Traveling to South Korea offers a captivating blend of rich cultural heritage, modern cities, scenic landscapes, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant pop culture scene, providing a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Deciding the best time to visit South Korea depends largely on the type of experience you're looking for. South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm and activities.
Spring (April to June): Spring in South Korea is arguably the most beautiful time to visit. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F - 77°F). The highlight of the season is the blooming of the cherry blossoms, which usually takes place in early April. Many tourists visit during this time to attend the numerous cherry blossom festivals held throughout the country. Besides, other spring flowers like azaleas and forsythias also color the landscape, making it a great time for nature lovers and photographers.
Summer (July to August): Summer in South Korea can get quite hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is also the monsoon season, so expect some heavy rainfall, especially in late July and August. Despite the weather, summer is a good time to visit if you're interested in water-based activities, such as visiting the beaches along the east coast or attending the Boryeong Mud Festival.
Autumn (September to November): Fall is another beautiful time to visit South Korea. The weather cools down, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F - 77°F), and the country is awash with brilliant autumn foliage. The mountains and national parks become particularly picturesque with shades of red, orange, and yellow. It's an excellent time for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the harvest season festivities.
Winter (December to March): Winter in South Korea can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F). However, if you're a fan of winter sports, this is the best time to visit. South Korea offers excellent facilities for skiing and snowboarding, particularly in areas like Pyeongchang, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018. You can also experience unique winter events like the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
Overall, if you're looking for mild weather and beautiful landscapes, the best times to visit South Korea are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). However, each season offers its unique attractions and festivals, so there's never a bad time to visit South Korea. Just make sure to pack accordingly based on the weather and activities you plan on doing.
Festivals
South Korea has a variety of vibrant and unique festivals throughout the year that showcase its rich culture, traditional arts, and delicious cuisine. Here are a few major festivals that you might consider attending:
Seoul Lantern Festival (November): This festival is held annually in November along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul. Beautiful lanterns of all shapes and sizes are displayed along the stream, creating a magical atmosphere.
Boryeong Mud Festival (July): An incredibly popular summer event with both locals and foreigners. The festival is centered around the beneficial properties of the Boryeong mud. Activities include mud wrestling, mud sliding, and even mud prison.
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival (October): Held in Jeonju, the city known as the food capital of South Korea, this festival celebrates Bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish. Attendees can watch Bibimbap being made, participate in cooking contests, and of course, sample different versions of the dish.
Jinju Lantern Festival (October): This festival features hundreds of lanterns floating on the Namgang River. Aside from the lantern displays, there are also fireworks, traditional Korean games, and performances.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (January): This unique winter festival takes place in Hwacheon county. The festival's main attraction is ice fishing, but visitors can also enjoy sledding, ice skating, and a variety of other winter-themed activities.
Cherry Blossom Festivals (April): There are numerous cherry blossom festivals throughout South Korea in the spring, but the most famous ones are held in Jinhae, Jeju, and Yeouido. The festivals celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms and feature various performances, exhibitions, and street stalls.
Andong Mask Dance Festival (September-October): This festival in Andong City celebrates the traditional Korean mask dance with performances, exhibitions, and participatory events.
Gwangju Biennale (September-November, every two years): One of Asia's leading contemporary art events, with artworks by hundreds of artists from all over the world.
Climate
South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (April to June): Spring in South Korea is quite pleasant with mild temperatures, typically ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F - 77°F). The country also experiences relatively low rainfall during this period. This season is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom blooms, which usually occur in early April.
Summer (July to August): Summer in South Korea is typically hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). It's also the country's monsoon season, meaning it sees a substantial amount of rainfall, especially in late July and August.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a very comfortable and visually appealing time to be in South Korea. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F - 77°F). The country also experiences low rainfall during this period. Autumn foliage, particularly in the country's many national parks, is a major attraction during this season.
