Explore the Best of South Korea: A Complete Travel Guide

Travel to South Korea is on the rise, with over 13 million international tourists arriving in 2015. Most of those travelers take the short flight from neighboring Japan, China, and other places in East Asia. Western travelers who are not in the country for military service, business, or to teach English are still somewhat of a novelty.

Traveling in South Korea can offer a unique and rewarding experience, significantly different from the usual destinations travelers often visit in Asia.

If you’re en route to one of the popular destinations in Southeast Asia, you’ll find that many of the cheapest flights from the United States to Southeast Asia pass through Seoul. Therefore, with a bit of planning, curious travelers can easily include a fascinating stopover in South Korea, which may encourage a return visit.

What to Expect When Traveling to South Korea

  • Great Food: Korean bibimbap paired with spicy kimchi is an exquisite taste you’ll crave, especially when it’s most inaccessible.
  • A Tech-Savvy Culture: South Korea boasts the world’s fastest internet speeds, with more mobile phones than people, and a vibrant tech scene including robots.
  • Crowds: With a high population density, roughly 1,113 people per square mile, Seoul and its metropolitan area are home to over 25 million people. Expect little privacy or elbow room.
  • Compulsory Military: All South Korean males aged 18 to 35 are required to serve in the military, contributing to South Korea’s high number of soldiers per capita.

South Korea Visa Requirements

American citizens can enter and stay in South Korea for 90 days without applying for a visa. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, it is necessary to visit a consulate and apply for an Alien Registration Card.

Those wishing to teach English must apply for an E-2 visa before arriving, including requirements like passing an HIV test and presenting academic diplomas and transcripts. Visa rules frequently change; therefore, check the South Korea embassy website for the most recent updates.

South Korea Travel Customs

Travelers can import up to $400 worth of goods into South Korea without incurring duties. This includes one liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes. Note that you must be at least 19 years old to possess tobacco.

All food items and agricultural products are prohibited; it is advisable to avoid bringing snacks like sunflower seeds and peanuts.

For safety, carry a copy of your prescription, a medical passport, or a doctor’s note for any prescription medications you bring into South Korea.

The Best Time to Travel to South Korea

The monsoon season extends from June to September; therefore, be prepared for potential weather disruptions caused by typhoons or hurricanes, particularly between May and November. July and August are typically the wettest months in the country.

Winters in Seoul can be harsh, with temperatures often dipping below 19°F in January. The ideal travel time to South Korea is during the cooler fall months when the rain has subsided.

South Korea Holidays

South Korea recognizes five National Celebration Days, primarily focusing on patriotic events. Additionally, Hangul Day celebrates the Korean alphabet. As with many significant holidays in Asia, it is wise to plan accordingly to enhance the festive experience.

Travel might also be impacted by major public holidays, including:

  • March 1: Independence Movement Day
  • June 6: Memorial Day
  • August 15: Liberation Day
  • October 3: National Foundation Day

Other notable celebrations include Buddha’s Birthday and Chuseok (the harvest festival), which are based on the lunar calendar and have varying dates each year, typically around the autumn equinox in September.

Currency in South Korea

The currency used in South Korea is the won (KRW), symbolized as “W” with two horizontal lines (₩).

Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; and 50,000. Older, smaller bills may still be in circulation. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 won.

It’s advisable to verify the current exchange rate before arriving in South Korea to avoid unfavorable currency exchange deals.

Travel to South Korea From the United States

Excellent deals for flights to Seoul are typically easy to find, particularly from major cities such as Los Angeles and New York.

Korean Air consistently ranks among the top airlines globally and is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, offering fantastic travel experiences and earning opportunities through SkyMiles.

The Language Barrier

While many residents in Seoul can speak English, numerous signs, travel websites, and services are only available in Korean. Fortunately, there is a national holiday dedicated to the Korean alphabet, emphasizing its importance in the culture. Seoul also provides a hotline for travelers facing translation challenges.

For assistance, you can contact the Seoul Global Centre by calling 02-1688-0120, or simply dial 120 from within Korea, with operating hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Korea Tourism Organization

The Korea Tourism Organization (dial +82-2-1330) is available to answer questions and assist with planning your travel to South Korea.

They provide a 24-hour helpline, ensuring support throughout the year.

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