how to be a tour guide in korea

K ORENERS korean + foreigners

How you can become an official tour guide in korea.

Travel blogs are getting much attention lately, bloggers are now the digital tour guides of people seeking to visit a place or country. The idea of travelling and seeing one country after another is a dream come true for many people. But most travellers will tell you that though it may seem like a life full of grandiose things, it mostly requires hard work from the travellers to be able to afford their travels. What most people do is try to find a job at the wherever they are currently in order to fund the travels and daily expenses. Not only is this the best way to earn money on the side but it is also a great way to really dive into the culture and lifestyle of any country. The people you would meet and interact with on a daily basis would not be the same if you were to just choose to be a tourist.

One way to get to know more about the Korean culture and to travel around the country is to become a tour guide. The travel industry would be a dependable way to earn and even after peak season, tourists and travellers still flock to Korea. Though work would be more consistent during the peak season, there are still opportunities for work for the rest of the year. Working as a tour guide in Korea requires a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. An application and a letter may be sent to the office requesting for the specific letter. To become a tour guide in Korea , a Master’s Degree is required along with a degree in Korean Study or International Studies. A year of experience in the field would greatly help with application.

Being a tour guide is not as easy as it sounds. A tour guide must know the importance and the history of landmarks across the city. Most people go on city trips with tour guides because they are looking forward to learning more about each landmark, which is why it is important that the tour guide is knowledgeable on such things. Many tourists also ask questions regarding these important places and it is formidable to have an answer ready for every inquiry. Museums, scenic locations, and historical sites are wonderful representation of a countries love for art and culture so a tour guide must know the ins and outs of such places. A Tour Guide License is needed before becoming a full pledge tour guide in Korea. There is an examination every six months under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. If you have taken previous examination on foreign language, you might be exempted from taking the test.

There are over hundreds of registered travel agencies in Korea that are on the constant look out for tour guides who are flexible with their time. Employers are always willing to provide visa sponsorship to successful applicants and offer between three to five million won as salary. Most expenses will be provided by the agency such as travel and food expenses. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism do hire their own tour guides as well. There are many options of being employed as a tour guide in Korea and it is a chance for you to travel and to earn at the same time.

In search for a different job?  Upload your resume at our website  or check out our  job postings  for available opportunities! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ ​ ​

In My Korea

Complete South Korea Travel Guide 2024: Korean Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Korea but not sure where to start? First-time traveller who isn’t sure if Korea is the right country for your next trip? Worried about travelling to Korea and facing problems with the Korean language, culture, money, Internet, transportation, hotels, food, or etiquette? Then this complete South Korea travel guide is packed full of tips that you’ll certainly need.

You’ll find all the best Korean travel tips and advice in this article. Whether you’re a first-time traveller to Korea, or you’ve visited before, this South Korea travel guide will show what to see, when to travel, and which places to visit, as well as help you avoid any difficult situations or surprising culture shocks.

This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your trip to Korea. You can use it to plan your itinerary, to pre-book travel essentials, to learn about what festivals and seasonal events are on, and to find more reasons to want to travel to Korea right now.

Table of Contents

Affiliate Disclaimer :  This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

What’s In This South Korea Travel Guide

This South Korea travel guide covers all the essential information you need to plan a trip to Korea. This is useful for first-time travellers to Korea who might not be aware of uniquely Korean cultural and travel issues. Even if you’ve visited Korea before, I’m sure you can learn a lot from this travel guide.

This article contains lots of insights and knowledge about travelling to Korea and is quite long. I’ve added links in each section to articles that provide more information about each topic. Therefore, I suggest viewing this South Korea travel guide on a desktop computer as it will be easier to read.

What Are You Looking For?

To help make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, I’ve broken this article into the following sections. Click the quick links below to jump straight there or keep reading through all parts.

Latest Travel News

Entry Requirements

Why Visit Korea

When To Visit

Flights To Korea

Where To Stay

Korea Travel Costs

Travel Money

Phones & Internet

Public Transport

Where To Visit

Seoul Day Tours

Sightseeing Spots

Korean Activities

Korean Festivals

1-Week Itinerary

Culture Issues

Language Issues

Health & Safety

Korean Travel Tips

Korean Travel News And Travel Restrictions 2024

This section of the South Korea travel guide will show you the latest travel news and restriction updates, including any temporary or permanent changes to the entry process, visa changes, and other things that might affect travel to Korea. COVID-related updates will also be posted here.

Latest Korean Travel News In 2024

This section will detail any interesting or important travel news that could affect travellers to Korea, such as price increases in public transport, travel changes, new services, or closures.

The Korean government is aiming to boost tourism to Korea by doubling the amount travellers can claim back in tax when shopping in Korea. From 2024, travellers will be able to claim up to 5,000,000 KRW on eligible purchases with a limit of 1,000,000 KRW tax back per transaction. Source : Korea Herald

From August 2023, the price to travel on buses in Seoul is set to rise. Bus fares will rise to 1,500 KRW per journey. From October 7th, 2023, Seoul’s subway fares will rise to 1,400 KRW per journey. Other cities in Korea will enact similar rises throughout 2023 to cover higher costs of public transportation. Source : Korea Herald

From July 15th, 2023, the requirement to register your health condition through the Q-Code portal will be scrapped. Source : Korea Times

From July 3rd, 2023, children aged 17 years and younger, as well as adults aged 65 and older, will no longer need to apply for a K-ETA to travel to Korea. Furthermore, the validity period has been increased from 2 years to 3 years to make travelling to Korea easier. Source: K-ETA website .

From June 2023, Korea will end almost all pandemic-related restrictions for tourists and locals. Masks will no longer be necessary except in hospitals and infected people no longer face mandatory self-isolation (although the government still recommends 5 days self-isolation). Q-Code requirements haven’t been mentioned, however. Source : Korea Herald .

From April 2023 until December 2024, travellers from 22 countries won’t have to complete a K-ETA when visiting Korea, saving time and money for citizens of those countries. People from other countries still need a K-ETA. Source : K-ETA

The 22 countries temporarily excluded from the K-ETA requirement are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam).

From April 2023, all foreigners under 19 years old (18 and under) can now enter major royal palaces and tombs, including Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, for free. Previously, all foreigners were made to pay a fee to enter. Source : Korea Herald

From March 2023, a quarter of all buses in Seoul will refuse cash payments and allow only card payments using transportation cards, such as the T-Money card. Seoul’s night buses won’t be included for now, and 262 of Seoul’s 370 bus routes will still accept cash. Expect further increases in cash-free buses in the future. Source : Korea Herald

From February 2023, the base fare for a taxi journey in Korea has increased by 1,000 won to a minimum of 4,800 won. The distance that the base fare applies has also been shortened from 2km to 1.6km, which will make fares more expensive. Source : Korea Times

What Are the Current COVID Restrictions In Korea In 2024?

Korea has been removing COVID-related restrictions in the country throughout 2022 and 2023. It is no longer necessary to show a QR code to enter a building and restrictions involving masks and health checks have mostly gone. The latest COVID-related rules for Korea are as follows .

Masks : From Monday, March 20th, Korea has removed the mandatory mask rule for public transport, one of the final places that masks were required for the general public. The only places that require a face mask (from June 1st) are in medical facilities (hospitals). Masks are not mandatory elsewhere, including in schools, shops, restaurants or anywhere outside. Source : Korea Herald

Self-Quarantine : From June 1st, Korea will no longer impose a mandatory self-isolation period on infected people. The government instead ‘recommends’ a period of self-isolation for 5 days to reduce the chance of transmission to other people. Source : Korea Herald

For further details about the latest COVID requirements for entering or travelling in Korea, check out the second section of this South Korea travel guide, which has a list of all the updated entry requirements, including visas, tests, and other considerations.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa , but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected : Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay : For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul : Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators : Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook , Trazy , Viator , and Get Your Guide . These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions

Seoul City Passes : Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass . These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around : For public transport, grab a T-Money Card . Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass . To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options .

Travel Money : Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea : I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean : The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

Current Requirements To Travel To Korea In 2024

This part of the South Korea travel guide is for tourists . If you plan to travel for business, employment, or other reasons, check your nearest Korean embassy for the latest travel requirements.

Most of the restrictions and requirements for travelling to Korea have now been scrapped. You can see what entry and travel rules are in place for Korea in the table below:

The following section provides more information and exceptions about these requirements:

COVID-positive travellers should avoid travelling to Korea : To avoid infecting others on the way to Korea, as well as in Korea, the Korean government recommends that you shouldn’t travel to Korea if you exhibit COVID-symptoms or have tested positive. Self-quarantine is mandatory in Korea.

There are no PCR or other testing requirements : It is not necessary to take a PCR or other test before travelling to Korea. However, you will be asked to take a test if you show symptoms of COVID or similar illnesses when travelling to or arriving in Korea.

There is no quarantine on arrival : Travellers to Korea no longer need to quarantine when entering Korea. From June 1st, there is only a ‘recommended’ 5 day self-isolation period for infected travellers, but this is not enforced.

Complete the self-health check before or on arrival : From July 15th, 2023, travellers to Korea no longer need to complete a Q-Code self-health check or declare their health status on arrival.

Apply for a K-ETA or tourist visa before travelling : You need to apply for either a K-ETA or tourist visa for South Korea before flying to the country. Entry will be prohibited without the correct one. From April 1st, 2023 until December 31st, 2024, 22 countries are excluded from the K-ETA.

If you’re not sure which of these you need to apply for, more information is provided in the next section of this South Korea travel guide about the K-ETA and tourist visa for Korea.

K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation)

The K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation) is an online travel authorisation that visa-free foreign visitors aged 18 to 65 must obtain before entering the Korea for tourism, visiting relatives, participating in events or meetings, and for business purposes other than profitable activities.

Tourists from 112 eligible countries need to apply for a K-ETA before travelling to Korea and won’t be allowed to board a flight to Korea without it. The approval process isn’t difficult, but requires accommodation details, travel dates, and personal details such as passport number, etc.

From April 1st, 2023 until December 31st, 2024, the Korean government has decided to suspend the K-ETA requirement for travellers from the following 22 countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam).

The aim is to reduce the burden of travellers coming to Korea and to encourage more people to visit Korea during the ‘Visit Korea Year’, which runs during 2023 and 2024.

Source : K-ETA website news .

From July 3rd, 2023, the Korean government will no longer ask for travellers who are 17 years and younger, or 65 years and older, to apply for a K-ETA when visiting Korea. These are ages based on the time you travel to Korea, not the age when you apply to travel.

Furthermore, the validity period of the K-ETA is now 3 years, not 2 years. The Korean government has decided to extend the validity period to make it easier for people to travel to Korea.

The K-ETA is based on your nationality , not the country you’re travelling from. That means, if you require a tourist visa from your home country (e.g. the Philippines), but are travelling from a country that requires a K-ETA (e.g. the USA), you can’t use the K-ETA to travel to Korea.

Tourists should apply as far in advance as possible at the official K-ETA website. If you would like to know more about the K-ETA, check out my article explaining what is the K-ETA . The K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (about $9.00 USD). If you are charged more than this, you’re on the wrong site.

Official K-ETA website

Not sure if you need a K-ETA? Check out this infographic to find out.

Will The K-ETA End In The Future?

The K-ETA will continue for the indefinite future. It is not a pandemic-related travel restriction but a permanent feature that just happened to start in 2021. The Korean government have stated that the K-ETA will be ongoing and other countries and areas, such as the EU, are planning similar ETAs.

Update : In July 2023, the Korean government stopped requiring children 17 years and younger and adults 65 years and older to apply for a K-ETA. The validity period was also increased to 3 years.

Update : In April 2023, the Korean government suspended the K-ETA for travellers from 22 countries (listed previously). This is in an effort to reduce the burden on travellers visiting Korea during the ‘Visit Korea Years’ of 2023 and 2024. This lasts until December 2024, but could possibly go on longer.

Tourist Visas For South Korea

Tourists that aren’t from one of the 112 countries that require a K-ETA to travel to Korea will need to apply for a tourist visa. This includes nationals from countries such India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Tourist visas are based on nationality (passport), not country of residence.

The process to apply for a tourist visa differs depending on the country and may be as simple as submitting an application at the Korean embassy in the country you live in. For other countries, it may be necessary to submit extra information like bank statements and a full itinerary.

If you need a tourist visa for South Korea, contact your nearest Korean embassy as soon as you can to start the process. Tourist visas may be rejected, delayed, or take longer than expected. For some countries, such as the Philippines, it is necessary to apply through a specialist visa agency.

Transit Tour Visas For South Korea

Visa-free entry for foreign transit passengers at Incheon Airport will resume from May 2023 after being suspended for 3 years during the pandemic. There are two types of visa-free transit entry methods for travellers to Korea, they differ in length, requirements, and eligibility.

The first type of visa-free entry for transit passengers is open to all travellers to Korea and allows entry for 3 days, as long as they take a transit tour from Incheon Airport. The second type of visa-free entry for transit passengers is available for 30 days, but only from travellers from 36 select countries.

Visa-Free Entry For Transit Passengers (3 Days)

From May 15, 2023, travellers from any country can travel from Incheon Airport to the Seoul Metropolitan area for up to 3 days, as long as they book at least 1 transit tour from Incheon Airport. If Korea is not their final destination, they’re free to explore more of Seoul after the tour.

There are a wide range of transit tours available from Incheon Airport, including cultural, historic, food, shopping, and entertainment tours. See the sights of Seoul’s most popular places in a few hours, or stay for longer and see more. You can find out more about transit tours from the Visit Korea website .

Requirements : To be eligible for a transit tour visa, travellers must:

• Have an onward flight to their home country or a 3rd country after Korea.
• Participate in a transit tour program by a designated travel agency.
• Stay within the Seoul Metropolitan area only.
• Have more than 2 hours between connecting flights.

Eligible countries : Visa-free entry with a transit tour is open to passengers of all countries, as long as they meet the above requirements.

Tip : If you have a transit tour in Korea, I recommend staying in Hongdae , as there is a direct train from Incheon Airport to Hongdae called the All-Stop Airport Line. Hongdae is also a really fun place where you can see lots of culture, try Korean dishes, and pack your suitcase with Korean souvenirs.

Visa-Free Entry For Transit Passengers (30 Days)

This will allow travellers from 36 countries to enter and stay in Korea for up to 30 days without a Korean visa. Travellers must be travelling to or from one of these 36 countries to be eligible to stay in Korea without a visa. This includes passengers who are not citizens of those countries.

Requirements : To be eligible for a visa-free entry as a transit passenger, travellers must:

• Hold an onward flight to any of the 36 countries mentioned below.
• Have no illegal stay records of any kind, nor have been denied entry to Korea.
• Not have exceeded a maximum of 3 days stay in any other transit airport.

Eligible countries : Travellers from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and 32 EU countries (see picture below) can stay for up to 30 days, as long as the above-mentioned requirements are met.

Why You Should Travel To Korea In 2024

There’s not enough space in this South Korea travel guide to write down all of the reasons why you should travel to South Korea. Korea is an under-appreciated gem that has so much to discover and experience that’s completely different from what you’ll find in other countries.

Much the way that Japan has a very distinct culture and history, Korea has lots of unique, appealing places to see, people to meet, history to learn about, and natural sights to appreciate. Many people only see a small slice of Korean culture and beauty through modern media, but there’s a lot more.

Here are some of the reasons you should travel to Korea:

• Delicious foods and tasty seasonal dishes.
• Four distinct seasons that offer a variety of views.
• Fascinating history to learn about and explore.
• Stunning mountains and beaches for outdoor lovers.
• Unique and unusual festivals throughout the year.
• Friendly locals and a safe country to travel around.
• Modern, high-tech cities that are clean and efficient.
• Welcoming Buddhist temples and temple stays.
• Cheaper than most other developed countries.
• A shopper’s paradise with many markets and malls .
• Korea really wants you to come and visit.

Korea wants you to visit so much that they declared 2023-2024 the Visit Korea Year . This two-year period, confusingly referred to as a single year, is set to feature loads of events and activities to draw tourists to Korea, and includes promotions for discounted flights, accommodation, and food.

Some of the events you can expect to see during the Visit Korea Year(s) include K-Pop concerts, e-sports competitions, food festivals, and cultural celebrations. There’ll be K-Cultural stars involved, too, including your favourite K-Pop and K-Drama stars. Get ready to travel to Korea soon!

Want to know what you can do in Korea that you can’t do in other countries? Check out these amazing unique Korean experiences that should definitely be on your Korean bucket list.

The Best Time To Visit Korea

The best time to visit Korea is in spring (late-March to May) or autumn (mid-September until mid-November). These seasons have the most comfortable weather, ranging from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, an average amount of rain, and also have the most festivals and events.

My favourite months to travel in Korea are April and October . Early-April is when cherry blossoms come out and the weather warms up enough to stop wearing a jacket. October in Korea is a beautiful month when autumn foliage sweeps across the country and the weather is warm and calm.

When you travel to Korea, the season you travel in can have a big impact on what you can see, eat, and do. This section of the South Korea travel guide is one of the most important and if you want to travel to Korea in the future, I recommend learning about Korea’s seasons before making plans.

What Can You See In Korea Each Season?

Although spring and autumn are undoubtedly the best time to visit Korea, there are plenty of reasons to visit in other seasons, too. Visitors to Korea who are restricted to travelling during certain times, such as during school or work holidays, needn’t be put off by travelling in summer or winter.

Here’s a summary of what you can see and do in each season in Korea:

Spring: Cherry Blossoms, Blooming Nature, Culture Festivals

Spring is an amazing season to travel in Korea as you can see colourful plum blossoms (Mar), cherry blossoms (Mar-Apr), and many other bright sights. The warm weather allows people go out more to enjoy cultural activities and spring festivals , such as the Lotus Lantern Festival and Jindo Sea-Parting Festival, and also trekking, hiking, and cycling. Spring is one of the most popular times to travel in Korea for locals, so expect places to be busy, especially around cherry blossom season.

Check out my cherry blossom guide for the best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea.

Summer: Beaches, Korean Desserts, Water Sports, Camping

Summer is a difficult season for travellers due to the high humidity and heat. June and July are rainy season in Korea and it may rain for days on end, causing people to change travel plans to indoor activities. In late July and August it gets very hot, which is good for going to the beach and enjoying water sports or water parks, which Korea has many of. Evening activities like hiking, drinking in rooftop bars, and visiting night markets are great ways to get out in summer when it’s not as hot.

Check out my guide to Korean summer activities for the best places to have fun during summer and rainy day activities in Busan in case the weather isn’t so good.

Autumn: Foliage, Festivals, Fresh Foods, Harvest Festivals

Autumn is another incredibly popular time to travel in Korea, especially in October when the autumn foliage is at its best. The foliage really brings everything to life, adding shades of colour to plain palace walls, mountains, and parks. The calm weather is warm with clear skies, making it perfect for going into nature to see the fresh fruits and other harvest goods, as well as join in harvest and cultural festivals. Enjoy local Korean dishes, fresh from the farm to your table.

Check out my guide to autumn foliage in Korea for the best places to see the leaves.

Winter: Snow, Winter Sports, Ice Fishing, Light Festivals

Winter in Korea is often neglected due to the cold weather, but is actually a very nice time to travel with delicious winter foods to try. It’s the driest time of year with blue skies making everything bright and beautiful. When it snows, sights look even more incredible. Jeju Island is a great place to visit during winter as it has fresh citrus and colourful camellia flowers to see. You can enjoy winter sports, festivals and activities, such as ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, and more.

Check out my guide to Korean winter activities for the best places to have fun during winter.

What Is The Weather Like In Korea?

The weather in Korea follows a similar pattern each year, spread over five distinct seasons. As well as spring, summer, autumn, and winter, Korea also has a rainy season, which starts around mid-June and finishes mid-July. It doesn’t constantly rain during rainy season, but may do for several days.

There’s always something to do in Korea, no matter what the season. Even rainy season in Korea is fine for travelling, as long as you plan lots of indoor activities and can be flexible with your schedule. Don’t let the weather in Korea put you off visiting, you’ll find plenty to do in each season.

Here’s a summary of the weather in Korea each season:

The graph below shows you the average temperature each month in Seoul. This is an average temperature, so some days will be much hotter and others much colder. I’ve experienced summer temperatures of over 35 degrees and winter nights of -20, so be prepared for both.

The table below shows the average rainfall for each month in Korea, based on records from climate-data.org . The summer months have the most, while winter in Korea is very dry. The rainfall in the winter months can turn to snow when it’s cold enough, too.

There will be more information about the sights, festivals, and events you can enjoy in Korea in later parts of this South Korea travel guide. Check them out for travel ideas for your trip to Korea.

How To Book Flights To Korea

Flying to Korea in 2024 is getting easier with more airlines offering direct or connecting flights to Korea and budget airlines adding more routes to Korea from other parts of Asia and as far away as the USA. There aren’t as many routes as there were in 2019, but they are returning month by month.

Booking a flight to Korea is one of the first things most people do and finding the right flight can really affect your travels. Choosing the right flight not only affects how much money you need to spend, but also when you’ll arrive, how you’ll get to your hotel, and where you’ll arrive in Korea.

Check out my guide to booking flights to Korea to discover the best ways to book a flight to Korea, including the best time to book (21 to 127 days before travel), where to get cheap flights, the various airlines that offer flights to Korea, and lots more.

Arriving At Incheon Airport

Most flights to Korea arrive at Incheon Airport, which is near Seoul. It takes about an hour to get to the centre of Seoul from Incheon Airport and there are various transportation options including a high-speed train, subway, limo buses, taxis, and private transfers.

The best option for transferring from Incheon Airport to your hotel is usually a limo bus as these run to popular areas of Seoul, such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Insadong. There’s also a direct train to Seoul Station and a subway that goes to Seoul Station via Hongdae.

Arriving during the daytime gives you the best options for getting from Incheon Airport into Seoul, while nighttime flights will leave you fewer options. There are a few night buses that run, but late arrivals will either need to stay at the airport or book a private transfer or taxi instead. More details about taking a taxi from Incheon Airport can be found in my guide to taxis in Korea .

If you want to book a private transfer direct to your hotel from Incheon Airport, contact Jerry Heng , a freelance driver. I want to recommend Jerry as he has years of experience organising airport pick-ups and drop-offs, as well as personalised tours around Korea. He’s also a friendly guy.

Recommended Flight Comparison Sites

I suggest checking at least one flight comparison website before booking any flights. You can alter the arrival and departure times, flight duration, choose direct or indirect flights, and sort by price to find the perfect flight for you. Skyscanner is my preferred comparison site, but they’re all useful.

Take time to change the dates and flight times to find the most suitable flights for you. Cheaper flights often have inconvenient arrival times, so you should decide whether it’s worth the hassle to save a bit of money. Sometimes spending more for the right flight is worth it, especially when time is limited.

I try to go for a balance of convenience and savings and avoid flights that arrive late at night or leave too early in the morning. These flights require you to book an extra night at the airport or make you lose time when you could be travelling and doing more interesting things.

Here are 4 of the best flight comparison sites for booking flights to Korea:

Skyscanner is one of the most popular flight aggregators and offers flights, hotels, and other travel bookings for all major destinations. Skyscanner shows airline environmental ratings and which flights are practical or difficult.

Expedia is a large US travel company that offers tours, flights, hotels, and other services around the world. You can book hotel and flights together, to save you time and effort when travelling. A good place to start your flight search.

Kayak is great for people looking for cheap flights to Korea. You can see price trends for your flight to Korea to see when the best prices are available. There are also lots of budget travel options on the site that can save you more.

WayAway is a flight comparison site for the modern generation, with Instagram tips & travel advice as well as a good selection of cheap flights. You can get cashback on bookings with their premium service.

Where To Stay In Seoul

Incheon Airport is the main arrival destination for most travellers visiting Korea, with more than 71 million travellers passing through the airport in 2019, making it the world’s 14th busiest airport . It’s close to Seoul and has lots of transportation options to get into Korea’s capital.

Seoul is the first place people visit, not only because it’s close to Incheon Airport, but because it’s undeniably the heart and soul of Korea. The greater Seoul area includes about 50% of Korea’s population (25 million people) and is by far the biggest, most vibrant, and fun city in Korea.

To travel to Korea you need either a K-ETA or tourist visa . One of the requirements to apply for these is the address of the first place you’ll be staying in Korea. Therefore, you should book at least your first hotel in Korea so you can begin those applications. Seoul is an ideal first place to stay.

Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In Seoul

Deciding where to stay in Seoul can be difficult because there are so many unique neighbourhoods, each offering something interesting for travellers to experience. Knowing which has the best sights, entertainment, culture, shopping, transport, markets, restaurants, cafes, etc., is useful.

Seoul’s neighbourhoods typically contain a mixture of several of these elements and will appeal to different types of travellers. Below is a very rough guide for which neighbourhood each type of traveller might enjoy. Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in each area.

As you can see from the list above, both Hongdae and Myeongdong have a lot to offer and I would definitely recommend either of these neighbourhoods for first time travellers to Seoul. Even people who have travelled to Korea before will find lots of reasons to stay there. They’re where I usually stay.

I have detailed guides to hotels in the two best districts for staying in Seoul – Hongdae and Myeongdong. My guide to hotels in Hongdae includes a range of hotels for all types of travellers, while my guide to hotels in Myeongdong highlights Myeongdong’s best budget to mid-range hotels.