Winter (December to March): Winter in South Korea is usually quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F). The country also receives a significant amount of snowfall during this period, particularly in its mountainous regions. This makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Keep in mind that while these descriptions generally hold, there can be variations in climate depending on the specific region of South Korea. For example, the southern coast and Jeju Island have milder winters than the rest of the country, while the mountainous interior can get particularly cold and snowy during the winter months.
Packing Tips
Here are some packing tips for your trip to South Korea:
Clothing: South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, so what you pack will largely depend on when you're visiting. For spring and autumn, it's good to pack layers, including a light jacket or cardigan, as temperatures can vary. For the hot, humid summers, light, breathable clothing is recommended. For winter, you will need a heavy coat, thermals, gloves, scarves, and a hat, as temperatures can get quite cold.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan on visiting any of South Korea's many national parks. If you're visiting in the winter and planning to go to snowy areas, you might want to bring waterproof boots.
Electronics: Don't forget your universal travel adapter for your electronics. South Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 60 Hz.
Toiletries: While you can find most toiletries in South Korea, you might want to pack travel-sized essentials for convenience, especially if you have specific brands that you prefer. Also, keep in mind that the sun can be quite strong in the summer, so sunscreen is a must.
Medications: Pack any prescription medications you need, along with a copy of your prescriptions. It can also be useful to bring a small first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, etc.
Language Barrier: While English is taught in schools, not everyone in South Korea is fluent. It can be helpful to download a Korean translation app on your phone or bring a small phrasebook.
Money: Credit cards are widely accepted in South Korea, but it's also a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small vendors, street food stalls, and in more rural areas.
Cultural Respect: South Koreans dress fairly conservatively, so avoid revealing clothes. When visiting temples or other religious sites, be sure to dress modestly out of respect.
Miscellaneous: Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your travels. If you're planning on shopping or bringing back souvenirs, make sure you leave some extra space in your luggage.
Currency
The official currency of South Korea is the Korean Republic Won (KRW).
Coins: The coins come in denominations of 10, 50, 100, and 500 won. The 10-won coin is a small bronze piece. The 50-won coin is a small silver coin with a hole in the center. The 100-won coin is larger, silver, and depicts the Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The 500-won coin is larger, silver, and depicts a crane.
Banknotes: The banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 won. The 1,000-won note is light blue and depicts Yi Hwang, a Confucian scholar. The 5,000-won note is red and depicts Yulgok Yi I, another scholar. The 10,000-won note is greenish and depicts King Sejong the Great, the creator of the Korean script, Hangul. The 50,000-won note is yellow and depicts Shin Saimdang, a famed female artist and calligrapher.
Usage: Cash is widely accepted in South Korea, but credit and debit cards are also very commonly used. In fact, in many places, cards are preferred. However, it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller establishments, street food vendors, and in more rural areas.
ATMs: ATMs are widespread in South Korea, and many machines, especially those in convenience stores and subway stations, offer English language options. However, not all Korean ATMs accept foreign cards. Those that do often belong to major banks like KB (Kookmin Bank), Shinhan Bank, or Woori Bank, or are specifically labeled as "Global ATMs".
Exchange: You can exchange your home currency for won at banks, airports, and exchange bureaus in South Korea. It's usually recommended to do a bit of comparison shopping, as rates can vary. Also, it's good to note that South Korean banks are typically open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays and are closed on weekends.
Time Zone
South Korea operates on Korea Standard Time (KST). This time zone is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+9).
Unlike many countries, South Korea does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.
Bargaining
In South Korea, bargaining is not commonly practiced in most retail establishments, supermarkets, restaurants, or department stores where prices are clearly marked. In these contexts, prices are generally fixed.
However, bargaining can be acceptable and even expected in certain situations, like at outdoor markets, street stalls, or in some tourist-oriented shops. Places such as the Namdaemun or Dongdaemun markets in Seoul are known for allowing some haggling over prices. If you're shopping for souvenirs, especially in tourist-heavy areas, you might also be able to negotiate a discount, particularly if you're buying multiple items.
