korea travel blog ph

Seoul Itinerary: Ultimate DIY Travel Guide for South Korea for 5 Days (More or Less)

by Aileen Adalid Itineraries , South Korea 134 comments

• Heleats: Top Helsinki Food and Drinks & Where to Try Them (Finland)
• Les Grands Buffets: The Best Value & Most Unique All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Experience in Europe (Narbonne, France)
• How to Overcome Fear of Flying: Top Essential Tips to Cope
• Sampuru Workshop in Japan’s Fake Food Capital: Gujo Hachiman! (Travel Guide)
• ‘Last Samurai’ Tour with Joe Okada in Kyoto, Japan (Cool Kyoto Walking Tour Review)
• LifeStraw Filter: Get Safe Drinking Water Anytime, Anywhere!
• Italian Riviera Cities & Towns: Top 10 Places to Visit (Ligurian Riviera)
• Netherlands Facts & Trivia: 10 Things Foreigners Should Know
• My Holiday Staycation at Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo (Hotel Review)
• How to Apply for a Romania Visa for Filipino Tourists (Manila, Philippines)

One of my recent adventures was to the dynamic metropolis of Seoul in South Korea — a bustling city that not only holds a strong presence in Asia but also in the rest of the world. To date, this influence is largely due to Seoul’s cutting-edge technology, a strong economy, and vibrant culture (I’m sure that a majority of you have encountered K-pop , K-dramas, Korean cosmetics, and Korean food among many others at least once in your life!) (Seoul Itinerary)

TRIVIA : Seoul has 25 districts ( gu ) that are further subdivided into 522 sub-districts ( dong ), and with the Han River that runs through the middle of the city, there are distinct 2 sections: Gangbuk (the northern area that’s more traditional) and Gangnam (southern area that’s more modern). But… asking for the “center” of this whole metropolitan area is a difficult thing to answer because Seoul’s districts can somehow each function like a city center itself.

It actually baffles me that I didn’t go to Seoul sooner; nevertheless, the important thing is, I’ve finally seen this city for myself, and well… I just LOVED it! I am totally smitten about how it is constantly brimming with incredible things-to-do of sorts — all of which are enough to satisfy any kind of traveler out there.

Where to Stay in Seoul?

Come and check out my list of the ‘ Best Hotels in Seoul ‘ which features the top recommended choices for cheap to luxurious accommodation choices PER district.

Clearly, the days I spent there were not enough and I would have absolutely loved to stay longer. And now, as I recall the vast array of activities and sights that could be done and seen, I’ve decided to whip up this comprehensive Seoul itinerary travel guide that spans 5 days/nights to help travelers (like you) to plan a trip with ease and speed.

Rest assured, the Seoul itinerary below is totally customizable to fit any number of days that you might be spending — but first, here are some important tips for your travel to South Korea!

Table of Contents

South Korea Travel Guide

» quick travel planning.

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Korea
• Visa requirements
• Best hotels & hostels
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

– – –

» Best Time to Visit

I suggest coming during autumn to see the amazing fall foliage , but of course, if you want to witness cherry blossom season then spring is a considerable option too.

• Spring : The city becomes a hit with all the flora that start to bloom and bud. And of course, much like Japan, the city has cherry blossoms which tourists often seek. Given this demand, there tends to be a slight increase in costs, but the weather and season are quite desirable.
• Summer : This is arguably the peak season in the city so things get busier and costlier. It doesn’t help either that this is the vacation month of schools and Korean companies so everyone is out and about. That’s why if I were you, you should avoid these months — also because the weather can get quite humid with occasional downpours.
• ★ Autumn : (This is the best time to visit Seoul because the weather is pleasant, prices are more affordable, and crowds are thinner. Not to mention the number of great destination must-sees for viewing vibrant leaves of autumn in South Korea . However, do take note to avoid Chuseok or Korea’s autumn harvest festival.
• Winter : As the temperatures drop, prices and airfare also drop. Take note though that it can get very chilly; but, supposing you’re not that sensitive to the cold, this can be a fun time given all the amazing ski resorts and festive atmosphere.

Other South Korean blooms to watch out for?

See this list of the most popular spring flowers in Korea — when to see them and where to go!

ADDITIONAL TIP: Arrive and start your Seoul itinerary before the weekend. For example, if you’re visiting for 5 nights, make sure to come from Wednesday to Sunday. I say this because most places, museums, and shops close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Moreover, a lot of cosmetic stores hold sales starting on Thursdays and up to the weekend .

• WINTER: Dec to Feb
• SPRING: March to May
• SUMMER: June to Aug
• AUTUMN: Sept to Nov

» Getting in to South Korea

International visitors typically arrive at the main airport called Incheon International Airport (ICN) . To get here, I recommend browsing through Skyscanner to find the best flight deals from your point of origin. If you’re from the Philippines like me, Skyscanner also scans through budget airlines such as Air Asia and Cebu Pacific in order to find which of the 2 has the cheapest rate on the dates you choose.

From ICN, below are the following modes of transportation to get to Seoul…

By train. AREX (Airport Railroad Express) or ‘airport train’ connects ICN to Seoul station and Gimpo Airport, operating from 5:20AM to 12:00AM (midnight). There are 2 types of AREX, namely ‘express’ and ‘all-stop’. As the name suggests, ‘express’ is fast as it goes directly to Seoul Station (43 minutes) whereas ‘all-stop’ will arrive at 12 stations before finally arriving at Seoul Station (53 minutes). ‘Express’ tickets typically cost ₩8,000 but if you purchase online , you can get it at a discount for about ₩6,500~ only — and if you use code AILEEN5OFF , you’ll get an additional 5% off! Contrarily, in case you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , you can avail of one (1) FREE one-way ride.

By private transfers . If you want the utmost convenience and ease, especially without having to drag your luggage around, I recommend booking a private transfer to your hotel for only $63~ (or Php 3,300~ / ₩67,000~). This works best if you’re coming together with other people so that you can share the cost and save more. Otherwise, there are taxis at the airport that charge around ₩60,000 to ₩90,000 depending on your destination (take note that if the taxi passes by a road toll, you’ll have to pay for it).

By airport limousine/bus or shared transfers. There are limousine buses that travel directly to major areas and big hotels in Seoul and are a great option when you’re traveling with a lot of luggage. To get a discounted rate on this at about ₩14,000~ only, book with KAL or via shared transfer .

» Visa for South Korea

If you’re NOT a citizen of any of South Korea’s exempted countries , you are then required to avail of a visa beforehand. (If you’re from the Philippines, you can read my guide on how to get a South Korea visa in Manila here .)

• Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

» Where to Stay (South Korea Accommodations)

To search for the best hotel accommodation in South Korea at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between Agoda and Booking.com . But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB .

Otherwise, if you’re interested in seeing the top picks per district in Seoul, see here .

» South Korea Currency

South Korean Won (KRW / ₩) wherein KRW 1,000 is equal to about USD $0.9~, €0.7~ or Php 49.00~ (this is as of May 2021). In the event that you want to exchange your money for KRW, I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.

• How to best exchange your currency? Either exchange your money at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in Seoul’s city center. Better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card (do one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank) . Speaking of cards, a lot of Seoul’s establishments accept credit cards but it’s always advisable to have cash on hand.

» Cost of Travel in Korea

While the cost of living in South Korea is far from being cheap, your trip doesn’t have to break the bank! To give you an idea, you should expect to travel in South Korea with an average daily cost of about USD $35~ per person on a budget, or at least $100~ if you want to experience more comfort on activities, tours, hotels, and more. (Values below show low budget to medium budget ranges).

• Hotels: $20 to $100 USD / day
• Food: $10 to $30 USD / day
• Fun: $10 to $25 USD / day
• Transport: About US$1 per subway ride*

*Buy a T-Money card that saves you ₩100 on all trips.

» How to Get Around Seoul

I would recommend using Naver Map ( iOs / Android ) for researching your day-to-day route on your Seoul itinerary because it will show in detail the fastest connections you can do (by walking, by car, by bus, and by subway). To make this work, get your own pocket WiFi or SIM Card .

You might be wondering why I am not recommending Google Maps which is the app that I typically use in my travels. Well… this is because Google Maps’ driving and walking directions don’t work in South Korea. This is mainly due to the country’s old security laws that were set after the Korean War (I guess, as a way to protect their detailed topography from North Korea).

By subway . Seoul’s metro is impressive, well-connected, and cheap. To save time and make the most of the fares during your stay, it’s best to buy a T-Money card which is basically a stored value smart card that you can recharge and use between buses, trains, and subways while saving you ₩100 on all trips. You can buy this online beforehand at a cheaper rate — otherwise, it can be purchased at most of Seoul’s subway stations, newspaper kiosks, and convenience stores.

Take note that a T-money card is applicable to other locations as well in South Korea such as Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Busan , Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju buses — plus Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju Metropolitan Subway networks.

However, if I may give you a tip, you can actually avoid paying the cost of acquiring this card (₩3,000) if you have a Discover Seoul Pass (which I will discuss in the next section below).

NOTE : Single-ride cards cost about ₩1,200~ and they can be purchased on vending machines which accept coins and bills only. Reloading your T-Money Card can also only be done with cash. Meanwhile, remember that the last train usually departs by midnight (the subway does NOT operate for 24 hours).

By bus. The city also has an extensive and well-connected bus service that similarly makes use of the T-Money card. Just always remember to tap your card before exiting the bus or else you’ll be charged the maximum fare possible on that bus’ route. If you’re rather looking for an unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus to the city’s major spots, you can check this out.

By foot . Seoul technically isn’t too huge of a place and most of the city highlights can be reached by foot.

By taxi. There are various taxi types in Seoul and in order to learn more about them and their corresponding fares, read here . (It’s also possible to book an Uber car) .

» Money-Saving Tips in Seoul

I advise that you purchase a Discover Seoul Pass for your Seoul itinerary because it is an amazing cost-effective card that is offered only to foreigners. To illustrate, below are the range of benefits that you can get from this pass:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Deoksugung Palace
• Changgyeonggung Palace
• Changdeokgung Palace
• Jongmyo (Royal Shrine)
• N Seoul Tower Observatory
• Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus
• COEX Aquarium
• TrickEye & Ice Museum
• Hello Kitty Island in N Seoul Tower
• PooPoo Land
• Lotte World Adventure
• Eland Cruise
• LOTTE Duty Free
• NO WORRIES! Using your Discover Seoul Pass as a T-Money card for public transportation does NOT activate it. The Discover Seoul Pass will only activate when you first use it on its listed attraction s.

To get the best rate for a Discover Seoul Pass, you can purchase it online (it’s available in 24H and 48H options), and then pick it up either at Incheon International Airport or at Myeongdong’s Tourist Information Center.

• TIP : The last Wednesday of each month has been designated as a “Culture Day” in Korea since 2014. During this day, participating museums, galleries, and other cultural facilities will offer FREE or discounted admissions. Examples are the royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, National Museum of Korea, Korean National Ballet etc.

» Staying Connected in South Korea

South Korea is said to have the fastest internet in the world (and yep, it’s true!) so you’ll be assured of great connection wherever you go. To add, most places even offer FREE WiFi — but in order to consistently stay connected online during your Seoul trip, I recommend getting your own pocket WiFi or SIM Card ; otherwise, consider getting an eSIM for a hassle-free experience.

» Safety in South Korea

The Republic of Korea or South Korea remains to be one of the safest countries in the world — and also one of the safest countries for solo female travelers . Petty theft may happen but they are quite rare; so, just practice common sense at all times and you’ll be fine!

• HOW TO: Find the right travel insurance for you

» Helpful Korean Phrases

English is not widely spoken in South Korea even if it is taught in a lot of schools, but you’ll have better luck in the capital of Seoul where a lot of people put time, effort and money in learning English. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to learn a bit of the local language!

• RELATED READ: Best translation apps for travel

Hello (formal): Annyeong haseyo Hello (informal): Annyeong Thank you: Gamsahamnida You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo Yes: Ye/Ne No: Aniyo Goodbye (to person leaving): Annyeonghi gaseyo Goodbye (to person staying): Annyeonghi gyeseyo Goodbye (informal): Annyeong

Excuse me (getting attention): Sillyehamnida I’m sorry: Joesonghamnida Is there someone here who speaks English?: Yeogi-e yeong-eoreul hasineun bun gyesimnikka? Help!: Dowajusipsio! Cheers!: Geonbae!

Other F.A.Q.

It is not customary in South Korea to tip, and sometimes, much like in Japan, they consider it as an insult so tipping is not recommended at all. In hotels and some restaurants though, you will sometimes see a 10% service charge on your bill.

South Korea typically uses type F (two round pins). The country operates on a 220V voltage and a frequency of 60Hz.

 Please check their  latest travel advisories  page for more details.

All visitors to South Korea must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the period of their intended stay (as well as have 2 blank pages).

There is and you can easily claim a tax refund for being a tourist; simply read this page for more info.

It is legal to fly a drone in the country but one of the top restrictions is to NOT fly above 150 meters and if your drone is more than 250 grams, it needs to be registered. For more info, see here .

Seoul Itinerary Guide

Take note that the 5-day Seoul itinerary below does not take into account your arrival day in Seoul — at any rate, if you’re staying longer in the city, you can make use of the last tab called ‘ Extra Days ‘ to see the other activities or trips you can do for filling up the rest of your vacation days.

TIP: It’s best to arrive and start your Seoul itinerary trip before the weekend. So for example, if you have 5 whole days, make sure to arrive on Tuesday and then start your whole tour from Wednesday to Sunday . I say this because most places, museums, and shops close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Moreover, a lot of cosmetic stores hold sales starting on Thursdays and up to the weekend so it would be a good idea to take advantage of that.

NOTE: The following section is in a tabbed format; so, in order to see the next day’s contents, just click the headings below.

DAY 1: Explore and enjoy Korean culture in a hanbok!

Photo by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Rent a hanbok and explore some of Seoul’s cultural highlights

(Nearest subway station: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #4) You must never leave the city without trying on the elegant Korean traditional clothing called ‘ hanbok’! Much like how Japan has kimono rental shops, South Korea has hanbok rental shops for tourists. Through these places, you can borrow and wear hanbok for a day (or more ) whilst you venture out to the cultural spots in Seoul to snap wonderful photos.

This is certainly a MUST-do activity in your Seoul itinerary because aside from the fact that you can have the chance to feel as though you’ve been transported back to the Joseon period or to a set of an old K-drama, the experience itself is also supported by the Koreans as a part of promoting their history (so yes, it’s one way of immersing yourself with their vibrant culture too). And if those reasons are not enough, wearing a hanbok grants you FREE entry to the palaces in the city!

TRIVIA : The term ‘hanbok’ literally means “Korean clothing” but it just basically refers to the traditional clothing for both men and women from the Joseon period.

There are a LOT of hanbok rental shops in Seoul but if you want the best, I highly recommend renting with Seohwa Hanbok . Apart from its prime location, it has more intricately-designed hanbok garments that are set at an affordable price! For a more comprehensive guide on this, read my ‘ Hanbok Rental ‘ post here .

As you would see on the online booking platform , Seohwa Hanbok has 3 rental options: 4 hours, 1 day, or 2 days .

NOTE: If you have purchased the Discover Seoul Pass (no matter if it’s the 24H or 48H option), it’s preferable that you do NOT activate it on this day because you’ll already be given FREE entry to 4 of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ if you’re wearing a hanbok. Not to mention that this whole hanbok activity will already likely fill up your whole day, so it’s best to activate the pass the next day. . Unless of course, you plan to avail the FREE hanbok rental use instead that’s under the Discover Seoul Pass’ perks. Personally, I think it’s best that you avail a hanbok rental separately for longer hours because the free hanbok rental under the pass is only for 90 minutes).

Once you are clad in a hanbok of your own choosing, I recommend doing the following route:

• The Changing of the Royal Guard ( Sumunjang ) ceremony is held for FREE daily, except Tuesdays, at 10:00AM and 2:00PM in front of Gwanghwamun or the main gate of Gyeongbokgung. If you can’t make it to these time slots, you can also witness a Guard-on-Duty Performance at Gwanghwamun gate at 11:00AM and 1:00PM or a Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training in Hyeopsaengmun Gate at 09:35AM and 1:35PM.
• If you’ve got time, you can check out the huge golden King Sejong Statue at the nearby Gwanghwamun Square. (King Sejong is best remembered as the inventor of ‘Hangeul’ or the Korean alphabet.)
• ★ Changdeokgung: This was the 2nd palace that was built after Gyeongbokgung and it has since been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997. An interesting feature of this place is its ‘Secret Garden’ because there are only a limited number of admission slots per day that are given out. If you’re lucky, you can get the chance to go in if you want to!
• Deoksugung: This palace is famous for its picturesque stone-walled road (which is often featured in K-dramas like Goblin). And much like Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung Palace has a Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony and it is held at 11:00AM, 2:00PM, and 3:30PM daily, except on Mondays.
• Changgyeonggung: This used to be the residential quarters for queens and concubines of the king, and it later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during the Japanese colonial rule (today though, the zoo and garden are relocated to Seoul Land ).
• Gyeonghuigung: Located near Deoksugung Palace, this site served as the secondary palace for the king in the latter half of the Joseon period. For a time, Gyeonghuigung was of considerable size but most of its major structures have long been disassembled and moved to other parts of Seoul. .
• To get here, look for Bukchon-ro street. It will be hard to miss because the tourism board had recently appointed staff there in red clothing to help tourists and distribute maps. Basically, there are 8 major viewpoints to see in Bukchon Hanok Village and those that you must NOT miss are the Gaehoe-dong areas that are typically appointed as Views #3 to #7. If you’re coming with elderly companions, take note that there are a few uphill climbs in this area.
• Unlike other hanok villages (like Namsangol Hanok Village), Bukchon was not built for tourists as it is rather a residential village inhabited by Seoulites. Therefore, make sure to keep quiet so as not to disturb the locals.
• As you leave Bukchon, drop by the nearby neighborhood of Ikseon-dong . Much like Bukchon, it’s one of the oldest hanok villages in Seoul; but in case you want to escape the crowds, it would be a great idea to explore this hidden gem! .
• Lunch: You can either have it at Bukchon Hanok Village or at Insa-dong. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants in these areas so you won’t have a difficult time picking a place; though if I may put in my two cents, do check out Jokagbo at Bukchon (across the street near the entrance to the village) or Gogung at Insa-dong for their bibimbap (mixed rice bowl). For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals. .
• Drop by Insa-dong: (Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #6) As you make your way to the last stop of this route, you must not skip on the neighborhood of Insa-dong in the Jongno-gu district of Seoul. After all, its streets are one of the best places in Seoul when it comes to culture and crafts (perfect for souvenirs!). If I may also share another tip, try to stop by Ssamziegil which is a unique building wherein each of its levels is connected in the form of a spiraling walkway! .
• (OPTIONAL) Visit Namsangol Hanok Village: (Nearest subway station: Chungmuro Station, Exit #3) Located at the foot of Namsan, this village was built to feature 5 traditional houses of different social classes from the Joseon era, all relocated to this spot from different locations in Seoul in order for guests to understand the daily lives of its past people. Of all these 5 houses or hanok, only one is open to the public which is the house of Yoon-ssi of Okin-dong. It has been transformed into ‘Yoon’s Tearoom’ where visitors can learn about Korea’s tea culture. If you’re interested, you could join the tea ceremony program for only ₩7,000. (For a list of other activities in this village, see this link ).

Is it possible to just try on a hanbok for FREE? Yes. If you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , you can wear a hanbok of your choice outdoors for 90 minutes via HANBOKNAM, or take photos with a hanbok in the indoor studio of Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center . However, if you do not have a Discover Seoul Pass, Korea Tourism Office’s Main HQ allows you to wear simple hanbok and take shots of yourself in it indoors. . Is there a service where I can just rent a hanbok indoors and have a professional photographer take photos of me? Of course! You can book this kind of experience online for just ₩15,000~ (or USD$14~ / Php 730~). It even has the option of doing outdoor shots.

◘◘ Visit the awe-inspiring structure of Dongdaemun Design Plaza

(Nearest subway station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit #2)

Also called “DDP”, this structure is a new major urban landmark in the heart of Seoul which has a distinctly futuristic design made by world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid. As such, it’s not strange that it is one of the most Instagrammed locations in Korea.

Other than enjoying its grand outer architecture for your Seoul itinerary, you can also stroll through DDP’s huge 5 halls namely, Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park — places where you can shop and watch various exhibitions, fashion shows, and performances among many others.

• From late May to late October every year, Seoul Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market will open in DDP from 6:00PM to 11:00PM, so don’t forget to make a stop here to not only buy a variety of food and goods but to also enjoy the various performances made available during this event.
• TRIVIA : This display was first put up on National Liberation Day in 2015 which is in celebration of Korea’s 70th year of independence. Hence, the number of 25,550 comes from 365 days multiplied by 70.

BONUS: If you still have some time, drop by Ihwa Mural Village, a picturesque neighborhood in Seoul that is famous for its amazing murals — as well as for its fascinating cafes and shops. It’s no wonder that a lot of K-dramas and movies have started to do their filming here. You can basically find this near Naksan Park (which also yet another hidden gem that provides great views of the cityscape).

◘◘ Eat and shop through any of Seoul’s night markets

Like the rest of Asia, Seoul has no shortage of vibrant night markets, so for dinner, go and drop by any of the following spots ( it’s best to choose only one! )

• Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market: (Nearest subway station: *various spots*) Like I’ve written above, this night market opens from May to October. It originally opened in Yeouido (Yeouinaru Station, Exit #3) but has since expanded to several locations such as DDP. The other remaining places would be Cheonggyecheon Stream (Jongno5(0)ga Station, Exit #7) and Banpo Hangang Park (Express Bus Terminal Station). .
• Dongdaemun Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit #4) Take note that this is different from the night market found in DDP. Apart from the retail haven found in this vicinity, you will also find the ‘Open market’ with its bright yellow tents, all selling various apparel, souvenirs, and items at affordable prices starting from 10:00PM up to 5:00AM. If you’re rather looking for delicious Korean eats during your Seoul itinerary, drop by Mukja Golmok (“Let’s Eat Alley” at exit #8 of Dongdaemun Station) to feast on snacks like tteokbokki (rice rolls). .
• ★ Myeongdong Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station, Exit #7) Even if this is not one of those ‘traditional’ night markets, it remains to be a popular destination for travelers as it is set in the bustling shopping district of Myeongdong that holds some of the biggest stores like Lotte and Shinsegae as well as cosmetic brands of all kinds. Starting from 5:00PM and onwards, you will start to see food stalls filling up the main street with fares like gyerangbbang (Korean egg bread), dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), etc. .
• ★ Namdaemun Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Hoehyeon Station, Exit #5) Open from 11:00PM till 4:00AM, this traditional night market is the largest in Seoul and it holds every possible thing that you can think of — from food to clothing, they have it all! .
• Gwangjang Market: (Nearest subway station: Jongno 5(o)-ga Station, Exit #8) If Namdaemun is the largest, then Gwangjang would be the oldest in Seoul, making it a common go-to place for many Korean shoppers. You can actually find this close by Dongdaemun and DDP so it’s possible to check off several of those night markets in the same night if you will it so! (TIP: This place is best if you’re looking to buy a hanbok for yourself). .
• ★ Noryangjin Fish Market: (Nearest subway station: Noryangjin Station, Exit #1) Operating 24 hours a day, this place is more than just a night market. If you come in the early morning, you can witness a bustling fish auction (reminiscent of Japan’s Tsukiji Fish Market). Anyhow, the fun part about this place is that you can buy some fresh seafood and then have it cooked by a restaurant located on the 2nd floor — and if you’re brave enough, maybe you can try the infamous Korean activity of eating a LIVE octopus?

TIP : Want a hassle-free foodie experience? With the help of a local guide, you can join a Korean Food Walking Tour or a Korean Night Dining Tour .

◘◘ Watch the famous Nanta Show

If there’s one show that you should NOT miss for your Seoul itinerary, it will be witnessing the award-winning long-running NANTA Show at Myeongdong Theatre. This is basically a non-verbal comedy show (so it’s fine even if you don’t know Korean) that incorporates traditional ‘ samul nori ‘ rhythm (which is a genre of percussion music distinct to Korea) as they do a slapstick play that mimes the story of cooks who are preparing for a wedding.

I’ve seen this show myself and it was quite entertaining as I saw knives fly and fire blasting from pots — but don’t worry, it’s all safe! But I must say that it did have a distinct sense of humor that may or may not work for you. Either way, it’s an energetic performance that has garnered distinctions and awards from Edinburg Fringe Festival and on New York’s Broadway, so I say: give it a try!

NEAREST SUBWAY: Myeongdong Station, Exit #7 BOOK: Online to get 30% off on tickets

DAY 2: “Discover” more of Seoul!

NOTE: If you have purchased the Discover Seoul Pass (no matter if it’s the 24H or 48H option), this would be a good day to start its activation.

◘◘ Explore and shop in Myeongdong and Hongdae

Myeongdong: (Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station) This is is arguably the shopping mecca of Seoul and its 2 main streets meet in the center — the first spanning from Myeongdong Subway Station and the second from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro.

For the shopaholics, there is a wide range of branded shops and department stores that line Myeongdong’s streets and alleys (e.g. Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Noon Square, etc.), and they are often set relatively cheaper than the other shopping areas in the city like Cheongdam-dong.

Of course, let’s not forget that Myeongdong is a beauty lover’s dream too given the number of Korean cosmetic stores that regularly hold insane sales for their high-quality products.

As an example, I went here to shop for face masks and one piece averaged at only USD$0.40~ or Php 20~! Some of the top stores you need to check are: Innisfree, Nature Republic, Holika Holika, Tony Moly, Nature Republic, and Laneige. (If you have heard of the Instagram-famous place called as Style Nanda Pink Hotel , you can find it here in this neighborhood or ‘dong’).

TIP : Try to NOT buy from the first shop that you set foot into because most of the time, they will hand out free samples and masks, which could be quite a treat! In fact, I know that some people would hop from store to store just to collect samples, haha. Anyhow, in case you want to check out other places because you’ve got some time, shops in Hyehwa and Sincheon neighborhoods can have cheaper cosmetic products too. And oh, of course, do NOT ever forget claiming your tax refund!

