much smaller but no less impactful museum in Seoul is the War and Women’s Human Rights Museum which is dedicated to tell the story about the comfort women. The issue of sexual slavery during WWII is still highly contested by Japan but certainly proven by enough groups at this point.

The Korean comfort women are still fighting to be heard. Go visit this museum to learn more about what they went through and the fight they continue to have today.

The Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art (MMCA): If you’re more interested in the arts, then don’t miss the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art which is just east of Gyeongbokgung Palace so it’s easy to add to any itinerary in downtown Seoul. This museum uses varying architectural styles and hosts some gorgeous exhibitions. To check out the hours and learn more about the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art, check out this guide .

Leeum Samsung Museum: The Leeum Samsung Museum is both architecturally stunning and always has some amazing exhibitions to check out. It’s in the easy to visit area of Hannam-dong and is one of my favorite art museums in the city. There are quite a few to choose from, but this is one that should be on your list if you like art museums and architecture.

This is probably a museum that is off the beaten path for most first-travelers but might just be up your alley if you like art and architecture. Here’s more information about Leeum Samsung Museum here .

Seoul Museum of Craft Art: SeMoCA is the first national museum in Seoul created to showcase Korean crafts. The museum is made up of seven buildings so you need to weave in and out and around much like some of the embroidery products you’ll see inside.

Not only is the museum amazing, the children’s museum is just wonderful and offers so many free experiences for kids. Learn more in this guide to the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.

10. Visit a Spa

There are some great options if you want the Korean spa experience. If you don’t want to get all the way nude but want to experience at least a Korean facial , you can do that too! Here are a couple great spas to check out in Seoul if you want the full experience complete with a Korean Italy towel exfoliating scrub.

Yeo Yong Guk Korean Traditional Medicine Spa:  Want something more traditional? Visit this spa which is one of the 25 must visit wellness attractions in Korea as designated by the Korea Tourism Organization. After a quick physical analysis, the staff will provide a customized spa package using natural medicinal plants, pressure point, and massage. It’s a truly unique spa experience here in Seoul .

Hana Mud Spa: If you want a more local experience, check out this Korean bath house. The spa is a bit extra with their mud masks straight from the Boryeong mud that’s rich in minerals, but other than that, it’s a pretty standard spa for women only. Prepare to bare and enjoy the experience. If you want to know more about a Korean bath house and what to do inside, here’s a step by step guide to the Korean bath house culture.

11. Visit an amusement park

Lotte World: Lotte World is the most popular theme park in Seoul and is easy to get to right in the city. Get the Magic Pass to skip the lines and enjoy the rides. The rides to check out are the Conquistador, World Monorail, French Revolution, VR Space, and the Flume Ride. There’s fun, adventure, and more. Take a day and enjoy!

Everland: If you’ve got a bit more time, visit Everland, outside of the city of Seoul, but hop on the shuttle bus and you can get there. It is one of the world’s largest theme parks and features a ton of rides and experiences to be had. Make sure to get your tickets online before you go to get the discount that is available.

12. See the DMZ

While this isn’t technically IN Seoul, most tours to the DMZ start from Seoul . If you don’t know it yet, you’re technically visiting a country that is at war. Have I ever been scared living here? No. Let’s just get that question out the way.

Should you visit the DMZ? If you want to have a glimpse of North Korea and visit the most heavily guarded limit line in the world? Then definitely yes. There is a lot to be learned and some interesting spots to check out.

You can only go INTO the DMZ with a tour. You can get pretty close without one, but you need to be on a government approved tour if you want to go in. Most tours will take you to the DMZ area in Paju where you will first make a stop in the Nuri Peace Park and then head into to see one of the tunnels that the North Koreans dug to try and sneak into South Korea. If you want to go it on your own and try to get in, there is one option.

You can go in to see Camp Greaves which was formerly an American base which was given back to the Korean people and is now a museum featuring art and history information. Another option if you want to go it on your own a bit, head up to the Cheorwon DMZ area where you can enter with an approved taxi. No matter what, you can’t just wander in though so if you want to make it easy on yourself, sign up for a tour early as they do fill up. Here are some good options to choose from:

• Panmunjom & DMZ Tour: Visit the Unification Bridge and Panmunjom along with Imjingak/Nuri Peace Park and the 3rd Tunnel on this full day tour. Join this tour here.
• Imjingak Transfer Service: If you just want to get back and forth to Imjingak/ Nuri Peace Park area where you can get on the bus to Camp Greaves, or just enjoy the unification village, then look into this transfer service which will take you back and forth easily.