Some tips for successful bargaining in South Korea:
Be Respectful: Bargaining should be done in a friendly and respectful manner. Avoid being too aggressive or confrontational.
Know the Value: Try to have a general idea of what the item should cost. This can help you negotiate a fair price.
Be Prepared to Walk Away: If the price isn't right and negotiation isn't getting you anywhere, don't be afraid to politely walk away. Sometimes this can result in the vendor agreeing to a lower price.
Communication
Language
The official language of South Korea is Korean, and the country uses its unique writing system called Hangul. While English is taught in schools, proficiency can vary widely, and in rural areas, fewer people may speak English. However, in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, and in areas frequented by tourists, English is more commonly spoken. Many signs, especially in the subway or other public places, are also in English. For better communication, it may be helpful to learn a few basic Korean phrases or use a translation app.
WiFi
South Korea is known for having some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, and WiFi is widely available. Many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public spaces offer free WiFi. Additionally, the city of Seoul offers a public WiFi service called "Seoul Public WiFi" or "Kkachi On" which is available in many public areas.
For continuous internet access, you might consider renting a pocket WiFi device, which you can pick up and drop off at the airport. These portable devices provide internet access wherever you go, and can usually support multiple devices.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card which provides data for internet access. These are available at the airport and at many convenience stores throughout the country. Be sure to check whether your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network.
Tipping Etiquette
In South Korea, tipping is not traditionally a part of the culture and is neither required nor expected in most places. Service staff are paid a wage that does not assume tips, and a service charge is usually included in your bill at restaurants. Here are some additional guidelines:
Restaurants and Cafes: As mentioned, tipping is not expected in most restaurants or cafes, regardless of whether they are upscale establishments or local eateries. If you leave a tip, it might even cause confusion.
Hotels: For hotel staff, like bellboys or housekeeping, tipping is also not expected. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip is unlikely to be refused.
Taxis: Tipping is not expected in taxis. Usually, passengers just round up to the nearest thousand won to avoid dealing with small change, but it's not considered a tip.
Tour Guides: For tour guides, especially for private tours, tipping is more common and might be expected. Around 10,000 - 20,000 KRW per day for a private guide is a reasonable amount, but this can vary.
Electric Plugs
The power plugs and sockets in South Korea are of type C and type F.
Type C, often referred to as the Europlug, has two round pins. It's a plug that's commonly used in Europe, with the exception of the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta.
Type F, known as "Schuko", is a plug with two round pins and two grounding clips on the sides. It's standard in Germany, several other European countries, and also South Korea.
The standard voltage in South Korea is 220V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. This means that if your device is designed for a different voltage or frequency, you may need a transformer or converter.
However, many modern electronics (like laptops, phones, and digital cameras) have built-in converters or transformers that can handle a range of voltages. You should check your device's specifications - often printed on the device's power adapter - to see if it's rated for 220V and 60Hz.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Sustainable travel, or responsible tourism, is an important part of respecting and preserving the places we visit. Here are some tips for sustainable travel in South Korea:
Reduce Plastic Use: South Korea has made considerable efforts to reduce plastic waste. Follow suit by bringing reusable items like a water bottle, tote bag for shopping, and utensils. Also, many restaurants and cafes offer discounts if you bring your own cup for takeaway beverages.
Public Transportation: South Korea, particularly in cities like Seoul and Busan, has excellent public transportation networks. Using public transportation, such as buses, subways, and trains, reduces your carbon footprint. In addition to being sustainable, it's also a great way to experience local life.
Walk or Cycle: When possible, choose to walk or use a bike. Many cities in South Korea, such as Seoul, have extensive cycling paths and bike rental systems.
Eat Local: Eating at local restaurants not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. South Korea has a rich food culture to explore, from bibimbap to kimchi to samgyeopsal.
