Planning a Trip to South Korea: The Ultimate Guide
Planning a trip to South Korea can feel overwhelming at first, especially if it is your first time visiting the country. From transportation and payments to cultural norms and seasonal travel, there is a lot to figure out before you arrive. This guide is designed to walk you through the basics without overcomplicating things.
South Korea is modern, efficient, and easy to navigate once you understand how it works. Cities are well connected by public transport, cashless payments are common, and infrastructure is traveler-friendly. A little preparation goes a long way here, and we’re here to help from our personal experience!
Whether you are visiting for a short trip or building a longer itinerary, this guide will help you feel confident before you go, and answer pretty much any questions you may be having.
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Planning a Trip to South Korea: the Basics
If you are planning a trip to South Korea, it’s important to understand what makes the country unique before building your itinerary.
South Korea is a place where ancient palaces sit beside futuristic skyscrapers, where mountain trails are only minutes from busy city streets, and where food culture plays a core role in enjoying your visit. It is compact, efficient, and surprisingly easy to navigate, which makes it a fantastic destination for both first-time visitors to Asia and seasoned travelers.
Here are a few key things to know before diving into the details.
⭐️ What is South Korea Famous For?
South Korea is famous for blending old traditions with modern innovation. Many travelers first become interested because of K-pop, Korean dramas, or beauty trends, but quickly discover there is much more beneath the surface. (But definitely don’t miss out on beauty or K-pop either!).
The country is known for its historic palaces, traditional hanok villages, and centuries-old temples tucked into mountain landscapes. In spring, cherry blossoms blanket cities in soft pink. In autumn, mountains glow with fall foliage and pink muhly grass fields. Summer brings lively beaches and festivals, while winter transforms parts of the country into snowy landscapes with ice displays and seasonal events.
Food is another major highlight. From Korean barbecue and street food markets to regional specialties in different cities, cuisine is one of the most memorable parts of enjoying a trip to South Korea.
🤔 Is South Korea Good for Tourists?
So many people dream of Japan, and while we also loved Japan, South Korea surprised us in the best way possible. Food is delicious, people are more warm and fun, and the shopping is unmatched. Public transportation is reliable and affordable, cities are clean and organized, and the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. It’s also pretty budget-friendly!
If you are planning a trip to South Korea for the first time, you will likely find it easier than expected. Major cities have English signage, high speed WiFi is widely available, and navigation apps make getting around simple. While English is not spoken everywhere, communication is manageable in most tourist areas.
South Korea is especially appealing for solo travelers, food lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in experiencing four very distinct seasons within one country.
📍 Where Exactly is South Korea?
South Korea is located in East Asia on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It shares a land border with North Korea and is surrounded by water on three sides. To the west lies China across the Yellow Sea, and to the east is Japan across the East Sea.
The country is relatively small, which makes traveling between regions efficient. You can travel from Seoul in the northwest to Busan in the southeast in just a few hours by high speed train. Despite its size, the landscape is diverse, with mountains covering much of the country, long coastlines on both sides, and islands such as Jeju off the southern coast.
Because of its compact geography and strong infrastructure, planning a trip to South Korea allows you to experience cities, beaches, mountains, and cultural sites all within a single trip.
Planning a Trip to South Korea: Getting There
The first step to planning a trip to South Korea is figuring out how to get there! The easiest way to get to South Korea is typically flying. The main hub is Seoul, which has direct connections from cities across the globe.
If you’re visiting from elsewhere in Asia, there are options for flights to other cities in South Korea, as well as a few ferry connections.
Don’t miss out on our complete guide for traveling to South Korea, which outlines each and every option! Also, below you can find specific guides for getting to some of the most popular destinations in South Korea like Seoul, Jeju, and Busan.
How to Visit Seoul, South Korea: Flights, Trains, &
Visa Info
Come check out all of the different ways to visit Seoul, whether you’re traveling from abroad or another Korean city.
Planning a Trip to South Korea: Travel Requirements
Now that you know how to get to get there, the next step for planning a trip to South Korea is making sure you have the right documents!
Many travelers need to get a visa for visiting South Korea, while some are exempt temporarily. Read our guide about tourist visas in South Korea to check if you need one, and how you can get the right one for your nationality.
Tourist Visas for South Korea: Who Needs It & How to Get One
Don’t travel to South Korea without making sure you have the right documentation! Here’s what you need and the guide for getting it.
Planning a Trip to South Korea: Local Adjustments
Alright, so you have your transportation sorted and your travel documents ready. But before you travel, there are some other things you should know before you go to make your experience smoother.
🗣 Language: Korean is the official language in South Korea. Oftentimes translations aren’t great, so copying addresses in Korean is best. It’s also wise to keep Google Translate handy since it’s not super common for English to be spoken.