Hongdae: (Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Exit #9) It’s no surprise that this area is often compared to Japan’s Harajuku because of its hip and youthful ambiance — with a dash of unique cafes and indie fashion shops here and there. Aside from strolling through ‘ Hongdae Walking Street’, ‘ Picasso’s Street ‘ and ‘ Club Street’ , below are some of the places in and around Hongdae that you should consider stopping by for your Seoul itinerary:

• Hongdae Free Market: Open on Saturdays from March to November at Hongik Children’s Park. You will find here an array of local artist works.
• Trickeye and Ice Museum: TrickEye museum is an interactive 3D space that gives off impressive optical illusions; whereas Ice Museum, as the name implies, is a space where you can enjoy a cool icy environment (e.g. a living room with a TV and couch made of ice and more). Entering these places is free if you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , but if you don’t have the pass, you can reserve your tickets online .
• If you’re looking to spend some time in cute cafes, go to ‘ Chuu ‘ or ‘ Zapangi’ .

BONUS: Ewha Woman’s University is an educational institute with picturesque grounds, but more than this, it’s actually smacked in a shopping area that sells a variety of affordable and stylish clothes for young people; therefore, this is also a good place to shop.

◘◘ Get lunch

It’s time to feast on a delicious Korean BBQ meal! While you’re already in Hongdae, try out either of these places: Gogigo or Old House Charcoal Meat Restaurant .

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals.

◘◘ Make full use of your Discover Seoul Pass

If you’ve followed my advice and got yourself a Discover Seoul Pass , you can enter any of the establishments below for FREE during your Seoul itinerary! Take your pick from any of the following to fill up the rest of your day ( best to pick 2 at most ).

For a complete list of FREE admissions under the Discover Seoul Pass, you can also visit this page .

• MBC World: (Nearest subway station: Digital Media City Station, Exit #9) Are you a fan of K-pop, K-dramas, or Korean stars — or just ‘ hallyu ‘ (Korean Wave) in general? Then MBC World is a great destination for your Seoul itinerary, as it will give you the chance to experience hologram K-pop concerts, virtual reality drama sets, and more. (If you don’t have the Discover Seoul Pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• SM Town Museum: (Nearest subway station: Samseong Station, Exit #6) Still in line with the ‘hallyu’ fever, this place is dedicated to famous K-pop artists under the powerhouse of SM Entertainment in South Korea. Avid fans can tour through their training rooms, recording rooms, and so much more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket for this, go here ) . .
• Grévin Museum: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit #1) This is like Korea’s version of Madam Tussauds. You can find about 80 wax figures of Korean and international celebrities, as well as several thematic interactive experiences. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• 63 Square: (Nearest subway station: Yeouinaru Station, Exit #4) Other than gaining access to panoramic views of Seoul, you can also enter in 63 Square the first aquarium in Korea called Aqua Planet 63. If you’re a K-drama fan, this is actually the aquarium used in ‘Legend of the Blue Sea’ and where a Mermaid Show is regularly held. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here for combination tickets or here for the aquarium only. .
• COEX Aquarium: (Nearest subway station: Bongeunsa Station, Exit #7) This place has the largest collection of marine life in Korea and you can watch feeding shows and interactive exhibits here too. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .
• Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus: Go on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour through the center of Seoul to get a glimpse of all of its past and present glory. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .
• Alive Museum: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 3(sam) Station, Exit #1) This place is similar to TrickEye Museum but it is arguably larger with several other exhibits such as the ‘Dynamic Maze’ (where participants must work together to overcome challenges) and the ‘Black Wonderland’ (where fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland, Frozen, Cinderella and Aladdin can be experienced in the dark ). If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here . .
• Seoul Zoo and Skylift: (Nearest subway station: Seoul Grand Park Station, Exit #2) Seoul Zoo is South Korea’s largest zoo with over 330 species of animals, inclusive of a botanical garden and a forest park. The icing on the cake? You can even ride the Sky Lift which can transport you to several places such as the Seoul Land theme park and more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket for your Seoul itinerary, go here ). .
• Running Man: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit #3) Do you want to be a part of Korea’s popular variety show, Running Man? Well with this thematic experience, you can do so! This will surely be a hilarious and fun adventure for you and your travel companions as you make your way through 6 zones, including Maze Battle. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .

◘◘ Visit Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower

(Take Namsan Shuttle Bus, Circulation Bus No. 2, 3, or 5)

Mt. Namsan’s Namsan Park is a symbolic place in the center of Seoul. To get up here, you can ride a cable car, a bus, or just simply walk up its stairway path. Most visitors come to this place to enjoy nature, to see the city skyline, or to do some of the hiking trails — but a majority makes a stop at the famous N Seoul Tower which is the first tower-type tourism spot in South Korea.

Rising at almost 480m above sea level, it is certainly one of the tallest towers in Asia. Once you set foot on its premises during your Seoul itinerary, you can explore its other attractions such as the LED tunnel, Hello Kitty Island, Ssentoy Museum & Showroom, and more.

• BOOK: Online to get a discounted ticket to the tower’s observatory as well as grab great combo deals.
• TIP : Other than N Seoul Tower, you can also find Palgakjeong Pavillion (octagonal hall) and Bonghwadae (beacon mounds that were used to signal incoming enemy invasions in the past).

◘◘ Grab dinner

I have two options for you, depending on what you fancy:

• A traditional royal Korean cuisine dinner: Feast on fresh and high-quality Korean cuisine set in a traditionally-styled restaurant called Myongdongjeong . What’s more? You can also rent their hanbok for free while eating to really feel as though you’ve been transported to a royal palace. .
• A cruise buffet dinner through Hangang River: Hangang or Han River is a major river in South Korea, and it is best enjoyed during the night with Eland Cruise as you glide through the waters and taste a delectable food buffet. Before the end of your cruise, you can even witness a firework show and a front-row view on the colorful Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain Show. To reserve your spot, go here .

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary.

◘◘ Walk through Cheonggyecheon Stream

(Nearest subway station: Jongno5(0)ga Station, Exit #7 )

Cheonggyecheon is a picturesque 11 km-long modern stream that runs through a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang or Han River. Some examples of the beautiful bridges that it has are the Narae Bridge (which represents a butterfly) and Gwanggyo Bridge (depicting the harmony of the past and the future).

A lot of Seoulites wind down to this spot to chill and bask under the city lights, the lush ambiance, and the surrounding man-made waterfalls, if not partake in the Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market from May to October — so why not do the same during your Seoul itinerary?

DAY 3: A chill kind of day

◘◘ Do a “ Discover Seoul Pass ” or “Extra Days” activity

I recommend that you pick up an activity that you prefer from any of the previously listed things to do that I’ve written under Day #2’s ‘Discover Seoul Pass’ options of this Seoul itinerary. If not, you can also browse through the “Extra Days” tab above.

If you ask me, doing a cooking class , a kimchi class or a K-pop dance class will be a LOT of fun! (Read more about my Kpop dance class experience here ).

Did you ever want to try spending a day with a Korean ‘oppa’ (older brother)? Join this walking tour that’s led by a local guide!

◘◘ Grab lunch

• Hangaram: (Nearest subway station: Express Bus Terminal Station) Hangaram is a great choice if you want to taste some of the beloved Korean staples like bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), bulgogi (stir-fried beef), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), kimchi (fermented vegetables) , etc. .
• Tosokchon Samgyetang: (Nearest subway station: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #2) Another Korean dish that you need to taste is samgyetang or ginseng chicken soup, and this restaurant is often lauded as the BEST place to eat in.

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary .

◘◘ Shop for highly discounted Korean food and snacks at Lotte Mart!

(Nearest subway station: Seoul Station, Exit #4 ). Naturally, going through any of the night markets I’ve listed under Day #1 will already grant you access to the cheapest food and snacks possible. However, other than those, I think that you should also go on a crazy chow shopping spree at Lotte Mart’s Seoul Station Branch! Why so? Well… as one of the leading discount store chains in South Korea, they sell ridiculously low-priced goods.

I swear to you, I bought only USD$20-worth of snacks here, yet it was enough to gift them to more than 20 people! (On top of the discounted items, you can get at most an 8% tax refund, and more to that, they also provide a free self-packing station so that you can pack all your purchased items in sealed boxes).

• For the must-buy snacks? It would be tteokbokki junk food, Binggrae banana-flavored milk, choco pies, yogurt jelly, honey butter chips, fire noodles (called also Buldak Bokkeum Myeon ), Lotte stick biscuits, and honey butter almond among many others!
• TIP: While you’re here, don’t miss dropping by the nearby newly-opened sky garden walkway called Seoullo 7017!

◘◘ Walk around Gangnam

(Nearest subway station: Gangnam Station)

There’s probably not a soul in this world who hasn’t heard of ‘Gangnam’ (and we have PSY to thank for that) .

For your info, Gangnam is Seoul’s upscale modern center that is home to high skyscrapers, designer brands, high-end restaurants, and pulsating nightclubs — so yes, it’s the home to many wealthy Koreans. In fact, you can think of it as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Seoul. To make the most of your visit here during your Seoul itinerary, stop by the following ( it’s best to pick 3 at most ).

• Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Centre: You’ll find this from the moment that you step foot in Gangnam Station’s subway. With an array of accessories, clothing, cosmetics, and shoes, I have found a lot of sweet bargains here myself! .
• Gangnam Square: Right outside Gangnam Station’s Exit #5 is the spacious Gangnam Square which has a small section built as a tribute to PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ hit song, as well as the Gangnam-daero Road that’s speckled with various shops. .
• Apgujeong Rodeo Street and Cheongdam Fashion Street: (Nearest subway station: Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Exit #1 and Exit #3 respectively.) If you haven’t had enough of shopping but are looking for more upmarket shops. .
• Hallyu K-Star Road: K-pop fans must not skip this! Found between Apgujeong Rodeo Station and Cheongdam Station are adorable GangnamDols that are each autographed by K-pop groups like EXO, BTS, Super Junior, and more. For a detailed list, you can check here . .
• Garosu-gil Road: (Nearest subway station: Sinsa Station, Exit #8) This Gingko tree-lined street is a popular, trendy street in the city of Seoul and it is even often called an ‘artists street’ due to the number of quaint cafes and designer stores. Some charming cafes that you can choose from are Gingko Avenue, Line Friends Cafe, Cafe de Paris, and IKOVOX . .
• Starfield COEX Mall: (Nearest subway station: Bongeunsa Station, Exit #7) This mall is a shopping mecca, but more than this, it has interesting amenities too that are not limited to the COEX Aquarium and the Starfield Library. The latter is the newest built facility on the premises and it features 50,000 books and magazines in a grand yet relaxed setting. .
• SM Town Museum: (Nearest subway station: Samseong Station, Exit #6) This place is dedicated to famous K-pop artists under the powerhouse of SM Entertainment in South Korea. Avid fans can tour through their training rooms, recording rooms, and so much more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• Lotte World: (Nearest subway station: Jamsil Station) As Seoul’s largest indoor and outdoor amusement theme park, you will actually need a full day to enjoy this place — but I still felt like including this here, just so you know that it’s located in this Gangnam area. So if you have a spare day in your Seoul itinerary, it would be great to visit Lotte World. Another theme park choice would be Everland , but if you want other options, check the “Extra Days” tab above.

◘◘ Go up to Lotte World Tower

Towering at 554 meters, this new 123-floor skyscraper just opened last 2017 and it is currently the tallest building in Seoul and the 5th tallest in the world. It contains several cafes, galleries, a luxury hotel, a skywalk, and an observation deck.

Obviously, this is the best place for viewing panoramic views of the cityscape and I highly suggest that you go up to the observatory not only to enjoy the view with a cup of coffee but to also experience its glass floors! Though it was nerve-wracking at first, it was really cool to feel as though I was floating up in the air like that! (Another thing you can enjoy nearby is Lotte World Mall).

NEAREST SUBWAY: Jamsil Station, Exit #2 BOOK: ₩27,000 for adults and ₩24,000 for children (Pay less if you book online ).

BONUS : From April to October, head over to the Han River’s Banpodaegyo Bridge by 8PM (plays every 20 minutes until 9PM) to watch their famous Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show.

I think it’s time to have a meal with the guidance of a local during your Seoul itinerary, so why not try a Seoul street food tour for instance? If you’re not game for that, you can find other food or restaurant options under the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary.

DAY 4: All About JSA

◘◘ Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

It’s no news that the Korean peninsula has long been divided into two countries: North Korea and South Korea. Unfortunately, it was not at all a peaceful separation given the infamous 250km-long buffer zone of the Demilitarized Zone ( DMZ ) that separates the two since 1953.

Today, it is referred to as the most heavily guarded area in the world with battle-ready armies, fences, landmines, and fences on both sides — it’s absolutely one of the scariest places in the world! …And yet, it continues to be a popular major tourist attraction in South Korea that attracts a lot of history buffs and curious folks worldwide who are seeking to witness this surreal land for themselves (people like me).

The available tours currently being held are as follows:

• Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA) Tour: This is the most sought-after tour by travelers to South Korea’s DMZ because this is the closest place to North Korean soil that anyone can step into without getting arrested or shot. A tour to JSA will only be possible through an organized tour that is approved by the government and it will basically take the guests to the iconic blue UN building that is smacked on the border — with both North and South Korean soldiers facing one another (as if they’re on a staring showdown). .
• North Korea Center of Unification Board: Shows over a hundred photos and documents showing the stark reality of North Korea.
• Mangbaedan Alter: The spot where Koreans separated from their families in the North. Koreans typically visit this place on New Year’s Day and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) to perform ancestral rites to their home and relatives in the North.
• Bridge of Freedom: Where South Koreans crossed when they were released from North Korea. You will witness a lot of ribbons tied to the fences that each contain messages of hope, peace, and love.
• Dora Observatory: From here, visitors can look closer into North Korea with binoculars as they witness things like the North Korean propaganda village, Kaesong city, and others.
• Dorasan Station: This is the northernmost train stop on South Korea’s railway line and locals hope that it would one day connect North and South Korea when peace finally prevails.

It is possible to combine the two tours above for a whole-day experience during your Seoul itinerary (see here ).

BOOKING LINKS (use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount ) :

• Panmunjom Joint Security Area Tour (JSA) only = ₩85,000~
• Third Tunnel of Aggression only = ₩63,800~
• Panmunjom Joint Security Area Tour (JSA) & Third Tunnel of Aggression combo = ₩130,000~

◘◘ Visit a spa or a jjimjilbang

After your tense morning tour to DMZ, how about you relax and pamper yourself with Korea’s well-liked spa services? Apart from getting a Korean massage , I urge you to experience jjimjilbang or a large gender-segregated public bathhouse complete with hot tubs, showers, traditional Korean kiln saunas, and massage tables.

If you’re a fan of K-dramas, you will probably be familiar with this because it’s a common place that Koreans frequent for spa services. For this, you can visit Dragon Hill Spa (or if you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , it gives you free admission to Sealala jjimjilbang).

NEAREST SUBWAY STATION: Itaewon Station, Exit #3 BOOK: Go to this link to get a discounted rate

ALTERNATIVE : If you rather want to relax in nature during your Seoul itinerary, go over to the World Cup Park, a humongous space that used to be a landfill but has now been turned into a park with 5 different sections: Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Haneul (Sky) Park, Noeul (Sunset) Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park. A crowd favorite would be Haneul Park as it’s the highest elevation of the five parks.

I have two options for you for your Seoul itinerary, depending on what you prefer:

• Buffet: Taste all kinds of gourmet food at Tavolo 24 .
• Korean gopchang: Taste the popular stir-fried Korean dish made up of small intestines from cattle or pork (often best paired with soju ) at Aunt’s Grilled Intestines Restaurant .

TIP : You can also check this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals.

DAY 5: Day tour to Gapyeong County

◘◘ Explore Gapyeong County’s wonders

It’s time to venture out of Seoul’s busy metropolis to get some fresh air and tranquility. For this, a day trip to Gapyeong County’s top attractions is recommended for your Seoul itinerary!

READ: My detailed guide on this tour by clicking [ here ].

• Petite France: This is a charming place that serves as both a cultural village and a youth training facility with over 16 French-styled buildings. Petite France is also recognized as a top filming location for Korean dramas like ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘My Love from the Star’. With its European ambiance, it is also somewhat of a tribute to Saint-Exupery, the author of the famous French Novel: ‘Le Petit France’. ~Entrance fee: ₩10,000 adults / ₩5,000 children .
• Nami Island: A half-moon-shaped island nestling inside an artificial lake known for being the filming grounds of the well-known K-drama ‘Winter Sonata’. Nami Island is home to rows of majestic trees, roaming animals, and art exhibits, making it a sought-after destination in every season! I highly recommend that you rent a bike when you’re here; otherwise, there are other activities you can do such as water sports, trying on the roller skating rink, going to the shooting range, and more. ~Entrance fee: ₩13,000 .
• Garden of Morning Calm: This grand 30,000 sqm garden is open all year round and it is regarded as the oldest private garden in Korea with an artistic space that’s sure to leave anyone in awe. The Garden of Morning Calm becomes even more magical during winter (December to March) when they set up hundreds of multi-colored lights to create themed gardens, so make sure that this is on your Seoul itinerary! ~Entrance fee: ₩9,500 adults / ₩6,000 children .
• Gangchon Rail Bike: Built on a discontinued trail line, Gangchon Rail Bike is a fun attraction where you can pedal through old railroad tracks while taking in the amazing Bukhangang River scenery. Rest assured, it doesn’t require much effort to pedal the makeshift carts because the rail lines are slightly sloping downhill. ~Entrance fee: ₩30,000 for a two-seater .
• Edelweiss Park: Edelweiss Park is similar to Petite France, but instead, it focuses more on being a Swiss-based cultural village, so it’s filled with Swiss architecture, establishments, and sceneries. ~Entrance fee: ₩10,000 .

For a hassle-free experience on your Seoul itinerary, it would be advisable to go on a guided tour. Nowadays, there are different packages so feel free to take your pick from any of the combinations below (they often already include a delectable dak-galbi lunch, but there is also a halal option ; don’t forget to use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount ):

• (2 stops) Nami Island + Alpaca World
• (2 stops) Nami Island + Petite France
• (2 stops) Nami Island + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Alpaca World + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + The Garden of Morning Calm + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (3 stops) PRIVATE TOUR: Nami Island + Petite France + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (4 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + The Garden of Morning Calm + Gangchon Rail Bike

If not, you can take the ‘Gapyeong Tourist Bus’ which can bring you to all of these locations for only ₩6,000 — the downside though is that the buses run only once every hour, and with the crowds that go to all of these places, it’s likely that the spots get filled quickly. (This is why I suggest going on a guided tour instead.)

I have two options for you, depending on what you prefer:

• Samgyeopsal : Taste this hearty grilled pork belly dish at Palsaik which is very popular with locals.
• Jokbal: Try this Korean dish consisting of soft pig’s trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices at Manjok Ohyang Jokbal .

TIP : You can also check this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary. (Use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount).

Explore other TOP destinations in South Korea

BUSAN Known for its colorful houses, mountains, and the largest fish market in Korea!

JEJU ISLAND South Korea’s top island destination beloved by tourists and locals alike.

TIP : Check out all of the top Instagram spots in Busan to fill up your feed and Seoul itinerary!

◘◘ Family Fun ◘◘

Everland Park South Korea’s largest attraction park.

Lotte World Large indoor and outdoor theme park.

Poo Poo Land Unique and fun place for photo-ops and learning.

Love Museum Seoul’s first and only museum for adults!

◘◘ K-Drama & K-Pop ◘◘

MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Tour Largest historical drama open set in Korea.

K-pop Dance Studio Class Learn popular K-pop dances and choreography.

Seoul Hallyu Kpop Tour Ultimate KPop experience for your Seoul itinerary!

SBS MTV “The Show” Package Backstage access to live sets and broadcasts.

Everland Park Record your own K-Pop song at King Studio.

Korean School Uniform Rental Day rental of a Korean school uniform.

“Oppa” Tour Tour Seoul with an attractive “oppa”!

◘◘ Korean Performances ◘◘

Fireman Show Action-comedy show full of stunts.

CHEF: Bibap Show One of the best Korean musical shows..

The Painters HERO Famous live painting non-verbal performance.

Finding Mr. Destiny Korean musical with subtitles.

Jump – Martial Arts Show Seoul’s favorite martial arts theatre show.

Fanta Stick Show Powerful percussion show.

◘◘ Beauty ◘◘

KPop Shoot & Makeover Full makeover at a famous studio.

Pre-nup Photoshoot Pre-nup shoot with makeup, hair, and clothes.

Korean ID Shoot ID shoot in Korean style makeup and hairstyle.

Korean Salon Service Style your hair in Gangnam’s top salon.

Professional Korean-Style Beauty Consultation Learn about your own personal color based on your skin, etc.

◘◘ Workshops ◘◘

Cooking Class Cook authentic Korean dishes with a local.

Perfume-Making Class Create your own signature scent.

Ring-making Workshop Create your own unique accessories!

Kimchi Class Learn how to make kimchi and topokki!

Handmade Jewelry Experience Learn hands-on exquisite art of jewelry making.

Handmade Stamp Engraving Create your own Korean-style hand engraved seal.

◘◘ Food & Restaurants ◘◘

Assorted Grilled Beef Enjoy a Korean BBQ meal

Budae Jjigae Try budae jjigae, the iconic Korean ‘Army Stew’.

Gogung Bibimbap Specializes in authentic Bibimbap dishes!

Puffer Fish Set The first puffer fish restaurant in Seoul.

Korean Street Food Experience Korean eating and drinking culture!

VIP Seoul Pub Crawl Experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife!

◘◘ Day Trips from Seoul ◘◘

Minsok Korean Folk Village + Gwangmyeong Cave & Uiwang Rail Bike Day Trip.

Busan Experience the best of Busan.

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

The Best Tours in South Korea?

Come and check out this list of the top things to do in South Korea which features the best activities and tours to do in Seoul, Busan, Jeju and more!

There’s still so much to see in Seoul! …But I believe that my Seoul itinerary travel guide here is already a good start.

Please feel free to tweak this itinerary and make full use of my extra activity suggestions in order to make your trip shorter or longer and better fitting for your travel style. Enjoy and do let me know how your trip goes!

Have you seen my latest vlog?

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid. At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful  digital nomad  (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission?  To show you how it is absolutely possible to  create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

Follow Along

CURRENTLY BASED IN: The Philippines

• 100k Followers
• 51k Followers
• 80k Followers
• 10k Followers
• 23.1k Followers

Join over 1 million readers worldwide and get my FREE packing checklist, gain exclusive access to travel giveaways and more!

Success! Next, please check your email to confirm your subscription.

GET FREE PRINTABLE NOW!

Trending Now

Top 10 things to do on a trip to south america.

South America is one of the most diverse continents — full of natural wonders and fascinating cultures. Join us as we explore the top 10 things to do.

Top 10 Things to Do for Your First Tibet Travel

Make the most of your Tibet travel with these top 10 must-do activities, from exploring ancient monasteries to trekking mountains!

Geisha of Japan: Understanding the Facts, History & Myths

Japan’s geisha are cloaked in mystery & secrecy resulting in a number of false ideas about them — so let’s get the facts straight!

Maximizing Your Miles: Unlock Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks & Tips

Start traveling smart! Take note of these travel hacks that will help you in maximizing your miles or do points hacking.

EU261 Compensation: Your Essential Guide on European Flight Delays or Cancellations

Learn to claim EU261 compensation for flight disruptions like delays, cancellations, downgrades, or denied boarding!

Latest Posts

Learn Today

How to start a successful blog, 134 comments.

Your Seoul itinerary guide is a dream come true for wanderers like me! Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but your detailed 5-day plan simplifies everything. From activities to sights, you’ve covered it all. Seoul, here I come—thanks to your fantastic guide! ❤❤❤❤

Going to Paju would be another great option for a day trip from Seoul, especially during the week. It is close, easily reached by bus, and offers amazing landscapes no matter the season.

Seoul is one of my favorite cities in the world! I’m dying to return and explore it more.

If I was given a chance, I would love to go to Seoul. Seoul is one of my dream places to go in the near future and your blog really helps and encourages me to never stop dreaming. Thank you for this :))

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Be notified of follow-up comments by email

Be notified of new posts by email

Submit Comment

Pin It on Pinterest

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

ads_banners

Recommended korea itinerary: diy seoul - 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour.

Looking for Sample Seoul, South Korea DIY Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, or 6 days tour? Here's my South Korea Travel Guide blog with suggested itineries to help you plan your trip!

Sample south korea itineraries 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour.

How to Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa in 3 Easy Steps

3d/2n: sample diy seoul south korea itinerary (3 days & 2 nights), day 1 - arrival in incheon.

• 07:10 AM - Departure from Manila via Air Asia
• 12:10 PM - Arrival in Incheon International Airport, redeem Discover Seoul Pass and Korea SIM card or 4G WiFi with Unlimited Data
• 01:00 PM - Travel to Seoul via AREX Airport Express Train to Seoul Station. BOOK A TICKET HERE!
• 01:45 PM - Travel from Seoul Station to Anguk Station
• 02:00 PM - Check-in at Hotel Icon in Jongno
• 03:00 PM - Explore Insadong, have lunch
• 04:30 PM - Travel to Hongdae
• 05:15 PM - Explore, eat, and enjoy in Hongdae
• 09:00 PM - Go back to the hotel
• 10:00 PM - Arrive at the hotel and sleep

DAY 2 - NAMI ISLAND + PETIT FRANCE DAY TOUR

• 06:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel
• 07:20 AM Travel to Myeong-dong
• 08:00 AM Depart from Myeongdong Station exit 2
• 09:30 AM Arrive at Petite France
• 12:00 NN Depart for Nami Island
• 12:30 PM Arrive at Nami Island
• 03:00 PM Depart for Seoul
• 04:30 PM Arrive at Myeongdong Station
• 05:00 PM Street Food / Early dinner at Myeong-dong
• 07:00 PM Travel back to hotel and sleep

DAY 3 - CITY TOUR USING THE DISCOVER SEOUL PASS + DEPARTURE

• 06:00 AM - Brekfast at the hotel
• 07:00 AA - Check-out, leave bags at the reception
• 07:30 AM - Start City Tour using the Discover Seoul Pass
• 09:30 AM - HANBOKNAM (You can wear your hanbok of choice outdoors for 90 minutes)
• 10:00 AM - Gyeongbokgung Palace
• 11:30 AM - Walk to Changdeokgung Palace
• 12:00 AM - Changdeokgung Palace
• 12:45 AM - Changgyeonggung Palace
• 01:30 PM - Lunch
• 02:00 NN - Jongmyo (Royal Shrine)
• 03:00 PM - Travel to N Seoul Tower
• 04:00 PM - N Seoul Tower
• 06:30 PM - Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center
• 07:00 PM - End City Tour, have dinner
• 08:00 PM - Shopping at Myeongdong
• 09:30 PM - Go back to the hotel and get your bags
• 10:00 PM - Travel to Seoul Station
• 10:50 PM - Travel to Incheon Airport via AREX Express Train. BOOK A TICKET HERE!
• 11:40 PM - Arrive at Incheon Airport, check-in and wait for your flight
• 03:05 AM (the following day) - Depart for Manila via Cebu Pacific Air

Seoul, Korea Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary and Budget

4d/3n: sample diy seoul south korea itinerary (4 days & 3 nights).

