Discover what to see in South Korea, the hidden gem of Asia

Are you planning a trip and want to know what to see in South Korea? This country has fascinated us and has so much to offer, from its vibrant metropolises to its rich cuisine, history and natural beauty. In addition, it has many places World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Highlighting the Jeju Island, which is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Next, we are going to discover the essential places what to visit in South Korea after our trip. Let's go there!

Next, we detail the index of contents which you will find throughout this article:

What to see in South Korea: 10-15 day itinerary

Undoubtedly, worth visit South Korea. We were a total of 11 nights that we divided as we tell you below. Your itinerary may vary depending on the number of days and pace you like to take. We prefer to settle in three destinations and explore them well.

• City of Busan: 3 nights, stay in Almond Hotel
• Jeju Island: 3 nights. Two nights in Seogwipo, Zinc hotel and one night in Seongsan, hotel Coop City Seongsan
• Seoul City: 5 nights. Stay in Ena Suite Hotel Namdaemun

If you have time, we recommend add one more night to your route and spend the night in Udo. On the other hand, the reality is that In the city of Seoul it is huge. It could be a week visiting neighborhoods, markets and places of interest. However, with the route through south korea that we propose, you will be able to visit the essential ones and configure your travel plan if you have more or fewer days available.

✈️ Flights to South Korea

To start your adventure, the first thing is to get flights to South Korea from Spain. In our case, we find flights Madrid – South Korea direct to Seoul. The airline we fly with is Korean Air and the experience was great. In our opinion, at the level of Emirates and Qatar Airways. It cost us €870 direct from Madrid. At the end of this article we share the budget of our trip to south korea. And now, finally, we detail what to visit in south korea.

✔ Seoul, the best city to see in South Korea

Seoul is a vibrant city that combines the best of the past and the future, it cannot be missing in your route through South Korea. Here you can discover its traditional palaces and, at the same time, enjoy a coffee served by a robot. Also, if you are a food lover, you will be passionate about explore its markets and street food, savor the local cuisine and discover the wide range of Asian food it has to offer. Among the places to visit in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, our selection is the following.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace, tourist places in South Korea

El Gyeongbokgung Palace is largest and oldest royal palace what to see in South Korea. It is an essential place for lovers of history and architecture.

2. Myeongdong

Myeongdong it's a neighborhood from Seoul famous for its cosmetics shops and lively street food. It is advisable to visit in the evening, don't forget to bring cash!

3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic building to see in South Korea

If you like architecture, come and see the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an impressive building with a futuristic design that houses art and design exhibitions.

4. Buckchon Hanok Village

A must stop if you want to know the beauty of traditional Korean houses called hanok.

5. Cheonggyecheon Stream

El Cheonggyecheon Stream It is a rehabilitated stream that runs through the heart of Seoul, a quiet space to walk and cool your feet on hot days.

6. Seoul neighborhoods: Insadong, Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu dong, Yeonnam dong

Insadong is known for its offering of local crafts and restaurants. As for Itaewon, there is hidden here great nightlife, offer of Shopping, cafes and restaurants. On the other hand, if you want to get to know three of the most modern neighborhoods in the capital, each with its own charm, take a walk through Hongdae, Seongsu and Yeonnam dong. All full of bars, shops and cafes.

7. N-tower or Lotte Tower park, the tallest buildings to see in South Korea

If you want to have a good panoramic view of the capital, we recommend the N-tower inside Namsan Park, quite close to the center. Another option is climb the 6th tallest building in the world, the Lotte Tower.

8. Namdaemun, Dongdaemon and/or Gwangjang Markets

In the markets of Seoul you can buy clothes, accessories, souvenirs, street food, toys and even items with famous K-pop singers of the country.

9. Starfield Library and Gagnam Style Statue

If you are a reading lover, we are sure that this Library with more than 50.000 books and impressive 13-meter-high shelves will amaze you. It is inside the Asia's largest underground shopping mall, so you can take advantage of it to cool off on hot days or shelter yourself on rainy days. A few steps away you can also take a photo in the statue that imitates the "gagnam style" dance.

