South Korea, located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, boasts diverse terrain with mountains covering 70% of the east and coastal plains in the west and south. The Saemangeum tidal flat is the world's second-largest.
The climate is temperate, with heavy rainfall concentrated in a short summer period called Jangma. Winters are cold, often below 0°C, with Siberian winds bringing chilly air.
Seoul, the largest city with over 10 million residents, is in the northwest. Other major cities include Incheon (west of Seoul), Daejeon (central), Gwangju (southwest), and Daegu and Busan (southeast).
Besides Seoul's famous landmarks, tourists flock to Jeju Island, a romantic getaway. While Nami Island enchants with its dreamy landscapes seen in Korean dramas, Jeju Island is a paradise with its diamond shape, white sandy beaches, lush fields, and fresh air.
Spring is ideal for visiting, with warm temperatures, minimal rain, and occasional yellow dust from China.
Summer starts with heavy rains in June, peaking in July-August with high humidity and temperatures up to 40°C. Avoid this time unless visiting coastal areas.
Autumn, starting in September, is arguably the best time to visit. Temperatures and humidity become milder, days are pleasant, and the romantic autumn colors emerge.
Winter is perfect for skiing or visiting hot springs. Koreans invented ondol, a floor heating system, to combat the cold.
South Korea offers a mix of natural beauty and urban excitement.
Dadohea Haesang National Park, in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, comprises 1700 islands and offers relaxation. Its sunsets are breathtaking. The population is sparse, relying on small-scale tourism.
Dodong Mineral Spring Park is livelier, with recreational activities and cable cars for bird's-eye views. Boat rentals allow for leisurely lake exploration. It attracts a large number of visitors.
Busan, the second-largest city, centers around Seomyeon, a hub for fashion, dining, and shopping. Take the orange line 2 subway towards Busan Yok (Busan Station) to reach the southern area, known for delicious food and Busan Harbor. Don't miss the beautiful Haeundae and Kawanganli beaches.
Seoul, the top city, offers INWANGSAN SHAMANIST HILLSIDE WALK, a major attraction:
Visit Seoul Fortress
Explore temples and churches
Learn about Korean Buddhism (Inwangsan)
Take memorable photos
South Korea offers diverse experiences, from peaceful retreats within bustling cities to exploring the most vibrant areas.
Arrival:
By Air: South Korea has 7 international airports: Busan (Gimhae Airport), Cheongju, Daegu, Jeju, Muan, and Seoul (Gimpo and Incheon International Airports). Incheon International Airport, about an hour's drive west of Seoul, handles major international flights, while Gimhae (Busan) and Jeju airports have some flights to neighboring countries. Korean Air and Asiana are the main airlines. From Vietnam, Korean Air or Vietnam Airlines offer convenient flights, typically departing from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, with a layover in Bangkok before continuing to Incheon International Airport.
By Train: Train travel from North Korea or elsewhere in Asia is not yet feasible, except for a Busan-Fukuoka service from Japan.
By Ferry: Busan International Passenger Terminal is the largest port, with ferries to/from Japan. Incheon International Ferry Terminal operates ferries to Chinese cities like Weihai, Qingdao, Dandong, and Tianjin. A weekly ferry also runs from Sokcho (Gangwon-do) to Vladivostok, operated by Dong Chun Ferry.
Getting Around:
By Air: Domestic air travel is more of a luxury due to the country's small size, except for flights to Jeju Island. Korean Air and Asiana no longer hold a monopoly, as budget airlines Hansung Airlines and Jeju Air offer cheaper flights to Jeju and Busan than even the KTX high-speed train.
By Train: Korail, the national railway, connects major cities. Trains are safe, fast, and more affordable than before, but routes are limited, especially in remote areas. The KR Pass, introduced in 2005 for tourists and foreign residents, allows unlimited travel for a set period on any Korail train, including free seat reservations.
By Bus: Buses are the main mode of transport, connecting all cities and towns. They are fast and punctual but sometimes risky, so wear seatbelts. Express buses cover long distances quickly, while city buses offer more extensive routes.
