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Introducing South Korea

South Korea captivates travelers with its unique blend of traditional and modern cultures. This vibrant peninsula nation offers a diverse range of experiences from the bustling metropolis of Seoul, with its high-tech subways and pop culture, to the tranquil Buddhist temples and historic palaces tucked away in the countryside. South Korea's landscapes are equally varied and beautiful, ranging from the volcanic Jeju Island to the stunning Seoraksan Mountain peaks, and the scenic coastal city of Busan. Visitors can immerse themselves in the country's rich history in Gyeongju, sample local cuisine in a Seoul food market, or explore the art scenes in the rustic village of Andong. All these elements combine to create an unforgettable Korean experience that appeals to adventurers, history buffs, and food lovers alike.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

South Korea Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Go for a ride in a Sky Capsule tram at the Haeundae Blue Line Park in Busan
Map of Best of South Korea: Seoul,  Andong, Busan & Jeju Island - 10 Days
Best of South Korea: Seoul, Andong, Busan & Jeju Island - 10 Days

Explore South Korea's cultural highlights and natural wonders on this 10-day itinerary. The adventure begins in Seoul, where you'll explore the urban culture and street food scene. Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) next before continuing to historic temples in Andong. Discover the beautiful coastline of Busan, then fly to Jeju Island to marvel at the spectacular scenery and take in views from the country's highest peak.

Taste the flavors of South Korea from the islands to the city
Map of South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Busan & Jeju - 7 Days
South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Busan & Jeju - 7 Days

Explore South Korea's diverse culinary traditions from cities to islands on this seven-day tour by train, car, and air, from Seoul to Busan to Udo. Learn Korean flavors and ingredients in a cooking class, and explore the vast Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul. Board a train south to Busan and then join locals at Jagalchi Fish Market, buying seafood cooked to order. Then fly to tranquil Udo for beach time and village life to end your adventure.

Discover South Korean history and culture on a cross-country tour, stopping for views at Busan's Songdo Skywalk
Map of  Best of South Korea & Japan: Seoul, Busan, Tokyo & Kyoto - 14 Days
Best of South Korea & Japan: Seoul, Busan, Tokyo & Kyoto - 14 Days

See the best of South Korea and Japan as you cross the two nations by car, plane, and train. Learn about culinary traditions at busy markets in Seoul and Busan, then explore volcanic Jeju Island's gardens and mountains. Jet off to Tokyo for Mount Fuji views and pop culture, and ride a bullet train to Kyoto for a tea ceremony and hike before indulging in street food in Osaka.

Experience the many tastes and flavors of South Korean dishes as you eat your way from Seoul to Busan
Map of Eat Like a Local in South Korea: Seoul & Busan Food Tour - 5 Days
Eat Like a Local in South Korea: Seoul & Busan Food Tour - 5 Days

Discover how to eat like a local in South Korea on this five-day food tour of Seoul and Busan. Touch down in the pulsing capital, Seoul, where you'll visit royal palaces and learn to make classic Korean dishes during a cooking class with a local chef. Continue to Busan for more food adventures, including a trip to Jagalchi, the country's largest fish market, where you'll shop for fresh seafood, followed by a street food tour of the famous BIFF Square.

Explore K-drama filming locations like the sprawling Gyeongbokgung palace
Map of South Korea K-Drama Tour of Seoul - 5 Days
South Korea K-Drama Tour of Seoul - 5 Days

Experience a taste of South Korea's "Hallyuwood" as you hit the sights of Korean drama scenes on this five-day trip. You'll tour some of Seoul's most famous locations, which feature heavily in popular South Korean movies and TV shows. Visit ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Mountain, and the iconic N Seoul Tower—you'll even have the chance to ride rollercoasters at Lotte World. Head out of the city for more K-drama hotspots, from European-themed villages to the tree-lined parks of Nami Island.

Walk amid the ginkgo trees on half-moon shaped 2.40-mile (4 km) Nami Island
Map of South Korea Nature: Seoul & Sokcho - 5 Days
South Korea Nature: Seoul & Sokcho - 5 Days

From palatial grounds, buzzing cities, and striking mountain peaks, see some of South Korea's most picturesque sites during this five-day itinerary. Take a cable car to Namsan Park, eat the country's best-known dishes (bibimbap!), and learn about the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul. Breathe the mountain air and return to nature at Seoraksan National Park to see the country from a range of perspectives.

Make the Most of Your Time in South Korea

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Take in a pansori (genre of musical storytelling) performance of drums and singing
How Many Days to Spend in South Korea

A 10-day visit is recommended for South Korea. The small size of the country, combined with good roads, multiple domestic airports, and excellent public transportation, makes it...

South Korea Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest South Korea Content

Andong folk village view with traditional wooden thatched roof house in Andong, South Korea
Map of 1 Week in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in South Korea offers enough time to immerse yourself in the country's culture, cuisine, and pristine landscapes. On a highlights tour, you can tick off all three while staying in Seoul, Andong, and Gyeongju or focus on the street food scene of Busan and Jeju Island on a culinary trip. Those looking to discover the rich art of South Korea will find Seoul the place to be, while nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore the Western Coast of the Korean Peninsula.

Take in a pansori (genre of musical storytelling) performance of drums and singing
How Many Days to Spend in South Korea

A 10-day visit is recommended for South Korea. The small size of the country, combined with good roads, multiple domestic airports, and excellent public transportation, makes it possible to travel efficiently. Ten days give you enough time for outdoor adventures on Jeju Island, coastal views and traditional markets in Busan, and historical sites and cultural activities in Andong—in addition to urban exploration and street food in Seoul.

Enjoy a sunset over Seongsan Ilchulbong, Jeju island
Map of 2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks is enough time to tour South Korea's highlights, including natural and historical attractions in Seoul, Busan, and Sokcho. Travelers seeking outdoor adventures and cultural exploration will enjoy a traditional market, hiking, and beach time at Jeju Island as well as temples and river rafting in Pyeongchang. A wellness escape brings you to Yeongju to visit a healing center and Suncheon for its national garden and bamboo forest, while a highlights tour allows you to see the best of South Korea and Japan.

South Korea Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
South Korea map: 10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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South Korea map: 2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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South Korea map: 1 Week in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for South Korea
Travel specialist Kelly Lu
active 7 hours ago

Kelly Lu

I love travel, and always willing to share my experience with more people. Travel to me is a way which I can connect with the world and challenge myself to become a better person. Being able to...

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Travel specialist John Hu
active 2 days ago

John Hu

The most important part of my job is to listen to travelers and then make suggestions that can be included in their trip. This takes time but the results are worth it. I can then arrange a trip...

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Travel specialist Sandy Ren
active 7 hours ago

Sandy Ren

Asia Tours Specialist, professional in Tailor-made tours.

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Travel specialist Lisa Sun
active 7 hours ago

Lisa Sun

I deeply love the countries with a strong passion for exploring local food, history, language, and culture.

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Trip Reviews for South Korea

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Trip of a lifetime - South Korea bliss
South Korea | Apr 7 - Apr 16, 2023

Aoife
Aoife H.
Germany | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2023

I used Kimkim for the first time for my 10-day trip to South Korea with three members of my family (spring 2023), and it couldn't have gone better! The planning went smoothly with Tom, and it showed as soon as we landed in South Korea. We had three very good tour guides that brought us to fascinating and tasty places and made visiting easy (our top places: the National Folk Museum, zip lining to Nami island, and Haedong Yonggungsa). We would like to especially mention our tour guide for... read more

I used Kimkim for the first time for my 10-day trip to South Korea with three members of my family (spring 2023), and it couldn't have gone better! The planning went smoothly with Tom, and it showed as soon as we landed in South Korea. We had three very good tour guides that brought us to fascinating and tasty places and made visiting easy (our top places: the National Folk Museum, zip lining to Nami island, and Haedong Yonggungsa). We would like to especially mention our tour guide for Busan, Jade Kim. Jade made the short time in Busan memorable - he tuned in with us straight away, was knowledgeable and accommodating, had excellent driving skills and gave us great recommendations for our next step in Jeju Island (loved the gimbap and doughnut places). All in all, a trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Best Louis Hamilton Hotel Haeundae

Clean room, friendly staff, choice of 3 menu for breakfast, centrally located

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lotte City Hotel Jeju
Jeju

Great breakfast buffet on top floor, nice clean spacious room, friendly and helpful staff, great location and service overall!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half Day Busan City Tour with Gamcheon Culture Village
Busan

The temple of the sea and Gamcheon culture village were breathtaking and fascinating places to visi. However, we think that our tour guide Jade Kim made this day special for us. He shared stories with us about the places, brought us to good places to eat (that fit our style), and was very open minded. We could ask him about go stop card and got the cards in the market, we tried the original hotteok in Busan, and he his driving skills were spot on. He gave us great recommendations for Jeju island too that turned out amazing!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See the comment above: knowledgable, accomodating, excellent driving skills, excellent English, open-minded, fun
Transport
Go to Busan From Andong with Gyeongju Tour
South Korea

The historic center of Silla is a great must-see for anyone interested in the people of South Korea.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Seoul City Tour with Gwangjang Market
Seoul

Perfect first day in Seoul.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kdrama Fan Tour
Seoul

I recognize that Petite France is where a lot of Kdramas were filmed; however, as europeans, this wasn't our favorite location (we came to South Korea to see South Korea). Nevertheless, zip lining to Nami island and Nami island was great! Loved the place!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tom Zhou
Tom
Tom Zhou
Local specialist in Bangkok | Replied on Apr 23, 2023

Hi Aoife,
Thank you so much for your reviews. It is glad to know you had a wonderful trip with us!
Hope you will travel with us again in the future!
Tom