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 moreBusan
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...Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a coastal city in the province of North Gyeongsang in South Korea. It’s often referred to as the...Daegu
Daegu, the capital of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, is located near the Geumho River. Once part of the Silla Kingdom in...Sokcho
Sokcho is one of South Korea’s most northerly cities and has fascinating historical links with North Korea. The DMZ is...Yeosu
Yeosu’s coastline is famous for its temperate climate and lush greenery, as well as outstanding beaches. A favorite hangout is...
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...6 Best Things to Do for Couples in Gangneung
Our guide to the best things to do for couples in Gangneung includes many places that have been featured in...10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Jeju
Families visiting Jeju Island are treated to plenty of fun activities and attractions. The island itself almost feels like a...10 Best Places Locals Love to Go in Busan
Busan, as a port city, has plenty of things to see and do any time of the year – it's a...9 Things to Do in Jeju on a Small Budget
Looking for things to do in Jeju on a small budget? For one, simply remember that the stunning nature of...14 Best Things to Do in Gyeongju
The best things to do in Gyeongju are primarily historical and archeological sites that shed light on the city’s rich...3 Best Jjimjilbang in Seoul
Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean bathhouse that opens 24 hours a day. These sauna rooms also serve as affordable accommodations...
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
Busan Information
Our Busan information guide comprises ways of getting to and around in South Korea’s bustling port city. The city has had quite a vivid past, with major attractions ranging from hot springs and waterfalls to nature reserves. The city is...Gyeongju Information
Our Gyeongju information guide consists of useful tips when traveling to this South Korean city. Known as a ‘museum without...Seoul Airports
Seoul airports serve as the main arrival points for travelers visiting the capital city of South Korea. There are 2...
