South Korea vacation guide

If you’re thinking about your next travel destination, South Korea should definitely be on your list.

Foodies will love the endless variety of delicious Korean dishes, and nature lovers the beauty of places like the Jeju Island and the Seoraksan National Park. If you’re into history, the stunning palaces in Seoul, like Gyeongbokgung, will take you back in time. And if you’re a fan of pop culture, the K-pop scene and the urban life in cities like Seoul and Busan are super exciting.

South Korea’s mix of traditional and modern, its welcoming locals, and well-organized public transport make it an easy and enjoyable place to explore. So, whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, food, or just a new experience, South Korea should definitely be on your travel list!

• Visa: Visa requirements for South Korea depend on your nationality. Many countries benefit from visa-free entry for short visits (usually up to 90 days). Check if you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) before your trip.

• Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for South Korea, but it’s recommended to be up-to-date with routine vaccines like influenza, MMR, and tetanus.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Currency: South Korea’s official currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases and places that may not accept credit cards. Major cities and tourist areas will have ATMs where you can withdraw cash.

• Seoul Lantern Festival: Held annually in November along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, this festival features thousands of colorful lanterns.

• Boryeong Mud Festival: Taking place in July at Daecheon Beach, this festival is famous for its mud baths, mudslides, and mud prison, attracting a fun-loving, international crowd.

• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival: Celebrated in early April in Jinhae, this is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals, where streets are lined with beautiful cherry trees in full bloom.

• Chuseok: A major traditional holiday in Korea, akin to Thanksgiving, celebrated in September or October. It’s a time for families to gather, share food, and pay respects to ancestors.

• Gwangju Kimchi Festival: Celebrating Korea’s most famous dish, this festival held in Gwangju in October offers kimchi-making sessions, cooking competitions, and cultural performances.

• Everland and Lotte World: South Korea’s largest theme parks, offering many rides, attractions, and entertainment for all ages.

• Gyeongju’s Historical Sites: Often referred to as “the museum without walls”, Gyeongju is home to ancient Silla kingdom relics, Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the Royal Tumuli Park.

• Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul: This traditional Korean village is nestled in the heart of Seoul, offering a peek into the city’s history with well-preserved Hanok (traditional Korean houses).

• N Seoul Tower: Offering panoramic views of Seoul, this tower is a landmark and a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul: The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, known for its beautiful architecture and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

• Samgyetang: This is a nourishing soup made with chicken and ginseng, perfect for cold winters.

• Japchae: A popular dish of stir-fried glass noodles made from sweet potatoes, mixed with vegetables, mushrooms, and beef.

• Seolleongtang: A traditional beef soup made by simmering ox bones for several hours, resulting in a milky-white, rich broth, usually enjoyed with rice and side dishes like kimchi.

• Gimbap: Similar to sushi rolls but with distinct Korean flavors, these seaweed-wrapped rolls are filled with ingredients like rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish. They’re perfect for a light meal or snack.

• Bibimbap: A mixed rice bowl with vegetables, a spicy chili paste, and typically topped with a fried egg.

• Hanbok Wearing Experience: Wearing a Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, often available for rental near major palaces and cultural sites. It’s a popular activity for visitors, and wearing a hanbok often grants free entry to palaces.

• Attending Cultural Performances: Watching traditional performances such as Pansori (Korean opera), Samul nori (percussion music), or a performance at the National Theater of Korea.

• Visiting a Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa): Experiencing a Jjimjilbang, a Korean spa, where you can relax in saunas, steam rooms, and communal baths.

• Witnessing the DMZ: The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea offers a unique experience, reflecting the country’s divided history and hopes for reunification.

• Visiting Traditional Korean Villages: Places like Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul or Jeonju Hanok Village provide insights into traditional Korean life and architecture.

• Mealtime Etiquette: Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in your rice, as it’s reminiscent of a traditional ceremony. Slurping noodles is common and indicates enjoyment. Sharing dishes is a norm, so prepare to partake.

• Quiet Public Spaces: Koreans generally maintain a quiet demeanor in public spaces like subways or buses. Keep conversations at a low volume and avoid loud phone calls.

• Transportation Rules: Don’t bring hot drinks onto buses as it’s considered a safety hazard.

• Respect for Elders and Authority: Showing respect to elders and people in authority is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. It’s reflected in language, behavior, and everyday interactions.

• Punctuality: Being on time is important in Korean culture. Whether it’s a business meeting or a social gathering, try to be punctual to show respect for others’ time.

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

South Korea roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Thailand roaming charges is to download a South Korea eSIM that comes with a prepaid South Korea data package.