South Korea Travel Guide

More expensive than Southeast Asia but cheaper than Japan or Western Europe. Backpackers spend £45–70 a day, mid-range travellers £90–160, and luxury £200+. Food and transport are excellent value; accommodation in Seoul is the priciest item.

7 days for Seoul + Busan + Gyeongju. 10–14 days is the sweet spot for adding Jeju and Jeonju. 3 weeks lets you slow down and add Seoraksan, Andong and the southern islands.

Extremely safe — one of the safest countries in the world. Solo female travel is very common. Late-night street safety in Seoul and Busan is excellent.

April–May for cherry blossoms and October for autumn foliage are the two peak months. Both offer dry, sunny weather around 18–22°C. Avoid July's monsoon (jangma).

Most Western nationalities (UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days but must apply online for K-ETA before flying. The K-ETA is around £6 and takes minutes.

Both — they complement each other. Seoul is the global megacity with palaces, nightlife and shopping. Busan is laid-back, coastal and seafood-focused. Combine the two via KTX (2h 30m).

Yes — Jeju is Korea's tropical island, with volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, beaches and Hallasan. Most travellers spend 3–4 days. Rent a car as public transport is limited.

Yes — organised day tours run daily from Seoul (around £40–70). Independent visits are not permitted. Book in advance, bring your passport, and check if the JSA (Joint Security Area) is open.

Very easy in Seoul, Busan and Jeju — signage is bilingual, the subway has English announcements, and Papago handles menus. Smaller towns require more patience.

Yes if you're doing multiple intercity trips. A 3-day pass (£90) breaks even after about two long-distance journeys (Seoul–Busan return is £80+).

For 10 days: Seoul (4) → DMZ day trip → Jeonju (1) → Gyeongju (1) → Busan (2) → Jeju (2). For 14 days, add Seoraksan or Andong.

Some dishes are (kimchi, tteokbokki, dakgalbi) but plenty aren't — bulgogi, japchae, galbi, mandu and most BBQ are mild. Ask for 'an maewoyo' (not spicy).

Harder than in many Asian countries — even kimchi often contains fish sauce. Temple cuisine (sachal eumsik) is fully vegan, and Seoul has a growing plant-based scene.

Excellent — extremely safe, world-class transport, English-friendly signage in cities, and easy to navigate. It's a great Asia starter destination.

Type C and F (European 2-pin round) at 220V/60Hz. UK and US travellers need an adapter.

Yes — Korea is largely cashless. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere, including taxis and convenience stores. Bring some cash for small markets and rural areas.

World-leading. Free WiFi is everywhere — subway, cafés, hotels — and Korea has the world's fastest mobile internet. An Airalo eSIM activates in 60 seconds.

Yes — healthcare is excellent but costs add up. Choose a policy that covers winter sports if skiing in Pyeongchang.

No — tipping is not customary and can even cause confusion. Don't tip in restaurants, taxis or hotels.

Seoul, especially Itaewon (Homo Hill), Hongdae and Jongno 3-ga, has visible LGBTQ+ scenes. Korea is socially conservative outside major cities; discretion is sensible elsewhere.

Late March to mid-April. Jeju and Busan bloom first (around 25 March), Seoul peaks early April. The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is the country's biggest.

Cherry blossom season (April), Chuseok (Sept/Oct) and autumn foliage in Seoraksan (October) — book 2–3 months ahead. Off-season a week is usually fine.

Yes with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Renting a car only makes sense for Jeju — Seoul's public transport is better than driving.

Outstanding — K-beauty in Myeongdong, fashion in Hongdae and Apgujeong, electronics in Yongsan, and traditional crafts in Insadong. Tax refunds available for tourists.

Use two hands when giving or receiving (especially cash or business cards). Take shoes off indoors at hanok stays, temples and many restaurants. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice.