Think K-Pop concerts by day and sizzling BBQ by night. Hike stunning mountains in the morning, then dive into neon-lit streets after dark. Temples, palaces, and seriously delicious eats – South Korea's got it all, waiting to blow your mind (and your taste buds).
Best time to visit
Explore during shoulder seasons - spring or autumn - to escape summer's heat or winter's snow.
The Ultimate Itinerary
for 2026
South Korea has 4 seasons, with each being a great time to visit - depending what you're planning/where you're going!
In the Spring (Mar-May), South Korea experiences the stunning 'Cherry Blossom Season'. Temperatures and weather conditions are perfect for exploring! Summer (Jun-Aug) can be hot and humid, with lots of rainfall in Jul & Aug.
Autumn (Sep-Nov) in South Korea is a beautiful time to visit, with beautiful red and orange leaves transforming the country's landscapes. Winter (Dec-Feb) is often frigid and cold, but it's a perfect time to hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding!
* Based on the capital, Seoul. South Korea is a large country, with varying climates and temperatures, so double check the expected conditions for the exact locations you're visiting before you travel.
The vibrant capital, Seoul, is the country’s beating heart, and one of our favourite cities in the world. Just a short train ride away are the historic temples of Gyeongju. Hop over to Jeju Island for a hiking trip surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
It gets said a lot, but we truly believe there’s something for everyone in this fantastic, friendly country.
Also, it’s a foodie’s dream – there’s the world-famous sizzling Korean BBQ to dive into, the uniquely flavoured kimchi, delicious tteokbokki… honestly, the food is one of the best parts of visiting South Korea! You’ll find tasty options at street food stands, traditional restaurants and everything in-between.
Our travel guides are packed with tips, recommendations, and insider knowledge based on our recent trip to help you plan the perfect trip to South Korea.
As usual, it entirely depends on which country you’re from! If you’re from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the EU, you can enter South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa as a tourist.
Since December 2024 visitors from the UK (and other countries) have needed to apply for a K-ETA.
Make sure to check the latest requirements on the South Korean Embassy website or your country’s foreign travel advice website before your trip.
That depends! South Korea can be budget-friendly, but expenses will vary depending on your travel style.
You’ll find a range of accommodation options from affordable hostels to luxury hotels – picking the right mix will make a big difference to your budget! Book your accommodation early on platforms like Booking.com for the best deals.
Also, make good use of public transport in South Korea – it’s efficient and reasonably priced, making it really easy to travel within, and between, cities.
Many people in South Korea speak great English, so you’ll mostly be able to get around just fine without knowing Korean.
That being said, we always recommend learning at least a few basic Korean phrases to show some respect. The must-learn phrases are:
– Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) – which means ‘Hello’, and is pronounced ‘ahn-young-ha-say-yo’.
– Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) – which means ‘Thank you’, and is pronounced ‘gam-sa-ham-nee-da’.
Download the Korean language on Papago before you arrive to cover any gaps in communication. We found Papago much more reliable than other translation apps for Korean!
The best times to visit South Korea are spring (April to June) for the incredible cherry blossoms, which have fewer crowds than the Japanese equivalent, despite being just as beautiful!
Autumn (September to November) is also a top time to visit for the stunning fall foliage. Bear in mind, these seasons tend to be busier and more expensive than summer & winter.
Summer (July to August) can be hot and humid but full of festivals and excitement, while winter (December to February) offers amazing snowfall scenes, both in the cities and countryside, which is perfect if you’re into skiing and other winter sports.
We’re big fans of using public transport wherever we go, because it allows us to save money. The subway system in Seoul and other cities is super easy to navigate and not expensive, so it’s a great option for getting around.
KTX trains connect major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju. You can purchase a Korea Rail Pass for unlimited travel on KTX trains for a fixed period – perfect if you’re going to be doing lots of train journeys in a short time!
Check the official KORAIL website for prices and info.
https://www.letskorail.com is the official website to book KTX and https://www.kobus.co.kr for bus. Avoid buying tickets through third parties like Rail Ninja, as their tickets tend to be more expensive – stick to the official sites!
Just the thought of Korean cuisine get’s us salivating… it’ll honestly be one of the highlights of your visit.
Make sure you give these must-try dishes a go:
– Kimchi (fermented vegetables)
– Bulgogi (marinated beef)
– Bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables)
– Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
– Korean fried chicken
If you can do any of those as part of a Korean BBQ, even better! It’s a super fun and memorable experience the first time you do it.
Intro 
Where to go 
Latest posts 
Popular activities 
When to visit 
More info 
FAQs 
