South Korea

Discover ancient cultures and modern wonders when you visit the diverse and beautiful nation of South Korea. Explore temples, towers, museums, and markets in the vibrant capital of Seoul. Ride the attractions of the world’s biggest indoor theme park when you spend a day at the Disney-esque Lotte World park. Take the KTX to the beach, or fly to volcanic islands filled with natural geological phenomena among rich flora and fauna.

Take an eerie tour of no-man’s land at the heavily guarded DMZ border. Live like a monk at Jingwansa Temple, a self-sufficient community in a stunning national park setting. Visit the historic spiritual capital of the Joseon Dynasty and wander a preserved ancient village in Jeonju. Don’t forget to visit South Korea’s officially designated ‘Historic and Scenic Site Number One’ and explore the ‘museum without walls’ of Gyeongju and its Bulguksa Temple.

49 minutes non-stop from Incheon International Airport, Seoul is the sprawling capital of South Korea and home to many of the country’s biggest attractions. Explore the neighbouring palaces of Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung, two of five built by the Joseon Dynasty. Walk through the preserved streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, a window into the Seoul of six centuries before. Uncover millions of years of history and art at the vast National Museum of Korea.

Pull up stools at Gwangjang Market stalls and taste local flavours in their freshest form. See the seat of power at the Blue House, or escape among the hiking trails of Namsan Park, before rising above the city and peering down from the observation deck of the mountaintop N Seoul Tower. Enjoy family adventures at Lotte World amusement park, or grab a bite and watch the world go by in the welcoming neighbourhood of Itaewon.

South Korea isn’t just cities and temples, it has stunning beaches and lush green parks too. Catch the KTX bullet train to the second city of Busan and enjoy a coastal break where you can surf, sunbathe, dine, and drink. When you’re done at the seafront, climb to the ancient Beomeosa Temple through the European-style hillside village of Gamecheon.

Make the short hop to Jeju, a volcanic island to rival Hawaii where picturesque bays sit beside rolling lava fields with naturally-formed tubes big enough to walk through. See the diving women catching seafood at Jungmun Beach or take a trip inland to pamper yourself in natural hot springs and luxury spas. Ride the Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway to look out over more than 300 rugged coastal islands before descending to hike through lush countryside and along cliff tops at the country’s southern tip.

Spring and autumn are by far the best times to visit South Korea with pleasant temperatures and low rainfall in both. April to June sees the country burst into colour as its parks and countryside reach full bloom and cherry blossoms come into season while temperatures between 15°C and 20°C are to be expected most days.

Summer days can be hot, humid, and endure heavy rainfall that often limits visitors to indoor attractions but autumn arrives in September to bring three more months of dry and pleasant days perfect for enjoying both the city and the coast. South Korean winters, lasting from December to March, are harsh. Temperatures can drop as low as -20°C in some regions, so visiting at this time is recommended only for the hardiest or most cold-loving travellers.