🇰🇷South Korea
Seoul's palace-and-skyscraper mix, K-culture, and some of Asia's best hiking, all connected by excellent rail.
Sign in to mark this country.
Capital
Seoul
Best time
March–May, September–November
Language
Korean
Currency
South Korean won
South Korea moves fluidly between centuries-old royal palaces and a K-pop and K-drama-driven pop culture that's reshaped global entertainment, with excellent high-speed rail connecting Seoul to Busan's beaches and Jeju Island's volcanic landscape.
🏯 Seoul's palaces
🎵 K-culture & Hongdae nightlife
🏖️ Busan & Haeundae Beach
🌋 Jeju Island
Trip essentials
Budget: Budget: €40–60/day · Mid-range: €75–140/day · Luxury: €220+/day
Visa: Not required for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.
Suggested days: 8 — 8 days covers Seoul, the DMZ, Busan, and Jeju at a reasonable pace. 4 days suits a Seoul-only trip.
Getting there: Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul is the main gateway
Getting around: The KTX high-speed rail and Seoul's metro are excellent; domestic flights reach Jeju easily
Safety: Very safe, consistently ranked among the safest countries for travelers
Tipping: Not expected or customary
Power plug: Type C/F, 220V
Tastes of South Korea
Kimchi
Fermented, spiced vegetables (usually cabbage), served alongside virtually every meal.
Korean BBQ
Grilled meat cooked tableside, typically wrapped in lettuce with rice and sauces.
Bibimbap
Mixed rice with vegetables, meat, and chili paste, served in a hot stone bowl in its best-known version.
Tteokbokki
Chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce, a beloved street food.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–3
Seoul
Palaces, markets, and the Hongdae and Myeongdong districts.
Day 4
DMZ day trip
A guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone.
Days 5–6
Busan
Beaches and the fish market.
🚗 High-speed KTX train from Seoul, roughly 2.5h
Days 7–8
Jeju Island
Volcanic landscape and hiking.
🚗 Domestic flight from Busan or Seoul
FAQ
Do I need a visa for South Korea?
Not for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.
Is the DMZ tour safe?
Yes, these are well-established, regularly run guided tours with strict safety protocols, visited by large numbers of tourists each year.
Is Seoul expensive?
Moderate by developed-country standards — accommodation and dining are generally cheaper than comparable Western or Japanese cities.
Is Jeju Island worth the extra trip?
Yes, especially for hikers and those wanting a change of pace from Seoul — it has a distinctly different, more laid-back volcanic island character.