• 05:10 PM - Departure from Manila via Cebu Pacific
• 10:40 PM - Arrival at Incheon International Airport, redeem Discover Seoul Pass and Korea SIM card or 4G WiFi with Unlimited Data
• 11:00 PM - Travel to Seoul via Incheon Airport Private Car Transfer. BOOK A PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER HERE!
• 12:00 MN - Check-in at Hotel Icon in Jongno

DAY 2 - CITY TOUR USING THE DISCOVER SEOUL PASS

• 07:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel
• 07:00 PM - Dinner
• 08:00 PM - Back to the hotel and sleep

DAY 3 - NAMI ISLAND + PETIT FRANCE DAY TOUR

• 06:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel
• 07:00 AM - Travel to Myeong-dong for Nami Island Day Tour via Klook
• 08:00 AM - Depart from Myeongdong Station exit 2
• 09:30 AM - Arrive at Petite France
• 12:00 NN - Depart for Nami Island
• 12:30 PM - Arrive at Nami Island, Explore Nami Island .
• 03:00 PM - Depart for Seoul
• 04:30 PM - Arrive at Myeongdong Station
• 05:00 PM - Street Food / Early dinner at Myeong-dong
• 06:00 PM - Travel to Hongdae
• 07:00 PM - Enjoy The youth culture and shopping at Hongdae
• 10:00 PM - Travel back to your hotel
• 11:00 PM - Back at the hotel and sleep

DAY 4 - DEPARTURE

• 07:00 AM - Check-out
• 07:30 AM - Travel to Seoul Station via Subway
• 08:00 AM - Arrive at Seoul Station
• 08:30 AM - Take the AREX Airport Express Train to Incheon Airport. BOOK A TICKET HERE!
• 09:30 AM - Arrive at Incheon Airport, check-in
• 12:55 PM - Depart for Manila via Air Asia

Enjoy 35 Attractions, Discounts and Freebies in Seoul with a Discover Seoul Pass!

5d/3n: sample diy seoul south korea itinerary (5 days & 4 nights).

• 12:30 PM - Arrive at Nami Island , Explore

DAY 4 - EVERLAND FULL DAY TRIP

• 09:00 AM - Depart from Myeongdong Station Exit 2
• 10:10 AM - Arrive at Everland
• 10:30 AM - 04:00 PM - Enjoy Everland
• 04:30 PM - Depart for Seoul
• 06:00 PM - Arrive in Myeong-dong
• 06:30 PM - 10:30 PM - Shopping and Dinner at Myeong-dong

DAY 5 - DEPARTURE

Nami Island Day Tour from Seoul

6d/5n: sample diy seoul south korea itinerary (6 days & 5 nights), day 1 - arrival in seoul.

• 11:00 PM - Travel to Seoul via Private Car Transfer. BOOK A PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER HERE!
• 12:30 PM - Arrive at Nami Island, Explore
• 08:00 PM - Travel back to hotel and sleep

DAY 4 - DMZ DAY TOUR + INSADONG AND HONGDAE

• 06:30 AM - Breakfast at the hotel
• 8:00 AM - Hotel pick up for DMZ Tour
• DMZ Day Tour via Klook.com
• Imjingak Park
• Freedom Bridge
• 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
• DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall
• Dora Observatory
• Dorasan Station
• Pass by Unification Village
• Amethyst factory or Ginseng Center visit
• 02:30 PM - Drop off at City Hall / Lunch in a local Korean Restaurant
• 03:30 PM - Explore Insadong and shop for souvenirs
• 05:00 PM - Travel to Hongdae
• 06:00 PM - Enjoy The youth culture and shopping at Hongdae

DAY 5 - EVERLAND FULL DAY TRIP

Day 6 - departure.

A Peek into North Korea from the Demiliratized Zone

How many days to stay in korea.

TRAVEL TIPS AND ESSENTIALS:

• If you have limited time (let's say 3 days and 2 nights only) and you want to maximize you time in Seoul, I highly recommend that you take the early morning flight from Manila and late night flight from Seoul. This will allow you to have full days on your first and last days in Seoul.
• When booking for a hotel in Seoul, you may consider areas such as Myeong-dong and Jongno . These places are best for this itineraries. CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR HOTELS AND HOSTELS IN SEOUL.
• To save on travel expenses, I highly suggest that you join group tours - especially for trips outside Seoul such as Nami Island and Petit France , Everland , and DMZ Tour .
• Use a Discover Seoul Pass to enjoy discounted rates, and an all-access tour to the top destinations, shrines, palaces, temples, and tourist spots in Seoul. You may read my review on the Discover Seoul Pass HERE . It can also be used as T-Money Card that you can top up and use when taking the trains and buses in Seoul.

If you need a more detailed SEOUL TRAVEL GUIDE, you may check out my SEOUL BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE with an ₱8,000 Pesos DIY Itinerary .

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 0 comments :, post a comment.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Your Curated, Wanderlust-inducing, Insider's Travel Guide of South Korea

Suggestions.

Wonseo-dong: A Hanok Cluster Off The Beaten Track near Bukchon Hanok Village

MarinePia: Seaside Villas with Private BBQ Terrace & Outdoor Jacuzzi in Namhae

Bukchon Kimchi-jae: Famous Braised Pork Ribs with Aged Kimchi

Hidden Gem in Namhae: Daeguk Mountain Fortress

London Bagel Museum: A Paradise for Bagel Lovers in Seoul

Destinations.

Daegwallyeong

Pheuron Tay is the content creator behind the award-winning Korea Travel Blog – The Calm Chronicle. She enjoys sharing her adventures in South Korea, and providing alternative ideas for exploring the country’s best destinations through her visuals and writings.

Travelogue & Infosite

In ancient time, the Korean Peninsula was known as 朝鮮; “朝” meaning “morning” and “鮮” depicts “calm”. Hence, the destination is also known as “The Land of Morning Calm”. The blog aims to provide in-depth travel tips in South Korea.

Itineraries

Cherry Blossom in Seoul: Namsan Park Half-day Itinerary

When the cherry blossom season in Seoul approaches, I would receive questions on my Instagram DM or Facebook messages and the questions

Places To Visit in Suncheon: 1 Day Itinerary

There are many places to visit during winter in South Korea. If you are not a ski person, do not enjoy hiking

Jeonju Hanok Village Free & Easy: 3D2N Itinerary

Jeonju is a city with rich history and culture. It has the distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from the other cities

Dumulmeori: Day-trip Itinerary

If you are looking to explore a local attraction close to nature which is off-the-beaten-track yet relatively near to Seoul, Yangsuri’s Dumulmeori

Busan 2D1N Free and Easy Itinerary + Highlight Attractions

This is a mini project dedicated to the city of my heart in South Korea. This free travel brochure includes a 2D1N

Email address:

Haeundae Amso Galbi-jib: A Popular Hanwoo Short Ribs Restaurant in Busan

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장) is no doubt one of the most popular destinations in Busan. Every year, the beach welcomes thousands of visitors,

12 Must-Eat Foods in Jeju Island

Jeju Island is packed full of speciality dishes. From the famous black pork to abalones plucked fresh from the ocean by Jeju’s

The Dam: Modern Korean Fusion Restaurant in Hongdae

During our recent trip to Seoul, we visited The Dam (더담) a modern Korean fusion restaurant in Hongdae. It is a restaurant

Ji & Tobico’s: Revisiting The Best Albap Restaurant in Busan

Some 13 years ago, as a fellow exchange student at Pusan National University, I visited a restaurant near the campus and I was

Susanna’s Apron: A Hidden Hipster Bakery Cafe at Euljiro

Euljiro (을지로)  has indeed become the rising hotspot in metropolitan Seoul. This area was the home ground of printing firms, lighting, tile,

Boriam Temple: The Most Scenic Temple in Namhae

Namhae (남해), the 5th largest island in South Korea, in my opinion, is one of the destinations in the country that is,

Daejeo Ecological Park: Experience Busan’s Beautiful Spring Day

It was May and we found ourselves back in Busan. It was an unexpected and rather impromptu trip, but we felt very

A Visit to Geumga Plaza: Filming Location for Netflix’s Drama Vincenzo

If you are a Netflix K-drama fan, chances are that you had already known this place through the popular drama series Vincenzo

10 Hidden Winter Wonderlands in South Korea

While the world is in a travel lockdown due to the pandemic and many had to deal with pangs of frustrated wanderlust,

Sun Cruise Resort: The World’s First On-land Cruise Ship at Gangwon-do

If I were to pick the most peculiar hotel experience in South Korea, Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht located at Jeongdongjin Beach

Hotel Cappuccino: A Trendy & Instagrammable Hotel in Gangnam

When I was planning my accommodation in Seoul, I stumbled upon this trendy and affordable hotel in Gangnam. Turns out that it

Rakkojae Seoul: A Hanok Stay at a 130-Year-Old Property at Bukchon Hanok Village

Staycation’s popularity has peaked worldwide after the pandemic began. In South Korea, we see an ‘Oak-cance‘ trend (옥캉스) emerge since the pandemic. The word

@thecalmchronicle

The First-Timer’s Seoul Travel Guide

Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please be advised that this Seoul travel guide hasn’t been updated in 2024. Prices and travel guidelines may no longer be accurate so it’s important that you verify any information before proceeding.

Nearly everyone we know is obsessed with Seoul and South Korea. Some are into the cosmetics. Many are hooked on the music and television dramas. And almost everyone, including us, is in love with the food.

South Korean technology and pop culture has exploded into the global mainstream in recent years. This “Korean Wave” has turned Seoul into one of the hottest destinations in Asia, bringing in over 17.5 million international tourists in 2019.

Unfortunately, the travel slowdown has brought this tourism wave to a halt, but expect it to surge with a vengeance when borders open up. Until then, you can plan your future trip with the latest edition of our Seoul travel guide.

Read about the best things to do, the coolest neighborhoods to visit, and the tastiest dishes to eat to get you even more excited about visiting the land of kimchee, K-pop, and Korean cosmetics!

VISIT SEOUL QUICK LINKS

This travel guide to Seoul is long. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here.

Top-rated hotels in Myeongdong, the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Seoul.

• Luxury: Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower
• Midrange: L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE
• Budget: Hotel MIDO Myeongdong
• Sightseeing Tour: Seoul Historic Walking Tour
• Hanbok Rental: Hanbok Experience with Korean Hairstyling
• K-Pop Tour: Seoul Hallyu Kpop Tour

OTHER SERVICES

• Visa Services
• Travel Insurance with COVID cover (WFFF readers get 5% off )
• Airport Transfers
• Go City Pass
• Korea Tour Card
• Discover Seoul Pass
• Wifi & Sim Cards / eSIM

Save This on Pinterest!

No time to read this Seoul travel guide now? Click on the save button and pin it for later!

GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Seoul travel restrictions.

Because of the current global situation, Seoul travel guidelines seem to change on a daily basis. Our friends at Booking.com created a website that lists detailed information on travel restrictions around the globe.

Before planning a trip to Seoul, be sure to check Booking.com for information on travel restrictions to South Korea. If you do decide to visit Seoul, then you may want to seriously consider getting travel insurance with COVID coverage.

SOUTH KOREA VISA

You may need a visa and other travel documents to visit South Korea depending on your passport. Check out iVisa.com to learn about the requirements and to apply for a visa (if necessary).

SEOUL AT A GLANCE

Seoul is the capital of South Korea (Republic of Korea) and its biggest city. The estimated population within its city limits is 10.29 million people, but factor in its surrounding areas and that number jumps to 25.6 million , making it the second largest metropolitan area in the world.

With a workforce that large driving its economy, it’s no wonder Seoul is now the 4th most economically powerful city , behind only Tokyo, New York City, and Los Angeles (as measured by GDP).

South Korea has been making headlines in recent years in the tech, automotive, and entertainment sectors. Korean brands like Samsung and Hyundai are globally recognized brands.

People worldwide watch K-dramas and listen to K-pop. Myeongdong has become a hotbed for cosmetics and nearly everyone I know loves Korean food! Needless to say, South Korea is booming, and at the center of all that excitement, is Seoul.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SEOUL

Like Japan, South Korea has four distinct seasons — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The most popular times to visit Seoul are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (Mid-September – Early November) months when the weather is ideal and the landscape is at its most striking.

Both seasons are characterized by a dramatic change in color – Spring for its cherry blossom pinks and whites, and Autumn for its fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Here’s what you can expect during every season.

MAR-MAY: Spring is one of the best times to visit Seoul. The weather is ideal and the city erupts with flowers. If you want to catch the cherry blossoms, then you should plan on being in Seoul around the second week of April (around April 9-10). That will give you the best chance to see the cherry blossoms. With that said, keep in mind that the blossoms are largely dependent on the weather so it’s still no guarantee they’ll be blooming then, which is why I think it’s a good idea to go around that time or a little earlier. If they aren’t blooming yet in Seoul, then you’ll have the option of taking a day trip to Jinhae , home of Korea’s biggest cherry blossom festival.

JUN-AUG: Summer isn’t an ideal time to visit Seoul. It’s hot, it’s humid, it rains a lot, and prices are at their highest with summertime being the peak of domestic tourism. Avoid these months if you can.

SEPT-NOV: Unless you’re chasing after the cherry blossoms, then the fall is arguably the best time to visit Seoul. Like spring, the weather is ideal and the foliage is at its most striking. Shoot for late October or early November if you can.

DEC-FEB: If you want to go skiing, snowboarding, or just experience snow, then winter is obviously the time to go. However, winter in Korea is freezing. We went in early November and we were surprised by how cold it already was. If you can stand the cold, then there are several ski resorts you can visit from Seoul.

Climate: Annual Monthly Weather in Seoul

Check out weather-and-climate.com for more on the weather in Seoul . For your convenience, I’ve also created the average temperature and annual rainfall graphs below. Suggested months to visit are highlighted in orange.

Average Temperature

Annual Rainfall

TRAVELING TO SEOUL

There are many different ways you can travel to Seoul depending on where you are. You can check Bookaway or use the widget below to find route options available to you.

Almost all international flights land at Incheon International Airport. There are several ways to get to downtown Seoul from Incheon. You can refer to this website for more information on airport transfers.

BY AIRPORT EXPRESS (AREX): This is the fastest way to get to the city from the airport. It runs like clockwork and it’ll get you into Seoul Station in exactly 43 minutes. The trains are comfortable with free wifi onboard. You can purchase tickets at the gate (KRW 9,500) but you can get a discount if you get them in advance through Klook .

BY ALL-STOP TRAIN: This is the second-fastest way to get into Seoul from Incheon. It’ll get you to Seoul Station in about 58 minutes and costs around half the price of the AREX (KRW 4,150-4,750). Trains run from 5:23AM till 11:40PM. This is the train we usually take.

BY BUS: A one-way bus ticket costs KRW 5,000-15,000 and takes longer than the subway (around 80 minutes), so I suggest taking it only if you’re arriving at Incheon during off hours. Late night airport buses to Seoul Station run from 12MN-4:40AM, while buses to Gangnam Express Bus Terminal operate from 11:40PM-4:20AM. Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops can be made at the Airport Information Desk on the 1st floor. Click on the link for more information on late night airport buses .

BY TAXI: Going by taxi is convenient but also expensive. A taxi will get you into the city in about an hour and will cost you anywhere between KRW 65,000-90,000.

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: This is the best and most convenient option but also more expensive. Click on the links to book private airport transfers through Klook or Get Your Guide .

Check out the Visit Korea website for more information on airport transfers.

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY

The unit of currency in Seoul is the Korean Won (KRW) .

Myeongdong is the best place to exchange your currency. There are plenty of money changers in the area and they’re known to give the best rates in the city. We scoped out a few other areas and the rates were never as good.

I suggest changing a small amount at the airport, no more than USD 100, just to get you into the city. You can then change the rest in Myeongdong.

A better option these days is to withdraw KRW from an ATM. The rates are competitive, sometimes even better. Just be sure to let your bank know that you’ll be using your ATM card abroad so you don’t run into any problems. In my experience, my ATM card works in some machines but not in others. I didn’t have any problems using it in Seoul.

TIP: Some ATM machines may ask you if you’d like to proceed “with or without conversion”. Always choose WITHOUT conversion. Proceeding “with conversion” allows the foreign bank operating the ATM to perform the conversion at rates favorable to them. According to this article , the difference in rates can be as high as 10%.

BEST AREAS TO STAY IN SEOUL

Based on our own experiences and what I’ve read online, Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, and Itaewon are the best places to stay in Seoul. They offer different things so it all depends on what you want.

Myeongdong is ideal for shopping, Insadong for culture and the arts. Hongdae is young and hip while Itaewon is Seoul’s international district. We’ve visited all four areas but we’ve only stayed in Myeongdong and Hongdae. Personally, we prefer Hongdae.

I’ll go through each area in more detail below but you can search for hotels in Seoul on Booking.com and Agoda .

To make it easier, I’ve created the color-coded map below so you can see where all these recommended areas are. Click on the link for a live version of the map. (Please note that marked areas are approximations only)

RED – Myeongdong ORANGE – Hongdae PURPLE – Insadong AQUA – Itaewon

If you’re planning on doing a lot of shopping in Seoul, then Myeongdong is definitely where you need to stay. It’s a hyper shopping district filled with big name brands and boutique shops, as well as many restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls. If you like Korean cosmetics, then there’s a good chance you’re never leaving this place.

The place we stayed at doesn’t seem to be available anymore but you can search through Booking.com and Agoda for hotels in Myeongdong. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

We haven’t stayed in Insadong but we’ve spent many days exploring its wealth of traditional shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and teahouses. It’s also walking distance to several key attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village.

You can search through Booking.com and Agoda for accommodation listings in Insadong. Check out some of the top-rated hotels in the area:

• Luxury: Orakai Insadong Suites
• Midrange: Sunbee Hotel Insadong Seoul
• Budget: Hotel Factory Insadong

We aren’t into shopping so we preferred staying in Hongdae. It refers to the area around Hongik University. It’s a fun and youthful area with an easygoing college town vibe. This was our favorite neighborhood in the city so we’ll probably stay here on every return trip to Seoul.

Bingo House is a small 5-room guesthouse just a short walk from Exit 6 of Hongik University Station. There’s a 7-Eleven and a GS25 convenience store nearby, as well as a few restaurants and cafes. There’s a common area with free water and kitchen supplies but no breakfast. You can book a room here through Agoda .

If you like Hongdae but don’t think Bingo House is the right place for you, then you can check these sites for alternate listings: Booking.com | Agoda . Here are a few of the top-rated hotels in Hongdae:

• Luxury: RYSE, Autograph Collection Marriott
• Midrange: Daol Guesthouse
• Budget: High Street Guest House

Among these four areas, Itaewon is the place we’re least familiar with. It’s one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods boasting plenty of shops and international restaurants. It has a bustling nightlife as well which is one of the reasons why it’s a popular hotspot among expats. You can search through Booking.com and Agoda for accommodation listings in Itaewon. Here are a few top-rated hotels in the area:

• Luxury: Hamilton Hotel
• Midrange: Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel
• Budget: G Guesthouse Itaewon In Seoul

You can also book hotels and home stays in Seoul using the handy map below.

PLACES TO VISIT IN SEOUL

1. the five grand palaces.

There are five Joseon Royal Palaces in Seoul – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung, and Deoksugung. We visited only the first two but you can easily visit all five if you like.

Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are the biggest and arguably the most beautiful of the five. Gyeongbokgung was the primary palace and one of just two (the other being Deoksugung) where you can watch the changing of the Royal Guard. Equally impressive is Changdeokgung which is a UNESCO Heritage Site and home to the Huwon or “Secret Garden”.

Check out my article on Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung palaces for more pictures and information. You can visit on your own or go on a guided tour ( Klook | Get Your Guide ). Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgungare among the most popular places in Seoul to rent a hanbok .

If you plan on visiting multiple palaces on your own, then you may want to invest in an Integrated Palace Ticket .

Suggested Length of Visit: 1-3 hrs per palace Admission: KRW 1,000-3,000 per palace

2. Bukchon Hanok Village

As ultramodern a metropolis as Seoul is, it’s nice to find a place like this right in the middle of the city. Bukchon Hanok Village is an atmospheric labyrinth of narrow alleyways and traditional Korean houses called hanoks.

Exploring its network of streets will take you back in time and give you a glimpse of what Seoul was like 600 years ago. Like the royal palaces, it’s one of the best places in Seoul to rent a hanbok and level up your Instagram game.

Check out my article on Bukchon Hanok Village for more pictures and information. If you’d like to learn more about Bukchon Hanok Village, then you may be interested in joining this free walking tour or going with a guide .

Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs Admission: FREE

3. N Seoul Tower

When it comes to great views, this place towers above the competition. Standing 480 meters (1,575 ft) above sea level, N Seoul Tower’s observation deck is the best place to get bird’s eye views of the city.

N Seoul Tower is located on Mt. Namsan and accessible via road or cable car, though most tourists will opt for the latter. You can purchase tickets to the observatory at the gate.

Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs Admission: KRW 16,000

4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

This place is incredible. If you like design, any kind of design, then you need to put Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) on your itinerary. It’s like a museum, design supermarket, and space ship all rolled into one.

DDP was designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the renowned architect who created the 2012 Olympic aquatic centre in London and the Guangzhou Opera House in China.

I suggest devoting several hours to this place if you can. Be sure to come back at night as well when the building really comes to life. Check out my article on Dongdaemun Design Plaza for more pictures and information.

Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hrs Admission: FREE but some exhibits may charge for admission

5. Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea. It’s the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and serves as the main venue for many Buddhist events, rituals, lectures, and ceremonies.

Photo by Various images via Shutterstock

Suggested Length of Visit: 30 mins – 1 hr Admission: FREE

6. COEX Mall Library

COEX Mall in the Gangnam district has become Insta-famous in recent years, all because of this beautiful library located in the middle of the mall.

Starfield Library is an open-air public library that features hundreds of books and magazines. It’s stunning architectural shelf of books has made it into one of the most popular picture-taking spots in Seoul.

Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hrs Admission: FREE

THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL

1. dress up in a hanbok.

If you’re a fan of Korean period dramas or just the culture in general, then you’ll probably want a selfie wearing a hanbok. It’s the traditional Korean form of dress worn by both men and women during festivals and celebrations.

Bukchon Hanok Village and any of the five royal palaces make for great photo backdrops. You’ll find a few hanbok rental shops around those areas but you can also rent one in advance through Klook .

2. Visit a Traditional Korean Market

We love visiting markets on trips because they’re often the best places to find great street food in any city. Seoul is no exception with its many interesting markets like Noryangjin Fish Market, Gwangjang Market (pictured below), and Nandaemun Market. Check them out if you’re looking for cheap and authentic street food in Seoul.

3. Explore Seoul’s Neighborhoods

Seoul is a massive city with many interesting neighborhoods. Four of its most popular include Insadong, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Itaewon, each with its own distinct personality.

Insadong is known for its traditional arts and crafts, Myeongdong for its brand names and cosmetics, Hongdae for its trendy college town atmosphere, and Itaeown for its international vibe. All have terrific food.

Check out my article on Seoul’s neighborhoods for more pictures and information.

4. Take a Stroll Along Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km stream that runs through the heart of downtown Seoul. It passes underneath 22 bridges and through a number of city landmarks before opening up into the Han River. It’s a popular picture-taking spot in Seoul and a great place to cool off in the summer.

You can walk along the stream on your own, but if you’d like to learn more about it and the places you’ll be passing along the way, then you may be interested in joining this free walking tour .

Photo by SS pixels via Shutterstock

5. Go on a K-pop/Kdrama Tour

As described, many people have been turned on to South Korea because of the popularity of Korean pop music and its film and television industry. In fact, we know of a few diehard fans who routinely fly to Seoul just to attend music concerts!

If you have a fascination for Korean pop culture, then you may be interested in booking a K-Pop tour or taking a K-Pop dance class . Aspiring singers can even get a K-Pop recording studio experience !

6. Watch the Cookin’ Nanta Show

If you’d like to watch a show or performance in Seoul, then the Cookin’ Nanta Show is one to consider. It’s entertaining and funny and reminds me of a Korean version of Stomp, but with food.

There are two Nanta theaters – one in Myeongdong and another in Hongdae. You can purchase tickets at the gate but you can sometimes get a discount if you buy them in advance through Klook .

7. Take a Cooking Class

We haven’t done this in Korea but taking a cooking class is something we try to do on every trip. It’s a fun, hands-on way of getting to know the local cuisine.

If you’re interested in taking a cooking class in Seoul, then I suggest searching for one on Cookly . Cookly is an online booking platform that offers cooking classes in many cities around the world, including Seoul.

Photo by Smiallaan via Shutterstock

DAY TOURS FROM SEOUL

If you’re staying long enough in Seoul, then you may want to explore beyond the city and go on a day trip. Listed below are four of the most popular but you can check our article on 18 of the best day trips from Seoul for more suggestions.

1. Nami Island

We skipped out on Nami Island on our first trip to Korea because we thought it could only be appreciated by fans of the television drama Winter Sonata. We were wrong.

