Things To Do
in Korea
Korea, located on the eastern edge of Asia, is a peninsula divided into two distinct countries: North Korea and South Korea. South Korea is known for its vibrant culture, advanced technology, and strong economy, while North Korea is characterized by its totalitarian regime and isolation from the global community. Both countries share a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, cuisine, and festivals that reflect their historical roots.
Despite their differences, the Korean people share a common language and history, which continues to play a significant role in their identity.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $7 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Explore the beautiful palace grounds and visit the National Folk Museum nearby.
Head to Insadong for lunch and enjoy traditional Korean dishes. Stroll through the art galleries and traditional tea houses in this cultural district.
Visit N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy dinner at a local BBQ restaurant and consider a night stroll along the Cheonggyecheon stream.
Hike up Namsan Mountain to appreciate the scenic paths and natural beauty. Reach the summit for stunning views of the city.
Have lunch at one of the mountain's cafes, then descend to visit the Namsangol Hanok Village. Experience traditional Korean homes and craft workshops.
Enjoy dinner in the bustling Myeongdong district, famous for its street food. Explore shops and indulge in some late-night snacks.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Strong technological advancements and infrastructure
- High standard of education and literacy rates
- Delicious and diverse cuisine
- Efficient public transportation system
- Vibrant pop culture, including K-pop and cinema
- High cost of living in major cities like Seoul
- Intense competition in the job market
- Work-life balance challenges and long working hours
- Social pressure and high expectations in education and work
- Air pollution and environmental concerns in urban areas
- Regional tensions and historical conflicts
Best Activities in Korea
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning mountain landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and panoramic views of Seoul while hiking the trails of Bukhansan National Park.
Cycle on well-maintained paths along the Han River, enjoying scenic views of the city, parks, and various recreational facilities.
Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding at resorts in Pyeongchang, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, with facilities for all skill levels.
Discover the natural beauty of Jeju Island, including volcanic landscapes, scenic beaches, and unique cultural experiences like visiting Hallasan Mountain.
Enjoy outdoor camping surrounded by majestic mountains, hiking trails, and vibrant flora in Seoraksan National Park.
Take a guided tour to the DMZ, where you can learn about the history of Korea, see military installations, and visit observation points.
Relax on the sandy beaches of Busan, partake in water sports, and enjoy beachside cafes and restaurants along the coastline.
Experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in parks and streets during the spring season, particularly famous spots like Yeouido Park in Seoul.
Tours
Uncover the best of Korea with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Korea
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on Namsan Mountain, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and is particularly stunning at sunset.
The largest of the Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung provides beautiful architecture set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
This traditional village features hundreds of hanoks (traditional Korean houses) and offers a picturesque view of Seoul’s skyline in contrast with the ancient houses.
Every spring, Jinhae hosts one of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in Korea, providing stunning photo opportunities among the blooming trees.
The highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan offers breathtaking views from its peak and beautiful landscapes throughout the surrounding national park.
Connecting Incheon and Songdo, this bridge provides an impressive backdrop for photographs, especially at night when lit up.
Famed for its granite peaks and stunning fall foliage, this national park is a perfect place for hiking and capturing nature's beauty.
Running through the heart of Seoul, the parks along the Han River offer beautiful views of the cityscape and picturesque sunsets.
This UNESCO World Heritage site gives stunning views of the fortress walls and the modern city of Suwon beyond.
Known for its beautiful beach, the area also offers stunning views of skyscrapers against the ocean, especially during sunrise.
Food in Korea
Korea Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple of Korean cuisine, kimchi is a fermented vegetable side dish, typically made with napa cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other spices.
Must-Try!
Bibimbap is a mixed rice dish topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). It's both nutritious and visually appealing.
Bulgogi is marinated beef grilled or stir-fried, known for its sweet and savory flavor. It's often enjoyed wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic and sauces.
A popular street food, tteokbokki consists of chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy and sweet gochujang sauce, typically served with fish cakes and boiled eggs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Korea's oldest traditional markets, Gwangjang Market is famous for its delicious street food offerings, including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki, and mayak gimbap (mini rice rolls).
Myeongdong is a bustling shopping district that doubles as a street food haven, where you can find everything from spicy rice cakes to hotteok (sweet pancakes) and cheese-filled corn dogs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Korea, bowing is a traditional form of greeting that shows respect. A slight bow is often used among peers, while deeper bows are common for elders or superiors.
Korean language is rich in honorifics, reflecting the importance of hierarchy in society. Using proper titles and language when addressing someone older or in a higher position is crucial to showing respect.
