Pavilion in the pond at Gyeongbokgung Palace with autumn foliage and mountain at background while crimson maple tree in the upper foreground, Seoul, South Korea, 2014

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South Korea

From Seoul's glittering nightlife to Seoraksan National Park's vertiginous hikes, South Korea offers the traveler a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes and 5000 years of culture and history.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

Hwaseong

Suwon

The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal…
Deoksugung

Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

One of Seoul's five grand palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, Deoksugung (meaning Palace of Virtuous Longevity) is the only one you can visit in the…
Hahoe Folk Village

Gyeongsangbuk-do

This delightful traditional riverside village – a Unesco World Heritage site – is a place to commune with the traditional fabric of old Korea and, in the…
National Museum of Korea

Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

This vast and imposing concrete slab of a museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Korea's past from prehistory all the way to the Korean…
Olympic Park

Gangnam & Southern Seoul

This large and pleasant park was the focus of the 1988 Olympics. Strolling its paths takes you past its stadiums surrounded by plenty of greenery, ponds…
War Memorial of Korea

Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

This huge museum documents the history of the Korean War (1950–53) using multimedia exhibits and black-and-white documentary footage, along with artefacts…
Jeonju Hanok Maeul

Jeonju

This maeul (village) has more than 800 hanok (traditional wooden homes), making it one of the largest such concentrations in the country. Virtually all of…
Bongeun-sa

Gangnam & Southern Seoul

Located in the heart of ritzy Gangnam, the shrines and halls of the Buddhist temple Bongeun-sa, with its tree-filled hillside location, stand in direct…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

South Korea has an incredible mix of attractions that will keep you coming back for more. These are 11 of our favorites.

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Things to Know

Before your trip to this cultural powerhouse, read our tips for planning, navigating etiquette, health and safety concerns and more.

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Transportation

With some of the best public transport in the world, South Korea is a gift to travelers. Here's what you need to know about getting around when you arrive.

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Visa Requirements

Do you need a visa to enter South Korea? Read our guide to find out.

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Money and Costs

If you’re looking to travel to South Korea on a budget, follow this money-saving guide, from advice on SIM cards to tips on transit.

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Best Road Trips

South Korea might not leap out as the obvious place for a road trip, but the back roads reveal a different side to the peninsula. Here are our top trips.

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