South Korea holiday
Travel tips, best time to visit & highlights for your South Korea holiday in Asia
South Korea is the country where high-tech meets ancient tradition: Seoul pulses with K-Pop culture, futuristic architecture, and street food markets, while centuries-old temples and palaces touch the soul. The volcanic island of Jeju offers natural wonders, the DMZ is a unique time document, and Korean cuisine – from Korean BBQ to Bibimbap – is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Capital
Seoul
Language
Korean
Currency
Won (KRW)
Time zone
UTC+9
Flight time from DE
approx. 11 hours
Entry requirements
Passport (visa-free for 90 days)
Deals for South Korea:
Which hotels in South Korea are recommended?
Selected hotels and holiday accommodations in South Korea — with images, reviews, and direct booking links with our partners.
Hotel Nest Incheon
Incheon, Südkorea
Novotel Seoul Ambassador Gangnam
Seoul, Südkorea
Hotel Grand Ambassador Seoul associated Pullman
Seoul, Südkorea
The Plaza Hotel
Seoul, Südkorea
Conrad Seoul
Seoul, Südkorea
Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan
Seoul, Südkorea
Hotel The Shilla Seoul
Seoul, Südkorea
Hotel The Westin Chosun
Seoul, Südkorea
What are the highlights of South Korea?
The best-known highlights of South Korea include Seoul, Jeju Island, DMZ, Gyeongju, Busan.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Seoul
Megacity of contrasts: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gangnam, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Myeongdong street food.
Jeju Island
Volcanic island with Hallasan peak, lava tubes, Haenyeo divers, and dramatic coastal landscapes.
DMZ
The demilitarized zone between North and South Korea – one of the most exciting and surreal places in the world.
Gyeongju
The 'museum without walls': Former capital of the Silla kingdom with royal tombs and the Bulguksa Temple.
Busan
Korea's port city: Haeundae Beach, colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, and the largest fish market in the country.
Hotels in South Korea
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Reise-SIM für South Korea
Prepaid-SIM mit Datenvolumen für South Korea. Einfach einlegen und sofort lossurfen – keine Roaming-Gebühren.
* Weiterleitung zu travSIM.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit South Korea?
The best time to visit South Korea is April–May (cherry blossom) or September–November (autumn foliage). In summer: 25–33°C. In winter: -6–3°C.
Recommended travel time
April–May (cherry blossom) or September–November (autumn foliage)
Summer
25–33°C
Winter
-6–3°C
How much does a holiday in South Korea cost?
A holiday in South Korea costs roughly 40–65€ per person per day (excluding flights) on a budget, 65–130€ mid-range and 130–280€ for luxury travel.
Average cost per person per day (excluding flight)
Budget
40–65€
Hostel, street food, public transport
Mid-range
65–130€
Hotel, restaurant, excursions
Luxury
130–280€
Boutique hotel, fine dining
How long is the flight from Germany to South Korea?
From Germany you reach South Korea in approx. 11 hours.
What travel tips are there for South Korea?
Insider knowledge to make your holiday better.
Buy a T-Money card at the airport – valid for public transport, taxis, and even convenience stores
Always eat Korean BBQ with the side dishes (Banchan) – they are refilled for free
The best cherry blossoms are in early April in Jinhae and Gyeongju
Wi-Fi is freely available everywhere – one of the best-connected countries in the world
Jimjilbang (Korean bathhouses) offer affordable overnight accommodations
What do people eat in South Korea?
Typical dishes in South Korea are Korean BBQ (Bulgogi), Bibimbap, Kimchi, Tteokbokki, Samgyeopsal, Japchae.
These dishes you must try!
Which regions and places in South Korea are worth visiting?
11 regions, cities and highlights in South Korea
Cities
Busan
Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is the counterpoint to hyper-modern Seoul: rural, maritime, relaxed, and with an energy fueled by the waves of the Pacific. The port city …
Daegu
Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea and is located in the southeastern interior, surrounded by mountains and known for its hot summers, which have earned it the …
Daejeon
Daejeon is South Korea's fifth-largest city and the scientific heart of the country. Known as the "Silicon Valley of Korea," the city is home to over 60 research institutes, …
Gwangju
Gwangju is the cultural capital of South Korea and a city that stands out for democracy, art, and culinary excellence. The sixth-largest city in the country is located in the …
Gyeongju
Gyeongju in the southeast of South Korea is often referred to as the 'museum without walls' — and this is no exaggeration. The former capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD) …
Incheon
Incheon is the third largest city in South Korea with over 3 million inhabitants and is located on the west coast, just 28 km west of Seoul. The port city is much more than just …
Jeonju
Jeonju is the culinary capital of South Korea and home to the best Bibimbap in the world. The city in the southwest hosts the best-preserved traditional Hanok village in the …
Seoul
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a fascinating metropolis that combines 600-year-old palaces and ultra-modern technology, K-Pop glamour and the tranquility of Buddhist …
Sokcho
Sokcho is the gateway to Seoraksan National Park — South Korea's most dramatic mountain range with granite peaks, Buddhist temples, and the country's most spectacular autumn …
Ulsan
Ulsan is South Korea's industrial capital and surprises visitors with a fascinating mix of heavy industry and untouched nature. The city on the southeast coast is home to the …
Complete guide for South Korea
Regions, attractions, food, routes, costs & practical tips — all in one digital guide.
Open guideReady for South Korea?
Plan your South Korea holiday now with our free tools.
How do I plan a holiday in South Korea?
South Korea is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, offering Culture, Food, City trips and much more. The best time to visit South Korea is April–May (cherry blossom) or September–November (autumn foliage), when the weather is ideal for exploration and relaxation. With a daily budget starting from 40–65€ (Budget) to 130–280€ (Luxury), South Korea is suitable for various travel budgets.
From the capital Seoul, South Korea can be excellently explored. The official language is Korean, and the currency is Won (KRW). From Germany, you can reach South Korea in approx. 11 hours. Whether you want to try culinary highlights like Korean BBQ (Bulgogi), Bibimbap, Kimchi, visit top attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere: South Korea has something for every type of traveller.
Use our free travel tools to prepare your South Korea holiday perfectly. With the holiday finder, you can discover if South Korea is the right destination for you. The budget calculator helps you plan costs realistically, and with the packing list, you won't forget anything.
Suitable holiday types for South Korea:
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