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South Korea travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 2 destinations across South Korea.

Destinations2 city guides
Things to do55 experiences
Best time to visitApril to June
CurrencyKRW · ₩
CapitalSeoul

About South Korea

South Korea is in Eastern Asia. Its capital is Seoul, the main language is Korean and the currency is the South Korean won (KRW). Our guides cover 2 destinations across South Korea, including Seoul and Busan. The most comfortable time to visit is generally April to June.

Must-see sights in South Korea

  1. Gyeongbokgung

    Gyeongbokgung

    Historic · Seoul

    The largest of Seoul's royal palaces, with grand gates and halls set against the mountains. Visitors wearing a traditional hanbok get in free, and the changing of the guard takes place at the main gate.

  2. Haeundae Beach

    Haeundae Beach

    Beach · Busan

    South Korea's best-known beach, a wide stretch of sand backed by high-rise hotels. Walk the nearby Dongbaekseom island trail for coastal views and a lighthouse.

Things to do in South Korea

55 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across South Korea. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

  • Art & culture23 experiences
  • Day Trips & Excursions12 experiences
  • City tours11 experiences
  • Tickets & Attraction Passes9 experiences
  • Shows, sports and special events5 experiences
  • Gastronomy & nightlife3 experiences
  • Zoo, Aquarium & Nature2 experiences
  • Cruise & Water Tours1 experiences

Best time to visit South Korea

Based on recent weather records across 2 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in South Korea are April to June. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Know before you go

Currency
South Korean won (KRW)1 US dollar ≈ ₩1,331
Language
Korean
Capital
Seoul
Calling code
+82
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Asia/SeoulUTC+9

Upcoming public holidays in South Korea

  • Christmas Day크리스마스
  • New Year's Day새해
  • Lunar New Year설날
  • Lunar New Year설날
  • Lunar New Year설날
  • Independence Movement Day3·1절

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Check visa requirements

Getting to South Korea

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in South Korea.

  • SSN Seoul Air Base10 mi from Seoul
  • PUS Gimhae International Airport8 mi from Busan
Search flights to South Korea

South Korea travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in South Korea?

Popular destinations in South Korea include Seoul and Busan. Our South Korea travel guides cover 2 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.

When is the best time to visit South Korea?

Across our South Korea destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are April to June. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

Which airports should I fly into for South Korea?

Main airports for popular South Korea destinations include Seoul Air Base (SSN) for Seoul and Gimhae International Airport (PUS) for Busan.

What are the top things to do in South Korea?

Destina Holidays offers 55 tours and activities across South Korea. The most popular types are art & culture (23), day trips & excursions (12), city tours (11) and tickets & attraction passes (9).

What are the must-see sights in South Korea?

Highlights include Gyeongbokgung in Seoul and Haeundae Beach in Busan.

How many hotels can I book in South Korea?

Destina Holidays lists 1,097 properties across our South Korea destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.

What currency is used in South Korea?

South Korea uses the South Korean won (KRW). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₩1,331.

What language is spoken in South Korea?

The official language of South Korea is Korean.

What is the capital of South Korea?

The capital of South Korea is Seoul.

What time zone is South Korea in?

South Korea uses the Asia/Seoul (UTC+9) time zone.

Which side of the road do they drive on in South Korea?

Traffic in South Korea drives on the right. The international calling code is +82.

What are the upcoming public holidays in South Korea?

Upcoming public holidays include Christmas Day on 25 December 2026, New Year's Day on 1 January 2027 and Lunar New Year on 6 February 2027. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.

Do I need a visa to visit South Korea?

Visa rules for South Korea depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.

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