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Shopping on the hectic streets of Seoul
Seoul
Shopping on the hectic streets of Seoul

Seoul

Shopping on the hectic streets of Seoul

Temples in Seoul, Korea
Temples
Seoul has many beautiful temples and gardens in the city

Temples

Seoul has many beautiful temples and gardens in the city

11 AWESOME Things To Do In Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷
South Korea flag

South Korea Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Seoul

Location:

Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Currency:

South Korean won (KRW)

Area:

99,720 sq km

Population:

51,715,162 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

Korean, English (widely taught in elementary, junior high, and high school)

Religion:

Protestant 19.7%, Buddhist 15.5%, Catholic 7.9%, none 56.9% (2015 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC+9

Tel Code:

+82

Things to Do

  • 1. Exploring the palaces of Seoul

    Visit the historic palaces of Seoul, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, to learn about the rich history and culture of South Korea.

  • 2. Hiking in Seoraksan National Park

    Explore the stunning natural beauty of Seoraksan National Park, with its lush valleys, towering peaks, and crystal clear streams.

  • 3. Visiting the DMZ

    Experience the tension and history of the Korean War by visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea.

  • 4. Trying traditional Korean cuisine

    Indulge in the delicious and diverse flavors of traditional Korean cuisine, including dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and bulgogi.

  • 5. Exploring Jeju Island

    Discover the natural wonders of Jeju Island, including stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and unique cultural sites.

  • 6. Shopping in Myeongdong

    Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong, one of Seoul's most popular shopping districts, offering a wide range of local and international brands.

  • 7. Templestay in a Buddhist temple

    Immerse yourself in the peaceful and spiritual environment of a Buddhist temple by participating in a templestay program, which includes meditation, tea ceremonies, and temple meals.

  • 8. Visiting the Jagalchi Fish Market

    Experience the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan, where you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood.

  • 9. Attending a K-pop concert

    Immerse yourself in the world of K-pop by attending a live concert, featuring popular Korean music groups and energetic performances.

  • 10. Exploring the historic city of Gyeongju

    Step back in time and explore the ancient history of Gyeongju, known as the 'museum without walls', with its historic temples, tombs, and artifacts.

Weather

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.

Visas

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.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
South Korea Open
Test
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Accommodation

      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.

      Transportation

      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

      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.

      Insurance

      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.

      Mobile

      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.

      Community

      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.