Incheon International Airport
By Ferry: Main ports include Incheon, Mokpo, Pohang, and Busan. Popular destinations reachable by ferry are Jejudo and Ulleungdo.
By Car: Avoid driving in large cities like Seoul due to heavy traffic and congestion.
Main Areas:
North Chungcheong: The only landlocked region, surrounded by lakes and mountains. Cities include Cheongju and Chungju, with popular spots like Danyang and Suanbo resorts.
South Chungcheong: A plain with green rice fields. Cities include Asan, Boryeong, Cheonan, and Daejeon, known for its hot springs.
Gangwon: Offers beautiful natural scenery with Seorak Mountain, national parks, beaches on the east coast, and ski resorts.
Gyeonggi: Surrounds Seoul and includes cities like Suwon, Bundang, Gimpo, Incheon, Paju, Sanbon, Uijeongbu, and Yongin.
South Gyeongsang: Famous for coastal cities and sacred temples like Busan and Haeinsa Temple.
North Gyeongsang: The largest and richest province in history and culture, with famous sites like Andong, Gyeongju, and the islands of Ulleungdo.
Jeju: A beautiful island in the south, considered a "tourist paradise." With its mild climate, white sandy beaches, and lush fields, it's a popular honeymoon and vacation destination. It boasts 20 golf courses.
North Jeolla: Known for traditional Korean cuisine and the Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa dolmen sites.
South Jeolla: A region with many small islands, perfect for fishing. The most famous city is Gwangju.
Cities:
Seoul: The capital and largest city, a financial and cultural hub in East Asia. It boasts famous palaces like Gyeongbok-gung, Changdeok-gung, and Deoksu-gung, along with parks, temples, shrines, the iconic Namsan Tower, and amusement parks like Lotte World and Everland.
Busan: The second-largest city and largest seaport. It has historical sites like Geumjeong Fortress but is famous for beaches, hot springs, nature reserves, and the annual International Film Festival.
Daegu: The third-largest city, known for Pangongsan Mountain with Birobong Peak at its center and many beautiful temples.
Daejeon: The capital of South Chungcheong and the fifth-largest city, with a small amusement park called Expoland in the center.
Incheon: A bustling industrial city and seaport west of Seoul, serving as a transportation hub for air and sea travel. It features Korea's only official Chinatown.
Jeonju: The capital of North Jeolla, home to the largest traditional Korean liquor museum, Hanok Village, and the Hansol Paper Museum.
Gwangju: Site of the Gwangju Massacre on May 18, 1980. It's also known for its traditional cuisine. Visitors can climb Mudeung Mountain, visit the Art Street, or ice skate at Pung Am Stadium.
Gyeongju: The capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, a peaceful city in South Gyeongsang, famous for the beautiful Bulguksa Temple, traditional houses, and Seokguram Grotto with exquisite Buddha statues. It also features Royal Tombs and the annual Traditional Confectionery and Wine Festival.
Chuncheon: The capital of Gangwon, the northeasternmost province. It's a peaceful city surrounded by rivers, hills, and small villages, with attractions like Jungdo Island and the Animation Museum.
Other Attractions:
Ulleungdo: An island west of the Korean Peninsula, known for Nari Bunji Crater, Bongnae Waterfall, Jugam Mongdol Beach, Dokdo Museum, and Yaksu Park.
Andong: The capital of Korean spiritual culture, preserving over 2000 years of tradition. It has over 280 cultural assets, notably the Andong Hahoe Folk Village.
Guinsa: A vast, secluded temple complex in North Chungcheong, the headquarters of the Cheontae Buddhist sect, once prominent in the 18th century but now disappeared.
Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon: One of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists, featuring the world-renowned Seorak Mountain with its beautiful cliffs and natural pools.
Panmunjeom: Located on the border between South and North Korea, a living witness to the Cold War era. It's part of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a popular tourist destination.
Jindo: People gather here annually to witness the sea parting phenomenon and participate in major festivals.
Yeosu: Famous for Hyangiram Hermitage, offering stunning sea views. Other attractions include Dolsan Bridge, Odong Island, Jasan Park, and Seo