South Korea Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Seoul showing a river or creek, a high-rise building and a city

South Korea Travel Guide Video

With a landscape as diverse as its culture and cuisine, this breathtaking region of East Asia is a feast for the senses.

Encounter a thrilling mix of old and new in South Korea. While neon signs and high-tech industries may abound in its cities, this nation promises more than just hustle and bustle, with sleepy coastal fishing villages and grand temples to explore here too.

Established in 1948, South Korea, or the Republic of Korea as it is officially known, composes the southern half of the Korean peninsula, along with thousands of outlying islands. The capital city, Seoul, is a buzzing metropolis at the heart of the country’s technology scene. For the best bird’s-eye view of Seoul, head to the observatory at the N Seoul Tower, which offers a 360-degree view of the cityscape and the summit of Mount Namsan.

Back on the ground, visit Deoksugung Palace, a modern palace flanked by a traditional gate, and watch the daily Changing of the Royal Guard. In the evening, attend a traditional Korean performance at the Jeongdong Theater.

For a complete change of pace, venture to the white-sand Haeundae Beach in Busan. Stretching around 1 mile (2 kilometers) long, this beach offers a relaxing break from the buzz of city life.

Find Bulguksa Temple on the slopes of Mount Toham on the southeastern coast. This Buddhist temple complex features unique Silla-era pagodas and a monumental sea-facing statue of Buddha.

South Korean food is flavorful and spicy. Be sure to try kimchi, spicy fermented cabbage, often used as an accompaniment to main dishes bibimbap, a mixed rice and vegetable dish, often topped with egg and meat and bulgogi, barbecued marinated beef.

The largest airport in South Korea is Incheon International Airport, located in Seoul. Each of the country’s major cities has their own subway system, with signs written in both English and Korean, and journeys paid for using rechargeable money cards. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive, and ferries run regularly from the mainland to the hundreds of outlying islands. Visit South Korea during spring, and you’ll likely be blessed with warm temperatures and little rainfall.

See where ancient and modern collide in this fascinating East Asian nation.

Popular cities in South Korea

Seoul showing a river or creek, a high-rise building and a city
Seoul
Known for Shopping, Castle and Culture
This South Korean metropolitan capital city is a mix of busy markets and thumping nightlife, sitting happily alongside palaces and peaceful teahouses.

Reasons to visit

  • Lotte World Tower
  • Hongik University
  • Hyundai Department Store
Dongpirang Village showing a bay or harbour, a house and general coastal views
Busan
Known for Beaches, Shopping and Seafood
This summer resort destination offers some of South Korea’s most spectacular beaches, a village filled with art and the world’s biggest department store.

Reasons to visit

  • Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch
  • Gwangalli Beach
  • Busan University of Foreign Studies
Incheon showing a park, a high-rise building and a sunset
Incheon
Known for Dining, Shopping and Budget
Korea’s third-largest city is a fascinating mix of political history, modern shopping malls and entertainment districts, and remote outer islands.

Reasons to visit

  • Songdo Central Park
  • University of Incheon
  • NC Cube Canal Walk
Jeju City
Jeju City
Known for Seafood, Hiking and Sightseeing

Reasons to visit

  • Bijarim Forest
  • Hyeopjae Beach
  • Hamdeok Beach
Seogwipo
Seogwipo
Known for Sea, Waterfalls and Museums
Staggering coastal views, cascading waterfalls and a laid-back yet quirky city center welcomes nature-lovers to Jeju Island’s second-largest city.

Reasons to visit

  • Seongsan Ilchulbong
  • Soesokkak Estuary
  • Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
Gyeongju
Gyeongju
Known for Historical, Temples and Waterparks
Dotted with ancient temples, burial mounds, pagodas and palaces, this former capital of the Silla Kingdom is the perfect place to explore early Korean history.

Reasons to visit

  • Bulguksa Temple
  • Bomun Lake
  • Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Popular places to visit

South Korea Travel Guide

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