Each neighbourhood feels unique and offers something to discover, from traditional markets and eateries, modern Insta-worthy cafe districts, peaceful parks and lakes, world-class skyscrapers, and many fun activities. Wherever you choose to stay, you’re sure to find something you enjoy.

I’ve included the 8 best neighbourhoods in Seoul in this South Korea travel guide, along with a small summary about what you can expect in each area. These are the most popular areas for tourists to stay in, but certainly not the only places to stay. There are also links to hotels in these areas.

Here are the 8 best neighbourhoods in Seoul:

Myeongdong is arguably one of the best places to stay in Seoul for any traveller. It has the best range of budget and mid-range hotels in Seoul and is conveniently located for sights, activities, and public transport. It’s close to popular tourist sites, such as the N Seoul Tower and royal palaces. There are traditional markets and Myeongdong’s famous street food alley to check out. As Myeongdong is popular with tourists, you’ll find more people that can speak English and places to exchange money.

Hongdae is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Seoul and a must-see for any traveller to the city. This area has emerged as a creative hotbed for the latest Korean fashion, art, food, and culture, thanks to innovations from students of nearby universities. Youth culture is on display in Hongdae’s main and side streets, with boutique shops, trendy bars and cafes, inventive restaurants, street art, and live performances. If you want to see a vibrant, colourful side of Seoul, then Hongdae is the place for you.

Gangnam is an upscale area of Seoul that’s home to some of Korea’s biggest stars. This area was where K-Pop was invented, as can be seen by the golden Gangnam Style statue outside COEX Mall. Gangnam is a lot more than that, and is a powerful business area with Seoul’s best shopping and dining experiences, as well as some of the city’s finest cafes and bars. Gangnam has a host of upmarket hotels that provide outstanding luxury, but also has a selection of budget and mid-range hotels making it accessible for all travellers.

Jongno is the area north of Myeongdong that includes Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseongdong Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, 4 of Seoul’s royal palaces, the presidential Blue House, and lots more. This area is packed full of interesting sights and traditional restaurants and tea houses to explore. You can find a good range of hotels in Insadong, Seoul’s artistic area that is home to artists and tourist-friendly attractions. There are also guesthouses and apartments to rent in the residential areas of Jongno that offer a more homely stay.

Jamsil is an upmarket residential neigbourhood close to Gangnam that’s home to one of Korea’s largest companies, Lotte. You’ll find the Lotte World Tower, Lotte World Theme Park, and Lotte Aquarium in this area, as well as the beautiful Seokchon Lake and leafy Olympic Park. Jamsil is a great base for people visiting for cherry blossoms in spring as the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Seoul’s best. There are lots of trendy cafes and bars near the lake and it’s a relaxed part of the city to stay in.

Dongdaemun is known for both its traditional markets, where you can buy a range of goods, as well as the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The area is an unusual mix of traditional Seoul, with Gwangjang Market offering some of Seoul’s best Korean street food, and modern culture, displayed by the night markets and art installations at the DDP. There are lots of cheap eats and bargain markets and malls in this area, making it a great place to stay if you plan to do a lot of bargain shopping in Seoul.

Yongsan is the area encompassing the N Seoul Tower, the popular international area of Itaewon, the trendy hilltop area of Haebangchon (HBC), Seoul Station, the National Museum of Seoul, and many riverside parks. Yongsan has a busy train station with towering skyscrapers and hotels around it catering to business and luxury travellers, as well as shoppers. This quiet business and residential area has good transport links and fewer crowds than other parts of Seoul, as well as interesting cultural attractions.

Yeouido is a large island that rests in the Han River, overlooking Hongdae and Yongsan. It has some of the best parks in Seoul and is a popular place for locals to walk along the river on weekends and at night. These parks are home to Seoul’s biggest cherry blossom festivals, as well as summer night markets, fireworks performances, live music, and people enjoying life outside of work. Yeouido is the upmarket financial centre of Seoul, making it an ideal base for business, luxury, and family travellers.

Seoul’s neighbourhoods are informal designations, not necessarily the official district name. For example, Hongdae is a neighbourhood in the Mapo-gu district and Myeongdong a neighbourhood in the Jung-gu district. Whereas Jongno is both the neighbourhood and district name (Jongno-gu).

You might see some areas referred to differently. However, the terms I’ve used in this section are the names most commonly used to describe these areas by tourists and expats. Koreans will certainly know which area of Seoul you’re talking about when you use these names.

Learn more : If you want to know more about Seoul’s best districts and figure out where the best place to stay for your trip to Korea, then check out my detailed guide about where to stay in Seoul . It’s packed with useful info about each neighbourhood, hotel recommendations for different budgets, and tips about booking accommodation in Seoul. Also learn more about the Han River Boat Service launching in 2024 to connect Yeoudio, Jamsil and other riverside destinations.

Hotel Recommendations For Seoul

There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of hotels in Seoul to choose from ranging from multi-person dorm rooms to the height of luxury looking down over Seoul from a 5-star hotel room in the Lotte World Tower . Whatever your budget or requirements, there’ll be somewhere to stay in Seoul for you.

To save you time searching for the best places to stay in Seoul, I’ve created a list of the 9 best luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels in Seoul, as well as 6 long-stay serviced apartments. This list has been created based on customer reviews, location, facilities, amenities, reputation, and quality.

I live outside of Seoul, so often book hotels when I’m visiting Seoul for the weekend . I’ve stayed at quite a few of these, so can personally recommend them based on my own experience. I’ve had both good and bad hotel experiences in Seoul and only want to recommend the best to you.

Recommended Luxury Hotels

Seoul has some incredible luxury hotels to enjoy, each with a true 5-star service, excellent amenities, and delectable restaurants. Many of Seoul’s best luxury hotels are located in Gangnam, Seoul’s wealthiest district, where you can find top restaurants and designer brand shopping.

Recommended Mid-Range Hotels

If you want to experience a luxurious stay in Seoul without breaking the bank, then these mid-range hotels will be perfect for you. These unique, 4-star hotels are reasonably priced and provide stylish, comfortable rooms that you’ll sleep easily in after a busy day exploring Seoul.

Recommended Budget Hotels

Seoul has a wide range of excellent budget hotels with prices that might surprise you for a large city. These are some of my favourite places to stay in Seoul when I visit for the weekend and are popular with travellers due to their convenient location, facilities, and comfortable beds.

Recommended Serviced Apartments

If you plan to stay in Seoul for a month or more, these serviced apartments will provide you all the comforts of home with the benefits of staying at a hotel. These excellent serviced apartments come with cleaning services, health facilities, cooking facilities, and are value for money.

Cost To Travel In South Korea In 2024

This part of the South Korea travel guide will help you understand some of your expected costs to travel to Korea. The costs to travel to Korea include flights, accommodation, food, drinks, transportation, activities, sim cards, visas, souvenirs, travel insurance, and lots more.

The costs you will pay when you travel vary massively depending on what type of traveller you are and what style of travel you can afford. If you want 5-star luxury and fine-dining, your budget will be very different from someone eating ramyeon from 7-11 and staying in a budget guesthouse.

Therefore, I will try to provide expected costs for 3 different types of traveller – budget , mid-range , and luxury . These aren’t exact figures, but should give you a rough idea of how much you’ll spend.

Daily Costs To Travel In Korea

There are costs that you will pay each day when travelling in Korea that can be averaged out to give you a daily cost. Knowing these figures will help you plan your budget for Korea and to see where you can afford to spend more for the one-off costs to travel, which will be covered next.

The daily costs are accommodation, food & drinks, transportation, attractions & tours, and miscellaneous expenses that can pop up unexpectedly. These miscellaneous costs might include getting a street food snack, an unexpected entrance fee, or a few extra drinks in the evening.

Transportation will be covered later in this South Korea travel guide and there are some useful tips to reduce your transportation costs. You will also be able to see some of the best attractions, tours, and activities in Korea and you’ll be able to work out how much you’ll spend on those.

Here are the daily costs per person to travel in Korea:

Please note : These are costs per day, per person . Couples and families sharing a room will have lower costs as double rooms aren’t much more expensive than single rooms. Some days will be cheaper, some much more expensive, especially if you take day trips or visit premium attractions.

There are also one-off costs not included in these daily costs. These can be pre-travel costs, such as flights and a K-ETA or tourist visa (already covered), travel insurance, vaccinations, and such like. Pre-travel costs are different for each traveller and depend on your country of residence.

Other one-off costs during travel in Korea may include day tours, souvenirs, shopping, celebrations, medical costs, and expenses that you don’t normally pay each day. Again, these vary for each traveller and are difficult to calculate as people’s budgets are so different.

Is Korea A Cheap Country To Travel In?

Korea is relatively cheap country to visit, but certainly isn’t always a budget destination. The cost to travel to Korea has risen over the last few years and might be more expensive than you think, even if you’ve previously visited Korea. Flying to Korea is certainly more expensive now.

Food costs rose by 7.5% in 2022 alone and these costs have been passed on to restaurants, which now charge higher prices for meals. Transportation costs rose by about 20% in 2023 for buses and subways, although these are still relatively cheap compared to some countries.

Despite these price increases, travelling in Korea is still cheaper than travelling in most other high-income industrialised countries such as Japan, the USA, and Western Europe. If you’re from countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, or Malaysia, Korea may seem expensive.

City Passes That Save You Money In Seoul

There are a number of city passes that can save you money when visiting Seoul by offering free or discounted entry to some of the best attractions in the city for a single price. The original city pass for Seoul is the Discover Seoul Pass, but now there is also the Go City Pass and Klook Pass Seoul.

Here’s a summary of each of these Seoul city passes:

Discover Seoul Pass : Available in 24 | 48 | 72 hour periods, allows entry to top attractions in Seoul such as Lotte World Adventure, N Seoul Tower, COEX Aquarium, Alive Museum, Zoolung Zoolung, Sealala Sauna, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and more. Prices start at 50,000 KRW .

Go City Seoul Pass : Available as 1 – 5 day passes or a flexible pass for up to 7 attractions. Covers a wider amount of attractions than the DSP, including a DMZ Tour, Nanta Cookin’ Musical, Seoul Land, Seoul Pub Crawl, Seoul Ghost Tour, and more. Prices start at 68,000 KRW .

Klook Pass Seoul : Available for use 2 – 5 attractions, including Everland or Lotte World Adventure theme parks. The Klook Pass Seoul allows free entry to selected attractions within a 30 day period. Attractions include the N Seoul Tower and Lotte World Aquarium. Prices start at 44,000 KRW .

If you’d like to know more about these passes, be sure to check out my article about the Klook Pass Seoul , as well as my suggested Discover Seoul Pass itineraries . I’ll have a review article of the Go City Seoul Pass soon, too.

How To Save Money In Korea

There are always ways to save money and spend less in Korea. Budget options exist for travellers and you can travel in Korea for less than 150,000 KRW per day, even as little as 50,000 KRW per day. Here are some of the ways you can save money in Korea and travel more for less:

Eat like a local : Visit the traditional markets, food stalls, and traditional Korean restaurants. These are much cheaper than eating foreign foods in Korea. University areas are usually cheap, too.

Spend less on coffee : Coffee in Korea can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. A latte could cost you 5,000 KRW in a chain store, but there are cheap hole-in-the-wall cafes where it’s half that.

Shop in the markets : From designer goods (possibly fake) to souvenirs, the markets of Seoul and other cities usually have the best prices. Don’t be afraid to haggle.

Use public transport : Korea has a fantastic public transport network both in cities and between cities. Don’t waste money on taxis and private transfers when you can use a bus or subway.

Book everything online : You can find discounted entry and tour tickets online that are much cheaper than the regular price. Use Klook , Get Your Guide , and Viator for the best prices.

Stay in guesthouses and hostels : You can find rooms for as little as 10,000 KRW per night in shared dorms and 20,000 KRW in guesthouses. Book ahead to find the best prices.

Take advantage of free things : There are lots of places you can visit for free in Seoul and free services, such as walking tours in Seoul, 30-minute hanbok rentals, and even free entry to the palaces.

Get your tax back : Korea makes it really easy to recover tax you’ve paid when shopping. Stores in Seoul will process tax returns for you or you can claim a refund at the airport when you leave.

You will see tips and links in this South Korea travel guide that are designed to help you save money when you visit Korea. Booking tours, attractions, and sim cards in advance can save you a lot of money, as can using a T-Money card and Wise travel card. Keep reading for more money-saving tips.

Travel Money And Money Exchanges In Korea

If you follow the tips in this section of this South Korea travel guide, you can certainly save yourself a lot of money and avoid unnecessary fees when spending in Korea. Learn where and how to exchange money, how to avoid ATM and card fees, and how to get tax back before you leave.

Because this section covers a lot of the common questions people ask about travel money in Korea, it will be broken down into a question and answer format. This should make it easier for you to find the information you’re looking for and discover answers you didn’t know you were looking for.

Can You Use A Foreign Card In Korea?

Almost all foreign credit cards with Visa or Mastercard will be accepted in Korea and it is possible to use these cards to pay across the country. American Express is also accepted in popular tourist areas, but not as widely as Visa or Mastercard and may have problems outside of big cities.

Foreign debit cards should work if they use Visa or Mastercard, but there may be restrictions in place with your bank when using them abroad. It is recommended that you call your bank to check before travelling. For both credit and debit cards, check your bank for any fees you’ll pay overseas.

Can You Withdraw Cash From An ATM In Korea?

You can withdraw cash from ATMs in Korea using a debit card, but not all ATMs will accept international cards. Look for a sign saying ‘Global ATM’ or ‘Foreign Currency ATM’ to withdraw cash in Korea with a debit card. You can also withdraw cash using a credit card, but it’s more expensive.

Whether you use a debit or credit card, an ATM is likely to charge a fee to withdraw money using a foreign card. Your bank or credit card company may also charge a fee or give a bad exchange rate. These costs can add up a lot if you withdraw regularly, so try to make fewer withdrawals.

Learn more : Should you use cash or card when you visit Korea? This article about the how to pay in Korea has lots of useful information about payment methods in Korea, including alternatives to the usual mix of cash and a credit card.

How Can You Save Money When Paying By Card In Korea?

Instead of using a foreign debit or credit card in Korea, which might have expensive fees or not work in places, here are two better options. The first is the WOWPASS travel card , which offers tourist-friendly card services in Korea. The other is to apply for a travel card that can be used globally.

Both the WOWPASS and the two other travel cards offer the ability to pay by card in Korea and to withdraw cash in Korean won. They also offer better exchange rates than you’ll find in airport or local money exchanges in Korea. They each have some unique features, which will be illustrated below.

Pay Like A Local With WOWPASS

The WOWPASS is a new way to pay in Korea that combines the essential functions of a T-Money transportation card with the benefits of a local debit card. This is a prepaid card you can top up at more than 90 locations in KRW or your own currency. Just look for the bright orange WOW machines.

The T-Money function in the WOWPASS means it’s more useful than other travel cards as you don’t need to carry two separate cards when you travel. Please note, you still need to charge the T-Money balance of WOWPASS with cash, just like a regular T-Money card.

The WOWPASS travel card allows you to add up to 1,000,000 KRW to your card and can be used to pay for almost anything in Korea without any fees. The card is issued by a Korean company, so you can use it to withdraw cash at any WOWPASS machine located in Seoul & other cities in Korea.

Thanks to the user-friendly WOWPASS app, users can freeze or replace their card, check their spending, add funds, and check exchange rates. Because the WOWPASS isn’t tied to your home bank account, it also reduces the damage by card fraud, in case the worst was to happen.

As well as a regular WOWPASS, you can also reserve the All-In-One Airport Package , which includes the WOWPASS, 10,000 KRW T-Money balance, and a discounted Korean sim card. This is really useful for those who want to get connected and travelling as soon as they arrive in Korea. Get the WOWPASS app for Android or Apple .

Tip : Use the invitation code INMYKOR1 to get cashback on WOWPASS top-ups in foreign currency.

Overseas Travel Cards You Can Use In Korea

Overseas travel cards are another option for spending in Korea and I use them myself to spend money from my UK bank account in Korea, as well as when travelling in other countries. They’re really simple to use and are much cheaper than paying with my foreign card or exchanging money.

Two of the leading travel card companies are Wise and Revolut . I use both of these to pay for things in Korea and have written an article about how to use the Wise card in Korea . You can use them to pay for hotels, food, drinks, transportation, taxis, attractions, and lots more. They’re really useful.

Here’s a summary of the main features of these travel cards:

The Wise travel card allows you to easily transfer and convert money from your home bank account into dozens of other currencies and use this money to pay when you’re travelling. You only need to transfer as much as you plan to spend and can easily transfer back anything you haven’t. The exchange rate will be better than your bank or a money exchange offers, too.

A versatile, easy to use app breaks down what you’ve spent by category so you can track your travel spending. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, pay by QR code, use it for Google Pay, and pay by contactless. Even if you lose your card, you can still spend money. It’s also really safe as you can freeze your card, set spending limits, and limit how much money you transfer.

The Revolut travel card can be used in Korea to pay for a wide range of goods and services without expensive fees for spending your home currency overseas. Unlike the Wise travel card, which lets you transfer money into different currencies and then spend in a local currency, such as Korean won, the Revolut travel card lets you pay fee-free with your home currency.

The Revolut travel card comes with an easy to use app that can be used to manage your money both at home and when travelling in Korea. You can check your spending with categories and reports and set budgets for your spending. The Revolut travel card also offers cashback in the US, stock and crypto investments, and the same security features as the Wise travel card.

Can You Use Apple Pay In Korea?

Apple Pay wasn’t previously available in Korea due to a lack of approval by Korea’s financial regulator. However, in February 2023, Apple Pay received approval to begin operating in Korea through the Hyundai Card Co., allowing payments with Apple devices from March 2023 onwards.

The Apple Pay payment system has been available in Korea since March 21st , 2023 and allows Apple Pay members to pay for goods and services at NFC-enabled payment terminals. However, on the launch date of Apple Pay, there were only 70,000 NFC-enabled payment terminals in Korea.

The lack of NFC-enabled payment terminals will be a big issue for Apple Pay users in Korea as there are around 2,900,000 shops in Korea and most won’t accept Apple Pay. Franchises like Starbucks can’t accept Apple Pay and it can’t be used to pay for public transport. You’ll need a T-Money card.

Samsung Pay, which uses MST technology, not NFC, currently dominates the Korean market. NFC-enabled terminals should grow, especially in tourist areas and city-centres from 2023 onwards. This will be good news for Google Pay, which also uses NFC technology and also isn’t in use in Korea yet.

Should You Exchange Money Before Travelling To Korea?

It is not necessary to exchange money into Korean won before travelling to Korea, but it can certainly be useful to have a small amount of money. Exchange rates for Korean won outside Korea may not be as good as within Korea and changing large amounts of cash before you travel isn’t essential.

It might be hard to get Korean won from your local bank or money exchange as it’s not one of the most commonly exchanged currencies. Therefore, you might find exchange rates less favourable and extra fees applied to exchange money. Using travel cards like Wise or Revolut is a better option.

Should You Change Money At Incheon Airport?

I’ve travelled around the world and always avoid exchanging money at the airport if I can help it. Airports often have the worst rates for money exchange as they know people need to get local cash, there aren’t many other options, and you need at least a bit of money to travel to your hotel.

Incheon Airport is an exception to this rule and I’ve compared travel exchange rates at several times when flying into and out of the airport. The foreign currency exchange rates at Incheon Airport aren’t that bad and are just slightly higher than what you’d find in Seoul. Not the best, but not bad.

There are also Global ATMs at Incheon Airport, so you can withdraw cash here. If you have a Wise or Revolut travel card, you can withdraw up to $200 fee-free from an ATM in Korea. However, Korean banks will charge a withdrawal fee (about 3,000 KRW), which applies to any foreign card used.

Where Can You Exchange Money In Seoul?

Seoul is the first destination for most travellers to Korea and if you want to save money on exchange rate fees, I recommend exchanging money in the capital. There are two main options for exchanging money easily and quickly in Seoul – WOW money exchange machines and money exchanges.

Here’s a summary about the two main ways to exchange money in Seoul:

The cheapest and most convenient option for exchanging money in Seoul is through a WOW money exchange machine. This automated machine gives the best exchange rates and can quickly and easily exchange foreign cash for Korean won. It doesn’t accept card payments, only cash. All you need to do is scan your passport and deposit your cash and it will convert it into Korean won immediately. There are dozens of these machines in Seoul, as well as in other cities like Busan and Daejeon.

The traditional way to exchange foreign currency in Seoul was through a money exchange. You can find these in Myeongdong, where many tourists stay and visit in Seoul. There are also money exchanges inside banks and in other tourist hotspots. These used to be the best place to exchange money, until the WOW money exchanges were introduced and travel cards like Wise and Revolut made it easier to use a card. If you want to use a money exchange in Seoul, Myeongdong is the best place to do it.

Can You Get Tax Back When Shopping In Korea?

Travellers to Korea can claim tax back on eligible purchases during their trip. This can be done immediately after you purchase an item (if the shop offers the service) or at Incheon Airport or other airports in Korea before you depart.

Instant tax refunds are available at certain locations in Seoul and other big cities. These are usually department stores and large chain stores. You are able to claim tax refunds for goods up to a total value of 2,500,000 KRW (incl. tax). There is a tax refund limit of 500,000 KRW per transaction.

2024 Tax Refund Changes : From 2024, the tax refund limits will be doubled, so you will be able to claim up to 5,000,000 KRW of tax back and claim up to 1,000,000 KRW back per transaction. Source: Korea Herald .

To claim a tax refund you need:

• To show your passport
• To be a tourist in Korea
• To spend between 30,000 to 300,000 KRW in one place
• To be leaving Korea within 3 months

Tax isn’t refundable on all purchases, so be sure to check when shopping. Tax refunds can also be claimed at the airport as long as you have the receipt and the goods you’ve purchased.

Mobile Phones And Internet In Korea

Staying connected to the Internet when visiting Korea is becoming more and more essential these days. Keeping your mobile phone, tablet, or computer connected to the web is useful not only to stay in touch with people back home, but also to help you save money and travel Korea more easily.

There are several options to stay connected in Korea when you travel. The main options for travellers are tourist SIM cards, either physical or eSIMs, portable WiFi routers, and relying on free WiFi provided in public places and hotels. All of these are good options, but there are other considerations, too.

This South Korea travel guide will cover the main differences between Korean SIM cards and portable WiFi routers and which will be most suitable for you. There are also details about why you might want a Korean phone number and which apps to use to help you travel in Korea.

Don’t forget, if you bring your phone or other mobile devices to Korea, you’ll need a travel adapter .

Should You Get A Korean SIM Card Or WiFi Router?

Both a Korean SIM card or portable WiFi router will provide access to Korea’s high-speed mobile networks and keep you connected to the Internet. They provide a secure internet connection, but do so in a different way and with different available features. Find out about the best Korean SIM card for tourists in this SK SIM card review .

Here are the main features of Korean SIM cards and WiFi routers:

Costs : SIM cards and WiFi routers are similarly priced when using them for a two week period, but they are charged in different ways. SIM cards are fixed-price and can be bought for set time periods, whereas WiFi routers are charged daily. WiFi routers are cheaper in the short-term.

Ease of use : If you purchase or pre-order a SIM card or portable WiFi router at Incheon Airport, which I highly recommend, the staff will install or setup everything for you. Once they’re activated, it’s very simple to use either one. Cancelling and returning them at the airport is also easy for both.

Here are the reasons you should get a Korean SIM card or portable WiFi router in Korea:

You should get a Korean SIM card when visiting Korea to get a Korean phone number. The benefits of having a Korean phone number are mainly to make calls and use Korean apps. SIM cards are also useful if you want a secure connection everywhere you go and plan to make calls or send texts. When you have a SIM card, you can tether your network connection to connect other devices you own. Korean phone coverage is amazing and you’ll get service everywhere. SIM cards don’t require you to carry any extra devices and are cheaper over the long-run than WiFi routers.

You should get a portable WiFi router if you’re travelling in a group or as a family as you can connect multiple devices to one router. This is much cheaper than getting separate SIM cards for all travellers, but also requires people stay close together. WiFi routers are charged per day and if you need additional days, they’ll be automatically added and charged when you return the router. This means you’ll never have to worry about your service suddenly ending. The main downside to using a WiFi router is the lack of Korean phone number, but that might not be an issue if you don’t need one.

Where Can You Get Korean SIM Cards Or WiFi Routers?

You can get a Korean SIM card or portable WiFi router in several ways. The easiest way, and one that I definitely recommend, is to purchase online through a tour company such as Klook , Viator , or Get Your Guide , and get a SIM card at Incheon Airport or other entry point into Korea when you arrive..

The main reason I recommend this method is that you can guarantee you will get a SIM card or router and it will be waiting for you when you arrive. The collection desks at Incheon Airport are open 24-hours a day and they will help you install everything you need to get started immediately.

You can also get SIM cards and WiFi routers when you arrive at the airport and you should find similar rates. However, you won’t be guaranteed a device and you will need to pay in person. When you book online, you can pay in your home currency and avoid those issues.

I don’t recommend getting a SIM card or WiFi router in Seoul or other cities. It is possible, but you may run into language issues and find less tourist-friendly options. Phone shops outside the airport usually cater to Koreans, not tourists. Airport rentals are the easiest options for visitors to Korea.