13. Check out these notable spots in between

Seoul Botanic Park: Seoul Botanic Park is one of the newest and beautiful parks in Seoul. There is a gorgeously huge greenhouse and if it’s winter, it is warm warm warm inside. If it’s summer, head inside, but then check out the substantial park that surrounds.

This is in an up and coming area of Seoul and it’s super easy to get to right out of the subway station. To learn more about this greenhouse and park, check out this complete post on the Seoul Botanic Park.

Cheonggyecheon Stream: The Cheonggyecheon Stream is another iconic spot in central Seoul. This stream was actually covered over in the modernization of the city after the war but during construction some years later was rediscovered and the high way built atop it was removed.

Not only did it make for a beautiful green space in central Seoul, but it helped in lowering the temperature downtown and birds and fish returned. Now, there are events like the Lantern Festival held here throughout the year. Walk along the stream from Gwanghwamun Square down to Gwangjang Market and even all the way down to Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): The Dongdaemun Design Plaza was immediately popular upon being built and opened to the public. Now the host of the Seoul Fashion Week as well as numerous other exhibitions and events, this eye catching structure designed by Zaha Hadid was the most Instagrammed location in Korea in 2015.

You’ll have to walk up, down, inside, and outside to really understand what is going on. Want to see some more architectural wonders in Seoul? Check out this list of really interesting architectural spots in Seoul .

Ihwa Mural Village: Ihwa Mural Village is a fun neighborhood in central Seoul near the palaces that provide a great spot to take a walk and area to learn about local communities. The neighbors didn’t ASK for their neighborhood to be turned into an attraction though, so it’s important to know the rules before you go.

Here’s more information on the street murals to see there and how to find it. See the murals and you can walk along a section of the Seoul Fortress Wall for great views out over the city as well.

Seoullo Walkway:  In central Seoul just outside of Seoul Station, is a beautiful walkway that connects the downtown neighborhoods for pedestrians so that they never have to wait for a traffic light.

The walkway used to be an overpass but was renovated into a fun spot to take a walk with outdoor installations, trampolines for kids, tons of plants and greenery and there are often events held on the walkway. If you’re headed to the train station for any reason, this is an easy addition onto the day that doesn’t take too long to enjoy. Here is more info about Seoullo and what you can do there.

Oil Tank Culture Park: I personally like to check out unique spots that show how a city is growing and adapting. The Oil Tank Culture Park is just that. There are six massive oil drums that have been converted through a series of conservation measures to now be a public space.

The drums have been opened up so visitors can use them with one housing a cafe, another a performance space, and more. If you want to see some awesome eco-friendly innovation, this is a must visit. Learn more about the Oil Tank Culture Park here.

In general, it’s easy to get around and you’ll be able to see what you see, but if you really want to learn about a place, know what’s in the food you’re about to eat, and understand Korean culture and history, I’d highly recommend joining a tour or two to get some insight. The other reason to join a tour or at least book tickets for shows, entrance fees, etc, is because online is almost always cheaper.

Koreans use companies online always and that’s because tickets can be 10%-50% cheaper than when you just walk up. Don’t get left out of the discounts. Book what you can in advance. If it’s your first time in Seoul, then find a few tours, maybe one focused on culture, one on food, and one on adventure to join while you’re here.

Here are some ideas I’d recommend:

• History of Joseon Dynasty Tour: Spend the day visiting one of the royal palaces and witnessing a beautiful changing of the guard ceremony. Stop into the Jogyesa Buddhist temple and ginseng center while learning about history and architecture and culture and then end the day in one of the traditional folk villages. It’s an all encompassing tour to see traditional spots and learn a ton about how Seoul was started and built. Check out the tour here on Klook .
• Cooking classes in Seoul : There are a number of cooking classes in Seoul that I think are great not only to try some great food, but to learn about Korea’s culinary history, tradition, and culture and you can ask questions about dining etiquette in Korea and more.

Want help with your itinerary? I have a lot of experience building the perfect itineraries for travelers to Seoul. I’ve created 15 interchangeable daily itineraries for Seoul, Korea that cover the popular spots you must see, some districts that aren’t so touristy but offer great fun, and more.