💴 Currency: Korean Won. Currently 1 USD= 1,445. Make sure to have cash on you since not everywhere accepts credit cards.
🔌 Electrical Plugs: South Korea used the same electrical plugs as Europe (type C & F) with 220V and 60Hz.
🚰 Water Potability: Tap water is generally safe to drink around the country.
💸 Tipping Culture: Koreans don’t typically tip, but rather show gratitude by complimenting staff and being polite.
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Planning a Trip to South Korea: What to See & Do
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, you’ll quickly realize there’s a huge mix of cities, nature, food, and cultural experiences packed into a relatively small country. Below are the best places to start and the bucket list activities most travelers don’t want to miss.
❣️ Where to Visit in South Korea for Your First-Time
For a first trip, combining Seoul with Busan and one nature destination is a solid, well-balanced itinerary when planning a trip to South Korea.
💆🏻♀️ Bucket List Activities in South Korea
Planning a Trip to South Korea: Enjoying Local Food & Drinks
Food is one of the absolute highlights of visiting South Korea! From sizzling Korean barbecue to late night street food markets and beautifully plated traditional dishes, eating your way through the country was one of our favorite parts of visiting.
Not matter what area you’re in you’ll find regional specialties, bold flavors, and meals that are as social as they are delicious.
Other than bustling markets, South Korea is also known for its amazing cafe culture – so make sure to save time for lots of hot drink stops. If you’re working while traveling like we were, you’re going to love it! It truly is one of the best places to be a digital nomad.
🍱 Popular Foods & Food Experiences in South Korea
Here are some of our favorites for you to try:
Also, don’t miss out on:
If you love trying local cuisine when you travel, South Korea will not disappoint! Also, many places give free refills, so don’t be shy!
Suggested Read: What & Where to Eat in Seoul
Planning a Trip to South Korea: Getting Around
You’re probably ready to start making your itinerary, but when planning a trip to South Korea it’s important to first decide how you’re going to move around the country.
Here are the different options to travel around South Korea:
Want to compare all of the options? Make sure you check out our South Korea transportation guide that covers the pros and cons of each one, prices, and tips for traveling more easily.
Traveling Around South Korea: Moving Around the Country with Ease
Explore how to get around South Korea with all of the different modes of transport. This guide compares transportation options and gives tips for moving around smoothly.
Planning a Trip to South Korea: Safety
One of the best parts fo traveling in South Korea is just how safe it feels. There are low crime rates throughout the country, and the people are really friendly and welcoming. It really is a country where you can relax as a tourist, whether you are wanting to walk around at night or are a solo female traveler looking to explore on your own.
Other Things to Know When Planning a Trip to South Korea
You have almost everything you need to know for planning a trip to South Korea! But don’t go just yet – here are a few final things to keep in mind for your trip planning.
☀️ Weather in South Korea
South Korea experience 4 seasons, with super hot and humid summers, and cold, snowy winters. Autumn brings cool weather and vibrant colors, and Spring brings tons of flowers and pleasant temperatures.
📆 The Best Time to Visit South Korea
There is no bad time to visit South Korea! Summer is great for beaches, winter is a stunning frozen wonderland, and Spring and Autumn have excellent weather and gorgeous landscapes to enjoy.
We really enjoyed our time visiting South Korea in summer, but if we were to do it again we’d certainly go in Spring for the cherry blossoms, or in Autumn for the pink muhly and Fall Foliage.
Don’t miss out on our guide about when to visit South Korea! We go over everything you need to know for choosing what time of year to visit – comparing crowds, weather, prices, and special events.
When is the Best Time to Visit South Korea? Comparing Months & Seasons
Come explore South Korea during the right time for you! Here’s how you can choose depending on weather, crowds, prices, and special events.
🧳 Packing for South Korea
Ready to pack your bags? Don’t miss out on our free packing list you can download!
⏳ How Many Days We Spent in South Korea?
We spent 2 weeks in South Korea, and still felt like there was so much more to see and do! We’d recommend at least 3-4 days for Seoul, 4-5 days for Jeju, and 3-4 days for Busan. These are some of the top destinations in South Korea for first-time visitors, but we also would have loved exploring more regions and heading out into the mountains.
If you need help building you itinerary, then you can leave the planning to us!
Planning a Trip to South Korea: FAQ
Now you pretty much know everything you need for planning a trip to South Korea! But in case you missed anything or still have questions, here are answers to some of the top questions we receive.
What is the easiest way to get to South Korea?
Most travelers fly into Incheon International Airport near Seoul. It is the main international hub and the easiest entry point when planning a trip to South Korea, although there are also a few other international airports and ferry ports. See our full guide on how to get to South Korea for comparing all the options.
Do you need a visa to go to South Korea?
Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short tourist stays, including travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and much of Europe. Requirements vary by passport, so always confirm before planning a trip to South Korea. Check our complete South Korea visa guide for more details!
What vaccines are required for travel to South Korea?
There are no mandatory vaccines required for most travelers visiting South Korea. We recommend being up to date on routine vaccinations before your trip and checking official health guidelines for your home country prior to departure.
What language is mostly spoken in South Korea?
Korean is the official language spoken throughout South Korea. While English appears on public transportation and major attractions, Korean is the primary language used in daily life.
Do they speak English in South Korea?
Most people working in tourism speak some English, but it’s also not incredibly common to find English speakers in everyday situations like markets, taxis, or in more rural destinations. We’d recommend having Google Translate handy and learning some basic Korean phrases.
How much is $1 US in Korean Won?
Exchange rates fluctuate daily, but $1 USD typically converts to around 1,200 to 1,400 Korean Won. Always check live exchange rates before your trip for the most accurate conversion.
Is the water in South Korea safe to drink?
Yes – tap water in South Korea is safe to drink. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle rather than purchasing plastic bottles.
What plug do I need for South Korea?
South Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs with a 220V voltage supply. Most travelers will need a plug adapter depending on their home country, so be sure to check before packing.
Do you tip in South Korea?
Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Restaurants, taxis, and hotels do not expect tips, and service charges are typically already included.
What is the most visited place in Korea?
Seoul is the most visited destination in South Korea. The capital is known for its historic palaces, shopping districts, street food markets, and vibrant nightlife.
What are the top things to do in South Korea?
While in South Korea don’t miss out on the historic palaces, the beautiful landscapes, innovative skincare treatments, shopping, and Korean barbecue. For a full breakdown, read our guides about the best things to do in Seoul, Jeju, and Busan.
What is Korea’s national food?
Kimchi is widely considered Korea’s national dish. You’ll also find favorites like Korean barbecue, bibimbap, and tteokbokki throughout the country.
Is South Korea easy to travel around?
Although it can seem confusing, traveling around South Korea is simple thanks to high-speed trains, reliable buses, and efficient public transportation. See our complete guide to traveling around South Korea for routes and travel times.
Is it safe to visit South Korea right now?
South Korea is considered one of the safest countries in Asia, with very low violent crime rates. It’s honestly one of the safest destinations we’ve ever visited!
What is the best time to visit Korea?
The best time to visit South Korea is typically spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for colorful foliage and mild temperatures. Each season offers something different depending on what you want to experience.
What month is cherry blossom season in South Korea?
Cherry blossom season in South Korea usually runs from late March to early April, depending on the region and yearly weather patterns.
How many days is enough for South Korea?
We recommend spending at least 7 to 10 days in South Korea to experience Seoul plus one or two additional destinations like Busan or Jeju.
Is it worth visiting South Korea?
Absolutely! South Korea offers modern cities, incredible beauty treatments, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes.
Planning a Trip to South Korea: Final Tips & What’s Next
Planning a trip to South Korea might feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s actually one of the easiest countries in Asia to explore. Between the efficient transportation, incredible food scene, innovative beauty culture, and dramatic landscapes, there’s a lot packed into a relatively small country.
Whether you’re wandering palace grounds in Seoul, relaxing on the beaches of Busan, or exploring the natural beauty of Jeju, South Korea offers a balance of tradition and modern energy that’s hard to find anywhere else.
If you’re still on the fence, take this as your sign. South Korea is absolutely worth visiting, and once you go, you’ll probably already be planning your return before you even leave. (We certainly are!).
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know all of the basics for planning a trip to South Korea! In case you want to dive deeper though – there’s more.
Here are the other Korean travel guides we have:
✈️ How to get to Busan
🚗 How to get around Busan
🏖 Best things to do in Busan
🗺 Busan 3-day itinerary
📖 Busan travel guide
✈️ How to travel to South Korea
🚊 Getting around South Korea
🚆 How to get to Seoul
🚌 Seoul transportation guide
🛍 Things to do and see in Seoul
💆🏻♀️ Korean scalp massage review
🍴 Seoul food guide
📖 Seoul complete travel guide
📆 Best time to visit South Korea
✈️ How to get to Jeju Island
🚗 How to get around Jeju
🤩 The best things to do in Jeju
☕️ The best cafes in Jeju
📖 Jeju travel guide
🛂 Korea Travel Requirements
So are you excited to start planning a trip to South Korea? We absolutely fell in love with country, and are sure you are going to love it too!
Want to dive deeper into the details? We have plenty of Korean travel guides for you to check out. Make sure to join our newsletter for all of our weekly article updates, as well as exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.
Still need help planning your trip to South Korea? We’re here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, taking care of everything from A to Z.
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