South Korea Travel Information

South Korea is a country with a rich history, delicious food, and a vibrant culture. From ancient cities and temples to bustling metropolises, there's something for everyone in South Korea. Visitors can hike in beautiful national parks, shop and dine at traditional markets, take cooking classes to learn about Korean cuisine, and even take a stroll along the Han River. If you're looking for a unique and exciting vacation destination, South Korea should be at the top of your list. Here are the top 10 things to do when you visit South Korea:

1. Explore the ancient city of Gyeongju

With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Gyeongju is a must-see destination for history buffs. The city was the capital of the Silla Kingdom and is home to many ancient tombs, temples, and ruins, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bulguksa Temple.

2. Visit the bustling metropolis of Seoul

As the capital and largest city in South Korea, Seoul is a vibrant and exciting destination. From the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace to the trendy neighborhoods of Gangnam and Hongdae, there's something for everyone in Seoul.

3. Take a hike on Seoraksan National Park

Located in the northeastern region of South Korea, Seoraksan National Park is a hiking paradise. With towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful temples, the park is a great way to experience South Korea's natural beauty.

4. Soak in the hot springs at Jeju Island

Jeju Island is a popular vacation spot known for its scenic beaches, hiking trails, and hot springs. The island is home to several hot spring resorts where visitors can relax and soak in the warm mineral-rich waters.

5. Visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

The DMZ is a strip of land that runs across the Korean Peninsula and separates North and South Korea. Visiting the DMZ is a unique and sobering experience, offering a glimpse into the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

6. Take a cooking class to learn about Korean cuisine

Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spices, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn more about it. From traditional dishes like kimchi and bibimbap to more modern fusion dishes, you'll have a chance to try a variety of Korean dishes.

7. Shop and dine at the traditional markets

South Korea is known for its traditional markets, where visitors can find everything from street food to traditional crafts and souvenirs. Some of the most famous traditional markets include Namdaemun Market in Seoul, and the Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan.

8. Take a stroll along the Han River

The Han River runs through the heart of Seoul and offers great views of the city. Take a walk or bike ride along the river and enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens, or take a river cruise for a different perspective of the city.

9. Visit the ancient city of Hwaseong Fortress

Built in the 18th century, Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important historical sites in South Korea. The fortress is a great place to learn about Korean history and architecture.

10. Visit Jeonju, the cultural capital of South Korea

Jeonju is a city in the northwest region of South Korea and is known for its traditional culture and delicious food. Visitors can explore the traditional Hanok village, where you can see houses built in the traditional Korean style, and try the local specialty, bibimbap.

Climate

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring is from March to May, summer is from June to August, fall is from September to November, and winter is from December to February. The temperature in South Korea can vary greatly depending on the season, but generally, the average temperature ranges from 10-20 °C (50-68 °F) in spring and fall, 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) in summer and -5 to 0 °C (23 to 32 °F) in winter.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit South Korea depends on your personal preferences and what you want to see and do during your trip. Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit as the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. The cherry blossoms in spring and the fall foliage are particularly popular. However, if you want to experience the beaches and hot springs, summer would be the best time to visit. Winter is the best time to experience the snow and skiing in the mountainous areas.

Precipitation

South Korea experiences a considerable amount of precipitation throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the summer months. The eastern coastal regions of the country tend to receive more rainfall than the western inland regions. Visitors should be prepared for rain, regardless of the time of year they visit.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

South Korea has a wide range of hotel options for visitors, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can find hotels in all major cities and tourist destinations, including Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. Many hotels offer traditional Korean-style accommodation called "hanok" which offer a unique and authentic experience.

Guesthouses and Hostels

For budget-conscious travelers, South Korea has a variety of guesthouses and hostels available. These accommodations offer basic amenities at a lower cost than hotels. They are a great option for backpackers and solo travelers.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments, villas and traditional Korean houses (Hanok) are also available in South Korea. They offer more privacy and space than hotels and are a great option for families or groups traveling together. They can be found in popular tourist destinations such as Seoul and Jeju Island.

Traditional Korean Accommodation

For a truly unique and authentic experience, visitors can also stay in traditional Korean-style accommodation called "hanok." These traditional houses are equipped with modern amenities and offer a glimpse into traditional Korean life. They can be found in cities like Seoul and Gyeongju, and also in Jeonju Hanok village.

Public Transportation

South Korea has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trains. The subway system in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon is fast, efficient, and affordable. Taxis are also readily available in cities and towns.

Domestic flights

Domestic flights are also a convenient and fast way to travel within South Korea. Major airlines such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operate flights between major cities and tourist destinations.

Car Rental

Car rental is also an option for those who prefer to have more flexibility and independence while traveling. However, it's important to note that traffic in South Korea can be heavy and parking can be difficult in major cities.

Private transportation

Private transportation such as private cars or limousines with a driver can also be arranged for those who prefer more comfort and convenience. These services can be booked in advance and are especially useful for travelers who plan to visit several destinations in one day.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.