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Looking for Flights to South Korea?
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Looking for Accommodations in Seoul, South Korea?
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Flights to South Korea: Megacities, Heritage, and Beautiful Nature
From the capital of Seoul to Busan, the country’s second-largest city, and the stunning beaches on Jeju Island — a South Korea vacation offers a fascinating variety of culture, nature, and exciting cities. South Korea as a vacation destination is still relatively unknown.
The country occupies a large part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia – the only land border is with North Korea. To the west is the Yellow Sea, to the east is the Sea of Japan, and to the south is the East China Sea. Around 51 million people live in the southern part of the peninsula today.
The Korean currency is the Won (KRW) – one dollar is approximately 1,400 Won. The time in South Korea is seven hours ahead of the local time.
Traveling to South Korea
Flights to South Korea are around 10,000 miles from the USA, so you should expect relatively long Korea flight times. A direct flight from Los Angeles to Seoul takes about 13.5 hours. Seoul is the main international airport and is usually the first destination on your vacation in South Korea. For your trip to South Korea, other airports in the country include:
Incheon (ICN)
Busan (PUS)
Muan (MWX)
Jeju (CJU )
Daegu (TAE)
If you wish to combine your South Korea trip with a trip to Japan or China, you can also travel by ferry — for example, from Osaka or Tsushima. You can take a ferry or train to Busan. This route is offered by various shipping companies, including Korea Ferry and Panstar Cruise Ferry. Additionally, you can reach South Korea from many Chinese cities by boat: From the ports of Dandong, Yantai, or Tianjin, you can reach Busan in 14 to 24 hours, depending on the departure location and route of your flight to Korea.
Entry and Visa Information for South Korea
To enter South Korea, your American passport is sufficient – a visa is not necessary as long as you stay in the country for no longer than 90 days. Upon entry, your biometric data will be recorded, and you will need to provide a fingerprint.
Best Time for a South Korea trip
The weather in South Korea is comparable to that of the Midwest: warm summers, cold and often wet winters, and mild autumn and spring seasons. In April, you can expect average temperatures of 60°F, while the hottest months are July and August. This is when the thermometer often climbs above 86°C. From June, the summer monsoon dominates the weather, so heavy rainfalls and a humid, warm climate can be expected. The hottest months are also the wettest. If you want to visit South Korea, the best months are from March to May and September. In October, the weather starts to cool down, and in winter, temperatures often drop to below freezing.
Popular Hotels in South Korea
In the cities, you’ll find a wide range of hotels in South Korea. That includes luxury establishments with all the comforts, as well as mid-range affordable hotels and simple guesthouses. Korea hotel standards are high throughout the country, so you can expect Western-style comfort. If you’re traveling in rural areas, you can also stay in a Minibak. These private rooms offer an authentic Korean experience and are often the only options for overnight stays outside cities and tourist spots. While camping is generally allowed, it is not very common.
The Most Beautiful Destinations in South Korea
City or countryside, beach vacation or culture? When vacationing in South Korea, you don’t have to choose between one or the other – you’ll find everything in this East Asian country. We’ll introduce you to the most beautiful destinations and the key highlights of South Korea.
The Capital City, Seoul: Tradition, Modernity, and Nightlife
Your first contact with South Korea is usually the capital city, Seoul. You should dedicate a few days to exploring it, as there is so much to discover and experience, both during the day and at night.
During the day, make sure to spend some time exploring the culture: The five grand palaces are all worth visiting. They were built during the last Korean kingdom in the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from 1392 to 1910. The oldest and largest of these is Gyeongbokgung, dating back to 1395. However, the original building was demolished during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century. The current palace was faithfully reconstructed in the 1990s and shines again in its former glory.
For a fantastic overview of the city and its surroundings, venture up high: First to Namsan Mountain, which you can reach by cable car, and then to the N Seoul Tower, the city’s landmark, where you can enjoy the skyline. The view, especially at sunset, is simply breathtaking!
Other must-see attractions in Seoul include:
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a shopping center and architectural highlight by Zaha Hadid
Banpo Bridge, featuring water displays and light shows in the evening
Bukchon Village on the northern outskirts, offering a close-up look at traditional South Korea
Bukhansan National Park: Experience Nature
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, simply hop on a bus in Seoul: Just a few stops away is a natural highlight, Bukhansan National Park. The landscape is shaped by the Bukhansan Mountain, with its rugged rocks and winding mountain curves. In contrast, the green valleys, peaceful river courses, and dense forests create a striking harmony. Numerous hiking trails lead through the national park, including one to Bukhansanseong Fortress, which once protected the country with its powerful walls from invasions.
No Man’s Land in the North: The DMZ
About 100 miles outside of Seoul lies the border of North Korea — and before it — the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This heavily guarded area is a unique sight – and sure to give you chills. The DMZ is one of the most heavily fortified zones in the world. You can only visit it through guided tours, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the security regulations beforehand.
