Destinations / Asia

plan your trip to

South Korea

Seoul's food and shopping, plus a half-day trip to the DMZ. Here is how to plan your time in South Korea.

Budget per couple$500-$800 a day
When to goThe best time to visit South Korea is between March and May if you want to see the vibrant pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Getting aroundGetting around in South Korea is convenient, comfortable and reliable thanks to its extensive network of modern railways,…

See it before you go

Watch South Korea

Seoul's food and shopping, plus a half-day trip to the DMZ. Here is how to plan your time in South Korea.

Watch by place

Every South Korea video

2 videos from South Korea. Pick a place, or start at the top.

Travel tips

What to know before you go

Straight from our notes on South Korea: costs, getting around, where to stay and what to skip.

Per day. Prices from our trips; check current rates before you book.

transportation
Getting around in South Korea is convenient, comfortable and reliable thanks to its extensive network of modern railways, highways, bus routes and elaborate subway systems.
when to visit
The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May if you want to see the vibrant pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom. If you want to see the landscapes come alive as the leaves change in the cooler weathers, then we’d recommend visiting between September and November. Temperatures during these times are generally pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
June, July and August offer the best conditions for hiking, but the weather is hot and humid away from the mountains.
safety
Always be vigilant and aware of your belongings in crowded areas.
Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times in case your belongings are stolen or lost.
Don’t walk alone at night as a woman.
where to stay
Airbnbs and hotels in Seoul, specifically Myeongdong if you want to be close to some shopping and good restaurants
language
Korean is a Koreanic language spoken by about 80 million people, mainly Korean, as of 2021. It is the official and national language of both North Korea and South Korea, with different standardized official forms used in each country.
English is not widely spoken unless you’re in the very touristy areas.
trip resources
Airbnb, Agoda and Booking.com are great options for finding accommodations
what to pack
This really depends on what time of year you’re visiting. Korea has 4 very defined seasons. Summer is extremely hot and humid, winter is extremely cold and snowy. Spring is beautiful with the cherry blossoms and mild weather, and fall is vibrant and has pleasant weather.
Do some research before you plan your trip to see what season you’re heading into.
Pack a universal power converter as well.
what to eat
Eating out is relatively expensive for an Asian country. You’re looking at paying between $7-$13 for a Korean meal in a restaurant, and even more for western food. If you’re on a budget, eat from the convenience stores or buy groceries to cook at home. If not, try the following meals: Korean BBQ, Bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue), Samgyeopsal (pork strips), Japchae (stir-fried noodles), Kimchi (fermented vegetables), Ddukbokki (spicy rice cake), Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew), Bibimbap (mixed rice)

Packing list

What to pack for South Korea

Packing lists on video for this trip, plus the carry-on gear we designed after years on the road.

Shop Tripped
How to pack a suitcase to maximize space
Packing cubes vs compression cubes

Keep exploring

More from Asia

All destinations

Going to South Korea?

Plan your trip

Pick your dates, set a budget and book things in the right order, so you know what the trip costs before you pay for any of it.