What’s The Benefit Of A Korean Phone Number For Tourists?

There are two main benefits of having a Korean phone number for tourists. The first benefit is the ability to call people when you’re in Korea. This can be useful for making reservations, keeping in touch with people, and in case of emergencies.

The second benefit of having a Korean phone number is the ability to use Korean apps . It isn’t mandatory to have a Korean phone number to use Korean apps, but most won’t let you use their services unless you sign up with a phone number. Using Korean apps makes travelling easier.

A phone number is like a form of identity in Korea, which is why you need your passport to register a SIM card. Once you have a phone number, many more services are available, including food delivery, ordering taxis, making reservations (such as for the Busan Sky Capsule ), and online messaging.

What Apps Do I Need For Travelling In Korea?

If you have a Korean phone number, you can use Korean apps. Even without a Korean number, you can still download these apps and use some of their services. Full features typically require a phone number though. There are other, non-Korean apps that will help you when travelling, too.

Here are the most useful apps to use when travelling in Korea:

Papago : This is the essential translation tool for visiting Korea. Papago’s translation services are the best and you can use the app to take pictures and translate Korean signs, menus, and other pictures.

Naver Maps : To find your way around Korea, use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps. Their systems are much more accurate in Korea than Google Maps. Use them to plan travel routes and transport times.

Kakao Taxi : Uber and Grab don’t really exist in Korea, so if you plan to take a taxi, you’ll need to use Kakao Taxi. Simple to use and takes the hassle out of trying to use Korean to give directions.

Kakao Talk : This is Korea’s most popular messaging app and is useful for keeping in touch with Korean friends, contacting businesses in Korea, and even calling abroad.

Seoul Subway : Use this app to travel around Seoul’s underground more easily. Plan your route, see when the next train is due to arrive, check connections, and see how late the trains run.

Korail Talk : This app allows you to book trains on Korea’s high-speed train network and regular train routes. This app has an English setting, so you can check train times and prices easily.

Coupang Eats : This is a food-delivery app that allows you to order almost anything edible and get it sent directly to you. You can even order convenience store goods. Useful for rainy days.

Mango Plate : Find restaurants in Korea with this app and discover the best places to go out and eat. You can also see restaurant details and get directions in Naver Maps and Kakao Maps.

WOWPASS : To use the WOWPASS to pay like a local in Korea and for T-Money functions, you’ll need the WOWPASS app. This will let you check your balances and spending and control your card.

Wise & Revolut : As mentioned in this South Korea travel guide, using a travel card to pay for items in Korea will save you money when you travel. If you use Wise or Revolut, make sure you have the app.

Klook : This company provides some of the best tours in Korea and if you make bookings through their website, you can easily manage them with the Klook app.

Intercity Bus by T-Money : This app is great for booking buses between cities in Korea. There is an English version that allows you to book tickets, check times, and see available seats.

These apps should be available on both Android and Apple. Some of these apps might default to Korean, but you should be able to change them to English in the side menu.

Is There Free WiFi In Korea?

Travellers in Korea have the option to not get a sim card or portable WiFi but still stay connected. This is thanks to the excellent Free Wifi in Korea that is provided in public transport, government buildings, restaurants, cafes, and many other places. This is mostly in the cities, however.

Hotels also provide free WiFi in most cities in Korea. If you plan to rely on free WiFi, I recommend using the hotel’s WiFi to plan routes, check opening times, and research places you want to visit. Take screenshots of these details so you can see them later, even if you don’t have Internet access.

The only warning I would give about relying on free WiFi when travelling in Korea is the increased use of mobile-dependent apps and passes in Korea. Physical tickets and passes are being phased out in favour of digital versions, which often need an active Internet connection to use.

I’ve noticed in recent years that services that impact travellers have moved to digital versions. This includes the T-Money card, Discover Seoul Pass, train and coach tickets, attraction tickets and event tickets. I believe that having a reliable net connection will be a must for most travellers soon.

Using Public Transport In Korea In 2024

This section of the South Korea travel guide looks at Korea’s public transport system and how to navigate it as a traveller. Korea has arguably one of the best public transport systems in the world. It’s cheap, well-connected, frequent, and runs on time. Other countries could learn a lot from Korea.

The great news for tourists is that Korea’s public transport is very foreigner friendly and information is provided in English in almost all places, as well as Chinese and Japanese in popular areas such as Seoul and Busan. Travelling by public transport in Korea is cheap, easy, and convenient.

How Much Does Public Transport Cost In Korea?

The cost of public transportation in Korea is fixed, no matter what day you purchase tickets on. If you buy one month in advance, or last minute, you will pay the same price for the journey. Journeys within a city are a single price and not dependent on how far you travel, unless you leave the city limits.

All journeys are single fares and you can’t buy return tickets. You will need to buy two singles when you want to travel somewhere and back again. The cost of a single fare depends on how you pay for the ticket – by cash or with a transportation card.

Here are the costs for public transport in Korea by payment method, type and user:

Please note : The cost of subway rides is set to rise to 1,400 / 1,500 KRW in October 2023. These prices will be adjusted when this occurs.

How Do You Pay For Public Transport In Korea?

The cost of public transport in Korea depends on whether you pay with a transportation card, such as T-Money, a Korea Tour Card , or Cashbee, or in cash. This applies to both subways and buses. If you use a transportation card, you should add credit to it, then touch it to the card reader at the subway or bus to pay.

To use cash to buy a subway ticket, you will need to buy a ticket at the station. For buses, you should pay the correct fare to the driver when boarding the bus. However, since 2022, buses across Korea have started to end the use of cash and some will insist on payment by transportation card only.

In the future, bus payments are expected to become simpler with fares deducted via bluetooth-enabled phones that have the relevant app downloaded. This system has already been in place in Gyeonggi Province since March 2022 and is likely to spread to more bus routes in the future.

I highly recommend getting a T-Money card when you travel to Korea. You can use it to pay for public transportation (at a discounted rate), and it will work almost everywhere in Korea. It can also be used to buy goods from shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s really convenient and a must-have for Korea.

Using T-Money To Pay For Public Transport In Korea

A T-Money card is the essential transportation card for using public transport in Korea. You can purchase one at Incheon Airport, subway and train stations, and convenience stores across Korea. The card can be used in many places. It never expires, so you can use it on different trips, too.

Here is how to use a T-Money card in Korea:

• Purchase a T-Money card (2,500 KRW)
• Add money to the card (cash top-up only)
• Enter the bus or subway station
• Tap the T-Money card against the card reader (see pic above)
• Tap the T-Money card again when you get off (for transfer discount)
• Recharge when necessary

I recommend adding about 10,000 KRW for each day you plan to travel in Korea. That means about 70,000 KRW for a week. You can add more money later if necessary. You can top up at convenience stores and transport stations. There is also an app version of T-Money, but the card version is better.

How Do You Use Trains In Korea?

The train network in Korea is divided into high-speed trains (KTX) and regular trains (ITX and Mugunghwa). The KTX network connects major cities in Korea and is convenient for travelling around Korea quickly and cheaply. The carriages are comfortable and come with modern facilities.

Unlike other forms of public transport in Korea, transportation cards like T-Money aren’t accepted for trains. You will need to buy a train ticket to travel and all tickets are single tickets. The price to buy a ticket doesn’t change and you can refund a ticket up to the last minute for only a small fee.

You can book tickets within 30 days of travel through the official Korail website or app, or at a train station in Korea. Unfortunately, buying a train ticket online in Korea can be difficult as Korean payment systems often reject cards issued outside of Korea. Buying in person is recommended.

How To Book Korean Rail Tickets Outside Of Korea

If you want to book Korean train tickets outside of Korea, you can do it online with Trip.com , which is Korail’s exclusive overseas distributor. The price is slightly higher (about 5%) than the price you’ll pay in Korea, but it will allow you to book tickets online and secure your seat in advance.

If you plan to travel on the main KTX route between Seoul and Busan, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance. There are three types of tickets available – first class, regular, and standing. The journey takes 2:34 and you don’t want to be standing for all that time. Book ahead for comfort.

Is The Korea Rail Pass Worth The Price?

The Korea Rail Pass is a good option for tourists who plan to travel long distances by train in Korea, such as between Seoul and Busan or Seoul and Jeonju. The pass has two main options – flexible and consecutive. These mean you can use it any time (flexible) or within consecutive days.

The flexible pass is more expensive, but offers more freedom to travel around Korea over a longer period. You can use the pass to only cover big journeys and won’t feel pressured to use it again until you’re ready. The extra cost is more than worth the inconvenience of having to rush travel plans.

Will you save money with the Korea Rail Pass? That depends on your travel plans, how often you’ll be travelling by train, and how many people are travelling. If there are 2 people or more, purchase the group saver pass and save 10,000 KRW each on the pass. Group tours make it better value.

The Korea Rail Pass does not allow you to ride on the subway for free, which would make it better value. It can also be complicated to reserve tickets online using the pass and buying tickets in the regular way is more convenient. Overall, the pass isn’t essential, but might save you money.

How Do You Use Taxis In Korea?

Taxis in Korea can be hailed from the street or called directly to you using apps such as Kakao Taxi . Companies like Uber and Grab don’t have a large presence in Korea and operate the same way as Kakao Taxi, by helping you find an official taxi driver. Private taxi services aren’t common.

The big issue facing the Korean taxi industry in 2024 is the lack of taxi drivers. This can make it hard to get a taxi, even when using an app like Kakao Taxi. Late night taxis are particularly difficult to find. Read this guide about how to use Kakao Taxi to help you learn how to call a taxi in Korea.

Taxi prices in Korea are reasonable, especially compared to countries like Japan and the UK. Although base taxi fares rose in 2023 to 4,800 KRW, the price is still low and relatively affordable to travel by taxi if you need to. It’s a good option if there are no direct public transport routes.

Taking a taxi to and from Incheon Airport is a convenient option if you have a lot of bags or you are travelling in a group. For solo travellers or couples, I would recommend using public transport or a limo bus, as it’s significantly cheaper and won’t take much longer than a taxi.

How Do You Use Intercity Buses In Korea?

Intercity buses in Korea operate in a similar way to trains. You can only book tickets within 30 days of travel and can only buy single tickets. Book tickets online through websites such as T-Money Bus or Bustago , through app versions of these sites, or at the bus terminal you will depart from.

You can’t walk onto intercity buses without a ticket, nor can you use transportation cards like T-Money to pay on entry. You will need to pay for and receive your ticket (physical or digital) before you can enter the bus. Ticket machines usually (but not always) have English options for buying tickets.

There are no return bus tickets in Korea and you can only buy tickets from your point of departure, unless you book online or via an app. If you’re travelling from Seoul to Gangneung, for example, you will need to buy a ticket in Seoul and then a ticket in Gangneung. You can’t buy both in Seoul.

How Can You Hire A Car In Korea?

Renting a car is a great way to see parts of Korea that aren’t covered by the train network and gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure. If you plan to travel to Jeju Island, which doesn’t have any trains, hiring a car will be a lot more convenient and is almost a must if you plan to travel inland.

Car rental in Korea isn’t that expensive and you can rent a modern car for as little as 75,000 KRW per day. I recommend booking car rentals through Klook , they will deal with the Korean car rental companies and reserve a car for you. This is easier than trying to do it in Korean.

To hire a car in Korea, you will need:

• Driver’s license (must have had it for at least 1 or 2 years)
• International Driving Permit (in some cases)
• Credit card (in the name of the main driver)
• Valid photo ID (passport)
• Printed voucher for rental (if booked online)

Here’s some more information about the International Driving Permit and rules you should follow when driving in Korea, such as the legal requirement to wear seatbelts, booster seats for under 6s, and not using your phone while driving. Be sure to read up on local rules before driving in Korea.

Best Places To Visit In Korea In 2024

The next few sections of this South Korea travel guide will help you figure out what you want to do and see on your travels. This first section will give you a brief introduction to the best places to visit in Korea, including the major cities, tourist hotspots, and unique areas that you’re sure to love.

Here are the best places to visit in Korea:

Seoul: Korea’s Capital

Seoul is Korea’s vibrant, bustling capital and truly a must-see for any first-time visitor to Korea. There is so much to see and do in Seoul that you could easily spend a week or more exploring the city and not get bored. You will find yourself falling in love with the city for different reasons. Maybe it’s the friendly people, the deliciously cheap street eats, the way things just work, the hidden murals on old buildings down side streets, the feeling of safety even in a big city, or the historic sights creeping out from modern buildings. Seoul includes everything Korea has to offer, plus a lot more you won’t find elsewhere.

What To See In Seoul

Here are 10 great places to visit in Seoul:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Myeongdong Street Markets
• Lotte World Tower & Seokchon Lake
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Markets
• Yeouido Han River Park & Cruise
• Secret Garden (Changdeokgung Palace)
• N Seoul Tower & Namsan Mountain
• COEX Mall & Bongeunsa Temple
• Bukhansan National Park

Busan: Big Coastal City

While Seoul is a showcase of all things Korean, Busan is unashamedly its own city and a celebration of coastal life and local culture. Busan is famous for fresh seafood, traditional markets, great beaches, big festivals, movies, temples, and places to explore the coast. Beaches are popular places to visit in Busan, along with cliff-side walkways with views over the ocean. Central Busan is a lively spot with lots of entertainment and markets to enjoy, including a famous fish market where you can choose your own lunch and then eat it. Busan is spread out and deserves several days to explore it properly.

What To See In Busan

Here are 10 great places to visit in Busan:

• Haeundae Beach & Beach Train
• Jagalchi Fish Market
• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Songdo Beach & Cable Car
• Huinnyeoul Culture Village
• BIFF Square & Centum City Mall
• Oryukdo Skywalk & Coastal Paths
• Lotte World Busan
• Busan X The Sky Observatory

Jeju Island: Natural Wonder

Jeju Island is a gorgeous island created from a volcano rising out of the ocean 2 million years ago. Today it’s one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of Nature and deservedly so. The lush island is packed with pine trees, tangerines, rolling hills and fields, cacti, and jet black volcanic rock tumbled all around. You can relax on a beach, go horse riding, explore ancient lava tubes, scuba dive, climb to the volcano’s peak, chill in a beach-side cafe, explore traditional markets, learn about local culture, and lots more. The island has two main cities, but the attractions are spread out along the coast.

What to See On Jeju Island

Here are 10 great places to visit on Jeju Island:

• Hallasan Mountain (Volcano)
• Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak
• Hyeopjae & Hamdeok Beaches
• Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
• Jeju Folk Village
• Yakcheonsa Coastal Buddhist Temple
• Jungmun Beach & Jusangjeolli Cliff
• O’Sulloc Green Tea Museum
• Cheonjiyeon & Jeongbang Waterfalls

Gyeongju: Historic Capital

Gyeongju , the former capital of the Shilla Kingdom in ancient Korea, is a true treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as local culture, history, and natural beauty. Described as an outdoor museum, you can see many of the big attractions in the Gyeongju Historic Area, including the 1,400 year Cheomseongdae Observatory . There’s so much to see in Gyeongju outside this area though, including the impressive Bulguksa Temple, one of the best Buddhist temples in Korea. There’s also the Bomun Lake Tourist District, a dreamy sight during cherry blossom season.

What To See In Gyeongju

Here are 10 great places to visit in Gyeongju:

• Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Shrine
• Cheomseongdae Observatory
• Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
• Yangdong Folk Village
• Hwangnidangil Hanok Street
• Daereungwon Tomb Complex
• Bomun Lake Tourist Complex
• Woljeonggyo Bridge
• Gyeongju National Museum
• Gyochon Traditional Hanok Village

Jeonju: Traditional Views & Food

Jeonju is the perfect destination for a day trip from Seoul and has most of its main attractions in one area of the city. What can you see in Jeonju? The main attraction is the gigantic Jeonju Hanok Village , featuring more than 700 traditional hanok houses. You can dress up in Korean hanbok, dine on Jeonju’s famous bibimbap in an old restaurant, and see how life in Korea used to be. There are plenty of other sights nearby, including a traditional market, pretty river, and the rather unusual Jaman Mural Village.

What To See In Jeonju

Here are 5 great places to visit in Jeonju:

• Jeonju Hanok Village
• Jeongdong Catholic Church
• Gyeonggijeon Shrine
• Nambu Traditional Market
• Jaman Mural Village

Suwon: Fortress City

Suwon is another city close to Seoul that you can visit in a day and see many interesting and unique sights. The main draw of Suwon is the Hwaseong Fortress and the fortress walls, which are still intact and run for 6km around the city. Inside this fortress you’ll find lots of museums, historic buildings, parks, and activities, such as archery. There are often cultural festivals in this area, too. Surprisingly, Suwon is the best place to get KFC (Korean Fried Chicken). There’s a whole street dedicated to making it.

What to See In Suwon

Here are 5 great places to visit in Suwon:

• Hwaseong Fortress & Fortress Walls
• Hwaseong Haenggung & Haengridan Gil
• Fried Chicken Street
• Korean Folk Village
• Gwanggyo Lake Park

Incheon: Modern City With Islands

Incheon is one of Korea’s largest cities, but is sadly ignored as it’s right next to Seoul and most people think it’s just there for the airport. That’s not true at all and there’s plenty to see and do in Incheon. Described as a futuristic city, Incheon is at the front of Korea’s push to become an ultra-modern country and nowhere shows that more than Songdo Central Park . The traditional side of Incheon is also worth exploring, including the Chinatown, which is home to Korea’s most popular student food – jajangmyeon . If you want to explore a lesser-seen side of Korea, check out the islands near Incheon to see ancient fortresses, temples, and charming sights.

What to See In Incheon

Here are 5 great places to visit in Incheon:

• Songdo Central Park
• Incheon Chinatown
• Wolmido Island
• Incheon Grand Park
• Ganghwa Jeondeungsa Temple

Gapyeong County: Tourists Treats

Gapyeong County is a rural part of Korea just outside Seoul that is one of the most popular day trip destinations for visitors and locals alike. Inside Gapyeong County is the lovely Garden of Morning Calm , a beautiful sculpted garden that showcases traditional Korean buildings set amongst thousands of different plants and trees. There’s also Nami Island , an ever-popular attraction that has long tree-lined streets to explore, woodland animals, bike paths, and even a zip line to the island. You can also visit Petite France, a recreation of a French village, Gapyeong Rail Bike Park, and Cheongpyeong Lake, and many other attractions in Gapyeong.

What To See In Gapyeong

Here are 5 great places to visit in Gapyeong:

• Nami Island
• Garden of Morning Calm
• Petite France
• Gapyeong Rail Bike Park
• Cheongpyeong Lake

North-East Coast: Amazing Beaches

The north-east coastal region of Korea, spreading between Sokcho and Gangneung , features some of Korea’s most popular summer seaside resorts and beaches. The wide, sandy beaches are perfect for water sports, working on your tan, and sitting at night listening to local musicians perform BTS covers and their own tunes. Sokcho deserves at least two days to explore, more if you plan to visit nearby Seoraksan National Park , one of Korea’s best places to see autumn foliage. Gangneung is where to see cherry blossoms in spring, sit and relax at a seaside cafe at Gangneung Coffee Street , and enjoy beach life.

What To See On The North-East

Here are 5 great places in north-east Korea:

• Sokcho Beach
• Gangneung Beach
• Seoraksan National Park
• Yangyang Surfyy Beach
• Gangneung Coffee Street

East Coast: Harbour Cities

Ulsan and Pohang are two industrial cities that don’t get enough attention, but are ideal for a weekend visit once you’ve explored other top sights. These coastal cities both have good beaches, coastal walks, and green spots, including a pretty bamboo forest in Ulsan. In Pohang, you can see the dizzying Space Walk , which looks out over the city and ocean. There’s also a former Japanese district with old buildings, and the famous Homigot Sunrise Square where you can watch the first sunrise of the year. Ulsan is famous for whaling and visitors should check out the charming Jangsaengpo Whale Museum and Daewangam Park.

What To See On The East Coast

Here are 5 great places on Korea’s East Coast:

• Yeongildae Beach & Space Walk
• Ilsan Beach & Daewangam Park
• Jangsaengpo Whale Museum
• Homigot Sunrise Square
• Taehwagang National Garden

South-West: Iconic Rural Destinations

South-west Korea is a long way from most travellers’ typical route, but this area is worth visiting if you have time. Gwangju , one of Korea’s largest cities, is hidden away down here and surrounded by natural beauty, including the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest , Boseong Green Tea Fields, and Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve. If you plan to hire a car , these spots will show you a completely different side to Korea. Gwangju, too, which is a fun city and the birthplace of Korean democracy. Hidden in the far corner of Korea is Mokpo, a lovely coastal city that has a new cable car carrying you over the ocean.

What to See In The South-West

Here are 5 great places in south-west Korea:

• Damyang Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
• Boseong Green Tea Fields
• Gwangju Culture Park & Penguin Village
• Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve
• Mokpo Marine Cable Car

South Coast Islands: Summer Getaways

Best explored during the hot summer months and early autumn, the south coast islands in Korea, which span from Busan to Mokpo, are where Koreans spend their summer holidays. The most popular destinations here are Geoje, Tongyeong, Yeosu, Namhae, and Goheung and each offers winding coastal paths, beaches, natural beauty, and fun summer activities. The best way to see these islands is with a rented car or by bike, riding around the coast visiting a few different beaches and attractions. Don’t expect too many cultural sights, instead you’ll find luges, gardens, water sports, and lots of fun.

What to See On The South Coast

Here are 5 great places on Korea’s South Coast:

• Dolsan Park & Cable Car
• Namhae Geumsan Boriam Hermitage
• Hallyeohaesang National Park
• Oedo-Botania Botanical Garden
• Skyline Luge Tongyeong

As you can see, there are many great places to visit in Korea. Korea is truly a country of undiscovered wonders that people aren’t aware of. Seoul is an incredible place to visit, but there’s so much more to see. That’s why I try to include lesser-known places in this South Korea travel guide.

The list above covers a lot of the most popular or tour-worthy destinations in Korea, but there are still more places I could recommend, such as Andong (home to the mask dance festival), Gunsan (port town with a retro vibe), Daegu (big city with historic sights), Daejeon , and many more.

Besides cities and towns in Korea, there are also 18 national parks to explore, thousands of mountains, Buddhist temples, beaches, bike routes, campsites, and so much more. I’ll include a few of each of these in the next few sections of this South Korea travel guide.

Best Day Tours From Seoul In 2024

Taking a day tour while you’re staying in Seoul is a great way to see more of Korea’s top attractions without the hassle of moving hotels to somewhere new. The 10 day tours from Seoul below can all be done in a day or less and can even be combined with other activities in the same day.

I don’t want to include every day tour available in this South Korea travel guide as there isn’t enough room to talk about them all. If you want to find more day tours, I recommend looking at the options available through tour providers such as Klook , Viator , and Get Your Guide .

Please note : There are many day tours from Seoul and they come with various prices. I recommend avoiding the very cheapest as these will often waste your time by taking you to some overpriced gift shop area and pressuring you to buy souvenirs or rushing you through too many attractions.

Here are 10 great day tours from Seoul:

Why Visit The DMZ

The DMZ, the demilitarised zone between North & South Korea is a truly unique place to visit when you’re in Korea. There are several different locations to see in this area, each reflecting the bitter struggle between the two Korea’s in the ongoing Korean War. Some of the highlights are the 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station, Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, and the Imjingak Park. There’s also the Panmunjom Truce Village where you can walk into North Korea, but this is currently closed. Tours are required to travel to certain parts of the DMZ.

Why Visit Gapyeong County

Gapyeong County is home to Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, Gapyeong Rail Bike Park, and several other fun attractions. Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm are the most popular and can both be visited in a day. You can witness beautiful scenes at these destinations, especially during cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage season (October). Tours from Seoul to Gapyeong County are convenient and can take you to multiple places in one day without the hassle of buses and finding your own way.

Why Visit Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress and its fortress walls offer a unique chance to see what life was like in Korea 200 years ago. Not only can you walk the full length of the walls around the city, you can also try archery and other traditional activities in the fortress grounds. There are many museums, fortress buildings, and exhibitions showing how people lived in this period. You can also enjoy the beautiful ponds and streams that run through the palace with traditional Korean restaurants and cafes looking out over these areas.

Why Visit Korean Folk Village

Discover traditional Korean life at the Korean Folk Village in Yongin during a day trip from Seoul. Walk through dozens of recreated farm buildings, government offices, academies, shops, smiths, schools, and other traditional buildings from Korea’s past to get a feel for how people lived at this time. Actors dressed in traditional Joseon-era costumes bring the scenes to life. You can try fun activities, such as mask carving, horse riding, and archery. Witness exciting festivals and cultural performances, too.

Why Visit Jeonju Hanok Village

A day trip to the Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju is a great way to experience various traditional Korean cultural activities in a beautiful setting. This sprawling hanok village has over 700 traditional buildings for you to explore, dine in, or even stay in. Make sure you rent hanbok in Jeonju so you look like Korean royalty and make memorable photos during your trip. Whilst you’re in Jeonju Hanok Village, you can try local delights such as Jeonju bibimbap and PNB chocopies. Also check out the traditional Nambu Market and Jeongdong Catholic Church.

