Korea Travel Guide
Travel to South Korea
The Republic of Korea (South Korea or ROK) is a highly developed, stable, democratic republic with powers shared between the president and the legislature. Korea is a modern economy where tourist facilities are widely available.
Discover South Korea
Korea is littered with fortresses, temples and palaces, many of them UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition, the peninsula it shares with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea's official name) is one of the most mountainous regions in the world, and Korea also has a significant beach-dotted coastline.
The capital Seoul winds around the Han River, punctuated by futuristic skyscrapers in one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The city is an increasingly useful Asia-Pacific stopover point, or a hub for a three-centre Korea-China-Japan cultural trip.
From the infectious energy of the capital Seoul, to serene temples, breathtaking mountains and unspoiled villages, South Korea is one of the most rewarding countries in Asia.
Climate in South Korea
Korea has four distinct seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year and a very cold winter from November to March. Time your visit to South Korea for autumn (September to November). It's sunny, the skies are blue, and Korea's spectacular autumn foliage is a real draw. Winter is cold but dry, and a good time to visit if you like skiing, snow-draped temples, a dearth of tourists and below freezing weather. Spring (April to May) can be beautiful, but it’s also the most popular time with many tourists and you'll have trouble getting mid to top-end accommodation. Summer is hot, muggy, crowded, wet, typhoon-prone and expensive.
|
City |
Seoul |
Busan |
||||||
|
Month |
C |
F |
H |
R |
C |
F |
H |
R |
|
Jan. |
-2.5 |
27.5 |
62.6 |
21.6 |
3 |
37.4 |
51 |
37.8 |
|
Feb. |
-0.3 |
31.46 |
61 |
23.6 |
4.3 |
39.74 |
53.6 |
44.9 |
|
Mar. |
5.2 |
41.36 |
61.2 |
45.8 |
8.3 |
32.54 |
59.1 |
85.7 |
|
Apr. |
12.1 |
53.78 |
59.3 |
77 |
13.4 |
56.12 |
64.6 |
136.3 |
|
May |
17.4 |
63.32 |
64.1 |
102.2 |
17.4 |
63.32 |
69.6 |
154.1 |
|
Jun. |
21.9 |
71.42 |
71 |
133.3 |
20.5 |
68.9 |
79.3 |
222.5 |
|
Jul. |
24.9 |
76.82 |
79.8 |
327.9 |
24.2 |
75.56 |
84.8 |
258.8 |
|
Aug. |
25.4 |
77.72 |
77.4 |
348 |
25.7 |
78.26 |
80.8 |
238.1 |
|
Sep. |
20.8 |
69.44 |
71 |
137.6 |
22.1 |
71.78 |
74.3 |
167 |
|
Oct. |
14.4 |
57.92 |
66.2 |
49.3 |
17.3 |
63.14 |
65.2 |
62 |
|
Nov. |
6.9 |
44.42 |
64.6 |
53 |
11.3 |
52.34 |
59.5 |
60.1 |
|
Dec. |
0.2 |
32.36 |
63.8 |
24.9 |
5.6 |
42.08 |
52.9 |
24.3 |
Note: “C”- Centigrade, “F”- Fahrenheit, “H”- Humidity (%), “R”-Rainfall (mm).
Four Distinct Seasons
South Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
|
|
Spring |
|
|
Summer |
|
|
Autumn |
|
|
Winter |
Getting to South Korea
South Korea has five international airports all in all - Incheon, Gimhae, Cheongju, Daegu and Jeju. Of these, however, only Incheon, located around 52 km from Seoul, connects places all over the world. The rest operate flights to and from only Asian countries. Gimhae mostly operates domestic flights, with very few flights to Japan. Jeju has flights to and from both China and Japan.
Book direct flights at good price on leading airlines to South Korea at Webjet!
Seoul
Encircled by mountains, containing a population of 10-million, and with more than a million registered motor vehicles inching through its congested streets, one would imagine the metropolis of Seoul, capital of South Korea is a bustling, but organised, city filled with fascination, where old and new co-exist happily.
Founded 600 years ago by the Joseon dynasty, Seoul has a truly Asian heart, which can be seen clearly in its distinctive, aromatic and healthy food, much of it vegetarian. One of the most popular areas for visitors to explore is Insa-dong, filled with antique shops, art galleries, traditional teahouses, restaurants and bookshops.