Where To Get Out Of Seoul For a Day Trip

Daytrips are awesome and there are so many places you can get to if you’ve got a free day on your itinerary. Here are a few ideas, but if you want more, check out my list of “ Best Daytrips to take from Seoul “. There are 25 spots to see and enjoy and I’ll know there is something you’ll want to do.

Nami Island: This is by far one of the most popular day trip options and for good reason. It’s gorgeous. While it’s popular with K-drama fans, I can say, as someone who has NOT seen any drama that was filmed there, that it’s not just a fan that would appreciate this place. There are art installations, restaurants, cafes, and plenty of nature to see.

I’ve visited in the autumn and summer and would definitely go back in the winter and spring too. It’s an easy option for a day trip and can be combined with some other great spots in the area. Read this guide to Nami Island if its on your list.

The DMZ:  At just 60km from Seoul, it’s easy enough to visit the DMZ, but only if you book a tour in advance. Tours do sell out so if you’re at all interested in visiting the border between North and South Korea, you’ll want to plan this ahead of time. The Demilitarized Zone is a 4 kilometer wide buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea.

There are various options from Seoul with the most popular being out to Nuri Peace Park in Paju and into the DMZ. If you do get out there and want to do something really special, visit Camp Greaves, an abandoned military base that’s been converted into an art experience. If you want to visit a spot that’s more off the beaten path but just a bit more involved, check out the trip to the Cheorwon DMZ .

Heyri Art Village: This is one of my favorite spots to take my daughter to, but it’s not just for kids, it is for everyone. There are chic art galleries and museums as well as artistic experiences for children to partake in. There are SO many museums and galleries to check out that you could stay an entire weekend and still not see everything.

We’ve gone and gone again and there’s always something new to do. If you want to know how to get there, and have some ideas on what to do, here is a guide to Heyri Art Village.

Anyang Art Park: The Anyang Art Park is an awesome natural area with art installations and exhibitions throughout the year. There are restaurants and cafes and it’s a great spot to check out if you want to get out into nature and take a walk.

The installations are super fun to find and require a bit of a walk up into a nearby mountain… but not to worry, it’s not really a trek and toddlers can even do it. Here is a guide to Anyang Art Park to help you on your way.

Seongsu-dong

Seongsu-dong has been called the Brooklyn of Seoul. Once a district known for shoe factories, today, many of those factories are being converted into cafes, galleries, and restaurants. This district is hip, it’s cool, and it is THE place to go if you want to do something different in Seoul. There is awesome street art and murals and a ton of hidden gems in this new hot spot in Seoul. If you want some suggestions for where to go, what to do, and what to eat while you’re there, check out this guide to Seongsu-dong .

Mullae-dong

Also a district known for factories, Mullae-dong is still very much filled with the iron works factories it’s famous for. Some years ago, artists from Hongdae that couldn’t afford the rent in the popular district moved south and found homes in Mullae-dong. By day, this area is noisy and gritty with iron workers, but come evening into night, there are galleries and restaurants owned by artists and musicians.

It’s off the beaten path to tourists for sure, but there are some cool things to be found if you like to have a good hunt. Here are my suggestions for what to see in Mullae-dong if you want to head there.

Yongma Land

Yongma Land is a popular abandoned amusement park in Seoul. It’s been showcased in various K-pop videos and dramas and anyone looking for some cool photos can head to the park to take their own photos. It’s a funky spot but a fun one especially if you’ve got some friends that want to get some quirky photos in Seoul or if you are a Hallyu fan and want to take photos in the same spots that you’ve seen in dramas and vids. Here’s more information on the popular abandoned Yongma Land in Seoul.

Ganghwado Island

Ganghwado is an island west of the city of Seoul that is easily accessible with public buses from the city. It used to be a bit more difficult to get to, but in recent years a bridge was added and now more and more Seoulites are making their way out to this island to see what there is to see, like the awesome Royyal Dog mural above.

There are cool restaurants and cafes, a few beaches, and some interesting historical spots to check out. Here are some flower fields and cool cafes to check out if you want to make your way out to Ganghwado.

Hannam-dong

Hannam-dong is the district that’s just up the road from the foreigner district known as Itaewon. Hannam-dong has art museums and a ton of cafes and restaurants with foreign treats if you want something in the American-fare style. Here’s a guide to the Hannam-dong area that has cool cafes, good eats, and a lot of Instagrammable book stores and staircases.

