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...Seogwipo
Seogwipo is one of the largest cities on Jeju Island and offers rocky volcanic coasts, mountainous national parks, cascading waterfalls...Incheon
Incheon lies in the northwest of South Korea, with its suburbs bordering the outskirts of Seoul. The city has some...Gangneung
Gangneung, located between the Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea, offers a remarkably laidback atmosphere. It offers one-of-a...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
17 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...11 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...15 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...15 Best Things to Do in Jeju
The best things to do in Jeju showcase the diversity of this popular island, which sits on the southern coast...10 Best Beaches in Korea
Nothing shows off seasonal charms quite like the seas. No matter the type of seaside trip you're looking for, there's...12 Best Things to Do in Incheon
The city of Incheon grew from a port named Jemulpo, which was a gateway to the sea from Hanyang (as...10 Best Places Where Locals Love to Go in Jeju Island
Every corner of this Jeju Island is a treat for the eyes, with many famous attractions to choose from. Jeju...11 Most Instagrammable Places in Seoul
Instagrammable places in Seoul range from towering observatories atop unspoiled mountains to secret gardens, botanic parks and even quirky statutes...
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...22 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
10 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...6 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
6 Best Things to Do After Dinner 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...15 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Seoul
The best nightlife experiences in Seoul consist of award-winning dance clubs, unique all-night cafes with panoramic city views...11 Best Pubs and 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
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Seoul
Among the most common mistakes people make when visiting Seoul are breaking social norms that are unique to South Korea. A general rule of thumb for any traveler is to learn about the culture of the place you’re planning to...Seoul Airports
Seoul airports serve as the main arrival points for travelers visiting the capital city of South Korea. There are 2...10 Best Festivals in Seoul
The energetic city of Seoul offers numerous festivals that enliven the city life all year round. These include the Seoul...