Why Visit Alpaca World

When you travel to Korea, you may not think about seeing alpacas, which are from an entirely different continent. But Korea’s love of all things cute means that these furry friends have become very popular in Korea and have their own theme park a few hours from Seoul. There are dozens of cuddly alpacas to see, feed, and play with at Alpaca World , as well as hundreds of other cute critters such as ponies, rabbits, deer, goats, fennec foxes, and more. There are 17 separate areas to explore in Alpaca World and it’ll provide hours of fun for the whole family.

Why Visit Seoraksan

Seoraksan National Park on Korea’s east coast is a great day trip from Seoul for those who want to see mountain peaks, leafy valleys, stony rivers, and a gigantic Buddha. Even if you’re not a keen hiker, you can explore lots of the park’s valley pathways easily, or reach the top thanks to the convenient cable car. See the sights from the observatory and check out the small temple in the clouds. Make sure you try haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and makgeolli (rice wine). It’s the traditional meal Koreans enjoy after hiking.

Why Visit Everland

Everland is Korea’s biggest theme park and is packed with attractions for everyone to enjoy. Thrill seekers will love the rollercoasters, such as T Express (the world’s 4th steepest rollercoaster) and many more exciting rides. Check out the Zootopia section to see wild animals and wild rides, or the Plantopia section for floral beauty, romantic walkways, and seasonal delights. There are plenty of attractions, cultural performances, entertainments, and seasonal events to keep you amused all day long.

Why Visit Danyang

A great way to see Korea’s countryside is with a day trip to Danyang to enjoy the rush of sailing over valleys and beside mountains while tandem paragliding. Feel the wind in your face and the sensation of riding the air currents as you pass over the many delightful views of Danyang. You can enjoy other activities in this area, such as the Mancheonha Skywalk , a clifftop lookout with incredible views, riding an alpine coaster, and zooming along a zip line. The perfect day tour from Seoul for thrill seekers.

Why Visit Dae Jang Geum Park

Fans of Korean period dramas and movies will love a day trip to Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin. This is the largest historical drama filming set in Korea and was used to film MBC productions such as ‘Wind in the Palace’ and ‘The Great Queen Seondeok’, as well as K-Pop videos including Daechwita by Suga from BTS. If you’re lucky, you may see filming going on here. But even if you don’t, it’s a fun place for those who want to learn more about Korea’s history and take some cool pictures in a real movie set.

I’ve linked to tours provided by reliable tour companies in Korea. If you would rather book a tour through a local guide, contact Jerry Heng or Andrew Chung Hanbyul . They’re freelance guides with years of experience offering tours in Korea and both offer amazing service.

These places are accessible by public transport, but may take much longer than a tour would do, wasting your precious time. Check out my guide for getting to Nami Island to help you navigate Gapyeong County. For other destinations, I would recommend a tour – it’s more practical.

Best Sights To See In Korea In 2024

South Korea truly has something for everyone. There’s so much I want to include in this South Korea travel guide, which is why this section is full of different sights to see and explore. However, to keep things short and simple, I’ll just list them, not give full details about each one.

Whether you’re travelling to Korea to learn about Korean culture or history, to see Korea’s impressive landmarks, to enjoy family fun attractions, to hop from cafe to cafe, to immerse yourself in nature, or simply to eat and shop, then you’ll definitely find something for you in this section.

Famous Landmarks In Korea

Landmarks and iconic buildings are often top of a traveller’s bucket list for Korea as they provide great photo opportunities, showcase the best of the country, and offer fantastic views. Seoul has many top landmarks, but you can see plenty of other sights outside of the capital, too.

Here are 10 famous landmarks in Korea:

• Lotte World Tower (Seoul)
• N Seoul Tower (Seoul)
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Seoul)
• Cheonggyecheon Stream (Seoul)
• DMZ Area (near Seoul)
• Nami Island (Gapyeong County)
• Gamcheon Culture Village (Busan)
• Seongsan Ilchulbong (Jeju)
• Homigot Sunrise Square (Pohang)
• Banwol Purple Island (West Coast)

Historic Sights In Korea

Discover life in the Joseon period and before in Korea’s many captivating historic sights, including royal palaces, Buddhist temples, fortresses, and hanok villages. There are so many amazing historic sights to see in Korea, with each city having something to see.

Here are 10 historic sights in Korea:

• Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul)
• Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
• The Secret Garden (Seoul)
• Seoul Fortress Walls (Seoul)
• Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon)
• Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju)
• Gyeongju Historic Area (Gyeongju)
• Jeonju Hanok Village (Jeonju)
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (Busan)
• Andong Hahoe Village (Andong)

Korean Modern Cultural Sights

Fans of BTS, K-Dramas, Korean movies, and modern Korean culture in general have a lot to see and do in Korea. As well as famous filming locations across the country, these modern cultural sights will entertain, inform, and provide great destinations to visit.

Here are 10 modern cultural sights in Korea:

• Hallyu K Star Road (Seoul)
• K-Style Hub (Seoul)
• Hongik Uni. Station Area (Seoul)
• COEX Artium (Seoul)
• Asia Culture Centre (Gwangju)
• BIFF Square (Busan)
• Dae Jang Geum Park (Yongin)
• Sunshine Studio (Nonsan)
• Kim Gwang-Seok Street (Daegu)

Family Fun Attractions In Korea

Families travelling to Korea have plenty of things to see and do and ways to enjoy spending time together. There’s no Disneyworld or Universal Studios in Korea, but there are plenty of great alternatives, as well as places for children to explore, learn, and discover.

Here are 10 family fun attractions in Korea:

• Lotte World Adventure (Seoul)
• Everland Theme Park (Yongin)
• Seoul Grand Park & Zoo (Seoul)
• Alive Museum & Dynamic Maze (Seoul)
• Seoul Children’s Museum (Seoul)
• Zoolung Zoolung (Seoul)
• Sea Life Busan Aquarium (Busan)
• Jeju Dinosaur Island (Jeju Island)
• Alpaca World (Gangwon Province)
• Skyline Luge & Lotte World (Busan)

Korean Museums & Galleries

Travellers to Korea who want to learn about Korea’s history, culture, and art will love Korea’s impressive museums and galleries. These are great places to visit when the weather is bad and you might be surprised at how much there is to learn about Korea’s past.

Here are 10 museums & galleries in Korea:

• National Museum of Korea (Seoul)
• War Memorial of Korea (Seoul)
• Seoul Museum of Art (Seoul)
• Seoul Museum of History (Seoul)
• Seodaemun Prison Museum (Seoul)
• Museum Kimchikan (Seoul)
• National Folk Museum of Korea (Seoul)
• Gyeongju National Museum (Gyeongju)
• National Maritime Museum (Busan)
• Daegu Art Museum (Daegu)

Cafe Areas In Korea

When you need a break from travelling in Korea, visit one of these cosy cafe areas and take time to relax and recharge. Although Korea was traditionally a tea drinking country, cafes are now everywhere and you’ll find photogenic cafes everywhere these days.

Here are 10 cafe areas to visit in Korea:

• Ikseondong Hanok Village (Seoul)
• Gyeongui Line Parks (Seoul)
• Samcheondong Cafe Street (Seoul)
• Sinsa-dong / Garosugil Road (Seoul)
• Jukjeon Cafe Street (Seoul)
• Jeonpo Cafe Street (Busan)
• Haeridangil (Busan)
• Hwangnidangil (Gyeongju)
• Hwaseong Haenggung Area (Suwon)
• Gangneung Coffee Street (Gangneung)

Korean Markets & Malls

If you want the best selection of street food, souvenirs, and bargain shopping options, be sure to visit Korea’s many traditional markets. It’s a cultural experience itself. Korea also has some of the world’s largest malls with a wide variety of Korean and international goods.

Here are 10 markets & malls in Korea:

• Gwangjang Market (Seoul)
• Dongaemun Market (Seoul)
• Hongdae Shopping Street (Seoul)
• Starfield COEX Mall (Seoul)
• Jagalchi Fish Market (Busan)
• Seomyeon Underground Mall (Busan)
• Centum City Mall (Busan)
• Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market (Jeju)
• Nambu Market (Jeonju)
• Paju Premium Outlets (Paju)

Korean Natural Wonders

Korea is a country covered in mountains, waterfalls, valleys, rice terraces, and beautiful natural sights. Make time to visit some of these natural wonders when you visit Korea and you’ll be amazed at the incredible views you can find. The national parks are truly breathtaking.

Here are 10 natural wonders to see in Korea:

• Hallasan Mountain (Jeju)
• Jirisan National Park (Southern Korea)
• Seoraksan National Park (Gyeonggi)
• Garden of Morning Calm (Gapyeong)
• Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (Damyang)
• Boseong Green Tea Fields (Boseong)
• Udo Island (Jeju Island)
• Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak (Jeju)
• Hyeopjae Beach (Jeju)
• Suncheon Bay National Park (Suncheon)

These 100 ideas are just the tip of the iceberg for what you can enjoy when travelling to Korea. There’s so much more to discover and I recommend you add some time to your travel plans to explore without a plan. Sometimes the best travel memories come from unexpected discoveries.

Best Activities To Try In Korea In 2024

Often the most memorable moments when travelling come from the experiences we have, not just the places we visit. Visiting a palace is interesting, but visiting a palace while dressed in traditional Korean hanbok , pretending you’re Joseon-era royalty with your friends or family is much more fun.

This section of the South Korea travel guide offers 10 fun activities you can try when you visit Korea. These will give you a good introduction to Korean culture, food, history, and nature. If you want more ideas, check out my list of 50 unique Korean experiences you can only do in Korea.

One of the top experiences to try in Korea has to be wearing Korean hanbok. It is available for all members of the family (even pets) and you can rent hanbok near most palaces or hanok villages. The hanbok easily fit over your regular clothes and come in a variety of colourful or traditional designs. You can get hair styling, accessories, and even have a hanbok photoshoot . Rentals can be as short as one hour or up to a full day.

Travellers to Korea can’t say they’ve truly tried Korean cuisine until they’ve eaten Korean street food from a market stall or street vendor. There are many types of Korean street food to sample in Korea, such as savoury snacks like tteokbokki and eomuk , to sweet treats like hotteok and bungeo-ppang . Korean street food is cheap and delicious. It’s usually not that healthy, but always leaves you feeling great. Give it a try.

Experience life as a Korean would have in the Joseon-era with a night in a traditional hanok house. A hanok stay is very different from sleeping in a hotel and allows you to try a night on a futon (with underground heating keeping you warm in winter). Slide the doors aside in the morning and walk out onto the wooden decking to enjoy traditional Korean tea at a low table and the sight of the ornately decorated garden. Don’t forget to take your shoes off before you enter.

Seoul and other cities in Korea still have fortress walls you can walk or hike along that will offer incredible views of cities and mountains. As you walk along the fortress walls, you begin to imagine what life would have been like as a soldier keeping the city safe from invaders. Nowadays, you can enjoy exercise and sightseeing at the same time. Seoul’s fortress walls are a good place to start, but you can find fortress walls in many other places.

Visiting a Korean sauna might be a bit shocking for first-time travellers to Korea, but it’s a great way to relax and is especially good in winter. When you enter a Korean sauna, you should take off all your clothes, have a shower, and then enter one of the hot baths. Being naked in front of others can be scary for some, but you soon overcome that fear. Korean saunas sometimes have a communal resting area called a jjimjjilbang . These areas require pyjamas and offer snacks, drinks, and places to rest.

The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism have set up a templestay program at dozens of temples across Korea where you spend a day or two at the temple and join in various activities. This is truly a unique experience that you should try in Korea as you get to see customs performed by the monks that aren’t normally shown to the public. You also get to stay overnight at the temple and experience a hanok stay at the same time. Guests can also eat healthy vegan temple food, learn a lot, and chat with the monks.

A noraebang is the Korean version of a karaoke room, but is more popular in Korea and is commonly visited by locals and tourists alike. This is a great place to visit in the evening after a big Korean bbq meal and a few drinks. Everyone can relax and belt out their favourite Korean or international tunes together (or alone), shake some tambourines in support, or just watch and enjoy the atmosphere with some drinks. You can find these in every town and city in Korea and they provide a cheap night of fun and drinks.

Open since 2020, the Sky Bridge at Lotte World Tower offers unbeatable views of Seoul and a nerve-racking trip above the city. Walk between the two towers at the top of the Lotte World Tower and peer down the 541 metre drop to the city streets below. It’s actually very safe and you’re strapped into a harness as you walk from one side to the other, but this definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’re not sure you can handle the height, check out the Seoul Sky Observatory on the 117th floor instead.

Koreans love to drink coffee and also love cute, unusual things, which is probably why theme cafes have become so popular in Korea. Besides the many cat cafes, there are theme cafes where you can stroke sheep, pet dogs, and see other animals. There’s more to Korea’s theme cafes than just drinking coffee with animals, you can also try drinking from a toilet at the Poop Cafe , paint pictures, build lego, go camping, practice being a wizard, and more. Hongdae in Seoul is the best place to find theme cafes.

Although cafes are replacing Korean tea houses, Korea still grows and drinks lots of tea, especially green tea. You can visit these tea fields in areas such as Boseong and on Jeju Island, both of which have visitor centres and attractions to teach you about the wonderful world of Korean tea. The Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation in Boseong has lush green fields all year round and has been used as a filming location for several Korean shows. The O’sulloc Tea Museum on Jeju Island also has lovely views.

I recommend trying at least a few of these unique activities, they’ll really make your trip to Korea more memorable and offer insights into Korean culture and life. My advice is to be brave when visiting Korea and try new things, even if they seem a bit unusual at first. The same applies to Korean foods.

Best Korean Festivals To Join In 2024

There are dozens of festivals held in Korea each year celebrating the seasons, local products, traditions, culture, and often just for the sake of having fun. Visiting a festival in Korea will offer you a glimpse of how locals celebrate life, culture, and nature and let you join in the fun.

Whenever you visit Korea, there’ll be festivals going on. However, the biggest festivals occur in spring or autumn. As mentioned previously in this South Korea travel guide, these are the best seasons to visit Korea as the weather is pleasant and people are celebrating the end of summer or winter.

Cherry Blossom Festivals

The cherry blossom festivals in Korea occur in late March and early April and are some of the biggest festivals in Korea. People flock to forests, lakes, and rivers to see the pretty blossoms. The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival has over 2 million visitors each year, and even more people visit Seokchon Lake and Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. There are many festivals and tours to see cherry blossoms in Korea so you should be able to find a quiet place to enjoy the view.

Winter Light Festivals

During the cold, dark days of winter, attractions such as Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, and Herb Island transform into sparkling winter wonderlands with millions of bright lights illuminating them. There are also winter illumination festivals in Korean cities, such as the Haeundae Lighting Festival in Busan, Cheonggyecheon Stream Winter Lights in Seoul, and the Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival. When it snows in Korea, these festivals look even more magical.

Summer Music Festivals

Summer in Korea is hot, but that doesn’t stop people enjoying day-long music festivals across the country. From chilled jazz festivals like the Seoul Jazz Festival , to action-packed concerts like Psy’s Summer Swag , there are music festivals to suit everyone. This is a popular summer activity in Korea , so be sure to book in advance for ticketed events. If you can’t get tickets, just go to a popular beach in the evening and you’ll usually find musicians performing.

New Year Festivals

There are various festivals in Korea to celebrate the solar new year. New Year’s Eve festivals involve a bell-ringing ceremony where a giant bell is rung at midnight to welcome in the new year. Fireworks festivals are common events in cities across Korea, starting at midnight, too. Koreans celebrate the start of the new year by visiting the East Coast to see the first sunrise of the year at places like Homigot Sunrise Square or Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju Island.

Buddha’s Birthday Festivals

Buddha’s Birthday is like Christmas for the Buddhist world, but celebrated very differently. It also falls on changing dates each year as it follows the lunar calendar, just like Korean New Year. Korean Buddhist temples across Korea will celebrate by putting up colourful lanterns and decorations for at least a month before the actual date. The biggest festival celebrating Buddha’s Birthday is the Yeon Deung Hoe Lantern Festival , which features thousands of lanterns and a lantern parade through central Seoul.

Boryeong Mud Festival

The Boryeong Mud Festival is one of Korea’s largest festivals and attracts visitors from around the world. Running for 2 weeks during rainy season, this is the best way to see a Korean festival even when the weather is bad. There’s a lot to see and do at this festival, including getting dirty in the mud with mud sports, mud wrestling, mud tug-of-war, and other mud-filled events. Boryeong is famous for the high-quality mud found in nearby waters and, by joining this festival, you’re getting a free mud facial.

Jinju Lantern Festival

The visually stunning Jinju Lantern Festival is held in October each year in Jinju City and runs for several weeks. During the day, watch cultural performances and enjoy exploring the central fortress grounds of Jinju. Once it gets dark, see the city transform as thousands of lanterns, some as big as trees, come to life. There are so many weird and wonderful lanterns to discover at this festival. You can also set your own lanterns to float down the river with your wish inside.

Andong Mask Dance Festival

The Andong Mask Dance Festival in Andong, home of the Andong Hahoe Village, is a great opportunity to witness traditional Korean dance and music performances. Not only can you see traditional Korean performances during this 4 day festival, there are also international performers displaying their own culture’s dancing. Get hands-on with traditional Korean culture at this festival. Explore Andong and learn about its contributions to Korea’s cultural development.

Goyang Flower Festival

The Goyang International Flower Festival runs twice per year, once in spring and once in autumn. It’s a beautiful celebration of floral beauty mixed with Korean cuteness and creativity. At this flower festival you can stroll through a maze of different displays, with each section focusing on certain flowers and plants. There are indoor displays with vividly coloured roses, nature-based outdoor photo zones, and the lovely Ilsan Lake Park in the background.

Baekje Culture Festival

The Baekje Culture Festival probably isn’t one that first-time travellers to Korea would know about. Held in Gongju and Buyeo, the two former capitals of the ancient Baekje Kingdom, this 10-day long festival held around Chuseok (Korean mid-autumn harvest festival), is packed with unique events and sights and is set in historic locations in each city. There’s local food to try, musical & cultural performances, fun photo zones, lantern displays, and much more.

Knowing when you plan to visit Korea will help you research what festivals are on and what the weather will be like. There are certainly a lot more than just the ones mentioned above, including some others mentioned previously in the seasons part of this South Korea travel guide.

I recommend using a tour company to see out of the way festivals like the Jinju Lantern Festival and the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival. These are often far from typical tourist destinations and can take hours to get to by public transport. Tours are worth the cost to save you time and avoid hassle.

Recommended Itinerary For Korea In 2024

In this section of this South Korea travel guide is my recommended first-timer itinerary for South Korea. This introduces you to two of Korea’s biggest cities, as well as a couple of day trips to highly rated destinations in Korea. There’s a mix of history, culture, nature, sights, and experiences.

This itinerary starts in Seoul as that’s where most people arrive to Korea after flying into Incheon Airport. If you arrive in Busan, you can change the route to start and end there instead. For travellers to Korea with only 2 or 3 days, I recommend using the first few days of this itinerary instead.

The itinerary lasts for one week, which isn’t enough time to see all of Korea, but enough time to get a feel for the country. If you have more time, use this itinerary and add in or replace extra destinations as you like. Jeju Island is certainly worth visiting if you have an extra 2 or 3 days.

Classic Sights Of Korea Itinerary

This itinerary covers a few must-see sights in Korea, including the two largest cities, the history city of Gyeongju, and some popular day trip destinations from Seoul.

Day 1 : Arrive in Seoul and explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong Art Street, Jogyesa Temple, and Cheonggyecheon Stream. Get dinner at the Jonggak Avenue of Youth for authentic Korean food that’s better than the touristy places in Myeongdong.

Day 2 : Learn about Korean history at the War Memorial of Korea or National Museum of Korea, explore Seoul’s traditional Gwangjang market in Dongdaemun, take the cable car to the N Seoul Tower for sunset & night views, then head down to Itaewon or Myeongdong for dinner & drinks.

Day 3 : Take a day trip to Gapyeong and visit Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, and the Gapyeong Rail Bike Park. Return to Seoul for dinner and rooftop drinks in Myeongdong and then walk along the fortress walls from Dongdaemun Station if the weather is good.

Day 4 : Take the KTX to Busan, drop your bags, and take the subway to Nampo-dong for Jagalchi Fish Market, Bosu-dong Book Alley, and traditional sights. Take a taxi to Huinnyeoul Culture Village. End the day in Haeundae for evening dinner & drinks and a walk along the beach at night.

Day 5 : Take the bus to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, then a taxi to Songjeong Beach. Relax in a beachside cafe, then take the Haeundae Beach Train to Cheongsapo, change to the Sky Capsule, and end up in Haeundae. Take a bus to Gamcheon Culture Village and get dinner at Songdo Beach.

Day 6 : Take a day trip from Busan to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Gyeongju. Visit the Gyeongju Historic Area, then Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village for traditional food and sights of Woljeonggyo Bridge. See tranquil night views of Wolji Pond before getting dinner at Hwangnidangil.

Day 7 : Head back to Seoul on the KTX for a final day of shopping and sightseeing in Hongdae. Walk along the Gyeongui Line Forest Park or Book Street or visit a theme cafe. Take the subway directly to Incheon Airport from Hongdae or spend a night here and check out the lively night scene.

Please note : I recommend trying not to cram too much into your itinerary. You may want to see as much as possible, but people often end up rushing past sights and not appreciating them. Plan for less and see more if you have time. It gives you a chance to be spontaneous.

To plan a realistic itinerary for South Korea, it is important to factor in transportation, meal breaks, and rest times. Use Naver Maps to plan your route and work out travel times. A short journey on the map might take much longer if there’s no direct route. Also consider breaks if you plan to walk a lot.

Cultural Issues When Visiting Korea

The next few sections of this South Korea travel guide will provide answers to some of the most common questions first-time travellers to Korea have in regards to cultural, language, and safety issues. Korea is a culturally unique country with customs and traditions you might not be aware of.

Korea is a society that places a strong emphasis on social image, respect for others, and social harmony. This means Koreans will often try to avoid conflict, especially in public. To show respect for Korean culture and to avoid being rude, try to respect social harmony and always avoid conflict.

If you follow these tips, you’ll find it easier to avoid accidentally upsetting someone in Korea. There’s far too much to cover in this South Korea travel guide, so if you’d like to know more, check out my detailed guide to Korean etiquette and culture , it’s packed with tips and insights to understand Korea.

What is considered rude in Korea? It is considered rude to point with one finger or with chopsticks, give and receive with one hand, cross your legs when sitting, and to walk inside with your shoes on. Things considered rude in other countries such as swearing and spitting are also rude in Korea.

What is considered unlucky in Korea? It is considered unlucky to write someone’s name in red ink and to stand chopsticks upright in rice. Both are used in rituals for deceased people. The number 4 is also unlucky as the word is the same as the word for ‘death’.

Do you need to tip in Korea? It’s not necessary to tip in Korea and most restaurants and cafes won’t expect or allow you to tip. There is no service charge added to bills in Korea, with the exception of some upmarket restaurants, bars, and hotels in touristy areas of Seoul. Tipping guides is okay.

Do you need to take off shoes when going inside? If you enter someone’s house in Korea, you should take off your shoes. This rule also applies to temples, traditional restaurants, and other places in traditional buildings. Most cafes, shops, and restaurants won’t ask you to take off your shoes.

When should you use two hands in Korea? You should use two hands when giving and receiving things in Korea, such as money, a gift, a business card, or food. When you shake hands, use both hands, not just one. The same applies to pouring drinks, both pouring and holding a glass.

Do I have to act like a Korean in Korea? You don’t have to follow Korean customs and traditions when you visit Korea. You are a guest in the country and Koreans won’t expect you to know every rule. However, showing cultural awareness in Korea will help you make friends and impress locals.

The best tip for being culturally sensitive in Korea is to first consider all the things that you’d consider rude in your own country – spitting, swearing, shouting, physical violence, etc. Show the same acts of kindness you’d show at home – help others, give up your seat for those in need, be polite, etc.

Furthermore, remember that social harmony is really important in Korea and try not to cause a scene. Keep your voice down in public, don’t talk or act aggressively, be polite, and don’t force things when people are reluctant. Koreans may feel obliged to do things, even when they don’t want to.

Language Issues When Travelling Korea

Language issues can be a big concern for first-time travellers to Korea as Korean is a very different language from English and has a unique alphabet. Korean is also one of the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers, ranked alongside Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic.

However, as a tourist to Korea, you don’t need to worry about mastering the language. English is used for signs and announcements in most places that you’ll need it, such as on public transport, at the airport, at attractions & tourist sites, on menus, and most other places. It’s common across Korea.

If there is a sign or notice that isn’t in Korean, I recommend using the Papago app to take translate it. Use the image translation function in the app to scan the sign and Papago will translate it into English for you. It’s really convenient and the way I translate things I can’t read in Korean.

Do Korean People Speak English?

Speaking in English to Korean people is different from being able to read and translate signs. English is taught from elementary school until the end of high school. That doesn’t mean everyone will remember it, but there’s a good chance some people will know English, especially younger Koreans.

It is best to ask if someone speaks English before trying to have a conversation. You can do this in Korean by asking “영어 할 수 있어요?” (Yong-oh hal su iss-o-yo?) or just ask it in English. Tour guides and people in the tourism industry will probably be able to speak English, but it’s not guaranteed.

