Welcome to South Korea

South Korea surprises at every turn — a country that seamlessly combines ancient traditions and hypermodernity like no other. These ten experiences make a trip to Korea unforgettable:

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul — The most magnificent of the five Joseon palaces, with the iconic changing of the guard against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers. Admission is free in a Hanbok (traditional costume) — and you'll get the best photos of your life. → Chap. Seoul
2. Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul — Hundreds of traditional Korean wooden houses (Hanok) from the Joseon era, nestled between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Narrow alleys, curved tile roofs, Seoul skyline in the background. → Chap. Seoul
3. Street Food in Gwangjang Market — Korea's oldest and most exciting market: Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Mayak Gimbap (addictive mini rice rolls), Tteokbokki, and raw fish Bibimbap, served by market women who have been cooking here for decades. → Chap. Seoul
4. DMZ Tour at the North Korean Border — The most heavily fortified border in the world: tunnels, observation points, and the surreal Joint Security Area (JSA), where you can literally step into North Korea. History up close. → Chap. Regions
5. Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan — Pastel-colored houses cascade down a hill like a Korean Santorini. Street art, small galleries, and cafés make the former slum an Instagram hotspot. → Chap. Busan
6. Korean BBQ — the ultimate dining experience — Grill marbled beef (Hanwoo) or pork belly (Samgyeopsal) at your own table, wrap in sesame leaves, enjoy with Ssamjang paste and pickled garlic. Accompanied by Soju. Always sociable, always loud, always delicious. → Chap. Food & Drink
7. Hallasan on Jeju Island — South Korea's highest mountain (1,950 m) is an extinct volcano with a crater lake at the summit. The hike through various vegetation zones is spectacular — from subtropical forest to alpine lunar landscape. → Chap. Regions
8. Haeundae Beach & Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan — Korea's most famous beach meets the country's largest fish market: eat fresh sashimi at the harbor in the morning, swim in the Pacific waves in the afternoon. → Chap. Busan
9. Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju — UNESCO World Heritage and masterpiece of Buddhist architecture from the 8th century. Gyeongju is an open-air museum — the former capital of the Silla Kingdom with over 1,000 years of history. → Chap. Regions
10. Jjimjilbang — Korean Bathhouse Culture — More than just a bath: multi-story wellness temples with hot pools, saunas, sleeping rooms, restaurants, and karaoke. Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul is open 24 hours — the perfect overnight alternative. → Chap. Practical A–Z

South Korea is surprisingly compact — smaller than Bavaria, yet incredibly diverse. From the mega-metropolis of Seoul to coastal cities to volcanic islands: Four main regions, four different worlds.

🏙️ Seoul & Surroundings

For whom: Everyone — Seoul is a must on any Korea trip
The vibrant capital (10 million inhabitants, 25 million in the metropolitan area) combines five Joseon palaces, futuristic architecture, K-Pop culture, legendary street food, and nightlife that never sleeps. Plus: The DMZ is only 50 km away. Plan at least 4–5 days.

🌊 Busan & Southeast Coast

For whom: Beach fans, foodies, culture explorers
Korea's second-largest city is more laid-back than Seoul: dream beaches, the huge Jagalchi fish market, the pastel-colored Gamcheon Village, and temples right by the sea. Only 2.5 hours from Seoul by KTX.

🏛️ Gyeongju & the Historic Heartland

For whom: History buffs, temple lovers, cyclists
The former capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD) is an open-air museum: royal tombs, UNESCO temples, and grottoes amidst a gentle hilly landscape. Often referred to as a "museum without walls."

🏝️ Jeju Island

For whom: Nature lovers, hikers, couples
Korea's tropical volcanic island: UNESCO World Natural Heritage with Hallasan volcano, bizarre lava tubes, the legendary Haenyeo divers, and a unique culture. Korea's most popular wedding and domestic travel destination.

South Korea has four clearly defined seasons with dramatic differences — from icy winters to hot and humid summers. The choice of travel time significantly determines your Korea experience:

The Four Seasons

• Spring (April – May): The best travel time alongside autumn. Cherry blossom (Beotkkot) from late March to mid-April, followed by azaleas and magnolias. Temperatures 10–22 °C, little rain, perfect hiking weather. Seoul and Jinhae (near Busan) are the cherry blossom hotspots.
• Summer (June – August): Hot and humid (28–35 °C). The monsoon season (Jangma) lasts from mid-June to mid-July with heavy rainfall. August is hot but perfect for beaches (Busan, Jeju). Typhoon risk in September/October.
• Autumn (September – November): Fantastic autumn foliage (Danpung) from mid-October — South Korea's mountains glow in red, orange, and gold. Pleasant 10–22 °C, clear air, little rain. The most beautiful travel time.
• Winter (December – February): Cold and dry (-5 to 5 °C in Seoul), but sunny. Perfect for skiing (Pyeongchang, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics), Jjimjilbang culture, and wintery Seoul with illuminations. Fewer tourists, lower prices.

Cherry Blossom in Korea

Korea's cherry blossom begins on Jeju (end of March) and moves north to Seoul (early April). The best spots:

Climate Table: Seoul

South Korea is cheaper than Japan, but more expensive than Southeast Asia — comparable to Southern Europe. The weak Won currently makes Korea an excellent value-for-money destination for European travelers.

Daily Budget per Person

What Costs What? (Guidelines 2025/26)

Sample Daily Budget "Mid-range" (2 People, Seoul)

South Korea works for every type of traveler — perfect infrastructure, top-notch safety, and a surprising diversity make it the ideal travel destination:

🎒 Backpackers & Budget Travelers

Affordable Goshiwon (mini-apartments) and hostels from ₩20,000 (€14), fantastic street food from ₩3,000 (€2), cheap local transport. The T-money card saves on every ride. Jjimjilbangs are the cheapest accommodation option (₩10,000–15,000 including bath and sleeping area). You can manage well with ₩50,000–80,000 (€35–55) per day.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Korea is extremely child-friendly: Lotte World (Korea's Disneyland), Everland (Asia's largest amusement park), children's menus everywhere. Wearing Hanbok delights children as much as parents. Children under 6 ride the metro for free. Safety is top-notch — Korea is one of the safest countries in the world.

💑 Couples

Korea is the land of "Couple Culture": couple outfits, love locks at N Seoul Tower, romantic Hanok stays in Bukchon, and Jeju Island — Korea's number one honeymoon island. Dinner at Korean BBQ is always for two (most dishes have minimum orders for 2 people).

🏛️ Culture & History

Five major Joseon palaces in Seoul, UNESCO World Heritage sites (Gyeongju, Bulguksa, Changdeokgung), the DMZ, Buddhist temples with temple-stay programs. Korea's history from the Silla Dynasty through Japanese occupation to division is captivating and can be experienced everywhere.

🎵 K-Pop & Pop Culture

Gangnam (the district from the song), HYBE Insight (BTS Museum), K-Star Road, K-Pop concerts, idol cafés, merchandise shops in Myeongdong. For K-Drama fans: visit filming locations in Seoul, Jeju, and Gyeongju. The Hallyu wave (Korean Wave) is palpable everywhere.

🍜 Foodies

Korean BBQ, Kimchi in 200 varieties, Bibimbap, Tteokbokki, Chimaek (fried chicken & beer), Hanjeongsik (Korean meal with 20+ side dishes). Seoul has 35 Michelin-starred restaurants, but the best experiences are at Gwangjang Market and the Pojangmacha (street stalls with plastic tarps).