South Korea is quickly becoming one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. With its stunning scenery, fascinating culture, and exciting cities, it’s no surprise why. Whether looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a thrilling metropolitan adventure, South Korea has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore the many wonders of South Korea and provide tips and advice on the best places to visit, things to do, and food to try. So let’s get started and explore the wonders of South Korea.
Overview of South Korea
South Korea is located in East Asia on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, also home to North Korea. Seoul is the nation’s capital and largest city, while Busan serves as its second major port. A highly developed country with a GDP of around $1.83 trillion and a per capita income of $28,400, South Korea has become one of the world’s leading economies since its transformation from one of the poorest countries into a technologically advanced manufacturing hub after World War II.
The Korean language is spoken by about 80 million people worldwide, making it one of Asia’s most widely used languages after Mandarin Chinese and English. Parks and mountains cover around 70 percent of South Korea’s total landmass, and peaks dominate most landscapes across the country. As a result, visitors to South Korea will get access to various famous tourist destinations, such as beautiful beaches along the east coast and thousands-year-old Buddhist temples tucked away in scenic mountain villages that stand out against sprawling gardens and cherry blossom-laden pathways snaking through them throughout the spring season.
In terms of culture, South Koreans have an incredibly unique set as artists combine traditional Korean instruments with modern sounds to craft truly stunning music that rocks through venues all over Seoul during concerts in clubs – with Pansori as one notable example. Traditional art showcases include ancient celadon ceramics, royal court paintings depicting mythological scenes or landscapes from classic literature like “The Tale Of Chunhyang,” mask dancing rituals associated with shamanism or propitiousness rituals such as Seungjeonmu (a purification ceremony for driving away evil spirits).
Food features prominently in South Korean life – with kimchi dishes considered part of everyday breakfast cuisine in many areas across the nation – lending diners a chance to taste different flavors from jeju tangerines from Jejudo Island to bibimbap cooked up with flair by locals who have perfected unique ways everyone should explore!
Language
South Korea has its language, Korean. It is an East Asian language and a diverse one with many dialects that vary by region. Nevertheless, knowing a few basic Korean phrases will help travelers get around and make the most of their experience. Many English speakers can be found in the big cities, but fewer outside of the main metropolitan areas.
The written language comprises Hangul characters, and numbers usually accompany them to identify tones and pronunciations. Therefore, it helps to familiarize yourself with some of the characters seen on signs before your trip so you can recognize them when you arrive. In addition, in South Korea, you can find free illustrated booklets with Hangul letters, making it much easier to learn how to scan signs.
Koreans are familiar with foreign languages, mainly English, and often interchangeably use both English and Korean for transactions related to tours, shopping, or eating out at restaurants. Knowing a few key phrases like “hello” (annyeong-hae) or “thank you” (gamsahamnida) will get you far in most conversations, as many Koreans are keen to help foreigners communicate more easily in their language.
Currency
South Korea has its currency, the Korean Won (KRW). It is divided into 100 jeon, and coins come in denominations of KRW 10, 50, 100, and 500. Banknotes come in KRW 1000, 5000, 10,000, and 50,000. However, most banks do not accept bills higher than KRW 50,000.
The exchange rate of Korean Won to US Dollars is usually around 1 USD = 1120 KRW. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout South Korea; however, carrying a small amount of local currency for day-to-day purchases may be helpful.
There are many licensed money changers at airports across South Korea; most offer competitive exchange rates with no commission charge. Many automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout the country offer foreign currency exchanges and cash withdrawal services in both local and foreign currency.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to South Korea can be exciting but overwhelming at the same time. With so many cities and attractions to choose from and many cultural differences, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what you want to see and do.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced traveler, this guide will provide all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to South Korea.
When to Visit
South Korea experiences all four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit depends on what you’d like to experience.
- Spring (March-May): Enjoy warmer weather with temperatures between 8-17°C and cherry blossom viewing from the end of March to the beginning of April. It is an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Summer (June – August): Temperatures can reach as high as 35°C, and rainfall is expected during this season, making it very humid outside. Summer is excellent if you want to experience a variety of festivals, but take precautions with skincare products due to the high UV rays in the region.
