Ultimate Travel Guide for South Korea

Planning a trip to South Korea? This ultimate travel guide for South Korea has everything you need to explore the Land of Morning Calm.

This guide reveals what makes South Korea unique, whether you’re looking for the best places to stay, top-rated hotels, or tips on getting around.

The spring months of April, May, and June are generally considered the best times to visit South Korea. The days are sunny and dry with mild temperatures.

Autumn is also another great time to visit with similar daytime temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage.

Having said that, there is no wrong time to visit, South Korea is beautiful all year round.

South Korea is a very easy country to navigate.

The high-speed KORAIL train service connects you to most of the major hot spots so you can easily see the best of this beautiful country in just under 2 weeks.

A good range of 7-10 days will give you enough time to see the top sites of Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, and Gyeongju.

South Korea’s train network is one of the best in the world, especially in Seoul.

Easy to use, fast and convenient, buses and trains run on time to the minute and tickets are very affordable.

South Korea’s high-speed rail network, KTX, connects major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju. It’s also affordable and very comfortable.

When it comes to getting around Seoul, there’s plenty of options to choose from.

• T-money Card: Purchase a T-money card at any convenience store or subway station. Load it with credit and tap it to pay for subways, buses, and even some taxis.

• Subway App: Use apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map for live subway directions, platform details, and real-time updates.

Busan also has a great subway and bus system that you can hop on and off, taking you to all the top sites in this cute seaside city.

• Busan's subway system: Busan’s highly efficient subway system makes it easy to reach top tourist attractions like Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and Haeundae Sky Capsule.

• Use a T-money Card: If you bought a T-money card in Seoul, you could use it in Busan too. It works on the subway and buses. Cards are also available at Busan subway stations and convenience stores.

• Navigation Apps: Apps like KakaoMap and Naver Map are very helpful. This is the easiest way to map out subway routes and travel plans.

The easiest way to get around Gyeongju is by bus, taxi or Uber. Although the transport network here is not as reliable as in Busan and Seoul, if you time your trips right, you can easily see all the top sites in a few days.

• Bus Stops and Routes: Look for buses #10, #11, #100, and #700. These go to key attractions. You can check bus schedules on the KakaoMap app.

• Using a T-money Card: The T-money card can also be used on Gyeongju’s buses.

• Tourist Shuttle Buses: Gyeongju has special tourist shuttle buses that stop at all the major attractions, taking the guesswork out of planning your trip.

If you’re heading to South Korea, chances are you’re flying into Seoul’s Incheon Airport.

Seoul is by far the most popular city to visit in South Korea.

As a major tourist destination and global hub, it’s also the busiest. A bustling hub that blends the old and the new, it pretty much has it all.

It has a rich history, an abundance of culture, delicious food, a thriving nightlife and endless shopping options. Not to mention some of the best food markets in East Asia!

This is also where you’ll find the friendliest people who go above and beyond to ensure you love their city and country.

While you’re there, you’ll want to see some of the top attractions in Seoul:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Myeongdong Shopping Street
• N Seoul Tower
• Changdeokgung Palace
• Starfield Library
• Lotte World

If you’re a foodie, always hunting for the best dish, then you’re in luck! Cafe culture in Seoul is enviable offering up great coffee and desserts.

And Seoul has the best selection of street food and food markets in South Korea. Some of the best markets being Namdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market and Myeongdong Market at night.

A week is a good introduction to the city and, if you plan it right, this will give you enough time to see most of the major highlights. You may even have a few days spare to take a couple of day trips to places like Nami Island and Hawadam Forest (Hwadamsup).

Busan is a gorgeous seaside city that deserves a few night’s stay.

Quieter and less crowded than Seoul, it’s like a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of city life. This is where you’ll ride the famous Sky Capsule, take a dip at Haeundae Beach and go for a stroll through Gamcheon Culture Village.

You might also like to munch on fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market, catch a drone light show from Gwangalli Beach, or explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by the sea.

Some of the top things to do in Busan:

• Visit Busan Tower’s Observation Deck
• Take a ride on the Busan Air Cruise Cable Car
• Take a day trip to beautiful Gyeongju
• Wander through Dakbatgol Mural Village
• Ride the cute little Somang Stairs Monorail
• Enjoy the best of Busan's nightlife

Just ask anyone who's been to Gyeongju - they'll tell you it's a must-visit!

Gyeongju is stunning year-round, but it truly shines in the autumn. This is when you’ll stroll through huge fields of blooming sunflowers and wander through lush pink Muhly Grass.

Turning pink in September, the Muhly Grass stays this way until November. The thousands of sunflowers found around Gyeongju are at their peak in August.

Some of the best spots to visit in Gyeongju are:

• For sunflowers and pink muhly, head to Cheomseongdae Observatory
• See Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond at night
• Visit Gyeongju National Museum
• Wander around the Daereungwon Tomb Complex
• Visit Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Nami Island is quite possibly one of the best day trips you can take from Seoul.

It takes around 2 hours to get here by private car or you can ride the train or bus then take a ferry across to Nami Island.

From September to November, this famous spot is known for its autumn foliage, especially the bright yellow leaves of the ginkgo trees. Whether you decide to ride a bike down the famous Metasequoia Lane crisp with autumn leaves or stroll through the Garden of Morning Calm, you can easily fill up your entire day on Nami Island.