This isn’t a hugely popular spot for tourists but mostly for expats and foreigners in Korea that want to get good authentic foreign food. If you have a hankering for something other than Korean food, then you’ll easily find it over here.

Pocheon is an interesting area northeast of Seoul that has hidden wooden giants in forests, bridges, and lakes. There are some beautiful hidden wonders that are really only accessible if you’ll be renting a car for a day. But if you will be, look into this easy trip from Seoul that is off the beaten path.

Here’s a guide to Pocheon and what to see there. Again, this isn’t a spot that’s usually on the radars of most tourists, but if you want something unique, it’s a good area to get out to where can visit an amazing makgeolli, or rice wine, brewery and find nature too!

Busan is the second largest city in the country and on the southern coast of Korea. It’s the most popular spot to check out for most travelers that want to see something outside of Seoul. The city is easy to get to from Seoul using the KTX fast train and there are beaches, a seaside temple, a colorful seaside village, and a TON more to check out.

Some of the must see spots include Gamcheon Culture Village, Taejongdae , and Haeundae. You could easily spend a couple days or more in this awesome city.

Here’s a guide to Busan to help you on your way! Definitely don’t miss stops into the Huinnyeoul Culture Village and then take a ride on the cable car in Songdo or a ride on the now very popular Busan Sky Capsule . For a real treat, check out the premier spa in the country, Busan’s Spa Land . There’s so much to do, you could fill a week or more!

Gyeongju was the capital of Korea during the Silla Dynasty and the capital before Seoul. It’s one of the most historic, if not THE most historic, cities in the entire country and features more pagodas, relics, and historic sites in one city than any other in the country.

The small city is basically an open air museum as every corner you turn leads to another historic observatory, tomb, palace, or Buddhist relic. It was one of the first trips I made out of Seoul when I first moved here in 2006 and is an easy trip to make using the KTX from Seoul.

It’s a gorgeous area with history and culture and beautiful sites to visit. Definitely look into Gyeongju if you want to learn more about history in Korea and appreciate quite peaceful surroundings. Here is a guide to Gyeongju with more information on what you can find there.

Andong has been called the most traditional place in Korea. There is a beautiful huge traditional village and some amazing food to eat in Andong. It’s gorgeous in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom and the Andong Mask Festival is an amazing event to check out in the autumn if you’re visiting at the same time.

From delicious food to traditional and cultural spots, Andong has it all. Here’s a guide to Andong , how to get there, and what to do if it sounds like the spot for you.

Most likely you came into Korea through Incheon but you probably didn’t stay too long as you headed into Seoul. You should definitely head back out there. There are some really interesting spots in Incheon including the only legit Chinatown in the country.

Incheon’s Chinatown was first started by the Chinese immigrants that came to Korea to work. Nearby there is also a fun fairytale mural village and a village made entirely of older buildings. It’s a fun area to walk around and makes for a great day trip from Seoul.

You could also plan to see what’s around the Incheon International Airport on your way in or out. The airport is on an island in Incheon and there’s plenty to do just around the airport. If you want to treat yourself on your way in or out, then definitely look into staying at the amazing Paradise City Resort . Even if you don’t stay there, there’s a free art museum and a beautiful pool and sauna that you can visit.

Want to see some amazing architecture, check out the Songdo Central Park where the awesome TriBowl is located. Another great option in Incheon is to take a ferry and visit nearby islands like Modo, Sindo, and Sido ! All of these spots are really in different parts of Incheon so don’t try to see them all in one day. You’ll have to pick one if you just have one day to travel.

Jeju Island is the most popular and largest island in Korea. It has been called the Hawai’i of Korea and is absolutely stunning. The island is bigger than you might expect so know that before you go. You can really only see things in one quadrant; northwest, northeast, southwest, or southeast at a time especially if you’ve only got a weekend. Choose what you want to see and then stay nearby (Here’s a guide to help you figure out where to stay on Jeju Island ) and an absolute must do is hiking up Mt. Halla .

If hiking isn’t your thing though, there’s also a walking trail that follows the entire coast of Jeju. Choose an area and you can walk and enjoy cliff views, black sand beaches, and forests too. If you want to get somewhere easily and have fun, check out Hamdeok Beach . Another hot spot for tourists is the O’Sulloc Green Tea Fields and the gigantic and gorgeous Jeongbang Waterfall .

