South Korea 🇰🇷

Itinerary 🌍

Five days in Seoul

Food, hike and culture

Three days in Cheongju

Cherry blossom, Country side and Spa

Three days in Jeju

Beach, waterfalls and hiking

Two days in Geoje

Boat tour, castle and island

One day in Busan

Beach, trail and local market

One day in Incheon Airport

Relax, chill and relax

Summary 🧐

We just got back from South Korea, and honestly, it completely blew us away. Even though this was our first real deep dive into the country, we left already knowing we'd have to return. South Korea is a fascinating place of contrasts, seamlessly balancing hyper-modern, neon-lit cities with peaceful centuries-old palaces and rugged coastal landscapes.

While the food scene was an absolute dream, endless, incredibly affordable communal meals like sizzling Korean BBQ and hearty stews, navigating the country definitely came with a learning curve. Despite being one of the most technologically advanced societies in the world, traveling here as a foreigner requires a completely different set of apps, some old-school cash handling, and a bit of specific prep.

We've put together everything we learned from our own trial and error to help you plan your trip, from the quirks of the transit system to the best way to handle your budget. Here is our complete guide to South Korea!

General Tips 👏

• Cash: While big stores and hotels take cards, you absolutely need cash to reload your transit card and buy street food. Also, Apple Pay and foreign contactless cards are very hit or miss. Always carry your physical card, as you'll frequently need to insert the chip!
• T-Money Card: Buy one at the airport convenience store as soon as you land. You can use it for subways, buses, and even to pay for things in convenience stores. Remember, you can only reload it with cash at the station machines or convenience store counters!
• Google Maps: Due to local security laws, Google Maps won't give you walking or driving directions. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap instead. They have English settings and are absolutely essential for getting around.
• Offline Languages: Make sure to download Korean on Google Translate before your flight so you can use the camera to translate menus. We also highly recommend downloading Papago, which is the local translation app and often much more accurate for Korean context than Google.
• Taxis: Don't bother trying to hail a cab on the street as a foreigner; it rarely works due to language barriers and app-based dispatching. Uber works great (it partners with the local UT network), or you can download the local equivalent, Kakao T.
• The Two-Hand Rule: When handing money, a credit card, or a gift to someone (like a cashier), it is polite to use both hands, or to support your right elbow with your left hand. It’s a small cultural sign of respect that locals really appreciate!
• Trash Cans: Public rubbish bins are surprisingly rare! Keep a small plastic bag in your daypack to hold onto your trash until you get back to your hotel or find a bin inside a subway station.
• KakaoTalk: If you plan on booking local tours, communicating with hosts, or making friends, download KakaoTalk. It is the absolute standard messaging app in South Korea (their version of WhatsApp).
• K-ETA: Most visa-exempt visitors need to apply for a K-ETA online at least 72 hours before departure. You can still instead fill up a card on arrival but makes the process smoother.
• Wear Slip-on Shoes: You will likely be taking your shoes off frequently, when entering traditional Hanok guesthouses, certain restaurants, and temples. Having shoes that are easy to slip on and off will save you a lot of hassle. Shoe spray also recommended ;)

Budget 💸

South Korea is a very reasonably priced destination. For comfortable hotels with private bathrooms or a traditional Hanok stay, expect to pay around £80 to £150 per night. The quality is fantastic, and rooms are generally quite spacious.

Transportation and food are both extremely budget-friendly. The KTX high-speed trains are well-priced, and local subway rides cost just over a pound. Food is a major highlight: you can easily find incredible, hearty meals like Korean BBQ or rich stews for around £10 to £15 per person, which almost always includes unlimited banchan (small side dishes).

When it comes to activities, entrance fees are wonderfully cheap. Entry to the grand palaces in Seoul costs just a couple of pounds, and it is actually completely free if you arrive wearing a rented traditional Hanbok! A word of warning: be careful when booking tickets online, as third-party websites often charge inflated "tourist prices." Unless it’s a strict tour like the DMZ, simply buy tickets at the gate to save money.

Finally, tipping is not expected at all. In fact, leaving extra money can cause confusion, so there is no need to budget for guides, taxis, or restaurant staff.

