What to know before traveling to South Korea

42 MIN READ

Paper lanterns hang over a public park and promenade in the built-up central business district of a city.

Evening during the lantern festival in Seoul. Nghia Khanh/Shutterstock

Charles Usher

Writer

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I grew up in the Wisconsin countryside, above my dad’s general store and surrounded by lakes and potato farms. Following university, I spent 13 years in South Korea, where I worked as an editor at a travel magazine and wrote a book about Seoul’s urban fabric. Today, much of my work continues to focus on East Asia and the American Midwest. When not writing or traveling, I enjoy submitting myself to the agony of AS Roma and FC Seoul fandom. In addition to Seoul, I’ve called Madison, Rome, Wel…

Holafly advertisement

Stay connected abroad with an eSIM

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Get 5% off

Take your South Korea trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to South Korea

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Explore related stories