But if you want my two recommendations, definitely get a ferry out to nearby Gapa Island which you can only leisurely enjoy via bicycle and then walk up Sanbang Mountain to visit a beautiful grotto Nearby you can walk along the rocky but beautiful Yeongmori Coastcoast . Jeju is amazing and there is just so much to do and see there. You can even go island hopping to visit nearby islands like Udo Island or Gapa Island . If you have time, don’t miss a trip there to get a completely different experience from the hustling bustling city of Seoul.

Danyang, Korea is in the central area of Korea so a lot of people pass right by on the way south without stopping. But if you like adventure and maybe have a bit less time, it’s definitely worth a look. Visit the Mancheonha Skywalk and then zipline down.

From there, head to Chungju Lake and ride a ferry to see the gorgeous views. Head down into the Gosu Caves that were formed over 450 million years ago and then end the weekend paragliding off of the mountains. It’s a spot for the adventure loving traveler. Here’s what you should check out in Danyang.

Oido & Daebudo Islands

Maybe you want to see the coast in quick fashion. Oido is an island you can actually reach using just the Seoul subway system! If you’ve got a car, you can go just a bit further to Daebudo Island to see the glass museum and watch the waves come in.

The islands are beautiful and great for a summer’s day. There is seafood to be eaten and a rest stop that even features an observatory. I love getting to the coast whenever I can and this is an easy spot to get to if you just have a day to work with. Here’s what you can find in Oido and Daebudo.

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Amaizing and so useful website! Congratulations! I will arrive in Korea on 20th of May and can’t wait to explore the country.

Michelle Topham

Wow, I just discovered your site and, honestly, it’s probably the best travel site I’ve ever seen.

I’m currently considering moving to Korea within the next 18 months, and was looking for a site that could answer the thousands of questions I have about the country.

And then I stumbled across yours.

(I’ve only been on an airport layover in Seoul a couple of times during the 14 years I lived in Bangkok so, weirdly, never actually visited Korea. But, after 6 years in Europe, I’m desperate to get back to Asia permanently and Korea interests me. A lot),

An absolutely superb site, with SO much useful information. I have you bookmarked and will be back pretty much every day as I read through everything you have written — and maybe with some questions too 🙂

Thanks for this. I couldn’t be happier to hav e found something so darned useful 🙂

I really envy you. I wish I could do the same thing. Thank you for sharing such valuable information. I am planning a trip to Seoul and this is definitely very very useful. thank you.

Hallie Bradley

I hope you have a fantastic trip!

Hi you mentioned a subway app under useful apps to download. I’m curious if you could tell me the name of the app? Thank you!

I am just amazed! What a fantastic job you did here Hallie. Hello from Centerville Ohio!

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• 10 Days in South Korea: Best 4 Itineraries for a First Visit 2024/2025

When visiting South Korea, 10 days is the most popular length of time for both families and couples. You could explore major highlights of Seoul and Busan without feeling rushed. You would also have the flexibility to visit Jeju Island, traditional Gyeongju and Andong, or other places that interest you.

In this article, we've handpicked four 10-day South Korea itineraries to help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and stress-free journey. We would customize any itinerary based on your preferences.

Itinerary 1: Classic South Korea

• Itinerary 2: For Family with Teenagers

Itinerary 3: Modern and Historical South Korea

Itinerary 4: south korea off-the-beaten-path.

• How Much Does a 10-Day Trip in South Korea Cost

This 10-day itinerary is excellent for a first visit to South Korea. It covers the must-see attractions in Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island, as well as a variety of authentic activities to enrich your trip.

• 3 nights in Seoul
• 1 night in Gyeongju
• 2 nights in Busan
• 2 nights on Jeju Island
• 1 night in Seoul

Begin your adventure in Seoul. Explore iconic landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, and N Seoul Tower with your private guide. Your guide would help you to understand the culture and history of Seoul in a more interesting way.

To fully immerse yourself in Korean cuisine, taste authentic Korean food at Gwangjang Market. You would also have the chance to try your hands at a cooking class in a local home.

Next, head to Gyeongju, the ancient capital with many historic sites. Don't miss experiencing a night's stay at a traditional Hanok hotel. A Hanok hotel usually has 5–15 rooms and they're easily booked up, so you're advised to make a reservation at least 3 months in advance.

Continue your adventure to the seaside city of Busan. You could quickly get a feel for the city's cultural-rich atmosphere at Haedong Yonggung Temple and Gamcheon Culture Village.

