South Korea
South Korea, a peninsula located in East Asia, offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements, from the historic palaces of the Joseon Dynasty to cutting-edge technology hubs. Known for its vibrant cities like Seoul, South Korea also boasts awe-inspiring natural landscapes dotted with lush mountains, age old temples, and postcard-worthy coastlines. The country is famous for its delicious cuisine, such as kimchi and bulgogi, as well as its global influence in pop culture through K-pop, fashion, and cinema. South Korea's deep-rooted heritage and dynamic modern spirit make it a fascinating destination.
Highlights
- Seoul
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a dynamic metropolis where tradition meets cutting-edge modernity. The cityscape is a stunning juxtaposition of ancient palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, alongside sleek skyscrapers and energetic shopping districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam. Seoul's rich history is palpable in its quaint neighborhoods, where conventional hanoks coexist with contemporary cafes and art galleries. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of street food, from savory tteokbokki to sweet hotteok, as locals and tourists indulge in the city's culinary delights. The Han River gracefully winds through the city, providing scenic parks and recreational spaces that offer a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. With its lively nightlife, thriving arts scene, and warm hospitality, Seoul captivates visitors, inviting them to explore its endless layers of culture and innovation.
- Jeju Island
Often referred to as the "Hawaii of South Korea," Jeju Island is a breathtaking destination renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and unique heritage. The island is dominated by Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano and UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers scenic hiking trails and panoramic views. Jeju's coastline is dotted with picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and tranquil coves, perfect for relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore the island's distinctive lava tubes and witness the diverse marine life. The Haenyeo, or female divers, are an integral part of Jeju's culture, known for their remarkable skills in free diving to harvest seafood. Lush green fields, blooming canola flowers, and serene waterfalls create a postcard-perfect landscape. With its warm climate, rich history, and captivating scenery, Jeju Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for travelers seeking a taste of South Korea's natural wonders.
- Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming enclave between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, renowned for its well-preserved traditional South Korean houses, known as hanoks. Walking through the narrow, winding alleys, visitors are captivated by the beautiful architecture, featuring wooden beams, tiled roofs, and whitewashed walls that reflect the elegance of Joseon-era design. The village is alive with the sounds of daily life as locals and artisans carry on age-old traditions amid the modern city backdrop. Small galleries, craft shops, and tea houses dot the landscape, inviting exploration and offering a taste of South Korean culture.
- South Korean Cuisine
South Korean cuisine is a dynamic blend of flavors, colors, and textures that showcases the country’s profound cultural legacy. Central to many meals is kimchi, a tangy and spicy fermented vegetable dish, usually made with napa cabbage and seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. Bulgogi, marinated beef grilled to perfection, offers a delightful mix of sweetness and savory umami, while bibimbap features a colorful bowl of rice topped with sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, and gochujang (red chili paste) for a harmonious flavor experience. Street food is also a highlight, with favorites like tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce, and hotteok, sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts. Culinary experiences, such as cooking classes, allow enthusiasts to learn traditional dishes from scratch, making South Korean cuisine a memorable culinary journey.
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a dynamic metropolis where tradition meets cutting-edge modernity. The cityscape is a stunning juxtaposition of ancient palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, alongside sleek skyscrapers and energetic shopping districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam. Seoul's rich history is palpable in its quaint neighborhoods, where conventional hanoks coexist with contemporary cafes and art galleries. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of street food, from savory tteokbokki to sweet hotteok, as locals and tourists indulge in the city's culinary delights. The Han River gracefully winds through the city, providing scenic parks and recreational spaces that offer a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. With its lively nightlife, thriving arts scene, and warm hospitality, Seoul captivates visitors, inviting them to explore its endless layers of culture and innovation.
