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Browse and explore the best travel guides in South Korea.
South Korea pairs a hyperconnected, design-forward present with one of Asia's deepest cultural histories. Seoul anchors the country with palaces, K-pop districts, and 24-hour neighbourhoods, while Busan offers beaches and seafood, Jeju Island delivers volcanic landscapes, and Gyeongju preserves the heart of the old Silla kingdom. High-speed KTX trains link the major cities in just a few hours.
Capital
Seoul
Population
~52 million
Area
100,210 km²
Time Zone
KST (UTC+9)
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW)
Languages
Korean
Main Airports
ICN (Incheon/Seoul), GMP (Gimpo), PUS (Busan), CJU (Jeju)
Visa
Visa-free up to 90 days for many nationalities (K-ETA may apply)
Best For
Food, K-culture, shopping, high-speed rail travel
Typical Cost Level
Mid-range to High
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
Citizens of around 100 countries - including the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan - can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. Some nationalities additionally need K-ETA travel authorisation (similar to the US ESTA), applied for online before travel.
Spring (April-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October-November) for foliage are the most photogenic seasons. Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and includes the rainy season. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry, ideal for ski resorts like Pyeongchang.
South Korea is one of the safest countries in Asia for tourists, with very low crime and excellent infrastructure. The North Korea border situation rarely affects daily travel in the South. Late-night nightlife districts can get rowdy, so the usual common-sense precautions apply.
South Korea uses the South Korean Won (KRW). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and a T-money or WOWPASS transit card is handy for the metro and buses. Some small shops and traditional markets prefer cash.
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