Nami Island is achingly beautiful and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Seoul. We went in winter when there was a thin sheet of fresh powder blanketing the island. It was beautiful, though perhaps not as magical as the fall when the leaves turn fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow.

You can visit Nami Island on your own but it may be easiest to go on a guided tour ( Klook | Get Your Guide ). You can refer to my article on Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park, and Petite France for more pictures and information.

This was one of the most interesting tours I’ve ever been on. DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone and refers to the 4 km wide buffer zone that divides North and South Korea.

When I went, they were still offering visits to the JSA or Joint Security Area. Nicknamed “the most dangerous place in Korea”, it’s the only portion of the DMZ where North and South Korean soldiers can stand face to face. Check out my article on the JSA and DMZ tour for more pictures and information.

I checked and the JSA tour doesn’t seem to be available anymore, perhaps due to the cooling relations between north and south, but you can still book a DMZ tour on Klook or Get Your Guide . It isn’t as intense as the JSA tour but it’s still worth doing, especially if you have an interest in Korean history.

3. Everland Resort

Many tourists, especially those traveling to Seoul with young children, will probably want to visit one (or both) of South Korea’s biggest theme parks – Everland and Lotte World.

Lotte World is located in central Seoul while Everland is about an hour away. We visited Everland and it made for a fun day trip from Seoul. You can check out my article on Everland Resort for more pictures and information.

If you don’t have time to visit both and can’t decide between the two, then you can refer to this Everland or Lotte World comparison post to help you decide. You can purchase a one-day pass to Lotte World or an Everland full day trip with admission and transfers through Klook.

4. Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour south of Seoul by metro. It’s name means “Brilliant Castle” and it was built in 1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to house and honor the remains of his father, Prince Sado.

Hwaseong Fortress offers terrific views of Suwon and is a great place to do some hiking, perhaps even trying your hand in traditional Korean archery. Check out my article on Hwaseong Fortress for more pictures and information.

I visited Hwaseong Fortress on my own but you can also go by guided tour through Klook .

KOREAN FOOD GUIDES

There is so much good food to be had in Seoul. From Korean delicacies like ganjang gejang, galbi, and gomtang to popular street food staples like tteokbokki and gyeranppang, Seoul will have you counting down the minutes to your next meal.

If you’re wondering what to eat in this food lover’s Shangri-La, then you can refer to our article on the best dishes to eat in South Korea . If you have a fondness for street food or sweets, then be sure to check out our Korean street food and Korean dessert guides as well.

WHERE TO EAT IN SEOUL

1. yeontabal bbq restaurant.

Gogigui or Korean BBQ is one of our favorite things about Korean food. Marinated meats like bulgogi and galbi barbecued over a charcoal grill are absolutely delicious.

These grilled king beef ribs at Yeontabal were some of the best we’ve ever had. Smokey, savory-sweet, and super tender, they were to die for, especially when eaten with steamed white rice and kimchi.

Keep in mind that meat is typically expensive in Korea, so expect Korean BBQ to be one of your more expensive meals. You can get a small discount at Yeontabal if you purchase a voucher through Klook .

2. Woo Lae Oak

I’ve been wanting to try naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles served in cold broth) ever since I saw a documentary about North Korea. It’s originally a North Korean delicacy that became popular throughout the peninsula after the Korean War.

I searched for the best places to try naengmyeon and Woo Lae Oak, one of Seoul’s oldest restaurants, often came up. They’re a Korean BBQ restaurant that’s equally famous for their naengmyeon.

3. Myeongdong Kyoja

Myeongdong Kyoja is widely regarded as having the best kalguksu in the city. Kalguksu is a noodle dish consisting of handmade, knife-cut wheat flour noodles served in a large bowl with broth and other ingredients.

Myeongdong Kyoja has been in business for over 50 years and is located in the heart of Myeongdong. It’s a great place to have lunch or dinner when shopping in the area.

4. Manjok Ohyang Jokbal

I asked my Korean sister-in-law (who’s a former chef from Seoul) which dishes we should try, and jokbal was one of the things she recommended. Jokbal is a delicious dish of the most tender pig’s trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices.

I did a google search for “best jokbal in seoul” and Manjok Ohyang Jokbal was frequently cited. They’re a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice awardee with a stellar 4.5 star rating. Serious yum.

We bought a voucher for this medium portion of the spiced pig’s trotters bossam set menu from Klook. It’s good for 2-3 people and comes with jokbal, bossam (pork belly boiled in spices), dumpling soup, and a slew of sides.

5. Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim

We skipped out on ganjang gejang on our first visit to Korea so I made sure to try it on our next trip.

Ganjang gejang is raw crab marinated in soy sauce. Considered by many to be the ultimate Korean dish, I waited over two years to try it and the experience blew me away. It’s so good and unlike anything we’ve ever tried.

If you like crab, then you have to try this dish. Like Korean bbq, ganjang gejang is expensive so expect to pay at least KRW 30,000 per small crab.

We had it at Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim. It’s one of several restaurants in Ganjang Gejang Alley that specializes in this interesting and supremely delicious crab dish.

6. Myeongdong Food Street

As much as we love visiting restaurants, there’s something uniquely thrilling about eating street food. It’s like having a degustation experience right there on the street!

No first-time visitor’s trip to Seoul will be complete without eating street food in Myeongdong. With mouthwatering delicacies like grilled lobster tails, chicken and scallion skewers, and tteokbokki, Myeongdong is a Korean street food lover’s paradise.

The restaurants above were some of our favorites, but if seven isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite, then you can check out our article on 25 must-eat restaurants in Seoul .

It includes plenty of other restaurant recommendations like where to find the best gomtang (beef bone soup), the most authentic Jeonju bibimbap, and cheap but delicious Korean BBQ. It’ll even tell you where to find Seoul’s oldest restaurant, a 110+ year old institution specializing in seolnongtang or ox bone soup.

POINTS OF INTEREST IN SEOUL

For your convenience, I created a map so you get a better sense of where everything is. All the places recommended in this guide are pinned on this map. Click on the link to open a live version of the map in a new window.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN SEOUL

Seoul’s subway system is very efficient, so much so that you probably won’t need any other form of transportation when you’re there. We never took a taxi and the only times we ever got on a bus was to go to places outside of Seoul like Paju, Suwon, and Jinhae.

It can be a little confusing at first but as long as you remember your destination’s subway stop and the line number that it’s on, then you shouldn’t have any problems.

You sometimes have to walk far to transfer between lines so it’s important to know the line number of your stop. Otherwise, you won’t know which way to go to transfer lines. Whenever I include directions in our Seoul travel guides, I always try to indicate Line and Exit numbers.

It’s a good idea to invest in a T-money card. It’s a transportation card that eliminates the hassle of buying single journey tokens, plus it saves you KRW 100 per journey. It can be used to transfer between subway lines, buses, or from subway to bus and vice versa (within a transfer time limit) at no extra charge.

The card itself costs KRW 2,500 and it can be purchased at most convenience stores and subway stations. You can top it up with any amount at recharge stations found at every subway stop. If there’s any amount left over at the end of your trip, then you can have it refunded at a convenience store or refund station (minus a KRW 500 service charge).

Another option is to get a Korea Tour Card which is a variation of the T-money card. It has the same benefits as the T-money card, plus it gives you small discounts at some tourist spots, shopping centers, restaurants, and theaters.

We usually navigate with Google Maps but it doesn’t work as well in Seoul. It has something to do with street names being changed recently (or something like that) so it’s best to navigate with the NAVER Map instead ( iOS | Android ).

HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / SEOUL ITINERARY

Seoul is a massive city with much to see. We don’t like to rush so we stayed over a week on each of our three trips to Korea. I think staying a week in Seoul is great, but if you’re pressed for time, then 5 full days will be enough for most first-time visitors to the city.

Here’s a quick 5D/6N Seoul itinerary I put together to help you plan your trip. Be sure to click through to our full 5-day Seoul itinerary for more details.

SEOUL TRAVEL TIPS

1. plan your trip with sygic travel.

Some people may find trip planning a little tedious or daunting. This free trip planning can make it easier and more fun.

What Sygic Travel does is allow you to visualize everything on a map, so you can easily group places of interest by location and put them all together in an efficient itinerary. Check out my article on the Sygic Travel app for more information.

DOWNLOAD: iOS / Android

2. Rent a Pocket Wifi Device

A constant wifi connection is a necessity these days, especially when you’re away on a trip. You’ll need it to translate, do research, use ride-sharing apps, and find your favorite K-drama filming locations. We never go anywhere now without renting a pocket wifi device first.

You can stay connected in Seoul by renting a pocket wifi device or buying a sim card. We always rent pocket wifi devices but sim cards are perfectly fine too. They’re even cheaper.

Regardless of your preference, you can rent a pocket wifi device or buy a sim card through Klook . If you’re in Asia, then be sure to go through the list as it may be cheaper to pick it up from your origin country.

3. Get an Integrated Palace Ticket

If you want to visit as many palaces as you can in Seoul, then you should definitely get an integrated palace ticket. Entrance to four major palaces — Changdeokgung (including Huwon), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung — plus Jongmyo Shrine will normally cost you a total of KRW 17,000 for adults. With the integrated palace ticket, you’ll have access to all five for just KRW 10,000 .

4. Get a Tourist Discount Pass

If you plan on visiting most of the attractions recommended in this Seoul travel guide, then I highly recommend getting a Discover Seoul Pass. It’s a tourist card that gives foreign visitors free admission to many of Seoul’s top tourist attractions. If you get a Discover Seoul Pass, then you won’t need to get an integrated palace ticket since free admission to all five historical attractions is already included.

Aside from free admission to tourist attractions, the Discover Seoul Pass gives you T-money function and discounts to various shopping and entertainment facilities in Seoul. You can get a 24, 48, or 72 hour Discover Seoul Pass on Klook .

Another tourist card you may want to check out is the Go City Pass . We used the Go City Explorer Pass in Barcelona and saved over 21% on admission and tour costs.

5. Check for Discount Passes

I love going through e-commerce sites to find travel deals. I’ve bought vouchers from several different websites but for Seoul, my favorites are Klook and Get Your Guide. They have the widest selection at the best prices.

If you’re looking for deals on tours, shows, theme parks, and airport transfers in Seoul, then be sure to check out Klook and Get Your Guide . Even if I don’t buy anything, I often find interesting activities that I may not think of myself so it’s always worth a look.

6. Get Travel Insurance

Whether or not to get travel insurance depends on where we’re going, how long we’re staying there, and most importantly, what we’ll be doing. If all we’re doing is visiting Hong Kong and feasting on street food for a few days, then we may not get it. But if we plan on doing more physical things, things that could get us hurt, then we’ll definitely get travel insurance.

We buy travel insurance from SafetyWing or Heymondo. They’re popular travel insurance providers used by many long-term travelers. Follow the links to get a free quote from SafetyWing or Heymondo . Get 5% off on Heymondo when you use our link.

7. Bring the Right Power Adapter

Electrical outlets in South Korea are round so plugs are typically Type C or Type F. Be sure to bring the right power adapters for your devices. Electrical voltage is 220/230V.

By no means am I an expert on Seoul but I do hope that you find this guide helpful. I’m only sharing some of the things I’ve learned from our trips. If you have any questions, then please feel free to ask us in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by and have fun in the land of K-pop and kimchi!

These are some of the things we brought with us to Seoul. If you’d like to see what other gear we bring with us on trips, then you’re welcome to have a look inside our backpack . (NOTE: The following links are Amazon and other affiliate links.)

This travel guide contains affiliate links, which means we’ll earn a small commission if you make a booking at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves and firmly believe in. We really appreciate your support as this helps us make more of these free travel guides. Thank you!

Found this article useful? Help us help other travelers by sharing it!

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Just want to say thanks for this introductory overview of Seoul. Super helpful!

Sunday 13th of August 2023

Hey, really thanks for this. !! much appreciated:)

Saturday 11th of February 2023

Hi thanks for this, its very helpful. We're going in April 2023. Do you think its much better to buy the Discover Seoul Pass than the Integrated Palace ticket? We will be in Seoul for 4days. Also we're staying in Incheon for one day before heading home I just wonder if you have any recommended places to visit, thank you so much.

Friday 7th of October 2022

What a great article! We're currently dreaming of going to South Korea again - we've been there before and we love, love love it! Here's to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

Thursday 31st of March 2022

Very useful and helpful information, thank you! Just wondering if you have travel guides for other destinations in Korea ie Busan, Jeju Island etc. Do you have recommendations for other places to visit, we are hoping to stay for 3 weeks in Sept/Oct.

JB & Renée

Monday 4th of April 2022

Hi Dianne, we don't have any other in-depth travel guides at the moment but did you see our article on day trips from Seoul? This Jeju itinerary may be helpful to you as well. Sorry we couldn't be more helpful here!

EPIC 7 days Korea itinerary for first-timers

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

Are you heading to Korea and looking for the perfect 7-day Korea itinerary? You came to the right place. Here we share what to do and where to go when you have 7 days in South Korea.

South Korea is a fascinating country. It has a rich history and offers its visitors everything from the ultra-modern capital city of Seoul to villages like Andong where it seems that time has stood still. 

The country has countless National Parks, one of them even adjacent to Seoul, where we did some impressive but exhausting hikes. The park is very mountainous…  

So, there’s a lot to explore in South Korea and the hospitable Koreans made our stay impeccable. 

In this Korea trip blog post, we share our complete day-by-day South Korea itinerary for 7 days. We end with some travel tips for South Korea.

Perfect for your first time in Korea.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? Here we share our South Korea itinerary overview

If you don’t have time to read through the full 7-day Korea itinerary,  use this overview to get an idea of the things to do each day and save it for later.

• Day 1-2 Seoul: Palaces, Insadong, traditional Hanok houses, Gwangjang market, Myeongdong, DMZ
• Day 3-4 Gyeongju: Andong Hahoe Folk Village, Royal tombs, Bulgasaka temple
• Day 5-6 Busan: Haeundae beach, Gwangandaegyo bridge, Taejongdae Resort Park, Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan Tower, Water Temple, Gamcheon cultural village
• Day 7 Seoul: Seoul tower, Bukhansan National Park

Table of Contents

How to travel around South Korea

We rented a car and went on a road trip in South Korea.

You won’t need your car in Seoul so our advice would be to pick up your car from one of the many downtown locations when you leave for Gyeongju.

You can rent a car from Rentalcars.com , QEEQ , or Klook.

Here is all the information you need about renting a car and driving in Korea.

If you prefer not to drive you can use the train. Both Gyeongju and Busan have good train connections. If you travel this itinerary by train you will save with the Korea Rail Pass .

1 week in South Korea: Our South Korea itinerary 

Most international flights arrive in Seoul. This makes it the logical city to start our tour.

Day 1 -2: Seoul

Seoul represents the futuristic race the country has run over the past years.  The pace at which this city has been undergoing development is similar to that of Chinese cities. 

Seoul expanded enormously over the years and now houses almost 12 million people. It borders Incheon in the West and Bukhansan National Park in the North. 

The highlights can be visited in a few days but you will need weeks to discover all areas of this stretched-out megapolis.

Seoul city walk

Depending on what time you arrive in Seoul you can do (part of this) walk to get a good first impression of this fantastic city.

The city counts 5 palaces.   We visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most popular one, to watch the changing of the guards. Later on, we also went to Unhyeoungung Palace and Deosugung Palace. Those palaces are not as popular which makes them ideal for a complete and tranquil visit. 

From Unhyeoungung you can continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the most beautiful places in South Korea to stroll between the traditional Hanok houses. 

From Bukchon it’s not far to Insadong , one of the most traditional and cultural districts in Seoul and a great place for lunch. 

Make sure to drop by the beautifully decorated Jogyesa temple.

A little bit further out, but worth the detour, is Gwangjang market.  

This is a traditional street market where you can mingle with the Koreans to taste some of the local street-food delicacies.

Have a look at the stalls that sell San-nakji which is raw octopus that is killed by cutting it into pieces on your plate so that the tentacles are still moving while it is served. 

I can assure you that we did not try this either but there’s a lot more you can enjoy like the Soonday (blood sausage), different kinds of rice rolls, and bindaetteok, a kind of pancake.

Coming back from Gwangjang take a left at the futuristic Jongno tower towards Myeongdong . 

Where you cross the Cheonggyecheon River, you will find several food trucks. 

After you have discovered the Myeongdong shopping district you can make your way to the modern city hall and walk along the wide Sejong-daero boulevard back towards Gyeongbokgung palace.

Seoul Itinerary

Now that you’ve already got the first impression of this thriving capital it’s time to explore it further.

You can easily spend a day exploring the city’s palaces and Bukchon Hanok Village. A second day can be spent going to Namsan Park where you can go up the Seoul Tower. Afterward, you can visit Myeongdong and Hongdae.

If you ask us, the DMZ is also something not to be missed.

As you can see there is more than enough to do for 2 days.

We won’t go into more detail here. Instead, have a look at our detailed 3-7 day Seoul Itinerary . Our recommendation would be to focus on the first 2 days of this itinerary, but of course, you are free to create your own itinerary based on the different activities that we describe.

The ultimate Seoul itinerary for 3-7 days, 39 of the best things to do in Seoul  and the 4 day Seoul itinerary.

Take our Seoul E-guide with you 

For the price of a single cup of coffee, you can get our 3-7 days Seoul itinerary as a nicely formatted PDF document.

You can print it or store it on your phone so you can access it anytime during your visit to Seoul.

Have a look here for more information and a preview.  

Organized Tours in Seoul 

Here is an overview of the best-organized tours in Seoul.  An organized tour saves you time and, moreover, the tour guide will enlighten you about the different sights you visit.

We partnered up with GetYourGuide and Klook for these activities. 

We love GetYourGuide because they’re flexible.  Sometimes your plans change last minute and then you want to be able to cancel your tickets and get your money back.  It’s also good to know that GetYourGuide has your back when the local tour operator doesn’t show up or cancels your trip.

Klook is a trustworthy travel company headquartered in Hong Kong that teams up with local operators to offer all kinds of travel experiences.

We selected 3 excellent tours in Seoul just for you.

Visit the DMZ 

Visiting the DMZ is a must-do when you are in Seoul. The DMZ area is located around 60 km up north of Seoul and can only be visited with a guided tour.

Make sure to book your tours well in advance as they often sell-out.  Trips to the DMZ run Tuesday to Friday.

Book a full-day tour that includes the JSA , the Joint Security Area, the place where the 2 countries meet, and where you can step across the border and be in North Korea for a few minutes.

You can read more about the DMZ in day 3 of this itinerary and we have a full article online that compares the different tours that you can book to visit the DMZ.

Join a Seoul City Bus Tour

If you want to discover the highlights of Seoul but you are short on time, this bus tour is for you. Hop on the bus and discover the top city attractions with ease.

Perfect for first-time visitors.

Check prices and availability: Seoul City Bus Tour

Experience a Nanta show in Myeongdong or Hongdae

If you are looking for a fun night out in Seoul this nonverbal Nanta show is perfect for you. The narrative centers around 3 charismatic chefs and integrates the traditional rhythms of Samulnori  with comedy and drama. 

Lots of fun and perfect for the whole family.

For this activity, we decided to partner up with Klook because they often have the cheapest tickets for the Nanta show.

Check prices and availability: Nanta show

Where to stay in Seoul? 

Seoul is a large city with lots of districts each with its own styles and attractions.

Here we share the best places to stay for tourists and first-timers based on our own experience.

Myeongdong – City Center

Myeongdong is right in the heart of Seoul’s city center.

This is one of the most popular places to stay. 

The district does draw large crowds of tourists as well as shoppers and once the sun settles people flock to the streets to stroll along the pop-up food stalls and enjoy some of the best street food that Seoul has to offer. 

You will also find plenty of restaurant options, we had some of the best dakgalbi in this district. 

By staying in Myeongdong you are close to the Namsan Seoul Tower and the Namdaemun Sungnyemun gate.

Metro hotel

The Metro hotel is within walking distance of shopping areas, street food, and public transportation. 

The rooms are small but clean and all have complimentary water, tea, and coffee facilities.

The hotel offers a complimentary smartphone which you can use to make local calls and take out when exploring.

The hotel offers a free massage chair to use in the main lobby which is nice after a tiring day sightseeing.

Check prices and availability:

Booking.com

Insa-Dong – Palace Quarter

Insa-dong is one of the most traditional and cultural districts in Seoul and a very touristy district.  The streets are lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and tea houses.

You are within walking distance of most palaces, the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, Bukchon Hanok village, and Gwanghwamum square. 

This is probably the best location if you’re short on time and want to visit the highlights on foot.

Sunbee hotel

The Sunbee hotel is close to 2 subway stations, the Bukchon Hanok Village, and Seoul’s city center.

There are many nice restaurants, tea houses, and cafes near the hotel.

This is an excellent location for sightseeing.  The rooms are large and have good beds.  

The hotel staff is always friendly and willing to help and most of them speak English.

We stayed in Gangnam the commercial district of Seoul that attracts the rich and young crowds who come here to spend their hard-earned money in the many exclusive bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues. 

Its huge boulevards are lined with skyscrapers and are best enjoyed after dark when Gangnam comes alive and the huge billboards lighten up the neighborhood.

Gangnam is a little outside of the traditional tourist spots and might not be ideal if this is your first visit to Seoul.

Seoul has one of the world’s largest subway networks and the trains run frequently.  Still, it took us 45 minutes to get from Gangnam to Anguk, one of the major stations in InsaDong, the Palace District.

The advantage of staying in Gangnam is that the hotel rooms tend to be a tad larger here compared to the city center.

Aloft Seoul Gangnam

Aloft Seoul Gangnam is about 5 mins walk to Cheongdam station (line 7). The subway system takes you relatively easy and fast to all the places of interest.

The hotel is very easy to reach from Incheon airport (Airport Bus 6006 literally stops in front of the entrance) and is in the nice Cheongdam Area with a bunch of good food options and coffee shops.

Nice rooms with great service. Friendly and helpful staff.

If you aren’t convinced of the above-mentioned hotels have a look at our other Seoul accommodations posts.

• Where to stay in Seoul: our post on the best areas and hotels to stay in Seoul
• Coolest hotels in Seoul: an overview of cool hotels in Seoul
• Best Airbnbs in Seoul: for those who prefer staying in an Airbnb in Seoul

How to get from Incheon or Gimpo airport to Seoul

There are 2 international airports in Seoul,  Incheon International Airport   and  Gimpo airport.

How to get from Gimpo Airport to Seoul

Gimpo airport  is Seoul’s smallest airport and lies about 50 minutes from downtown Seoul.

It is often used for domestic flights and offers a shuttle service to  Tokyo.

Gimpo Airport can be easily reached by subway Line 5 and with  the all-stop A’REX Airport Express.

How to get from Incheon airport to Seoul

Most international passengers will arrive at Incheon International Airport.

South Korea’s largest airport is 47km from  Seoul Station , which is considered to be the center of Seoul.  The airport is well-connected to this station.

Some hotels have courtesy shuttles to Seoul station but if they don’t you could continue your journey with the subway, the train, the limousine bus, or organize a private transfer.

The fastest and cheapest way 

The fastest and cheapest way  to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station is using  the A’REX Airport Express.

Check prices and availability: A’rex Incheon Airport Express Train Tickets

The limousine bus

Another option is taking  the limousine bus.  There are 4 lines that stop at various places in Seoul.

• 6701 Airport: Seoul City Hall
• 6702 Airport: Dongdaemun/Namsan
• 6703 Airport: Gangnam/COEX
• 6705 Airport: Jamsil/East Seoul Bus Terminal

The buses run from early in the morning until the evening.

Note that the schedule for all buses is different, so definitely check the bus hours before booking a ticket.

Check prices and availability: Seoul K lImousine Bus

Take a private and direct transfer

Depending on the location of your hotel and the length of your flight (and the amount of sleep you could get) you might not be looking forward to train and subway rides in your first hours in Seoul. 

After a long flight, a  private and direct transfer from the airport to your hotel  will be a lot more comfortable.

Check prices and availability: Incheon Private Transfer

How to get around Seoul? 

The easiest way to travel around Seoul is to use   the subway. 

Seoul’s subway is well-connected and quite cheap.

Single-ride cards  can be purchased on vending machines with coins and bills, credit cards are not accepted.

T-money recharge card

To avoid the hassle of buying tickets for each and every ride you can opt for the  T-money recharge card .

Korea tour card

If you are visiting more places in South Korea, we advise you to buy a Korea Tour Card. This is a T-money card that can be used in the whole of Korea.

In addition to the comfort of just having to tap the card whenever you use public transportation, you also get discounts at a number of popular attractions, including Lotte World, Everland, and several more.

If you have an Android phone, you can even use a digital version of the T-money card. 

This card is a great deal as it is even cheaper than a regular T-money card. It costs ₩6000 and has a ₩5000 value that can be used towards rides.

Check prices and availability: Digital T-Money Tour Card for Android

Korail railPlus transport card

In addition to the subway and busses, this card can also be used on Korail’s intercity trains, including the fast KTX trains.

Some taxis also accept the Rail+ card and you can also pay your highway toll fees with this card.

Check prices and availability: RailPlus card

M-pass card

This is a transportation card exclusively for international tourists traveling in the Seoul metropolitan area.

M-PASS comes in five different durations: 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day passes. 

You can buy your M-pass card on weekdays at the Seoul City Tower. (close to exit 10 of Seoul Station) Cash only.

Discover Seoul Pass

If you plan to visit a lot of Seoul’s tourist attractions then the above-described Discover Seoul Pass   is your ideal travel companion. 

The pass has a 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day variant and gives you discounted or free access to many top tourist destinations.

It also has a T-money function that will save you ₩2,500 from buying a separate T-Money card. As an extra benefit, you get one free one-way A’rex Express train ride.

Note that The Discover Seoul Pass is not always available.

If it isn’t, you can see if they have the BTS edition. It’s a 24hr edition of the Discover Seoul Pass without the T-money option.

Instead, you get a Korea Tour T-money Card as a bonus.

The BTS edition covers the same attractions as the regular Discover Seoul Pass.

Discover Seoul Pass BTS (24h+Korea Tour Card)

Day 3 -4: Gyeongju

The next stop on our 1-week Korea itinerary is Gyeongju.

