South Korea travel guide for first-time visitors

For a first trip to South Korea, allow 7 to 12 nights: start in Seoul, take the fast KTX train to Gyeongju and Busan, and add Jeju Island if you have time. Before you go, check whether your passport needs a visa, a K-ETA or an e-Arrival Card on the official government portals, and carry a little won for markets.

Who South Korea suits

South Korea suits travellers who enjoy food, history, design and easy logistics. Seoul mixes palaces such as Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden with late-night markets and cafés. Gyeongju is an open-air museum of the Silla kingdom, Busan adds beaches and seafood, and Jeju offers volcanic hiking. It works well for families, couples and solo travellers. Explore highlights on our South Korea destination page.

Entry and visas

Entry rules depend on your nationality. Many nationalities can visit South Korea without a visa for short stays; British visitors, for example, can stay up to 90 days according to the UK Foreign Office. Visa-free visitors normally need a K-ETA (KRW 10,000), but as of November 2026 nationals of eligible countries are temporarily exempt until 31 December 2026. If you do not hold a K-ETA, you submit a free e-Arrival Card online up to three days before arrival. Apply only through the official K-ETA portal, and check the latest notices there before booking.

Arriving: gateway airports

• Seoul Incheon (ICN): the main international gateway, on an island west of Seoul and linked to the city by the airport railway.
• Seoul Gimpo (GMP): closer to the city, used mainly for domestic flights and some regional routes.
• Busan Gimhae (PUS): useful for flying out of the south after a Seoul-to-Busan route.
• Jeju (CJU): served by frequent domestic flights from Seoul and Busan.

Money, language, power and time

Getting around

South Korea is compact and its transport is fast. The KTX high-speed train connects Seoul with Gyeongju and Busan, and Seoul's subway reaches almost every sight. Rechargeable transport cards make subways and buses simple. Jeju is reached by a short domestic flight, and a private driver or rental car makes the island much easier to explore. If you plan to drive, the UK Foreign Office says British visitors must carry a 1949 International Driving Permit, obtained before travel, together with their licence.

Suggested routes by trip length

Our Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan itinerary follows the 10-night shape, while Korea & Jeju Island Family adds the island for younger travellers. To match the route to the season, see our guide to the best time to visit South Korea.

Etiquette and culture

• Remove shoes in homes, traditional guesthouses and some restaurants with floor seating.
• Use two hands, or support your right arm with your left, when giving or receiving items from older people.
• Elders are treated with respect: wait for them to start eating, and offer seats on public transport.
• Seats marked for elderly, disabled and pregnant passengers on the subway are left free.
• In Bukchon Hanok Village, people live in the houses, so keep noise down and respect posted visiting hours.
• Tipping is not expected in restaurants or taxis.
• At temples, dress modestly and speak quietly in prayer halls.

Food for first-timers

Eating is one of the joys of a Korean trip. Barbecue restaurants grill meat at the table, side dishes (banchan) arrive free and are often refilled, and markets serve everything from savoury pancakes to fresh seafood. Busan's Jagalchi Market is the place for fish, while Seoul's markets are best in the evening. Itaewon, home to the Seoul Central Mosque, is a good area to look for halal-friendly food, and vegetarians should say so clearly, as many broths and some kimchi are made with fish products.

Health and safety

South Korea is generally safe. The UK Foreign Office says crime against foreigners is rare but advises care with belongings in crowded nightlife areas such as Itaewon and using only licensed taxis at night. Natural hazards to plan around include heavy rain in June and July, which can cause flooding and landslides, and typhoons between June and November. Read the UK government's South Korea travel advice or your own government's guidance, and take travel insurance that covers your plans.

Practical tips

• Visit palaces early to beat tour groups; most close one day a week, so check before you go.
• Reserve KTX seats in advance around lunar holidays such as Chuseok and Seollal.
• Download a local map app, as some international map services have limited detail in Korea.
• Allow a spare day on Jeju in case summer weather delays flights or hikes on Hallasan.
• Pack layers in spring and autumn; mornings and evenings can be cool.

For a full budget breakdown, read what a South Korea trip costs. When you are ready, send us your ideas and a specialist will tailor a route to your dates and interests.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. K-ETA — Official portal
2. Korea.net — Korea e-Arrival Card launched
3. Ministry of Justice, Korea Immigration Service — e-Arrival Card press release
4. GOV.UK — South Korea travel advice: entry requirements
5. GOV.UK — South Korea travel advice: safety and security
6. Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Netherlands — K-ETA exemption extension