South Korea tours & holidays

South Korea is prone to extreme temperatures and weather conditions in both summer and winter, so the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

During these seasons, the weather is moderate with mild conditions, making it comfortable enough to spend long periods of time exploring this country’s bustling cities and beautiful landscapes. 

Read more about the best time to visit South Korea

South Korea draws some traditions and customs from other neighbouring countries in Asia, but its culture stems from Confucianism. This system of philosophical and ethical teachings was introduced to South Korea in the 4^th century through Chinese scholars and it officially became the state ideology in the early 1900s.

Confucianism emphasises respect for elders and ancestors, an intrinsic hierarchy that runs through work and social life, and upholds traditional family roles, so you’ll often see families living together in one house.

During your travels around South Korea, you’ll also see plenty of traditions, like the act of bowing when greeting people, women wearing traditional dress (hanbok) and the practice of taekwondo (Korean martial arts). As well as ancient beliefs, new generations of South Koreans are embracing a modernised culture, one full of K-pop, Korean cosmetics and popular foods like kimchi and tteokbokki.

Following the conclusion of World War II, Korea was divided into two parts: the northern part, which was protected by the Soviet Union and the southern part, which was protected largely by the United States. Both the northern and southern parts of Korea officially became North and South Korea in 1948 when the two regions failed to agree on forming one united government.

South Korea is located at the south end of the Korean Peninsula, between the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. Separated from Japan by the Korean Strait and demarcated from the state of North Korea by the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), South Korea's terrain is a mix of flat lowlands and forested mountains.

The coasts of South Korea are rocky and jagged, with thousands of islands (mostly inhabitable) scattered off the coastline.

1. Bibimbap

As one of Korea's standout dishes, bibimbap is a tasty concoction of meat, vegetables, egg and rice. Soy sauce, chilli paste, garlic and sesame oil all add flavour to this amazingly colourful dish found everywhere in Korea.

2. Kimchi

Kimchi is hailed as a nutritional powerhouse - packing a healthy punch of nutrients, vitamins and beneficial bacteria that makes it one of the world's healthiest superfoods. But most people don't eat these fermented vegetables for health reasons - it's the uniquely tasty flavour and versatility that makes kimchi so popular in Korean cooking.

3. Jeon

These delicious, savoury pancakes are a standard of Korean cuisine. With hundreds of different varieties, jeon can be served with red meat, chicken, seafood, vegetables, tofu and even edible flowers.

4. Gimbap

Similar to sushi, these highly popular rice-based morsels feature fish, beef or crab wrapped in seaweed with pickled or fresh vegetables. Available all over Korea, they are the perfect snack on the run or quick, cheap lunch to enjoy between sightseeing.

5. Mandu

Arriving in Korea by the way of Mongolia, mandu are essentially boiled, steamed or pan-fried dumplings. A cheap street food favourite, mandu can be filled with everything from pheasant to tofu, cucumber, beef and beyond.

1. Seoul

Whether you want to take a street food tour of the renowned Gwangjang markets, go shopping among the vibrant streets and check out some high-tech gadgetry or admire this city's soaring skyscrapers from Naksan at night-time, Seoul can't be missed.

2. Busan

Visit the fascinating Haedong Temple, explore the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village and take in the all 'round beauty of the second largest city in South Korea.

3. Jeonju

Experience Jeonju like a local as you wander the Hanok Heritage Village in search of souvenirs, tasty treats, traditional houses and craft shops.

4. Jeju Island

Wander South Korea's first-ever UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Jeju Seongsan Sunrise Mountain/Castle, on the beautiful Jeju Island. With volcanic landscapes and coastal rock formations, this laidback slice of heaven is well worth a visit.

Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels and large retailers. Smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards, so always carry enough money to cover purchases, as paying with a credit card may not always be an option in South Korea.

ATMs are plentiful in large cities and urban centres, although not all ATMs accept foreign cards. Look for Global or Citibank ATMs, which usually accept cards from other countries.