- Autumn (September – November): This season brings spectacular colors, cool breezes, and much less rainfall than in the summertime. There are plenty of chances to go hiking in Autumn, primarily due to cooler temperatures ranging from 10-20°C.
- Winter (December – February): Seoul has a winter climate similar to northern Japan or China, with temperatures dropping below freezing on most days throughout December and early January due to its proximity to East Asia. It often snows during this season, so pack accordingly!
How to Get There
The first step in planning your trip to South Korea is determining how you want to travel. There are various options, such as flying, driving, or getting around by train or bus.
- Flying – Flying is the best option if you are looking for speed and convenience. You can purchase a plane ticket at any Korean Air ticketing office or book it online via their website. Korean Air offers service to cities in South Korea from various destinations worldwide, including Asia, Europe, North and South America, Oceania, and Africa.
- Driving – For those who prefer a more autonomous travel experience, car rental is a great option when exploring South Korea. Several car rental companies have offices located in major cities and close to airports throughout the country. Many offer pick-up and drop-off services for an additional fee. Please note that international licenses are not recognized in South Korea, so you must present your local driver’s license when renting a car from any of these agencies.
- Train – Another popular method of transportation in South Korea is by train. The country has an extensive rail network with several subways across most major cities including Seoul and Busan which covers over 20 stations throughout them both connected to networks connecting other cities such as Daegu, Ulsan and Gwangju etc., providing much faster service than bus services usually do intercity trips within hours rather than days like buses usually do even during peak hours allowing travelers an efficient way of transport in spite of highways being far away from many areas especially rural areas while still being relatively affordable compared to other modes of transport such as airlines or hiring cars etc., but bear in mind that due to security issues foreign nationals may be subjected for random searches within stations even after validating their tickets without prior notice so leave enough time before boarding any train no matter what class it may be should be taken into account especially during hectic times like weekday rush hour periods etc., before entering subways/stations o always carry valid tickets/ID cards available on requirements since there some hidden cameras check on people entering bridges based on their ticket validation meanwhile never leave any valuable items in unattended bags inside stations at anytime while travelling by trains or use luggage compartments provided outside track entrances before dispatching them with red-tag tickets obtained from staff members at storage locations if intending on carrying large items such as large suitcases etc., meaning containing items above said dimensions (black color) bags accessible only through purchasing special certificates thus ensuring safety till departure times scheduled since its users cant look after them physically otherwise they can result into penalty charges against erring passengers according passport laws sanctioned by the local authorities prohibiting contravention activities over station premises due its safety hazards policies enforced therein given legality framework related points attracted herewith…
Where to Stay
If you plan a trip to South Korea, many accommodation options are available to serve your desired budget and experience. Accommodation in South Korea ranges from luxury hotels and resorts, international chain hotels, traditional Korean-style guesthouses, guesthouses, or hostels in many major cities.
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: There are many luxury accommodations found throughout South Korea, including luxurious city centers, seaside villas, cultural theme parks, and golf resort destinations. These luxury hotels offer exquisite dining, unique spa experiences, and upscale shopping centers.
- International Chain Hotels: Many well-known international chain hotels can be found in big cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable stay with convenient access to the sights of the city or if you’re budget is tight, these international chain hotels provide comfortable lodging that suits your needs.
- Traditional Hanok (Korean Houses): One way to experience the authentic conventional culture is by staying in South Korean hanoks (traditional Korean houses). They provide an authentic cultural stay related to gardens, interior life, etc., making it easy for visitors to get a nearby glimpse of everyday life in Korean culture. Prices range from low-cost for stays in old Hanok villages to more expensive ones offering more modern comforts like air conditioning or heating.
- Guesthouses/Hostels: Guesthouses/hostels are an increasingly popular budget option for accommodation throughout the country due to their lower price points than other forms of accommodation. Many hostel rooms have bunk beds or shared rooms, allowing travelers to socialize with others from different countries instead of having a private space like hotels where guests rarely interact with each other’s stay.
Top Attractions
South Korea is a vibrant and diverse country with many attractions sure to entice any traveler. From bustling city streets to stunning mountain ranges, there is something for everyone in South Korea.
