Why Visit South Korea?
South Korea is a dynamic blend of futuristic cities, tranquil temples, mountain landscapes, and rich traditions. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant streets of Seoul, serene palaces, or the rhythmic beats of K-pop, this South Korea Travel Guide offers everything you need to navigate your first visit with confidence and cultural respect.
From where to stay to what to eat, how to get around, and what not to miss—here’s your complete introduction to one of Asia’s most exciting destinations.
Top Places to Visit in South Korea
First-time visitors will find an incredible variety of destinations across the country. Here’s where to go:
Seoul
South Korea’s capital combines ancient palaces, ultra-modern skyscrapers, and endless shopping.
Must-See:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Myeongdong for fashion and street food
- Namsan Seoul Tower
- Hongdae for indie youth culture
Busan
A coastal city known for beaches, fresh seafood, and vibrant street life.
Must-See:
- Haeundae Beach
- Gamcheon Culture Village
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Beomeosa Temple
Jeju Island
A UNESCO-listed volcanic island with beaches, lava tubes, and green tea fields.
Must-See:
- Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
- Hallasan Mountain
- Jeju Folk Village
- Manjanggul Lava Cave
Gyeongju
The “museum without walls”—a city full of ancient tombs, temples, and ruins.
Must-See:
- Bulguksa Temple
- Seokguram Grotto
- Cheomseongdae Observatory
- Tumuli Park
Where to Stay in South Korea
South Korea offers accommodations for every style and budget:
Hotels & Guesthouses
- Seoul: Stay in Myeongdong or Insadong for sightseeing convenience
- Busan: Haeundae and Seomyeon offer beach vibes and nightlife
- Jeju: Seogwipo for nature lovers, Jeju City for convenience
Hanok Stays
Traditional Korean houses with serene courtyards and wooden interiors. Best found in Bukchon (Seoul) or Jeonju Hanok Village.
Tip: Book in advance for holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year.
What to Eat in South Korea
Food is a central part of Korean culture—and incredibly affordable and delicious.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Bibimbap – Rice mixed with vegetables, meat, and gochujang
- Kimchi – Spicy fermented cabbage (served with nearly every meal)
- Samgyeopsal – Grilled pork belly you cook at your table
- Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes
- Korean Fried Chicken – Crispy, double-fried, and addictive
- Sundubu-jjigae – Spicy soft tofu stew
Where to Eat: Street food markets (Gwangjang, Namdaemun), hole-in-the-wall diners (sikdang), and BBQ joints everywhere.
South Korea Transportation Tips
Getting around South Korea is efficient and foreigner-friendly.
- Subway: Clean, affordable, and English-labeled. T-Money cards work nationwide.
- KTX Trains: High-speed rail between major cities like Seoul and Busan.
- Buses: Inexpensive for regional travel but less English signage.
- Taxis: Cheap and widely available. Use apps like KakaoTaxi.
Tip: Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap—Google Maps has limited functionality.
South Korea Travel Guide : Internet & SIM Cards
Staying online in South Korea is incredibly easy thanks to its world-renowned internet infrastructure. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find the country offers fast, reliable, and widespread internet coverage—ideal for using maps, translating signs, booking tours, or posting your adventures in real time.
1. Free Wi-Fi Availability
South Korea is one of the most connected countries in the world. Free public Wi-Fi is widely available in:
- Subway stations and trains
- Airports (especially Incheon International Airport)
- Cafés and fast-food chains (like Starbucks, Paris Baguette, McDonald’s)
- Tourist attractions and shopping malls
- Some city buses and public libraries
Tip: Although free Wi-Fi is abundant, it’s not always secure—use a VPN if accessing sensitive accounts.
2. SIM Cards for Tourists
If you prefer mobile data access on the go, getting a local SIM card is easy and convenient.
Where to Buy:
- Incheon International Airport (arrival hall booths open 24/7)
- Major mobile carrier stores: KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, GS25) in larger cities
- Online booking platforms (Klook, Trazy) for pickup at the airport
Popular SIM Card Options:
| Carrier | Validity | Data | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT Olleh | 5, 10, 30 days | Unlimited | ₩27,500–₩66,000 |
| SKT | 5–30 days | Unlimited | ₩27,500–₩66,000 |
| LG U+ | 5–30 days | Unlimited | ₩27,500–₩66,000 |
Most tourist SIMs are data-only, but voice-enabled options are available if you need local calls.
