South Korea

South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea, is situated at the southernmost part of the Korean peninsula. It’s a complex and fascinating nation – on one hand, it has modern and flourishing megacities that are as urban as they come, and on the other, a remarkable and rich culture and history, which dates back to 2333 BC.

One of the 4 ‘Asian Tigers’ (which includes Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore), South Korea is a major economy in the world with a very high standard of living. It’s also a major tourist destination in Asia, offering a variety of attractions, from serene temples, royal tombs and unspoiled fishing villages, to picturesque mountains and volcanic landscapes.

Top destinations in South Korea

Where will you go next?

Seoul
Seoul is hailed as one of the most vibrant cities in Asia, attracting visitors from various parts of the world. As the capital city of South Korea, it is home to sprawling modern structures as well as a rich culture and remnants of history dating back more than 2,000 years. Present-day Seoul has plenty to offer tourists – you’ll find grand...
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Busan
Busan is a highly-rated tourist destination in South Korea. It’s also one of the most densely populated cities and a...
Jeju City
Jeju (sometimes known as Cheju) is a paradise for couples and honeymooners. Located off the southern coast of South Korea,...
Seogwipo
Seogwipo is one of the largest cities on Jeju Island and offers rocky volcanic coasts, mountainous national parks, cascading waterfalls...
Incheon
Incheon lies in the northwest of South Korea, with its suburbs bordering the outskirts of Seoul. The city has some...
Gangneung
Gangneung, located between the Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea, offers a remarkably laidback atmosphere. It offers one-of-a-kind opportunities to...
Yeosu
Yeosu’s coastline is famous for its temperate climate and lush greenery, as well as outstanding beaches. A favourite hangout is...

What to see & do in South Korea

Where & what to eat in South Korea

Dining out is most definitely one of the highlights when travelling in South Korea. From the bustling and international kitchens of Seoul to quieter and more traditional regional restaurants, travellers can expect a culinary feast. Korean food is often described as savoury, spicy, hearty and nutritious delights that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. South Korea is one of the best places to enjoy affordable and tasty street...

10 Great Korean Dishes
Great South Korean dishes can be found virtually everywhere in this vibrant country, from street vendors along narrow alleyways to classy restaurants within 5-star hotels. Many of these delicacies have existed for more 2,000 years, and were only consumed by...
17 Great Restaurants in Seoul
Restaurants in Seoul have earned high praise from tourists and food critics alike for inventive culinary delights and authentic flavours....
10 Best Local Restaurants in Seoul
The best local restaurants in Seoul have stood the test of time by consistently delivering homemade and inexpensive Korean favourites....

Where to shop & what to buy in South Korea

Shopping in South Korea has several plus points going for it: modern malls are there to give you the optimum in shopping comfort. Items for sale can range from the high-tech offerings of Seoul to the market fare of Busan. Most market merchants will expect you to haggle hard, so do so – with a smile, of course. The best shopping experiences come hand-in-hand with good lunching and dining opportunities –...

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Seoul
The best places to shop in Seoul are not just limited to shopping centres but are littered across districts within the city centre. You’ll be spending hours browsing through racks of clothes, electronics, accessories, jewellery, leather goods, beauty products, arts...
5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Gyeongju
Shopping in Gyeongju is more laid back and local compared to that of South Korea’s larger cities. There’s a notable...
4 Best Markets in Busan
The best markets in Busan are great for not only purchasing goods at affordable prices, but also for experiencing the...

Where to go & what to do at night in South Korea

South Korea has a thriving nightlife scene. You will find a number of traditional tea houses, coffee shops, theatre shows, discos, fashionable nightclubs, trendy pubs, and exclusive bars. For a tourist, this is the perfect way to welcome the night, as it provides a great opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing. Nightclubs and karaoke bars are also quite popular in South Korea, but if you’re not...

6 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Daegu
After-dinner activities in Daegu include romantic lakeside walks, powerful classical performances and nightclubs where partygoers dance until the early hours of the morning. Koreans love to dress for the occasion, so put on your best before heading to the opera...
15 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Seoul
The best things to do after dinner in Seoul consist of award-winning dance clubs, unique all-night cafes with panoramic city...
11 Best Pubs and Bars in Seoul
The best pubs and bars in Seoul are alive and kicking, giving plenty of reasons for you to hit the...

Useful information

Our Seoul information page gives a quick rundown of all the important facts that every first-time visitor needs when planning a trip to the capital of South Korea. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Seoul is home to both modern and traditional cultures, historical sites and urban spaces, as well as ample dining and shopping opportunities. This section covers unique particulars about Seoul, including what to expect from...

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Seoul
Among the most common mistakes people make when visiting Seoul are breaking social norms that are unique to South Korea. A general rule of thumb for any traveller is to learn about the culture of the place you’re planning to...
10 Best Festivals in Seoul
The energetic city of Seoul offers numerous festivals that enliven the city life all year round. These include the Seoul...
10 Most Popular Streets in Seoul
Seoul is a wonderful place that has a mixture of traditional streets from the Joseon dynasty era and modern streets...