Across the Han River the modern city is dominated by Korea's World Trade Centre, and the Coex Mall, a shopper's delight. Even the island, Yeouido, in the middle of the Han River is densely packed with high-rise buildings; this is also the base for the Korean National Assembly, and the world's biggest Presbyterian church.
Nightlife in Seoul is lively and legendary with something to suit all tastes, from a 'booze-cruise' through the raunchy red light district of Itaewon, or a sedate sit-down at a traditional teahouse. Eating out, too, is a feast for the senses in Seoul, with an enormous international variety to choose from, whether it is succulent steak, perfect pizza, multi-course gourmet, tasty tandoori or even perhaps classic Korean.
Best Time to Visit Seoul
Located on the banks of the river Han and by the Yellow sea, Seoul enjoys superb weather that attracts many tourists every year. Seoul enjoys four well demarcated seasons. During autumn and spring, the weather is pleasant and not as humid as the summer months when temperatures are very high and humidity is very unpleasant.
Springfrom March to May
Summer from June to August
Autumn from September to November
Winter December to February
To enjoy the beautiful scenery, book flights to Seoul at Webjet.
Attractions
Seoul attractions include historic temples and palaces, as well as some natural and cultural highlights. The preferred seasons for sightseeing in Seoul are spring and autumn, with comfortable temperatures and blue skies, but in winter the city is covered in snow and can be quite beautiful.
|
Gyeongbokgung Palace The jewel of Seoul's five historic palaces, Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 by Lee Seong-Gye, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, who established the city as the capital of Korea. The magnificent rectangular palace, which now contains the National Folk Museum of Korea, features Royal apartments and staterooms, gardens and elegant lotus ponds. The pavilion features on the 10,000 won note. The palace is in a process of continual restoration as new archaeological treasures are uncovered and restored to their former glory. |
Gyeongbokgung Palace © Korean National Tourist Office |
|
Namsangol Hanok Village Set among the skyscrapers, the Namsangol traditional Korean village comes as a pleasant surprise. Centred on five restored Korean historical homes depicting various social levels from the Joseon Dynasty, the village is a time capsule in the midst of the city with its peaceful pond and pavilion. Visitors can not only explore the houses, but also enjoy traditional tea, shop for souvenirs, browse traditional crafts, or try their hand at ancient games like 'neolttwigi' (jumping on a see-saw) or arrow throwing. At weekends in summer traditional wedding ceremonies are held at midday |
Namsangol Hanok Village © Korean National Tourist Office |
|
Lotte World Fun and thrills are the order of the day at Seoul's main theme park, which draws about six million visitors annually. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Lotte is the largest indoor theme park in the world. The park is divided into an indoor and outdoor section. Inside, 'Adventure Land' covers acres of streets representing different countries, filled with hundreds of activities, entertainments, shops, restaurants and ongoing parades. Outdoor, Magic Island with its fairy-tale castle, offers thrilling high-altitude rides, laser shows and pleasant walking trails around a lake. There is also an indoor ice-rink and a fascinating Folk Museum complete with miniature villages. |
|
|
Insadong No visit to Seoul is complete without exploring the capital's heart and artistic soul: the alleyways of the Insadong district, known colloquially as 'Mary's Alley'. More than 100 antique shops and countless art galleries are tucked away here, delighting collectors and casual browsers alike. From ancient Chinese pottery to yellowed books and delicate jewellery, most visitors manage to find a treasured souvenir or special gift among the quaint stores. There are plenty of restaurants, taverns and traditional teahouses in the area, too, to ensure shoppers stay refreshed |
Insa-dong © Korean National Tourist Office
|
|
Myeong-dong Paradise for shoppers, Myeong-dong is Seoul's retail haven covering a vast area that spreads out from the Myeong-dong subway station. Massive department stores, boutiques, restaurants, fast-food outlets and malls are crammed into this buzzing district. Brand name clothing and accessories can be had at good prices at venues like the Lotte or Shinsegae Department stores, and malls like U-too Zone, or seek out bargains at outlet stores like Migliore and Avatar. If you need to rest your feet and your credit card take a look at the famed Gothic style Myeong-dong Catholic Church, where you'll find a peaceful garden. |
|
|
