South Korea has a unique culture, and it has made the country to become one of the most visited countries in the world. The charming natural beauty, its friendly people, and the delicious food of South Korea have hypnotized many people to pay a visit to this Eastern Asia country. We know the reasons why you want to go to South Korea now. So, we have this South Korea Travel Guide just for you! Read to learn more!
This is the best South Korea Travel Guide
- Basic Information about Traveling to South Korea
- Travel in South Korea on a Budget
- Itineraries and Places in South Korea
Basic Information about Traveling to South Korea
This is essential information you need to know before traveling to South Korea.
| Currency: South Korean Won/KRW (around USD 0.1) | Official Language: Korean | Plug Type: Type F |
Visa and Entry Requirements: Check if your citizenship lets you enter South Korea without a visa. If not, you must apply for a visa for your trip to South Korea. Besides, you also need to check the border restrictions in South Korea due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Travel in South Korea on a Budget
Before traveling to South Korea, it is very important to prepare everything beforehand, especially to budget and plan for accommodation, transportation, and food. This South Korea Travel Guide gives you essential information for your next trip to South Korea.
Accommodation
If you want to get accommodation on a tight budget, you can go for a hostel dorm with four to six beds, which will cost around KRW 20,000 to KRW 25,000 per night. In addition, you can also find a dorm with eight or more beds which costs around KRW 14,000 to KRW 20,000. However, if you want more privacy, you can book a single private room for about KRW 40,000 or a double private room for approximately KRW 70,000.
If you have more money, you can rent a hotel room starting from KRW 28,000 or a double hotel room for at least KRW 40,000. Alternatively, go for an Airbnb, which is much cheaper, with around KRW 25,000 to KRW 30,000 for a private room. If you want an entire apartment or home, you must pay at least KRW 50,000 to KRW 70,000 per night.
Transportation
Learn how you can travel from one place to another in South Korea. There are a lot of options that you can fit into your travel budget. You must notice that the price can be really low if you book in advance!
Public Transportation
All major cities in South Korea offer subway systems. The costs usually range from KRW 1,250 to KRW 1,350 for one way only. Moreover, you can also use a daily pass which can take you around KRW 5,000. Besides the subway, you can also ride local buses. In South Korea, you can choose which types of local buses. They are seated (more pricey) and regular. Both of these buses run the same routes.
Bus
Taking a bus is the cheapest way to get around South Korea for a long-distance journey. Therefore, you should put the bus option in your South Korea Travel Guide. You can choose between the express bus, which makes a few to no stops, or the intercity bus, which travels between smaller areas and have more stops. We recommend you reserve the bus tickets in advance by going directly to the bus terminal since most bus booking apps or websites only accept Korean cards.
The bus ticket prices depend on the classes, which are divided into three. They are standard, luxury, and premium. To illustrate, it will cost you around KRW 36,000 to get from Seoul to Busan for four hours in a standard class. Another example, you will need to pay around KRW 38,000 from Incheon to Busan for standard class over the four-hour journey.
Train
Another mode of transportation that you can use to explore entire South Korea is the train. If you have more budget, you can take Korean Train Express, the fastest train in the country. However, the train only goes to major cities and has limited schedules. In addition, this could be more expensive compared to other train options.
You can take KORAIL, the national railway service that operates at a slower speed with many schedules at affordable prices. Moreover, you can buy the unlimited KORAIL Pass offered only to international visitors, which will take your money around KRW 121,000 for a two-day adult pass. You can also have a five-day adult pass for KRW 210,000.
Airplane
South Korea is relatively too small to explore by airplane. Therefore, many people often take land transportation instead. However, this type of transportation is highly recommended if you need to go from one place to another quickly. It can be very helpful if you want to quickly go to Incheon from Jeju Island.
Some budget-friendly domestic airlines in South Korea are Jeju Air, T’way Air, and Air Busan. The flight from Seoul to Busan will take you around KRW 30,500. Meanwhile, Jeju Island to Seoul will cost around KRW 55,000. You can also fly from Busan to Jeju Island for KRW 22,000 only.
Food
South Korean food is delicious. Not only that, most of them are generally cheap, even for dining out at restaurants. For example, a meal at a restaurant serving traditional Korean food will cost around KRW 9,000 to KRW 15,000. Ordering a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will only cost around KRW 25,000 to KRW 30,000. However, always expect higher prices in larger cities.
If your accommodation provides a kitchen, it will be advantageous for you to save some money by cooking your own food. You only need to spend around KRW 50,000 to KRW 70,000 per week for vegetables, pasta, rice, and meat. Go to local markets to get fresh products at affordable prices. Otherwise, you can also buy some street foods, such as bulgogi, chap chase, tteokbokki, hotteok, bungeo-ppang, bibimpap, and many more, for a lower price.