Note that In January 2024, another larger Starfield bookstore opened in the city of Seoul.. It is the Starfield Suwon, located in the Gyeonggi neighborhood on the outskirts of Seoul. To get here you can take the subway with line 1 to Hwaseo station. It takes about an hour from Seoul Station. This city is huge!

10. More palaces and temples to see in South Korea

As you can imagine, there are numerous palaces to see in Seoul, such as the Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, a UNESCO heritage site. We only went to the first one we mentioned, also to the Buddhist temple Jogyesa, spectacular at night by the way. In the article about what to see in Seoul you have our list of all the places to visit with restaurants to eat by neighborhood. We have recommendations from a Canarian friend who lived in Seoul for 10 years, so aim well!

Video about what to see and do in Seoul, South Korea

✔ Jeju Island, one of the best places to see in South Korea

The islands of Jeju and Udo were the big surprise of our trip to South Korea on our own. These volcanic islands are located south of the Korean Peninsula, just an hour's flight from Busan. Jeju in particular is known for being one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Also several of the places to visit are World Heritage Sites, we tell you!

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong, World Heritage Site and nature in South Korea

This extinct volcano has been declared a World Heritage Site and global Geopark. Many come to see the sunrise, although the views at any time of day are incredible.

2. Manjanggul Caves

This is one of the longest lava caves in the world, also declared Heritage. If you have never walked underground, this is a unique experience. Remember to bring a coat because it is quite cool down there.

3. Udo Island and the Haenyeo divers, the best things to do in South Korea!

It cannot be missing from your trip through South Korea an excursion to Udo Island to meet first-hand the famous Haenyeo divers, who are really fisherwomen. In Udo you can also enjoy its paradisiacal beaches and volcanic landscapes. The boat ride from Seonsang (Jeju) is just 20 minutes. Furthermore, in one hour you can go around the island by bike (it is only 11 kilometers in perimeter). Udo was one of the places what to see in South Korea What do we enjoy the most?.

4. Seogwipo: Oedolgae Waterfalls and Rock

Along the southern coast of Jeju coast you can visit several waterfalls, such as those of Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon. The rock is also very close Oedolgae.

5. Osulloc Green tea museum, beautiful places to visit in South Korea

If you've never seen one green tea plantation, you have to go to this one Jeju Tea Museum. Here you can tour its tea fields and taste different products made from tea. Furthermore, the access is free!

6. Jeju Beaches: Hamdeok and Hyeopjae

If you want to know the best beaches in jeju, point out these two white sand: Hamdeok and Hyeopjae. If you can only choose one, we'll stick with Hyeopjae, less crowded and with a perfect sunset overlooking Biyangdo Island.

7. Seongeup Traditional Village

This traditional village has 500 years of history where its houses are built with stone walls and thatched roofs. Admission is free and you can have a relaxed coffee. you will also see Dol hareubangs statues, an icon of Jeju Island. It is said that these offer protection from demons and that is why they are placed at the entrances to towns and houses.

8. Mount Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea

El Monte Hallasan It is another of Jeju's claims. Is he highest peak in South Korea with 1947 m altitude and offers hiking trails for all levels. We didn't have time to visit it, but we left it to you in case you had more time. Of course, these are just some of the places to visit in Jeju. We have no doubt that there is much more to explore beyond this list. If you want to know more about what to see in Jeju, take a look at our article where we give many more details, including where to eat, how to get around by car, etc.

Video about what to see and do in Jeju, South Korea

✔ Busan, another city to visit in South Korea

Busan, the second largest city in South Korea. Being by the sea, it has its own charm that sets it apart from Seoul. Next, we tell you what to do in Busan.

1. Jagalchi Market, the largest to visit in South Korea

Jagalchi It's the fish market biggest thing to see in south korea. Here you can find out about all the fish and seafood consumed in the country. In addition, on the ground floor you can buy it and on the upper floor they cook or prepare it for you, since they also prepare sashimi.

2. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa It is a beautiful Buddhist temple built in 1376 on the coast of Busan and is one of the few built by the sea (usually in the mountains).

3. Gamcheon Culture Village

La Gamcheon Cultural Village It is a charming neighborhood full of brightly colored houses and creative street art.

4. Shinsegae Centum City, the largest in South Korea. Shopping tourism

El Shinsegae Centum City It is the largest shopping center in South Korea and….in the world! Ideal to do Shopping, have a coffee, eat and be entertained.

5. Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches

These two Busan's urban beaches are some of the most popular to see in South Korea with a great atmosphere and totally surrounded by bars and restaurants. What struck us most about the landscape of Haeundae beach were its surrounding skyscrapers and the Gwangan suspension bridge in Gwangalli.

6. Gukje Market

Gukje It is a market where you can buy clothes, household items, street food, souvenirs, items K-pop idols cheap and much more.

There are many other places what to see in Busan which we will explain in the specific article about this city of South Korea. Here you can get more information and learn about the restaurants that we visited and that were recommended to us by a Korean woman from Busan that we met on the plane. We also explain you how to get around the city and where to stay. You won't find these tips anywhere. South Korea tourist guide.

Video about what to see in Busan, South Korea

Below you have the last (or first video) of our tour of South Korea. We started the trip in Busan, although in this article we have talked first about Seoul and Jeju, as we believe they are two most important destinations in South Korea. At least from our point of view. You have more details about what to see in South Korea and tips for your trip in our YouTube channel.

✈️ Trips to South Korea from Spain: price and budget

There are several options for travel to South Korea from Spain. You can find direct flights to Seoul from Madrid and Barcelona. If you go direct, it's 12-14 flight hours from Spain to South Korea Although, there are numerous connections through airlines from the Middle East and Asia. How much does a flight from Spain to South Korea cost? El flight price to south korea around €800-€1.200. It all depends on the date and how far in advance you book to get better prices.

How much does it cost to travel to South Korea from Spain?

Below, we show you a summary table of the travel budget to south korea taking into account that we were 11 days in the country during the month of June.

El Cost of a trip to South Korea can vary depending on the date, your preferences and travel style. However, in general, compared to Spain it is much cheaper. Can eat very well in many restaurants for €10 per person, even less if you go to the markets or street food stalls (Pojangmacha). On the other hand, it is also possible to stay in a good hotel in seoul o Busan for less than €100 a night. You can also consider staying in AirBnB and hostels to Reduce your budget to travel to South Korea. Keep in mind that these are the costs as long as you divide the expenses by two. If you go alone, the trip price to korea can increase.

Taste Korean food, an essential thing to do in South Korea

As you already know, one of the best things What to do in South Korea is to taste the local food. Below we list those that for us are the best Korean traditional food dishesa (and not so traditional). At the end we share a video with some curiosities about the typical South Korean food, where you will also see what these meals are like.

• bibimbap. Korean dish with rice, vegetables and egg. They can be served on a hot plate or in a normal bowl, remember to always ask for the spicy one separately.
• pajeon, Korean omelette with vegetables and/or seafood. You can see it below.
• You, steamed or fried dumplings
• Kimchi, spicy sauerkraut
• Bulgogi, marinated beef
• Dakgangjeong or Korean style fried chicken
• hotteok, a kind of Korean pancake filled with sugar, honey and nuts.
• Kimbap, very similar to Japanese makis
• Donkatsu, the first cousin of Japanese tonkatsu (battered and fried pork fillet)
• Korean barbecue
• Galbitang, Korean soup made with beef ribs

Best time to travel to South Korea

La best time to travel to south korea It depends on your personal preferences and your budget. We hope to help you with the following comments to choose a date for your next vacation to South Korea.

High season: June – September

We choose June because it is still school season and we are free from the rainy season in South Korea, the heat and the crowds. Furthermore, in June the landscape is greener in general and there are flowering plants such as hydrangeas. In any case, we believe that September can also be the best month to travel to south korea.