This guide will cover the top attractions for exploring the country. From the iconic palaces of Seoul to the stunning beaches of Jeju island, we will look at the top places for you to visit:
- The iconic palaces of Seoul
- The stunning beaches of Jeju island
Seoul
Seoul is the vibrant capital of South Korea, a modern and dynamic city that is cramped and full of activities and sights to explore. Korea’s history reaches centuries back, from ancient palaces to modern-day commerce; Seoul’s attractions make a great jumping-off point for any tourist trip. Whether visiting historical sites or participating in international events, you can immerse yourself in an atmosphere replete with cultural influences. Here are some of the best attractions in Seoul that are worth a visit:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: This royal palace was built during the Joseon Dynasty and featured detailed traditional Korean architecture. It has five grand gates (presented as gatehouses) that lead visitors up to the various pavilions and statues inside. The palace is most prevalent during its royal guard changing ceremony.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: This residential area dates back hundreds of years and comprises hundreds of traditional Korean ‘hanok’ homes. These homes are usually tall wooden buildings with rooftops made of yin-yang tiles. Many private homes have gated walls enclosing their courtyards, and there are plenty of shops around here if you want to pick up a souvenir or two during your stay in Seoul.
- Myeongdong Cathedral: This iconic cathedral, built in 1895, overlooks the Myeondong district below it and serves thousands of worshippers daily. The building has undergone major restorations since its construction. Still, it retains its striking Gothic lines – reminiscent of Europe’s finest cathedrals – making it one to tick off your list when exploring this historical city!
- Nami Island: Located 60 kilometers from Seoul near Chuncheon City, Nami Island is noted for its pine trees that line the roads and paths throughout the island, as well as being host to local wildlife such as deer, goats, and rabbits roaming freely through green spaces interconnected by forest trails or pathways along streams or man-made ponds – perfect for nature lovers! You can also find sidewalk cafes serving delicious foods like bibimbap (a Korean mixed rice dish) alongside quaint street performances adding character to this wonderful place!
Jeju Island
In the Korean Strait, Jeju Island is South Korea’s most popular tourist destination and is often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of South Korea.’ This volcanic island boasts spectacular beaches, lush hillsides with rolling green valleys, sweeping ocean vistas, towering mountain peaks, unusual rock formations, and more.
Jeju Island offers a variety of attractions, including:
- Jeju Folk Village, where traditional structures from the 19th century have been restored for visitors to explore.
- Manjanggul Lava Tube system, made by lava from volcanoes on the island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Gimnyeong Maze Park has tall mazes ready for adventurous travelers to explore.
- Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak boasts breathtaking views from its crater peak.
- Halla Mountain or take in some stunning views while visiting O’sulloc Tea Museum.
- Jungmun Beach Resort and Geomunoreum Cave Lava Tubes were formed by volcanic activity 800 years ago.
No matter what your taste Jeju Island has something for everyone. So explore all its wonders!
Busan
Home to some of South Korea’s most breathtaking scenery and fascinating culture, Busan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the nation. A port city located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Busan boasts miles of stunning beaches and an eclectic mix of modern tourist attractions and historical sites. From traditional Korean shrines to glittering high-rise structures, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top attractions in Busan:
- Beomeosa Temple: Located on Geumjeong Mountain, this Buddhist temple is one of the city’s most popular destinations. Established by Priest Uisang during the Silla Dynasty in 678 AD, Beomeosa is home to dozens of elaborate statues and relics from two distinct cultures – Korean tradition and Chinese construction styles. The temple grounds provide several scenic hiking trails offering sweeping views of coastal plains and Hwangnyeongsan Mountain.
- Haeundae Beach: Placed along a section of white sand coastline, Haeundae Beach is one of Korea’s best-known beaches. During summer, beachgoers come out in droves for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports like surfing, windsurfing, and fishing. The nearby Dongbaek shore serves as a haven for wildlife such as seagulls, wild ibis birds – which nest near its namesake pine forest –and sea turtles from June to August each year when the females return to lay their eggs onshore.
