SOUTH KOREA


The blend of a vibrant cultural richness, state-of-the-art technology, and modern lifestyles promote a growth in tourism

Explore South Korea

Our Route & Itineraries

1-weeks - city life & culture

Seoul - Busan

2-weeks - city life & culture

Seoul - Gyeongju - Busan

3-weeks - city life, nature, culture & beach

A map of South Korea showing a travel itinerary suggested by The Real Traveler.

Seoul - Gyeongju - Busan - Jeju Island

Best Places to Visit in South Korea

Best time to visit South Korea

Korea is a year-round destination, but spring (Apr & May) and autumn (Oct & Nov) are the best times to visit, offering mild temperatures, clear skies, and little rain. Spring is famous for its cherry blossoms and colorful festivals but also attracts more tourists. Autumn, on the other hand, brings crisp air, stunning fall foliage, and fewer crowds.

Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and marked by the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall and high temperatures making travel less comfortable. Winter (December to February) can be bitterly cold, especially in the north, but it’s the perfect season for skiing and experiencing Korea’s winter festivals.

South Korea: Travel Costs

CURRENCY | Korean Won (KRW / ₩)

Prices starting from:

STREET FOOD | ₩5,000 | €3 | US$3

LOCAL RESTAURANT | ₩10,000 | €6 | US$6

MODERN BISTRO | ₩15,000 | €9 | US$9

ACCOMMODATION |

Hostel | ₩25,000 | €16 | US$18

Double-Room | ₩32,000 | €20 | US$22

Resort | ₩206,000 | €130 | US$133

PUBLIC TRANSPORT | ₩1,250 | €1 | US$1

COACHES | ₩7,000 | €5 | US$6

DOMESTIC RETURN-FLIGHTS | ₩64,000 | €40 | US$45

SIGHTSEEING | ₩1,000 | €0.5 | US$0.5

TOURS & UNIQUE EXPERIENCES | ₩79,000 | €50 | US$54

ATM FEES | ₩4,000 | €2 | US$3

LAUNDRY | ₩3,000 | €2 | US$2

THE REAL TRAVELER TIP

We visited South Korea on a budget.

We recommend dining at local restaurants. Street Food is more expensive than eating at a local restaurant. You can save by eating some meals from convenience stores.

When choosing budget accommodations, we prioritize comfort. You can decide whether to pay extra for amenities like AC, hot water, cleanliness, and top reviews.

South Korea is easy to explore using public transportation, while k.ride can increase your expenses.

Most historic & museums attractions in South Korea charge €0.50.


South Korea Costs per Day for Budget Traveling

TOTAL | ₩70,000- ₩80,000 | €45 - €55 | US$50- $60

FOOD | ₩24,000 - ₩40,000 | €20 - €25 | US$5 - $8

ACCOMMODATION | | ₩47,000- ₩56,000 | €30 - €35 | US$33 - $38

PUBLIC TRANSPORT | ₩4,000 - ₩5,000 | €2 - €3 | US$2 - $3

SIGHTSEEING | ₩5,000 - ₩8,000 | €3 - €5 | US$3 - $5

THE REAL TRAVELER TIP

Credit card is the a widely accepted payment method.

You will need cash for street food / night markets.

Expect higher room prices at the weekends in Gyeongju & Busan.

  • South Korea combines modernity with rich tradition. Its cities are vibrant, with advanced tech and great public transport. The culture is showcased in beautiful palaces, hanok villages, and traditions like K-pop and Korean spas. The food is amazing. Nature lovers can explore Jeju Island or hike in Seoraksan National Park.

  • Naver Map Navigation, Google Translate, k.ride are a must

    KakaoTalk, HappyCow, Google Maps can be helpful.

  • Check your nationality’s requirements here.

  • Type C & F

  • Yes. sometimes, you might get lucky, and they won’t check upon arrival. Buy onward ticket here.

  • Korean

  • South Korea is very safe, we never felt scared our valuables could get stolen or that we were in a dangerous situation.

  • For the most part we communicated in English, sometimes you might need Google Translate to communicate.

  • No. In most stays we had a water filter or free drinkable water.

  • You can buy a sim-card upon arrival or use an eSIM. You can buy a cheap eSim for South Korea here.

  • The majority of South Koreans have no religion. Buddhism 24% and Christianity 32% (Protestantism and Catholicism).

TikTok Travels: South Korea

@the_real_traveler 🤿Is this already in your bucket list?😍 (Save for later) 👇 To see the last Haenyeo free divers was incredible. These women dive for up to 2 minutes searching for abalone. Don’t miss it while in Jeju Island, South Korea. 🇰🇷 🇰🇷✨Comment ‘Guide’ if you’d like us to send you our Jeju complete guide with many tips on things to do & hidden gems.🍜 #southkorea #jeju #uniquetravel #haenyeodivers ♬ original sound - Deyaz

@the_real_traveler A day in Gyeongju, South Korea (save for later) 🇰🇷. 🍁Cheomseongdae Observatory 🪷Bulguksa Temple 🏞Adapting Pond 🪨Daerungwon Tomb Complex 🌉Woljeonggyo Bridge Which one was your favorite? #korea #Gyeongju #traveltiktok ♬ Le Monde - From Talk to Me - Richard Carter

@the_real_traveler Stunning hanboks for 30,000 won?! ✨ We went for the premium ones because... why not look extra fabulous? We thought it was a one of a kind experience. 🇰🇷👘 #HanbokExperience #SeoulStyle #seoultravel #seoulkorea ♬ Originalton - The Real Traveler