South Korea

4.0 (1)

Seoul is a fast-paced, stylish metropolis that lends itself to shopping and dining, while Busan offers a relaxed, coastal contrast. High-speed KTX trains make it easy to plan an itinerary between cities.

Currency: KRW
Language: Korean
Visa: Visa-free 90 days
Power & plug: 220V · Type C/F

South Korea currency guide — today's rate & payment tips

Best time to visit · Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Visa and entry rules change often. Check your government's travel advisory or the local embassy before you go.

Average temperature by month

Based on Seoul · 5-year average

-3° Jan

0° Feb

6° Mar

12° Apr

17° May

22° Jun

25° Jul

25° Aug

21° Sep

13° Oct

6° Nov

-2° Dec

Choose a city

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Seoul

Seoul is South Korea's capital and its political, economic, and cultural center. As the country's leading city at the heart of the greater metropolitan area, it offers a wealth of diverse attractions.

45 sights 9 guides Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Busan

Busan is a port city on South Korea's southeastern coast, home to attractions like Haeundae Beach, Beomeosa Temple, and the Gaya tumuli. Centered on its busy harbor, the city has the distinctive energy of a maritime hub.

45 sights 9 guides Gimhae International Airport (PUS)

Daegu

Daegu is an inland metropolitan city in southeastern South Korea that served as the administrative center of Gyeongsang Province during the Joseon dynasty. It grew into a textile industry hub in modern times and served as a temporary capital during the Korean War.

21 sights 9 guides Daegu International Airport (TAE)

Gwangju

Gwangju was a metropolitan city in southwestern South Korea. In July 2026, it merged with South Jeolla Province to form the newly launched Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Self-Governing City.

10 sights 9 guides Gwangju Airport (KWJ)

Daejeon

Daejeon is a metropolitan city in south-central Chungcheong, South Korea. With a population of 1.45 million, it is the region's leading city.

12 sights 9 guides Cheongju International Airport (CJJ)

Top sights in South Korea

Castles & palaces

Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung is a Joseon-era royal palace in the heart of Seoul, well preserved in its original form. Its beautiful rear garden is especially famous, and the palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Temples & religious sites

Jongmyo

Jongmyo Shrine, located in Jongno, Seoul, is where memorial tablets of Joseon's kings and queens were enshrined and ceremonies were held. It sits just south of Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces, making it easy to visit together with the palaces.

Castles & palaces

Gyeongbokgung

Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, this was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty and is considered one of Korea's foremost royal palaces. Strolling through its grounds, lined with traditional architecture, offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of the old royal court.

Castles & palaces

Blue House

Formerly the office and residence of South Korea's president, also widely known as the "Blue House." Located in Seoul's Jongno District, it's a good place to explore traces of modern Korean history.

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Korea

A national museum in Yongsan, Seoul, with a long history tracing back to the Imperial Museum founded in 1909. Reestablished after Korea's liberation and continuing to this day, it offers a broad overview of Korean history and culture.

Views & landmarks

Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is a 555-meter skyscraper landmark in Songpa-gu, Seoul, which opened in 2017. Its observation deck is popular for offering sweeping views of the entire city.

Castles & palaces

Deoksugung

A palace of the Joseon dynasty and the Korean Empire located in Jeong-dong, Seoul, originally named Gyeongungung. Walking through this palace, which bears traces of modern history, visitors can sense the legacy of the old royal court.

Theme parks

Lotte World

Lotte World is a theme park in Songpa District, Seoul, operated by Hotel Lotte, part of the Lotte Group. It offers a wide range of rides and attractions across both indoor and outdoor areas.