South Korea

What are the most recommended things to do in South Korea?

Explore Seoul’s top landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower.
Visit cultural sites such as Changdeokgung Palace and the Korean Folk Village in Yongin.
Shop and eat in Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam for trendy fashion and street food.
Relax at Jeju Island’s beaches, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
Experience Busan’s coastal charm at Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jagalchi Fish Market.
Hike scenic trails in Seoraksan National Park or Bukhansan National Park.
Enjoy K-pop concerts, traditional performances, and Korean spa (jjimjilbang) experiences.

Introducing Korea

South Korea, our neighbor, boasts a culture that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Here, you can discover traditional architecture and palaces, try on traditional Korean clothing for photos, and witness traditional song and dance performances. You can also experience cutting-edge Asian fashion, dazzling entertainment stars, and captivating modern art.

South Korea boasts a captivating culinary culture, offering a wide array of affordable options to delight travelers. Local food markets and innovative, trendy cafes create a vibrant and vibrant culinary scene. From the bustling international metropolis of Seoul to the tranquil, breezy island of Jeju, South Korea offers a city that suits every traveler. Step through a magnificent portal through time, traversing the past and present, and experience the brilliance of Korean, Eastern civilization.

Climate and best time to travel

South Korea has a temperate climate, similar to that of North my country and the southern part of Northeast China. One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is witnessing the changing landscapes of the four seasons, with autumn being the best season for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Seoul

Seoul often appears in Korean dramas, but there's more to it than just a backdrop. The city is practically synonymous with Korean culture, boasting historic monuments, folk performances by people dressed in traditional Hanbok (Hanbok), and vibrant shopping malls overflowing with satisfied shoppers.

Busan

Busan may be the next "hotspot" city for Chinese tourists in South Korea. After all, the city's potential for tourists is greatly underestimated. It not only has the "Busan Film Festival" which is extremely influential in Asia, but also attracts heavyweight filmmakers every year.

As a tourist, Haeundae, Korea's most famous beach, is home here, and the lively atmosphere of the coastal city makes it easy to blend in. Perhaps the most attractive thing here is the food. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of seafood, and young artists can find cafes that are comparable to those in Seoul.

Jeju Island

Thanks to its visa-free policy, Jeju Island has become a favorite destination for domestic tourists. Like a tranquil garden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jeju Island offers opportunities for hiking on Hallasan Mountain and witnessing the breathtaking geological formations at Seongsan Ilchulbong. Cycling is also possible, and the nearby islands offer great day or half-day excursions.

Jeju Island boasts a wealth of mouth-watering culinary resources. Its black pork is renowned far and wide, and every diner who visits will try it. Seafood is also an essential local specialty.

Recommended travel time: 5-7 days

Most Popular FAQs for South Korea

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, has a history spanning over 5,000 years. Once part of the ancient kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, it became a modern industrialized nation after the Korean War (1950–1953). Today, it’s globally recognized for its technology, pop culture, and rich cultural heritage blending ancient traditions with innovation.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

South Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, bordered by North Korea and surrounded by the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan (East Sea).
Major entry points include Incheon International Airport (near Seoul) and Gimhae International Airport (Busan).
Within cities, transport is efficient—use subways, buses, or taxis; for intercity travel, take KTX (Korea Train Express).

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Best time to visit: spring (April–June) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for colorful foliage.
Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, while winter (December–February) offers skiing opportunities.
Most attractions open around 9:00 a.m. and close by 6:00 p.m.; shopping areas and markets may stay open later.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Palaces and museums: typically ₩1,000–₩5,000.
Theme parks (e.g., Lotte World, Everland): around ₩50,000–₩70,000.
Tickets can be bought on-site or online via websites like Klook or Trazy.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For popular attractions and K-pop shows, book 1–2 weeks in advance.
General sightseeing spots and palaces don’t usually require pre-booking.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Seoul: 3–5 days
Busan: 2–3 days
Jeju Island: 3–4 days
Day trips to smaller cities or cultural sites can be done within a few hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Gyeongbokgung Palace and its guard-changing ceremony.
Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic city views.
Jeju’s Hallasan Mountain and Manjanggul Lava Tube.
Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village and Haeundae Beach.
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tour for historical insight.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, many museums and palaces offer guided tours in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Private or group tours can be booked online or through hotels.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

N Seoul Tower observation deck.
Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower (the world’s 5th tallest building).
Naksan Park and Ihwa Mural Village.
Busan’s Haeundae Skyline and Oryukdo Skywalk.
Jeju’s Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak).

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Seoul itinerary: Gyeongbokgung → Bukchon Hanok → Insadong → Myeongdong → N Seoul Tower.
Busan itinerary: Haeundae → Dongbaek Island → Gamcheon → Jagalchi Market → BIFF Square.
Jeju itinerary: East (Seongsan Peak) → South (Jusangjeolli Cliffs) → West (Hallim Park).

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, Namsan Tower and Dongdaemun offer night views and light shows.
Han River cruises and Seoul night walking tours are popular.
Some palaces open at night during special seasons.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekends and holidays are busiest, especially in Seoul and Busan.
Visit early morning or on weekdays for fewer crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

All major attractions have clean public toilets, rest areas, convenience stores, and cafes nearby.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes, most public sites, transportation, and attractions provide ramps, elevators, and stroller access.
Priority seating and assistance are common.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Samsung Pay) are widely accepted.
Cash is useful for small shops, markets, or taxis outside cities.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Myeongdong and Hongdae: famous for Korean BBQ, street food, and trendy cafes.
Insadong: traditional tea houses and local restaurants.
Busan and Jeju: seafood and local specialties like black pork and abalone porridge.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan restaurants are growing, especially in Seoul and Busan.
Halal restaurants and prayer facilities available near Itaewon and Myeongdong.