I’ve been to Korea on multiple trips over the past decade, and this travel blog started as an accumulation of all that I’ve learned and tried throughout my travels in Korea.
Korea travel has increased exponentially over the years, fuelled by the Hallyu Wave. While most tourists would certainly make a stop in Seoul, more are going outside the capital city to explore the rest of the country.
It makes for a lot of exciting trips, but certainly also requires a fair bit of planning. This is especially if you’re not familiar with Korean!
P.S. One of the best ways to relive your Korea adventure is by documenting it. Beyond snapping photos of bustling markets or serene temples, consider filming short clips throughout your trip. With a reliable video editor you can easily stitch together your footage, add music, and create a polished travel vlog that captures the real spirit of your journey. Not only will this help you preserve memories, but it’s also a fun way to share your trip with friends and family back home.
Basic information to know about Korea
Before planning your trip, here are some basic info that you’ll need to take into consideration.
- Currency: Korean won
- Language: Korean
- Visa: You may need one depending on your passport.
- Electricity and voltage: Standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts at 60 Hertz, and the outlet has two round holes.
- Convenience stores: GS25, CU, 7-11, Emart, Ministop
- Tipping: not necessary!
Tip: pick up some key Korean phrases before heading there! I actually highly suggest doing some basic courses on TTMIK (not sponsored!) if you’re keen on having proper conversations with the locals.
Based on my experience, cities that receive more international tourists like Seoul and Jeju will have more English & Chinese speakers. You may face difficulty in others, where many locals only understand very basic phrases but menus and signboards are entirely in Korean.
If it’s your first time in Korea
Not sure where to start your planning from? These are some articles that you may find helpful!
- Comprehensive guide to tax refund in Korea as a tourist
- A guide to taking buses to & fro cities in Korea (tried & tested!)
- 5 Useful (& Free) Apps For Travelling in Korea
- 5 Tips For Your First Trip To Korea
- 5 Tips on Surviving Summer in Korea
- 5 Tips on Surviving Winter in Korea
- My Guide to Korea’s Café & Beverage Chains
- BUY & TRY: Korea’s Convenience Store F&B
- BUY & TRY: Korea Street Food Guide
- HOW TO: ship parcels back home by Korea Post
- Best Korea Travel Cards for Transport and Tourist Perks: Comparing T-money, EZL, Climate Card, Discover Seoul Pass & More
If you’re travelling in Korea with a baby or toddler
When I initially did my research on travelling in Korea (specifically, Seoul) with a young kid, the reviews seemed so easy. While I wouldn’t say it’s terrible, personal experience tells me that you really need to know what you’re in for, and where to go to make your life much easier.
Here are some articles you may find useful:
- My Guide To Travelling in Seoul with a 16-month-old Toddler (Tried-and-Tested!)
- Best Places to Go in Seoul with a Toddler Under 2 (Tried-and-Tested!)
- Where to Eat (or Not) in Seoul with a Baby & Toddler (Tried-and-Tested!)
If you have specific cities to explore
I highly recommend taking day trips out of Seoul to cities nearby such as Jeonju, Incheon, and Chuncheon.
If you have more time to spare in your trip, do consider taking a few days for cities a little way further (Busan, Jeju).
Click on the banner for the city you’d like to know more about!
Other suggested reads:
- Made in Korea: Trending Korean Handbag Brands You Need to Know
- Exploring Korean Perfume Brands and Their Minimalist Aesthetic
- Korean Words That Don’t Exist in English (And Why)
- Words Related to Korean Food: Korean Food Vocabulary, Dishes, Ingredients, and Dining Terms
FAQ: Korea Travel Guide
Answers to common questions travellers ask when planning a trip to South Korea.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many short-term tourists can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport and onward or return ticket. Always check official immigration requirements before travelling.
South Korea uses the South Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but carrying some cash is useful for markets, small eateries, and transport top-ups.
Yes — South Korea is generally considered very safe, with low crime rates and reliable public transport. Basic travel precautions and travel insurance are still recommended.
Spring (March–May) is popular for cherry blossoms, while autumn (September–November) offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter is cold but scenic.
South Korea has an excellent transport system including subways, buses, taxis, and high-speed trains like the KTX. A rechargeable transport card such as T-Money makes commuting easy across cities.
Yes — travellers can purchase SIM cards, eSIMs, or pocket Wi-Fi at airports or online before arrival. South Korea has fast and reliable internet coverage throughout the country.
Major cities like Seoul can be moderately priced for accommodation, but food and transport are generally affordable. Travellers can control costs by mixing local dining spots with popular attractions.
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