Top Reasons to Visit South Korea: A Complete Travel Guide

Meet Our Guest Contributor

Tamra Bow is an accomplished television reporter with 13 years of experience. Combining her love of travel with her role as a reporter on Channel 7 Sunrise, she is also a successful blogger, content creator, and proud owner of Global & Beyond Travel.

South Korea is a country brimming with the energy you'd expect from East Asia, but it somehow pairs that with a certain charm that tugs at your heartstrings.

With so much to explore, so many things to do, and so many places to visit, it's almost overwhelming trying to figure out where to start.

If you're wondering whether South Korea is worth visiting, let me make it easy for you: once you go, you'll spend every moment afterwards scheming your next trip back.

Whether you're into food, history, K-pop, or adrenaline-filled adventures, this guide has you covered. Let's dive into why South Korea should be your next travel obsession!

Best Places to Visit in South Korea

What are the must-visit destinations?

Seoul

This city can only be described as the beating heart of South Korea. It's almost palpable. My absolute favourite part about it has to be the blend of old and new.

You'll find historical landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace on one corner, and directly across the road, a modern shopping centre and delicious cafes. It’s a huge juxtaposition, and that’s what makes Seoul so unique.

Here are a few must-visit sites to add to your Seoul bucket list:

Gyeongbokgung Palace

A stunning Joseon Dynasty palace, it’s a popular photo spot, with most tours and visitors arriving from 10am onwards. What made it really special for us was seeing everyone dressed in stunning hanboks.

You can wander around the outside, or pay a small fee to enter the palace grounds. Top tip: arrive by 10am or 2pm to see the changing of the guards (except on Tuesdays when the palace is closed). The ceremony lasts about 20 minutes.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A beautiful, traditional Korean neighbourhood, this quaint little village has been carefully preserved to reflect the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. Just a short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, expect to see lots of visitors dressed in traditional Korean clothing posing in doorways. It’s a beautiful sight to see!

The colours and designs of the hanboks against the backdrop of the houses made it feel like stepping into a postcard of Korea’s history!

N Seoul Tower

If you like to see the lay of the land when you visit a new city, then N Seoul Tower is for you. Perched atop a 262-metre peak in Namsan Park, you'll be 480 metres above sea level, with magnificent, uninterrupted views of Seoul and beyond. Although it's primarily a communications hub, it's also a popular observation deck for tourists.

Myeongdong

I honestly didn’t know I needed Myeongdong in my life until I visited. I’m not much of a shopper while on holiday, but this place changed my mind. Despite initially refusing to indulge in the K-beauty products I'd heard so much about, a quick sample in the stores here hooked me. I ended up tracking down the next best mask shop and the next amazing snail secretion product (yes, it’s a thing – and yes, it's incredible).

Arriving around 3pm, we wandered through the cramped but fun, colourful streets jam-packed with stores selling souvenirs, vintage clothing, shoes, K-pop goods, and more. By 5pm, the streets started to transform. Locals set up street carts, and the smell of freshly cooked food filled the air. Make sure you’re hungry – with more than 200 stalls, there’s a lot of food to sample!

Starfield Library

As a self-confessed bookworm, I was beyond thrilled by the libraries in South Korea! Think sky-high shelves packed with books, perfectly lit and artistically displayed. The only downside was that I couldn’t read a single word.

Regardless, Starfield Library in Suwon, just an hour outside Seoul, is an absolute dream! The newest and biggest kid on the block, it spans four floors of the Starfield Suwon shopping mall. Another option is COEX Starfield Library, located in the heart of the city across two levels of the COEX Mall in Gangnam.

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

A hugely popular day trip from Seoul, the DMZ offers a unique perspective on Korea’s past and present. Established in 1953 as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, it’s now a must-visit for history buffs. Visitors come to catch a glimpse of the North, and the area is surrounded by tank barriers, electrified fences, landmines, and heavily armed military forces in constant vigilance.

I could go on and on about Seoul, but let's move on to some other top reasons to visit South Korea.