Changdeokgung Palace One of the 'Five Grand Palaces' built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung is set within a large park in Jongno-gu. Located east of Gyeongbok, Changdeokgung is also referred to as the East Palace. It was the favoured palace of many kings of the Joseon Dynasty and in accordance with the Three Kingdoms of Korea period, its buildings blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. |
|
|
Dae Jang Geun Theme Park The theme park spanning 2,000 pyong square meters(1 pyong is equivalent to 3.3 square meters) within the Yangjoo Culture Valley located in Mansong-dong, Yangjoo City, Gyunggi Province, consists of 23 independent facilities including Dae Jeon (king’s residence), Dae Bi Jeon (queen’s residence), Soo Ra Gan (royal kitchen) & So Joo Bang (kitchen area within the palace where chefs cook meals for those who work in the palace). Toi Sun Gan, Oak Sa, Gaek Sa (guest house), Sa Ong Won (government authority of the Chosun Dynasty in charge of cooking and food served in the palace), Geum Gae, Sool Do Ga, etc |
|
Things to do in Seoul
|
Seoul Drum Festival The Seoul Drum Festival is held annually at Seoul Plaza, as well as various other venues in and around the Sejong Centre for the Performing Arts. This cheerful and harmonious event provides an opportunity for visitors to experience percussive arts, and showcases Seoul's history and cultural diversity. |
|
|
Hi Seoul Festival Seoul's spring festival provides fun for everyone, locals and visitors alike, with a vast and varied programme of events that keep the city centre even more abuzz than usual, day and night. Among the events are artistic fireworks, a village of big-top theatres, parades, a farm experience in the city, picnic on the bridge, and the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber music. |
|
|
Changing of the Palace Guard At Daehanmun and Deoksusung Palace, visitors are invited to watch the Changing of the Palace Guard. Other highlights include a guard patrol ceremony held from Deoksugung to Sungryemun, and the Watchman Ceremony at the latter. These regal events are a must-see for 'pomp and circumstance' enthusiasts |
|
|
Samgyetang (Chicken Soup with Ginseng) Samgyetang, sometimes called chicken ginseng soup, is an energizing soup-based dish. It is traditionally served during the summer for its nutrients which can easily be lost through excessive sweating and physical exertion during the hot summer. Commonly, a whole chicken is boiled in a broth with Korean ginseng, dried jujube fruits, garlic, ginger and glutinous rice. Spicy red chili pepper paste (kochujang) can be added to enrich its flavors and taste to one's preference. Like the chicken soup, which is considered to help common sickness, samgyetang is also known be cure physical ailments and prevent sickness as well. |
|
|
Haemultang (Assorted Seafood Stew) Haemultangor spicy seafood stew is one of Korea's most famous traditional foods, particularly amongst foreigners looking for an authentic dish. Immerse yourself in a spicy but yet sweet, soup-based dish packed with abundant seafood, including but not limited to blue crabs, octopus, lobster tail, squids, scallops, shrimps and clams, all seasoned with hot pepper paste (kochujang). The most important characteristic of good Haemultang is its fresh ingredients. The soup can contains various vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms, onions, bean sprouts, dropwort, leaks, crown daisies and much more, supplementing to its spicy, refreshing deep taste. Its combination gives it a rich flavor and an amazing taste that's also excellent for your health. It's definitely known as one of the best savory dish that will surprise your taste buds and make you sweat throughout the entire meal. |
|
Busan
Busan is South Korea's largest port and second-largest metropolisin South Korea. There's plenty to offer visitors in the way of sightseeing: Take in the view from Busan Tower, in Yongdusan Park, and visit the Yi Sun-shin statue, the Jagalchi fish market and the Municipal Museum. Taejongdae Park, has wonderful sea views worth seeing. The beaches here tend to get crowded but it’s the hot-spring spas that are what most folk visit for. Also in the area are Geumgang Park and Beomeosa, a seventh-century temple area. The Pusan* International Film Festival (PIFF) is held annually and attracts movie buffs enthusiasts from all over the world. * Under the new romanization system promulgated in 2000, Pusan is now spelled Busan. The film festival was established before the system took effect, thus the original spelling "Pusan" is still employed (i.e. Pusan International Film Festival).
Getting there and around
International flights are mostly to Japan, with infrequent departures to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila and Vladivostok.
Book flights to Busan at Webjet.
