South Korea

FURTHER

From ancient Buddhist structures to gold-tinted skyscrapers

Guide to South Korea

Basic Information

South Korea is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, offering a wide range of experiences for travelers. From ultra-modern skyscrapers and high-tech toilets to ancient Buddhist temples and traditional bullfights, the country is a treasure trove of exoticism. For those seeking a more conservative vacation, South Korea boasts stunning beaches on Jeju Island, opportunities for skiing in the South Korean Alps, and numerous balneological resorts. Whether you're interested in exploring the bustling cityscapes or immersing yourself in the serene beauty of nature, South Korea has something for everyone.

Photos of South Korea

Traditional Architecture, Seoul, South Korea

Capital

Seoul

Language

Korean

Currency

KRW

Time zone

UTC +9

Population

50 916 123

Territory

98,500 square kilometers.

Dishes worth trying:

Kimchi — A spicy vegetable dish made with radishes or sauerkraut.

Hweh — Raw fish soaked in vinegar and seasoned with spices and vegetables.

Kuksu — Homemade unleavened dough noodles; served with broth.

Pulkogi — Beef marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil; cooked in a fryer right at the table.

Yot — A sweet made from cereal grains (rice, sorghum, corn, etc.), often with a filling.

Soju — Vodka made from rice, corn, barley, potatoes, etc., with a strength of 20%.

Things to do in to South Korea

To make your vacation in the country memorable, you undoubtedly must:

Climb the 63 Building skyscraper and get a bird's eye view of Seoul.
Admire the Panpo Fountain Bridge in Seoul, sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow.
Visit the Chagalchi Fish Market in Busan, sampling one of the fish delicacies.
Soak in the sun at Haeundae Beach and visit a thermal spring in Busan.
Become a Buddhist monk for a day, learning the basics and mysteries of Buddhism.
Eat a lot of tangerines on Jeju Island. There are more than 50 kinds of tangerines here.

Tips

There are a large number of car accidents in the country, so following traffic rules is very important.

Koreans are generally not fluent in English, it's worth learning basic phrases in the local language.

You should not travel to South Korea from August to September, typhoons hit the country.

It is not customary to leave tips in restaurants, payment is made at the cash desk at the exit.

Sights

South Korea is a country of amazing combination of ancient architectural monuments and modernist buildings. To truly feel the South Korean spirit and to be charged with positive emotions and impressions, you should start your trip from the capital, Seoul.

"Panpho Bridge"

Fountain Bridge in Seoul, sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow, located over the Hangang River.

National Museum

The largest museum of South Korean history and art in Seoul. It keeps adding new exhibits.

Gyeongbok Palace

The fourteenth-century Joseon royal palace in Seoul. The largest among the Five Great Palaces.

The Yuksam Building skyscraper.

Seoul's 249-meter tall building, on Yeouido Island. An observation deck is installed on the roof.

Yeongdusan Park

The oldest park in Busan. There is a tower (118 meters) with an observation deck.

Museum of Optical Illusions

Seoul's interactive museum where all exhibits are "living paintings", done in 3D style.

Tours to South Korea

A vacation in South Korea may not be considered cheap, but based on tourist reviews, it's definitely worth it. This Asian country offers unparalleled natural beauty, pristine beaches, majestic Buddhist temples, royal palaces, and ultra-modern buildings.

The best times to visit are spring and fall when precipitation is low, and the temperature is very comfortable. If you don't mind some bad weather or the summer heat and winter cold, you can save significantly on your trip.

The most popular destination among tourists is the capital, Seoul. Group tours start at around $700 for 7 days and 6 nights. Alternatively, you can explore Jeju Island with its stunning beaches, which typically costs around $1,220 for an 8-day, 7-night trip. Keep in mind that these tour prices include airfare, usually around $650.

If you prefer independent travel, you'll have the flexibility to manage your own time and avoid agency commissions. You can use tripmydream to find the most favorable airfare and hotel options, resulting in a trip cost starting from $800, covering both your flight and accommodation.

Where to go to South Korea?