Itineraries and Places in South Korea
Do you want to experience South Korea in just ten days fully? Follow this itinerary and get the best of many unique places in South Korea!
Day 1-2: Seoul
Suppose you arrive in South Korea on an international flight. In that case, you will be dropped off in Incheon. Once you take off, go to Seoul directly. As the capital city, Seoul has a lot to offer, from food and nightlife to nature and history! Therefore, you should spend your first and second days in Seoul to experience those things. One day is not enough to explore Seoul. Thus, put Seoul into your South Korea Travel Guide and spend at least two days when you are here.
Things to do in Seoul: explore Seoul Tower, wander in the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, savor Korean street food in Gwangjang Market, stroll around Itaewon, hike to Jingwansa Temple, explore Bukhansan National Park, take pictures at Gwanghwamun Gate, walk along Cheonggyecheon, Relax at Bongeunsa Temple, and visit Changdeokgung Palace.
Day 3: Gyeongju
If you want to dive deep into South Korean culture, put Gyeongju into your South Korea travel guide. Located in the southern part of the country, very far from Seoul, Gyeongju has a lot of archaeological sites and cultural properties dating back to its establishment in 935 AD by King Taejo. Because of that fact, many people often call Gyeongju “the museum without walls.” Moreover, Gyeongju is also listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Things to do in Gyeongju: adore the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, adore Woljeonggyo Bridge, visit Gyeongju National Museum, have fun at Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, go to Golgulsa Temple, enjoy Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, enjoy Gyeongju World, explore Cheomseongdae, walk around Hwangnidan-Gil, experience Gyochon Traditional Village, and visit Bulguksa Temple.
Day 4-5: Busan
As the second largest city in South Korea, Busan is the next city you must visit for your South Korea Travel Guide. Famous for various entertainment industries, Busan even has an annual international film festival held each fall. Besides, the city is also blessed with beautiful nature. You can even see the mountainous landscapes of the city from every angle. Moreover, you can also enjoy its beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and hot springs.
Things to do in Busan: visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, explore Gamcheon Cultural Village, ride a cable car, discover Illumia Park, buy seafood at Jagalchi Market, savor Korean street food at Seomyeon Food Alley, Picnic by Haeundae Beach, go to SEA LIFE Aquarium, explore Trick Eye Museum, hike at Seokbulsa Cliff Carvings, and experience a jjimjilbang.
Day 6-8: Jeju Island
After being satisfied with visiting Busan, go to Jeju Island for your next trip in South Korea Travel Guide. Jeju Island is famous for its sandy beaches and emerald water. However, Hallasan Mountain, the tallest mountain in Korea, is located on the island, making it the best place to hike around or enjoy the volcanic beauty, such as small volcanic edifices and lava tube caves. Besides, you can visit many other tourist attractions, such as theme parks, zoos, and food markets.
Things to do on Jeju Island: enjoy BBQ food at Heuk-Dwaeji Street, explore Jeju’s Mazeland, uncover lava tubes in Manjanggul Cave, dive into the seas with the Jeju Female Divers, adore the Sunrise at Seongsan Peak, stroll along the Seopjikoji Coastal Walk, learn marine life at Aqua Planet Jeju, catch the sunset at Yongmeori Coast, visit the unique Jeongbang Waterfall, enjoy street food at Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, explore the Jusangjeollidae Lava Cliff, and hike to the Mount Hallasan.
Day 9-10: Incheon
Take a flight from Jeju Island to the last city of your journey, Incheon, in this South Korea Travel Guide before you return to your home country. Not only is Incheon home to the busiest international airport in South Korea, but it is also one of the busiest seaports in the country. With its modernity, the city still has its Korean dashes. Many places in Incheon are historical places that tourists often visit. You can also enjoy the city’s beautiful west coast and many islands.
Things to do in Incheon: explore the Fairytale Village of Songwol-dong, discover Incheon Chinatown, visit Sinpo International Market, go to the Incheon Grand Park, adore the Incheon Korean Jeondeungsa Temple, relax at the Euwangni beach, explore Ganghwa Island, and visit Incheon Metropolitan City Museum.
We have provided you with this South Korea Travel Guide. Now, it is time for you to explore and realize your dream vacation to South Korea! Book an unforgettable trip with JoinMyTrip to South Korea, and enjoy the best vacation of your life with our fun, experienced TripLeaders to take you on a fantastic adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Book now!
