South Korea

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Seoul

$21.99

Shop Book

Pavilion in the pond at Gyeongbokgung Palace with autumn foliage and mountain at background while crimson maple tree in the upper foreground, Seoul, South Korea, 2014

Getty Images

Overview

From Seoul's glittering nightlife to Seoraksan National Park's vertiginous hikes, South Korea offers the traveler a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes and 5000 years of culture and history.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Hwaseong
Suwon
The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal…
Deoksugung
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
One of Seoul's five grand palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, Deoksugung (meaning Palace of Virtuous Longevity) is the only one you can visit in the…
Hahoe Folk Village
Gyeongsangbuk-do
This delightful traditional riverside village – a Unesco World Heritage site – is a place to commune with the traditional fabric of old Korea and, in the…
National Museum of Korea
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
This vast and imposing concrete slab of a museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Korea's past from prehistory all the way to the Korean…
Olympic Park
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
This large and pleasant park was the focus of the 1988 Olympics. Strolling its paths takes you past its stadiums surrounded by plenty of greenery, ponds…
War Memorial of Korea
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
This huge museum documents the history of the Korean War (1950–53) using multimedia exhibits and black-and-white documentary footage, along with artefacts…
Jeonju Hanok Maeul
Jeonju
This maeul (village) has more than 800 hanok (traditional wooden homes), making it one of the largest such concentrations in the country. Virtually all of…
Bongeun-sa
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Located in the heart of ritzy Gangnam, the shrines and halls of the Buddhist temple Bongeun-sa, with its tree-filled hillside location, stand in direct…

View more attractions

02 / Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

South Korea can serve whatever trip you order, then tempt you back again with eclectic nightlight, regional cuisine, cooling escapes and much more to do.

Read article

Best Places to Visit

Though it's possible to go from mountaintop to megacity – and back again – in a single day, lingering in these top spots in South Korea is ample reward.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

South Korea's seasons bring exciting events and festivals, as well as action-packed activities. Here's how to decide when you should go there.

Read article

Things to Know

With cultural cachet to spare and superb infrastructure to ease your path, South Korea is a truly easy, rewarding destination to explore with these tips.

Read article

Transportation

With some of the best public transport in the world, South Korea is a gift to travelers. Here's what you need to know about getting around when you arrive.

Read article

Visa Requirements

Do you need a visa to enter South Korea? Read our guide to find out.

Read article

Money and Costs

If you’re looking to travel to South Korea on a budget, follow this money-saving guide, from advice on SIM cards to tips on transit.

Read article

Best Road Trips

South Korea might not leap out as the obvious place for a road trip, but the back roads reveal a different side to the peninsula. Here are our top trips.

Read article

Get Connected

South Korea has nationwide 4G coverage and widespread wi-fi. Get connected with these mobile tips.

Read article