South Korea Travel Guide

The must-visit place in Korea is the capital Seoul. Best for bars, shopping, culture and heritage, and architecture. If you are there, don't forget to visit Changdeok Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Tower, Lotte World and Bukhansan National Park.

The best time to visit Korea is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). In these two seasons, the temperature is average, and the day is dry and sunny. In spring, the temperature is usually between 15-18 degrees Celsius, and in autumn, the average temperature is usually between 19-21 degrees Celsius.

A well-rounded itinerary for a trip to South Korea often includes stops in Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island. Here’s a sample itinerary for 7-10 days:

Day 1-3: Seoul

• Visit historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Explore Myeongdong for shopping and street food. Experience the nightlife in Hongdae or Itaewon. Take a day trip to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).

Day 4-5: Gyeongju

• Travel to Gyeongju (by train or bus) to explore the ancient Silla capital. Visit Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Anapji Pond. Explore Tumuli Park and the royal tombs.

Day 6-7: Busan

• Head to Busan via train. Relax at Haeundae Beach or Gwangalli Beach. Visit Gamcheon Culture Village and the Jagalchi Fish Market. Enjoy coastal views at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Day 8-10: Jeju Island

• Fly to Jeju Island from Busan or Seoul. Visit natural sites like Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Jeju Folk Village, and Manjanggul Cave. Hike Hallasan Mountain or relax on Jeju’s beaches. Experience Jeju’s unique culture and local seafood.

Seoul offers a mix of historical, cultural, and modern experiences. Some recommended activities include:

• Historical and Cultural Landmarks: Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine. Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to see traditional Korean houses. Explore the artistic district of Insadong with galleries and traditional tea houses.
• Shopping and Dining:Shop in Myeongdong for cosmetics, fashion, and street food. Explore luxury shopping in Gangnam or Dongdaemun for fashion-forward markets.
• Nature and Parks: Hike Namsan Mountain and visit the iconic N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views. Wander through Seoul Forest or take a relaxing walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
• Modern Seoul: Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza for its futuristic architecture. Experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife in Hongdae or Itaewon.
• Day Trips: Take a half-day trip to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) for a glimpse into the history of the Korean peninsula.

Traveling between Seoul and Busan is usually taking KTX (Korea Train Express):

The fastest option, taking approximately 2.5-3 hours. Trains depart frequently throughout the day from Seoul Station to Busan Station. Prices range from ₩50,000 to ₩80,000 ($40-$70) depending on the class (economy or first class).

Gyeongju, known as the "museum without walls," is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions from the Silla Dynasty. Here are the top things to do:

• Bulguksa Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple is a masterpiece of Silla architecture.
• Seokguram Grotto: Another UNESCO site, this beautiful cave temple houses a serene statue of Buddha overlooking the East Sea.
• Tumuli Park: A fascinating park featuring ancient burial mounds of Silla kings and nobles.
• Anapji Pond: A picturesque pond that was once part of a royal palace. It is particularly stunning at night when the lights reflect off the water.
• Cheomseongdae Observatory: The oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, built during the Silla Dynasty.
• Gyeongju National Museum: A must-visit to explore relics and artifacts from Gyeongju’s royal past.
• Yangdong Folk Village: A traditional village preserving Joseon-era architecture and culture.

A stay of 3 to 5 days is ideal for exploring Jeju Island:

3 Days: This is enough time to visit major highlights like Seongsan Ilchulbong, Hallasan Mountain, Manjanggul Cave, and Jeongbang Waterfall. You can also experience Jeju’s beaches and sample local food.

4-5 Days: For a more leisurely experience, a longer stay allows for additional activities like exploring Udo Island, visiting Jeju Folk Village, experiencing local museums, or going on hikes through Jeju’s forests and coastal trails. You can also relax more at beaches or resorts.

Jeju offers a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, so 3-5 days allows for a well-rounded experience.

Korean cuisine is mainly based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables and meat, which is delicious and healthy. Traditionally, the main meal is paired with a large number of side dishes called banchan, the most popular of which is kimchi. Korean barbecue is a specialty, usually including beef, pork or chicken. These dishes are usually grilled on restaurant tables with gas or charcoal built into the center. One of the most popular dishes is galbi (beef ribs), usually marinated with spices before roasting.