We also got some South Korean Won (KRW) in London via the Post Office before leaving, which we highly recommend so you have cash ready to reload your T-money card the second you land.

Transportation 🚃

South Korea offers an efficient and affordable transport network. Getting around is very easy whether you are staying in the city or exploring the coast.

The subway systems in big cities like Seoul and Busan are highly reliable and simple to navigate. The absolute key to using them is buying a physical T-money card. You will need this travel card to tap in and out of the stations. You cannot add it to a foreign digital wallet, so keep the physical card with you. Remember that you must top it up with cash at station machines or convenience stores.

For traveling between cities, you have plenty of choices. The first class express buses are excellent. They are super punctual, fast, and feature very comfortable seats that make long journeys relaxing. The railway network is also reliable and cheap. Trains like the high speed KTX allow you to cross the country quickly, and you can easily book tickets directly through the Korail website.

When moving around the cities, do not hesitate to use taxis. They are super cheap and easy to find. Hailing a cab on the street can be tricky because of the language barrier, so we highly recommend using Uber or the local Kakao T app. This lets you input your exact destination without any confusion. Renting a car is also an excellent option, fairly cheap and great to go visit nice spots by yourself.

Finally, hopping on a domestic flight is relatively cheap. If you are heading to Jeju Island or jumping from one end of the country to the other, flying is a highly convenient and budget friendly option to maximize your time.

Apps 💾

• Netflix: To relax after long days, download content before.
• Booking.com: To book all your hotels ahead of time.
• XCurrency: Offline and up-to-date currency rates.
• Maps.me: Mandatory! Free offline map of the world, including trail paths.
• KakaoTalk: The local Whatsapp
• Naver Map: The local google map.
• Kakao T: The local Uber
• Google Translate: Download Korean offline, life saver.

Food 🍗

The food in South Korea was amazing from start to finish, easily one of the highlights of the trip. The variety is huge, and despite the high quality, dining out is fairly cheap with incredibly fast service.

You really need to try everything. Make sure to tick off the classics like Korean BBQ, bibimbap, rich stews (jjigae), crispy fried chicken, and popular street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

For the best atmosphere, you have to visit a local BBQ restaurant or a Chimaek spot (fried chicken and beer). These places are very casual, energetic, and the perfect way to spend an evening. Meals in Korea are deeply communal, making every dinner feel like a fun shared event.

Be aware that many restaurants design their menus strictly for sharing. For things like BBQ or large pan dishes, you usually have to order a minimum of two portions. Also, almost every meal comes with banchan. These are small, free side dishes like kimchi and pickled vegetables. They are refillable and give you a wonderful chance to try lots of new flavors alongside your main course.

A quick tip for vegetarians or those with allergies. South Korea can be a tricky place for dietary restrictions. Soups often use a meat base, and fish sauce is hidden in many vegetable dishes. Korean food can also be extremely spicy. Having a translation app ready on your phone to clearly show your restrictions to the waiters is a total lifesaver. Or even better, have a flashcard translated in Korean to show directly to the restaurant before sitting down,.

Finally, try not to order too much right away. The main dishes plus the unlimited side dishes will fill you up very quickly. You can always ask for more food later if you are still hungry.

Telecom 📞

For internet, we used a Holafly eSIM for the whole trip and it worked perfectly. We bought an unlimited data plan and the setup was super easy. You just scan the QR code and install the profile before your flight.

The speed was excellent, with mostly 5G coverage everywhere. Having a fast and reliable connection is absolutely essential for navigating the transport networks and using translation apps on the fly. We had a strong signal pretty much everywhere we went, even when traveling outside the main cities.

As for local communication, we did not really need to message hosts or guides directly since most things were booked online. However, if you do make local friends or need to contact a business, just know that KakaoTalk is the main messaging app in South Korea. It is essentially their version of WhatsApp. You probably will not need it, but it is good to have on your radar just in case.

Visas 🛂

First things first: double check if you need a visa based on your nationality. For many travelers, it is a visa free destination, but it is always best to verify before booking.