Dream Beach in East Asia: Jeju Beach
The turquoise water shimmers, the sky appears deep blue, and the sand is snow-white and as soft as powdered sugar. When you find yourself gazing at this view, you’re on Jeju-Do Island, located in the East China Sea off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. The volcanic island is particularly popular among South Koreans as a vacation destination: The climate is milder than the rest of the country, and the landscape is simply enchanting. From the crater rim of the Seongsan Ilchulbong volcano, you have a unique view of the island and the surrounding sea.
Beautiful Cities in South Korea
Seoul
Of course, the stunning South Korean capital, Seoul, must be included in this list. The city is home to some of the best markets and nightlife districts in Asia and is a true paradise for shopping enthusiasts. Seoul is brimming with art, culture, and entertainment options. But relaxation is also a priority here, as the vibrant metropolis also offers peaceful corners with cozy tea houses or palaces nestled in green parks. A special experience in Seoul occurs in early April. This is when thousands of blossoms transform the land into a sea of cherry blossoms.
Pirate tip: Seoul is famous for its vibrant nightlife – from one of the countless restaurants, head to a karaoke bar and then onto a club in the Gangnam district – which you may recognize from the famous YouTube hit. Gangnam is one of the trendiest nightlife areas in the South Korean capital.
Busan
It doesn’t always have to be Seoul. Another South Korean metropolis offering just as much bucket list adventure is Busan. The country’s second-largest city lies on the southern coast and, thanks to its prominent location on the East China Sea, is a major tourist attraction. Due to its proximity to the sea, you’ll find some of the best seafood in the country here. Be sure to try it in one of the many restaurants or at the incredible street food markets of Busan! The atmosphere in Busan is completely different from that of the capital: Numerous temples, green spaces, and charming neighborhoods shape the cityscape — and Haeundae Beach, one of South Korea’s most popular beaches, is located right on the city’s doorstep.
Incheon
Incheon is the third-largest city in South Korea and offers plenty to explore. However, it is often overlooked due to its proximity to Seoul. Incheon is just west of the capital. But actually, it couldn’t be better for you than to have two such amazing cities practically right next to each other! The two cities have almost seamlessly grown together, with even their subway networks now connected. Some of our highlights in Incheon include the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, Baengnyeongdo Island, the Jajangmyeon Museum, Songdo Central Park, and many more.
Daegu
Next up is Daegu. With nearly 2.5 million inhabitants, it is the fourth-largest city in South Korea and less than two hours away from Seoul. Here, you can experience a lot off the beaten tourist path. Some of South Korea’s coolest festivals, like the Chicken and Beer Festival, take place here. Additionally, Daegu offers breathtaking hiking trails with stunning views, huge traditional markets, and fascinating temples. K-drama fans should definitely visit Daegu, as many scenes from popular Korean television shows have been filmed here.
Seogwipo
Seogwipo is far from a metropolis — and with fewer than 160,000 residents — it clearly differs from the cities we’ve introduced so far. Nevertheless, Seogwipo should not be overlooked, as the city is simply picturesque. The second-largest city on South Korea’s Jeju-Do Island lies directly on the volcanic coastline and is famous for its two stunning waterfalls. As you can see, this is not a place dominated by skyscrapers but rather a place with a unique and beautiful backdrop! By the way, some games of the 2002 FIFA World Cup were held here, including the Round of 16 match between Germany and Paraguay.
Gangneung
Similar to Seogwipo, Gangneung may not be on every South Korea travel itinerary, but it definitely should be. This “smaller” city, with 230,000 residents, shines mainly due to its incredible backdrop. The city is located on the eastern coast of South Korea, along the Sea of Japan, and is also nestled in the Taebaek Mountains.
This gives you the best of both worlds: stunning beaches and breathtaking mountains. For sports enthusiasts, Gangneung is truly a paradise, offering a variety of activities like hiking, surfing, cycling, scuba diving and kiteboarding, so everyone can find something they enjoy. The name Gangneung might also be familiar to sports fans from the 2018 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics, as it was the host of the ice sports competitions.
A must-see in Gangneung is the Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival in April, where cherry blossoms bloom along a long stretch by Gyeongpo Lake. Other fantastic festivals include the Gangneung Danoje, the Gyeongpo Summer Festival, and the Gangneung Coffee Festival.
Culture and Behavior in South Korea
South Korea is a quiet country: Loud outbursts or tantrums are frowned upon. Helpfulness is highly valued: If you’re looking for directions, you’re sure to be approached by someone offering assistance. Around a quarter of South Koreans are Buddhist. By following a few basic behavioral rules, you’ll be on the safe side in everyday interactions. For instance, it is considered rude to point at someone, and the soles of your feet should never be directed at another person.
South Korean Cuisine
Kimchi is one of the most iconic Korean dishes: This fermented vegetable is served with almost every meal. You should definitely try a few restaurants in Seoul while on your family trip or solo getaway. Even in the countryside, Korean cuisine is unique. Flavors from garlic, ginger, and chili peppers combine with sesame oil, seaweed, and fish sauce, as well as rice, meat, and seafood, to create delicious dishes. A typical drink you’ll find in every restaurant in the country is Soju, a Korean vodka.
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