Respect Cultural Heritage: South Korea is a country with a long history and rich cultural heritage. When visiting historical or cultural sites, be respectful. Follow any posted guidelines and avoid touching artifacts or structures.
Support Local Businesses: Instead of buying souvenirs from large commercial chains, consider supporting local artists and craftspeople. This can have a more positive impact on the local economy and often results in a more unique souvenir.
Choose Green Accommodation: Some hotels and guesthouses in South Korea are making efforts to be more sustainable, through measures like reducing energy use, recycling, and using locally sourced food in their restaurants. Supporting these establishments can encourage others to follow suit.
Nature Conservation: If you're visiting natural sites, like national parks or beaches, follow the principles of "Leave No Trace" - don't leave any rubbish behind, and don't remove any natural objects, like plants or rocks. If there are designated paths, stick to them to avoid damaging delicate ecosystems.
Tips for Families
South Korea is a great destination for families and offers a variety of attractions and activities suitable for all ages. Here are some specific tips for families:
Attractions: There are many family-friendly attractions in South Korea, from historical sites and museums to theme parks and zoos. Lotte World in Seoul is a popular amusement park with rides for all ages, as is Everland. The National Museum of Korea offers hands-on exhibits for children, and the Seoul Children's Grand Park has a zoo and botanical garden.
Accommodation: When booking your accommodation, look for family-friendly amenities such as extra beds, cribs, and kid-friendly menus. Many hotels also have family rooms, which offer more space and sometimes separate sleeping areas for the children.
Transportation: South Korea's public transportation system is efficient and comprehensive, but it can also be crowded, particularly during peak hours. If you're traveling with small children, you may find it more comfortable to avoid the busiest times. Baby strollers can be used on buses and subways, but keep in mind that not all subway stations have elevators, so you may need to use stairs or escalators.
Eating Out: Korean cuisine can be spicy, but there are also many kid-friendly dishes. Bibimbap (a rice dish with vegetables and meat) can be made without the spicy gochujang sauce, and dishes like japgokbap (multi-grain rice) and bulgogi (marinated beef) are often popular with kids. Many restaurants also offer western-style dishes. When dining out, it's useful to know that high chairs are not always available in restaurants, so small children may need to sit on an adult's lap.
Shopping: Diapers, baby formula, and other child necessities are readily available in supermarkets and convenience stores. If your children are used to a specific brand, however, it might be a good idea to bring a supply with you.
Healthcare: South Korea has high-quality healthcare, and pharmacies are widely available. However, it's a good idea to bring a basic first-aid kit with you, including any necessary prescription medications.
Useful Local Apps
There are several helpful apps that you can use when visiting South Korea. Here are some that might be useful:
KakaoMap or Naver Map: These are the two most popular mapping services in South Korea. They are more accurate and detailed than Google Maps for locations within the country, providing public transportation routes, walking paths, and driving directions. Both are available in English.
KakaoTalk: This is the most widely used messaging app in South Korea. It's similar to WhatsApp or LINE, and you'll find that many locals and businesses use KakaoTalk for communication.
Kakao T: This is a taxi-hailing app similar to Uber or Lyft but for South Korean taxis. You can input your destination in English and it will translate it into Korean for the driver. It's very helpful for getting around, especially if you're not fluent in Korean.
KakaoMetro: This app is a must if you're planning to use the subway a lot. It provides information on subway routes, schedules, and fares in several major cities in South Korea, including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.
KakaoBus: If you're planning to use the bus system, this app provides information on bus routes, schedules, and stops.
Yogiyo: This is one of South Korea's most popular food delivery apps. It's mostly in Korean, but it can be useful if you feel like staying in and ordering delivery. Please note that a local phone number might be needed.
Learn Korean: This language app can help you learn basic Korean phrases and vocabulary, which can be very helpful during your trip.
Visit Korea: This is the official app of the Korea Tourism Organization and provides information on attractions, transportation, accommodation, and more.
