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South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a vibrant country located in East Asia, offering diverse landscapes of mountains, valleys, and coastal plains. The country has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years and is also renowned for its impressive economic growth and advanced technology; the unique blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements make it an appealing travel destination.
South Korea boasts a wealth of attractions for visitors. Highlights include UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, the historic city of Gyeongju, the picturesque Jeju Island, and the beautiful Seoraksan National Park. Then there’s the food; Korean cuisine is popular for its diverse flavours, with staple dishes to sample including kimchi (fermented salted vegetables), bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), and Korean barbecue.
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis with a blend of rich history and modernity, offering a captivating cultural experience. The city is home to charming heritage sites such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty which offer a glimpse into Korea's traditional architecture, art, and royal history, and Seoul also has a futuristic cityscape adorned with towering skyscrapers, such as the iconic Lotte World Tower and the N Seoul Tower.
South Korea Currency: You’ll be spending South Korean won (KRW)
Language: Korean, although English, Japanese, and Mandarin are widely spoken.
Local Time in South Korea: 9 hours ahead of GMT
Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 12-13hrs non-stop between London and Seoul
Tourist Information: Visit the official South Korea tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/Travel Restrictions: To travel to South Korea, British citizens need a valid passport. A visa is not required for tourist visits up to 90 days, and until December 31st 2024, UK visitors no longer require a K-ETA to enter South Korea without a visa. For up-to-date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for South Korea.
A: Crime with tourists as targets is rare in South Korea, however, there has been some previous occasional criminal activity, with the majority being theft related. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and stay vigilant with common practices and precautions such as being careful in crowded areas and when travelling alone at night. For more information about safety in South Korea, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/safety-and-security
A: Spring is a wonderful time to visit South Korea as the weather starts to warm up, the country experiences more sunshine, the weather is generally dry, and the country’s native flora starts to bloom beautifully.
A: South Korea is situated in the easternmost part of Asia and forms the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, sharing a land border with North Korea, and a maritime border with Japan and China.
A: The Siberian tiger, which is also symbolic to the country’s culture
South Korea offers endless options for exciting adventures, especially in Seoul, the eccentric capital of South Korea. You could start by stepping back in time and embarking on a heritage tour of the city, with visits to iconic landmarks such as the royal Gyeongbokgung palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the War Memorial of Korea.
Seoul is a shopper’s paradise with lots of premier shopping districts including Myeongdong, where you can browse boutiques, international brand stores, and street food stalls. The city is also renowned for its mouth-watering Korean cuisine, with staple dishes such as Korean barbeque, bibimbap, and spicy kimchi stew.
These activities provide just a glimpse of the many incredible experiences Seoul has to offer. The city's blend of tradition, modernity, and cultural richness ensures there's something for every type of traveler to enjoy.
Korea’s weather is categorised into four distinct seasons: spring between April and June, offering pleasant comfortable weather averaging at around 16-18°C, summer in July and August, seeing hot, humid weather and a monsoon with half of South Korea’s annual rainfall; autumn between September and November, with mild temperatures averaging round 19-21°C, and winter from December to March, where temperatures drop to below freezing with snow expected.
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