South Korea
What you need to know before you go
South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea, is situated at the southernmost part of the Korean peninsula. It’s a complex and fascinating nation – on one hand, it has modern and flourishing megacities that are as urban as they come, and on the other, a remarkable and rich culture and history, which dates back to 2333 BC.
One of the 4 ‘Asian Tigers’ (which includes Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore), South Korea is a major economy in the world with a very high standard of living. It’s also a major tourist destination in Asia, offering a variety of attractions, from serene temples, royal tombs and unspoiled fishing villages, to picturesque mountains and volcanic landscapes.
Top destinations in South Korea
Where will you go next?
Seoul is hailed as one of the most vibrant cities in Asia, attracting visitors from various parts of the world. As the capital city of South Korea, it is home to sprawling modern structures as well as a rich culture and remnants of history dating back more than 2,000 years. Present-day Seoul has plenty to offer tourists – you’ll find...
Read more
Busan
Busan is a highly-rated tourist destination in South Korea. It’s also one of the most densely populated cities and...
Jeju City
Jeju (sometimes known as Cheju) is a paradise for couples and honeymooners. Located off the southern coast of South Korea...
Sokcho
Sokcho is one of South Korea’s most northerly cities and has fascinating historical links with North Korea. The DMZ is...
Incheon
Incheon lies in the northwest of South Korea, with its suburbs bordering the outskirts of Seoul. The city has some...
Yeosu
Yeosu’s coastline is famous for its temperate climate and lush greenery, as well as outstanding beaches. A favorite hangout is...
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a coastal city in the province of North Gyeongsang in South Korea. It’s often referred to as the...
What to see & do in South Korea
Featured stories & fun stuffSouth Korea is a remarkable tourist destination that has something for everyone, be it those who love nature, visiting megacities, or history buffs who enjoy learning about the cultures of the world. When it comes to sightseeing, South Korea has pristine temples, royal palaces and traditional villages dating back to ancient times. If you’re interested in outdoor activities, there are plenty of hiking spots and caves to explore, most of... Read more
21 Best Things to Do in Seoul
The best things to do in Seoul draw inquisitive travelers from all over the world. Home to sleek skyscrapers and shopping malls, as well as well-preserved royal palaces and Buddhist temples, the South Korean capital is teeming with unique...
12 Best Things to Do in Busan
The best things to do in Busan showcases the city’s reputation as an important sea port in Asia. Frequently seen...
14 Best Things to Do in Daegu
Daegu is one of the largest cities in South Korea, and coupled with its rich and ancient culture, it has...
10 Beaches in Korea Full of Seasonal Charm
Nothing shows off seasonal charms quite like the seas. No matter the type of seaside trip you're looking for, there's...
9 Local Nightlife Experiences in Jeju
Here are local nightlife experiences in Jeju that will show that there's plenty of things to see and do after...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Busan
Busan has plenty of romantic spots for those looking to spend quality time with their loved one. From strolling along...
5 Best Things to Do in Daejeon on a Small Budget
Daejeon is full of museums and art galleries with affordable admission fees. Lee Ungno Museum itself is a sight to...
4 Best Attractions in Yeosu When Traveling on a Budget
If Angel Mural Village in Goso-dong is your destination, we recommend starting at Opodae. It'll treat you with a...
10 Places Locals Love to Go in Daegu
Where do locals love to go in Daegu? This South Korean city may not be as glamorous as other tourist...
Where & what to eat in South Korea
Dining out is most definitely one of the highlights when traveling in South Korea. From the bustling and international kitchens of Seoul to quieter and more traditional regional restaurants, travelers can expect a culinary feast. Korean food is often described as savory, spicy, hearty and nutritious delights that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. South Korea is one of the best places to enjoy affordable and tasty... Read more
10 Great Korean Dishes
Great Korean food can be found virtually everywhere in vibrant Seoul, from street vendors along narrow alleyways to classy restaurants within 5-star hotels. Many of these delicacies have existed for more 2,000 years, and were only consumed by royal...
18 Great Restaurants in Seoul
Restaurants in Seoul have earned high praises from tourists and food critics alike for inventive culinary delights and authentic flavors...
10 Best Local Restaurants in Seoul
The best local restaurants in Seoul have stood the test of time, consistently delivering homemade and inexpensive Korean dishes for...
Where to shop & what to buy in South Korea
Shopping in South Korea has several plus points going for it: modern malls are there to give you the optimum in shopping comfort. Items for sale can range from the high-tech offerings of Seoul to the market fare of Busan. Most market merchants will expect you to haggle hard, so do so – with a smile, of course. The best shopping experiences come hand-in-hand with good lunching and... Read more
17 Best Places to Go Shopping in Seoul
Seoul is undoubtedly a shopper’s paradise. The best places to shop in Seoul are not limited to shopping malls, but spill out across districts within the city center. You’ll be spending hours browsing through racks of clothes, electronics, accessories, jewelry...
3 Best Places to Go Shopping in Gyeongju
Shopping in Gyeongju is rather laidback compared to major cities in South Korea. The town may not have trendy malls...
4 Best Places to Go Shopping in Jeju
The best places to go shopping in Jeju attract those looking to shop for Korean goods and souvenirs. Markets are...
Where to go & what to do at night in South Korea
South Korea has a thriving nightlife scene. You will find a number of traditional tea houses, coffee shops, theatre shows, discos, fashionable nightclubs, trendy pubs, and exclusive bars. For a tourist, this is the perfect way to welcome the night, as it provides a great opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing. Nightclubs and karaoke bars are also quite popular in South Korea, but if you’re... Read more
Best Nightlife Experiences in Daegu
Nightlife in Daegu consists of music halls and opera houses hosting concerts year-round, to cool nightclubs that stay open until morning. While there’s no particular dress code to follow while visiting clubs or bars here, Koreans usually love to...
9 Best Nightlife Experiences in Seoul
The best nightlife experiences in Seoul consist of award-winning dance clubs, unique all-night cafes with panoramic city views...
6 Best Pubs & Bars in Seoul
The pub and bar scene in Seoul is alive and kicking, giving plenty of reasons for you to hit the...
Useful information
Our Seoul information page gives a quick rundown of all the important facts that every first-time visitor needs when planning a trip to the capital of South Korea. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Seoul is home to both modern and traditional cultures, historical sites and urban spaces, as well as ample dining and shopping opportunities. This section covers unique particulars about Seoul, including what to... Read more
Post-Pandemic Travel Kit
The world of travel has been through a lifetime’s worth of changes in the past few months (haven’t we all), but as life goes on and a glimmer of normality comes back into our lives, it’s worth thinking about traveling...
Getting Around Seoul
Getting around Seoul is relatively easy thanks to the city’s well-planned pedestrian lanes and efficient public transportation system. The...
Jeju Information
Our Jeju information includes ways of getting to and around this South Korean island, as well as basic tips for...
Why book with Hotels.com?
Free cancellation
on most hotels*Our price guarantee
find out moreGet a reward night
For every 10 nights you stay
