South Korea
Travel Guide
Discover Amazing South Korea
It’s no secret that South Korea is becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia for American travelers. People are flocking to this amazing country for the fantastic sights of its sparkling cities, the beauty of its countryside and beaches, the trendy and extremely delicious cuisine, and of course the global phenomenon that is K-Pop.
Start planning now for an amazing 2023 trip to Korea and uncover for yourself one of Asia’s most undiscovered nations where old world charm comes with a vibrantly modern twist.
When is the best time to visit South Korea
South Korea experiences all four seasons, creating a wide array of outdoor sites and activities depending on your preference. Many travelers flock to the country between March and May, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom across the region. From June to September the heat is on, with travelers heading to the hills for mountain hiking and a break from the humidity. Fall is a great time to visit, as the changing of the leaves set the country ablaze with autumn colors. Ski enthusiasts will want to head to slopes during the winter for freezing temperatures and great ski conditions.
Seoul
Seoul boasts an incredible mix of ancient and modern, where beautiful centuries-old palaces can be found amongst towering skyscrapers and trendy neighborhoods. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must see, as are the Changdeokgung Palace and Gardens. Head to Gangnam to experience Seoul’s flashiest district and check out Gwangjang Market for some delicious local delicacies.
Busan
South Korea’s second city, Busan has a more traditional and rugged atmosphere than Seoul despite its modern appearance. Have a stroll through Pojanmacha, where street food vendors offer tasty snacks late into the night, and discover Gamcheon’s neighborhood which boasts vibrant murals and pretty winding streets. The nearby Haedong Yonggungsa Temple offers striking views from its dramatic cliff location over the sea.
Jeju Do
South Korea’s biggest island – Jeju Do – is a favorite getaway among Koreans thanks to its beaches, striking coastline and beautiful countryside. If you like being one with nature, be sure to hike up Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain. Or relax on the island’s white sandy beaches and the warm waters of the East China Sea.
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Exploring South Korea
Korea Express Tour
The Korea Express Tour is great for those that want to see a lot of South Korea, but are short on time. This 6-day trip starts in Seoul, and visits Suwon, Jeonju, Haeinsa, Daegu and Busan. Includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, and transport.
Heart of Seoul City Break
This 5-day package is an in-depth cultural tour of beautiful Seoul, South Korea. You will get a comprehensive experience of this gleaming metropolis with over 500 years of history. Heart of Seoul City Break includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.
Real Food Adventure Tour
Calling all foodies! This 8-day adventure explores South Korea’s culinary landscape, including amazing meals, visits to local markets, and so much more. This tour starts and ends in Seoul, and includes accommodation, expert guides, meals, transport and more.
Flights to South Korea
There are nonstop flights to Seoul from many major US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago, plus many one stop options from most of the United States.
Getting Around
South Korea has a robust rail network, allowing visitors to get around the country with ease. You can book domestic flights or use ferries to get out to the islands.
Communicating
English speakers are more common in Seoul and at major tourism areas than the rest of the country. Download a translation app before so you will always have a way to communicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The official language spoken in South Korea is Korean.
South Korea uses Korea Standard Time (UTC+09:00), which is 13 hours ahead of New York, 14 hours ahead of Chicago, 15 hours ahead of Denver and 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Determining the drinking age in South Korea is a bit different than most other countries. There are two ages in Korea – your Korean age and your international age. According to Korean age, everyone is one year old when born, and everyone turns a year older on January 1. So while the drinking age is 20 (Korean age), international travelers can drink at 19.
The currency used in South Korea is the South Korean Won. The currency code is KRW and the symbol is ₩.
Drivers in South Korea drive on the right side of the road, like in the United States.
Most international visitors to Korea arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) near the country’s capital Seoul.
