With the global phenomenon of Gangnam Style, K-Pop and more importantly South Korea itself have been firmly placed on the map. Travellers are becoming increasingly interested in this little visited corner of East Asia, and rightly so, for those who make the journey are rewarded with a perfect travel combo of history, culture, city, beach and amazing cuisine. So get off the beaten track and uncover for yourself one of Asia’s most undiscovered nations where old world charm comes with a vibrantly modern twist.
South Korea Fast Facts
Languages Spoken
The official language spoken in South Korea is Korean.
Currency
Name: South Korean Won
Code: KRW
Symbol: ₩
2000 KRW is approx £1.40
Time Zone
Time Zone: Korea Standard Time (UTC+09:00)
Getting to South Korea
Incheon International Airport near the country’s capital Seoul is the most likely entry point for visitors to South Korea. There are direct flights available from London to Seoul with Korean Air and many other airlines offering routes with a transit. What’s more, there are plenty of Student/Youth flight options available too! Once in South Korea it’s fairly easy to get around. The South Korea Rail Pass is a great choice, and there are also a good selection of domestic flights available as well as ferries out to the country’s islands.
When to Visit
South Korea experiences extremes in terms of its climate. The winter months see freezing temperatures and great ski conditions – South Korea will actually be hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Spring sees a rise in temperatures and beautiful blossom across the country, perfect for the snap-happy amongst you. From June to September the heat is on, with high humidity and heavy rain in July in particular. Autumn however is a great time to visit with the natural areas of South Korea ablaze with colour.
Getting Around
Lucky for us visitors, South Korea offers a great Rail Pass, allowing us to get around the country with relative ease. Alternatively, there are some awesome adventure tours and packages allowing us to see the best the country has to offer. Take a look at a few of our favourite travel options for South Korea below, or get in touch with our Travel Experts for more information.
Korean Rail Pass
The Korea Rail Pass is a discounted ticket, allowing unlimited rail travel throughout South Korea over a one, three, five or seven-day consecutive period. The pass is valid to travel anywhere in South Korea, on all Korail services, including the modern and fast KTX trains.
Experience the Best of South Korea on a Tour
On a group trip you’ll visit beautiful Seoul, authentic folk villages, unique temples and beautiful Jeju Island. Learn the sombre history of North and South Korea and see the Demilitarised Zone separating the two. Plus, sample Korea’s diverse cuisine and sip cocktails from rooftop bars!
Highlights
Seoul
Seoul boasts an incredible mix of ancient and modern, with beautiful centuries-old palaces neighbouring snazzy skyscrapers. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must, as is Changdeokgung Palace and Gardens. Head to Gangnam to experience for yourself Seoul’s trendiest district and check out Gwangjang Market for some delicious local delicacies. And before leaving the city, be sure to try the K-Pop Experience!
Busan
South Korea’s second city, Busan has a more traditional and rugged atmosphere than Seoul despite its skyscrapers. Pojangmacha street food vendors offer tasty bites late into the night and Gamcheon’s colourful neighbourhood boasts vibrant murals and pretty winding streets. Nearby Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is picture perfect with its dramatic cliff location over the sea, definitely worth the visit!
Jeju Do
The country’s biggest island, Jeju Do is a favourite getaway amongst Koreans thanks to its beaches, striking coastline and beautiful countryside. If outdoor activities are your thing, be sure to hike up Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain. Or just kick back and relax between the island’s white sands and the warm waters of the East China Sea.
Gyeongju
Once the ancient capital of the whole peninsula, Gyeongju boasts more temples, pagodas and ruins that anywhere else in the country. Not to be missed is the Bulguska Temple, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country, along with Seokguram Grotto, both dating back to the 8th century. Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village also offers an interesting insight into the Korea of times gone by.
Costs and Budget
Food and Drink
The cost of a cheap restaurant meal in South Korea is around 7,000 ₩ on average (approx £4.85), but the price of incredible street food ranges from as little as 1,000 ₩ (approx 70p) to 5,000 ₩ (approx £3.50). The typical cost of a domestic beer in South Korea is about 3,000 ₩ on average (approx £2.10), and you’re looking at around 5,000 ₩ for an imported beer (approx £3.50).
Transport
A one way ticket on public transport costs between 1,200 ₩ and 1,300 ₩ (approx 85p-95p). If you’re there for a while, have a look at the monthly pass, as it only sets you back 55,000 ₩ (about £38). Looking to catch a cab? A normal taxi tariff starts at 3,000 ₩ (approx £2) and adds around 1,200 ₩ (approx 85p) for every 1km.
Hostels
Looking for a hostel in South Korea? The cost per night for a dorm can be up to 20,000 ₩ (approx £14).
Hotels
South Korea has a range of accommodation to choose from, from hostels or guesthouses to high-end hotels, with prices starting at around 33,000 ₩ (approx £23) a night, going up to 200,000 ₩ (approx £138) and beyond.