Things To Do
in South Korea
South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a vibrant and advanced country located on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It is known for its bustling cities, stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. South Korea is home to technological giants like Samsung and LG, leading the way in innovation and technology.
The country also boasts a strong emphasis on education and is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of traditional and modern experiences.
- "안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)" - Thank you
- "죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "네 (Ne)" - Yes
- "아니요 (Aniyo)" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Stroll through the palace grounds and take in the beautiful architecture.
Head to Bukchon Hanok Village to explore traditional Korean houses. Enjoy lunch at a quaint café and continue wandering the charming streets.
Explore the lively area of Myeongdong for shopping and street food. Try local delicacies like tteokbokki and hotteok while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Start your day with a visit to Haeundae Beach for a relaxing time by the sea. Enjoy a refreshing morning walk along the coastline.
Visit the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which overlooks the ocean. Take time to explore the temple grounds and enjoy the serene views.
Head to Gwangalli Beach for a picturesque sunset. Savor a seafood dinner at a local restaurant while watching the famous bridge light show.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong economy with a focus on technology and innovation.
- High-quality education system, leading to a well-educated workforce.
- Rich cultural heritage, including music, cuisine, and traditional festivals.
- Excellent public transportation system.
- Low crime rate and high safety standards.
- High levels of competition and pressure in education and job markets.
- Cost of living in major cities like Seoul can be very high.
- Air pollution and environmental concerns in urban areas.
- Aging population and potential labor shortages.
- Limited space and high population density in urban regions.
Best Activities in South Korea
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
South Korea is known for its beautiful mountain ranges, and hiking is a popular activity. Areas such as Seoraksan National Park, Bukhansan, and Jirisan offer various trails for all skill levels.
Explore the scenic bike trails along the Han River in Seoul or cycle through the beautiful countryside along the Four Rivers Bike Path.
Experience the great outdoors by camping at designated campgrounds in national parks or coastal areas, enjoying activities such as fishing and stargazing.
Relax at picturesque beaches like Haeundae in Busan or Naksan Beach in Gangwon-do, where you can swim, sunbathe, and participate in water sports.
During the winter months, hit the slopes at popular ski resorts such as Vivaldi Park, Yongpyong Resort, and Alpensia for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities.
Explore traditional villages like Bukchon Hanok Village and Andong Hahoe Folk Village, where you can experience Korean culture and history while enjoying the outdoors.
Enjoy freshwater or coastal fishing in beautiful locations like the Han River, while also trying your hand at catch-and-release fishing adventures.
Tours
Uncover the best of South Korea with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in South Korea
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, N Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful at sunset and nighttime.
Known for its stunning mountain landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, Seoraksan National Park provides breathtaking views, particularly from peaks like Ulsanbawi.
Famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Island is a paradise for photographers with its unique landscapes and scenic spots.
A modern park in Incheon with beautiful walkways, a picturesque lake, and a backdrop of the city skyline, perfect for sunset photography.
One of Korea's most popular beaches, Haeundae offers stunning sea views, especially during sunrise and sunset, with the iconic Busan skyline in the background.
The largest of the Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung features traditional Korean architecture and beautiful gardens, ideal for capturing historical beauty against modern Seoul.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this traditional village offers a glimpse into Korea's past and stunning views of the historic architecture and natural surroundings.
These scenic coastal walking paths around Jeju Island provide breathtaking ocean views, volcanic landscapes, and tranquil countryside perfect for nature photography.
Located around N Seoul Tower, this park offers serene walking trails with lovely city views. The cherry blossoms in spring create a photo-worthy scene.
This national park near Seoul is known for its rugged peaks and stunning views of the city below, with plenty of hiking trails that provide great photo opportunities.
Food in South Korea
South Korea Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radish, seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and salt. Available at local markets and restaurants.
Must-Try!
A mixed rice dish topped with a colorful assortment of vegetables, egg, and, often, marinated beef. Found at traditional Korean restaurants.
Thinly sliced beef marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar, then grilled. Widely served at barbecue restaurants.
Spicy rice cakes cooked in a red chili sauce. A popular street food item sold in markets and by street vendors.
Seaweed rice rolls filled with various ingredients like vegetables, omelette, and ham. Available at food stalls and convenience stores.
Thick, fatty slices of pork belly grilled at the table and often wrapped in lettuce with garlic, onions, and ssamjang (spicy paste). Found in barbecue restaurants.
Stir-fried glass noodles with a mix of vegetables and sometimes beef. Commonly served at traditional Korean eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, offering an array of street food stalls selling tteokbokki, bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and mayak kimbap (bite-sized kimbap rolls).
A bustling area renowned for its diverse street food options, from hotteok (sweet pancakes) to odeng (fish cake skewers) and gyeran-ppang (egg bread).