Shyness is an issue in Korea and locals may be reluctant to speak English at first for fear of making a mistake. As an English teacher in Korea, I know that Korean students are usually quite competent in English, but lack confidence to use it. Be patient and encouraging when talking in English.

Although some Koreans may be too shy to use English, other people may be enthusiastic about speaking English to you and want to practice it. I’ve been asked random questions in English by strangers in the street in Korea who want to practice English and find out about my life.

Should You Learn Korean Before Visiting Korea?

If you do want to learn some Korean before you travel, I recommend you start by learning the Korean alphabet , or at least learning some basic Korean travel phrases . Knowing how to introduce yourself, discuss prices, ask for directions, and ask for help will make your trip to Korea a lot easier.

You can learn Korean online through courses such as 90 Day Korean and Korean Class 101 , or with self-study textbooks like the excellent Talk To Me In Korean series. There are lots of resources on YouTube, too. I particularly like Learn Korean with GO! Korean Billy as he explains things clearly.

Another way to prepare to move to Korea is to read some Korean novels in English . Although these books won’t teach you any Korean, they’ll offer up valuable insights into Korean culture, both traditional and hidden under the surface. Literature is a good way to gain an understanding of a culture.

A warning about Konglish : Although Korea uses English in many useful ways, there’s also a lot of Konglish. The sign above is a good example of random English words being used to look cool, but ending up being confusing. There’s a lot of this in Korea and it’s mostly harmless, so don’t worry.

Health And Safety Issues In Korea

First-time travellers to Korea may be worried about health and hygiene issues, such as if certain foods are available and if they’re safe to eat. Other issues include vaccinations, personal safety, and how easy it is to contact emergency services. These issues are addressed below.

Is Korean Street Food Safe To Eat?

Korean street food is generally safe to eat and won’t give you any health issues unless you have an intolerance to the food. Korean street food can be spicy or contain a lot of salt, be aware of your own personal tolerances and dietary requirements before trying it.

Also be careful when ordering food with meat or seafood and check that it is cooked thoroughly. Korean street food that has been left out for a long time is more likely to cause food poisoning problems, so ask for freshly cooked food if you’re concerned.

Is It Easy To Find Vegan-Friendly Food In Korea?

There are many vegan-friendly Korean dishes , such as gimbap , japchae , pajeon , bibimbap , ramyeon , and tteokbokki . However, some restaurants may use non vegan-friendly ingredients when preparing these foods, so be careful. Kimchi isn’t vegan-friendly due to its seafood ingredients & sauces.

Vegetarianism and veganism aren’t common in Korea with fewer people following these diets than in countries such as the USA or UK. Vegetarians in Korea account for 3% of the population, while vegans in Korea are only 0.2% of the population as of 2022. The UK is 10% and 2% respectively.

However, the number of vegan-friendly restaurants and bakeries is increasing each year in Korea, especially in areas such as Hongdae and Itaewon. Korean Buddhist temple food is vegan-friendly and a good option for vegans who want to enjoy vegan food while learning about local Korean culture.

If you’re concerned about accidentally ordering non vegan-friendly food, or want to know how to tell someone about food allergies or requirements, check out my guide to Korean phrases for ordering food . This has a whole section about special requests when ordering food in Korean.

Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water In Korea?

Korean tap water is potable and safe to drink. Korea ranks 23rd for water hygiene, which is above the USA, Canada, and Australia. However, many Koreans don’t drink tap water , preferring to use water purifiers and bottled water instead, claiming that tap water smells strange or water pipes are bad.

Personally, I don’t like drinking tap water in Korea as it tastes a bit stale, but it’s perfectly fine to drink and doesn’t cause any problems. Bottled water is very cheap in Korea and costs 600 KRW for a 500ml bottle from a convenience store. Buying water from a supermarket is a cheaper option though.

Do You Need Any Vaccinations To Travel To South Korea?

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to travel to Korea , but it is suggested you should have at least routine vaccinations such as tetanus, MMR, and polio. Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are also recommended.

Is Korea Friendly To Tourists?

Korea is generally friendly and welcoming to tourists. The Korean government spends a lot of money and effort to promote Korean tourism to the world and there are many incentives to bring people to the country. Korean people are also mostly polite and welcoming, especially in the tourism sector.

Is Korea A Dangerous Country To Travel In?

South Korea is a safe country to travel in and the crime rate in Korea is low, comparable to Norway or the Netherlands. Public crimes, such as theft and assault, are rare. Pickpocketing and purse snatching aren’t common and unattended goods are generally left alone or reported to the police.

How safe is Korea? I regularly see people leave their phone or handbag on a cafe table to reserve it before going up to order a drink. People even leave their laptops open while they pop out for lunch or go to the toilet. Stealing disturbs social harmony and is one of the reasons it’s rare in Korea.

Physical violence is also rare, but still occurs in Korea, as it does in all countries. This is most often found in areas with lots of bars and when people are drunk. However, visiting bars in Korea is a lot safer than I’ve experienced in other countries and trouble is not common, even in busy places.

How Do You Contact Tourist Information Services In Korea?

Call 1330 in Korea to contact the Travel Helpline . The Korean Travel Helpline provides the following services free of charge to tourists in Korea.

• Tourist Information : Find out about attractions, opening hours, prices, and other information.
• Tourist Interpretation : Access travel information in several languages.
• Tourist Complaints : Report rip-offs and problems you encounter when travelling in Korea.
• Tourist Police : Report minor crimes in English and other languanges.

There are tourist police patrolling the streets of Seoul, dressed in purple uniforms as shown in the picture above. In popular tourist locations like Myeongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village, you’ll also find friendly tourist information staff dressed in red shirts with matching red cowboy hats.

What Should You Do If You Have An Emergency In Korea?

If you need to report a fire or medical emergency in Korea, you should call 119 from any phone. To contact the police in Korea, call 112. You will need to select an option to report an emergency in English or another language. It may take some time to be redirected to an English speaker.

• 119 – Medical Emergency & Fire Rescue
• 112 – Police

When you use medical services in Korea, you have to pay the cost of treatment, but there is no fee for the ambulance ride as this is covered by the Korean government. Travel insurance should cover the cost of medical bills, so if you’re worried about a large medical bill, insurance is recommended.

Fortunately, the cost of treatment in Korea is quite reasonable and Korea has advanced medical facilities, which is why it’s a popular medical tourism destination . Many people travel to Korea for minor and major surgery, including laser eye surgery, cosmetic surgery, and internal medicine.

Is Air Pollution A Problem In Korea?

Air pollution is an issue in Korea, especially in spring & summer. Winds blow yellow dust from Central Asia, field burning spreads fumes across Asia, and fossil-fuel burning contributes to higher levels of air pollution. Some days there’ll be very low visibility and health risks for people with lung problems.

My Personal Travel Tips For Korea

This South Korea travel guide is a collection of information I’ve researched and learned since moving to Korea in 2015 and blogging about Korean travel since 2019. I hope the provided information and insights are useful and assist you plan your dream first-time, or even tenth-time, trip to Korea.

This section includes my personal tips that didn’t really fit anywhere else and reflections built from travelling all over Korea in all seasons. These are tips I would offer to first-time travellers to Korea and people who might have some worries about visiting the Land of Morning Calm. I hope they help.

The Real Korea Isn’t What You See On TV

Korea is a developed country that went from being a 3rd world country in the mid 20th Century to a high-tech country in a short time. Despite the many high-rises and modern K-Pop stars, there are still shadows of the former Korea seen in both run-down slums and people with ‘traditional’ values.

The image created by selective K-Culture can distort people’s reality when dreaming of a trip to Korea in the same way Korean people can suffer from Paris Syndrome when visiting France. There are many wonderful things about Korea, but don’t travel thinking that everything is as shown on TV.

Be Prepared For Culture Shock

One of the best things about travelling is seeing a country and people that act and behave differently to how you do in your own country. This is known as culture shock and can be both a blessing and a challenge for first-time travellers to Korea. Things you might be used to can be different in Korea.

Some examples of culture shock in Korea include the way age determines hierarchy in Korea and how older people can be rather pushy, especially on the subway. Younger people also typically don’t question the decisions of older people in Korea as it is considered rude and disrespectful.

Less extreme cultural differences that might confuse some first-time visitors to Korea include having to shout to call someone to take your order in a Korean restaurant or not giving a tip. Koreans might similarly look at you strangely if you do something culturally different, such as walking while drinking.

Don’t Overpack When You Travel To Korea

First-time travellers to Korea may be worried about visiting a country like Korea without taking everything they need from home, even the kitchen sink. My advice is to pack as light as possible and leave yourself some space in your suitcase. There are two reasons for this.

• You can buy most things you need in Korea . This includes sun cream, heat packs, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, travel accessories, etc. They’re also probably cheaper in Korea, too.
• You will want to take home lots of things . From weird Korean snacks to beautiful hand-crafted pottery and woodwork, there are so many things to buy in Korea.

(1) The only exception is if you might have a problem finding correct-fitting items. Korean shoes and clothes are slightly smaller than what you’d find in Western countries and the sizes are also differently labelled. I’m a medium in the UK but a large (sometimes XL!) in Korea. Be careful when shopping.

(2) It’s hard to fit everything you buy in Korea into an already full suitcase. Fortunately, you can buy extra suitcases at low prices. Check out Namdaemun Market for cheap luggage options, as well as shops like the one pictured below (this is in Busan) in places like Hongdae and Dongdaemun.

Electricity In South Korea

Be careful with electric items when travelling to Korea. Korea uses type C and F plugs , which are used in Europe, Russia, and other parts of Asia. The standard voltage is 220V with 60Hz frequency. Anything designed for a standard voltage between 220V and 240V should be fine in Korea.

Laptops, mobile phones, and other portable devices will be fine when you travel in Korea as long as you use a travel adapter with a USB or socket connection. Hairdryers, shavers, curlers, and similar devices might have problems charging in Korea and run out of power very soon. My shaver did.

Go With The Flow And Go Quickly

Korea is a very busy country and you might hear people mutter ‘빨리빨리’ ( ppalli ppalli ) if you walk slowly, especially in the subway. Koreans work long hours and are eager to get home or go out for dinner. Don’t take it personally if people push past you and don’t feel like you have to rush.

Know Where To Throw Away Rubbish

It can be difficult to find a bin to throw away rubbish in Korea, even in urban areas. The best place to dispose of rubbish in Korea is at a convenience store. You can find recycling and trash bins in these shops. If you go hiking or explore the countryside, expect to carry your rubbish home with you.

South Korea Travel Guide FAQs

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about this South Korea travel guide, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you.

What is the best month to visit South Korea?

The best months to visit South Korea are April and October. April is warm and you can see cherry blossoms in Seoul at the start of the month. October is warm with clear skies. During October you can see autumn foliage across Korea.

How much money is enough for South Korea?

The amount of money you need to travel in South Korea depends on your travel style and desired level of comfort. A rough budget for South Korea is 50-100,000 KRW per day for budget travellers, 100-200,000 KRW per day for mid-range travellers, and 200,000+ KRW per day for luxury travellers.

Is South Korea friendly to tourists?

South Korea is a welcoming country and friendly to tourists. There are many services to welcome tourists to South Korea, including free transit tours from Incheon Airport, cultural performances in tourist destinations, low entry fees to traditional attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, and tourist information and signs in multiple languages.

What do I need to know before travelling to South Korea?

It’s important to know about the weather before travelling to South Korea as this can impact your day to day travel and affect what clothes you’ll need. You should also research what festivals are on before you travel, what seasonal events are happening, such as cherry blossom viewing, and also how to use public transport and get connected to the net.

What is the cheapest month to visit South Korea?

January and February are two of the cheapest months to visit South Korea and are considered low season as the weather is cold. Hotel prices and flights to Korea will be lower in these months. Winter is a good time to travel to Korea to see snow and enjoy winter sports and festivals, however, some attractions will be closed during this time of year.

Do I need a South Korea travel guide?

It is good to check a South Korea travel guide to research your trip, especially for first-time travellers to Korea. Korea has a unique culture, language, and customs that might be confusing for new travellers. A South Korea travel guide will help you prepare for these factors and give you ideas to create your perfect trip to Korea.

Can you drink tap water in Korea?

Korean tap water is potable and safe to drink. You can drink water from hotels and apartments in Korea. Restaurants and cafes will provide you with free drinking water, which usually comes from a water cooler. Bottled water is available from convenience stores and is reasonably priced.

Is South Korea safe for first-time travellers?

South Korea is a safe country for first-time travellers to visit. Personal crimes, such as theft, mugging, and physical violence are rare in Korea and it is safe to walk the streets of Seoul, even at night. First-time travellers can prepare for a trip to South Korea by being aware of potential scams, such as taxi drivers over charging them or being ripped off in the traditional markets.

What are the best apps for travelling in South Korea?

The best apps for travelling to South Korea are Papago, Kakao Taxi, Naver Maps, and Seoul Subway. These apps will allow you to translate between Korean and English, hail taxis, and navigate as you travel. All of these apps have English language options and are free to use.

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Hi! My name is Joel, I'm the author of In My Korea and writer of this article. I've lived, worked and travelled in Korea since 2015 and want to share my insights, stories and tips to help you have the best experience during your trip to Korea.

I love learning more about Korean culture, hiking the many mountains, and visiting all the coolest places in Korea, both modern and traditional. If you want to know more about my story, check out the ' about me ' section to learn why I love living in Korea.

4 thoughts on “Complete South Korea Travel Guide 2024: Korean Travel Tips”

This South Korea travel guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone planning a trip to Korea. It covers everything from entry requirements and travel tips to accommodation options and places to visit. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or have been to Korea before, this guide has something for everyone. The inclusion of the latest travel news and COVID-related updates adds to its relevance and usefulness. I appreciate the detailed breakdown of sections and the inclusion of quick links for easy navigation. Overall, this guide is a valuable tool for anyone looking to explore the wonders of South Korea.

Moderator – Nice Article! In My Korea

Thank for the great info! Could you please recommend any tours agency for a few day trips around Korea? I found a few , but they are pretty pricey!

Hi, thanks for reading. Klook and Viator have a good selection of tours in Korea with some of the best prices on the market. I’m not sure which tours you’re looking for, but they usually do day trips for less than $100 per day that cover popular tourist sights.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in South Korea

Find the right fully guided tour for you in South Korea. There are 70 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 16 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit South Korea.

70 Fully Guided tour packages in South Korea with 425 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Best of South Korea

Our tour guide Tommy Lee was awesome—highly recommended!!

12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island

Fantastic tour full of fun and amazing experiences

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Round Korea in 7days: A Wellness Holiday

An excellent tour of South Korea. Our tour guide Jay is so friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. He goes out of his way to make sure everyone’s needs are catered for. Saw and experienced much of South Korea. The food was fantastic too! Jay brings us to experience a variety of authentic Korean food. The driver also gave us a smooth ride. Had a fantastic and unforgettable trip.

• Christmas & New Year

Korea Express

If limited for time as we were, it's a fair option to get a feel of S.Korea. Accomodation, breakfast and lunch are included and we could choose where we had dinner. But, I would have to go back for a more complete visit since I missed out on some places I wanted to see in Seoul and Busan.

• Sightseeing

South Korea Highlights

Die Tour war toll, ich habe selten in 8 Tagen so viel erlebt. Unser Tourguide Pam war so zuvorkommend, hilfreich und nett und sie kannte sich sehr gut aus! Intrepid legt wohl wirklich viel Wert auf gute Guides. Ich würde allerdings unbedingt ein paar zusätzliche Tage in Seoul empfehlen, in der Stadt gibt es zu viel zu sehen, um es in den zwei Tagen zu erleben.

10-Day Premium South Korea Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastlines

The tour brings you to the nicest spots in South Korea. All is very well arranged. Would recommend to take it!

• Food & Culinary

South Korea Real Food Adventure

Premium South Korea

Discover Eastern Korea in 4days: A Wellness Holiday

The 4 days eastern Korean tour with Jay Beak as tour guide was very enjoyable. He is funny, experience and good communication. I love the traditional Korean food. I love all comfortable stays at nice hotels. Will come back.

South Korea Circle Adventure 5D/4N

An amazing tour! Reckon Justin is the best tour guide I have ever had. Brilliant fast paced tour with great itinerary and balanced stops, drives and sites to see. My grandaughter (15) enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for a great experience.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Golden route by K-shuttle

Soulful South Korea

Excellent tour, good variety of cultural activities. The tour guide Sam was superb.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

South Korea One Life Adventures - 10 Day Tour

CheongAn could not have been a better tour guide. He went above and beyond in everything he did. He made the tour incredible and an unmissable experience. Not only was he an incredible tour guide but he was also a friend who you felt like you were travelling with, making the experience even more enjoyable. Having a local guide was so helpful and CheongAn was always able to answer questions/help everyone engage with the history and culture of Korea.

Exploring South Korea

A trip of a lifetime !!. We had the most incredible tour guide Damien who has the most warm energy always willing to answer and help out. The intenary was amazing as well I feel that there was something for everyone. I only wished we would have done the cruise to Jeju island and spent more time there but of course, I think that the flight arrangement after it wasn't possible was prompt and very efficient. I enjoyed this trip and feel very lucky to have had the most incredible professional and fun tour guide who we will always remember and a lovely tour group.

CLASSIC SOUTH KOREA LUXURY TOUR

The whole trip was extremely well organised from start to finish. Could not fault anything with regards to the guides we had, cars were very comfortable and clean. Hotel standard and location in Seoul was great. The hotel in Jeju was in a great location as well but the interior was a bit dated to be rated as a four star accommodation. The guides were great in introducing us to different foods of the regions and we classified this trip as a sightseeing and culinary tour. We would highly recommend anyone to do this private tour for two.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in South Korea

Michael, our tour guide, was patient, friendly, and flexible with different age travelers and physical abilities by adjusting the activities for them. The Best of Korea tour's itinerary was very full. I think many of us enjoyed the itinerary and the experiences we had. I, particularly, enjoyed the various transportation methods which added to the experience. The War Memorial Hall of Korea museum is a big museum and had very important history. Most of us needed more time. I think this activity could of come at the beginning of the tour for us to have better knowledge of Korean history. On the tour's last day, after the museum, most of us thought there was going to be a group dinner. The tours I have been in the past had end of the tour dinner to say good bye and show our appreciation to the tour guide. It's nice to have a closure after spending a week together. We were disappointed that the day just ended after returning to the hotel. After the DMZ visit, we had a very nice lunch at a well known restaurant. This time could of have been a good opportunity to say good bye but I think due to limited time, food came out late, we didn't linger.

Was excellent tour guide was the best

Great tour. Well organized and our guide, Jay did his best to meet our needs. He gave a memorable performance we will not forget. Through this tour, we got to see many places and experience Korean culture, cuisine, and history. We had a great trip.

Regions in South Korea

• Gyeonggi (5)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided

Guiding tours in South Korea

These information pages can help you get started in learning about some of the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your experiences on Airbnb. These pages include summaries of some of the rules that may apply to different sorts of activities, and contain links to government resources that you may find helpful.

Please understand that these information pages are not comprehensive, and are not legal advice. If you are unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your Experience, we encourage you to check with official sources or seek legal advice.

Please note that we don’t update this information in real time, so you should confirm that the laws or procedures have not changed recently.*

When am I likely to be considered to be conducting a tourism business in South Korea?

You are likely to be considered to be conducting a tourism business in South Korea under the Tourism Promotion Act if you:

• arrange the use of lodging or transportation facilities on behalf of tourists;
• take care of the practical aspects of an organised trip and ensure that it runs smoothly (e.g. taking care of documents and formalities and assisting members of the tour); or
• provide guiding services for individuals from one location to another.

If you provide the aforementioned services for money or other benefit, advantage or gain, it is likely that you will be required to register with your local government.

Here are some examples of when you are likely to be considered to be conducting a tourism business:

• I take someone on a walking tour to point out the architecture of Bukchon Hanok (Korean traditional houses) in the old capital city of Samcheong-dong, and then follow up with a guided visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• I take someone on a guided foraging hike through a protected natural reserve (for example, Bukhansan National Park), during which I provide detailed ecological explanations about the plants and a scientific description of animals species we encounter and their habits.
• I take someone to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where I tell them about Korean history and the meaning of the DMZ symbol, as we visit the Dora Observatory, Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the DMW exhibition hall.

Here are some examples of when you are not likely to be considered to be conducting a tourism business:

• I hold a calligraphy class for guests. The next day, we meet at my favorite calligraphy store and then we have a meal together in a local restaurant to discuss the various calligraphy techniques.
• I love music and football, so from time to time, I meet the guests at a local music club to watch a local band performance, then go to the stadium to watch the game and meet some players I know.

I’m hosting Experiences or a Trip in South Korea, do I need any licenses for that?

According to the Tourism Promotion Act , arranging the use of lodging or transportation facilities on behalf of tourists, executing agreements on behalf of the tourists to use such facilities, or providing information and other conveniences concerning travelling would constitute a tourism business, which generally requires you to be registered with your local government.

What if I am considered to be conducting a tourism business in South Korea: Do I need to register as a tourism business? How do I do so?

Yes. If you need to register as a tourism business, you will have to do so at least 1 week before your experience starts. To do this, you’ll need to:

• file a registration application with your local government office. The registration application generally should include the following documentation: i) a business plan; ii) lease agreement for the applicant’s office; iii) a document stating your business assets, and documents evidencing the same;
• as of the date of application, have assets of not less than KRW 100 million, and must own, or have the right to use, an office; and
• have subscribed to an insurance guaranteeing compensation for any damages caused to Guests due to accidents caused by your tourism business, or commit a security deposit with the tourism association relevant to your contemplated tourism business, and maintain the same throughout the period of your business. The amount of the above insurance for the initial year of business is at least KRW 50 million, and thereafter determined based on the turnover amount of the business for the previous business year.

Currently, the registration application costs KRW 30,000 in processing fees. You should be aware of potential criminal offences for failure to comply with the above requirements.

As a registered tourism business, you will also need to comply with the general requirements that apply to businesses.

What if I am registered as a tourism business - do I need to engage a qualified Tourist Guide / Tourism Worker?

Under the Tourism Promotion Act , a tourism business that provides interpretation and guiding service to foreign tourists must engage a qualified individual (a Tourist Guide / Tourism Worker) to provide such services. An individual may become a qualified Tour Guide / Tourism Worker by applying for a national license with the South Korea Tourism Organization, which requires taking and passing an examination (covering topics such as history, tourism-related laws, tourism studies, and foreign language). You can find out more information about how to do this here .

You should be aware that a registered tourism business who engages an unlicensed Tourist Guide / Tourism Worker for the purposes of providing interpretation and guiding service to foreign tourists may face cancellation of their business registration, or up to 6-month business suspension or a corrective order.

Is there anything else I should think about?

If your experience will involve other activities (for example, serving or providing food or alcohol or involves transportation), please take a look at our other information sections to work out if any other rules might apply to your activity.

*Airbnb is not responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations).

16 things to know before heading to South Korea

Feb 18, 2024 • 10 min read

South Korea’s public-transport choices – including Busan’s Sky Capsule – are the envy of the world. As you plan your trip, count on using the nationwide network © By f11photo / Shutterstock

Has any place been on a run of late like  South Korea ?

The country is on the lips of travelers around the world, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, world-class cuisine, chart-topping pop bands and some of the most exciting movies and TV series being made anywhere. 

Add to all this centuries of tradition and copious natural blessings, all in a country scarcely larger than Ireland, and you’ve got one of the planet’s great travel destinations.

Safe, friendly and possessing superb infrastructure, South Korea is a truly easy – not to mention rewarding – place to explore. Read on for tips to make your visit even easier.

1. Complete your pre-trip registration three days before your flight

Most travelers – including citizens of the US, Australia and the UK – can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days (up to six months for Canadians). You’ll still need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization on the K-ETA website , however, at least 72 hours before departure. It’s a simple process, and your K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval.

2. Time your visit with the trees

We recommend planning your visit to South Korea for spring or fall , when the peninsula gets its most temperate weather. Bonus points if you can time it to coincide with one of the country’s two periods of arboreal magic. Korea’s cherry blossoms start blooming in mid-March on Jeju-do Island , off the south coast, and typically appear in Seoul in early April. In late October and early November, the leaves of Korea’s many ancient ginkgo trees turn into brilliant golden torches, giving Seoul and other cities a particularly regal look for several weeks.

3. Mind these two major holidays

The two periods that can cause travelers real problems are the multi-day Lunar New Year and Chuseok (fall harvest) holidays. On these two occasions every year, Koreans hit the road en masse, making booking a bus or train ticket nearly impossible. The dates change each year, so be sure to check when these are before making travel plans. 

If you can’t avoid a holiday, base yourself in Seoul or Busan for its duration. Plenty of businesses stay open, and the cities can be surprisingly peaceful with everyone out of town.

4. Take advantage of Korea’s world-class public transportation

Korea’s subways, trains and buses are clean, convenient and efficient . It can sometimes seem like a new station is added to the Seoul metro every month, and the rail and intercity bus networks will take you to every corner of the country. Public transportation is cheap: bus and subway fares in Seoul start at just ₩1250. In all of South Korea, Jeju-do is the only place where renting a car might make sense, and even there it’s probably not necessary.