3. Pocket Wi-Fi Devices
Prefer sharing a connection among several devices or friends? Pocket Wi-Fi routers are a smart choice.
- Rentable at airports or online
- Unlimited data with fast LTE speeds
- Supports 3–5 devices simultaneously
- Requires charging after 8–10 hours of use
Tip: Book pocket Wi-Fi online for discounted rates and guaranteed availability.
4. eSIM Options for Modern Travelers
If your phone supports eSIM, you can install a digital data plan without swapping SIM cards.
- Providers: Airalo, Holafly, and local telcos
- Plans range from 1–30 days
- Convenient for short trips and tech-savvy users
Visa and Entry Requirements for South Korea
Understanding entry requirements is essential for a hassle-free journey. This section of our South Korea Travel Guide outlines the latest visa rules and documentation needed for tourists.
1. Visa-Free Entry for Many Nationalities
South Korea allows visa-free travel for citizens of over 110 countries, including:
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- ???????? Canada (6 months)
- ???????? Most EU nations (90 days)
- ???????? Singapore, ???????? Japan, ???????? Australia, and more
Important: Visa-free entry typically applies to short-term tourism, business meetings, or visiting family.
2. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
Even if you’re visa-exempt, you may be required to apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding your flight.
Key Details:
- Required for 112 visa-free countries
- Apply online: https://www.k-eta.go.kr
- Cost: ₩10,000 (~$9 USD)
- Validity: 2 years from the date of approval
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
Tip: Apply at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid issues at check-in.
3. Documents You May Need Upon Arrival
Even with K-ETA or a visa, immigration officers may ask to see:
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- Travel insurance (optional but recommended)
4. Long-Term Stay, Work, or Study
Planning to stay longer than 90 days or for non-tourism purposes? You’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa through your nearest Korean embassy or consulate.
Popular Long-Term Visa Types:
- D-2: Student visa
- E-2: English teaching visa
- F-4: Overseas Korean visa
- H-1: Working holiday visa
Pro Tip for First-Timers
Double-check your country’s latest visa status and K-ETA requirements, as South Korea updates its policies regularly. Always print out your confirmation documents in case of mobile network issues.
South Korea Cultural Etiquette: What First-Timers Should Know
Understanding local customs shows respect and avoids faux pas.
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice—this mimics a funeral offering.
- Bow slightly when greeting someone older or in a service role.
- Remove shoes before entering a home or traditional restaurant.
- Speak quietly in public spaces and avoid loud phone calls.
- Always ask before taking photos of people.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Timing: Visit in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for the best weather.
- Currency: South Korean won (₩); card is accepted almost everywhere.
- Restrooms: Clean and free in most public areas, even subway stations.
- Emergency Number: 1330 (Tourist Help Line with English support)
FAQs – South Korea Travel Guide
Is South Korea safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s one of Asia’s safest countries. Crime rates are low, and solo travelers are common.
What’s the best time to visit South Korea?
Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage) are the most scenic seasons.
Can I drink tap water in South Korea?
Technically yes, but most locals prefer bottled or filtered water.
Do I need to tip in South Korea?
No tipping is necessary—it’s not part of the culture.
What apps should I download before visiting South Korea?
Naver Map, KakaoMap, Papago (translation), and KakaoTaxi.
How much cash should I carry for travelling in South Korea?
₩50,000–₩100,000 is plenty for a day. Most places accept cards.
Is English widely spoken in South Korea?
Not everywhere, but younger people and tourist services often speak basic English.
Are there vegetarian/vegan options in South Korea?
It can be tricky. Look for temple food (called sachal eumsik) and use translation apps.
Can I use Google Maps in Korea?
Not reliably. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead.
Are there public restrooms available in South Korea?
Yes, and they’re usually free and very clean.
What are common scams to avoid in South Korea?
Korea is mostly scam-free, but be cautious around nightlife in tourist-heavy areas like Itaewon.
Do I need a power adapter in South Korea?
South Korea uses Type C & F (220V). Bring an adapter if your device doesn’t match.
Final Thoughts: South Korea Is Waiting
This South Korea Travel Guide is your all-in-one ticket to explore a fascinating country full of vibrant cities, mouthwatering food, scenic hikes, and deep-rooted culture. Whether you’re marveling at palaces in Seoul, relaxing on Jeju’s coast, or diving into a plate of bibimbap, South Korea will leave you wanting more.