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis where you can marvel at majestic landmarks such as the presidential residence and royal palaces, stay in luxury hotels, and gaze up at towering skyscrapers. For those looking for a beach vacation, the city of Busan offers picturesque beaches, while Jeju Island provides a cozy and romantic getaway. South Korea is also a fantastic destination for ski enthusiasts, with well-developed infrastructure, upscale resorts, and a plethora of activities to enjoy. Whether you prefer urban adventures, beachside relaxation, or hitting the slopes, South Korea has a diverse range of experiences to offer.

Seoul

When to go to South Korea

Wondering when is the best time to go on vacation to South Korea? We will tell you about the peculiarities of the climate in the country.

Spring in South Korea

March-April are the most favorable months of the year, warm and dry. Trees and plants blossom, yellow rape blossoms are amazingly beautiful. Spring is an excellent time for sightseeing tours.

South Korean summer

During the summer months, the country is sweltering, hot and rainy. A comfortable vacation without heavy rains is possible in mid-July on Jeju Island. Traveling in summer can save you money on your trip.

Autumn in South Korea

The rainy season is over, it is no longer as hot as in summer, and the golden hues of autumn create an enchanting ambience. Autumn is the ideal time for walks in nature, for calm and quiet rest.

Winter in South Korea

Winter season in the country is characterized by frostiness, the weather is sunny and mostly dry (there is little snowfall). Tourists in winter prefer to vacation at ski resorts in South Korea.

Usefulness

In order to make your trip to South Korea bright, filled with only positive emotions and devoid of hassle, tripmydream has collected useful tips for you.

Visa to South Korea

To see all the riches of the East Asian country you need to apply for a short-term visa. It is issued in 3 - 7 days after submission of documents. Personal presence is not required. The validity period of a single entry tourist visa is from 30 to 90 days. The visa costs from 50 USD.

Customs & Tax Free

When bringing valuable items such as jewelry, photo and video equipment, etc. into the country, you are required to complete a written declaration. Importing and exporting an amount exceeding 500,000 Korean won is not permitted. It is strictly prohibited to bring the following items into the country: weapons, drugs, pornography, agricultural products, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and printed materials that violate Korean laws. You cannot take antiques, art objects, or rare handicrafts out of the country without the permission of the relevant authorities. If you make purchases exceeding 30,000 won in a single store, you may be eligible for a VAT refund upon leaving Korea.

Travel by car

To rent a car in South Korea, you must meet the following requirements: <ul> <li>Be over 21 years old.</li> <li>Have at least 1 year of driving experience and a valid driver's license.</li> </ul> The largest car rental offices are typically located at airports and hotels. In Seoul, the daily rental cost starts at 75,500 won, and gasoline prices are approximately 1,550 won per liter. South Korea follows right-handed traffic rules, and road signs are duplicated in English. The quality of roads in the country is excellent, but it's important to note that most highways have tolls.

Phrasebook for tourists

When traveling in South Korea, it's useful to know some basic Korean phrases to communicate with locals: <ul> <li>Yes - Yae</li> <li>No - Anyo</li> <li>Thank you - Kamsa-hamnida</li> <li>Excuse me - Mian-hamnida</li> <li>Hello! - Annyeon-hasimnika</li> <li>Goodbye! - Anyönghi kaseyo</li> </ul>

Public transport and prices

All major cities in South Korea can be reached by rail. There are several types of trains, from the superfast KTX to the passenger "Tongyil" (slow) trains. The most popular mode of transportation in the country is the bus. The fare in the capital is from 1200 won for 1 trip. For tourists it is most convenient to use the subway, as all inscriptions are duplicated in English. In Seoul, the price of a trip is 1250 won.

Events

Buddha's Birthday is celebrated in the 4th month on the 8th day of the lunar calendar. Late January to mid-February is the period in which New Year or Sollal is celebrated. April 5 is tree planting day. 1 August in the city of Busan, Koreans celebrate the Festival of the Sea. 8 month of the 15th day of the lunar calendar is marked as the Harvest Festival.