Best travel tips for South Korea
Are you planning a trip to South Korea soon, or is it high on your bucket list?
Whether it is your first visit or you are returning to explore more, South Korea is a country that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. From exploring the neon-lit streets of Seoul, relaxing on the beaches of Busan, hiking the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island or enjoying the national parks, South Korea has something for everyone.
Here are practical tips to help you travel smarter and make the most of your journey through this fascinating country!
When is the best time to visit South Korea?
South Korea is a year-round destination, but the most recommended seasons are spring and autumn due to the pleasant weather and stunning natural scenery.
🌸 Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms bloom across the country, creating a breathtaking atmosphere in parks and temples, in pleasant weather conditions.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, but perfect for beaches and island escapes. Expect summer festivals and lively street markets.
🍁 Autumn (September-November): Crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage make this season just as stunning as spring. We visited in October and November, and it was the perfect balance of great weather and fewer crowds.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Potential cold conditions in the north, ideal for skiing in the mountains or enjoying a steaming hot bowl of kimchi jjigae in a cozy café.
How to get to South Korea?
✈️ By Air: South Korea is well-connected with direct flights to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul and Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan.
⛴️ By Ferry: If you are traveling from Japan, taking a ferry from Fukuoka to Busan is a great experience! It's comfortable, scenic, and a unique way to enter the country.
🚆 By Train: While there’s no international train route into South Korea, the KTX high-speed train makes traveling between cities incredibly fast and easy once you are there.
How to get around South Korea?
🚄 KTX High-Speed Train: The KTX bullet train connects Seoul, Busan, and many other cities at speeds up to 300 km/h. Tickets are affordable, and it is one of the best ways to travel long distances.
✈️ By Air: South Korea is internally well-connected with a great network if domestic and affordable flight. We have flown domestic between Busan, Jeju Island and Seoul and it was really convenient.
🚌 Express & Local Buses: South Korea’s bus system is reliable and budget-friendly, covering even the more remote regions.
🚇 Metro & Public Transport: Cities like Seoul and Busan have excellent subway systems that are easy to navigate with English signage, which we used extensively. Get a T-money card for seamless payments on public transport.
🚗 Car Rentals: While not necessary in big cities, renting a car is great for exploring Jeju Island or more rural areas. On Jeju Island we rented through Socar which was smooth and affordable.
🚶♂️ Walking & Cycling: South Korea is very pedestrian-friendly, and renting a bicycle in places like Jeju or along the Han River in Seoul is a fun experience!
How to pay in South Korea?
💳 Credit Cards: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and stores.
💸 Cash: While South Korea is cashless-friendly, it is smart to have some Korean won (₩) for local markets and street vendors.
📲 Mobile Payments: Apps like KakaoPay and Naver Pay are commonly used by locals, but travelers can rely on credit cards.
Top destinations in South Korea
🏙️ Seoul – The City That Never Sleeps
Seoul is a city where ancient palaces stand beside futuristic skyscrapers, and street food stalls compete with high-end restaurants. Must-visit highlights include:
• Gyeongbokgung Palace – The grandest of Seoul’s five royal palaces.
• Myeongdong – A paradise for shopping and mouthwatering street food.
• Seoul Tower – Stunning city views, especially at sunset.
• Bukchon Hanok Village – A historic area with beautifully preserved Korean houses.
🏝️ Jeju Island – South Korea’s Natural Paradise
Jeju is Korea’s ultimate island escape, known for its volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. Some of our favorite experiences include:
• Hiking Hallasan Mountain – The highest peak in South Korea, offering breathtaking views.
• Exploring the Manjanggul Lava Tubes – A natural wonder formed by lava flows.
• Sanbang Mountain – The beautiful not to miss peak on the southwest coast.
• Relaxing on Hyeopjae Beach – Crystal-clear waters and white sand!
• Olle Walking Trails – Scenic coastal paths with spectacular ocean views.
🌊 Busan – The Laid-Back Coastal Gem
South Korea’s second-largest city offers beaches, seafood, and vibrant cultural spots. We loved:
• Haeundae Beach – Perfect for sunbathing and people-watching.
• Gamcheon Culture Village – A colorful hillside town full of murals and art.
• Jagalchi Fish Market – The best place for fresh seafood.
• Gwangalli Beach – Amazing night views of the Gwangan Bridge.
What are useful apps for traveling in South Korea?
📍 Naver Maps or Kakao Maps – Because Google Maps does not work.
🚇 Subway Korea – Helps navigate subway systems in major cities.
🗣️ Papago – The best translation app for Korean-English conversations.
🚕 Kakao Taxi – The best way to book taxis, as Uber is not used.
What to eat in South Korea?
South Korea is a food lover’s dream! Be sure to try:
🍜 Bibimbap – A delicious rice dish with veggies, egg, and spicy gochujang sauce.
🍲 Kimchi Jjigae – A spicy stew with kimchi, tofu, and pork.
🍖 Korean BBQ – Grill your own meat at your table.
🍶 Makgeolli – A traditional Korean rice wine, slightly sweet and fizzy.
🍜 Tteokbokki – Traditional rice cakes in all variety.
We eat plantbased but we have eaten most of the above and most of them in plantbased options, excpet for Korean BBQ.
Best travel tips for South Korea
Visit the buzzing street markets in Busan and Seoul
Budget tips for South Korea
🏨 Affordable Accommodation: Stay in budget-friendly guesthouses, hostels, or Hanok stays (traditional houses).
🍱 Eat Like a Local: Street food is cheap and delicious! Try Gwangjang Market in Seoul for affordable eats.
🚇 Use Public Transport: The subway is cheap and super efficient.
Cultural tips for South Korea
🙏 Respect Elders: Bow slightly when greeting older people.
👞 Shoes Off Indoors: Always remove shoes when entering homes or traditional places.
🚍 Quiet on Public Transport: Keep conversations low, as loud noise is considered impolite. But…., in Busan this may be different!
Where to stay in South Korea?
🏙️ Seoul: Stay in Myeongdong for shopping, Hongdae for nightlife, or Insadong for traditional vibes.
🏝️ Jeju Island: Find accommodation near Seogwipo for nature lovers or Jeju City for convenience.
🌊 Busan: Haeundae Beach is the best area for a relaxing stay by the sea!
Frequently Asked Questions about South Korea
Q: Do I need a visa to visit South Korea?
A: Citizens from many countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your eligibility before traveling.
Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: In major cities and touristic areas, yes, but learning a few basic Korean phrases helps a lot!
Q: What’s the best way to exchange money?
A: Use ATMs at major banks or currency exchange kiosks in tourist areas.
Conclusion
South Korea may not number one on your bucket list, but it is a country that blends the past, present, and future like no other.
Whether you are exploring its bustling cities, stunning islands, or cultural gems, a little preparation goes a long way in making your trip unforgettable.
Have questions or travel tips? Drop us a message, we would love to hear from you!