While you’re there, here’s a few more fun things to do on Nami Island:

• Brave the Nami Skyline Zip Wire
• Take a trip to Petite France Enjoy Gangchon Rail Park
• Visit Alpaca World
• Picnic in Baekpungmilwon Maple Garden

Hwadam Forest is another fantastic day trip from Seoul, known for its beautiful autumn foliage and tranquil walking trails, perfect for nature lovers and a peaceful day trip.  

Located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, Hwadam Forest is a 40-minute drive from Seoul. The best way to get from Seoul to Hwadam is by train which takes around 3 hours.

If you can plan your trip around autumn, it’s positively stunning.

And if you plan on hopping on board the monorail that runs through the Korean Botanic Garden, you will need to arrive at the park early as tickets sell out fast. International visitors can purchase tickets to enter Hwadam Forest at the ticket office without online reservations.

Location is everything in Korea. While Seoul and Busan offer great public transport options, they are both large areas with lots to cover.

And if you only have a few days in both, you want to ensure you’re perfectly located to avoid spending too much time on public transport.

As far as luxury hotels go, Fairmont Ambassador Seoul has it all. Situated right in the middle of Seoul's Central Business District of Yeouido, it is a prime location for business and holiday travellers.

Complete with world-class leisure facilities, you can book a session at the tranquil spa or cutting-edge fitness centre before taking a dip or swimming laps in the pool. Sipping cocktails and dining on a delicious meal at the rooftop restaurant and bar while overlooking panoramic views of the city is also a must.

To top it all off, Fairmont Ambassador Seoul offers a delicious culinary experience. The hotel’s upscale dining options include refined Korean cuisine alongside international dishes, each meal artfully crafted by skilled chefs.

Centrally located in the Yeouido District of Seoul, you can also pop next door to one of Korea's largest department stores, The Hyundai Seoul.

Perhaps you feel like a picnic or a stroll along the iconic Han River? Take a short 2-minute walk across the road, and you’ll find Yeouido Park. It is truly breathtaking.

Fairmont Ambassador Seoul is the epitome of elegance, class and convenience. And the service is impeccable. Whether you’re visiting Seoul for business or pleasure, this hotel provides a perfect balance of luxury, comfort, and a prime location, making it a top choice in Seoul.

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul blends style, sophistication, and a prime location perfectly. Enjoy dining on a delicious buffet breakfast in a refined French chic bistro overlooking beautiful Seokchon Lake, and end with cocktails at the 32nd-floor roof bar.

Ideally placed in the Jamsil-ro District, you have Lotte World within walking distance and the Han River at your doorstep. With Jamsil Station 300 meters from your doorstep, you can easily explore Seoul’s landmarks, shopping districts, and cultural sites.

The hotel itself is a blend of French elegance and Korean heritage, with beautifully designed rooms and suites that boast panoramic views of Seoul's skyline and the Han River.

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at the luxury spa and state-of-the-art fitness centre, then cool off at the indoor pool boasting stunning city views.

The hotel’s dining options are equally impressive, offering French-inspired cuisine and local delicacies crafted by talented chefs.

For style and convenience, The Ambassador Seoul - A Pullman Hotel is the place to be! Picture yourself waking up and enjoying your morning coffee with a view of N Seoul Tower right outside your window.

A five-star hotel located in the heart of the bustling city of Seoul, you are perfectly placed to explore all the top sites while also enjoying an elegant stay in a Pullman Hotel.

Boasting luxurious guest rooms, fine dining restaurants, and an exotic indoor and outdoor swimming pool area, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day spent sightseeing.

Nestled in the vibrant Jung-gu district, this luxury hotel places guests just minutes away from some of Seoul’s most iconic attractions, including N Seoul Tower, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and Myeongdong Shopping Street.

Spoilt for choice when it comes to amenities, guests can indulge in a well-equipped fitness centre, an indoor pool, and an on-site spa where you can recharge after a day of sightseeing.

For culinary enthusiasts, The Ambassador Seoul - A Pullman Hotel offers a variety of dining options. From traditional Korean dishes to international cuisine, each dish is lovingly prepared with high-quality ingredients by top chefs. Make sure you book in for the delicious premium live buffet at The Kings Day and spoil yourself with Happy Hour and afternoon tea in the Executive Lounge.

If you’re searching for a luxurious getaway that combines the excitement of exploring Seoul with top-notch relaxation, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel is the perfect choice.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Dongdaemun, this premium hotel offers easy access to some of Seoul’s best attractions. And the end of your day, you can relax with a cocktail at the stunning rooftop bar or around the outdoor infinity pool. The hotel’s amenities cater to every need. A state-of-the-art fitness area, a soothing sauna, and even a kids’ zone making it an ideal retreat for couples and families alike.

Dongdaemun, famous for its buzzing late-night shopping scene, boasts 26 malls and 30,000 shops, so you’ll never run out of places to browse. Food lovers, you will be happy to hear there are plenty of delicious Korean restaurants nearby, the famous Gwangjang Market is also not far from here.

The hotel’s central location puts you within easy walking distance of the subway station, not only connecting you to the rest of the city, but also making it easy to head off on a day trip outside of Seoul.

With delicious breakfast options available at the FOOD EXCHANGE each morning, and a restaurant on site that boasts an enviable menu, this is one hotel where you will find superb international and local cuisines, comfort and exceptional service.

Whether you want to experience Korea’s vibrant city life or unwind by the sea, with Accor’s exceptional range of hotels in South Korea, you’ll find the ideal place to stay.