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South Korea
From Seoul's glittering nightlife to Seoraksan National Park's vertiginous hikes, South Korea offers the traveler a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes and 5000 years of culture and history.
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Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Gyeongbokgung
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Like a phoenix, Seoul’s premier palace has risen several times from the ashes of destruction. Hordes of tourists have replaced the thousands of government…
Changdeokgung
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
The World Heritage–listed Changdeokgung is the most beautiful of Seoul's five main palaces. You must join a one-hour guided tour to look around. English…
Jeonju Hanok Maeul
Jeonju
This maeul (village) has more than 800 hanok (traditional wooden homes), making it one of the largest such concentrations in the country. Virtually all of…
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Amid the celebrity-owned apartments on the leafy southern slope of Namsan is Korea's premier art gallery. Beautifully designed and laid-out, it balances…
Seongsan Ilchul-bong
Jeju-do
This majestic 182m-high, extinct tuff volcano, shaped like a giant punchbowl, is one of Jeju-do's most impressive sights and a Unesco World Heritage site…
Ssanggye-sa
Gyeongsangnam-do
The visual imagery of this temple is a feast for the eyes and, like any exquisite dinner, should be savoured with deliberation. Stone walls supporting…
Saryangdo
Gyeongsangnam-do
Jagged ridges, 400m-high peaks, ropes, ladders and awe-inspiring views await travellers looking for a challenging hike. Most travellers disembark the…
Hwaseong
Suwon
The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Exciting South Korea has endless things to do, see, experience and eat. Here are the must-do experiences in South Korea.
Read articleThings to Know
Before your trip to this cultural powerhouse, read our tips for navigating the etiquette, transportation options, safety concerns and more in South Korea.
Read articleTransportation
Here’s everything you need to know about transportation cards, accessible travel and taking planes, trains and buses.
Read articleMoney and Costs
If you’re looking to travel to South Korea on a budget, follow this money-saving guide, from advice on SIM cards to tips on transit.
Read articleBest Road Trips
South Korea might not leap out as the obvious place for a road trip, but the back roads reveal a different side to the peninsula. Here are our top trips.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from South Korea
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Tips & Advice
Japan vs South Korea: which impressive East Asian destination should you visit?Apr 28, 2023 • 6 min read
- Road TripsThe best road trips in South Korea weave through mountains, islands and history
Aug 21, 2022 • 11 min read
- Festivals & EventsThe best times to visit South Korea for mountains, beaches and festival fun
Aug 16, 2022 • 11 min read
BeachesSouth Korea’s top beaches for sunrises, surfing, festivals and nightlifeAug 15, 2022 • 9 min read
Hiking10 unmissable experiences in South Korea, from cherry blossoms to bar hoppingAug 12, 2022 • 6 min read
Guidebooks
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Get to the heart of South Korea with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.