More Information on Traveling to South Korea
With a history that dates back to the year 2,300 BC, holidays in South Korea will feature a number of ancient ruins, historical sites and a deep-rooted culture. The country’s excellent public transit system, fast-paced lifestyle, futuristic architecture and compact size also makes it easy to explore its various attractions. Plan a trip to South Korea for unique and off-the-beaten-path adventures in those remote islands, rustic hanok houses and serene villages.
Key experiences on a South Korea holiday
A trip to South Korea immerses you in a captivating blend of royal palaces, ancient temples, wartime history, and breathtaking natural landscapes. In Seoul, explore the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, where intricate architecture and changing of the guard ceremonies captivate visitors. Walk along the Han River, a scenic escape with cycling paths and river cruises, before indulging in Myeong-dong’s vibrant shopping streets. At the National Folk Museum, discover Korea’s dynastic past through traditional artifacts and exhibits. A guided Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) tour unveils a tense yet fascinating border landscape with observation decks, underground tunnels, and military outposts. In Gyeongju, delve into history at the Gyeongju National Museum, showcasing ancient Silla-era relics, golden crowns, and Buddhist sculptures. Explore the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto with intricate carvings. Finally, hike through Seoraksan National Park, where jagged cliffs, hot springs, and wildlife-rich forests create breathtaking scenery, complemented by serene temples like Sinheungsa Temple nestled among towering peaks.
Top destinations to visit in South Korea
South Korea boasts diverse destinations, each offering unique attractions. Seoul, the dynamic capital, features Gyeongbokgung Palace, the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and panoramic views from N Seoul Tower. In Busan, relax at Haeundae Beach, explore the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, and visit the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on coastal cliffs. Jeonju, Korea’s culinary heart, invites visitors to wander its streets, taste authentic bibimbap, and experience traditional tea houses. Gyeongju showcases Bulguksa Temple, ancient royal tombs, and the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Asia’s oldest. Jeju Island, a volcanic paradise, offers breathtaking scenery at Seongsan Ilchulbong, the mysterious Manjanggul Cave, and picturesque waterfalls. Daegu blends old and new, with bustling Seomun Market and scenic Apsan Park. Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO heritage site, highlights Korea’s military past. Incheon provides a mix of history, nature, and modern cityscapes, making it an essential stop for travelers.
Find more information in our guide on the best places to visit in South Korea.
Top tour activities in South Korea
South Korea offers a diverse range of activities catering to every traveler’s interests. Exploring royal palaces in Seoul allows visitors to experience Korea’s rich history, especially when wearing a traditional hanbok. Food lovers can indulge in authentic Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and street food at bustling markets such as Myeongdong and Insa-dong. For a unique spiritual experience, temple stays at historic sites like Jogyesa Temple offer meditation sessions with monks. Art enthusiasts can admire street performances and traditional crafts in Insa-dong. Hiking Mount Hallasan on Jeju Island provides stunning volcanic landscapes while cycling along the Han River offers a scenic urban adventure. Skiing in Pyeongchang, the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, is perfect for winter sports lovers. Relaxing at a jimjilbang (Korean sauna) is a must-try experience, and a Han River cruise provides breathtaking nighttime city views of Seoul.
Get in-depth information on the above activities in our Things to do in South Korea guide.
Best time to visit South Korea
The best months to visit South Korea are April to May (spring) and September to October (autumn). During spring, cherry blossoms bloom across the country, especially in Seoul, Jeju Island, and Jinhae, creating breathtaking scenery. The weather is mild, perfect for outdoor activities. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage in Seoraksan National Park and Nami Island, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. The second-best months to visit are June and November. June marks the start of summer before peak heat, and November features late autumn colors with fewer crowds.
Find the seasonal breakdown in our guide on the best time to visit South Korea.
Optimal duration to explore South Korea
A 7-day trip to South Korea allows travelers to explore key destinations. Spend 3 days in Seoul, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, and the DMZ. Enjoy Busan for 2 days, relax at Haeundae Beach, explore Gamcheon Culture Village, and visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Spend 2 days on Jeju Island, hiking Hallasan Mountain and admiring Seongsan Ilchulbong. Those with more time can plan for a 14-day trip to South Korea. For a 2-week trip, add Gyeongju to see Bulguksa Temple, Jeonju for traditional culture and cuisine, and Seoraksan National Park for scenic hikes.
Read our guide on how many days to spend in South Korea for more itinerary suggestions.
Packing essentials for a trip to South Korea
For South Korea, pack a T-Money card for seamless use on subways, buses, and taxis. Korea’s high UV levels make strong sunscreen and a sun hat essential, especially in summer. Bring a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card, as free Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable. Many restaurants provide metal chopsticks, so practicing with them helps. Pack a reusable tumbler, as many cafés offer discounts. A K-beauty shopping list is useful for navigating Seoul’s beauty stores. Lastly, a translation app helps with menus and signs, as English isn’t widely spoken in some areas.
Sustainable travel practices when visiting South Korea
Sustainable travel in South Korea starts with carbon-offsetting flights through airlines like Korean Air. While booking a tour with Bookmundi, your trip is automatically carbon offset from start to finish. Visitors can support sustainability initiatives like the GKL Foundation, which promotes eco-friendly and socially responsible tourism. To reduce your carbon footprint, use South Korea’s excellent public transport system, including subways, buses, and high-speed trains, instead of renting cars. Carpooling or group travel also helps minimize emissions. When exploring South Korea’s natural beauty, practice Leave No Trace principles, dispose of waste properly, and support eco-conscious accommodations and local businesses.