Often referred to as the "Hawaii of South Korea," Jeju Island is a breathtaking destination renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and unique heritage. The island is dominated by Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano and UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers scenic hiking trails and panoramic views. Jeju's coastline is dotted with picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and tranquil coves, perfect for relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore the island's distinctive lava tubes and witness the diverse marine life. The Haenyeo, or female divers, are an integral part of Jeju's culture, known for their remarkable skills in free diving to harvest seafood. Lush green fields, blooming canola flowers, and serene waterfalls create a postcard-perfect landscape. With its warm climate, rich history, and captivating scenery, Jeju Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for travelers seeking a taste of South Korea's natural wonders.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming enclave between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, renowned for its well-preserved traditional South Korean houses, known as hanoks. Walking through the narrow, winding alleys, visitors are captivated by the beautiful architecture, featuring wooden beams, tiled roofs, and whitewashed walls that reflect the elegance of Joseon-era design. The village is alive with the sounds of daily life as locals and artisans carry on age-old traditions amid the modern city backdrop. Small galleries, craft shops, and tea houses dot the landscape, inviting exploration and offering a taste of South Korean culture.
South Korean cuisine is a dynamic blend of flavors, colors, and textures that showcases the country’s profound cultural legacy. Central to many meals is kimchi, a tangy and spicy fermented vegetable dish, usually made with napa cabbage and seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. Bulgogi, marinated beef grilled to perfection, offers a delightful mix of sweetness and savory umami, while bibimbap features a colorful bowl of rice topped with sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, and gochujang (red chili paste) for a harmonious flavor experience. Street food is also a highlight, with favorites like tteokbokki, chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce, and hotteok, sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts. Culinary experiences, such as cooking classes, allow enthusiasts to learn traditional dishes from scratch, making South Korean cuisine a memorable culinary journey.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to South Korea? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Seoul |
| Entry requirements | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | There are no vaccination requirements for travelers. The CDC and WHO reccommend the following vaccinations for South Korea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. |
| Weather | South Korea has four distinct seasons. In spring, the temperatures are warm with little rain and the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. Summer starts in June with a dreary rainy season followed by extreme humidity and high temperatures between July and August. Autumn is perhaps the best time to travel to South Korea as the temperature and humidity become more tolerable and the trees begin to change color. January and February are bitterly cold due to Siberian winds from the North but the Korean invention of ondol (floor heating) helps defrost any parts that froze outside. Winter is ideal for skiing or hot-spring hopping and snow is common. |
| Tipping | As a rule, tipping is not necessary anywhere in Korea, and is not practiced by locals, although bellhops, hotel maids, taxi drivers and bars frequented by Westerners will not reject any tips you care to hand out. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Most places in South Korea accept Visa and MasterCard. ATMs are very common, but most Korean ATMs don't accept foreign cards. There are many special Global ATMs around but they will will not accept your bank card unless you are with a major bank such as HSBC or Deutsche Bank. They can be found at Shinhan Bank, KEB banks, NH banks, airports, in areas frequented by foreigners, in major cities, some subway stations, and in many Family Mart convenience stores - most of the time indicated by the "Foreign Cards" button on the screen. Sometimes however even the Global ATMs may not accept your foreign card, so it is wise to have a second source of money for those times or to ensure your card is fully accepted. Be sure to stock up on cash before heading to the countryside or other remote areas. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | The best items to shop for in South Korea are Ginseng, blue-jade celadon, handmade traditional costumes, paper kites, ceramic pieces that depict human emotions and electronics. At certain retail outlets with a "Tax Free Shopping" or a "Tax Refund Shopping" sign, you can obtain a voucher and get a large percentage of your taxes refunded. When you leave Korea, go to customs and have it stamped then go to the "Global TaxFree" or "Global Refund Korea" counters near the duty-free shops. To get a refund you must leave within 3 months of purchase. Bargaining is a common practice at outdoor markets but instead of stating a monetary amount, you would say, "ssage juseyo" which means "cheaper, please". |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 220 volts. Plugs C, F. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
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Tours & Packages
- Destinations: South Korea
- including closed packages
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