With plentiful English information and sensible design, public transportation in Korea makes getting from here to there a breeze. To get moving, start by picking up a T-money transit card at a convenience store or from a vending machine in any subway station. Separate kiosks can be used to load money onto your card. Tap your card both when you board and get off the subway or bus. Fares are calculated by distance, so if you forget to tap when disembarking, you’ll be charged more and won’t be able to transfer for free. You can also use T-money cards in most taxis.

When traveling longer distances, it’s simple enough to just buy intercity bus or train tickets at stations. For the high-speed KTX train and some of the more popular routes and times – departing Seoul on Saturday morning, for example – it’s a good idea to purchase in advance. Bus tickets are typically readily available for purchase from machines and counters in bus stations. Buy train tickets on the website of  KORAIL , the national operator.

5. Stay connected with these essential apps

Wi-fi is so prevalent in Korean cities that you can do without a local SIM card, but if you decide that you want one just in case, or if you plan to head to rural areas, the easiest place to pick one up is at one of the many  telecom roaming centers at Incheon Airport upon arrival. You can also rent a phone if you didn’t bring your own.

Helpful apps to download include Naver Map ( iOS and Android ), which works better than Google Maps in South Korea; MangoPlate ( iOS and Android ) for finding restaurants and cafes; Subway Korea for navigating cities’ metro systems; and Kakao T ( iOS and Android ), which is like Uber but for taxis.

6. Get out of town

There are two Koreas. We don’t mean North and South, but rather Seoul and everything else – or, a bit more broadly, urban Korea and rural Korea. The country has a reputation for being a hyper-paced, highly wired pop-culture dynamo, but its hinterlands present a much different picture, and you’d be missing out big time if you skip them. 

The Korean countryside is beautiful, mountains and rivers make for beautiful vistas, and life is lived differently here than in the cities. The population is older – most people under 40 have decamped to the cities – and the pace is slower. At least once on your trip, get out of the cities and immerse yourself in this more traditional side of Korea.

7. Learn your ga , na , da , ra , ma , bas

Basic English is widely understood in Korea by folks under 50, and signage is almost always in both Korean and English. Yet it’s still a good (and respectful) idea to learn a bit of the language. 

Beyond memorizing a few essential Korean words and phrases, learning hangul, the Korean alphabet, is like gaining access to a secret bonus level of Korean travel. If you can sound out the letters, you’ll find that you already know what things like 카페 모카 ( ka-pe mo-ka ), 비빔밥 (bibimbap) and 사우나 ( sa-oo-na ) are. 

Hangul is easy to learn. King Sejong the Great, who oversaw its creation in the 15th century, declared that a wise man could pick it up before noon and even an idiot could learn it in 10 days.  Let’s Learn Hangul  teaches the Korean alphabet in an interactive, easy-to-follow way.

8. Roll with the nudges

Koreans live life in a hurry, and they do so in a densely populated country, so you shouldn’t expect the same sense of personal space or public courtesies you find in your home country. Koreans won’t hold doors open for you or apologize if they bump into you when walking. When getting on or off the subway, they likely won’t say, “Excuse me” – they’ll just nudge you aside. They’re not being rude, though. 

When you live in a city as crowded as Seoul, it’s just not practical to say sorry every time you knock shoulders with someone – you’d be apologizing constantly. This can be maddening to outsiders, but just accept it and roll with the nudges.

9. Be ready to get personal

The typical greeting here is a quick bow – nothing dramatic, just a head nod deep enough for your gaze to meet the floor – but you’ll sometimes be offered a handshake instead. If you are, expect more of a gentle clasp than the old squeeze-and-pump.

You’ll likely be asked questions more personal than you’re accustomed to by someone you just met. At the top of this list is your age. This data point is essential to Koreans, as it informs how they talk to one another: how formal their verb endings should be and whether to use honorifics. Inquiries about marital status, occupation and your opinion of Korea are also common. Answer politely, and feel free to return the question.

10. Wear what you like, but don’t pack anything too risqué

As a traveler, you can feel free to dress for the weather and comfort. Koreans are pretty relaxed about attire, even if they’re more modest than you might expect. If visiting a temple , while shorts are fine, tank tops and miniskirts are not. Both men and women frequently wear t-shirts at the beach (though it’s best to leave the Speedo or thong at home). Korean women almost never wear low-cut tops, and female travelers could find that doing so brings unwelcome looks. Tattoos are now common among young people, yet even still some bathhouses will deny entry if you show any ink.

11. Eat with others and don’t be afraid to shout for service

Eating is a communal activity in Korea, and many restaurants, especially barbecue joints, don’t offer single servings. So if you’re traveling solo, you might either have to drag someone from your hostel along with you (not a tough sell) or loosen your belt and order pork belly for two (poor thing).

At restaurants, servers won’t come check up on you, and most places have call buttons on each table. Give it a push, and someone will be right over. Otherwise, to grab the waitstaff’s attention, raise your hand and shout, “ Yogiyo !” (“Over here!”) Water is usually self-service, and occasionally side dishes are, too. If your server doesn’t set a bottle of water on your table, look around for a water dispenser and stacks of metal cups. At the end of your meal, take the check to the front counter to pay. There’s no tipping.

12. Is North Korea a concern?

Despite international headlines, South Koreans don’t worry about an attack from  North Korea  – and neither should you. Military clashes are very rare, and danger to civilians is rarer still. A guided tour to the  DMZ can be a fascinating and truly find-it-nowhere-else experience. From afar, North Korea can seem almost comical in its eccentricities, but when you’re looking at South Korean soldiers looking at North Korean soldiers looking at you, the geopolitical stakes hit different. Plus, many tours offer what may be your only chance to actually step foot in the world’s most secretive country.

13. Monitor the air quality

Even in post-pandemic times, it’s a good idea to always carry a mask, as air quality can occasionally drop to pretty nasty levels. This is especially true in spring, when dust blown off the deserts of Mongolia and northern China combines with local pollution to create unhealthy air. Download an app like IQAir Air Visual (for iOS or Android ) to keep track of current conditions and the upcoming forecast across the country.

14. You might have to be flexible about your diet

If you have food allergies or a specific diet, you may have a hard time finding places to eat or getting clear information about ingredients. Vegetarianism and veganism are slowly gaining popularity in Korea, but not many restaurants cater to these diets. Even dishes that you might think are vegetarian are often made with anchovy broth or fermented shrimp.  

15. Recognize that LGBTQI+ acceptance still has a long way to go 

While attitudes are slowly changing, Korea remains a conservative society in many respects, and anti-LGBTQI+ prejudice is common. Even so, LGBTQI+ travelers are more likely to be on the receiving end of curious – if misinformed – questions than any sort of open hostility. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon (though this goes for straight couples, too).

Seoul has small gay districts in Itaweon and Jongno-3-ga, while the Hongdae-Sinchon-Ewha university corridor is another place where LGBTQI+ Koreans feel comfortable being themselves. 

16. Use common sense and keep these numbers handy, just in case

Theft and violent crime are rare in South Korea. Scams and pickpockets targeting travelers are virtually nonexistent, and Koreans typically go out of their way to be hospitable to visitors. Nonetheless – as anyone should anywhere – do exercise basic caution and common sense. South Korea has strict drug laws, and don’t even think about trying to sneak past them. Nightlife often revolves around heavy drinking, so know your limit to avoid putting yourself in a sketchy situation.

If you do have an emergency, call 112 to reach the police, 119 for emergency services or 1330 to reach the Korea Travel Hotline, where an operator will connect you to the appropriate service and serve as an interpreter. That number can also be used to reach the Korea Tourist Police .

This article was first published July 2022 and updated February 2024

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An old Korean proverb says, “even if you have to crawl on your knees, get yourself to Seoul!”; though the 600-year old megacity has undergone a constant flow of changes, this maxim remains true. South Korea's capital of almost 12 million is regularly likened to a phoenix, risen from the ashes of the Korean War as a cultural, economic and political leader of the Far East. And though this ultra-modern megalopolis may feel infinite, it’s easy to get up close and personal. Since most travel guides to South Korea are quick to point out its country’s historic sights are reproductions, it’s a destination known for the new: sleek skyscrapers, miles of endless neon signs, and vast shopping districts reflecting a population preoccupied with the finer things in life. It continues to be one of the safest cities in the world, with a low crime rate and a highly educated citizenry. Consistently topping itself with infrastructure projects in the works, South Korea seems to always be looking into the future, and it looks incredible.

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Planning a Trip to South Korea: a Step By Step Guide

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: March 28, 2023

Planning a trip to South Korea can be a difficult and overwhelming process but with our extensive guide, you will be able to breeze through all the steps required.

Keep reading for our tips, advice, and information on the best way to plan a trip to South Korea.  

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Why Visit South Korea?  

If you are just starting out the planning process you may still be deliberating on whether South Korea is even the best place for you to visit.

We can help you finalize that decision with some of the best reasons to visit South Korea and why it is such a wonderful travel destination.

South Korea has an amazingly rich culture and long history.

There are many cultural sites to visit and incredible experiences, such as temples and palaces. This includes a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Bulguska Temple and the lava tubes in Jeju.

The cities are full of unique modern designs and high-tech displays and shopping malls while beautiful nature and scenery are also easily accessible.

Whether you like beach activities, hiking, shopping, cultural experiences, or a mix of everything, there is something for everyone to enjoy in South Korea.  

Here is a list of amazing things to do in Korea.

Best Time Of The Year to Visit South Korea  

South Korea is very seasonal and the climate is the only thing that changes.

There can be large differences in available activities, recommended places to visit, and things to do depending on the season. 

Spring  

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Korea and for good reason. The weather is clear, the temperature is moderate and flowers are blooming.

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, this is one of the best times to be in Korea.

It is also the time of cherry blossoms, and if you time your visit right you could be treated to a magnificent display of pink and white blossoms.

However, the flowers aren’t limited to cherry blossoms, with flower fields across the country of plum blossoms, azaleas, and roses.

Spring can be cool at night and might be difficult for those who have bad hay fever or pollen allergies. 

Summer  

Summer in Korea can be very changeable with the monsoon season hitting in August.

It is also very humid in summer, so while the temperature isn’t too hot, the humidity can be difficult to deal with.

However, it can be a great time to visit if you plan on visiting some of the coastal areas or islands.

It can also be good for enjoying balmy evenings with casual outdoor eating and a relaxed holiday atmosphere as schools and universities are on summer vacation.  

Autumn  

Autumn is a beautiful time in South Korea with vibrant autumn foliage to be seen in many places. This time of year is ideal for hiking and climbing mountains.

It is also a good time to visit the many palaces populated by autumnal maple and ginkgo trees.

Autumn is also the time of Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival celebration.

Many Chuseok events are held during this time and can be a great way to have a unique cultural experience while in South Korea. 

Winter  

Winter in Korea can be very cold, with temperatures reaching negative and snowstorms.

However, it is also a beautiful time of year if you enjoy the winter scenery. The snow-topped mountains can be very picturesque and it is great for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Winter is also the time of the Lunar New Year celebrations, which can be easily enjoyed as a cultural experience.

It is also the time of Christmas and western New Year, which can be interesting to experience in a different country and culture than your own.  

How Many Days In South Korea?  

An essential part of planning a trip to South Korea is deciding how long to spend there.

Finding the balance between too short and too long can seem difficult, especially without already having experience in Korea.

Luckily, a visit to Korea can be quite versatile, depending on where you plan to visit.  

Longer is generally better, as it will give you more time to visit different cities, take various day trips and see more of the country.

However, it is easily possible to have a short trip and just stick to one city.

An example of this is covered in our 4-day and 3-7-day Seoul itineraries.

If you have a bit longer in the country, you can visit cities such as Busan, and utilize our Busan itinerary .

A longer itinerary can also allow for taking more time in each location and having more downtime.

The range of places to visit and things to do means it is unlikely that you could run out of things to do, and the variation from traditional temples to modern shopping malls, palaces to theme parks, means it is unlikely to become repetitive.  

In summary, the longer you can make your itinerary, the better, but if you only have a short amount of time available, it is still possible to have a great time on a shorter trip.  

• 7 Days in South Korea
• 14 Days South Korea Itinerary

Dos And Don’ts In South Korea  

When visiting another country and culture, it is always important to be aware of cultural etiquette and common dos and don’ts of the country.

This can be related to social manners or simply making your trip easier.  

Learn Basic Korean Words  

While traveling in Korea, it can be beneficial to learn a few basic Korean words and phrases.

Important phrases like “Excuse me,” “I’m sorry,” and “thank you” can come in very helpful and will be appreciated by those around you.

Some simple words like ‘this’ and ‘that’ as well as question words, including what, where, and how much, can be very useful in getting around and working things out on the go.

Using translation apps or tools like Google Translate is another useful option.  Here is a list of more handy Korean apps.

Tipping In South Korea  

Tipping at a bar or restaurant in South Korea is not necessary or expected.

Some high-end restaurants may have the opportunity to tip if you want to, but it’s never an expectation.

In some cases, tipping can be seen as rude as it can imply that the employee or the business doesn’t have enough money and needs pity.

Overall, it is safer to just not tip in South Korea unless there is an explicit prompt. In these cases, it is still completely your choice and you are free to not tip.  

Bring Cash  

When traveling in Korea, having cash on hand is extremely useful.

While credit cards have become more common in recent years and many businesses do accept credit cards, not all credit cards will be available to be used and there is always the possibility of a restaurant or shop not accepting cards at all.

For this reason, having a good amount of cash with you is essential.

ATMs can also be hit-or-miss as some will work with foreign cards while others won’t.

It is a good idea to remove a decent amount at a time in case you can’t find another ATM to withdraw from easily.  

Photography  

It is common to want to take photos and document all the amazing sights, foods, and places you’re experiencing while on vacation.

However, it is important to be careful when taking photos in public.

In some countries, including South Korea, the right to privacy extends into the public sphere, meaning photos, where someone is easily identifiable, can be illegal.

Of course, a photo taken in a crowded place will likely have people in it and it is unlikely that you will be challenged over this but taking a photo of a specific person or group of people may bring issues.  

Priority Seating  

Most buses and trains in Korea have a designated area for priority seating.

This seating is reserved for elderly, pregnant, or disabled people.

These seats should be left empty unless someone from one of those categories is using them.

While it may seem ok to sit down and just move if someone who needs them enters the train or bus, this can still be seen as rude and it is best to just stand if no other seats are available.  

Korea Trip Budget  

A trip to Korea can be quite reasonably priced as the number of expenses is fairly low.

Categories like food are often cheap day-to-day.

The more expensive categories include accommodation, which can range from cheaper hostel-style accommodation to more expensive hotels.

Accommodation in the main cities tends to be more expensive than in smaller cities or the countryside.  

Transport costs can vary a lot depending on how much traveling around the country you wish to do and what transport methods you use.

For long-distance travel, there are some train passes that can offset the costs somewhat, or you can use a rental car.

While in the city, buses and trains are fairly easy to use and budget-friendly. Taking a taxi is more expensive but may be easier when visiting certain places.  

Overall, Korea is a very accessible country on a range of budgets.

There are a number of areas where you can cut costs for a more budget-friendly trip or spend a bit more to suit your preferences.  

Here is more information on the budget you should foresee.

Your Korea Trip Planning  

Planning a trip can be done in stages with different steps being done at different times.

Here is our breakdown of what should be done when in order to best plan your trip to South Korea. 

The Timeline For Your Korea Trip Planning

6 months in advance

Book international flights

Join our Facebook group

Get travel insurance Plan your itinerary Check if you need a Visa

About 3 months in advance

Do you need an International Driving Permit? Book domestic flights

1 month in advance

Internet in South Korea Book Tours and other Fun Experiences

1 week in advance

What to pack

6 Months In Advance  

Join our korea facebook group.

Become a member of our Korea Travel Planning and Tips Facebook group. 

The purpose of this group is to help you plan an amazing vacation to Korea.  You can ask questions and exchange tips with fellow travelers.

Book Flights To South Korea  

If you have decided on South Korea and narrowed down your travel dates, it’s best to start checking flight prices as soon as possible.

Prices will change over time usually in a U-curve shape, starting high, slowly becoming cheaper, and then moving back towards expensive as it gets closer to the travel date.

The absolute lowest point is unpredictable but usually falls around 4-6 months before the travel dates.

The earlier you start checking the prices, the easier it will be to have a good idea of when you’re seeing ‘good’ prices and whether it is likely to fall further or not.

This can easily be done through price tracking or price alerts on various flight comparison websites.  

Tips To Find Cheap Flights  

If you are looking to save on flights, there are a number of things you can do.

The first is to make the best use of flight comparison websites.

This can be Skyscanner, Momondo, or even Google Flights. You can set up price tracking or alerts as mentioned previously and see various options at different prices.

You can also use a number of different limitations, such as flight duration, departure time, arrival time, and stopovers to get the best flights for your situation.

Using low-cost carriers (LCC) airlines can also be an opportunity to save some money on flights.  

Here is more information on finding cheap flights to South Korea.

Travel Insurance  

As soon as you have flights booked, the next step should be travel insurance.

An international trip is a big expense and can become even more expensive if something should go wrong while you’re out of the country.

It is easy for accidents to happen and a travel insurance policy can be very helpful when dealing with a medical or personal issue while in a foreign country.

Korea is generally a safe country with a modern and trustworthy healthcare system. Many doctors are able to speak English and will be ok dealing with foreigners.

This may be more difficult to find in more rural areas.

However, while the quality of medical care is high, costs as a tourist can also be quite high. Having a travel insurance policy in place to cover these costs can help relieve stress in a high-pressure situation.

It is important to make sure you know what your policy covers and not always go for the cheapest option, as sometimes this can lead to expensive surprises when an accident does occur.

It is also best to get a policy that can cover costs as they happen, rather than paying upfront and receiving reimbursement later.  

If you are looking for travel insurance, we recommend you to look at Safetywing . They offer very competitive prices for very decent coverage. 

Passports And Visa  

Many countries have a visa-waiver agreement with South Korea, meaning you do not need a visa to enter for tourism purposes.

This includes many parts of Europe, North America, much of South America, Oceania, and a number of Asian countries.

If you are unsure about your home country’s status, you can find more info here.

If you are from a country that is part of the visa-waiver agreement you will still need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization or K-ETA.

This will require some personal details, your passport details, and a payment of 10,000KRW (approx. $10 USD).

This should be approved in a short period of time.

This application can be done on the official Korean website.

For more details, see our guide to travel in South Korea .  

Covid Testing And Q Code  

Korea has had constantly changing and often strict rules regarding entry during the last few years.

Covid-19 has led to pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests, and varying quarantines.

However, as of 1 October 2022, travelers no longer need to have testing either pre-departure or on-arrival and quarantine is no longer necessary. 

You will need to apply for Q-code to enter South Korea.

This is a QR code that will be issued to you after applying and will contain your relevant health and contact information.

This application must be done no more than 3 days prior to entry.  

Plan Your Travel Itinerary  

Korea highlights  , seoul  .

With Seoul as the capital of South Korea, it makes sense to be one of the highlights of any Korea trip.

With its unique blend of old and new, Seoul is an amazing city to visit. Over the last few decades, Seoul has grown to be at the forefront of design, urban planning, technology, and more.

There is also a great celebration of traditional culture and historic sites.

Also setting Seoul apart from many modern cities is Bukhansan Park in the north of the city.

This national park borders the capital city and offers a welcome respite into beautiful nature and hiking trails.  

Here is our comprehensive list of Seoul posts that will help you plan your trip:

Things To Do And Itineraries:

• Best things to do in Seoul
• Best things to do in Seoul at night
• What is Seoul known for
• Best day trips from Seoul
• Best Seoul itinerary
• Best 4-day Seoul itinerary

Accommodation:

• Where to stay in Seoul
• 15 cool hotels in Seoul
• Best Boutique hotels in Seoul
• Best Hanok Stays in Seoul
• Best vacation rentals in Seoul

Seoul Guide

For the price of a single cup of coffee, you can get this Seoul itinerary as a nicely formatted PDF document.

It contains all the information in this post.

You can print it or store it on your phone so you can access it anytime during your visit to Seoul.

Have a look here for more information and a preview.

Busan   

Busan is a coastal city in the southeast of the country.

In recent years it has grown from a small and quaint fishing village to a bustling city with its own unique personality.

As a coastal city, Busan has a great predilection for seafood and is a great place to try out various Korean seafood dishes.

There are also some beautiful beaches to visit and waterfront activities to enjoy.  

Here is our comprehensive list of Busan posts that will help you plan your trip:

Things to do and itineraries :

• What to do in Busan
• The perfect 2-day Busan itinerary
• Best Busan day trips
• Best Busan day tours
• Best things to do in Busan at night

Accommodation posts:

• Where to stay in Busan
• Best Airbnbs in Busan

The DMZ  

Many people consider the DMZ a must-see while visiting South Korea.

The DMZ, or demilitarized zone, is the zone surrounding the border of South Korea and North Korea.

This is one of the few remainders of the Cold War that is still active, as the Korean War never officially ended and the two Koreas remain in an official state of conflict.

This border can only be visited on an organized tour due to the sensitivity of the area. Some tours also include the JSA or Joint Security Area, the actual borderline passing through the barracks on site.

Visiting this area is a unique look at how history and the present can intertwine.  

Note that the JSA is currently closed. We don’t know if and when it will reopen.

However, a visit to the DMZ stills gives you a unique understanding of North and South Korea’s history.

Book your DMZ tickets here, or read our full guide on how to choose the best DMZ tour.

Check prices and availability: Half or Full Day DMZ Tour

Jeonju  

Jeonju has a unique place in Korean history as the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty, the rulers of Korea from 1392 until the early 20 th Century.

For this reason, the city is steeped in history and tradition, with many cultural sites.

This long historical period gave rise to many rich cultural pursuits and uniquely Korean innovations. These include traditional Korean wine, paper, and dolls.  

Jeonju is well-known for its Hanok Village, an area of the city with predominantly Hanok buildings.

This is a style of building based on traditional Korean ways of thinking and architectural design.

It involves the ideal placement of a home, how to keep the building comfortable and temperate throughout the changing seasons, and catering to the social needs of the time.

Many of these traditional houses are still in existence and can be seen in the Jeonju Hanok Village.   You can even spend the night in one of them.

There are also a number of historic sites in Jeonju as well as museums commemorating Korean history and tradition.

Jeonju is an ideal place to visit to truly soak in the long traditions and history of Korean culture.  Here is a list of the best things to do in Jeonju.

Gyeongju  

Gyeongju, one of the most beautiful places in South Korea, is another historic city in South Korea.

It was the main capital of the Silla Kingdom which ruled the Korean Peninsula from 57BC – 935AD.

This long history has led to a number of historic and culturally significant sites in Gyeongju, including a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In fact, the sheer number of historic sites is the reason behind the city’s nickname of “the museum without walls” or “the museum without a roof”.  

There are many historical temples and palaces in Gyeongju, documenting the history of religion and the kingdom during this time.

It is also home to Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia.

It dates to the 7 th Century and is amazing to visit for both historical reasons and the astronomical illuminations that are regularly displayed.  

Gyeongju is also home to the UNESCO Gyeongju Historic Area, an entire area of historic ruins and relics. This area has museums, ruins to explore, serene temples, and more.

The city of Gyeongju is a must-see for anyone interested in history, Korean culture, or both.  

From hotels, highlights, transportation, and other booking needs, this section of our Korea itinerary has got you covered.

Hotels In South Korea  

There is a wide range of hotel accommodations available in South Korea.

The major cities, such as Seoul, are often more expensive, especially in the central areas.

Smaller cities can be cheaper, although it can depend on the time of year and location.

Accommodation prices in Korea can be quite seasonal generally, with spring being one of the most popular times of year to travel and prices reflecting this trend.  

However, regardless of when you travel, with some research and careful booking, you will always be able to find something to suit your budget.  

Choose a hotel from this list of well-rated hotels.

Check out our where to stay section in our Korea travel guide for all our hotel posts.

Best Booking sites For South Korea  

There are a number of booking sites that can be used to look for hotel accommodations in South Korea. Some of the top booking sites include: 

Booking.com  

The behemoth of accommodation Booking, Booking.com is just as active in South Korea as in other countries.

The majority of hotels can be found on Booking.com and the popularity of the site means there are often plenty of reviews which can be helpful in deciding on accommodation. 

Check prices and availability: Booking.com

Agoda  

Agoda is another big name in the accommodation booking business, although slightly less well-known than booking.com.

It is also part of the Booking.com group and so contains many of the same hotels.

However, as it was started in Asia, there are sometimes hotels listed which haven’t made it to Booking.com and sometimes deals are listed on Agoda but not booking.com. 

Check prices and availability: Agoda

VRBO  

If you are traveling with a family or just want a bit more space, staying in a VRBO or accommodation rental may be the answer.

Many hotel rooms in Korea can be small or feel cramped, and a full apartment to yourself may be a better alternative.

This also gives you the freedom to cook for yourself and more space if you need some relaxing time.  

Check prices and availability: VRBO

Special Accommodations In South Korea  

If you’re looking for a more unique accommodation experience while in South Korea, a hanok stay may be ideal for you.

These traditional houses can be found in many places throughout the country and are a step back in time to traditional Korea and the architecture and design of the period.

Most hanok accommodations have futon-style bedding and traditional rooms, so they may not be your accommodation for the entire trip, but staying for a night or two is a great option and a unique way to experience Korean tradition.

If you’re looking for hanok accommodation in Seoul, check out our previous post here.

