★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Grand royal palace with mountain backdrop and traditional guard ceremony.
⏱ 2 hours✦ Spring, Autumn
Palace
← All countries
KR
South Korea
Trendy streets, unique food, and a blend of old and ultra-modern
CulturalMovie Inspired
Capital
Seoul
Language
Korean
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW)
Time zone
KST (UTC+9)
Plug
Type C/F, 220V
Best time
April–June, September–October
Editor's note
South Korea combines modern cities, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes. Seoul is fast-moving with street food, markets, and historic palaces, while Busan offers beaches and coastal views. Mountain temples, traditional villages, and K-culture trends make the country diverse and exciting to explore.
Cities
Where to start in South Korea
Seoul
Fast-paced capital blending tradition and tech.
Culturefood
Incheon
Modern city near Seoul with waterfront areas.
Short stays
Gyeongju
Ancient capital with historic sites.
Historyculture
Busan
Coastal city with beaches and markets.
Beachesseafood
Attractions
Must-see in South Korea
Seoul
Incheon
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Incheon Chinatown
Historic district with colorful streets, street food and cultural museums.
⏱ 1 to 2 hours✦ Spring
District
Busan
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Haeundae Beach
South Korea’s most famous beach with skyline views and lively summer atmosphere.
⏱ 2 to 3 hours✦ Summer
Beach
Culture & local tips
Travel like you've been before.
Etiquette
Two hands
Pour drinks, hand over money, and receive business cards with both hands — especially to elders. A major sign of respect.
Tipping
No tipping culture
Service is included. Tips at restaurants, taxis or hotels are politely refused. International hotels are the only exception.
Transport
T-money card
Buy at any convenience store, top up and tap on subway/bus/taxi. Seoul subway maps and announcements are bilingual.
Dining
Wait for the eldest
Don't start eating until the most senior person at the table lifts their spoon. Pour drinks for others, never your own.
Shoes
Shoes off in homes & temples
Also required in many traditional restaurants and guest houses (hanok). Wear easy slip-ons for sightseeing days.
Wifi
Get a SIM or pocket wifi
Foreign roaming is slow. Rent at Incheon airport or pre-order a KT/SK Telecom data SIM — coverage is excellent everywhere.
Culinary journey
Discover the bold flavors of South Korea
Street Food
Tteokbokki
Spicy rice cakes in gochujang sauce.
Main course
Korean Fried Chicken
Crispy double fried chicken coated in sweet spicy glaze.
Snack
Kimchi
Fermented spicy cabbage served as a side dish.
Main course
Bibimbap
Rice bowl topped with vegetables, egg and chili paste.
Speak the language
A little Korean goes a long way.
Learn basic Korean phrases before your trip. Start a free lesson now.
Start a free lesson →Phrase starter
- 안녕하세요AnnyeonghaseyoHello
- 감사합니다GamsahamnidaThank you
- 죄송합니다JoesonghamnidaSorry / Excuse me
- 주세요JuseyoPlease give me…
- 영어 하세요?Yeongeo haseyo?Do you speak English?
- 계산서 주세요Gyesanseo juseyoThe bill, please
Practical info
Before you go.
Visa & entry
Visa-free entry for many nationalities; others may need a K-ETA or visa.
Connectivity
Strong 4G/5G in cities; widely available WiFi
Keep exploring