As soon as you leave Seoul you will find yourself surrounded by high mountains and idyllic countryside. A stark contrast with the urban jungle of Seoul.

For the next 2 to 6 hours you will see endless green landscapes that occasionally have to make way for rugged mountain tops.

Gyeongju used to be the capital of Korea during the Silla dynasty and today it is still recognized as the cultural capital of the country.

This makes Gyeongju a must-visit on your 7-day Korea itinerary.

How to get to Gyeongju from Seoul

The fastest and easiest way is by KTX train . KTX trains travel between Seoul station and Singyeongju Station. The journey takes around 2 hours. From Singyeongju you can take a bus to Gyeongju. The bus ride adds another 30 minutes.

Don’t forget to buy a Korea Rail Pass . If you do the round trip between Seoul and Singyeongju, with a stopover in Busan, you will save with a Korea Rail Pass .

Having a rental car offers more freedom but you won’t be able to beat the time it takes for the train to reach the city. Using turnpikes the journey takes 4 hours, if you want to avoid tolls it will take somewhere between 5 and 6 hours.

The advantage of self-driving is that you can enjoy the beautiful landscape at your own pace, and make a stopover in the Andong Hahoe Folk village.

The Andong Hahoe Folk Village

On your way from Seoul to Gyeongju, you will pass the Andong Hahoe Folk Village.

Allow 2 hours for a visit to this folkloristic village. We had mixed feelings about our visit.  This well-preserved village forms a valuable part of Korean culture and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. But it is not an open-air museum.

All houses are inhabited and most are hidden behind high ramparts and closed gates.  Therefore you cannot visit the houses, you can only stroll through the streets or drive through them with a golf cart as many Asian tourists do. 

It feels strange to pay an entrance fee just to walk through the streets of an inhabited village. 

I hope our entrance fee helps the inhabitants to conserve their village but as a visitor, I would have loved to see the inside of some of these houses and some more historical context like you get in most folk villages.

That’s why I would recommend taking a guide who can give you some context about the things you see. He or she can teach you all kinds of things about Korean culture, architecture, and religion. I’m sure we would have appreciated our visit more with a guide.

If you want to visit the Andong Hahoe Folk Village but don’t want to drive there yourself you can join an organized day tour from Seoul. If you’re a party of 3 or more you can arrange your own private group trip.

Individual tour

Private group tour

Things to do in Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a relatively small town and most sights are within walking distance.

You can see most of the highlights of Gyeongju by walking from the city center past the Royal Tombs (often compared to Teletubbies houses) and the observation tower to the Donggung Palace with the Wolji Pond. 

The most charming moment to visit the Palace is after dark when the reflection of the palace in the water turns your visit into a fairytale story.

Still, it is a good idea to buy your tickets during the day so that when you come back in the evening you can walk straight in and skip the huge lines at the ticket machines.

Bulgaksa is a popular temple near Gyeongju.  Recognized as Unesco World heritage it houses 7 of South Korea’s national treasures. 

From the temple, you can hike to the nearby Seokguram Grotto which is part of the temple and also recognized as Unesco World heritage. 

It’s a scenic 45-minute uphill walk.  It is a small but peaceful temple with a stone-carved Buddha in the cave. 

No photographing is allowed and a glass wall has been put up to protect the interior of the cave.

Where to stay in Gyeongju

Gyeongju gg tourist hotel.

We stayed at the Gyeongju GG Tourist Hotel. The hotel lies in a good location right in the city center near the bus terminal.

It’s easy to walk to the Royal tombs as well as the other UNESCO World Heritage sites in the ancient tomb complex.

The hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms with a big bathroom.

The only negative that we can say is that the walls of the room are quite thin. We had a lot of noise from our neighbors who were arguing until late at night. But I suppose we were just unlucky with our neighbors this night.

If you have a car you can also opt for a hotel near Bomun lake where you can take long walks around the lake.

Hotel Lahan Select Gyeongju

Hotel Lahan Select Gyeongju offers comfortable rooms with a balcony.

The hotel is in a great location next to the lake, a stroll around the lake is lovely, certainly during the cherry blossom season.

The hotel has a buffet restaurant, Chinese restaurant, coffee shop, bakery & wine shop, kids’ play area, and video gaming room. 

The professional hotel staff speaks English.

Day 5 – 6: Busan

Next on our list is Busan , South Korea’s fastest-growing city. A fishing village bursting at the seams.

Getting to Busan

If you travel by train, the journey from Gyeongju to Busan takes about 1 hour.

You will first need to jump on the bus to Singyeongju station where you can board a KTX train for Busan.

If you drive yourself it will take 2 hours if you use the toll roads or 30 minutes more if you avoid them.

Things to do in Busan

Busan is located along South Korea’s southeastern coast. It has some wonderful beaches and draws huge crowds during the summer months. 

Haeundae beach is a nice place to stay if you fancy a romantic stroll on the beach before you retire to your hotel room.

The nearby Dongbaek park offers splendid nocturnal views on the 7-km long Gwangandaegyo bridge, better known as the Diamond bridge.

On hot days you can cool down in the Shinsegae Centum city shopping center. 

Holding the record of the world’s largest shopping complex you will be able to tie on your ice skates and practice some rounds on the ice rink or relax in Spa Land.

An enormous spa complex with 22 different spas and a mixture of 13 different  Korean traditional ‘Jjimjil-bang’ saunas and saunas from all over the world.

Busan’s Sea Life Aquarium is also in Haeundae. It’s highly regarded, certainly by couples with kids.  If you visit the aquarium you can save a lot of money by buying discount tickets online here.

There are over 3500 islands to discover in South Korea. One of the most famous and beautiful is Jeju island.

In the center of Busan, you will find the Busan tower and the Nampodong & Jagalchi markets.

A little outside of the city is Taejongdae Resort Park, a peninsula that offers breathtaking views, and the Instagram-worthy Haedong Yonggungsa temple.

Also worth mentioning is the colorful cultural village of Gamcheon.   Due to the photogenic stacked houses, this place is very popular with tourists.

Busan has loads more to offer. We recommend that you follow our 2-day Busan itinerary .

• We wrote a complete article about what to do in Busan, you can find it here.
• If you are looking for a Busan 2 day itinerary, click here.
• Wondering what to do in Busan at night, click here.
• If you have still some time left in Busan, you could consider making a day trip. Here is an overview of the best day trips from Busan. 

Organized Tours in Busan

Busan lacks the efficient public transportation network of Seoul. There is a metro network but many of the tourist sights are far from the subway stops and will require a ride by bus. A car is therefore still useful in this city.

For those who do not have a rental car, we share some organized tours below. With these organized tours, you can efficiently visit the different sights.

You will not need to plot out your own itinerary and you won’t lose time waiting for the bus.

Busan Private Tour with a Local

If you are like us and you don’t like group tours, this private tour might be something for you. 

With this tour, you will have the chance to explore Busan with a local guide who will customize your tour in line with your personal interests.

Perfect if you want to learn more about Busan but you don’t like group tours.

Check prices and availability: Private customizable Busan Tour

Busan Night City Tour 

Busan is well known for its amazing night views. This tour is for you if you want to discover the city at night and take awesome night pictures.

Check prices and availability: Busan night tour

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, take a look at our overview with the best Busan day tours. 

Where to stay in Busan

Here’s a complete list of excellent places to stay in Busan .

Below is the hotel where we stayed during our last visit to Busan.

  Shilla Stay Haeundae

We stayed in the brand new Shilla Stay Haeundae hotel, located right in front of Haeundae beach.

The hotel has soberly decorated modern and comfortable rooms.

They have a rooftop bar which is a great place to hang out. The hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants.

• Here’s our complete guide about where to stay in Busan.
• If you prefer Airbnbs, have a look at our post in which we share the best Airbnbs in Busan. 

Day 7: Seoul

The last day of your 7-day South Korea travel itinerary takes us back to Seoul to spend more time in this huge metropolis.

Several viewpoints offer dramatic views of the vastness of Seoul.  

The Seoul tower and Seoul sky (in the Lotte world center) are perhaps the 2 most known and most accessible while the vistas from Bukhansan National Park are not as widely known.

The views from the park are at least as good and we absolutely recommend that nature lovers reserve some time to visit the park.

The trail that leads up to the Bogungmun gate of the old fort is tiring but once you reach the top you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the park and the vast city.

From here you can follow the ramparts of the old fort to the Daeseongmun gate where you can go back down via another path.

You can also use your last day for a great day trip (or weekend trip) from Seoul. 

Here is an overview of more fun things to do in Korea.

If you have 2 weeks in South Korea, check out this post.

South Korea travel tips

Let’s end this Korea itinerary blog with some Korean travel tips.

What’s the best time to visit South Korea?

May, September, and October are the best months to visit South Korea. 

June, July, and August are rainier and hotter with temperatures reaching 25 to 30 degrees.  Moreover, the risk of typhoons is also greater. 

In May everything starts to bloom and in September and October, the autumn colors make the landscapes very photogenic.

We visited South Korea in April and had 2 rainy days over the course of 2 weeks and a half.

Here is a step-by-step guide to planning your trip to Korea.

Going independent or joining an organized tour

We found it easy and straightforward to create our own travel itinerary for South Korea. Korea is a very modern country, we could book and arrange everything online.

We also found it pretty easy to travel around the country independently. 

But if you don’t want to travel independently you could join an organized tour. TourRadar is a trustworthy company where you can book an organized tour. 

If you prefer an organized tour, have a look at our overview of the best Korea package tours. 

Cheap flights to South Korea

If you want to score  cheap flights  to Korea we advise you to have a look at  Momondo and  Skyscanner .  

Both are flight aggregators that compare several hundreds of booking sites and give you an overview of the best flights and the cheapest sites to book them. 

Momondo and Skyscanner are both very good at finding good deals, of the two, Momondo is probably the one with the most intuitive user interface.

Wondering how to find a cheap flight? Have a look at this post. 

Do I need travel insurance for Korea?

Travel Insurance is something that can be overlooked when you prepare for your vacation. 

Certainly when you’re traveling to a safe and civilized country.  We didn’t get travel insurance for our first vacation. 

A few years later we both took out new credit cards that came with travel insurance and relied on those.  We know better now…

Overall, chances are slim that you will encounter any problems while traveling through a civilized country such as Korea. But when things go wrong in civilized countries, the medical costs can be high. 

We learned it the hard way when we once had to visit a hospital in the United States.  The medical care was excellent but we had high out-of-pocket expenses as it turned out the insurance that came without credit cards didn’t cover these costs.  It turned out we were underinsured.

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee. 

Good travel insurance, such as the one from SafetyWing and HeyMondo , covers things like medical expenses, trip cancellation, overseas medical costs, evacuation, baggage damage or loss, and theft.

Exploring South Korea by car

We would encourage you to explore South Korea by car. There’s nothing wrong with the public transit system in cities like Seoul. But there’s nothing that can beat the freedom of having your own car. 

You’re the master of your own schedule and you just need to load your bags in your trunk. 

Taking the train often means that you will be dragging your bags up and down several flights of stairs.

Yes, there’re elevators but they’re not always very easy to find.

So here we will share what you need to know to do the perfect South Korean road trip. 

Money in South Korea 

Cash is king for visitors.  Koreans can swipe their cards everywhere but foreign cards are not always accepted.

There were many ATMs at Incheon airport and it took us at least an hour to find one where we could withdraw cash.  Most tourists were helping each other by pointing out other ATMs to their fellow tourists. It seems all foreigners were having the same problems.

Once we had left the airport things didn’t get better.  It was always a hit or miss with the ATMs we tried. 

Most wouldn’t accept our cards, but some did. Usually, we never suggest bringing cash but it looks like it may be a good idea to bring some cash to South Korea.

And once you have found an ATM that gives you cash make sure to withdraw enough! We couldn’t use our credit cards for toll fees.  We had better luck in restaurants and gas stations where our cards were usually accepted.

Safety in South Korea 

We didn’t encounter any problems whatsoever (except getting cash :-)) during our week in Korea but if you would you can call the travel hotline in 4 languages (Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese) 24/7.

Internet in South Korea 

South Korea has the fastest internet in the world. A lot of places offer free WiFi. We don’t know why, but we didn’t always manage to get on the wifi.

Because we used quite a few apps to help us to travel around Seoul and to check for the best places to eat we bought a  local sim card.

This way we were certain that we always had internet.

You can purchase your  SIM card  here or read our full post about  what’s the best SIM card for tourists.

We used our own  Pocket WIFI device  to share the 4G connection but if you don’t have a device of your own you can also  rent one online  and pick it up at the airport. 

Rent your Pocket WIFI device  or read our full post about  the best Pocket WIFI  device.

Handy South Korean apps

Mangoplate is the app to check for restaurant reviews and the best places to eat.

Naver Maps is your GPS companion for your road trip. 

Google Maps navigation is not working in South Korea and despite some people reporting that Waze was working for them, it was not for us. 

The Naver Maps app is available in English (their website is only in Korean) and the app’s look and feel is very intuitive and very much similar to any other GPS app.

Available on: Google Play – Apple (This app is not getting much love for its Apple version.  We used the Android version which worked like a charm)

Korea Seoul Metro Navi

Korea Seoul Metro Navi will guide you quickly and efficiently through Seoul’s extended subway system.  The app calculates the fastest route to your destination.

Available on: Google Play – Apple

If you plan on taking taxis, we recommend that you use the Kakao Taxi app.

Available on: Google Play , – Apple

Here is a list of more travel tips for Korea.

Did you ever visit Korea? What do you think is the best itinerary for South Korea? 

Let us know in the comments. 

If you like this article, pin it

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

Great guide, thanks very much. I've been looking for a good week-long itinerary to recommend to people visiting Korea.

We do our best to provide in-depth information.

Monday 29th of April 2019

Very well written and it helped me a lot! I am planning a 1-week trip to South Korea this September.

Thanks Margaux, glad you love it. Enjoy your time in South Korea!

Thanks, we do our best to provide in-depth information.

• Work With Us
• Blogging Bootcamp

• Van Conversion Academy
• Campervan Shop
• Campervan Rentals
• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Destinations
• Responsible Travel
• Family Travel
• Budget Travel
• Scuba Diving
• Travel Credit Cards
• Digital Nomad
• Teach English Abroad
• Blogging Resources
• Income Reports
• Travel Shop
• Meet Katie & Ben
• About Two Wandering Soles
• Personal Stuff
• Portfolio & Press

South Korea Travel Guide

South Korea is known to be a place of wild contradictions and stark contrasts. It’s where you will see ancient temples beside skyscrapers; experience the hustle and bustle of the city life with the serenity of nature nearby, and where both technology and tradition coexist.

While teaching English through the EPIK program, we have traveled many parts of this amazing country. From Seoul to Busan, and numerous hiking treks and festivals, we wanted to experience everything South Korea has to offer.

South Korea Travel Guide Contents

Important Info    |    Best Time to Visit    |    Things to Do    |    What to Eat    |    Typical Budget

Travel Tips    |    What to Pack    |    South Korea Articles    |    Book Now

Important Information about South Korea

South Korea at a Glance:  South Korea is home to some of the friendliest people on Earth. Here, you will find colorful hanboks and historical places in the middle of Seoul, South Korea’s capital. All around the country, you will also see temples, fortresses and palaces. When it comes to nature, South Korea boasts a lot of hot springs, sandy beaches, mountain peaks and national parks.

Currency in South Korea:  won | 2018 Conversion Rate: ₩1000 = $0.88 USD

Tipping in South Korea:  Korea has a no-tip culture . Everyone from cab drivers, hotel and restaurant staffs don’t expect any tip.

 Language & Helpful Phrases:  Korean 

Hello =  an-nyeong-ha-se-yo

Thank you =  gam-sa-ham-ni-da

Beer =  maeg-ju

Delicious =  mas-issneun

Where’s the bathroom =   hwa-jang-siri eodiyeyo

How much? =  ige eolmayeyo?

Too expensive  = neomu bissan

Don’t want =  wonhaji anh-a

Religion and Culture:  While a little less than half of South Koreans practice a religion, there are a few throughout the country. The major three are Protestant Christianity, Catholicism and Buddism.

Transportation around South Korea:  Transportation in Korea is excellent, probably one of the best in the world. Buses always leave on time, the trains are really cheap and metros are super clean. Most signs in are in English as well as Korean, so it is very easy to travel in Korea.

Best Time To Visit South Korea

Climate in south korea.

Korea experiences all four seasons and each one of these bring different experiences. If you want to see the cherry blossom season, plan your trip around the first two weeks in April.

Seasons are similar to most northern hemisphere countries:

Spring:  March to May

Summer:  June to August

Autumn:  September to November

Winter: December to February

Peak season for tourists   is in summer. Most, if not all, things in the city get pricier and busier. The month of August is typically summer vacation from school so expect that there will be a lot of people.

Times to avoid traveling in South Korea

By all means, avoid going to South Korea in summer, especially in August. It’s the most expensive and crowed time of the year. Not only that, but the weather tends to be humid.

Major Festivals in South Korea

Andong International Maskdance Festival ,  late September to early October: During this festival a massive display of mask dancing takes place. People from all over the world come here to showcase different traditional mask dances.

Boryeong Mud Festival, second weekend of July: Experience something unique during this festival by taking a dip in a mud bath, try mud wrestling and mud sliding.

Namwon Chunhyang Festival,  April: Basically, this festival is a celebration of one of the most famous Korean folk story characters – Chunhyang from Chunhyangjeon.

Seoul Lantern Festival, First Friday of November: Every year, the theme here changes. As a lantern festival, you can expect to see many lanterns light up the Cheonggyecheon area of Seoul.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival , January: This festival is voted to be one of the best in Korea. Celebrated during winter, activities during this time include catching fish with bare hands, sledding and ice sculpting.

*These festivals follow the Lunar calendar, so the exact dates vary each year

FREE e-Book

We Traveled the World for 4 years on a Budget  with these 21 Brilliant Travel Hacks!

[30 pages, money-saving trips, and 100% FREE]

Get your copy NOW!

Top Things to Do in South Korea

Get naked at a jjimjilbang.

A jjimjibang is one of the spa retreats that you should try when going to South Korea. Here, you can relax at different temperature hot tubs or try an exfoliating body scrub. You won’t regret it when you see how smooth your skin will become. Read about our jjimjilbang experience in Busan .

Sing in a Noraebang

One of the best ways to feel Korean is to get a group of friends together (and some beers) and sing your hearts out in a Noraebang, a Korean karaoke room). You’ll have a wide variety of songs to choose from, mostly 90’s favorites, and take turns belting out the lyrics along with your friends.

See the Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

Just like Japan, Korea has its fair share of cherry blossoms, and it’s typically less expensive to see them compared to Japan. Annually, for two weeks in April, South Korea becomes a tourist spot for its cherry blossoms.

Explore Jeju Island

Most famous for its blue turquoise waters and mountain views, Jeju Island is one of the most popular places in South Korea. Here, you can experience swimming in a naturally formed swimming pool, hiking to a volcanic crater and chase waterfalls. Read about our experience in Jeju for a weekend .

Eat Live Octopus

If you love taking a bite of exotic food, you shouldn’t miss the chance to try eating a live octopus.

Insider Tip: You can head to any fish market in South Korea and ask for some ssanakji. They will give you a live octopus and give you details to a nearby restaurant where it will be prepared and served to you with some side dishes. We have more details in our Top Things to Do in Korea article.

Are you thinking about teaching English in Korea? Check out our guide to Teaching English Abroad and how to get your TEFL Certification.

Best Food to Eat in South Korea

All around Asia, South Korea has one of the best cuisines. Often, the first things that come to mind when you think of Korean food is Korean BBQ and Kimchi. These are a must try, but trust us, there is so much more!

When it comes to Korean cuisine, the typically meals are a combination of rice, vegetables and meat. So without further ado, here are some of our favorites:

Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ):  To eat samgyeopsal, you are the grill master and you’ll doing the cooking from the grill on the table. You can either order pork or beef and many side dishes will also be served here.

Jjim dak:  Created in the historic city of Andong, jjim dak is a mix of flat noodles, potatoes, delicious sauce, chunks of chicken and some peppers. You can also add some cheese for that heavenly taste.

Kimchi:  Kimchi is probably the only food in Korea that you’ll see everywhere you go. It’s the staple food served with every meal all year round.

Bulgogi:  For all you meat lovers out there, you’re definitely going to love bulgogi. This is a pile of marinated beef and mixed vegetables that you grill at your table.

Bibimbap:  When roughly translated, bibimbap means ‘mixed rice’. It is typically a mixture of greens, mushrooms, radishes, carrots, bean sprouts, gochujang sauce, and of course, rice.

Kimbap: Kimbap are Korea’s rolls of goodies. It can be considered as the sushi of Korea and comes in several varieties like bulgolgi and shrimp. Great for a meal on the go or picnics.

Typical Budget for South Korea

The cost of living in South Korea is relatively low, but it is increasing. Travelers can find many options to suit their travel budgets.

Good to know:  For transportation, you can save some money when you get yourself T-Money to pay for your fares on the bus, taxi and subway.

How Much to Budget in South Korea Per Day

Budget traveler:  If you are on a tight budget, watch your spending closely, $30 – $40 could be a sufficient budget.

Mid-range traveler:  If you want to have a few splurges and stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $50 – $100 per day.

Dorm bed = $18-$30

Jjimjilbang = $6-$13

Budget room = $40

Mid-range = $60

Luxury hotel = $170+

Street food = $1-$5

Restaurant = $5-$17

Local beer = $3-$9

Soju = $1-2

Train = $6-$7

Subway = $1-$2

Taxi = $3-$4

DMZ Tour = $50-80

Jjimjilbang (Scrub and Massage) = $20-$70

Everland = $50

Lotte World = $45

Nami Island = $7

Responsible Travel Tips in South Korea

We are passionate about sharing tips anyone can use to  travel more responsibly . Here are some easy ways you can travel better in South Korea.

1. Leave no trace

Only leave your footprints. Nothing else. Bring all your waste and dispose them properly. There are tons of trash bins in the bigger cities in Korea. However, in smaller towns street cleaners come by frequently to collect trash piles. If you have rubbish and you can’t find a trash can, please place it in a trash pile. (I know, not ideal, but it is part of their culture.)

2. Be aware

Check the restaurants and shops before buying or eating there. Only choose ones that don’t promote exploitation or cruelty of endangered species.

Before you leave your accommodation, check that appliances and lights that are not in use should be unplugged. Please turn off your A/C as well.

4. Hang hotel towels

That’s right. Do you even need them replaced every day? Help conserve water by hanging your towels to reuse them during your shorter stays.

5. Do your research

While this is a travel guide, you can tweak it to your liking. Also, read about the country’s culture, religion, language and rules before your trip.

Related Article :   Eco-Friendly Travel Gear Packing List

What to Pack for South Korea

You might feel a bit overwhelmed about which stuff to bring when planning your perfect trip. Don’t worry, we got you covered. And if you’re moving to South Korea to teach English, we have exactly what we brought (and what we wished we left at home) in our Moving to Korea Packing List .

Here are some South Korea-specific items we’d recommend packing:

bug repellant  (solids are the way to go)

plug adapter

reef safe sunscreen

insulated water bottle (we love our Hydro Flasks )

reusable straw & reusable bag ( say no to single-use plastic! )

fleece jacket (for fall or spring)/hardshell jacket (for winter)

rain jacket (it can rain during any season, so you’ll want to be prepared!)

Skyroam Pocket WiFi (10% off Coupon Code: TWOWANDERINGSOLES)

Chaco sandals (we’d recommend these instead of hiking boots as they are less bulky and are good for walking through water)

South Korea Articles

To help you plan your dream vacation to South Korea, here are some of our articles to guide you. From fun things to do to detailed itineraries, we’ve got it all!

22 Fun Things To Do in South Korea

If you are living in South Korea - or even just visiting for a short...

16 Must Try Korean Foods

Ever since we left Korea, the cravings for one of our favorite cuisines has grown...

How to Save $22,000 in One Year Teaching English in South Korea

How can you save $22,000 teaching in South Korea too? This is a breakdown of...

9 Easy Money Saving Tips in South Korea

We managed to save even more money than we expected while teaching English for a...

18 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea is not like any other big city, with so many unique and...

Visiting Dokdo and Stunning Ulleungdo, South Korea

When we were offered the chance to visit these hard-to-get-to islands through a trip entirely...

Jeju Island in 3 Days

Follow our journey around Korea's famous Jeju island as we explore waterfalls, volcanic caves, and...

Moving to Korea: The Ultimate Packing List

If you're moving to South Korea to teach English, you're likely wondering what to pack...

Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival

I have a confession. Until last weekend, I had never gone ice fishing in my...

Korean Bullfighting & Persimmon Wine

Think bullfighting happens just in Spain? Think again. Korea has it's own version of this...

A Naked Christmas

Yes, I mean "naked" in the literal sense. No clothes. Nude. Au naturel. Call it...

12 Things Korea Does Bigger Than Any Other Country

From super fast shipping to theme cafes, there are just some things that South Korea...

Seoul Christmas Markets & Craft Beer

One of my most magical holiday memories is visiting the Christmas markets in Austria. So...

EPIK Life Video Contest Winner

I am beyond excited and truly honored to share that I was chosen as the...

Adventure Korea: Caving & Bare-Handed Fishing

I have been craving one last weekend spent outdoors before it gets too cold to...

Korean Apartment Tour

When we finally opened the door to the place we would be calling "home" for...

2 Days in Busan, Korea: Best Things To Do

Known for beaches, temples, markets and nightlife, Busan is well worth a stop during your...

Take Me Out to the (Korean) Ball Game

We’d heard from our co-teachers and friends that Korean baseball games are an experience not...

Camping… Korean Style

We’ve been extremely lucky to find a group of friends here in Korea that has...

Andong Mask Dance Festival

It is rumored that in 1999, Queen Elizabeth asked to be taken to the “most...

Korean Struggle

Though we are beginning to feel settled in, there are many parts of our daily...

Korean Surprise!

One of the more insightful lecturers warned us about a phenomenon she amusingly referred to...

A lot of people have asked us, Why Korea? Our answer is complicated.

Save this page on Pinterest for later!