If you plan to stay in a hanok while visiting the historic city of Jeonju, you can see our top picks here .   

Getting Around In South Korea  

Once you have decided on your general travel plans and which cities you will be visiting, it’s time to look into how you will get around in South Korea.

This includes both between cities and inside the city.

We have three main means of transport. 

Driving is a great way to travel between cities and visit the regions that aren’t serviced by the railway.

It also provides the opportunity to plan your own journey, meaning you can make stops that wouldn’t be possible when traveling by train or public transport.

There are many rental car companies operating in South Korea and it is easy to rent a car from the airport.

However, driving isn’t really necessary or even very convenient while inside the big cities so if you are staying in Seoul before moving on, you may want to wait before renting a car.

If you plan on renting a car in South Korea, click here.

To see more about our experience of driving in South Korea, see our post here. 

Train  

Korea has a rail network connecting many of the major metropolitan cities.

There are a number of trains available, including a high-speed bullet train, known as the KTX lines. The trains are reliable and easy to use.

This can be a great way to get between major cities quickly.

The six largest cities in Korea also have a subway or metropolitan system, which is useful for moving around the city or visiting different areas within the same city.

Korail also offers a number of tourism rail passes to foreign visitors, including 3- and 5-day passes.

However, it is important to check the prices of individual tickets before buying a pass, as sometimes the pass doesn’t work out cheaper.  

Express Bus  

Buses offer another alternative mode of transport.

If you don’t like driving or just want to avoid driving in a foreign country, buses can be another road option.

They are slower than the train but cover more area and so might end up more interesting.

They also serve more cities along the way. An express bus tends to go straight from one city to another while an intercity bus will make stops at different cities along the way.

There are also many local buses for getting around the cities after you have arrived.

For more information on public transport in South Korea, see our guide here.   

Organized Tours  

Planning a trip itinerary can be difficult and organized tours can simplify the process.

There are many different types of tours available and there is most likely one to suit you. Some tours are more guided while others plan the itinerary and provide minimal guidance to allow you more independence and options while on your trip.

Tours can have varying group sizes and be fast-paced or slow-moving.

There are also tours that are more focused on a certain type of traveler or interest, such as tours for young adults who want to experience a lot of nightlife, or tours more centered around the history and culture of an area.

There are many different tour options available in South Korea and we have curated some of the best options into our list here.  

3 months In Advance  

International drivers license  .

If you are planning on driving while in Korea you will need an IDP or International Drivers Permit.

This will give you permission to drive in Korea while holding an international driver’s license. Without an IDP or Korean driver’s license, there is no way for you to drive in Korea.

An IDP provides an official translation of your original driver’s license and can be provided by the official authority in your home country. You will need to show this when renting a car.  

Getting an IDP is a reasonably easy process and can help to provide a lot of freedom and flexibility in your travel planning and itinerary.  

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights aren’t necessary if you only visit the beautiful mainland of South Korea. However, if you also wish to go to the subtropical Jeju island you will need to fly. There’re multiple daily flights from Seoul and you should find reasonably priced flights if you book them 3 months out. Don’t wait too long if you’re traveling during the peak season.

If flights have become too expensive you can also take a ferry from Busan or some other places in the south of the country.

Check for flights on Momondo: Flights to Jeju

1 Month In Advance  

Staying online in south korea  .

Staying online can be a key aspect of travel in general, especially so when traveling in South Korea.

Having a reliable internet connection will allow you to use helpful tools like Google translate and navigation and map apps.

It will also help you find on-the-go recommendations, last-minute additions, up-to-date currency conversions, and more.

On top of that, many of us like to stay connected to friends and family while traveling, and reliable internet can be very helpful.  

Many places in Korea have free wi-fi available but it is always useful to have your own internet connection for the times when public wi-fi isn’t working or if you are in an area without public wi-fi.

There are a few main options available. One of the most convenient options is a pocket wi-fi or wi-fi egg as they are sometimes called.

This small device will provide a constant wi-fi connection Pocket wi-fi devices can be easily rented either in advance or at the airport.

These can then be returned by mail or to the same kiosk at the airport where it was rented.

There is a range of different plans available.

Pocket wi-fi is a convenient and easy-to-use option for the internet while in South Korea. To see more about pocket wi-fi in Korea, check out our post here.  

Another option is a travel sim. Many companies offer travel sims that can simply be swapped with your phone’s current sim.

You may also need to change some settings, but many travel sims will also provide you with a local phone number which may come in handy when making reservations that require contact details.

Another advantage of a travel sim is that you don’t have to return it at the end of your stay. For our experience and recommendations when using a travel sim in Korea, see our previous post .  

Transportation From The Airport 

There are a number of airports in South Korea that you may end up using and so it is necessary to be aware of the available transport to get to and from the airport.  

Seoul has two main airports – Gimpo and Incheon.

Gimpo is predominantly used for domestic flights and is located about 50 minutes from the city center.

Gimpo is connected via the subway and airport express.

Incheon is the much larger and more commonly-used airport and is where most international visitors will first land.

It is about 47km from Seoul station, in the center of Seoul, and is easily reached.

A’REX Airport Express

The A’REX airport express is the fastest and cheapest way to move from Incheon to Seoul station.

Limousine Bus

You can also take the limousine bus which will make various stops at different points in Seoul.

There are 4 lines that stop at various places in Seoul.

• 6701 Airport: Seoul City Hall
• 6702 Airport: Dongdaemun/Namsan
• 6703 Airport: Gangnam/COEX
• 6705 Airport: Jamsil/East Seoul Bus Terminal

The buses run from early in the morning until the evening.

Note that the schedule for all buses is different, so definitely check the bus hours before booking a ticket.

Private Transfer

However, it is also possible that you could be tired and overwhelmed and not keen on navigating public transport after a long international flight.

In this case, paying a bit more for a direct private transfer going straight from the airport to your hotel might be the answer.  

Busan  

If you are planning on flying to Busan, you will likely end up using Gimhae, Busan’s airport.

This airport is only about 11km from Busan station in the city center. If you take a taxi from the airport, it will only be about 15 minutes. However, the cheaper options are to take the subway or bus.

Unfortunately, these take a more roundabout route and take 53 minutes for the subway and 1hr for the bus.

The option you choose will really depend on your budget and how much time you are willing to spare.  

Jeju  

While in Korea you may be planning on visiting the beautiful island of Jeju.

This island is easily reached by plane with flights from Seoul and Busan only taking around 55 minutes.

A number of other regional airports also have flights available. In fact, Jeju airport is actually the second-largest airport in South Korea due to its popularity.

It is located around 3km from the city center and is very easy to reach by bus or taxi.

Both options take around 5 minutes, however, the taxi is more expensive.  

Tours And Other Fun Activities In South Korea

Best booking sites  .

If you are planning on booking activities, day tours, or other fun things to do in South Korea, there are a number of booking sites you can use to find the best activities and get the best deals.

Here are our top picks: 

GetYourGuide  

GetYourGuide is a great website with a wide range of activities and tours available.

They can be easily booked through the website and customer service is handled by GetYourGuide rather than directly with the operator.

The customer service is very professional and quick to respond to any issues.

Many of the activities on GetYourGuide can be canceled for free with 24 hours’ notice which leaves you with more flexibility while you’re actually on your trip.  

Check prices and availability: GetYourGuide

Viator  

Viator is another company that works to connect travelers with tour and activity operators in the country.

It is owned by TripAdvisor and is considered reliable and consistent.

It often has more tours than Getyourguide listed, so if you can’t find the right activity for you on GetYourGuide, Viator might be the better option for you.  

Check prices and availability: Viator

Klook  

Klook is a large Asian-based booking site with many activities and tours able to be booked in South Korea.

There are a number of activities that can’t be found on other sites and many of them come with great deals.

This makes Klook a great option when looking for a variety of activities, including some that aren’t obvious or as well-documented.

It can also be great for your budget.

It’s important to note that not all activities can be canceled for free on Klook so your itinerary needs to be fairly certain when booking through this site.  

Check prices and availability: Klook

Fun Activities In South Korea  

There are a number of fun activities available in Korea that you may consider booking in advance.

This is especially relevant for the more limited or very popular activities which can book out weeks in advance.

To avoid disappointment, consider booking these in advance of your travel dates.  

The DMZ : Visit the border of South Korea and North Korea and see how the hangovers of the Cold War continue to affect Korea to this day.

Look across North Korea while learning about its history and current situation in Korea.  

Nami Island : A river island located near Seoul that is considered beautiful in every season. This island is a popular romantic destination and is well-known for its beautiful tree-lined paths and scenery.  

N Seoul Tower : Wander through the beautiful Namsan Park before climbing the hill to N Seoul Tower where you can quickly rise to 500m to see stunning panoramic views over Seoul.

This offers some of the best views in Seoul and is often considered a must-see when visiting Seoul.  

Nanta Show : Nanta is a unique, long-running form of musical comedy blending culinary skills, martial arts, acrobatics, and comedy.

It is also completely non-verbal. Spectators are encouraged to participate and the show provides a captivating 90 minutes of fun and entertainment.  

Huwon Secret Garden : The Secret Garden is a beautiful rear garden at Changdeokgung Palace. Extensive yet intimate, beautifully designed yet natural, the garden is picturesque and relaxing.

Visitors must join a tour and tour tickets book out fast so it is necessary to be fast when booking tickets to the Secret Garden (click on tour reservation at the top of the page).

Best Theme Parks In South Korea  

There are many amazing theme parks in South Korea and visiting one or more of them may be a fun activity while you are traveling.

Theme parks in Korea are often very extensive with many different things to do and enjoy.

They are designed and built with the aim of being the best theme park possible and often achieve this aim. Some of the top theme parks in South Korea include:  

Lotte World   

Lotte World Adventure is the world’s largest indoor amusement park with amazing rides and beautiful seasonal parades and performances.

The Garden Stage has regular performances changing with the season or relevant celebration (such as Christmas) and is well-loved by domestic and international tourists alike.

The Magic Island is the outdoor component of Lotte World and rivals Disney with its fairytale atmosphere.  

Since March 31, 2022, Lotte World also opened in Busan.

Everland  

Everland is one of Korea’s largest amusement parks and consists of five unique zones. These include Global Fair, Magic Land, American Adventure, Zootopia, and European Adventure.

Each zone is beautifully decorated and themed and can be very fun to visit. There are many rides at Everland, including the famous T-Express, Korea’s first wooden rollercoaster.

This is also one of the fastest rollercoasters in the world. There are also many themed exhibits and festivals depending on the season.  

Check prices and availability:

Everland 1 day ticket

Everland shuttle bus and ticket

Here is an overview of more great amusement parks in South Korea.

1 Week In Advance  

What to pack for your korea trip  .

Packing can be a difficult task, especially when there is always a niggling fear in the back of your mind that you’ve forgotten something.

Some of the most important categories to cover are your important documents and electronics.

Important Documents

This includes items like your passport, travel insurance policy, and various other travel documents.

It can also include hotel reservations, although these are likely electronic and you probably don’t need printouts of these.

Electronics

Electronics will include your phone, plans for how to stay online in Korea, and possibly a camera and chargers for everything.

Items like medication and a refillable water bottle are also necessary and should be at the top of your list.

Some medications are banned in South Korea so it may be necessary to check if any medication that you need is permitted.

The season in Korea will largely determine how you pack with winter requiring much warmer clothing and thick jackets while summer requires cool and breathable clothes.

It is important to remember that seasons like spring can get very cool at night so you will still need some warm clothing.  

More South Korean Travel Tips  

Money saving tips  .

Taking an international trip can be an expensive venture and there are likely many places where you are willing to spend a bit more money for comfort and convenience.

There are also a number of ways you can save money and reduce your budget.

This can include things like transport.

While traveling within the city sticking to public transport such as subways and buses will help save a lot of money that might otherwise have been spent on taxis.

Free Entry To Attractions And Museums

Another good idea is to research which attractions, museums, and locations have free entry.

While you probably won’t want to limit yourself to these, including some can be a good way to save money.

You can also save money by eating and shopping where the locals do, rather than at more touristy places.

Sometimes places catered directly to tourists can have inflated prices while local restaurants and shops will have much cheaper options.  

Discover Seoul Pass

One of the best ways to save money while traveling in Seoul is with the Discover Seoul Pass.

This 1-3 day pass provides a range of benefits for a very reasonable price. The pass provides free entry to 35 different attractions and discounted entry at another 30.

This can add a lot to your list of places to visit for free or for a lower price. It also provides a free one-way Airport Express (A’REX) ride.

This can be very useful when coming from or returning to the airport after arrival or before departure.

Another useful function is the T-Money function. This will keep working after your pass expires and means you don’t have to spend extra money to buy a separate T-Money card.

This will work as a rechargeable public transport card and allow you to utilize the public transport system easily.

The Discover Seoul Pass can be bought online and picked up at the airport or at the Myeongdong Tourist Information Center.  

Note that the Discover Seoul Pass is not always available. If it isn’t, you can see if they have the BTS edition. It’s a 24hr edition of the Discover Seoul Pass without the T-money option. Instead, you get a Korea Tour T-money Card as a bonus. The BTS edition covers the same attractions as the regular Discover Seoul Pass.

Discover Seoul Pass BTS (24hour+Korea Tour Card)

For more tips on how to get around Seoul, click here.

Google Maps  

One unusual and sometimes confusing aspect of travel in South Korea is the lack of Google Maps information.

Many of us rely on Google Maps as our go-to when navigating an unfamiliar area, but in South Korea, Google Maps is rarely used.

It does exist and has some information but is rarely updated and can be very spotty, especially at a close-up level. It also isn’t very useful for driving or walking directions.

However, Korea has a number of local navigation apps that you can easily make use of.

These include Naver Maps, Korea Seoul Metro Navi, and Kakao Taxi.

Available on:  Google Play  –  Apple (This app is not getting much love for its Apple version.  We used the Android version which worked like a charm)

Korea Seoul Metro Navi

Korea Seoul Metro Navi will guide you quickly and efficiently through Seoul’s extended subway system.  The app calculates the fastest route to your destination.

Available on:  Google Play  –  Apple

If you plan on taking taxis, we recommend that you use the Kakao Taxi app.

Available on:  Google Play , – Apple

Travel Adapter  

Another important aspect to consider is travel adapters and plug types.

South Korea uses plug type F. This is used in a number of other countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and some European countries.

If you live in a country that uses a different plug type, you will need a plug adapter for travel in South Korea.

However, even if you live in a country that does use plug type F, it is important to also check the voltage to make sure it won’t affect your devices. South Korea has 220V and 60hz.

If your country operates on a different voltage, you may need a travel adapter that can also convert the voltage.

These are easily available from travel goods stores, as well as many electronics stores and department stores.  

H ere is a list of more Korea travel tips that will help you plan an unforgettable holiday.

Conclusion  

South Korea can be an amazing travel destination with a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and an array of fun activities and tours to participate in.

This guide has curated some of the most important information needed to plan an ideal trip to South Korea.

By using this information, your next trip to South Korea should be well-organized without being strict, fun without being chaotic, and enjoyable without any problems along the way.  

Tour Guides

Korean tour guides are highly professional, licensed and go through a serious vetting process. they offer their own tours, but you can always ask them to customize it to your own interests..

I am a Korean-Canadian professional English-speaking tour guide with a certified license. Happiness, Fun, Laughter, Joy, Delightful - These are the words that come to my mind when I think of my tours and my guests. What's your favorite thing to do when you travel? Do you want to experience fun and dynamic Korean culture and history with a positive, bright, and loving local professional tour guide? Then, let's travel Korea with Pam! I was born and raised in Korea until I was 15 years old, then I resided in Canada for 17 years. I decided to become a tour guide in Korea after I traveled around the world because I realized that I love Korean food, history, culture, and people! I have conducted more than 400 professional tours with over 2, 000 travelers from 65 different countries for the past 3 years. I speak native level Korean and English and I can also bring both the Eastern and the Western cultures together and keep you interested while we explore this amazing country. Let's have some fun and experience the authentic Korean culture and local food! Pam's Private Tour Guiding Experiences (South Korea) * Ministry of Foreign Affairs - President of Inter-American Development Bank (IDB): VIP JSA Tour, Counsellor & Deputy Chief of Embassy of The Arab Republic of Egypt: Seoul City Tour, Governor of Iowa from the United States: VIP JSA Tour * World Bank - Vice President and Country Director of East Asia and Pacific Region: VIP JSA Tour * United Nations - Head EDP and DPKO: Seoul Vicinity Tour * Korean Air - Former minister of the Ministry of Culture of France: Seoul & Jeju Island Tour * CHANEL - Seoul Chanel Walk Fashion Show VIP actress Kristen Stewart and liaison from France: Seoul City Tour * ADNEC Group - Managing Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company: Seoul City Tour * Samsung Engineering - The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), Vice Presidents: DMZ Tour * Sun Hydraulics - Board of directors from Europe and North America: Seoul City Tour * Hotel VIP Guest Tours - Park Hyatt, Grand Intercontinental, Conrad, JW Marriott, Grand Hyatt, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, etc.

Always be Happy and wish God bless you! Hi, I am a tour guide in S.Korea, call me Bella which means Beauty from Italy. If I say about me, Love traveling by my own, enjoying beautiful my life, make people laughing with warm-hearted, like to eat local healthy food, try to do what I haven’t do, kind and considerate, no worry to meet strangers, someone say to me looks just healing, have diverse life experiances, have at least over 8years of work experience as a local tour guide in S.Korea so it would be suitable one to do as a tour guide for you. As like what I mentioned of me, it’s very important that meet a tour guide while you are on the tour, will make it worthy or terrible. I will for sure say if you join with me, never regret ever, you’d have a great memory only. You will have a good luck with me! Let's go~ Brief profiles - Native in Korean, fluent in English, 流利汉语 - Professional English tour guide with a license - Professional Certificate in TESOL, TYC-Diploma, Canada - 5 years Researcher of Internet-Broadcast-Division - M.A. degree of Visual Communication -Instagram, Bella Park [All in good time with me]

Sung-Hyuk Kwon

6 years experienced freelance English walking tour guide in South Korea I am planning and leading customized, package, and incentive tours (on old/new Korea, K-pop, shopping, pretty towns, nature, B2B/B2C meetings, etc). I also guided Korean travelers in 20+ countries in Europe, Africa, Philippine, and Canada for 3 years while managing event guest itineraries & escorting in the United Nations and NGOs. Clients have truly appreciated my efficient tour routes, unique storytelling skills, and deep knowledge of local spots. They have valued me as a colorful, flexible, and pleasant guide who naturally makes fun time, handles any situations, and always maximizes clients’ satisfaction. - Propose customized tours. - Itinerary change, (price will change relatively) time schedule, and number of clients are flexible. - Give Korea travel tips.

Hello ! I am a licensed tour guide with fluent English and great knowledge about Korean culture and history. I obtained this license in 1998 and since then, I have worked on and off as a part-time and a full-time tour guide for travel agencies and Korean governmental agencies. I majored in English and literature in university and a graduate school and also studied in Australia. I chose to become a tour guide as I love being with people and I am a great people person. I am also a non-stop chatterbox who tells you about Korean culture and history that is not written in the travelers' guide book. You will be all ears when I tell you behind-the-scenes stories of Korean history. Magical things can happen when you are with me as I will do my best to make your wishes to come true just like Genie in a bottle in the story of Aladdin. (^-^) Traveling all over the places with my valuable clients is the biggest happiness to me. I think I am a born traveler and a tour guide. I never get tired from any type of tours. As a licensed tour guide, I design tours for foreigners who want to visit Korea. I offer tour guiding service anywhere in Korea for a number of days on request. I am also available for medical tours and plant tours around Korea. I have been to many places all over Korea as a tour guide for foreigners and all over the world as a tour leader for Korean tourists. I have traveled about 50 countries so far including 10 countries in Africa, America, Canada, England, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Turkey, France, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Monaco, Czech, Austria, Swiss,Hungry, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine, Laos, Vietnam, China and Japan. So I have lots of interesting tour episodes to share with you. I am very lucky because my job does not keep me in one place. As for my previous career, I worked as an English teacher for 9 years and worked as an interpreter for 7 years for an American auto parts manufacturing company that supplied to Hyundai and Kia Motors. I still work as an English interpreter for international events whenever chances are given. I would like to have the great luck to see you walking beside me with a face full of curiosity about Korea. * Some of the Outstanding Experience as a Tour Guide & Interpreter for International events May 2018 = Interpreter and a tour guide for graduate school students of Oxford university April 2018 = Tour guide for vice-ministers of national defense of 17 different countries June 2017 = Tour guide for international congress of lawyers Feb. 2016 = Tour guide for a group of visiting IVY league professors from USA Sept. 2015 = Interpreter and a tour guide for the International Medical Exposition April 2015 = The 7th World Water Forum : Sightseeing tours for VIP guests in Busan and Kyungju April 2012 = Volunteer interpreter for Seoul International Wheelchair Marathon Competition Sept. 2010 = Interpreter and a tour guide for IAPMA Congress for 10 days (International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artist) * Other Work Experience 2012 ~ 2018 = Enthusiastic tour guide for international tourists in Korea 2004 ~ 2011 = Interpreter for a global American company named Gibbs- Diecasting that supplied its products to Hyundae and Kia Motors. 1995 ~ 2003 = English teacher * Training Programs that I completed. March 2016 - Intensive Premium Tour Guide Training program organized by Korea Tourism Organization Sept. 2015 - Premium Tour Guide Training Program Specializing in Tours for Muslims ★★★ Some comments I got from my beloved clients from all over the world. At the tend of the tour I always see my clients put their thumbs up for me which is the sign of being satisfied with my tour. ★★★ ★ Best tour guide ever. We are a group with children (15, 11 and even 1 year old baby). Jinny manage to find something interesting for every one of us. Her devotion and qualified explanation made our Seoul tour a beautiful experience. We had a profound touch of what Korean spirit means. Thank you very, very much. Highly recommended guide!!! = Written by Dana Ivan from Romania ★ Jinny Kim is a great tour guide! One of the best decisions I've made during my trip to Seoul! Not only was she prompt with our schedule and able to squeeze in EVERYTHING that we asked to see but she was also very kind, generous, and funny. She stayed with us past the time we were scheduled and made sure we got home to our original stop. She really does love spending time with people and you can tell she really enjoys being a tour guide. I definitely recommend her to be your choice in Seoul! = Written by Leilani Allen from America ★ I cannot praise Jinny enough! We booked a private tour of Seoul by van and got to see many of the highlights and also hidden gems. Her explanations and personal insights made all the difference. Her English is superb and she is just so much fun to be with! She even worked overtime to make sure we got to see everything we wanted to see and didn't even charge us the full amount she was entitled to for all her extra time We really feel like we have a friend in Seoul and hope to see her again! = Written by Carol noonan from America ★ I am happy to say that Jinny Kim was outstanding. She was prompt and had worked out several options to meet my preferred interests of Seoul. Jinny is a fun person and is so committed to ensuring she achieves her clients tour wishes. I cannot recommend her highly enough. A sincere big thank you. =Written by Ian King from England ★ In spite of her funny soul and smiley face, Jinny Is a very professional guide with the area and place she knows. She took me to many places and during that also she is looking for something new. She has many photos of the places she visited before. As for me I highly recommend her for any group like to enjoy and visit nice, historical, shopping and entertainment places, also I wish I can meet her again in my new trip. = Written by Saher Hanosh from Israel

Hi! My name is Jin lee and I'm working as an English tour guide in South Korea! I deal with every tours in every places! It's almost over 5 years that I've started to work as a tour guide in Korea and It's still super amazing! If you are looking for a fun and joyful tour guide, please don't hesitate to choose me :) I'm definitely gonna make your day so awesome and beautiful! Thanks and See you soon! Bio 2014.11~2015.11 : City tour guide in Cosmojin (private & package) 2015.11~2016.03 : City tour guide in VIP (private & package) 2016.03~ : working as a freelanced tour guide (Samsung, KIA, Keumho, Chanel, Givenchy, etc)

Andrew Chung

Hi, I'm Andrew Chung, a private driving guide in Korea! I've guided travelers from all over the world for many years. I have strong passion about showing around my amazing motherland to the world. What would you like to do in Korea? Where would you like to go? Gangnam Street? Grand Palaces? Traditional houses? Or mountains and seaside? Rice wine pub? You name it. We'll be right there. I like to explore Korea's local hidden gems and I can confidently say that I know Korea's inside and out. I've been a member of a mountain climbing club, driving club (Grand-Starex Club), and a hiking club for several years. I love to discover less known places that have great food and know many places that only native Koreans go. The real 'it' places are not in the guidebook if you know what I mean! Also, I have an in-depth knowledge about the Asian philosophy which deeply influenced Korea in ancient times. So I have many interesting stories to share, that are behind certain paintings and architecture. Locations of palaces or temples were selected based on the Asian philosophy and most of paintings on the architectures are all symbolic. For example, you will be intrigued to hear what symbolic significance the number of dragon's fingers on the ceiling of a palace. I will carefully match your interest with what Korea has to offer. Also, I'll suggest most time-efficient tour schedule, but will be also flexible enough to change it to accommodate your needs in the course of the tour. I hope you have the best time in Korea and make great memories to take home with and let me make that happen for you!