Take a short flight to end your journey on Jeju Island. Be amazed by the natural wonders of Manjanggul lava tube, Hallasan Mountain, and Seongsan Ilchulbong ('Sunrise Peak'). Watch Haenyeo divers catch seafood in a traditional way and enjoy some free time on the beaches. After that, back to Seoul to depart from the country.

Our South Korea travel expert would tailor-made a private tour for you based on your preferences and requirements.

Itinerary 2: for Families with Teenagers

This 10-day South Korea itinerary is suitable for families with teenagers and allows for a relaxing travel pace. It would satisfy your kids' love for K-pop and provides abundant family-friendly experiences. What's more, you don't need to change hotels a lot.

• 4 nights in Seoul
• 3 nights on Jeju Island

Start your trip in Seoul. For a special family experience, we could arrange many authentic activities to help you delve into Korean history, culture, and food. For example, experience a private K-pop dancing class and shoot a video, explore the DMZ tunnels with a guided tour, indulge in a cooking class, and spend a night at a traditional Hanok hotel.

Then, take a comfortable KTX (Korea Train Express) to Busan. Enjoy the natural beauty of Taejongdae by traveling effortlessly on the Danubi Train and then sample various street food at BIFF Square.

If you want to see the full view of Busan's coastal line, Songdo Skywalk is a must-visit. We suggest picking the high-end crystal cable car with a glass bottom instead of the regular one. That way, you could enjoy the beautiful sea view of Busan from every angle, feeling like you're walking on air.

Finally, you would fly to Jeju Island and be immersed in its attractive highlights: Seongeup Folk Village, the performance of Haenyeo divers catching seafood, and a sightseeing cruise to watch whales.

Our travel expert would carefully design each private tour to cater to your unique interests and requirements .

With this 10-day South Korea itinerary, you would explore the top two modern cities of Seoul and Busan, and also delve into the profound history of the ancient cities of Andong and Gyeongju.

• 1 night in Andong
• 2 nights in Seoul

Your journey through South Korea would begin in Seoul, a capital with a vibrant culture. You would take a leisurely walk in Insadong and Myeongdong, cruise on the Han River, and sample local Korean food at Gwangjang Market.

During your stay in Seoul, you could also consider taking 1–2 days for a day trip to explore nearby cities like Suwon, known for its rich traditions, and Chuncheon, a paradise for outdoor sports.

On day 4, you would head to the birthplace of Korean philosophical culture, Andong. Highlights include seeing a unique mask dance performance at the famous Hahoe Folk Village and creating your mask at Hahoe Mask Museum. With the company and guidance of a local guide, you would gain a deeper understanding of historical stories.

On day 5, travel to Gyeongju to visit the "museum without walls". There are many historical sites with thousands of years of history waiting for you to explore: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. Don't forget to spend a night at a Korean-style Hanok hotel.

Then, spend 3 days in Busan, where you could wander around Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, experience the fun Songdo Skywalk, and sample the freshest seafood. After that, head back to Seoul to depart from South Korea.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a tour for you.

With this 10-day itinerary, you would visit the bustling city of Seoul and explore three off-the-beaten-path cities: Sokcho, Andong, and Suncheon. Immerse yourself in traditional villages and enjoy serene natural views.

To make the most of your time while visiting the attractions, you're recommended to travel in a private car when visiting the three hidden gems of Sokcho, Andong, and Suncheon.

• 1 night in Sokcho
• 2 nights in Suncheon

You would start in Seoul. Explore the highlights with a guided tour of Changdeok Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, the DMZ, and any other attractions that you're interested in.

One of the highlights of this itinerary is the Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho. This is the highest peak near Seoul, featuring strange rocks and rare wildlife. It's a great place for travelers who love adventure and outdoor sports.

The traditional city of Andong is your next stop. Enjoy a unique mask dance performance at Hahoe Folk Village and visit the local Confucius temple and school to gain insights into the culture that has deeply affected Korean history.

Another highlight of this itinerary is Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve in Suncheon. It's one of the world's top five coastal wetlands. You could take a sightseeing cruise to visit the rare birds with a guide and wander across the wide reeds. Finally, take a private car and return to Seoul to depart South Korea.

If you have other requirements, contact us and we can make it happen.

How Much Does 10 Days in South Korea Cost?

US$400–500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within South Korea, and handpicked 4-star hotels.

Therefore, the total cost for 10 days in South Korea would be about US$4,000–5,000 per person (international flights not included).

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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