South Korea – a land of rich traditions, modernity and breathtaking landscapes, known for K-Pop, Korean Drama, Technology, Skin care, Fashion and so much more. It became a favorite Travel destination for tourists all over the world offering an unforgettable travel experience. So in this ultimate guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know for an amazing South Korea trip from Basic Information about the country, weather all around the year, Visa and Entry Requirements, best Korean SIM Cards, Transportation, Must Visit Spots and Recommended Activities in Korea. So let’s dive right into it:

BASICS

South Korea is an East Asian country known for its culture, exceptionally delicious food, and technology-driven economy. It is located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with a population of over 51 million people. Of these, approximately 40% live in and around the capital city of Seoul. The country is also known for K-pop music, Korean dramas, Skincare and Fashion and gained popularity worldwide in recent years.

PLANNING

Weather

Traveling to South Korea is always a good idea as each season offers a unique and captivating experience. Generally you can say that summers are really hot and humid while winters can be freezing cold. Still I found all seasons to be beautiful and worth visiting, so here a little more details about what to expect.

Visa

When planning a trip, understanding the entry requirements is crucial. Fortunately, South Korea has made it easier for travelers from various countries to explore its beauty through the K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) system.

This online process allows citizens of eligible countries to obtain a travel authorization before their departure, eliminating the need for a visa for short stays. The K-ETA is valid for up to 90 days (180 days for Canada) and permits tourism, visits for business meetings or visiting relatives. If you want to know how to apply, here the official >K-ETA Application Guide. Also make sure, that your passport has at least 6 months validity when entering Korea.

Here the list of K-ETA eligible nations and the allowed period of stay (last updated August 2023):

^{* K-ETA is temporarily exempted for 22 countries until December 31, 2024 – means you can just travel to Korea without a applying for K-ETA}

If your country is not in this list, then it might be, that you need a visa to travel to South Korea or that your home country is having a different agreement with South Korea. Therefore please check the visa requirements on >the Korea Visa Portal.

Health

While South Korea has an advanced healthcare system, it’s wise to take a few steps before you depart. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza. While no specific vaccinations are required for entry, being immunized is recommended by most countries.

South Korea’s healthcare system is highly regarded for its quality and accessibility, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. However, unexpected situations can happen, and that’s where travel insurance comes in. Having >comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended. It provides peace of mind knowing you’re covered in case of illness or injury.

Hotel

Choosing the right accommodation for your South Korea trip sets the tone for a comfortable and memorable stay. From budget-friendly options like guesthouses and hostels ranging from $30 to $60 per night, to mid-range hotels providing a balance between comfort and cost in the range of $60 to $150 per night, and upscale hotels offering luxury from $200 onwards, South Korea caters to all types of travelers.

As you explore different neighborhoods to stay within Seoul, consider Myeongdong (Jungno) for most convenient sightseeing, Heongdae (Mapo) or Itaewon (Yongsan) for nightlife and Gangnam for Shopping. These central locations not only grant easy access to bustling markets, vibrant culture, and historic sites, but they also offer a range of accommodations that suit various budgets.

If you want to save money and don’t mind a daily commute in the subway, you can also check accommodations a bit outside of the city centre. And if you’re looking for the fully traditional Korean experience than have a look at Hanok-Stays – the Korean traditional housing.

Language

While English is commonly spoken in most tourist hubs like Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae or Itaewon and you can use the translating app Papago to communicate, branching out with basic Korean phrases can truly enrich your Korea experience. Learning a handful of key expressions can help you navigate beyond the popular areas and connect with locals easier and on a deeper level.

Learning the korean alphabet called hangeul is actually easier than you might think and with some basic phrases like “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo) for “hello” and “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida) for “thank you” you can already achieve a lot when talking to Koreans.

Important Hotlines

The area code for South Korea is +82, so when calling a South Korean number from abroad, you need to dial this country code before the actual phone number. There also are area codes that vary for different cities and regions (e.g. 02 for Seoul, 051 for Busan, 010 for mobile phone numbers). But for the following numbers those are not necessary either if you are in South Korea:

Money

South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW) as its currency, so familiarize yourself with the currency and the current exchange rates. When I first came to Korea I used an app to calculate the exchange rates for me, so I had a good feeling of how much I actually spent per day.

Make sure you’ve saved enough funds to cover accommodation, activities, and unforeseen expenses. Flights, Hotels and activities can be quite pricey, but you can save a lot through Korea’s cheap public transportation and food options. Depending on your general budget and standards, I recommend 60-100$ per day per person including accommodation, transportation, food and activities.