When dining, it's important to wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating first. Additionally, it is polite to serve drinks to others before pouring your own.
Safety
Tipping in Korea
Ensure a smooth experience
In South Korea, tipping is not a common practice and is often not expected in most service sectors. Service charges are usually included in the bill, especially in restaurants and hotels. However, in some situations, rounding up the bill or leaving small change might be appreciated, particularly in higher-end establishments or for exceptional service.
Payment practices in South Korea have evolved significantly, with a strong emphasis on convenience and technology. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and mobile payment systems like Samsung Pay, KakaoPay, and Naver Pay are popular. Cash is still used, but its usage is declining. Contactless payments are becoming the norm, making transactions quicker and easier for consumers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
From March to May, spring in Korea is known for its mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms. Visitors can enjoy various festivals celebrating the blooming flowers, particularly in cities like Seoul and Jinhae.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in Korea, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This season features colorful festivals and vibrant street markets, but visitors should be prepared for occasional rain and thunderstorms.
Autumn (September to November) is regarded as one of the best times to visit Korea, with comfortable temperatures and stunning fall foliage. The vibrant colors of the leaves can be seen in many parks and mountainous areas.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, this season offers unique experiences such as winter sports in ski resorts and festive celebrations during the holiday season.
Korea at Night
Hiking in Korea
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination in Seoul, offering various trails, stunning views, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Known for its rugged peaks and beautiful landscapes, Seoraksan has different hiking routes suitable for all levels, including the famous Ulsanbawi rock.
The largest national park in Korea, featuring extensive hiking trails, rich biodiversity, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Located on Jeju Island, Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea, offering trails to the summit with panoramic views of the island.
This mountain in the heart of Seoul provides multiple hiking paths and a famous view from the N Seoul Tower at its peak.
Famous for its beautiful autumn foliage, Odaesan offers various trails, scenic views, and historical temples along the way.
Known for its distinctive rock formations and historical sites, this park features a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
Home to stunning granite peaks and the famous Beopjusa Temple, Songnisan offers serene hiking trails surrounded by nature.
A beautiful national park boasting gentle slopes, dense forests, and a variety of wildlife ideal for hiking and exploring.
The highest peak in the Taebaek Mountains, offering challenging trails and breathtaking views, especially during the sunrise.
Airports
How to reach Korea by plane.
The primary international airport serving Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers extensive international flight connections.
Located in Seoul, South Korea, Gimpo International Airport primarily handles domestic flights and regional international flights to nearby countries.
Situated near Busan, South Korea, this airport serves as a hub for flights to Japan and other Asian destinations.
The main airport serving Jeju Island, offering both domestic and international flights, popular for tourism.
Located in Gangwon Province, this airport serves the eastern coastal region of South Korea and offers some international services.
The primary airport serving Taipei, Taiwan, located not far from Korea and offering international connections.
One of the two major airports in Tokyo, Japan, providing a significant number of international flights, close to Korea.
The main international airport serving Shanghai, China, with numerous international connections, including to Korea.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in South Korea, comprising around 96% of the population, identified as ethnic Koreans.
Includes individuals from other countries residing in Korea, such as Chinese, Vietnamese, American, and Filipinos among others, accounting for approximately 4% of the population.
A Korean ethnic minority group living in China, many of whom have immigrated to Korea, primarily for work.
Families consisting of a Korean and a non-Korean spouse, increasingly common due to international marriage, particularly from Southeast Asia.
Individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution or conflict, with a growing presence in recent years.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in South Korea, with a strong following both domestically and internationally, particularly during events like the FIFA World Cup.
Baseball has a rich history in South Korea and is immensely popular, with a professional league that attracts large crowds and viewership.
Basketball is widely played and followed in South Korea, with many fans supporting local teams and the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
Taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, is not only a popular sport but also a source of national pride, especially in international competitions.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in South Korea, especially women's volleyball, with professional leagues that promote the sport.
Golf has seen a surge in popularity in South Korea, with many professional players gaining international recognition and numerous golf courses throughout the country.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Korean cuisine includes many meat dishes, vegetarian options are growing in popularity, especially in larger cities. Look for banchan (side dishes), bibimbap without meat, and vegetable-based stews.
Veganism is emerging in Korea, although finding entirely plant-based meals can be challenging. Seek out dedicated vegan restaurants or those that offer customizable dishes like bibimbap or salads.
Gluten-free options are limited in traditional cuisines due to soy sauce and other wheat-based foods. However, rice dishes and certain stews can be suitable; always confirm ingredient lists when dining out.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Korea.