- Gwangan Bridge: Constructed over two oceans at once – Gwangan Grand Bridge remains a landmark sight in Busan for its sheer view along with its various decorative attributes like hundreds of glistening Diamond Elevation lights illuminating on special occasions along with other light shows every night all year round at 9 PM & midnight local time lasting approximately 10 minutes each showtime. Its length spans nearly 7 km, connecting the Namcheon bay area & Suyeong Bay area across six roads totaling 28 lanes while offering another love lock option beyond Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower).
Food and Drink
South Korea is a country with a rich culture and much delicious food. From street food to fine dining, you can find a variety of cuisine. South Korea is a foodie’s paradise, from fresh seafood and spicy kimchi to popular meats like bulgogi and galbi.
In this section, let’s explore the food and drink of South Korea:
Traditional Dishes
South Korea is renowned for its exciting cuisine, showcasing a unique blend of traditional heritage, culture, and flavors. Traditional dishes are typically made up of rice (or sometimes noodles), vegetables, seafood, and beef. Korean meals usually consist of one main dish and several side dishes called banchan, ranging from simple kimchi to elaborate fish dishes.
A few traditional Korean dishes include:
- Kimchi – fermented vegetables such as cabbage or radish marinated in red chili sauce
- Bulgogi – grilled beef marinated in a special Korean sauce
- Bibimbap – a bowl of rice topped with various vegetables and either egg or meat
- Tteokbokki – stir-fried spicy rice cakes
- Haemul Pajeon – savory seafood pancakes with onions, scallions, and squid
- Teoksu mandu – dumplings filled with either pork or vegetables
- Soon tofu jjigae – soft tofu stewed in a spicy miso broth
- Doenjang Jjigae – soy bean paste soup spiced up with chili pepper
These are just some examples of the fantastic array of traditional dishes that South Korea has to offer. So whether you’re visiting the country for business or pleasure, you will have an opportunity to taste the wonderful flavors that make the nation’s food unique!
Local Drinks
South Korea is home to some delicious, traditional beverages you want to try during your travels. Not only are these drinks full of flavor, but many also have health benefits or offer engaging cultural experiences. Here is a list of some of the most popular beverages in South Korea:
- Makgeolli: a slightly fermented rice wine that is milky and sweet. Koreans have enjoyed it for centuries, and it is becoming increasingly popular across other countries.
- Bojeonuh: A tea made from hibiscus flowers and unique to South Korea that offers various health benefits. Its naturally sweet taste makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike!
- Chongju: This sake-like drink is made from boiled rice grains and dates back over 2000 years in Korean culture. It has an earthy flavor that can be paired nicely with foods for extra enjoyment.
- Soju: The most popular alcoholic drink in Korea, soju combines the punchy flavors of vodka with a unique aroma similar to Jaegermeister. Its flavoring pairs well with traditional Korean dishes like kimchi or bulgogi and will give you an unforgettable experience while visiting!
- Maesilcha: Also known as green plum tea, this clear elixir contains seven herbal tinctures that are perfect for a hot summer day! You can also find other fruit-flavored variants like peach or strawberry.
Street Food
A visit to South Korea would not be complete without sampling some delicious street food venues! Street food vendors can be everywhere, often crowded around subway exits, tourist attractions, and night markets. Some of the mainstays include:
- Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes.
- Mandu: Dumplings are typically filled with kimchi, pork, or seafood.
- Dakgangjeong: Crispy chicken coated in sweet and spicy gochujang sauce.
- Hotteok: Sweet dough pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts.
- Gyeran bbang: Soft eggy bread rolls filled with green onion and other ingredients.
- Naengmyeon: Cold buckwheat noodles served in a chilled broth with beef or radish slices.
- Gimbap: Rice rolls wrapped in dried seaweed and stuffed with various toppings such as egg, cheese, carrots, or pickles.
- Hoddeok: Sweet pancakes from dough filled with brown sugar, honey, and nuts.
Street food is essential to South Korean culture – cheap, fast, and tasty! So whether you’re looking to try something new on the streets of Seoul or need a quick snack after sightseeing, you’ll find what you’re looking for on every corner.