Before we do, a few other great spots to visit include: Insadong Antique Alley, Namdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, Hongdae, and Lotte World. And, of course, how could you forget the cafés? Café culture is huge in South Korea. Pop into as many as you can – they’re cute, comfy, and serve delicious tea and coffee!

If you’re looking for the perfect group trip through South Korea, you can find it right here, with a touch of Japan added in.

Busan

Famous for its beaches, seafood markets, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, this is a spot that absolutely deserves to be on your bucket list.

You can take a day trip to Busan from Seoul (many people do), but we highly recommend staying a night or two to fully soak in the vibe.

Here’s our pick of the best things to do and see in Busan:

Gamcheon Culture Village

 If you’re making a to-do list for Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village needs to be at the top. Wow! Cute, colourful, full of sights and sounds, from the moment you enter the main street, you can’t help but fall in love.

The labyrinth of tiny, colourful houses stacked on top of each other is mesmerising. Known as the Machu Picchu of Busan or the Santorini of Korea, the best part is that you get to wander around the houses.

Top tip: there are little-known stamp stations tucked away inside some art installations along the way. Be sure to take a stamp book and pop into every open doorway – just don’t mistake someone’s home for a public area, as locals still live here.

Other must-visit spots in the village include the Little Prince and Fox Statue, the Blue House Café (where your coffee is delivered by a tiny hot air balloon), and Coffee It House for stunning views and a delicious brew.

Busan Sky Capsule

This might just be the cutest 30-minute ride of your entire life! Hop aboard a retro-style capsule and cruise along the ocean, listening to music and enjoying delicious snacks. It’s a super fun way to get from Cheongsapo Station to Mipo Station, taking in the stunning Haeundae coastline while suspended 7 metres above ground.

Haeundae Beach

After the Sky Capsule, you’ll want to take a stroll along Haeundae Beach. Bring your swimmers, or lay out a blanket and have a picnic. Either way, it’s a great spot to relax and unwind.

Skyline Luge

For something a bit more adventurous, hop on a luge and whiz down two kilometres of thrilling downhill tracks, crisscrossing slopes and tunnels along the way.

Jagalchi Market

If you’re a foodie (like us), you'll want to make a beeline for Busan’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Market. There’s a huge selection of live and dried fish, stalls selling fresh catches and local delicacies, and the option to buy live seafood downstairs and have it cooked upstairs.

A few other places you might want to check out in Busan include Dongbaekseom Island, Gukje Market, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Jeju Island

A natural paradise with waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches, Jeju Island is where you go to escape the hustle and bustle of South Korea’s vibrant cities. A World Natural Heritage Site and Global Geopark, Jeju features volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and white sandy beaches.

Here are a couple of must-visit spots on Jeju Island:

Hallasan Mountain

South Korea's highest peak, rising from the centre of the island, Hallasan offers a beautiful sight. If you're into hiking, take on the 7.5-hour trek.

Geomunoreum Lava Tube System

One of the world's largest lava tube cave systems, this is the highlight of the island. Around one kilometre of the caves is open to tourists, and they are among the largest caves in the world.

Jeongbang Falls

This is one of the island's top three waterfalls, and the only one in Korea where water falls directly into the sea. At 23 metres high, it's a stunning sight.

Other great spots to visit on Jeju Island include Jusangjeolli, Gwakji Beach, and Dongmun Market.

Gyeongju

Prepare to fall in love! Known as "the museum without walls," Gyeongju is brimming with ancient temples, palaces, royal tombs, traditional villages, great food, and excellent shopping. Honestly, it has it all!

Here are the top spots you need to visit in Gyeongju:

Cheomseongdae Observatory

The oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, transformed into a beautiful garden that comes alive with pink muhly grass and sunflowers. It's especially stunning at night.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

A royal residence from the Silla Dynasty, this palace is magnificent when lit up at night, with the palace reflection in the pond being particularly beautiful.

Woljeonggyo Bridge 

Rebuilt in 2018, this is the largest wooden bridge in Korea. It’s especially beautiful during spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for the foliage.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex 

This huge park is full of royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty. Some are still open to the public.