Cheapest time to travel to South Korea: November to April

La Low season to travel to South Korea runs from November to April, that is, this is when the price of flights to south korea, as well as hotels. During these months, temperatures drop and there is a chance of snowfall, making it the perfect time to enjoy winter activities like skiing and visiting museums and galleries.

Mid season: May and October

The months of May and October could be the best dates to travel to South Korea if you are looking for a cooler weather. During spring you will be able to see the flowering of cherry trees and azaleas. On the other hand, in October, the humid summer heat has subsided and the weather is quite pleasant.

Finally, if you like outdoor activities, the coast and islands of South Korea are perfect to visit practically all year round. You choose best month to travel to south korea and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

South Korea: tourism and practical tips

Before traveling to South Korea, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with some customs and cultural norms. The courtesy and respect They are highly valued in Korean society, so be sure to behave respectfully and remain silent on public transportation. We also think it is useful learn some basic phrases in korean: thank you (gamsahabnida), hello (annyeonghaseyo) and goodbye (annyeong). Next, we make a list of Tips for traveling to South Korea in 2024:

✔ Get the K-ETA (Korean Travel Authorization)

This visa to enter Korea may be required if your home country is not on the exceptions list. You can consult it here. When we traveled to Spain in June 2023, the KETA was not mandatory and Apparently it will not be necessary until December 2024. Anyway, as this can change at any time, check the link we have left you.

✔ Download Naver Map and Maps Me

Google Maps DOES NOT WORK in South Korea. So, these are the best map apps you can use in South Korea. We recommend you download them in your country before arriving in South Korea.

✔ Revolut Card

La Revolut card is designed for traveling abroad due to its low fees. It worked for us in all the ATMs, restaurants and shops in the country. It also has a lower commission abroad than any bank card. You can ask for it here.

✔ T-Money for public transportation

We recommend purchasing a card T-money, which is loaded with cash and is used to pay for public transportation in South Korea, especially subways and buses in cities like Seoul and Busan. You can buy it at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, GS25 and CU. There may also be in the main metro stations, where the card is VERY easy to recharge. IMPORTANT: can only be recharged with cash. At the end of your trip, you can request a refund of whatever is left on your card at the airport convenience stores.

✔ Travel insurance to South Korea

Get travel insurance that covers your expenses abroad in case of illness, accident, flight delays, loss of luggage, etc. We have a 5% off for you in all IATI policies, with whom we contract all our travel insurance.

✔ Translator, an essential for traveling to South Korea

Use Google lens to translate signs and menus in restaurants. We also recommend downloading the Spanish-Korean dictionary by DeepL. There are many areas where they do not speak English, so you will have to communicate with the translator you use.

✔ SIM and eSIM card to have internet in South Korea

If you want to be able to move around with Naver maps, search for restaurants, schedules of tourist places, etc. It is best to have a connection the entire trip. We buy the SIM with Chingu mobile. You can pick it up at the Seoul airport and it cost us 12 dollars. Another option is the Holafly eSIM, super practical because you activate it as soon as you arrive. We have already used it for Türkiye and Australia and everything was great. Furthermore, we have a 5% off for all data plans and destinations.

✔ Security in South Korea

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world, so if you are thinking about traveling alone to south korea, it is an idyllic destination. To give you an idea, people who were eating alone left their bags on the restaurant seat and went to the bathroom.

We hope this article has been helpful to you in planning your South Korea itinerary. If you have more questions or need more information, do not hesitate to leave us a comment here. We are sure that it will be of help to other travelers. And if one day you travel to our dear island of Gran Canaria, don't forget that we have a super complete blog to help you with your trip planning. Until the next adventure!

Ruth González

Hello! I am Ruth, Canarian with a traveling soul. With training and experience in the tourism and digital marketing sector. In this blog I tell you all the tips you need to get to know the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own. I also share my travel guides to all the places in the world that I am visiting so that you can discover the destinations like a local and save time planning. In addition to traveling, I love gastronomy and sports. I run and hike in the mountains with my “dog-children” (Silver and Plata). In all these adventures my partner accompanies me, Jorge, which you will also see a lot on this blog.