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Tourist Popularity

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Hotels

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Family Friendly

Single Friendly

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Senior Friendly

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LGBTQ+ Friendly

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InternationalTravel.ai > Korea

Korea

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: K-pop, Cuisine, Technology

Train Access: Yes (korail, seoul metropolitan subway, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Seoul Bus, Intercity Bus, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Most visitors from countries like the United States, Canada, and EU member states can enter Korea visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities may need to apply for a visa in advance, with the process involving an application form, passport photos, and sometimes an interview.

Korea, a nation that harmoniously blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity, offers travelers a rich tapestry of experiences. Visitors can explore palaces like Gyeongbokgung in Seoul, which provide a glimpse into the country's royal past, or wander through the traditional hanok villages. For a taste of Korea's vibrant pop culture, districts such as Gangnam are replete with K-pop entertainment and trendy cafes. Korean cuisine is a highlight, with opportunities to savor dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and Korean barbecue at bustling food markets or elegant restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the scenic trails of Seoraksan National Park or enjoy the beaches of Jeju Island. Unique events such as the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Jeonju Hanji culture Festival showcase Korea's playful spirit and cultural heritage. The country's efficient public transportation system makes it easy to between urban centers and natural retreats. Shopping in Myeong-dong offers everything from high-end fashion to local cosmetics, while the nightlife in Hongdae pulses with energy. For a serene experience, temple stays provide a chance to live like a monk and practice meditation. Korea's four distinct seasons each offer their own charm, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful foliage in fall. Whether indulging in street food, attending a K-pop concert, or relaxing in a jjimjilbang (Korean spa), Korea promises a diverse and memorable journey for every traveler.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Korea

Weather: Korea experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are usually long, cold, and dry, while summers are short, hot, and humid. Spring and autumn are pleasant but also short in duration. The country is affected by the monsoon season during the summer, which brings heavy rainfall.

Festivals: The Seoul Lantern Festival illuminates the city with vibrant light displays, while the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival features thousands of lanterns floating on the river.

Best Destinations for Kids: Lotte World in Seoul offers thrilling rides and entertainment for children, while the interactive exhibits at the National Museum of Korea are both educational and fun for young visitors.

Hidden Gem: The city of Gyeongju, known as the 'museum without walls,' is an underrated destination with ancient Silla dynasty ruins and beautiful temple complexes.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Korea offers budget-friendly travel options for those looking to explore without breaking the bank. Hostels and guesthouses provide affordable lodging, with prices starting around $15-$30 per night. Street food stalls and local markets, such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul, offer delicious meals like tteokbokki and gimbap for just a few dollars. Public transportation is efficient and cost-effective, with the T-money card allowing access to buses and subways across the country. Free cultural experiences include visiting historic sites like Bukchon Hanok Village or hiking in national parks. Off-peak travel during shoulder seasons, like March or November, can result in lower airfares and accommodation rates. Additionally, many museums and palaces have free admission days or discounted tickets for youths and seniors.

Accessibility: Korea is relatively accessible for older travelers, with Seoul's public transport system equipped with elevators and ramps, and most sidewalks in urban areas are well-maintained.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Korea is generally safe and rewarding. The country is known for its low crime rate and respectful culture, making it a comfortable destination for solo adventurers. Hostels and social guesthouses are great places to meet fellow travelers, and many offer organized tours or cultural activities. Solo diners will find that eating alone is common in Korea, with many restaurants offering single-serving dishes. Language barriers can exist outside major cities, but smartphone translation

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Korea could include exploring Seoul's historical sites and modern districts, a day trip to the DMZ for historical context, and a visit to the cultural city of Gyeongju or the port city of Busan.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, immerse yourself in Seoul's urban life, relax on Jeju Island, hike in national parks like Jirisan, and explore the cultural richness of cities like Jeonju and Incheon.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Oldboy, My Sassy Girl, The Host, Train to Busan, Parasite

Popular Foods: Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and variety of dishes. Some of the most popular foods include kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish, usually made with cabbage; bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef grilled on a barbecue; bibimbap, a mixed rice dish with vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce; and Korean barbecue, where diners cook their own meat at the table. Popular desserts include patbingsu, a shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings, and hotteok, a sweet syrup-filled pancake.

Unusual Eats: Sannakji is a dish that consists of live octopus tentacles that are still wriggling when served, often seasoned with sesame oil and seeds. Hongeo is fermented skate fish that has a strong, ammonia-like odor, which can be challenging for those not accustomed to it.

Popular Sports: football, baseball, basketball, taekwondo, golf

Popular Teams: FC Seoul (football), Doosan Bears (baseball), Samsung Lions (baseball), Anyang KGC (basketball)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: In South Korea, it is considered rude to leave your chopsticks sticking vertically out of a bowl of rice, as this resembles a ritual for the dead. It is also a faux pas to write someone's name in red ink, as this is traditionally associated with death. Additionally, when drinking with elders, it is polite to turn your head away and cover your mouth with your hand when taking a sip.