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: Purchase a T-money card at subway stations for smooth travel across Seoul's extensive metro system. Download Citymapper app for real-time directions. High-speed KTX trains connect major cities efficiently—book seats in advance during peak seasons.

Money: Korean won is primarily cash-based outside Seoul. Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs using international cards. Many restaurants don't accept foreign credit cards, so carry cash. Tipping isn't customary and can sometimes cause confusion.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and traditional restaurants. Use both hands when receiving business cards or gifts. Avoid pointing with a single finger—use your whole hand instead. Bow slightly when greeting elders.

Food Safety: Street food is generally safe and delicious—look for busy stalls with high turnover. Try banchan (side dishes) which are typically refilled free. Avoid tap water in rural areas; bottled water is widely available and affordable.

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.