Things to Do in South Korea

About South Korea

Seoul mixes 600-year-old palaces with glass towers, and nobody finds this weird. Walk the neon-lit streets and you'll catch Korean BBQ smoke drifting past cherry trees in bloom. Ancient Buddhist temples sit in mountain fog an hour from night markets selling everything until 3 a.m. Koreans will feed you. Expect kimchi, soju, and strangers who want to share both at the same table. The country offers hot springs, solid hiking in national parks, and the K-pop machine if that interests you. What works is how South Korea refuses to pick between old and new—it just does both. The temples still draw monks. The tech sector still grows. This is a nation rebuilt from rubble in living memory, now one of Asia's economic powers. That history shows. You'll see it in how cities function and how people move through them—fast, efficient, forward. Worth the trip.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Seoul's metro costs KRW 1,350 ($0.95) per ride with a T-money card. KTX bullet trains to Busan cost KRW 59,800 ($42) and take 2.5 hours. Taxis start at KRW 4,800 ($3.40). Kakao T is the ride-hailing app. Express buses between cities cost KRW 15,000-30,000 ($10.50-21).

Money: A bibimbap lunch costs KRW 8,000-12,000 ($5.60-8.40). Korean BBQ runs KRW 15,000-25,000 ($10.50-17.50) per person. Convenience store meals cost KRW 3,000-5,000 ($2.10-3.50). ATMs at 7-Eleven accept foreign cards. Tipping is not practiced and can be refused.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes before entering Korean homes and some traditional restaurants. Bow slightly when greeting elders. Pour drinks for others (never pour your own). Receiving items with both hands shows respect. Korean spas (jjimjilbang) cost KRW 12,000-15,000 ($8.40-10.50) and require nudity in same-gender bathing areas.

Food Safety: Try tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) from street stalls for KRW 3,000-4,000 ($2.10-2.80). Korean fried chicken at BBQ Chicken or Kyochon costs KRW 18,000-22,000 ($12.60-15.40) per whole chicken. Gwangjang Market in Seoul serves bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) for KRW 4,000 ($2.80). Convenience store triangle kimbap costs KRW 1,200 ($0.84).

When to Visit

South Korea offers distinct seasonal experiences, each with unique advantages. Spring (April-May) is ideal with mild temperatures (15-20°C), cherry blossoms, and minimal rainfall (100-150mm monthly). Expect 20-30% higher accommodation prices during peak bloom periods. Summer (June-August) brings heat and humidity (25-30°C) plus monsoon season with heavy rainfall (200-400mm in July). However, this is perfect for experiencing lively festivals like Boryeong Mud Festival (July). Accommodation drops 15-25% compared to spring. Autumn (September-November) rivals spring's popularity with impressive foliage, comfortable temperatures (10-22°C), and low rainfall (50-100mm). Peak foliage season (mid-October to early November) sees 25-35% price increases. Winter (December-March) offers snow-covered landscapes, freezing temperatures (-5 to 5°C), and excellent skiing. Accommodation costs drop 30-40%, making it budget-friendly. Major festivals include Lunar New Year (January/February) and Cherry Blossom Festival (April). Digital nomads and budget travelers should consider winter, while families prefer spring and autumn. Summer suits festival ensoiasts and those seeking authentic cultural immersion despite weather challenges.