For us, the only thing we had to do was fill up the arrival card to speed up immigration. You are usually handed these paper forms on the plane, but you can also fill out your customs and immigration information online before you fly. Doing this in advance allows you to skip the hassle of dealing with paperwork while jet lagged and generally speeds up your time in the queue.

Finally, if you plan to drive, do not forget your International Driving Permit (IDP). South Korea is very strict about this. If you do not have the physical paper booklet with you at the rental counter, they will not give you the car, no exceptions.

Hotels 🏠

We booked all our accommodation well in advance using Booking.com. Since we prioritized comfort, we specifically filtered for rooms with a private bathroom. Keep in mind that in South Korea, especially in traditional Hanok guesthouses or older budget hotels, shared facilities are common. You need to double check the room details if you want your own private bathroom.

A quick tip on pricing: we often noticed that rates were slightly lower if we looked at the hotels' websites directly. However, the interfaces were often difficult to use or only available in Korean.

In the end, we mostly stuck with Booking.com because it was much easier to manage. Having a centralized place for all our reservations made rescheduling simple. Taking advantage of free cancellation options gave us peace of mind while finalizing our route, which is not always an option when booking directly with smaller local establishments.

Tourism 🏄🏽‍♀️

One of the most relaxing things about traveling in South Korea is just how super safe it is. It is one of the few countries where you can walk around late at night or leave your belongings unattended on a cafe table for a moment without a second thought. This sense of security makes moving around the country stress free and very easy.

People in South Korea are incredibly friendly, polite, and eager to help. However, be prepared for a significant language barrier. Very few people speak English fluently, especially outside of the main tourist hubs in Seoul. We highly recommend learning a few basic Korean phrases like annyeonghaseyo for hello, and kamsahamnida for thank you. Locals really appreciate the effort, and it smooths out interactions significantly.

This warmth is even more noticeable when you leave the big cities. In rural areas and smaller coastal towns, we found people to be even friendlier and more open. They seemed genuinely happy to see international tourists exploring their towns and were incredibly proud to share their local culture. Do not let the language barrier stop you from visiting the countryside, smiles and translation apps go a long way!

Packing List 📦

Here is what we would recommend bringing to stay comfortable during your trip:

• Warm Layers: Do not underestimate the chill. The wind in South Korea can be quite biting depending on the season, especially in the evenings or if you are visiting the mountains. Bring quality coats, thermals, and sweaters.
• Slip on Shoes: You will likely be taking your shoes off frequently when entering traditional Hanok guesthouses, certain restaurants, and temples. Having comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off without complicated laces will save you a lot of time and hassle.
• Waterproof Footwear: Pack a couple of pairs of shoes that can handle the elements. You will likely encounter rain during your trip, and having wet feet while walking around the city is the worst.
• Outin Nano Portable Espresso Machine: This was a game changer for us. While South Korea has an incredible cafe culture, hotel rooms rarely have proper coffee machines and usually just offer instant mix packets. If you need a quality espresso fix first thing in the morning, this portable gadget is an absolute lifesaver. It is also great for long train rides!
• Universal Power Adapter: South Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs, which are the standard round two pin sockets used in much of Europe. A decent universal adapter is essential to keep all your devices charged.
• Handkerchief or Small Towel: You will notice that many public restrooms in South Korea do not have paper towels or hand dryers, so keeping your own small cloth in your daypack is very practical.

Overall Experience 🤓

South Korea was a trip that lived up to the hype in every way. It was the perfect mix of high-tech energy and deep, beautiful tradition. From navigating the vibrant, neon-lit streets of the big cities to exploring the peaceful coastal towns and quiet mountains, the contrast was incredible.

The food was easily a highlight, consistently amazing, deeply communal, and surprisingly affordable. The incredible café culture was also a massive bonus! Despite the language barrier, we found the locals to be incredibly polite, welcoming, and eager to help, especially in smaller towns where they were genuinely proud to see us exploring their culture.

It is a destination that feels incredibly distinct, super safe, dynamic, yet full of surprises. It feels like stepping into a completely different world, and we couldn’t recommend it more!

Hope this was helpful, you can ask us any questions on Instagram.