Book Your Trip Now

Reasons why you should sign up for the Moneymax newsletter right now:

✅ Get the latest Moneymax promos

✅ Find the latest credit card deals

✅ Weekly financial guides and tips

I agree to the terms and conditions and agree to receive relevant marketing content according to our privacy policy .

To K-Drama Land: South Korea Travel Guide and Sample Itinerary

Jay Pagkatotohan

There’s more to South Korea than catchy K-pop tunes, addictive K-Dramas, talented idols, and good-looking oppas . From the bustling urbanscapes of Seoul to the calming sceneries of Jeju Island, this country is full of natural and cultural wonders that will keep you coming back for more.

Being a first-time tourist in South Korea means having your hands full. That’s why proper planning is a must. We’ve got you on that one! 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to a hassle-free and memorable holiday in the Land of the Morning Calm. Let’s go! 

🛡️ Enjoy Financial Protection During Your Trip

Make sure you're financially covered in case of emergencies and accidents during your vacation. Avail of travel insurance for as low as ₱299 via Moneymax today. For your South Korea trip, check out these options based on a four-day stay: 

South Korea Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Go 

Before you plan that 7-day Korea itinerary, you need to cover the essentials first. Take note of the following travel tips: 

👉 Can I Travel to Korea Now From the Philippines This 2023? 

Yes. The borders of South Korea have been open to foreign tourists since June 1, 2022. [1] You can fly into the country as long as you submit and present the necessary travel requirements to South Korea from the Philippines in 2023. 

Related reading: Travel Essentials in the New Normal: What to Pack for Your Next Trip

👉 Does South Korea Require a Tourist Visa? 

Yes. You’ll need to apply for a short-term stay visa, otherwise known as the C-3 visa. This document allows you to stay in South Korea for up to 90 days. 

How to travel to South Korea from the Philippines visa-free? Is it even possible? Yes, you can do so by entering via Jeju, Yangyang, or Jeolla.

For more information, read this comprehensive South Korea tourist visa guide .

👉 Does South Korea Have Quarantine Rules? 

South Korea has already lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. You’re no longer required to undergo a PCR test or comply with quarantine requirements. This rule also applies to unvaccinated tourists. 

However, keep in mind that you may be subject to a seven-day quarantine or restriction of movement if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 during your stay in South Korea. 

The authorities also recommend the use of the Q-Code system for faster entry to the country. This is a special QR code in South Korea that contains your health-related details. 

Here’s a simple Q-Code Korea tutorial: 

• Visit the Q-Code website at https://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr/. 
• Agree to the Terms and Conditions. 
• Enter your email address and passport number. 
• Enter the required passport information. 
• Enter your entry- and stay-related information. 
• Enter your health condition. 
• Confirm the information you’ve entered. 
• Get the QR code. 

The QR code will then be scanned once you arrive at the Korean airport. Note that once the QR code is issued, you’re only allowed to modify the health status. 

👉 What’s the Best Time to Visit Korea? 

This will depend on your travel plans. But generally, you can visit this country all year round. South Korea has a temperate climate, which means it experiences four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best time to visit South Korea: 

• March to May (Spring) – The spring season means that there are clear skies ahead, pretty chill temperatures, and of course, cherry blossoms! Jeju is one of the best places to visit, as it has a wealth of flower parks and lush forests. 
• June to August (Summer) – Summer in Korea can be unforgiving due to its heat and humidity. There are also a lot of rainy days, so make sure you always have an umbrella with you. Locals and tourists alike flock to Busan and Yangyang to frolic on the beaches, relish the sea sprays, and watch the sunset. Since it’s an off-peak season, you can enjoy great deals on flights and hotels. 
• September to November (Fall) – There are lots of clear skies ahead, stunning fall colors everywhere, and pleasant temperatures. Nami Island is one of the most popular spots to visit for its mesmerizing fall foliage. 
• December to January (Winter) – Winter is bitter and very cold, something that tropical denizens may have difficulty getting used to. Nevertheless, this is the best time to visit Korea if you want to try and indulge in various spicy dishes. 

👉 How to Travel to South Korea from the Philippines

Major air carriers in the Philippines operate flights from Manila to Seoul. These include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia. The same airlines also operate flights from Clark, Cebu, and Davao to Seoul (with AirAsia hosting flights from other air carriers). 

The Philippines to Korea ticket price will depend on your air carrier. If you’re flying via low-cost airlines like Cebu Pacific, prepare to shell out between ₱6,000 to ₱10,000 one way. Nevertheless, you can save a lot if you book early and avail of seat sales. 

To pay for flights, accommodations, tours, and other essentials , use any of the best credit cards for travel below. Enjoy not just payment convenience but also maximum travel benefits!

🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: ₱2,500 eGift, Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS, or JBL Wave Beam True Wireless Earbuds 

Eligible cards: Metrobank Titanium Mastercard ® , Platinum Mastercard ® , and World Mastercard ®

Promo period: Until April 30, 2024

How do you get a Metrobank credit card welcome gift? Simple! Just apply and get approved for any eligible card through the Moneymax website.

Choose between a ₱2,500 eGift voucher via Giftaway, a Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS worth ₱5,199, or a JBL Wave Beam worth ₱3,799 as your free special gift.

This Moneymax Metrobank eGift/Dolce Gusto/JBL promo runs until April 30, 2024 only. So hurry and apply now!

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-187470 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply .

Note: Applicant must be an existing credit cardholder in good standing for at least nine months.

👉 How to Get Around South Korea

As an ultra-modern country, South Korea boasts an efficient and reliable transportation system. Here’s how you can navigate the peninsula. 

• Train – Similar to Japan, South Korea has an extensive railway network. Major metropolitan areas, such as Seoul-Incheon, Busan-Gyeongnam, Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Gwangju, and Daejeon have metro rapid transit or subway systems. If you’re traveling from one province to the other, you can ride the KTX (Korean Train eXpress) train, which is the country’s high-speed rail system (the Korean equivalent of Japan’s bullet train). 
• Bus – City buses are ideal for getting around the metropolitan area. The country also has long-distance buses that haul people to other cities and provinces. 
• Taxi – Taxi rides are surprisingly affordable. They’re your best bet if you are traveling by group and want to get to your destination quickly. 
• Ferry – South Korea is surrounded by smaller islands. You can reach them via this mode of transportation. 
• Plane – While South Korea is a relatively small and compact country, it has an extensive domestic flight system that links major cities. Some of the most popular air carriers operating domestic routes are Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air, among others. 

👉 How to Communicate in South Korea

Korean is North Korea and South Korea’s official and national language. As of 2020, the Korean language is spoken by more than 80 million people. 

English is not widely spoken in the country, although people in major and tourist-centric cities can understand the language and communicate at a basic level. To get by and break the ice with the locals, you may want to learn some useful phrases (your K-drama exposure may have prepared you for this!):

• Annyeong! / Annyeong haseyo – Hello!
• Yeoboseyo – Hello! (on the phone)
• Ye or ne – Yes
• Gwanechanayo – Okay 
• Sillyehamnida – Excuse me
• Jamsimanyo – Please hold on. 
• Kamsahamnida – Thank you!
• Cheonmaneyo – You’re welcome!
• Mianhaeyo – Sorry 
• Mollayo – I don’t know
• Juseyo – Please
• Geonbae – Cheers!
• Daebak – Amazing!
• Hwaiting – Good luck!
• Bangapseubnida – Nice to meet you
• Je Ileum-eun - My name is __ 

👉 How Much Does a South Korea Trip Cost? 

The South Korean Won (₩) is South Korea’s official currency. As of this writing, the Korean won to Philippine peso exchange is ₩1 = ₱0.043.

Budget accommodations may range from ₩25,000 to ₩80,000 or ₱1,065 to ₱3,194 per night, depending on the number of people you’re traveling with and your preferred creature comforts. But you can always find cheaper options, especially in the outskirts of heavily touristy areas. 

Food, on the other hand, may cost somewhere between ₩6,000 and ₩20,000 or (₱256 and ₱852. Keep in mind that Western fares are usually more expensive.  

Your budget per day may range from ₩70,000 to ₩140,000 or ₱2,982 to ₱5,750. So if you have a 5-day-4-night South Korea itinerary, you’ll need to shell out between ₩350,000 and ₩700,000 or over ₱14,900 and almost ₱30,000. 

Of course, this budget will depend on the number of attractions you’re visiting and activities you’re taking part in. You can significantly reduce it if you travel with friends and choose more affordable alternatives to accommodations and food. 

The budget is exclusive of your airfare and Korea pasalubong . If you’re factoring in the latter, here are the top things to buy in Korea: 

• K-pop merch – If you’re a K-pop fanatic, you’ll go crazy over the multitude of photo cards, posters, stationery, and lightsticks. 
• Skincare essentials – As you know, South Korea is big on skincare. Take home face masks, moisturizers, facial washes, face mists, etc. 
• Cosmetics – While you’re at it, grab some makeup and perfumes. 
• Clothing – South Koreans take fashion seriously. Add oversize shirts and jackets, cute socks, shoes, boots, and more to your haul. 
• Phone accessories – Quirky phone accessories, such as cases, trinkets, and even power banks, are all the rage in various shopping areas. 
• Food – Stock up on instant ramyeon , boxes of Pepero, dried seaweeds, flavored almonds, and more!

✈️ Book Your Trip Now, Pay Later with #UNOnow Loan!

Fulfill your travel goals without worrying about your budget. UNO Digital Bank has got your back! You can easily apply online for an #UNOnow Loan —no collateral needed—and get extra cash for booking your trips.

Enjoy quick approval and disbursement, as well as flexible payment terms, so you can travel now and pay later. Apply via Moneymax now!

South Korea Travel Guide 2023: Top Must-Visit Places in South Korea 

Here comes the exciting part of this South Korea travel guide—the most popular tourist spots you shouldn’t miss. Plan your itinerary with the following recommendations: 

📍 Gyeongbokgung Palace  

• Location: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• How to get there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 3 train and alight at Gyeongbokgung Station. 

First on this South Korea travel guide is the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most splendid palaces in the country. It’s the largest of the Five Grand Palaces erected by the Joseon Dynasty. Its 40-hectare complex houses around 500 buildings showcasing Ancient Korea’s architectural aesthetics and sensibilities. 

One of the most awaited events in the palace is the changing of the royal guards, which has been performed since the 14th century. Rent a hanbok and roam the grounds like you’re in a sageuk or historical drama. Don’t forget to take a picture of the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate. 

Admission costs ₩3,000 or ₱127 for tourists ages 19 to 64. If you are in a group of 10 or more, you’ll only need to pay ₩2,400 or ₱102. Tourists under 18 or above 65 enjoy free admission. 

📍 N Seoul Tower 

• Location: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• How to get there: Ride the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No.1 at Chungmoro Station (Line 3 and 4) or Dongguk University Station (Line 3). 

Built in 1969, the Namsan Tower or N Seoul Tower (officially named YTN Seoul Tower) is one of the most popular South Korea travel spots. It is the country's first general radio wave tower, beaming broadcast signals across the metropolitan area. 

Standing tall on Mount Namsan, the N Seoul Tower also doubles as a sightseeing observatory. From its top floor, you can see an uninterrupted view of the city. Inside the tower, there are shops and restaurants that cater to visitors. 

Admission to the observatory is ₩21,000 or around ₱890. Children up to 12 years old and elderly over 65 years old have a discounted pass of ₩16,000 or around ₱680. 

📍 Bukchon Hanok Village 

• Location: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• How to get there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 3 train and alight at Anguk Station. From there, walk for around 10 to 15 minutes to get to the village.  

Where to go in Seoul if you’re a history buff? The city has a wealth of historic landmarks, but if you want to know what villages looked like during the Joseon era, the Bukchon Hanok Village is the place to be. 

Similar to the Vigan’s Calle Crisologo or Kyoto’s Gion, The Bukchon Hanok Village is home to traditional houses and structures. There are lots of alleys that let you see the old residences up close. If you’re tired from all the walking, take refuge at one of the cozy cafés or restaurants in the area. 

📍 Gwangjang Market 

• Location: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• How to get there: Take the Seoul Subway train and alight at Jongno-5 Station. 

A trip to Korea won’t be complete without tasty dishes. If this is your objective, there’s no better place for you than the Gwangjang Market. Take note, though, that this is always packed with locals and tourists alike. 

The food here is relatively affordable. Forget samgyup for a while (you’ve already got a fair share of it here in the Philippines, anyway) and try the following dishes at this legendary market: 

• Kalguksu – This knife-cut noodle dish is flavored with scallions, spicy sauce, kimchi , and other veggies. 
• Tteokbokki – The texture of these small rice cakes may remind you of bilo-bilo, albeit a bit firmer and soaked in a sweet and spicy sauce. 
• Mandu – Also known as Korean dumplings, these goodies are made of minced or ground meat with vegetables and kimchi wrapped in a thin flour wrapper. You can add them to your noodles. 
• Gimbap – This seaweed-wrapped rice roll is similar to sushi except that it doesn’t use raw fish. Its usual fillings are tuna, pork cutlet, grilled bulgogi, or ham and cheese. 
• Bibimpab – This hearty meal is composed of rice topped with seasonal vegetables, kimchi , meat, and a fried egg. To enjoy that medley of flavors, you’ll have to mix it well before eating. 
• Bindaetteok – This savory pancake is made of mung beans, kimchi , and various spices.
• Corn dogs – This popular Korean snack is made of a hotdog covered in batter and bread crumbs and then deep-fried to perfection. 
• Hotteok – If you want to finish your gastronomic adventure with something sweet, hotteok or pancake will certainly hit the spot. 

Read more: Going Abroad? Try These Hacks to Save Money on Food While Traveling

🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: Giftaway Credits, JBL Flip 6, or JBL Tune 520 BT

Eligible cards: HSBC Red Mastercard , Gold Visa Cash Back , and Platinum Visa Rebate

Promo period: Until May 15, 2024

Not an HSBC credit cardholder yet? Apply for an HSBC card through Moneymax during the promo period (and get approved subsequently) to receive an exciting welcome gift! Choose from free Giftaway credits worth ₱3,000, a JBL Flip 6 worth ₱7,499, or a JBL Tune 520BT worth ₱3,349 . 

This Moneymax HSBC Giftaway/JBL promo runs until May 15, 2024 only. So hurry and apply now!

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-188586 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply. 

📍 Myeongdong 

• Location: 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• How to get there: Take the Seoul Subway Line 4 train and alight at Myeongdong Station. Alternatively, you can take the Seoul Subway Line 2 train and alight at Euljiro 1-ga Station. From there, walk until you reach Myeongdon's main shopping area. 

Myeongdong is one of the most popular South Korea travel spots among retail therapy junkies. This shopping district has a zillion shops selling trendy clothing, shoes, accessories, and fashion items. The chaos of this destination may remind you of Hong Kong’s Mongkok or Taiwan’s Ximending. 

If you’re a Korean skincare enthusiast, Myeongdong will be your paradise, as it also houses a lot of skincare shops. Popular brands include Nature Republic, Innisfree, and Missha. 

There are many shopping locations in Myeongdong, such as Lotte Young Plaza and Lotte Department Store. But if you want a unique experience, head to the sprawling Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center, which is literally located underground.

📍 Nami Island

• Location: 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
• How to get there: Catch the Nami Island Shuttle Bus in Myeongdong, Namdaemun, or Insadung.

If you’re looking to get away from Seoul’s hustle and bustle for a while, Nami Island will make a memorable day trip. Sitting in the middle of the Han River, this half-moon-shaped island is full of natural wonders that will provide you with that much-needed respite. 

Nami Island is popular for its roads lined with towering trees. The island gets more beautiful during fall as the trees and plants change their foliage’s shade. If you have the guts to brave the bitter cold, visit this island in winter to fully enjoy that “Winter Sonata feel” (trivia: this K-drama popularized the island). 

📍 Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

• Location: 148-40, Imjingak-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• How to get there: You can only access this destination when you book a guided tour. Operators like Klook and KKday offer this tour. 

Make your trip to Korea more thrilling with a visit to the demilitarized zone or DMZ. The DMZ is a region on the Korean peninsula that separates North Korea from South Korea. [2]  

The DMZ measures 250 kilometers long, so you need to pick a specific area of interest for your trip. Some of the most popular spots along the DMZ are the following: 

• Joint Security Area (JSA) – The only portion along the DMZ where North Korean and South Korean military forces see each other face-to-face. 
• Dora Observatory – Here, you can view Kijong-dong, a fake or propaganda town built by North Korea, via binoculars. 
• Odusan Observatory – With binoculars, you can see North Korea on the other side of Han River. You may even see North Korean civilians. 
• Third Infiltration Tunnel – You can also visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression which is one of the four tunnels built by North Koreans to infiltrate South Korea.

Keep in mind that there are some rules in place, such as the following: 

• Do not wear shorts, skirts, ripped pants, and military-themed clothing (camouflage). 
• Do not just take pictures willy-nilly. Follow certain instructions on photography. 
• Avoid waving and pointing. 

You can access the DMZ if you book a tour. Klook’s offers start at around ₱1,500. You must also book your tour at least one week ahead.

📍 Jeju Island 

• Location: South of the Korean Peninsula
• How to get there: From the Korean mainland, travel via a plane bound for Jeju Airport. 

Touted as the Hawaii of Korea, Jeju Island is a popular summer trip among Koreans and foreign tourists. You can reach this destination via a direct flight from Seoul

If you’re into exploration, the Yongmeori Coast has a lot of cliffs and mountains to check out. You may also want to explore Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, an island formed by magma flowing out of the sea more than 5,000 years ago. At the summit, you can take in the cool breeze while marveling at uninterrupted sea views. 

Visiting Jeju during spring? During this season, certain roads are lined with cherry blossom trees and flowering plants all in full bloom.  

Don’t miss Mount Sanbangsan in Southern Jeju. The yellow carpet of canola flowers with the backdrop of the mountain will make you feel like you’re in a postcard. 

🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: ₱2,500 eGift, JBL Bluetooth Speaker, or JBL Wireless Earbuds

Eligible cards: Select Security Bank credit cards:

• Gold Mastercard
• Complete Cashback Platinum Mastercard
• Platinum Mastercard
• World Mastercard

Promo period: Until May 31, 2024

Want a credit card from Security Bank? You're in for a treat if you apply and get approved for an eligible card through Moneymax and meet the minimum spend requirement. Pick your free Security Bank welcome gift: a ₱2,500 Giftaway eGift voucher, a JBL Horizon 2 Bluetooth Clock Radio Speaker worth ₱5,354, or JBL Wave Beam True Wireless Earbuds worth ₱3,799.

This Moneymax Security Bank Giftaway/JBL Horizon 2/JBL Wave Beam credit card promo runs until May 31, 2024 only. Apply now!

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-191158 Series of 2024.   Terms and conditions apply . 

• Location: North Jeolla Province 
• How to get there: From Seoul, take the KTX train bound for Jeonju. 

Jeonju is one of the crowning glories of Southwest Korea. As one of the cultural epicenters of the Joseon Dynasty, this city has preserved a lot of historical treasures, ranging from splendid shrines to hanok villages.

Rent a hanbok and explore the streets of Jeonju Hanok Village filled with ancient homes, a lot of which have been converted into restaurants and cafés. You may also spend the night at one of the hanok s.  

Don’t forget to sample the city’s bibimbap . After all, Jeonju is the birthplace of this famous rice dish. 

📍 Busan 

• Location: Yeongnam Region 
• How to get there: Take the KTX train bound for Busan. Alternatively, you can book a flight from Gimpo Airport bound for Busan. 

After Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. It’s also the educational, cultural, and economic center in the country’s southeast region. 

As a massive metropolis, Busan has a lot of places worth visiting, such as the following: 

• Nampo Neighborhood – Here, you can visit the Busan International Film Festival Square (or BIFF Square) and Busan Tower, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city. 
• Jagalchi Fish Market – Get your favorite seafood and have it prepared at one of the restaurants there. 
• Gamcheon Culture Village – This colorful village, which was originally built for Korean War refugees, deserves a spot or two on your Instagram feed. There are also a lot of quaint coffee shops where you can comfortably view the colorful houses or people-watch. 
• Gwangalli Beach – Time your visit late in the afternoon to witness the sun setting over Gwangan Bridge. 
• Haeundae Beach – This is a popular spot during summer because its shallow bay lets swimmers enjoy the refreshing waters. 

📍 Other Places to Go in Seoul 

• Location: Seoul
• How to get there: To get around, just use the Seoul Subway Line. 

Where to go in Seoul this 2023? If you plan to stay in the capital all throughout your trip, here are the other top Seoul tourist attractions: 

• Cheonggyecheon Stream – This stream used to be covered with concrete and an elevated highway. It was then transformed into an ecological park, accommodating pedestrians and those who want to take a breather from the city’s hustle and bustle. 
• Deoksugung Palace – One of Seoul's Grand Five Palaces, Deoksugung Palace is known for its stonewall road. It sits in the middle of towering modern buildings, giving it a unique vibe. Trivia: the palace’s picturesque stonewall road has been featured in a lot of K-dramas, such as “Goblin” and “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.” There’s also a superstition that couples who walk together on this road are doomed to break up. 
• Ehwa Womans University – One of South Korea’s most prestigious universities, Ehwa Womans University attracts tourists for its beautiful Western-style architecture. While here, don’t miss the iconic staircase and passageway lined with glass buildings on both sides. 
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza – Also known as DDP, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza draws in visitors due to its futuristic architecture. Take a lot of snaps of the building’s exteriors or attend an exhibition if it happens to have one that tickles your fancy. 
• Lotte World – Lotte World is a massive indoor theme park that has also served as a location for many K-drams, such as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Love Alarm,” “True Beauty,” and “Business Proposal.” 
• Gangnam – Yes, that’s the Gangnam PSY was singing about in his 2012 viral hit “Gangnam Style.” This posh neighborhood is the perfect spot for those who want to go clubbing and shopping. 
• Itaewon – Similar to Makati’s Poblacion, Itaewon is a commercial area hosting foreigners. Bar hopping and gastronomy are the main activities here. You may also visit some of the spots featured in the 2020 hit K-drama “Itaewon Class.” 
• Leeum Samsung Museum of Art – Located in Itaewon, Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is a must-visit for those who are into art and design. It houses traditional artifacts and contemporary pieces. A ticket costs ₩12,000 or around ₱500. Admission for university students, adolescents, and senior citizens is ₩6,000 or around ₱250. Meanwhile, admission is free for veterans (plus one companion), veterans, and preschoolers. [3]
• War Memorial of Korea – Opened in 1994, this museum houses more than 33,000 pieces related to the Korean War. This museum is also located in Itaewon. 

Read more: 

• It’s a Taiwan-derful Journey: Getting a Taiwan Visa in the Philippines
• Bali, Indonesia Travel Guide: Get to Know This Paradise Down South
• Vietnam Travel Guide: Enjoy Your Visit with These Recommendations
• Sawadee Ka: Your Comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide

Sample Itinerary: Places to Go and Things to Do

If you want a DIY travel guide, here’s a sample itinerary for a 5-day-4-night South Korea itinerary. Note that this is intended for those staying only in Seoul. This itinerary also assumes that you arrived in Seoul the night before Day 1 and that Day 5 will be your trip back to the Philippines. 

• 8:00 a.m. - Wake up
• 9:00 a.m. - Gyeongbokgung Palace
• 11:30 a.m. - Lunch
• 2:00 p.m. - Cheonggyecheon Stream
• 2:30 p.m. - Bukchon Hanok Village 
• 5:00 p.m. - Dongdaemun Design Plaza
• 7:00 p.m. - Gwangjang Market (including dinner)
• 9:00 p.m. - Home
• 9:00 a.m. - Deoksugung Palace
• 2:00 p.m. - Ehwa Womans University 
• 5:00 p.m. - Gangnam (up to dinner time)
• 8:00 p.m. - Home
• 6:00 a.m. - Wake up
• 9:00 a.m. - Nami Island
• 12:00 a.m. - Lunch
• 6:00 p.m. - Myeongdong (including dinner)
• 9:00 a.m. - War Memorial of Korea 
• 2:00 p.m. - Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
• 4:00 p.m. - N Seoul Tower 
• 7:00 p.m. - Itaewon (including dinner)

Read more: Being Your Own Tour Operator: Guide to DIY Travel Planning

Final Thoughts 

South Korea is one of the world’s cultural powerhouses, as evidenced by the popularity of K-pop, K-drama, K-skincare, and more. For many Korean culture aficionados, visiting this country is a dream come true. 

However, planning can be overwhelming. There are just so many places to visit and activities to try that prioritizing becomes a challenge. But we hope that this South Korea travel guide helps you organize your trip. Hwaiting !

Sources: 

• [1] South Korea Visa Announcement
• [2] Korean Demilitarized Zone
• [3] Leeum Samsung Museum of Art Admission

Jay is a marketing communications professional who specializes in short-form and long-form content. He has written ads for TV, radio, print, and digital. He has also produced corporate blogs, magazine features, white papers, product listings, reviews, and press releases for clients here and abroad. When he’s not writing, Jay plays the piano or takes pictures for his visual diary. Follow Jay on LinkedIn.

Related articles

Escape the Summer Heat: The Ultimate Baguio Travel Guide

Welcome to the Breezy City: Tagaytay Travel Guide

La Union Travel Guide: What to Do in Elyu

Financial tip:, use a personal loan to consolidate your outstanding debt at a lower interest rate.

DISCLAIMER: Moneymax strives to keep its article information accurate and up to date. The information you read may be different from what you see when you visit a partner, provider, or financial institution’s website. All information we publish is presented without warranty and may change over time. If you find discrepancies or outdated information, please contact Moneymax directly .

With the exception of any articles published in partnership with named providers, opinions expressed in our articles are the author's alone, not those of any product provider, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the providers.

© Moneyguru Philippines Corporation. All rights reserved with its registered address at 6th floor, ACT Tower, H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

A Filipino Traveller’s Guide to Visiting Korea for the First Time

For Filipinos, South Korea sounds like an expensive travel destination. Being one of the leading economies in Asia, its high cost of living and visa requirements often make Filipino travellers think twice before booking a flight to the country.