Shopping
Shopping in South Korea is a must for anyone visiting the country. South Korea is a shoppers’ paradise, offering everything from high-end luxury brands to unique local items. Not only are there a wide variety of shops to choose from, but the prices are usually lower than in other countries.
From major shopping malls to vintage stores, let’s take a look at some of the best shopping spots in South Korea:
Shopping Districts
South Korea is a destination for all shoppers, from popular shopping districts targeting local and international tourists to underground flea markets and sprawling department stores. So whether you’re looking for the latest technology, luxury goods, fashionable clothes, handmade crafts, or bargain-priced merchandise, you can find it in South Korea’s vibrant shopping districts.
Myeongdong is a famous shopping district in the center of Seoul known for its fashion boutiques and cosmetics stores. However, there are plenty of upscale shops lining the streets and many more affordable choices. Directly opposite Myeongdong is Namdaemun Market – one of the nation’s largest traditional markets, with over 10,000 shops selling everything from fresh food to clothing.
Gwangjang Market in Seoul has been another popular retail area attracting customers since 1905. Here you can find traditional Korean fabrics like hanbok and many great bargains on street food snacks such as bibimbap (rice with vegetables) and odeng (fishcake). Finally, try Japan Town in Incheon, which has numerous shops selling Japanese-style goods at competitive prices.
Busan also has many exciting shopping areas worth exploring. For example, Seomyeon Street boasts many local stores, while Nampodong houses some of Busan’s largest department stores and restaurants. In addition, Yongdusan Park is home to one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets, where you can find clothes, souvenirs, and antiques! Lastly, don’t miss out on the stunning BIFF Square – renowned for showcasing Korea’s best movie theaters —in Busan Film Culture Village for antique dancing costume rentals!
Markets
Trendy and traditional markets are integral to South Korea’s vibrant culture. Many bustling, open-air markets in towns and cities remain popular shopping destinations for locals and visitors alike. Here, you’ll discover a wide range of goods like electronics, clothing, accessories, and fresh produce. Among the many markets in South Korea are traditional Korean night markets (jungsanghoes), fish markets (haejanggukhoe), and street vendors (“ppong-tchak”).
- Jungsanghoes: This night market offers traditional Korean food stalls, crafts, antiques, and clothing. Tourists can often find unique items here that can’t be found anywhere else, such as conventional ritual items used by shamans in ancestor rites or lucky charms made from dried fruits or leaves.
- Haejanggukhoe: Popular for its abundant seafood offerings, this type of market allows shoppers to peruse rows of various fresh fish, shellfish, and squid brought to the market daily from local fishing villages via boats or truckloads. Prices vary greatly depending on the seasonality of the catch ranging from seaweed to eel.
- Ppongtchak: Street vendors abound in most South Korean cities offering everything from tasty but inexpensive snacks like tteokbokki (rice cakes) and mandu (dumplings) to staples such as fruit, vegetables, or kimchi (pickled vegetable dishes). Here one can get up close with the local culture by bargain-hunting for good deals among a multitude of colorful pushcarts found throughout urban areas.
Souvenirs
When it comes to shopping for souvenirs in South Korea, there is no lack of options. Whether you want national craft products or the perfect knick-knack, you can find everything from traditional mom-and-pop stores to modern shopping malls. However, the range of products and souvenirs on offer can be quite overwhelming, so it is essential to consider your decision-making before heading out.
Popular items for gifting or taking home as a souvenir include Korean hanbok costumes, traditional artworks like paintings and pottery, jewelry, herbal medicines and teas, metal crafts such as chopsticks and incense burners, handcrafted fans or feather dusters and decorative wall hangings like calligraphy scrolls. Markets like the Namdaemun Market in Seoul have hundreds of stalls selling every imaginable type of Korean goods at bargain prices.
For those looking for something with a more regional flavor, there are handmade wooden wares crafted in Gangneung or colorful textiles made in Damyang. At the same time, foodies should note that buying local specialty ingredients is also very popular for travelers, such as dried persimmons from Gangwon Province or sweet chestnuts from Jeju Island. Finally, if electronics tickle your fancy, head to Yongsan Electronics Market, which has been around since the 1940s – even today, it remains the go-to destination for gadgets galore!