Attractions
|
Busan Tower Busan Tower soars up 120 meters high standing on a 69-meter high hilltop. In the centre of the humble Yongdusan Park stands the 118m Busan Tower. This observation tower gives a stunning bird's-eye view of the entire city of Busan including islands and ships dotted in the distant seas. If the haze is not too thick, daytime views of container-ship traffic in the harbour provide a sense of the port's scale of operations. Other things to do: buy corn from a kiosk, watch pigeons swoop for food. |
|
|
Yi Sun-shin statue This majestic statue watches over Sejongro Boulevard, the main street leading to Kyongbuk Palace. Admiral Yi Sun-shin is regarded as a national hero due to his accomplishments as a naval commander in late 1500s conflicts against the Japanese. He improved upon the design of the kobuksan--or 'turtle ships' as they are nicknamed in English--the first iron-clad ships in the world. He fought and led several battles and is regarded for having exceptional courage and loyalty. The admiral was also a scholar and a writer.
|
|
|
Jagalchi fish market The western section of the market mainly deals with live and freshly caught seafood. Fish and shellfish are caught daily and sold fresh to consumers, almost right off the boat. The area is lined with tanks containing all sorts of fish, eels, squid, shellfish, and mollusks. Some areas have workers preparing the seafood for long term storage. You can watch as the fish get scaled, beheaded, chopped up, and dumped in a box of ice, all in record time. |
|
|
Busan Municipal Museum Opened in 1978, the Busan Municipal Museum exhibits cultural assets dating from ancient times. It aims to improve people's understanding of Korean culture and to provide data for professional researchers. It preserves the results of academic researches and the remains revealed during these studies related to Busan. The museum grounds also provide a place of relaxationand has a small collection of Korean War photos and film footage. |
|
|
Taejongdae Park Designated as a Busan monument, along with Oryukdo Island, Taejongdae represents Busan, and is especially famous for its rock beach. Featuring its highest peak at 250 meters, there are forests of pine trees and other 200 varieties of trees. Taejongdae was named after the 29th king of Silla Dynasty BC57~AD 935), King TaeJong Mu-Yeol (604~661). King TaeJong had traveled to many places but this was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows. Under the lighthouse of this resort is a rock called Sinseon Rock, named after the myth that gods and goddesses came down here to relax. At this rock is a figure called Mangbuseok, named after the story of a woman who waited for her husband who had been taken to Japan. Taejongdae is also famous for the ritual of praying for rain, performed when there are droughts, and rain on the 10th of lunar May is called the 'Taejong Rain'. On days with clear skies you can see Japan’s Daema Island from the observatory. |
|
|
Geumgang Park
Geumgang Park is located at the foot of Geumjeong-san on the Dongnae-gu side. Strange rock formations, rock cliff faces, and a thick pine forest make a strikingly beautiful scenery. A cable car runs to the top of the mountain. |
|
|
Beomeosa Temple The Beomeosa Temple is one of the main attractions in Busan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Korea. Beomeosa temple lies on the Kumjong-san (Kumjong-mountain). According to a Korean legend, the temples water has magic forces, and it is said to be very healthy mountain spring water. Every visitor of the temple drinks a sip of this water, before entering the temple for praying. Among other aspects, the temple is very famous for its impressive gate and the gatekeepers standing at the gates entrance. |
|
Things to do
|
Busan Jagalchi Festival A fish festival is held every year in October in Jagalchi Fish Market This year 14-17 October 2010 The fish market in Busan is the biggest in South Korea that offers plenty to see, eat, and buy. It is amazing festival with seafood and lots of fun and entertainment Major events include the Jagalchi Festival celebratory show, various performances, fast catching of sea squirt and squid, children fishing site, Jagalchi photo exhibition, sea relics exhibition, and Jagalchi specialty sales. The festival, which is also a symbol of Busan, is a great opportunity to see fresh seafood and get a taste of Busan. |
|
|
Haeundae Cruise Boat This enchanting boat trip starts off at Haeundae’s Mipo Ferry Terminal and heads towards Oryuk-do Islets and the Igidae area, then returning back to Mipo. The Oryuk-do Islets are made up of 6 small islands, of which 5 are visible from shore. They are all uninhabited. The shores of Igidae are composed of breathtaking views of fantastically-shaped cliffs. This 1-hour boat trip offers great views of Busan Harbor.
|
|