Believe it or not, you don’t have to be rich to explore the Land of the Morning Calm. For Filipino first-time travellers to Korea, here’s a little guide to make the experience worthwhile.

How to apply for a visa: Lax rules and easy application process

Applying for a Korean Visa is almost hassle-free if you have the necessary requirements and enough time to accomplish it. Though a travel agency can help you when applying for a Visa, it’s something you can do yourself.

Luckily for Philippine passport holders, a single entry 59-day South Korean tourist visa comes for free! Though there are requirements,  accomplishing one is no rocket science.

Also read:  My South Korea Tourist Visa Approved: 5 Easy Steps for Filipinos

Visa application steps

Step 1: Compile the necessary requirement for a tourist visa

Complete all the necessary requirements needed for the visa application. It varies from one individual to another, but there are general requirements that every applicant needs to submit.

General requirements

• Application form
• Philippine Passport valid for more than 6 months (original and photocopy of Bio page)
• If applicable, original and Photocopy of valid visas and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past five years.
• NSO-certified Birth Certificate
• Original Personal Bank Certificate
• Original Bank Statements
• Original or Photocopy of Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316
• 1 passport-sized picture

Travellers with OECD member country visas and arrival stamps within the last five years are exempt from submitting an ITR. A recently revised condition also exempts from submitting an ITR frequent travellers who have been to Korea at least once for the last five years.

Supporting documents

• Invitation letter from a Korean or a company in Korea
• Roundtrip airline ticket
• Hotel booking

Aside from the requirements mentioned above, some applicants are required to submit other documents.

For employees

• Original Certificate of Employment (COE) including applicant’s position, compensation, address, date hired, office landline or mobile number, and email address
• Certificate of Leave of Absence

For businessmen

• Copy of an SEC or DTI-issued Business Registration
• Copy of Business or Mayor’s permit
• (Optional) Electricity bill statements for the past three months

For students

Since they do not have an ITR and probably a bank account, they’re required to submit the following instead:

• Original School Certificate
• Photocopy of School ID
• Parent’s Documents:
• Original Employment Certificate
• Or Business Registration from DTI or SEC & Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
• Original Bank Certificate
• Original or Certified True copy of Bank Statement
• Copy of ITR
• Copy of NSO Marriage Certificate

For a more comprehensive list of visa requirements, visit mofa.go.kr .

Step 2: Accomplish the visa application form

The visa application form can be downloaded from the embassy website, but it’s also available when you go to the embassy to submit your requirements. However, it’s advisable to finish filling up the form before going to the embassy.

You can download the new visa application form here .

Step 3: Head to the South Korean embassy to submit your requirements

The South Korean Embassy is located at McKinley Town Centre in Taguig, and filing of visa application is available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM only. However, you must arrive there early, because they accept applicants earlier than 8:30 AM. I made the mistake of arriving at exactly 8:30 AM and had to face a terrific queue of applicants.

There’s no need to make an appointment as it’s on a first come, first served basis. You will be directed to a specific window, depending on your traveller type—first time travellers, frequent travellers, seamen, travellers with OECD-member country visa, etc.

• 59 days (or less) stay in Korea — GRATIS (FREE)
• 60 to 90 days stay in Korea — ₱1,800.00

It’s also possible to submit the application for someone else. When I travelled with my family, I am the one who submitted their visa application forms and requirements, with no additional charge at all.

Step 4: Return on your  scheduled date to claim your passport and visa

Processing time varies—3 working days for those who have been to an OECD country within the last five years and 5 working days to those who haven’t.

Claiming of passport can be done from Monday to Friday, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM only.

Korea without a visa: Jeju Island

If applying for a visa is too much hassle for you, then great news! Jeju Island requires no visa for Philippine passport holders. The island has enough charm in itself that it’ll already be a perfect destination for a 3 to 4-day visit.

Also read:  13 Awesome Attractions in Jeju Island You Shouldn’t Miss

Free multiple-entry visa

Yes, you’ve read that right. It’s possible to automatically be granted a free multiple entry visa valid for a year or two years, even if you didn’t apply for it! However, the only way to be granted this kind of Visa is if you applied for one within two years after your last visit.

Since it’s your first time, you’re still not eligible for this. It’s still a nifty information, because once you’ve visited Korea, you’ll be planning to return as soon as possible.

Don’t forget to check out the South Korean embassy website , and read it again and again so you won’t miss out anything.

Getting around Korea: A guide to buses, subways, taxis, and trains

Getting around Seoul is easy enough. South Korea has one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world, and tourists will definitely find it easy to navigate the country.

The T-Money Card

If you plan to use the public transportation consistently during your stay, then it’s best to get the T-Money Card. It’s a transportation card that also functions as a discount card and can be used in select convenience stores. The rechargeable T-Money Card is used in subways, buses, and taxis, and it’s honoured in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Daejeon, Incheon, Busan, and Daegu.

One of the advantages of a T-Money Card is that travel fare is ₩100 (₱4) cheaper compared to paying with cash. Transferring from one subway line to another, from bus to bus, or bus to subway is also free with T-Money. But of course, the transfer must be done within a limited time.

Though the card itself costs ₩2,500 (₱100), a card with ₩20,000 (₱800) or less credit can be refunded with ₩500 (₱20) service fee. The refund can be done at partner convenience stores with a T-Money logo.

You can buy a T-Money card from a vending machine or a convenience store inside subway stations.  I remember buying mine from a convenience store in Anguk Station, and another one from a vending machine in Hongdae.

There’s also the M-Pass card, which offers 20 rides per day for the user. There are 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day passes, and it can also be used in subways, buses, and taxis. I honestly don’t recommend getting this. A 1-day M-Pass card is worth ₩10,000 (₱400), but there’s no way you can use up that much just on transportation. Even with multiple transfers, we didn’t spend more than ₩6,000 (₱240) on transportation in a day.

Check out Visit Korea’s page to see the full list of cities that use T-Money.

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway makes travelling around the capital not just easy but cheap and comfortable. It has 20 rapid transit, light metro, and commuter rail lines that extend to a number of nearby towns and cities, such as Incheon and Yongin.

If you’re DIY-ing your South Korea trip, then it’s best to familiarise yourself with the subway lines. I often plan my itinerary based on the attractions’ nearest subway lines. Be prepared to make a lot of transfers, but learning how the subway lines connect can make planning a lot easier. I suggest downloading a mobile app of Seoul’s subway system. You can also save a guide of the Seoul subway.

Be prepared for a lot walking, because most subway stations don’t have escalators. You’ll also be walking a lot, especially when you make a transfer. Walking from one subway line to another can already take 10-15 minutes, depending on foot traffic.

Aside from Seoul, the other big cities with subway lines are Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju. Instead of using single journey tickets, use your T-Money to save time and money.

Another affordable way to explore cities is to ride the buses. The buses in Seoul are frequent and inexpensive, but they travel at a limited time period. We didn’t know this so when we arrived in Seoul from Busan at around one in the morning, the buses going from Seoul Station to Hongdae already stopped its operation for the day. We resorted to riding a cab.

Bus stops in Seoul have route diagrams in English, so you can check whether your bus passes that way. Most bus stops also have a LED sign signalling the arrival of a bus. Keep watch for your bus number, because if the sign says it will arrive in 5 minutes, it will.

In the province, buses follow a schedule. It usually arrives every hour or 30 minutes. Timetables, names, and destinations are rarely written in English, so look for the nearest tourist information centre to help you with the Hangul (Korean language).

While you can use the T-Money when riding buses, bank notes are also acceptable, but only coins are given as a change. So save your ₩1,000 (₱40) notes for bus rides if you don’t plan to use the T-Money.

Despite being a developed country, South Korea boasts of affordable taxi fare. Depending on  the destination and the size of the group, commuting via taxi can be cheaper than riding the subway. We sometimes resort to riding the taxi, with no worry whatsoever of the cost, because we know that the taxi drivers wouldn’t charge us heavily.

Regular taxis charge around ₩2,400 (₱100) for the first 2km, but there’s a surcharge of 20% from midnight to 4:00 AM.

Though taxi drivers are not that good in English, they try their hardest to communicate with you. The drivers who know English will be chatty, so be friendly and introduce them to the wonders of our country as well.

Many Korean drivers cannot read phonetic alphabet, and most of them wouldn’t understand your pronunciation of a place with a Korean name. Chances are, you’d be misunderstood.

Here’s a tip: Have someone—your host or a hotel receptionist—write out your destinations for the day in Korean, which you’ll show to the driver. It’s also good to have the address of your hotel written in Korean, just in case you’ll need to get home via taxi one lost night.

Travelling around Korea

Though not the cheapest mode of transportation, the Korea Train Express (KTX) makes moving around the country faster and easier. Operating at 300 km per hour, the express train can take you from Seoul to Busan in less than three hours. It’s a fast, safe and easy way to travel, but it can also cost you a lot. But if your goal is to travel more than one city, you must definitely consider this mode of transportation.

How to make a reservation

Reservations can be made via travel agents, ticket counters at the station, the internet, and automatic ticketing machines. You can check train schedules and book tickets online a month in advance. You can do so here .

When to use the discount pass

The Korail Pass is a great way to travel from one destination to another, without burning a hole in your wallet. You can ride the KTX for unlimited times on your chosen number of days—1, 3, 5 or 7 days.

The catch is, you’re required to use it on consecutive days. But if you’ll be frequently travelling via the KTX, then it’s an ideal option for you.

My friends and I used the KR Pass for a two-day trip to Busan. We purchased a 3-day KR Pass, even though we’ll only be spending overnight in the city. It’s still a lot cheaper compared to buying two separate tickets.

Touchdown: From Incheon Airport to Seoul

Upon arriving in South Korea, you’ll be welcomed by the grand Incheon airport. You’re still far from Seoul, but numerous modes of transportation are available to reach the capital.

Airport Rail Express

Taking the AREX is the quickest and cheapest way to reach Seoul. Depending on the traveller’s needs, there’s the Express Train and All Stop Train. Both stop at Seoul Station, which is right where you want to go if you need to head directly to KTX.

The Express Train, which travels non-stop to Seoul Station, operates with 25 to 40-minute interval, with ₩14,000 (₱560)  fare for adults. The rates are adjusted to ₩8,000 (₱320) for adults and ₩6,900 (₱280) for kids, until December 31, 2015. You can use your Express Train ticket to get a discount when purchasing a KR Pass.

On the other hand, the All Stop train costs ₩4,250 (₱170) for adults, ₩3,040 (₱120)  for the youth, and ₩1,900 (₱80) for children. It stops at 11 subway stations, 6 of which allow passengers to transfer to other subway lines.

If you decide to take the AREX, be prepared for a lot of walking and heaving your luggage up multiple flights of stairs. Many subway stations do not have an escalator.

You can check out the AREX main website for more information.

Airport bus

The airport bus is one of the easy ways to reach Seoul from the airport. Just ask the contact person of your hostel or hotel which Airport Bus Number you should take to your accommodation.

No matter where you’re going in downtown Seoul, the travel fare of the Deluxe Limousine Bus, which makes fewer stops, and the Standard Limousine bus are ₩14,000 (₱560) and ₩9,000–₩10,000  (₱360–₱400), respectively. Ticket booths are right outside the passenger terminal, while the bus platforms are right outside the gates.

Though not exactly a budget-friendly way to travel, riding a cab offers the convenience that neither a bus nor a train can offer. This is ideal when you’re travelling with kids and the elderly.

Riding a standard taxi from Incheon airport to Seoul can set you back ₩60,000–100,000 (₱2,400–4,000), and the ₩8,000 (₱320)  toll is the passenger’s responsibility.

What to wear in Korea: Four seasons of fashionable dressing

My friends and I always joke that Korea is the place where we can unleash our inner fashionistas. The country has four seasons, which means there’s a lot of room to experiment on clothes. However, as someone from a tropical country, it can get pretty cold! I make sure to check the weather at least two weeks in advance to plan out what I would wear on the days I’d be in Korea. This makes packing easier.

Being from a tropical country, winter can be the harshest weather condition we face on our travels. But winter clothes and thermal wear can be your best friend in navigating the winter wonderland. My cheapskate self will tell you to visit your  favourite ukay-ukay for parkas and jackets, but a quick visit to a mall can also direct you to international brands carrying an affordable winter line.

Also read:  My 5-Day Winter Holiday in Korea: Itinrary, Tips & Cost Breakdown for Filipinos

Though it’s mostly chilly throughout the day, the days are tolerable compared to the nights. While coats and thick jackets are necessary when roaming the streets at night, it’ll be bearable to wear only long-sleeved shirts or thin cardigans during the day. But the temperature can drop to an almost freezing level when it rains.

Just think of a regular hot day in the Philippines, minus the humidity and the threat of rain every minute.

The temperature of spring and fall are almost similar, but autumn nights can get a little colder. It’s when the temperature drops almost everyday as it slowly approaches winter. Wear thick coats over long-sleeved shirts, and warmers under your pants. Boots are also applicable.

Where and what to eat: A brief introduction to Korean food

Breaking news: Not all Korean food is spicy! And it’s not just vegetables either.

As pork lovers, Filipinos are often terrified at the sight of a Korean food-filled table. At first glance it may look either very green (veggies) or very red (chili), but Korea has a wide selection of Filipino-friendly dishes.

The famous samgyupsal may be best enjoyed with ban chan (side dishes) wrapped in lettuce, but it can also be eaten as a viand with rice. Speaking of rice, Koreans probably put magic on their rice because it tastes really good! My mother who’s not fond of Korean food is very fond of Korean rice. It is also often served with beans.

Also read:  15 Must-Try Korean Dishes for Non-Spicy Food Lovers

When eating at Korean restaurants and you’re not into spicy food, don’t hesitate to specify that you don’t want gochujang (chili paste) on your food. Emphasise this especially when you order bibimbap.  Also, you can ask the servers which food on the menu isn’t spicy. They’ll happily point it out to you.

There are also a lot of fast food chains in Korea, with a little twist from what we’re used to.  If you’re uncomfortable experimenting with the local food, you can always resort to the tried and tested international fast food chains like McDonald’s and KFC or the obscure Popeye’s and Lotteria.

But if you’re willing to introduce yourself to the charming and addicting world of Korean cuisine, I recommend the following:

For non-veggie lovers: Omurice, Hotteok, Cup Toast, Pork Cutlet (donkasu), Samgyeopsal

For non-spicy lovers: Bulgogi, Mandu, Patbingsoo, Kimbap, Galbitang

For spicy lovers: Jjamppong, Korean fried chicken, Ramyun, Odeng, Bibimbap, Kimchi jjige

Must-try Korean restaurants

Though I highly suggest trying small-scale restaurants serving home-cooked Korean cuisines, there are restaurant chains that you must try:

1. The Fry Pan

From a university project to an established restaurant chain in Seoul, The Fry Pan serves one of the best Korean fried chickens you’ll ever taste in your life. A plate of boneless chicken breasts fried to perfection served with a side of potato wedges will make you love and crave the fried chicken culture in Korea.

You can find it in Hongdae, Myeongdong, Itaewon and more.

2. Hello Kitty Café

Decorated with anything pink and Hello Kitty, even the food and coffee served in the Hello Kitty Café are definitely cute. There’s already a Hello Kitty museum in Jeju, but if you’re stuck in Seoul, you can visit any of the cafés in Hongdae , Hyehwa, or Sinchon.

3. School Food

Korean food with a twist! This restaurant chain takes the ordinary Korean homey food and puts a spin on it. A kimbap is not just a kimbap, because their fillings range from beef teriyaki  to bacon to fried shrimp. School Food is already scattered around the country, and there’s one in almost all tourist hubs.

4. Miss Lee Café

If the Japanese has the bento, Koreans have the doshirak! Miss Lee Café specialises on the lunchbox meal that consists of rice, egg, spam, kimchi, and seaweed. The trick is to shake, shake, shake the box to mix all the ingredients inside.

5. Lotte Mall Food Court

Probably the fanciest food court I’ve ever tried, the Lotte Mall Food Court is adjacent to the supermarket. You can pass it on your way to Lotte World. They have a wide selection of food, that it’ll be impossible not to pick one that’s good and fits your budget.

Where to stay: Hostels, hotels, home stays, temple stays

Growing to be one of the hottest destinations in Asia, South Korea has a booming hospitality industry.  There’s a wide selection of accommodation perfect for every budget.

Also read:  How to Travel Korea on a Budget

1. Hi Korea Hostel in Busan

A stone’s throw from Haeundae Beach, Hi Korea Hostel offers affordable accommodation with free breakfast. Their shower is top-notch and their dorm-type rooms still offer a sense of privacy to the guests. Read my review here .

2. K Hostel in Seoul

Conveniently located at Dongmyo station, K Hostel is within walking distance of Dongdaemun and the Seoul Flea Market. Any KPOP fan will also appreciate its decoration. Read my review here .

3. Koreastay (homestay)

If you want to learn more about Korea and befriend the locals, homestay might be perfect for you. It’s available in pretty much all provinces in Korea. Though not necessarily cheaper, homestay is a great way to learn about the culture directly from the source and not the guidebook.

4. Templestay.com

A unique way to experience Korea is through its lifestyle and beliefs. It’s not just an accommodation, it’s a cultural experience. Here, you can learn and practice Buddhist teachings during your stay. Visit templestay.com for more info.

5. J Hill Hotel

Though not a 5-star hotel, J Hill Hotel has everything you need for a satisfying and comfortable stay in Seoul. From buffet breakfast to coin-operated do-it-yourself laundry, it’s conveniently located in Myeongdong—the shopping mecca of Seoul.

And if all else fails, you can always spend the night in a sauna.

What (not) to do: Customs and traditions to keep in mind

I always think that Korea and the Philippines have similar values. However, there are still striking differences. Check out these customs and traditions that you must always keep in mind when in the country:

• They have great respect for the elderly. No matter how tired you are, do not sit at the subway and bus seats provided for the seniors and pregnant women.
• It’s a complete taboo to wear shoes inside the house or a room. When we stayed at a hostel in Seoul, we were scolded on our first day for bringing in our boots inside the room. Do not let the same thing happen to you.
• Absolutely no jaywalking!
• When handing money or cards when paying, try to use both hands as a sign of respect.
• Bowing is common. When you end up meeting the gaze of the locals, especially the elderly, bow your head a little as a sign of acknowledgement and they will gladly do the same.
• Tipping is uncommon in Korea. Don’t feel obliged to give tip to your taxi driver or to leave tip at a restaurant.

Be respectful at all times, because they will definitely show you hospitality and kindness.

Also read:  16 Things to Know Before Travelling to Korea

What to say: No ‘Anong Sa’Yo?’ please

Let’s keep our corny jokes to ourselves for awhile, and at least try to understand their language.

When in Korea, it’ll go a long way if you know a little Hangeul (Korean). The country has become incredibly tourist-friendly in just a couple of years, but it’ll still be good to show the locals that you’ve made an effort to greet them in their language.

Of course, you can’t learn a language just a month before your trip! Here are some words, phrases and sentence that you can find useful in your travel:

• An-nyong-ha-se-yo! – It’s both hello and bye in Korean.
• Kam-sa-ham-ni-da! – Thank you.
• Pil-li-pin sa-ram-i-e-yo. – I’m a Filipino.
• Jo-neun (name)-im-ni-da. – I’m _____.
• I-reum-i Mwo-shim-ni-kka? – What is your name?
• Bae-ga-go-peum-ni-da. – I’m hungry.
• Ye-ppu-ne-yo! – It’s pretty.
• Ka-kka-wo-yo? – Is it near?
• Da-sshi bop-shi-da! – See you again!
• Hwa-jang-shil – Toilet
• Byung-won – Hospital
• A-ppa-yo. – It hurts. / I’m sick.

Also read:  Important Phrases You Need to Know When In Korea

What to do in Korea: A mini bucket list

• Indulge in Korean street food like odeng, hotteok, silkworm, tteokbokki, soondae, bbopkki, twigim, egg bread, and more.
• Eat kimchi!
• Try on a traditional Korean dress called hanbok. Most Tourist Information Centres offer it for free.
• Go shopping for the trendiest outfit at one of their shopping districts.
• Visit the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae or the Alive Museum at Namsan Park.
• Buy a face mask and try it on.
• Go hiking at Bukhansan in Seoul or Seoraksan in Sokcho.
• Befriend a local.
• Stay at a temple for a day or two.
• Experience the four seasons of Korea!

Also read:  Korea Bucket List: 17 Wacky Challenges You Must Conquer

Now, you’re ready to explore to Korea!

Jane Galvez

Jane is a homebody, but the promise of an adventure of a lifetime inspires her to spend her weekends travelling. When she's not on the road travelling, she's writing about the places she's been to or planning her next exploit at Oh My Janey .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

All You Need to Know About Jollibee’s New Rumoured Meatless Chickenjoy

Get a checkup from home: metro manila hospitals & clinics offering telemedicine, non-schengen european countries filipinos can explore first, 10 must-visit bohol restaurants & cafes on your next trip to the island, 5 simple but thoughtful gifts for delivery riders, advertising & collaboration.

Advertise | Cut through the noise with integrated marketing solutions across multiple channels.

Press | Send us your Press Releases & Media Invites.

Editorial | Contribute your travel stories or submit content enquiries.

Welcome To Joel’s Travel Tips

Hi! I’m  Joel . I’ve loved travelling and exploring this beautiful world ever since I first went backpacking at the tender age of 18 – a whole lifetime ago!

I knew I was never meant to spend my life cramped up in a cubicle at work. I wanted to see more of this world, one country at a time. So I decided to quit my job and spend my time working, travelling, and living overseas. 

That was back in 2006 and since then I’ve been travelling slowly around this world, living in five other countries whilst visiting dozens more.

Find Out More About Joel

Join Me On Social Media:

“You go away for a long time and return a different person – you never come all the way back” Paul Theroux

What’s On Joel’s Travel Tips

This website is here to provide all the most detailed and useful information to help you plan your adventures to Korea and the rest of the world.

You’ll find loads of informative articles about how to travel, what to see, ways to save money, and things you really can’t miss out on.

Right now I’m living in Korea and am writing a wealth of articles to help you plan your dream trip to Korea. I’m also writing about my experience living and working overseas as an expat.

Whatever you’re looking for, I hope you’ll find it here. If not, please feel free to send me a message and get in touch on Facebook , Pinterest , or Instagram .

Korean Travel

I’ve lived in Korea since 2015 and love the food, culture, lifestyle, sights, sounds, tastes and so much more here.

I want to share this with the world and have created dozens of articles about how to travel in Korea, what to see, when to travel, the best food and drinks, how much it costs, and lots more.

If you have any questions about travelling to Korea that I haven’t covered here, then please join this group:

Korea Travel Advice Group

You’ll find over 3,000 people who also love travelling to Korea, lots of awesome recommendations, pictures, reviews, and essential information to help you plan your dream trip to Korea.

Check out the dedicated page for Korean Travel Tips

Latest Korean Travel Articles

How To Go To Nami Island From Seoul: Transport Guide 2022

Guide To Hiking In Korea: 21 Top Korean Hiking Tips

What Is Fan Death? Korean Fan Death Myth Explained

10 Best Mountains To Hike In Korea At Any Time

What Are The Best Things To Do In Seoul In Any Season?

40 Funny Korean Signs And Pictures To Make You Giggle

See All Korean Travel Articles

Living & Working Overseas

Ever wanted to make the leap overseas but not sure how to do it? Want to know how and what you can do about working, living, travelling, and exploring a new country?

Then these articles are for you. I have lived in 6 different countries so far, and have lived outside of my home country, England, for more than 13 years.

I’ve been teaching English in Asia for 9 years, but have also lived and travelled in many other countries. Now I want to share that experience with you.

In today’s global world, many people want to explore outside their own borders. Hopefully these articles will help you plan your first step overseas.

Latest Articles About Living Overseas

How Is Life Living In Korea As An Expat? An Honest Overview

How To Make Money Teaching In Korea: Save $15,000 A Year

Teaching English In Korea With EPIK 2021: The EPIK Guide

See All Articles About Living & Working Overseas

What’s Happening On Joel’s Travel Tips

Here you’ll find all the latest articles on all the various subjects that I cover here on Joel’s Travel Tips.

I’m currently living and working in Korea and travelling about the country as often as possible to bring you the best insights into Korean travel, culture, and history.

Once world travel becomes possible again, I’ll be sharing a lot of other travel tips about places I can’t wait to see again or discover anew.

Most Recent Articles

Read All Articles

• Work with me
• Privacy policy

• Years in review
• United Kingdom
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• South Africa
• Africa Overlanding
• Central America
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Budget travel
• Travel tips
• Travel itineraries
• Hidden gems
• Bucket list
• Travel resources
• Digital nomadism
• Blogging tips
• Start a travel blog

During 2 weeks in South Korea , I backpacked from Busan in the south to Seoul in the north. There’s plenty of diversity in the destinations and fantastic South Korean food to throw in the mix. Since it’s pricey, I have plenty of budget tips to share…

South Korea fast facts:

Capital city: Seoul

Currency: Korean won (KRW)

Population: 52 million

Official languages: Korean.

PLANNING A South Korea TRIP?

Is Korea Expensive? South Korea Trip Budget

30 South Korea Travel Tips To Know Before Going!

Perfect South Korea Itinerary For 2 Weeks: Best Stops + Tips!

South Korea Bucket List: 40 Quirky & Cultural Things To Do

Solo Travel in South Korea: Best Places & Tips!

South korea blog posts.

The Perfect​ Seoul Itinerary For 5 Days + Culture & Food!

Ultimate Seoul Street Food Guide

Taking A Korea DMZ Tour From Seoul – What To Expect + Tips

3 Day Busan Itinerary & Things To Do

Unmissable Day Trips From Busan, South Korea

Korea Food Guide: What To Eat In South Korea

Idyllic Things To Do in Jeonju, South Korea

How To Visit Jeju Island Without a Car

Month 13 Round-Up (June ’19): Korea, Kimchi + the 11th Worst Hangover Ever

Solo Travel in Asia: The BEST Places To Go & Tips!

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

Korea Travel Blog

WELCOME to this Korea blog which covers everything from traveling in Korea, Korean food, K-beauty, teaching English in Korea and much more. This blog aims to inspire more people from all over the world to learn about everything Korea has to offer.

