South Korea Quick Guide

If you are looking for a truly informative tour, South Korea Travel Guide is the way to go. This is because this country is an active participant in diplomatic relations with most of the other countries in the region. You can get some useful insights into their culture and way of life from the information offered in the Guide.

Bn is the capital city of South Korea and is a pretty much developed area of interest due to its proximity to China. Aside from that, it is also a very convenient starting point if you want to backpack and sightsee during your trip to Busan. A South Korean Travel Guide would help you decide which tourist attractions are best for you.

Of course, a South Korean Travel Guide would not be complete without a mention of the national parks of South Korea. There are several in Busan alone which could take up about two weeks of your time. The four most visited parks in South Korea are the Baekdudae National Park, the Cholla National Park, Ohyeon-san National Park, and the Jeju National Park. In the Baekdudae National Park, hikers can enjoy spotting rare, specious creatures like spotted deer, a rarity in South Korea, among others.

Hiking is one of the best ways of getting around Busan. Actually, the main cities of South Korea have good networks of trails that will lead you to the various hiking spots. You can either sign up with a tour agency or do it on your own. Hiking in the jet region is particularly rewarding. Getting around on the bus system is also a lot of fun if you are looking to take in as much scenic beauty as possible.

A trip to the New Year in Busan would not be complete without at least a day or two spent in the scenic Wonchi area. This is where the majority of tourists come to visit. It is known for its scenic natural scenery which makes it a great way to relax and soak up some new year's sun. However, if you wish to experience a slightly different environment during your time in South Korea, don't worry because there are quite a number of backwater destinations in Busan that you could visit. For example, the new year's islands are a great way to spend your morning or afternoon.

The next thing on your must-do list is to check out the various ancient palaces in Busan, which were once the capitals of powerful rulers. One of the best places to visit is the Baekdudae National Park. Here, tourists get the chance to walk through many ancient palaces including eruption palace, which is more than a century old. The royal palace is pretty much a reconstruction done from scratch, but it is a great place to see.

Next up, we are going to talk about the national park, the backwater and the fantastic old-fashioned tourist spots. The Baekdudae national park is a real gem situated at the eastern tip of Busan. This tourist spot is perfect for backpackers because here they can enjoy some hiking as well as other nature activities such as water rafting, surfing and catamaranning. The best months to go here are from May to October.

Lastly, let us not forget about the many beaches in Busan. South Korea is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia and there is no better place to experience this than in Busan. The ideal season to visit here is from April to October as the weather remains cool and spring and summer break is over. Just make sure to pack comfortable clothes for spring break as you will not find any better beaches in Busan and this is one tourist spot you do not want to miss.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to South Korea are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May if you want to see the vibrant pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom. If you want to see the landscapes come alive as the leaves change in the cooler weathers, then we'd recommend visiting between September and November.

Do I need a Visa?

If you have a British Citizen passport you can enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa.

See which forms you may need for entry into South Korea.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in South Korea you can grab amazing South Korean Won deals via Wise.com (GBP to KRW).

What about the wildlife?

Wild animal life is similar to that of northern and northeastern China. The most numerous larger mammals are deer. Tigers, leopards, lynx, and bears, formerly abundant, have almost disappeared, even in remote areas. Some 380 species of birds are found in the country, most of which are seasonal migrants.

What is the traditional food?

Korean food? Kimchi, the national dish of South Korea, is a name almost synonymous in the country with eating a meal.

What Languages are spoken?

People living in both North and South Korea speak Korean (also called Hangul). You can learn some basic Korean before you travel to South Korea and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won (A tip of 5 to 10 percent given directly to the server is acceptable in Western-influenced restaurants, but isn't recommended in traditional restaurants. Don't be surprised if a tip is politely refused. Bartender: There is no obligation to tip at a bar.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 112
  • Ambulance: 119 or 911
  • Fire: 119 or 911
  • UK Embassy: +82 (0)2 3210 5500

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 8 hours

Travel Apps

Grab a travel app or two


Learn Korean

Learn some Korean before your trip to South Korea


South Korea Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to South Korea by buying a guidebook.