Travel & Photos.......Hello! I am Thomas, a driving tour guide. Before being a tour guide, I had worked at the Human Resource Department and the Public Relation Department for almost 30 years. I had learned how to communicate with others from those experiences. Now as a tour guide, I am trying to do my best for tourist's safe, comfortable, enjoyable and memorable tour. I am also ready to show all of you the real beauty of Korea. In addition, I give a free photo service to tourists. I am a good friend of yours.

Alex Macatangay

Hello my name is Alejandro just call me Alex for short. Im a filipino. To be honest Im not a licensed tour guide in Korea but i can guarantee you a good service. Ive been guiding friends in Korea since 2003 as a private/personal tour guide and i can say that experienced itself is my LICENCED.Travelling is my passion. Whenever i travel i feel so great and refreshed. I came to korea in 2003 since then i came to loved everything in Korea. Not just the people but also the culture nature and specially food. Im not really expert in every places in korea tour but i will promise you that i can help and assist you a lot. I will do my best to make your family tour in Korea a satisfying one. I can speak English, Tagalog, and Korean. If you are looking for someone who is kind enthusiastic and trusted to guide you here in Korea. I found a right person. Please feel free to contact me anytime. My email is: [email protected] My number is: 01065710579 See you guys.....

Hi, my name is Hana who is fun, considerate, adventurous and a big traveler myself. I was an IT engineer for last six years. Even though IT is an interesting field, I loved the new experience from traveling overseas. Overall, I traveled more than 30 countries and 100 cities. What else? Yes, I quit the job in 2014 and became a tour guide in Seoul! I do truly understand each moment and each day is so important for travelers, therefore I always do my best to make amusing and enjoyable moments with my guests. I have conducted more than 100 tours to DMZ, Palaces and UNESCO heritage sites so on. But above all, I believe that I have shared all of my delightful and positive energy with my guests during the tour. Not only me, generally people in Seoul are active, energetic and looking for the fun all the time. While you are traveling Seoul, I wish you can taste the true color of South Korea!

Hello, I'm a English-Korean interpreter who loves traveling and food. I love to travel other countries and experience many different cultures and this led me to think about how unique and interesting Korean culture is. I like to explore distinct characteristics of Korea and would like to share them to you.

Hello, my name is Sunny and I'm a semi-pro golfer with a teaching license in Korea. Korean lady golfers are considered some of the best in the world. Just look at the Rolex Rankings and you'll find that 40% of the top lady golfers are from my country Korea. What better way to learn your golf swing than from a person like me. I usually teach at my local driving range, but we can go out in the field to play if you like. Playing golf in Korea is an experience like no other. I know some of the best golf courses where history was made. Make sure to message me first before trying to make a booking. I have other classes I teach so it's best to coordinate. Thanks!

Hwal Ran Ok

Hello! My name is Hwal Ran and I am running a Korean Paper Art Experience Products program. At first, as I was in love with making Hanji crafts, I made them by myself and sold them to customers. As time went by, I changed my mind to share the experience with other people and also teach them how to do it so that people can better understand the real Korean culture. Now, I would like to introduce Korean paper art to people from all over the world in order to make them to have an interesting experience while visiting Korea. Korean paper art is a traditional craft art decorating lamps, paper pen, frame, hand mirror and etc with Korean traditional paper Hanji. Hanji comes with various colors and has unique bright colors that's just enough to grab your attention. The materials that I offer all come from Jeonju, which is the original place where Hanji started. Although I don't speak fluent English, there's no problem in giving lessons and I will show you demonstrations of how it works and provide you with simple instructions. I held sessions for over 10 years now to tourists and most of them loved after taking it. I want to share my background to all of you. 1997 Started as a Hanji craft instructor Instructor for teacher training 2006 Opening of Hanjichuoek craft center Awarded with special prize in Grand Art Exhibition of Korea held by Korea Fine Arts Association Awarded with special prize in National Hanji Craft Competition held by The Traditional Paper Artists Association 2009 Displayed in Colored Hanji Member Exibition held by Korean Paper Technology Association - "Hanji to World" Manufactured tailored frame with traditional motifs for festival of the year of interchange of Korea and China (held by Ministry of Culture) 2010 Introduced Hanji crafts program at NHK educational broadcast of Japan Selected as the most 20 must visit place in Insadong, Jongrogu Judge of Chamjongi Crafts Contest ~until 2014 2011 Introduced in a book(as part of experiences in Seoul), whose author is Shioda Sadaharu, a Japanese actor Invited artist for Hangeul Saegimjeon Invited Artist Exhibition 2014 Appeared in 'Ggureogi Tamgusenghwal', a program of SBS 2016 Appeared in 'Finding Mom', a program of EBS 2017 Displayed in Mauematti exhition Instructor for multiple workshops There's no need to worry about level of difficulty! I had customers from all over the world and they all found Hanji crafts easy and exciting to make! So don't hesitate and join me :) Come and experience the best Hanji crafts!!

Sung Gyu Kim

Hi, My name is Sung Gyu Kim, I'm from and based in Seoul, South Korea. I've been living in abroad(USA, Sweden, 中文) for 12 years and also have long time of traveling experience in every continent of earth. From my experience I will guide you to the best experience and expedition of my country. as I'm the local person I understand and know the city and country more than anyone. A day tour, sightseeing, history, shopping, food, local life, mainstream and underground art and music scene, family or group tour and also night life, I can plan or guide you from any kind of your preference. also welcome to ask any kind of your travel offers or translator. No crime record, nice and friendly! Korean is my mother language, fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese(中文欢迎) also can speak conversational Swedish and Portuguese. Thank you.:) ??!

First of all, I have to say travelling has been always my passion. I has really enjoyed travelling by my car to tourist attractions or a cousine tour all over the country not only during weekends but also whenever I got vacations or even only one day-off. To make my dream come true that is to make travelling my profession, I studied and got the International tour guide license certified by Korean government in December 2017. I worked for JP Morgan Chase Investment Banking Corp Seoul Branch for 24 years, a Native English Teacher Recruiting Company for two years and representative Korean Buddhist temples for four years. And now I would like to start the second page of my life as I wanted for a long time. As I travelled so many years alone or with my international friends who had been known from my previous work before having the licence, now I assure that you will be my pleasure to show you the beauty of Morning Calm country my motherland Korea. It is really challenging to be a private tour guide for international visitors. I have been escorting many international visitors more than 4,000 people from various foreign countries to Korean temples and hermitages and conducted meditation in the forest of the temples for several years during the templestay. In addition, I made unforgettable memories during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. I escorted and interpreted a Minister of Science from Canada Ms. Kirsty Duncan who is a genuine born lovely lady at the same time very intelligent. You can see her beautiful smile from the photo gallery. I supported her and the SportsCanada team about 40 days during the Olympic games and Paralyimpics. I met many wonderful sports stars and medalists of Olympics and it was very honorable having time with them as I had just started to work in the tourism industries as an English Tour guide. Since then, I could perform not only many important tour events but also assume an important role as an interpreter at variety of Governmental exhibition or business meetings. I am now enjoying the second page of my life with many international peoples who want to explore Korean culture and history by visiting Korea tourist attractions. I will arrange your journey most exciting and refreshing. And I will also try to help you to find true yourself at the end of your trip by making empty your busy mind at the most serene beautiful place in Korea.

Hi ! My name is Jinwoo Kim (English name is Tyson), the ski instructor of JSKI. JSKI is an international ski school in Korea and I've worked as ski instructor for 8 years. I am professional ski instructor and have license of it. Most of customers are tourists from Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc, and there is no snow in there countries. Of course, teaching ski to first-timer is very difficult but it is my pleasure to feel their happiness when they experience ski and snow. I love to meet and communicate and share the different cultures with foreigner tourists. I think ski lesson is relationship between instructor and customer, but also it is communication between person to person. So after lesson, you will be a good skier, and I will be your friend. Let's have fun on the white slope !

Dong Kyu Lee

Hi I'm Dong Kyu Lee. I have lived in Seoul for 5 years. And I have visited many different places in Seoul. So now I want to introduce some interesting places to you. I have different types of tours, and I'm sure that you will like it.

Jihyeon Won

Hi, I'm Wonji :D I work as EDM Yoga instructor to take you flight with me!! I've been teaching EDM Yoga at fitness studios like 'New Balance Women's Studio' at Gangnam. Also I was invited to have performances at EDM festivals at 'WDJ(World DJ Festival)', 'Sounce Parade Festival'. If you are big fan of EDM? Do you like to workout on upbeat music? Or want to make cool friends? Just try this EDM yoga class once, and you’ll become obsessed ;)

Hello, I have traveled to many countries, and have worked as a chef for around nine years. I've been to Mongolia, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, to name a few. After my long travels, I still like to meet travelers and foreigners, and I loved to cook Korean food for my foreign friends when I was traveling. That's why I started this cooking class in Seoul, and to share my recipes. Most of my experience is with Korean food, and I have abundant experience in the kitchen. I will teach you how to make and prepare traditional Korean food. Monday, Wednesday & Friday Heamul pajeon - Seafood pancake with spring onion. Bibimbab - Mixed rice what is one of the traditional and famous Korean food. Bukumi - Korean crepes with nuts (for dessert). Tuesday & Saturday Japche - sweet and savory dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables. Jeyuk bokeum - Spicy stir-fried pork and vegetables. Bukumi - Korean crepes with nuts (for dessert). Thursday & Sunday Kimchi jeon - Kimchi pancake Bulgogi - stir-fried beef with soy sauce Bukumi - Korean crepes with nuts (for dessert). Hope after you joined my experience, more interested in Korean cooking and Korean culture :) We'll begin with a visit to a local market that's not known by many tourists. We'll look at the Korean ingredients and buy vegetables, and we'll walk around so you can see what the locals buy and sell in the market. After this, we'll visit a traditional Korean house and you'll learn to cook three kinds of genuine Korean foods and to make Kimchi.( after class you will bring a small package of Kimchi what you made)

Hi everyone! I am the founder and Chief Executive Tour Guide here at KTG. I have built this travel agency in Korea from the ground up from being a tour guide myself to now being more on the management side of things. My one true love is still guiding travelers in and around Korea and showing them the beauty and culture here and I'll do that every once in a while when I have the time. I love showing people the things to do in Seoul and the rest of South Korea. Some of my favorite tours to do are tours in Busan and tours in Jeju Island. But I do have a talented group of tour guides that I've hand picked myself from working with them over the years. So any one of us can show you a great time here in the Land of Kpop, Samsung and the Morning Calm.

Hello, 안녕, 你好!, Hola and any other languages you speak :) I'm Andrew, a Korean nightlife enthusiast. I've enjoyed the nightlife scenes of New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai - which is where I used to study and work. Now, I have taken that passion to Korea (my motherland) to give you something special. Get excited!

Soo Jung Pak

Hi, my name is Soo Jung. I was born and raised in the U.S. I moved to Korea almost 5 years ago. My background and career was actually in Counseling Psychology, but I moved here to fulfill a call on my life. Prior to moving, I had only visited Korea twice, so I wasn't familiar with the city or country for that matter. I had experienced some culture shock as I adjusted to life here. It was through my own personal exploration of the city that my heart really grew for Seoul, and I just gained such an appreciation of all the conveniences and uniqueness the city has to offer. I challenged myself to go to different parts of the city and not to just settle with going back and forth just to work. or places near my home. Not knowing how long I would be here, I wanted to make the most of it. Life here can be very busy, fast paced, stressful at times and brings constant changes with people and things that come and go. I found healing and joy in enjoying the different things; like nature, which Koreans do a very good job of maintaining and cultivating. I also found that I just loved being in beautiful surroundings which would uplift my spirits. There's so much to see and do here- from sporting events, K-pop, musueums/arts/culture, Unesco sites, trendy and theme-specific cafes, delicious foods, nature, botanical gardens, lovely parks; some even with sculptures. I would love to share the places that bring me much joy. I believe I have a good balance of being both ethnically Korean, and also a "foreigner," and I have insights that will help others to adjust to and help while you visit here. Even though tourism is a new field for me, I have had the privilege to have the flexibility to see and do many things that most of my Korean friends have not, because of their busy work schedules. All of my friends rely on me to plan outings and even take their out of town guests to places that I've taken them to.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

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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Hello everyone, I am Paul, a tour guide in Seoul. Seoul is a fascinating destination that seamlessly blends the old with the new. I'm excited to show you some of the best things to make your trip fun and excited, through my deep knowledge about culture and history of Korea and exuberant experiences as tour guide. My primary tourist destination is Seoul and metropolitan area, consisting of 5 palaces, Royal Ancestral Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village, National museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea and other museums & galleries and contemporary architectures, and Namsan Mt. with N-Seoul Tower, traditional & trendy market places such as Gwangjang market & Hondae street, and also Korean Folk Village & DMZ tour. Center of culture and tour is architecture. Architectural style represents spirit of times. We can see as much as we know about spirit of times. For example, without knowledge about Christianity, the spirit of medieval Europe, we cannot fully appreciate beauty and value of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Confucianism was the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung represents Confucianism. Confucianism culture of Joseon Dynasty is unique characteristic of Korean culture, compared to Chinese, Japanese and European culture. Hence, my tourist information is based on Confucianism. Thank you for your interest! As your guide, I hope to see you soon in Seoul.                                                                                                                                  

I am Thomas, a licensed tour guide in Seoul, Korea since 2016. I am optimistic, easy-going and open-minded. Before being a tour guide, I had worked at a major company as a personnel manager for almost 30 years. I learned how to get along with people through my job experience. Now, as a tour guide, If you let me know what you are interested in, for example, places to visit, activities to do, and food to eat. I will do my best to make everything you imagine come true. I offer the best services; High Quality and Customized tours, Free transportation service and Free photo service. I also guarantee a comfortable, pleasant, safe and memorable tour. Enjoy the moment at your own pace and time in Korea, I will capture it as a photo. Thank you                                                                                                                                  

Hello Everyone, My name is Hans, I've been living in Seoul Korea over 40 years and working as an officially certified English speaking tour & trekking guide since 2015. I have various experiences in city tours including history, culture, religion, foods and so on, and I met lots of tourists with Private and Group from the world, and understand of what they want to see and do. As a result, I can bring tourist to those major tourist spots and believe you will be satisfied with my tour, and back to home with forgettable memories after the time with me. My tour coverages are Seoul City tour with DMZ, Unesco world heritages, National park trekking, country side cycling tour, and nationwide multiple days tour with my van.                                                                                                                                  

Jake (jong kyu) Y.

Hi, my name is jake. i love meeting new friends and traveling all over the world. that's why i'm working as a private tour guide in korea i also love taking pictures. that's why i'm also a professional photographer, and i don't mind sharing my photographic skills with you i will be happy to take photographs of you on tour and to help you with your photography when requested. i have plenty of experience giving private tours of korea having received my tour guide license in 2014. i love sharing the culture and history of my home country with my guests there are so many beautiful places to see in seoul, korea. seoul is the capital city of korea with over 600 years of history. it is the heart of korea's politics and economics as well as culture and education. seoul has many old historic places like gyeongbokgung palace and traditional culture places like bukchon hanok village, insa-dong, etc. the shopping and entertainment districts of myeongdong and korea's largest underground shopping mall, coex also a lot of tourists coming every year. the han river, which runs through the middle of the city, is also a beautiful landscape that offers resting areas for citizens. kwangjang market, which is the the traditional urban market over 100 years. seoul n tower, which is the famous tourist destination frequented by both domestic and international tourists. top of the tower, there is an observatory, you could see whole the amazing view of seoul and love padlocks, too. why don't you join my tour and have plenty of fun and memories during your visit to korea i'm looking forward to seeing you soon. thank you. jake                                                                                                                                  , new seoul tour guides.

Hello! I am Alice. I live in Incheon, South Korea. It's very close to Seoul. I want to guide my clients through the charming city of Seoul. Especially when introducing the five grand palaces of Seoul, I would like to invite a professional photographer to capture beautiful moments. I can help them dress in hanbok and create stunning life shots. I also want to guide them through Kyeongju, a city that breathes with a long history. I lived in Kyeongju until my teenage years. I want to introduce UNESCO-listed Kyeongju, a city of culture and history. I have traveled to Jeju Island more than several ten times. I also want to introduce Jeju Island. My clients can go anywhere they want in South Korea. There are many well-preserved cultural heritage sites with a long history in Korea, and they can also experience the convenience of fast-developing Seoul. Come and visit Korea. Let's explore Seoul and travel together anywhere. Traveling in Korea will be a memorable and cherished experience. Best regards. Alice.                                                                                                                                  

Hello! I am Ari, a freelance guide based in South Korea with a rich and diverse background in English guiding, interpretation, and medical coordination over the past decade. I'm delighted to welcome you to Korea. Having spent my entire life in Korea, I've been a licensed guide since 2014, accumulating a decade of experience in showcasing the wonders of my homeland. My academic journey led me to major in English Literature, and armed with a TESOL certification, I also ventured into the realm of English teaching. However, it was a transformative trip to Europe that ignited a new dream within me. I found joy in sharing the stories, memories, and unique charm of Korea with people from around the world. Over the years, my role expanded beyond guiding to handling diplomatic protocols for distinguished guests, including ministers, vice ministers, members of parliament, kings, and queens. If you're seeking an authentic tour that unveils the true essence of Korea, I invite you to reach out. I'm eager to promptly respond and create memorable experiences together. Feel free to drop me a message – let's embark on a journey to discover the genuine beauty of Korea!                                                                                                                                  

Hi [An Yeong Ha Se Yo?(안녕하세요?)] every body, My name is Kevin H. from Seoul. I myself like travel abroad too. I like to exchange cultures also, because experiencing different cultures can give us great chance to make a progress in many ways. In this regards, I would like to help tourist as professional private guide. My experience taught me the tours had been interesting or so-so according to a guide when I traveled abroad. So I am always doing my best to help tourists and entertain them. I think the person you are looking for, because I am well trained and educated. I am interested in history, agriculture, science, travel and communication and arts. These interests will make our tour more informative and enjoyable. I have 10 years(long ago) + 10 years(recently) experience in private tour. And I have been delivering more than 1000 tour for mainly family. Those are covering culture, DMZ, nature, especially Seoul Highlights for first visitors. As results I have excellent reviews in the tourism industry. Furthermore, I have a long and experience with telecom company as employee. This will make our tour more memorable. I am graduated from Gyonggi University with BA in Tourism Management. So I understand tourism industry very well and provide you a great guiding serice and tour service. My Service is as follows: S: Smile (happy together) S: Speed (timely) S: Sincerity (from the bottom of my heart) Best Regards Kevin Hwang Dream.                                                                                                                                  

Specialized in 1) History travel, 2) Research Travel and 3) Business travel, I have long experience and correct contact points in Korea, Japan and China.                                                                                                                                  

Popular seoul private tours.

Seoul City Tour + Free photo shooting Service

Seoul has been the capital city of korea since 1392. if you are a traveler who is visiting seoul for the first time, this one-day tour will make you fall in love with the charm of seoul, where the new and old are exquisitely harmonized. you enjoy every moment in seoul, i will capture your moments in photos. [if you request. the itinerary can be changed.] * this itinerary is subject to change at the request of the client..

Seoul Local Life and History

Welcome to seoul. at the forefront of fashion and technology but deeply traditional, seoul brings together palaces, temples, avant-garde design, and mountain trails. on our tour, we will discover a fascinating mix of old and new, traditional culture with contemporary attractions..

Gyeongbokgung,Bukchon,Gwangjang,N-SeoulTower,Hongdae

Tour to Gyeongbokgung-authentic & biggest palace, attractive traditional village, traditional street food, panoramic view of whole Seoul, young & vibrant street of Hongdae. Tour feature highlight of beautiful, cultural, vibrant places at Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang market, N-Seoul Tower, Hongdae steet. Guide shares brief cultural history that enables guest to figure out the authentic beauty and value of traditional Korean culture as well as palace architecture.

4 hour Hidden gems tour in Seoul

Spend 4 hours with local tour guide you can visit some of iconic places in korea and find hidden gems. also local tour guide can give you good lay of the land, which made the rest of your trip so easier. local tour guide will suggest what is the best food in korea. itinerary will be changed. let me know what you want and i will created itinerary just for you..

New Seoul Private Tours

Seoul Layover Private Incheon tour from Airport

Will you go straight to the hotel upon arrival at incheon airport by applying for this product, we will safely take you from incheon airport to your destination hotel. before heading to the hotel, stop by incheon to experience korea's development story. lastly, don't miss songdo triple street, a favorite spot for young people. [if you request. the itinerary can be changed.] * this itinerary is subject to change at the request of the client..

Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ

I don't recommend day-trips to the dmz -- the jsa remains off-limits due to north korean policy, and anyway most of what you see is just barbed-wire fences and various monuments; a trip there does not give insight into north korea nor about the 1950-53 war. the long trip driving up there & back is not worth your precious time. there is a very good alternative, which is this gigantic compound in the middle of seoul -- a large museum of the korean war & outdoor display of weaponry from that era..

Buam-dong, Seoul’s Hidden Charming North Park-neighborhood

This is a lovely neighborhood of “gangbuk” seoul behind famous mt. bugak, with a wide variety of offerings, scenic and fascinating, but only a few “insiders” know about its very charming character. we will visit the “sword-washing pavilion”, then a beautiful waterfall with a colorful buddhist temple right next to it we will proceed into a hidden quiet peaceful area with late-joseon-era ruins-relics amidst great trees. then along a high ridge with great views, and some unique cafes & others..

Museum of Korean Contemporary History - 1880s thru 1980s, explained by an American Professor

This is a relatively new and medium-sized museum, opened in 2013 after much controversy about its potential contents. there is little agreement on what happened in the 20th century, and it was very difficult to create this museum. there is not much english on the displays, so you really need an expert familiar with the truths to take you through it and point out the important details, and explain what is distorted in presentation and what has been entirely left out due to sensitivity., popular seoul private cars.

Korean Tradition & Modernity: Korea Folk Village, Hwaseong Fortress & Starfield Library

Firstly, explore korea's cultural richness at the korean folk village immerse yourself in traditional life, ancient customs, vibrant performances, and authentic architecture. a captivating journey awaits secondly, step into history at suwon hwaseong fortress a unesco world heritage site, it's a marvel of korean architecture. majestic walls, gates, and pavilions tell the story of korea's past. lastly, you can explore the recently opened suwon starfield library, a marvel in scale and design..

Seoul Tour Reviews

“ An Amazing, Educational Visit through Seoul's History ”

My wife and I had the pleasure of exploring Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Gwangjang, N-Seoul Tower, and parts of Insadong with Paul and we had an incredible time! Paul's knowledge of Korean history, specifically the Confucian influence in architecture, government, and, well, all walks of life within both the modern Korean life as well as the Joseon dynasty was amazing context for our traveling. Sure, we could've wandered around Gyeongbokgung palace by ourselves or listened in on some of the wandering tour guides (who Paul was able to correct a few times), but having a private, guided tour around some of Seoul's most beautiful locals was worth the time and money. I'd definitely recommend seeing if Paul can help you enjoy Korea on your next visit!

The center of culture and center of tour is architecture. Culture is based on spirit of times. Architectural style represents the spirit of times. We can see as much as we know about the spirit of times. Confucianism was the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung represents Confucianism. Without the knowledge about Confucianism, we are not able to fully appreciate authentic value and beauty of Gyeongbokgung. Gyeongbokgung is not only the essence and highlight of palace architecture of Joseon Dynasty, but alos the most beautiful architecture and place in whole Korea.

7 days hidden gem tour of Seoul and Vicinity

“ 7 days in Seoul and the surrounding areas with a family of 6 ”

At first we think 7 days might be a little bit long to stay in Seoul and the nearby areas, but Hans suggested an itinerary which turns out to be perfect. All my family members enjoyed the whole period of stay and the touring/hiking/activities. Hans is excellent in guiding us around, and he showed us both good places and good food. Have no reservation to recommend Hans to anyone who is looking for an experienced and attending guide.

Thank you vey much, it was my honor to guide so lovely family. Even I learned a lot from you and your family members.. hope we can see again in the future and god bless you.

Security tour to divided Korea

“ DMZ and war history tour ”

We enjoyed our day with Paul who is very knowledgeable on Korean history. The tour did turn out to be quite long (11hours) as the DMZ tour took longer than expected and we got caught in a traffic jam getting back into Seoul. It was an interesting way to spend our last day in South Korea.

Guest and her children, Vida and Ruber were very patient despite of tough itinerary, that was started from 6:40 am to 6:00pm, and traffic jam of 2hour & 10min on way back to accommodation. Guests paid to Korean history and reality of diviede Korea. Guests enjoyed beautiful weather of spring season.

Seoul Private Tour Guide

Experience a blend of Seoul’s ancient castles and futuristic skyscrapers on a private tour with a local tour guide who knows the Special City intimately.

Ready to immerse yourself in Seoul beyond the popular K-Culture and thrilling amusement parks? Our expertly curated itineraries are designed by you and led by a local expert who understands the importance of breathtaking yet lesser known sites like Seonjeongneung, where relics of the Joseon Dynasty lay.

Go beyond the usual tours to touch the soul of South Korea’s Special City, from sunset views at Gyeongui Line Forest Park to food stall hopping on a night market tour of Namdaemun. Keep your itinerary filled with your interests, and let our guides handle the rest.

Seoul Frequently Asked Questions

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