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Japanese Gardens in South Korea

Trending Destination: Your Guide to South Korea 

Traveller in Nice in the South of France

By Caitlin Spouge

Last updated: 19th January 2023

Feel like you’re suddenly seeing travel videos of South Korea everywhere? Well, there’s a reason for that! Travellers have been absolutely falling in love with this destination and just can’t help but show off how amazing it is. It’s time for you to discover the perfect blend of the traditional and the modern. This is everything you need to know about visiting South Korea. 

Top things to do

N Seoul Tower

Skyline of Seoul with N Seoul Tower in the background in South Korea

Start your adventure in South Korea with spectacular views across Seoul, South Korea's capital city. N Seoul Tower sits atop Mount Namsan and you can choose to either tackle the hike up the mountain or ride in the cable car. The best time to visit is at night, as both the tower and the city beautifully light up. 

Shopping at Myeongdong 

Shoppers on busy street in Seoul in South Korea

Myeongdong is buzzing with impressive malls, cute boutiques and neon signs lighting up the streets at night. Arrive with an appetite to eat, on Myeongdong Walking Street Market you’ll find around 200 food stalls at any one time to choose from! 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Traveller at Gyeongbokgung Palace in South Korea

Dive into South Korea’s rich history at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Hanbok is traditional Korean clothing and it is popular, and also encouraged, for travellers to rent a Hanbok to show their interest in Korean culture. Plus, it is free to enter Gyeongbokgung Palace when wearing one! 

K-Pop Dance Class

People learning K-pop dance routine in South Korea

K-Pop fans will constantly be in their element as they explore South Korea. A K-Pop dance class is a particularly special experience for travellers to get involved in. You’ll learn famous choreography with the pros in Hapjeong on our Ultimate South Korea group trip. Even those who aren’t familiar with the K-Pop hype (yet!) will be humming the songs for the rest of the trip. 

Gangnam

Gangnam hands in South Korea

Of course, we can’t talk about K-Pop without talking about the iconic Gangnam-gu. Home to the iconic Gangnam hands, pose for a picture and remember the days when Psy’s viral ‘Gangnam Style’ was playing everywhere you went. 

The DMZ 

Traveller in front of the DMZ sign in South Korea

Less than 2 hours from Seoul, the DMZ sits between North and South Korea and is a fascinating place to tick off. Listen to stories of the Korean War and on a clear day, you can look across to North Korea from the Dora Observatory. 

Stay at a Hanok guest house

A tradtional Hanok in South Korea

Staying in a traditional Korean house is a great way to appreciate life in South Korea, which is why this is such a highlight of our Best of South Korea group trip. Your time here will be all about soaking in the tranquillity of your surroundings. 

Visit Bulguksa

Bulguksa Temple in South Korea

Visiting one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country on our Ultimate South Korea group trip is a treat that you will never forget. Marvel at the impressive pagodas and shrines at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Spot K-drama filming locations 

Traveller in Busan in South Korea

Busan is not only a traveller favourite because of Haeundae Beach, with its dreamy swim spots and white sands. It is also a prime location for seeing where all your favourite K-dramas were filmed! 

Tuck into a Korean BBQ

Travellers eating Korean BBQ at a restaurant in Seoul in South Korea

If you think you’ve had a Korean BBQ, think again! There is nothing like experiencing this in South Korea itself. Feast on pork, beef, duck or seafood, all cooked with the grill in the middle of your table. 

Sail around Jeju Island

Hiking on Jeju Island in South Korea

Jeju Island is loved by locals, with beautiful coral reefs, dreamy beaches and scenic hiking trails. You’ll get to experience this island in style on our South Korea Adventure group trip, as you hop on a yacht sailing tour along the amazing coastline. You won’t be able to resist a dip in the ocean! 

When to visit South Korea

Traveller enjoying Cherry Blossom season in South Korea

The best time to visit South Korea depends on the type of adventure you are searching for. Generally, the most popular seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). 

During the spring, the country comes to life with cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque landscape, and temperatures are mild. Travellers will find that Seoul is especially lively at this time of year, and the bucket list sights will be popular. 

Autumn is considered shoulder season in South Korea. Temperatures are warm and it's a great time to explore the many natural wonders the destination has to offer. 

South Korea also makes the ideal winter escape from December to February. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the country’s ski resorts and see the landscapes with a beautiful blanket of snow. 

 

If South Korea sounds like your dream travel destination, take a look at our group trips here. You’ll get to visit all the traveller favourites as well as unique experiences you’ll never forget. Got a question? Start chatting with a travel advisor today. 

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