Traveling to Korea | What can I expect?

Since I last updated this guide, BTS and K-pop Demon Hunters took over the world, Squid Game got everyone squirming, and Parasite won an Oscar. The K-Wave has really washed over the world in totally unexpected and amazing ways.

I still think South Korea is vastly under-visited compared to some of its neighbours, but this changed drastically this year, with tourists from all over the world descending on Seoul en masse.

Read on to to find out everything you need to know about visiting one of the world’s most underrated tourist destinations.

While Gangnam Style may have put Korea on the map for many travellers initially, there’s so much more to the country than just one crazy horse dance. From ancient palaces to fiery food, and dramatic mountain peaks to one of the best cafe cultures on the planet, you’ll have an absolute blast discovering everything there is to do here.

In this guide, I’ll cover the basics of traveling around South Korea, including the best things to see, general costs, and insider tips gleaned from living in Seoul as an expat, for over a decade.

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Korea Travel Guide | Best Things to Do in Seoul

If it’s your first time visiting South Korea, you’re likely spending much of your time in Seoul. It’s one of the most dynamic cities in the world, so that’s definitely a good thing! However, there’s so many options, it can be overwhelming at first.

I’ve lived in Seoul for 15 years now, and know a thing or two about the best things to do and see here. These are the activities and attractions I personally recommend to anyone that comes to visit me in Korea… and you should definitely make time for them too.

• Rent a hanbok, and have a royal photoshoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace
• See Seoul from the top of Korea’s tallest building – the Seoul Sky Observatory.
• Chill out by Banpo Hangang Park, and see the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain.
• Brave some public nudity at a jjimjilbang or Korean bathhouse.
• Eat Korean BBQ, dakgalbi and all the spicy things.
• Wander around a traditional market, like Namdaemun or Gwangjang Market.
• Get a Korean facial and indulge in all things beauty related.
• Take a day trip to the Demilitiarized Zone between North & South Korea.

Korea Travel Guide | Best Things to Do Outside of Seoul

Seoul is so huge and so incredible, that it can justifiably take up all your time, but get out of the megacity and you’ll discover a Korea you never knew existed. Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju and Jeonju are all worthy of your time, but allow yourself to wander off the tourist trail a bit more, and you’ll be richly rewarded.

• Get some serious beach time at Hamdeok Beach on Jeju Island.
• Wander Korea in search of romantic pink muhly.
• Indulge in the best food in Korea in Jeollanam-do.
• Admire the strange tombs of Shilla Dynastry royalty in Gyeongju.
• Participate in a Templestay in a serene location.
• Learn about Korea’s road to democracy at the May 18th Cemetery in Gwangju.
• See 40,000 spectacular lotus lanterns at Busan’s Samgwangsa Temple.

When is the best time to visit Korea?

Korea is a tiny peninsula with 4 dramatic seasons. Each lasts approximately 3 months (though global warming is changing this), and each has its own charms (and difficulties).

Cherry blossoms bloom across the country in March and April, and autumn foliage is at its peak from mid-October to mid-November, so these tend to be the peak tourist seasons. Winter can also be busy as visitors from SE Asia and other hot countries descend on Korea to see snow and participate in winter activities.

Summer is incredibly hot and humid, but still crowded with tourists. It’s the one season I wouldn’t recommend visiting in, unless you plan to go to Jeju or spend time on Korea’s coastal areas.

Read my seasonal guides to get a better idea of what it’s like to visit Korea at these times.

• Autumn in Korea: The Most Breathaking Places to see Fall Foliage
• Winter in Korea: 33 Incredible Places to Visit in the Snowy Season
• Spring in Korea: The Best Festivals, Food and Things to Do
• Summer in Korea | 43 Awesome Activities, Fun Festivals and Cool Things to Do

If you need more help narrowing down your timing, check out my detailed monthly guides. Each has tips on weather, activities, festivals, what to wear, and what to pack.

Money Saving Tips

Korea Travel Guide | Top Tours & Attractions

If you’re a foreign passport holder, you can get amazing discounts and packages to Korea’s most popular tours and attractions by booking online with Klook, Trazy or Get Your Guide.

I’ve curated the most booked, well-reviewed tours, shows, restaurants and experiences for you below. I recommend booking any popular tours at least a few days in advance, especially if it’s a busy tourist season or Korean national holiday.

The Best Tours, Experiences and Activities

• Take a day trip from Seoul to Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm

  

• Book the super popular Lotte World 1 Day Pass.
• See Seoul from the water on a Han River Cruise
• See Nanta – Korea’s longest running show – in Hongdae or Myeongdong.
• Get up close and personal with North Korean soldiers on a tour to the DMZ and JSA
• Indulge in a K-beauty skincare treatment at the luxurious Whoo Sap
• Get a QR Code Direct Entry to Everland – one of the biggest theme parks in the world