Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, futuristic architecture and markets so vast they take up whole city blocks…South Korea is a multifaceted destination. Our specialists know the country well and can introduce you to its many attractions, from Seoul’s 14th-century palaces and Gyeongju’s tombs to the volcanic landscape of Jeju Island.
Along with seeing the country’s main highlights, we’ll help you explore Korean culture which sees ancient traditions, customs and craftsmanship sit side by side with cutting-edge technology, karaoke bars and quirky cat cafés.
Take a trip to the North Korean border zone for a better understanding of the region’s complex politics, explore the markets with a local for a taste of the country’s finest specialities, or hike to mountainside grottoes for views of the rugged coast. Whatever you decide to do, our specialists will ensure you make the most of your South Korea vacation.
Suggested tours for South Korea
These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to South Korea could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Suggested activities for South Korea
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience South Korea.
-
Tour to the North Korean border zone ![DMZ]()
Tour to the North Korean border zone
SeoulTour to the North Korean border zone
A buffer zone between North and South Korea, the Demilitarized Zone can only be visited on a guided tour which offers the chance to see its observation posts and tunnels and learn about the history of the Korean War.
View details -
Street food tour of Seoul ![Street food in Seoul]()
Street food tour of Seoul
SeoulStreet food tour of Seoul
Eat like a local as you discover Korean foods with a local guide. This tour takes in Seoul’s markets as you try classic dishes, learn about local ingredients, side dishes and sauces, and understand the importance of food in Korean culture.
View details -
Tour of Eastern Jeju Island ![Udo island cliffs]()
Tour of Eastern Jeju Island
Jeju islandTour of Eastern Jeju Island
Explore the volcanic cones, crater rims and lava tubes of east Jeju on a private guided tour to learn about the region’s geological history. See languid Udo Island and take in some of Jeju Island’s best views.
View details
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit South Korea, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Request our brochure
Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
Useful information for planning your vacation in South Korea
What food and drink should I try in South Korea?
South Korea’s fresh, complex, spicy food is a trip highlight, and you should try Korean barbecue, the national staple kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), and the country’s signature fried chicken while here. Fish is another mainstay and is often served raw, and you’ll also find plenty of dishes made from beef, pork, and chicken, with almost everything served with kimchi and gochujang (red chili paste).
For a culinary treat, seek out temple food. A food movement with its roots in the country’s Buddhist temples, it champions a vegan, slow-food ethic and is often made with foraged ingredients lovingly formed into healthy dishes with rich layers of vegetables, herbs, and spices.
The national drink, soju, is a strong rice wine with a widely variable alcoholic content. You’ll also find beer served throughout the country, especially alongside fried chicken.
What language is spoken in South Korea?
The official language of South Korea is Korean. English is often spoken in Seoul, but the further from the city you go, the less likely you are to encounter English.
What's the currency of South Korea?
The currency of South Korea is the won (KRW). You’ll find ATMs in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in hotels, and in larger restaurants and stores. In small businesses, markets, and in rural areas you’ll need to pay in cash.
How much should I tip in South Korea?
Tipping isn’t expected in South Korea.
Where can I find the latest travel advice for South Korea?
For the latest travel advice for South Korea, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.
What can I experience in South Korea?
Royal palaces and temples, volcanic peaks, avant-garde cities, traditional markets, a poignant history, and lively contemporary culture collide in South Korea. It’s a country where ancient traditions sit alongside cutting-edge technology, and temple visits are as popular as karaoke bars and cat cafes.
You could wander city markets for a taste of everyday life, take a tour of Seoul’s street food stalls, or explore K-pop culture on a tour of modern Seoul. Learn about the Korean War and its lasting legacy on a tour of the North Korean border zone, or hike up volcanic cones, around basalt cliffs, and through lava tubes on eastern Jeju island.
You can learn about ancient history in the Bulguksa Royal Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore a whole town dedicated to art and crafts, or simply relax on the beach in designer style.
Where can I stay in South Korea?
South Korea’s hotels have a sleek design and lofty standards and range from themed boutique hotels to modern, minimalist retreats, and international chains. For example, you could stay in a stylish, five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, a high-rise, high-tech tower on the waterfront in Busan, a large, international-style hotel with spa, gym, and pool, or a boutique hotel with a silver-screen theme.
You’ll also find large waterfront resorts on the coast with contemporary design and pools, spas, and often water sports. For more ideas take a look at our places to stay in South Korea.
Where should I go in South Korea?
South Korea’s highlights include the dynamic capital Seoul, beachfront Busan, imperial Gyeongju, and volcanic Jeju island. Most visitors arrive in Seoul, a multi-faceted city where 14th-century palaces butt up against massive malls, traditional markets, karaoke bars, and gleaming skyscrapers.
From here, you can take a trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the no-man’s land that separates North and South Korea, to learn about the region’s complex history. Head to Gyeongju, the imperial capital for almost 1,000 years, to visit palaces, pagodas, and temples, or Busan for markets, hot springs, and time on the beach.
For more outdoor activities, Jeju island offers the chance to hike up South Korea’s highest peak, explore volcanic craters and lava caves, or watch the island’s female free divers harvest oysters, abalone, and clams right off the beach.
How long does it take to fly to South Korea from the US?
It takes around 16 hours to fly from the East Coast of the US to South Korea, and around 13 hours from the West Coast.
What's the time zone in South Korea?
The time zone in South Korea is UTC+9 hours. Daylight Savings Time isn’t observed.
What's the best way of getting around in South Korea?
The best way to get around in South Korea is by high-speed train. The high-speed rail network links major cities and is efficient and comfortable. Combined with a private driver and guide to take you to regional destinations, you’ll be able to get to all the main attractions with ease.
Do I need a visa to visit South Korea, and what do I need to check with my passport?
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for South Korea. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Do I need vaccinations to visit South Korea?
Your doctor can give you immunization advice for travel to South Korea, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations at home. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
South Korea in pictures
-
![Bongeunsa temple, Seoul]()
Bongeunsa Temple, Seoul -
![Busan tower]()
Busan Tower -
![Sunrise over traditional shop houses in Seoul]()
Traditional houses in Seoul -
![Deoksugung Palace]()
Deoksugung Royal Palace, Seoul -
![Wolryubong Fall, Yeongdong-gun]()
Wolryubong Fall, Yeongdong-gun -
![Gyeongbokgung Palace]()
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul -
![Girls wearing Hanbok, Seoul]()
Women wearing hanbok, Seoul -
![Traditional Korean drummer]()
Traditional Korean drummer
Our expert guides to traveling in South Korea
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to South Korea. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate South Korea at its best.
-
What to do in South Korea: our highlights guide ![Pagoda in the autumn]()
What to do in South Korea: our highlights guide
What to do in South Korea: our highlights guide
Having explored the country in detail, our South Korea specialist Rory has compiled his trip highlights, from Seoul’s modern metropolis to Gyeongju’s Silla-dynasty temples and palaces.
Read this guide -
A brief introduction to Korean food ![Street food in Seoul]()
A brief introduction to Korean food
A brief introduction to Korean food
Spicy kimchi, steaming pots of soup, and DIY barbecue joints — South Korean cuisine is as bold and complex as the country’s culture. South Korea specialist Rebecca offers a brief introduction to the dishes and eateries you’re likely to find.
Read this guide