Be Marie Korea 여행 블로그에 오신 것을 환영합니다! 우리 블로그는 여러분들이 대한민국을 여행하고 문화를 알아가는데 도움을 주는 곳입니다. 더 많은 정보를 위해서는 여기를 눌러보세요.

– BE KOREA SHOP –

– FEATURED POST –

Things To Do In Jeonju | The Jeonju Hanok Village & More

What to do in Jeonju? How to get to the Jeonju hanok village? Where to eat in Jeonju? What is the best Jeonju hanok stay? Looking for the best things to do in Jeonju?

Where To Stay In Jeju Island | Guide To The Best Accommodations

Planning a holiday to the beautiful Jeju Island in South Korea? You’ll be in for a treat, as the island filled with stunning white sand beaches, hiking trails and waterfalls.

– DON’T MISS ANYTHING –

FOMO – do you have it?  Well there is no need to Fear On Missing Out here at Be Marie Korea. Sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox. Don’t worry, I will not spam you, just the occasional email with a great deal of awesomeness. What are you waiting for? Join Me!

PS: We hate spam too, read our  Privacy Policy here

KOREA TRAVEL ITINERARIES

KOREA TRAVEL BLOG TIPS

SEOUL TRAVEL BLOG

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

South Korea Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

Though South Korea is small (about the size of the US state of Indiana), it punches well above its weight in terms of things to see and do. Boasting a vibrant culture, incredible history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a wild nightlife, it’s home to both major cities and untouched nature, offering something for every traveler.

Seoul, the capital city and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the world (over half the country’s population of 50 million is concentrated here), is a lively hub for food lovers and partying. But while it gets all the attention, there is much more to explore, including 22 national parks, lush Jeju Island, and the infamous Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) bordering North Korea.

Best of all, since South Korea is a manageable size, you can see a good portion of it in a limited amount of time. The transportation here is modern, clean, and efficient, so it’s easy to get around quickly.

The country is also a foodie’s paradise, with cheap street food and delicious dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and the famed Korean barbecue.

It’s one of my favorite countries in the world and one that I think is super under the radar and often overlooked by travelers. You never see the tourist crowds found in other Asian countries.

This travel guide to South Korea can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on South Korea

Top 5 Things to See and Do in South Korea

1. Explore Seoul

Korea’s capital has a little bit of everything. It’s a bustling metropolis and global technology hub, with sleek and modern neighborhoods like Gangnam and iconic sights like the Lotte World Tower, the sixth-tallest building in the world. Yet there is a lot of history here too, including many museums, palaces, and temples, among them five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When you’re done exploring for the day, Seoul has a robust street food scene, countless trendy restaurants, and fast-paced, soju-driven nightlife. You could easily spend weeks here and never get bored.

2. Tour the DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates North and South Korea and, despite the name, is the most militarized border in the world. You can only visit the Joint Security Area (JSA), which has military personnel from both sides, on a guided tour, but it’s a unique experience and an important way to learn about this ongoing conflict (the war started in 1950 and has not officially ended). On the tour, you’ll be able to actually stand in North Korea, visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression (which North Korea dug to sneak soldiers across the border), see the Freedom Bridge, and catch glimpses of North Korea from the Unification Observatory. Guided tours of the DMZ start from 80,000 KRW.

3. Visit Jeju Island

This volcanic, semitropical island is a popular domestic vacation spot. It’s accessible via cheap daily flights from Seoul that take just one hour. Known as “the Hawaii of Korea,” it’s a natural paradise, home to the tallest mountain in Korea (Mount Hallasan), lava tubes, beautiful beaches, and countless hiking and walking trails. Other attractions include visiting mythic Jeju Stone Park, wandering the Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, and watching the haenyeo divers — women who dive without any protective equipment to gather underwater treasures like shellfish and seaweed, which they then sell on the beaches. You can visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum as well to learn more about this cultural practice that dates back centuries.

4. Sing karaoke

Known as noraebang , this is a cultural phenomenon and something worth experiencing at least once while visiting Korea. While the karaoke machine was originally invented in Japan, Koreans have adopted the pastime and made it their own. Here, you rent out a private room with a group of friends (instead of singing in a public bar, as is often the case in Western countries). Pricing is determined by the hour, with rates varying wildly depending on the number of people, time of day, day of the week, and whether snacks and drinks are included. Average group karaoke rates range from 5,000 to 15,000 KRW.

5. Step back in time at a hanok village

Other things to see and do in south korea, 1. visit changdeokgung palace.

One of the Joseon dynasty’s Five Grand Palaces, this 15th-century complex in Seoul was built in harmony with the natural environment at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain. Changdeokgung, or “Palace of Prospering Virtue,” was the main royal residence for 13 kings over the course of three centuries. The complex sprawls over 110 acres, 60% of which is taken up by the beautiful Huwon Secret Garden, home to over a hundred species of trees, flowers, and other plants (some of the trees here are over 300 years old!). The main draw is wandering around the exterior, with its restored buildings and gates, though you can also go inside Injeongjeon Hall, the palace’s throne room. Admission to the complex is 3,000 KRW; the Secret Garden is an additional 5,000 KRW. There are guided tours in English as well.

2. Explore Busan

Korea’s second-largest city is located just two hours from Seoul on the KTX high-speed bullet train. A coastal city, Busan boasts great beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, with its miles of sand, and Gwangalli Beach, known for its sunsets. Gamcheon Culture Village, the “mural village of Korea,” is a hillside neighborhood rich in street art and covered in murals, and nearly all the houses are painted bright colors. It’s a great place to wander around for a few hours, popping into the unique shops, cafés, and restaurants.

3. See the National Museum of Korea

If you visit only one museum in Korea, make it this one. Located in Seoul, it covers all aspects of Korean culture, art, and history, from prehistory to the early modern era. It also contains many national treasures and artifacts that have been designated as having special importance and value in Korean culture and history. Some of the most important ones include the sixth-century inscribed Bukhansan Monument, detailing military expansions; sixth-century gilt-bronze Buddhist statues; and the 10-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, which dates to the 14th century. Don’t miss the exterior gardens, which feature indigenous plants, reflecting pools, and traditional Korean sculptures and lanterns. Admission to the main exhibitions and children’s museum is free.

4. Take a food tour

As a foodie, learning about a culture through its food is one of my favorite things to do while traveling. Korea has an incredible variety of amazing dishes to try, as well as a bustling (and delicious) street food scene. Taking a food tour with an experienced guide is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of Korean cuisine. O’ngo Food offers a variety of tours in Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, and Jeju, with prices starting from 70,000 KRW per person.

5. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Originally built in the 14th century by the kings of the Joseon dynasty, this palace in Seoul served as the seat of the government for two hundred years until it was destroyed by a fire and abandoned for centuries. Since the 19th century (and still today), it has been undergoing renovations to restore the complex to its former glory. It is considered the most stunning of all five royal palaces in Seoul, featuring grand gates, open courtyards, and terracotta-topped buildings set against the backdrop of Mount Bugak. In addition to wandering through the complex, you can also go into the many administrative halls and residential chambers set up to resemble the palace’s heyday. You can watch the changing-of-the-guard ceremony as well, every day except Monday. The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum are also located in the complex. Admission is 3,000 KRW.

6. See the cherry blossoms

While cherry blossoms are often associated with Japan, festivities surrounding the blooms are incredibly popular in Korea as well. Here, the season runs from late March to late April, with many festivals throughout the country. Just be prepared for crowds at the more popular ones, like the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul.

7. Try taekwondo

Korean’s native martial art, taekwondo, is characterized by high kicks and punches and, like all such disciplines, emphasizes mental training. An Olympic event since 2000, taekwondo has only grown in popularity in recent years and is a point of pride in Korean culture. Kang’s Global Taekwondo in Seoul offers classes to adults and foreigners that cost around 43,000 KRW for one hour.

8. Learn to cook classic Korean foods

If you’d like to take your knowledge of Korean food one step further, take a cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare classics like bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi, and Korean pancakes. Hello K Cooking in Seoul offers a class where you’ll learn how to cook three main dishes and one stew — recipes and skills that you can bring home with you. Classes are 107,000 KRW.

9. Go hiking

Korea is an incredibly mountainous country, so hiking is a favorite pastime for locals. Be sure to immerse yourself in nature while visiting this lush land. There are even hiking spots near the bigger cities if you don’t have enough time or don’t want to venture too far afield. Bukhansan National Park, just outside Seoul, is a popular place to go hiking, offering panoramic views over the capital (expect crowds due to its proximity to the city, though). Yet with 22 national parks spread across the country, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds (including lots of guided hikes if you don’t want to organize one yourself). For a multiday hike, the Jirisan Ridge Trek in Jirisan National Park is one of the most famous — a four-day walk from mountain shelter to mountain shelter.

10. Wander around Seoul Olympic Park

In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics, which was only the second time the summer games had been held in Asia (the first was in Tokyo in 1964). Today, you can visit the massive park where the games were staged, and while Olympic Park does have many sports facilities, there’s much more to explore here as well. The park is divided into four sections, focusing on the arts, history, nature, and sports. In the arts section, you’ll find the SOMA Museum of Art and a park with over 200 sculptures, while in the history section, you can see the third-century defensive Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortifications, excavated dugout huts and storage pits left in the state in which they were uncovered. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here. Admission to the park is free.

11. Discover Jirisan National Park

Located in the southern part of the country (Namwon is the nearest city), this park is named after Jirisan (Mt. Jiri for short), the tallest mountain on mainland Korea. As it’s South Korea’s first national park (as well as its largest), hiking trails and cultural sites abound. You can visit seven major Buddhist temples and see several of Korea’s national treasures of ancient carved stonework from the seventh to the tenth centuries. One of the most important sites here is Samseonggung, or Three Sages Palace, a mountainside shrine dedicated to the legendary founders of Korea. Admission to the park is 1,600 KRW.

South Korea Travel Costs

Cheap hotel rooms start at 28,000 KRW for a room that sleeps one, while a double room generally costs at least 40,000 KRW. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, a TV, air conditioning, and an electric teapot. Breakfast is usually not included at budget hotels.

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at 25,000-30,000 KRW. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 50,000-70,000 KRW per night.

While wild camping is illegal in Korea, there are plenty of campgrounds should you want to pitch a tent. Expect to pay 7,000-20,000 KRW for a plot with access to bathroom and shower facilities, and usually even Wi-Fi.

Food – Korean cuisine has developed its own traditions and flavors over the centuries, with a unique emphasis on using uncooked, fermented, and pickled vegetables. Traditional Korean meals are often composed of a variety of side dishes, eaten with short-grain rice. A meal isn’t considered complete unless there’s kimchi on the table.

Common dishes include bulgogi (marinated, grilled beef), samgye-tang (chicken and ginseng soup), bibimbap (a mixed rice bowl), chap chae (a glass noodle dish), and many other noodle and rice dishes. Popular street foods include hotteok (a sweet, filled pancake), tteokbokki (spicy cylindrical rice cakes), and bungeo-ppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste).

Dining out in South Korea is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a casual restaurant serving traditional Korean food is around 9,000-15,000 KRW, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 25,000-30,000 KRW. Expect higher prices in larger cities.

Western food is more expensive. Expect to pay at least 20,000 KRW for a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant.

In terms of fast food, a combo meal (think McDonald’s) is around 7,000 KRW, while a burger is around 4,500 KRW. A typical Korean street food dish is 1,500-3,000 KRW.

A pint of beer is 4,000-5,000 KRW, a glass of wine is 6,000 KRW and up, and a cocktail is 7,000 KRW and up. A latte or cappuccino is 5,000 KRW.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50,000-70,000 KRW per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. Shopping at local markets is the best way to get great fresh produce for cheap.

Backpacking South Korea: Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 75,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, use public transportation and intercity buses to get around, skip the alcohol, and do mostly free activities like walking tours and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 135,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or cheap hotel, eat out for most meals at casual restaurants, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi as well as trains between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and food tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 255,000 KRW or more per day, you can stay in a nicer hotel or entire Airbnb apartment, eat out pretty much anywhere you want, drink at the bar, get a high-speed rail pass, and do as many guided tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in KRW.

South Korea Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

I find South Korea to be one of the best value countries out there. It’s a really affordable place to visit. Accommodation can add up but food and drinks are generally cheap. Here are some ways to save money when you travel around South Korea:

• Visit the free attractions – With countless museums, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods, and parks, Korea is filled with opportunities to become immersed in its culture. Many of the nation’s museums and cultural attractions are free, so don’t pass them up!
• Purchase a KORAIL Pass – If you want to travel by train, getting a rail pass is the most economical way to do so. You’ll get unlimited train travel for the time period you choose (2-5-day increments). Prices start at 121,000 KRW.
• Get a transit pass – Most major cities in Korea offer a day pass for public transit, which means great savings if you plan to hop around using buses and subways. Seoul’s day pass costs 15,000 KRW, though the longer you stay, the more you’ll save (a seven-day pass is 64,500 KRW).
• Buy a city pass – If you plan on visiting a lot of attractions, buy a city pass . Seoul and Busan both offer ones that include admission to popular sights, a transit pass, and discounts to restaurants and other attractions. A one-day pass starts at 33,000 KRW.
• Eat from the convenience stores – Convenience stores in Korea offer not only snacks and drinks but prepared boxed meals and cheap alcohol. If you’re on a tight budget, shop in those.
• Take the bus – While the trains are fun, the cheapest way to get around Korea is by bus. They take longer but are much cheaper, so if you have the time, opt for long-distance buses. Just show up at the bus station to reserve your tickets in advance, as most websites and apps are in Korean.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing lets you stay with a local for free, cutting your accommodation costs drastically. You’ll get to spend time with someone who can share their tips and advice in exchange for your own travel stories and culture. You can also use the app to meet people for activities (coffee, museum visits, etc.) if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger.
• Drink like the locals – Soju, the national alcohol of Korea, is incredibly cheap, as is domestic beer. Just be careful to not let it sneak up on you — both monetarily and physically. Korea’s drinking culture is infamous!
• Stay in capsule hotels – If you don’t want to Couchsurf or stay in hostels but still want to save money, capsule or pod hotels are great options. These offer just what you need to sleep (a small, basic pod) yet can be surprisingly comfy and much more affordable than a traditional hotel. Prices start as low as 45,000 KRW per night.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as its bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in South Korea

South Korea has plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of my recommended places to stay when you visit:

• Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse (Seoul)
• Zzzip Guesthouse (Seoul)
• Time Travelers party Hostel (Seoul)
• INSIDE Busan (Busan)
• Jeju Hiking Inn (Jeju)
• Backpacker’s Home (Jeju)

How to Get Around South Korea

Bus – Taking a long-distance bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get around the country. There are two types: express (which makes few to no stops) and intercity (which travels between smaller destinations and makes more stops).

Your best bet for reserving tickets in advance is to go directly to the bus terminal, as most bus websites and booking apps are in Korean and only accept Korean credit or debit cards.

Pricing depends on what class ticket you choose: standard, luxury, or premium. The four-hour bus ride from Seoul to Busan costs around 36,000 KRW for a standard ticket, Incheon to Busan takes just over four hours and costs 38,000 KRW, and Seoul to Daegu is 29,000 KRW and takes just under four hours.

Train – South Korea has a robust train system that can take you all over the country. Korean Train Express (KTX) is the country’s bullet train, regularly running at speeds up to 305 kilometers (190 miles) per hour. However, these only go between major cities, have limited schedules, and are more expensive, so KTX may not always be the most convenient choice.

KORAIL (the national railway service) operates slower-speed, intercity trains that offer a wider range of schedules and destination choices. You can also get the unlimited KORAIL Pass, which is offered exclusively to international tourists. A two-day adult pass is 121,000 KRW; a five-day adult pass is 210,000 KRW.

As a comparison of the two train types: the journey from Seoul to Busan on a KRX train costs around 90,000 KRW and takes 2.5 hours, while on a regular intercity train, it takes 5.5 hours and costs 47,500 KRW.

The further out you book, the cheaper KTX train prices get, while intercity prices stay about the same. You can book up to a year in advance.

Flying – South Korea is so small that flying around the country doesn’t really make sense. Trains can get you anywhere pretty quickly. However, if you’re very pressed for time and have cash to burn, there are a few budget airlines offering domestic flights between major cities. Most are around one hour long.

The flight from Seoul to Busan is around 30,500 KRW, Seoul to Jeju is 55,000 KRW, and Busan to Jeju is 22,000 KRW. However, you can find flights even cheaper when you book further in advance.

Low-cost airlines in South Korea include the following:

Car rental – Renting a car isn’t incredibly cheap in South Korea. However, it is one of the best ways to explore all the natural wonders that the country has to offer, many of which are inaccessible by public transportation. Expect to pay around 50,000-55,000 KRW per day on a multiday rental. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to South Korea

Generally, the best times to visit South Korea are March-May and September-November. During these periods, the weather is mild, with temperatures of 10-24°C (50-75°F); prices for accommodation and transportation are lower; and there are fewer crowds.

In the spring, the cherry blossoms are in bloom all over the country, while the fall brings the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. Also, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, the fall is the best time to visit.

The summer starts with monsoon season, from June through mid-July, and the rest of the summer is hot and humid in the cities (though it cools down in the mountains and along the coasts). Prices for accommodation are also very high during this time.

Winters in South Korea get very cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -6°C (21°F), so unless you plan on skiing, visiting from December through February might not be the best option (though the temples and landscapes look beautiful covered in snow).

How to Stay Safe in South Korea

South Korea is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel around. Petty crime is rare here, though it never hurts to be cautious on public transportation and around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your wallet and valuables secure and out of reach, just in case. Violent crime is even more rare.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard safety precautions apply as always. For specific tips, consult one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

While scams are super rare in South Korea, to avoid getting ripped off, you can check out this list of common travel scams to avoid .

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

Earthquakes occur regularly in the region, so it’s best to be prepared and download the Emergency Ready app, which the Korean government developed to provide information in English to foreign residents and tourists. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters, shows you where nearby emergency shelters are, and sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, and forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

South Korea Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

South Korea Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 13 Best Things to See and Do in Taipei

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

A Korea Travel Guide

If you’ve found yourself on this page, yay! I love when people want to come visit one of my favorite places in the world. Korea has become somewhat of a second home to me – a place I always feel somewhat comfortable in, even if I’ve been away for a while. I first visited in 2011 when I studied in Seoul for the summer and returned in the fall of 2014 to teach English in the countryside. I spent two years living in Namwon and traveling on the weekends and then I came back in 2017 to teach for one more year in Suncheon! Now I go back at least once a year to visit friends and to continue exploring this country (although with how the world is, it’s been 2 years). I hope you find all my guides helpful!

Just Starting to Plan Your Trip?

Check these posts if you’re just starting to plan your trip to Korea, especially my very long travel tips post which will give you quite literally everything !

Tips & Guides

50 South Korea Travel Tips

80 Things to Do in Korea: The Ultimate Bucket List

Korea Trip Planner: All the Logistics

The Best Apps for Korea Travel: Which Ones I Use and the Ones I Don’t

22 Places in the Korean Countryside You’ll Love

Inspiration

102 Unbelievably Beautiful Places in Korea

20 Photos to Make You Fall in Love with Traditional Korea

85 K-pop Summer Songs from 1985 to Today: Your Ultimate Playlist

12 of the Best Korean Dramas I Recommend to My Friends (And 4 I Don’t)

Itineraries

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Korea: 4 Itinerary Ideas

The Only 1 Month Korea Itinerary You Need

A Very Efficient Korea Itinerary for 7 Days

Summer in Korea: What to Do + How to Stay Cool

Autumn in Korea: Forecast, Food, Festivals, and More

Best Places to See Fall Foliage

A Guide to Winter in Korea

Spring in Korea: Top Tips and Things to Do

Cherry Blossoms, Korea : A Forecast Guide & Where to Go

What to Eat & Drink

Your Guide to the Best Korean Food: 66 Dishes & Drinks!

All About Kimchi

Learn Korean

Getting a Tattoo in Korea – Is it Illegal?

14 Unique Gift Ideas for Your Friend Who Loves Korea

A Guide to Hiking in Korea

Seoul & Nearby

Every country has its major city, and for Korea that’s Seoul (which is also its capital)! Located up towards the northwest part of the country, it’s easily one of my favorite metropolitan areas in the whole world.

There’s just SO much going on no matter what you’re looking for, and it’s always changing.

It’s also very easy to see some cool nearby sights in Suwon and Gyeonggido, like a French storybook village, a kitschy island, a huge fortress, and more!

Seoul Guides

Seoul Travel Guide

13 Free Things to Do in Seoul

One Day in Seoul: 5 Layover Itinerary Ideas

7 Cool Libraries & Bookstores in Seoul

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Neighborhoods + Hotels

10 Best-Rated Hotels in Insadong

10 Best-Rated Hotels in Gangnam

10 Top-Rated Hotels in Hongdae

10 Best Hotels in Myeongdong by Reviews

The Palaces

The Five Grand Palaces of Seoul: A Guide

Gyeongbokgung

Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden

Get an Aerial View of Deoksugung Palace

Cafes in Seoul

25 Cafes in Seoul: the Trendiest & Most Brewtiful

Seoulism (서울리즘): the Cafe with Views to Lotte World Tower

The Trendy Stylenanda Pink Hotel + Pink Pool Cafe in Seoul

The Dreamy Camera Cafe

Quirky Seoul

10 Quirky Things to Do in Seoul

What to Expect at the Hongdae Trick Eye Museum in Seoul (Some NSFW)

Complete Lotte World Guide

Complete Guide to Everland Theme Park

Scenic Seoul

Bugak Skyway: One of the Prettiest Views in Seoul

Ihwa Mural Village

What to Expect on a Han River Cruise

Guide to Seoul Sky Observatory

A Storybook Escape from Seoul

How to Visit the Incredible Suwon Fortress

17 Fun Day Tours in Seoul and Nearby

One of the most charming places to visit in Korea – Jeju! I always say it takes all my favorite parts about the mainland and does away with the more frustrating aspects. Definitely rent a car or arrange a driver so you can take your time and explore the island at the nice, slow pace you ought to!

Jeju Guides

Quick Guide to Jeju

30 Incredible Things to Do in Jeju + My Secret Spots!

Where to Stay in Jeju: An Expert Guide

25 Unique Jeju Airbnbs You’ve Got to Book

Specific Areas

Udo Island: A Little Travel Guide

Jeju’s West Coast

Jeju’s East Coast

North Jeolla Province (Jeollabukdo)

Jeollabuk (and Jeollanam below) are two of the provinces closest to my heart because they’re where I lived. Jeollabukdo, also known as North Jeolla or Jeonbuk, is down towards southwestern Korea and sits along the coast to the Yellow Sea.

Its main capital is Jeonju and as a province is known for its food. I’d go so far to say that Jeollabuk and Jeollanam are the best places to eat food in the whole country! Back when I lived in Namwon, I remember my friend going to Seoul and being unimpressed with the Korean dishes in the city compared to what we got everyday between our schools and ordering takeout!

City Guides

Namwon, Korea: A Local-ish Guide

Jeonju Hanok Village: A Complete Guide

Hiking in Jeollabuk

How to Hike Guryong Valley in Jirisan

Jirisan’s Baemsagol Valley Course

Naejangsan National Park: Finding Fall Colors

Hiking Wolchulsan to Cross One of Korea’s Must See Bridges

Temple Stay

Experiencing a Temple Stay in Korea at Naesosa

8 Lessons Learned from a Buddhist Temple Stay

Other Places

Enrogel Teapot Café

South Jeolla (Jeollanamdo)

Below Jeollabukdo is Jeollanamdo, aka South Jeolla or Jeonnam. This province sits all the way down to the southernmost tip of mainland Korea and surrounds the major city of Gwangju.

Historically, it, with Jeonbuk, was established in 1896 as one of the Eight Provinces of Korea (then they were both combined to be Jeolla). Today it’s home to some of the prettiest places in Korea! I’m talking a bamboo forest, a folk village, an ecological bay, tea fields, islands… There’s a reason I centered my tour around Jeollanam!

What to Do in Suncheon, Korea: A Local-ish Travel Guide

Suncheon Bay Garden – How to Visit

How to Visit Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve

Suncheon Open Film Location – A Step Back in Time

Hiking Between Two Mountain Temples in Jogyesan

Naganeupseong Folk Village: How to Visit This Traditional Fortress Town

Damyang Travel Guide

Meta Provence, Damyang: A Little French Inspired Village in Korea

Seasonal Festivals

Gokseong Rose Festival

The Gwangyang Maehwa Festival: Finding Plum Blossoms in Korea

Visiting the Gurye Sansuyu Festival

Fun Things to Do in Yeosu, Korea + A Travel Guide

Boseong Green Tea Fields: Everything You Need to Know to Visit

Other Provinces

Admittedly, I don’t have quite as much experience with the other provinces on mainland Korea, which is part of what I’m hoping to fix with future trips!

Chungcheongbukdo and Chungcheongnamdo always felt a bit like the forgotten provinces that I passed through from Namwon to Seoul, but I couldn’t tell you what was there to do or see.

Gyeongsangbukdo and Gyeognsangnamdo are in the southeastern corner of Korea and surround Busan. They’re home to loads of cool coastal spots.

Gangwondo sits all the way up north and might be familiar as it’s where the Pyeongchang Olympics took place! I would say of all the provinces it feels the most like the countryside. Loads of amazing hiking and skiing in the winter.

Chungcheongbuk & Chungcheongnam

Hiking Daedunsan in the Fog

A Guide to Hiking Gyeryongsan in Korea

Gyeongsangbuk & Gyeongsangnam

A Quick Guide to Tongyeong, South Korea

How to Visit the Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival

The Famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival: ALL You Need to Know

Hike Seoraksan, One of Korea’s Tallest Mountains

A Hiking Guide to Odaesan National Park in Korea

18 Best Things to Do in Busan, Korea

A Guide to Gamcheon Culture Village: the Most Charming Place in Korea

Teaching & Living in Korea

For those of you hoping to live and work in Korea, hopefully these posts will help you out!

Your Ultimate Guide to Teaching in Korea

How to Save Money in Korea as a Teacher: Realistic Expectations, Budgeting, and How to Make Extra

How to Get a Korean E2 Visa in Japan