Other great spots to check out in Gyeongju include Yangdong Folk Village, Hwangnidan Street, Gyochon Traditional Village, and Gyeongju National Museum.

You can see most of these sites on a Wendy Wu Tours Group Trip.

Is it safe to travel to South Korea?

Yes! South Korea is one of the safest countries to visit. We walked the streets after dark, strayed off the beaten track, and never once felt unsafe. In fact, it was the opposite – the locals are extraordinarily friendly and helpful, always going out of their way to assist.

So, you'll be happy to know that South Korea has a low crime rate. It's clear that Koreans want you to enjoy their country. Just exercise caution in crowded areas, and stay informed about the political situation near the DMZ. Other than that, just enjoy yourself!

What should I know before visiting South Korea?

Currency: South Korean Won (KRW).

Etiquette: Bowing is a common greeting, and removing shoes before entering homes or traditional accommodations is customary.

Connectivity: Public Wi-Fi is widely available. Renting a portable hotspot or purchasing an eSIM before your trip ensures you’re always connected.

Language: Basic English is spoken in major tourist areas, but learning basic Korean phrases is helpful. For areas outside major cities, a good translator app like Google Translate or Papago will be useful.

Public Transport: Subways and buses are reliable and on time. T Money cards are used to pay for trains, buses, and even taxis.

Major Holidays: Be mindful of the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays. At these times, Koreans travel in huge numbers, and booking tickets for buses or trains becomes difficult.

Must-try foods in South Korea

• Kimchi: A staple fermented side dish.
• Bulgogi: Marinated grilled beef.
• Samgyeopsal: Korean BBQ pork belly with dipping sauces.
• Bibimbap: A rice dish with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.
• Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes, available at street markets.

What is the best time of year to visit South Korea?

• Spring (March to May): Perfect for cherry blossoms and mild weather.
• Summer (June to August): Rainy season with heavy downpours, high humidity, and heatwaves.
• Autumn (September to November): Cool, pleasant weather with vibrant foliage and festivals.
• Winter (December to February): Cold, dry, and snowy, with picturesque ski resorts and cosy hot springs.

Is South Korea a good vacation destination?

Absolutely! South Korea is one of my favourite holiday destinations. From its mix of history, culture, food, and adventures, it truly ticks all the boxes! Whether you prefer luxury travel or budget-friendly options, travelling solo, with a partner, or in a group, you’ll love it.

Do I need a visa to visit South Korea

Many travellers, including Australians, can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. It's best to check the latest visa requirements on the Korea Visa Portal if you're from another country.

When you book with Wendy Wu Tours, everything from visas to flights is organised for you.

Is South Korea expensive?

I’d have to say South Korea is a very affordable country to travel. You can spend as much or as little as you like.

If you want to splurge on high-end accommodation, their hotels are extremely beautiful. But if you prefer to stay in more affordable stays, there’s plenty to choose from. Most are centrally located too.

The same goes with food. You can eat out in high end restaurants every night, but if you’re looking to save, sniff out the local markets and eat delicious street food there. You can pick up most meals for anywhere between $2-$15.

Public transport is also very affordable. You can hop on the subway and only pay around $3 per trip. The KO Rail Pass also makes it very affordable to travel outside of Seoul.

Wrapping up top reasons to visit South Korea

A trip to South Korea is right up there as a major highlight destination for me!

It’s raw mix of history with a huge dash of culture and plenty of modern attractions so perfectly mixed in.

Not to mention its stunning landscapes that will blow your mind and food that will leave you with major withdrawals when you get home.

Whether you’re chasing the city buzz and bright lights of Seoul, the more relaxed style of travel on Jeju Island or a touch of country life at Gyeongju, South Korea will undoubtedly get under your skin.

And for me, it was so much more than even just this! It was the people, their care with everything they do, their kind and quiet way.

Looking to book a group trip? I’ve been to both Japan and South Korea. I’ve loved both countries equally. And I honestly couldn’t help you decide between the two.

And why would you when you can book a trip to see both?

South Korea is honestly such a beautiful experience, it will never leave you! And thank goodness for that!

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You can read more about Tamra's adventures here.