As South Korea's largest seafood market, Jagalchi offers an immersive experience with various seafood dishes, including sannakji (live octopus) and hoe (raw fish).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In South Korea, bowing is a common form of greeting and shows respect. The deeper the bow, the more respect is conveyed. It’s polite to bow when greeting someone, especially elders.
When giving or receiving something, such as a gift or business card, it is customary to use both hands as a sign of respect and attentiveness. This practice is especially important in formal settings.
In South Korea, addressing people by their titles and last names is a sign of respect. The use of honorifics is crucial, especially in professional or elder interactions, to maintain politeness.
Safety
Tipping in South Korea
Ensure a smooth experience
In South Korea, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected in restaurants, bars, and taxis. Service charges are often included in the bill, and leaving a tip may be viewed as unnecessary or even inappropriate in some cases. However, in high-end establishments, small tips may be appreciated but are still not expected.
Payment methods in South Korea are diverse and modern. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and many people prefer using mobile payment apps like KakaoPay and Naver Pay for convenience. Cash is also used, particularly for smaller transactions, but contactless payments have gained significant popularity. Overall, the payment culture is increasingly moving towards digital transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit South Korea when the cherry blossoms bloom, creating stunning landscapes. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer in South Korea can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). It is also the monsoon season, which means heavy rainfall. This is a good time for beach trips to the southern coast, but visitors should be prepared for the heat and humidity.
Autumn is another ideal season to visit South Korea. The weather turns cool and comfortable, and the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This is a popular time for hiking and exploring national parks.
Winter can be cold in South Korea, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, it offers unique experiences like skiing in the mountains and enjoying winter festivals. Visitors can expect snow in certain regions, particularly in the northern areas.
South Korea at Night
Hiking in South Korea
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park located just north of Seoul, known for its granite peaks, clear streams, and diverse flora and fauna. Popular among both casual hikers and experienced climbers.
Located in Gangwon Province, this park features stunning mountain scenery, numerous hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife. The best time to visit is during autumn for the vibrant fall colors.
Home to South Korea's highest mountain, Hallasan, located on Jeju Island. The park offers scenic trails with beautiful views and diverse ecosystems.
This park is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and rich biodiversity. It features the longest hiking trail in South Korea, the Baengnyeongsa Trail.
Located in the heart of Seoul, Namsan Park offers several easy hiking trails that lead to the iconic N Seoul Tower, providing panoramic views of the city.
Famous for its picturesque scenery and colorful wildflowers in spring. The park features a network of well-maintained trails and the serene Odaesan temple.
Located in the Gyeongju area, this trail offers a mix of historical and natural sights, with beautiful scenery and cultural heritage sites along the way.
Airports
How to reach South Korea by plane.
The largest airport in South Korea, located near Seoul. It serves as the main gateway for international flights.
Located in Western Seoul, Gimpo is the second largest airport in South Korea, primarily serving domestic flights and a few international routes.
The main international airport serving Busan, located approximately 11 km from the city center.
Located on Jeju Island, this airport handles many domestic flights as well as international connections, particularly to neighboring countries.
An international airport located in Daegu, serving both domestic and some international flights.
A smaller international airport located in the Jeonnam province, serving limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in South Korea, comprising about 96% of the population.
Includes non-Korean nationals living in South Korea, comprising a diverse range of ethnicities, with significant numbers from China, Vietnam, the United States, and other countries.
Ethnic Koreans from China who have settled in South Korea, primarily originating from the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.
Families formed by marriages between South Koreans and foreigners, often involving spouses from countries such as Vietnam, China, and the Philippines.
Includes communities from countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, contributing to the multicultural landscape.
Comprises individuals from Western countries and other parts of the world, including expatriates and foreign workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in South Korea, with a strong following for both domestic leagues like K League and international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.
Baseball has a significant fan base in South Korea, highlighted by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and annual championships that attract large crowds.
Basketball is widely played and watched in South Korea, particularly in urban areas, with the Korean Basketball League (KBL) being the premier professional league.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in South Korea, with both men's and women's leagues and national teams that compete at high levels, including international events.
As a traditional martial art that originated in Korea, Taekwondo is both a cultural symbol and a competitive sport, with South Korea consistently performing well in international competitions.
Esports have surged in popularity in South Korea, with professional gaming leagues and events drawing large audiences and significant media attention.
Golf is increasingly popular among South Koreans, with many domestic and international tournaments and a growing number of players on the LPGA Tour.
Badminton has a growing following in South Korea, with many players competing at high levels in both national and international tournaments.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While South Korean cuisine traditionally features a lot of meat and seafood, there are increasing options for vegetarians and vegans, especially in urban areas like Seoul and Busan. Look for temple cuisine restaurants (often vegetarian) and specialized vegan eateries.
Gluten-free options may be a bit challenging to find in traditional Korean dishes, but some modern restaurants cater to gluten-free diets. It's recommended to communicate dietary restrictions clearly to ensure a safe dining experience.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting South Korea.