Credit cards are widely accepted and offer convenience, security, and favorable exchange rates. Among the credit cards commonly recognized in South Korea are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and many more. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent any payment disruptions.

I recommend you get some cash, even though you can pay almost anything with your credit card – you know.. just in case. You can either use one of the exchange booths at the airports, in Myeongdong or Itaewon (they usually offer quite bad rates), you can use a >WOWExchange Kiosk or you get cash through your credit card from an ATM, e.g. located in front of most convenience stores.

If you’re too afraid that your Credit Card could be declined, I can highly recommend the Namane Card – a transportation card that works like a korean bank card. Find more about that in the Paragraph about Transportation.

Packlist

Apps

Before embarking on your journey to South Korea, make sure to download essential travel apps that will enhance your experience and make your visit more convenient and enjoyable.

• Papago: The biggest challenge when traveling in Korea is the language. Papago is by far the best Korean to English translator, can also translate websites and even has a conversation and photo feature.
• Kakao/NaverMap: Since Google Maps has limited functionality in South Korea, it is recommended to download one of the Korean map apps. KakaoMaps and NaverMaps are the two most commonly used options.
• KakaoTalk: Koreans mainly use KakaoTalk instead of WhatsApp or Telegram. So when you make a new friend, they usually don’t ask for your cell phone number, but for your KakaolD.
• Naver: Instead of Google, Naver is the most used search engine in Korea. Restaurant reviews, blogs, booking tools can usually be found quickly on Naver. Compared to Google, I tend to find a local recommendation or hidden gem here more easily.
• KoRail: It you are planning a trip to another city in South Korea, you will need a KTX ticket. The easiest way to book this is to use the official Korail app. This way you also avoid the many rip-off websites online.
• TabaKakaoT: Compared to most other big cities, cabs in Korea are much cheaper, so sometimes it’s more convenient to take a cab. With KakaoT that is super easy and you can pay with credit card in the cab.
• Seoul Bike: One of my favorite activities in Seoul is a bike ride along the Han River. Although you can find larger bike rentals at the hotspots, you are much more flexible with the Seoul Bike App. Once set up, you can rent and return a bike within seconds.
• Currency: There are several different apps in the appstore, but they all have similar functions to convert currencies quickly and easily. Especially in the beginning it helped me to get a feeling for how much money I spend.
• AirVisual: In Korea people wear a mask not just because of Covid, but also because of the regularly occurring fine dust pollution. With AirVisual, you can quickly see when it is advisable to wear a mask outside and to do indoor activities.

Etiquette

Here the 10 most important tips you should know and keep in mind to not look rude to Koreans:

• Bowing: Bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect. The deeper the bow, the more respect is conveyed.
• Shoes Off: It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or certain traditional establishments.
• Tipping: Tipping is not common in South Korea and may even be refused. Exceptional service is already included in the price.
• Use Both Hands: When giving or receiving items, especially money or business cards, use both hands. This gesture reflects politeness and respect for the person you’re interacting with.
• Dining Etiquette: During meals, wait until the eldest or the host starts eating before you begin. Do not start eating or stop eating before everyone is finished. Additionally, avoid sticking chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.
• Respect for Elders: Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Korean society. Use formal language and honorifics (ending sentences with “-yo”) when addressing older individuals. When pouring drinks, hold the bottle with two hands when offering to someone older than you.
• Silence on Public Transport: Maintain a quiet demeanor when using public transport. Loud conversations and phone calls are generally considered rude. Use headphones if you want to listen to music or watch videos.
• Cover Shoulders and Knees at Temples: If you plan to visit temples or religious sites, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the sacred space.
• Queueing Up: Whether you’re waiting for public transport, entering an establishment, or even using an elevator, respect the queue. Cutting in line is considered impolite.
• Trash Sorting: South Korea has strict waste disposal regulations. Sort your trash into different categories, including food waste, recyclables, and general waste. That’s also one reason why there are almost no garbage cans in public as people should bring their trash home to recycle it properly. But no worries: Most subway stations have a trash can 😀

ARRIVAL

Incheon Airport

When arriving at Seoul’s Main Airport there are some important steps to go through. First, you’ll proceed to immigration, where you’ll need your passport and visa ready for inspection. The process is generally efficient, and friendly immigration officers are there to assist you in English or Korean.

After that, you’ll head to baggage claim to collect your luggage. Incheon Airport is known for its quick baggage handling, so I promise you won’t be waiting long!

