🇰🇷 South Korea
South Korea · East Asia
High-tech cities, ancient royal palaces, dramatic coastal landscapes, and a global cultural wave.
Seoul — Eunmi Park · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
🗓️ Best time to go
Spring (April–June) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, or Autumn (September–November) for crisp air and fall colors.
🚆 Getting around
High-speed KTX trains link cities. Seoul and Busan have highly integrated, cheap subway networks.
About
South Korea blends ancient dynastic history with a fast-paced pop culture hub, offering incredible hiking, delicious food, and deep traditions.
Interesting places to visit
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul
The grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces; rent a traditional Hanbok dress to gain free entry.
Jeju Island
A volcanic island featuring black sand beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and Hallasan mountain hikes.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A preserved historic neighborhood of traditional wooden courtyard homes dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.
What to eat
Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
Grilled pork belly cooked on tabletop grills and wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic and ssamjang sauce.
Kimchi & Bibimbap
Spicy fermented cabbage alongside bowls of warm rice topped with vegetables, beef, and a raw egg.
Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek)
Extremely crispy double-fried chicken glazed in sweet and spicy sauce, traditionally paired with beer.
Practical tips
Download Naver Maps
Google Maps does not work well in South Korea due to national security regulations. Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap instead.
✨ What sparked this trip