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

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South Korea

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.

Best Time to Visit

Best Places to Visit

Attractions

Must-see attractions

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…
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

Amid the celebrity-owned apartments on the leafy southern slope of Namsan is Korea's premier art gallery. Beautifully designed and laid-out, it balances…
Seongsan Ilchul-bong

Jeju-do

This majestic 182m-high, extinct tuff volcano, shaped like a giant punchbowl, is one of Jeju-do's most impressive sights and a Unesco World Heritage site…
Ssanggye-sa

Gyeongsangnam-do

The visual imagery of this temple is a feast for the eyes and, like any exquisite dinner, should be savoured with deliberation. Stone walls supporting…
Saryangdo

Gyeongsangnam-do

Jagged ridges, 400m-high peaks, ropes, ladders and awe-inspiring views await travellers looking for a challenging hike. Most travellers disembark the…
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…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

South Korea has an incredible mix of attractions that will keep you coming back for more. These are 11 of our favorites.

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Things to Know

Before your trip to this cultural powerhouse, read our tips for planning, navigating etiquette, health and safety concerns and more.

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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.

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Visa Requirements

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

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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.

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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.

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