Once you have your bags, it’s time to breeze through customs. Please check the latest customs regulations for South Korea when packing your suitcase.

Finally, you’ll step out of the arrivals area into a bustling terminal filled with helpful signs and information booths. Make sure to get a Korean SIM Card and some cash before leaving the airport. Find a map of the Airport Facilities >here or below.

Internet

In case your Phone has a SIM Lock or you’re coming with some friends or stay a few weeks, maybe a >pocket wifi device could be helpful.

TRANSPORTATION

It’s at this point that your Korean adventure truly begins, and you can start exploring this dynamic country. But before I will give you recommendations what to do and see, I want to introduce you to the different Transportation Options in South Korea.

Transportation Cards

But first, let me introduce you to your new best travel-buddy: a Korean transportation card! Those smart cards offer a convenient and efficient way to pay for various modes of public transportation, including subways, buses, taxis, some ferries and even can be used as a payment method at many convenience stores. Users can recharge those cards and use them as often as they want by easily tapping them on card readers when boarding or leaving public transportation. They can be used not just in Seoul, but in the whole country, even on Jeju Island.

You could also buy single ride tickets at the vending machines in every Subway station or get the MPass, which is like a 1 to 7 Day unlimited pass. But for this ticket to be worth it, you have to take the Subway at least 7 times per Day. The Seoul Metro also announced new unlimited 1 Day (5,600 KRW) or 3 Day (11,800 KRW) Passes, but they’re not yet available. So for now I would highly recommend you to get a transportation card, here are two options explained:

Navigation Apps

Some people prefer to read the Seoul Subway or Bus Map simply as it is.. That’s absolutely not an option for me 😀 Luckily there are many Apps you can use to find the best way to get from A to B:

• GoogleMaps (works to some extent)
• Seoul Subway App
• KakaoMaps
• NaverMaps
• …

The last App of this list is the one I use and the one I explain in >my Subway Guide. There is no special reason, why I would recommend NaverMaps in comparison to KakaoMaps, it’s like Apple vs. Samsung.. You always like what you first got used to 😀

Transportation from the Airport

One of the first exciting steps is making your way from Incheon Airport to the vibrant heart of Seoul. There are different options I will just list here. For a full Guide click on the link below!

Transportation within Seoul

From the extensive subway network, various bus routes, well-maintained roadways, comparably cheap Taxis, to the impressive bicycle-sharing system and numerous pedestrian-friendly areas – There are endless ways to explore Seoul. I will explain some in the following paragraphs.

Transportation to other cities

While Seoul offers a vibrant and bustling urban experience, I highly recommend travelers to venture beyond the city limits to truly immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of South Korean culture and landscapes. Take a short train or bus ride to discover the country’s hidden gems. By venturing out of Seoul, you’ll unlock a deeper understanding of South Korea’s diverse heritage and natural beauty, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

EXPLORING

Now that you know how to get around the city and country, here some places I recommend you to visit or activities that will help you experience real Korean culture during your trip.

Must see Places in Seoul

If you travelled a lot you probably learned one thing: You can never see everything! I lived in Korea for 2 years now and still there are so many places on my bucket list.. it’s a never ending story!

So when you come to South Korea, I would recommend you to see some of the “Must Sees” that are tourist hotspots for obvious reasons and mix it up with unique experiences and hidden gems. Here a list of the most famous places in Seoul:

Alternatives

If you are looking for some Alternatives to the main tourist spots mentioned above, here some less famous and a bit less crowded recommendations:

Must do Activities

Other places out of Seoul

Even after 2 years I have an endless bucket list of places I want to visit in this country. Here 10 of my favorite trips from Seoul either short One-Day-Trips or longer journeys if you have enough time:

Festivals

Korea is renowned for its diverse and colorful festivals, which celebrate everything from ancient traditions, contemporary art to korean pop music, providing visitors with unique cultural experiences throughout the year. Here some examples of the most popular festivals per month:

• Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival: Snow and Ice Sculptures, grilled potatoes and the best part: a completely frozen waterfall (January)
• Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival: Marks the first full moon of the lunar year with fire-related activities. (February)
• Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival: 200,000 square metres of plum trees near the Seomjin River, in an area known as Maehwa Village in Gwangyang. (March)
• Cherry Blossom Festivals: Join locals in celebrating spring’s arrival with breathtaking cherry blossoms. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of the most famous. (April)
• Buddhas Birthday Festivals: Lantern Displays, Big parades and my favorite: special temple stay offers in temples all over the country. (May)
• Gangneung Danoje Festival: Traditional festival featuring mask dances, rituals, and cultural performances. (June)
• Waterbomb Festivals: Big music festivals in every bigger city in Korea featuring fun water activities – water guns are a must to bring to cool down. (July)
• Boryeong Mud Festival: Enjoy mud-based activities, music, and fireworks at this unique and lively summer festival. (August)
• Andong Mask Dance Festival: Experience traditional mask dance performances, showcasing Korean folklore and culture. (September)
• Seoul Firework Festival: A stunning fireworks display along the Han River, accompanied by music and performances. (October)
• Geoje Island Flower Festival: Enjoy fall at its best on the beautiful island with this event full of flowers and activities for the family. (November)
• Lantern Festivals: Colorful lantern displays that illuminate the hearts of many cities in South Korea, the biggest one happens in Seoul. (December)

Food

When it comes to culinary traditions, South Korea boasts a vibrant and diverse food culture that’s as rich as its history and as varied as its landscapes. Korean cuisine is a delicious reflection of the country’s cultural heritage and its people’s deep connection to the land.

Shopping

Korea is a shopper’s paradise, where traditional markets and modern malls coexist harmoniously, offering an array of unique and trendy products. Whether you’re looking for fashion, cosmetics, electronics, or traditional souvenirs, South Korea has it all.

Before diving into the shopping destinations, it’s essential to be aware of the typical operating hours in South Korea. Most stores and markets open around 10 AM and close between 9 PM and 10 PM. However, some smaller shops might have shorter hours, and certain areas, like Myeongdong, stay bustling well into the night. And of course most Convenience Stores are open 24 hours. Banks, Post offices and government organizations usually open from Monday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM.

• Myeongdong: Shopaholics will love this bustling shopping district in Seoul, offering everything from cosmetics to fashion. You can get some free samples there, but be aware of clever sales people trying to sell you overpriced product packages!
• Dongdaemun Market: Dongdaemun is a historic market known for its wholesale clothing and fabrics. It’s the place to go for fashion enthusiasts, second hand fans and night owls, as many shops are open until late at night.
• Hongdae Shopping Street: This area close to Hongik University is not just great for busking and party, it’s also the perfect spot for young fashion and the newest trends.
• Namdaemun Market: As one of the oldest and largest markets in Seoul, Namdaemun Market offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and traditional Korean products.
• Insadong: If you’re looking for traditional Korean crafts, art, tea and antiques, Insadong is the place to go. It’s a hub for Korean culture and heritage.
• Department Stores: Lotte, Hyundai, Shinsegae are some of Korea’s leading department store chains, offering a wide range of luxury brands, cosmetics, and duty-free shopping for tourists.
• Airport Duty-Free Shops: Before departing, explore the extensive duty-free shops at Incheon International Airport, where you can purchase cosmetics, electronics, and luxury items at tax-free prices.

Souvenirs

When visiting Korea, you’ll find an abundance of unique and memorable souvenirs to bring back home. Here are ten common souvenirs – besides magnets or postcards – to consider:

• Korean Beauty Products: Innovative cosmetics and skincare products from brands like Laneige, Innisfree, and Tony Moly – Olive Young is perfect for this!
• K-Pop Merchandise: Posters, albums, apparel, and memorabilia featuring your favorite K-Pop idols are usually much cheaper in South Korea.
• Hanji Crafts: Traditional paper-made crafts like fans, lanterns, and stationery.
• Korean Ginseng: Renowned for its health benefits, Korean ginseng is available in various forms, including teas, soaps and supplements.
• Handmade Pottery: Traditional ceramics like tea sets make great gifts
• Mother of Pearl: Exquisite traditional pearl jewelry, boxes, mirrors or the new option: Griptoks.
• Korean Tea: High-quality teas such as green tea or traditional Korean herbal teas – Insadong is the best place to shop for those.
• Korean Snacks: Unique Korean snacks like ginseng candy, honey butter chips, and seaweed snacks.
• Hand Fans: Hand-painted folding fans often adorned with intricate designs or the electric equivalent used by almost all Koreans to survive Korean hot, humid summer.
• Korean Socks: Sounds weird, but they’re just too cute and cheap, but still offer great quality.

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

I am certain that you will love your stay in Korea and even if you won’t be able to see and explore everything (I lived here for 2 years and there are still endless things I haven’t done) I hope that you will go home packed with great memories! Come back soon ♡