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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 · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 13 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.

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.

Visit famous K-drama filming locations like Jeonju Hanok Village, with traditional buildings
Map of South Korea K-Drama Tour: Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju & Busan - 10 Days
South Korea K-Drama Tour: Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju & Busan - 10 Days

Immerse yourself in Korean drama on this 10-day tour of South Korea. You'll visit the country's most famous locations, featured on film, from Seoul to Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Busan. Marvel at the capital's Gyeongbokgung palace and N Seoul Tower, then discover European-themed villages and the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto. More movie-worthy highlights include Jeonju's ancient hanok houses, Daerengwon Tomb Complex, and Busan's Gamcheon Cultural Village.

Damyan Bamboo Forest
Map of Discover South Korea's Western Coast Natural Wonders - 7 Days
Discover South Korea's Western Coast Natural Wonders - 7 Days

From bamboo forests to mountain summits, discover some of South Korea's natural wonders along the peninsula's western coast. Touchdown in Seoul and admire the extensive grounds of Gyeongbokgung palace before heading south to explore Taeanhaean National Park and soaring over Daecheon Beach by sky bike. After checking out the traditional houses of Jeonju Hanok Village and wandering Damyan's lush bamboo forests, you'll take in the extraordinary views of Jirisan National Park.

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.

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.

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

See the iconic sights of Seoul and spend a peaceful night in the tranquil Geumsunsa Temple
Map of Signature Seoul & Geumsunsa Temple Stay - 6 Days
Signature Seoul & Geumsunsa Temple Stay - 6 Days

Experience the highlights of South Korea's capital, including an immersive temple stay, with this six-day Seoul getaway. See the traditional changing of the guard at the palace of Gyeongbokgung, learn about more recent Korean history at the DMZ, and take in the views from atop the iconic N Seoul Tower. Spend a night with the monks at Geumsunsa Temple, then end your trip amid the city's best cafés, bathhouses, and street food markets.

Indulge in savory pork bone hot pot with traditional Korean "banchan"
Map of South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju, Busan & Jeju - 13 Days
South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju, Busan & Jeju - 13 Days

Love exploring new cultures through your taste buds? You'll explore local markets in five different cities and learn to cook plenty of traditional dishes with this 13-day foodie adventure through South Korea. Start by following tantalizing smells and sizzling sounds in Seoul's markets and alleyways before moving on to the country's culinary capital, Jeonju. Continue making your way south, exploring seaside Busan, before wrapping things up among the tangerine groves and tea fields of Jeju Island.

Explore South Korea's UNESCO-listed sites, such as Namhansanseong, during this 10-day tour
Map of South Korea's UNESCO Treasures & Temple Stay - 10 Days
South Korea's UNESCO Treasures & Temple Stay - 10 Days

Discover some of South Korea's UNESCO-listed wonders during this 10-day journey. See palaces and temples in Seoul, make your own Korean name stamp, and learn some traditional recipes before admiring ancient relics in Gongju and Buyeo. Spend a memorable night at the Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan National Park before transferring to Gyeongju, South Korea's "museum without walls." Finally, return to Seoul via a walk along the ancient fortress walls of Namhansanseong.

South Korea Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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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 Jessica Wang
active 8 mins ago

Jessica Wang

My philosophy is that travel is about personal reflection and growth, about meeting people of different cultures, taking in the beauty of nature, and experiencing authentic activities. Let me know...

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Travel specialist Christine Liu
active 1 min ago

Christine Liu

I have a deep passion for exploring and traveling, as it allows me to encounter new cultures, meet new people, and witness the incredible diversity of our world. I have traveled to more than 30...

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Travel specialist Lisa Sun
active 1 hour ago

Lisa Sun

As a China English-speaking tour guide with 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, I have a deep passion for the travel profession and am dedicated to introducing China's rich culture and...

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Travel specialist Elizabeth Ei Ma
active 1 min ago

Elizabeth Ei Ma

Hi, I’m Elizabeth! 🌏 I’m passionate about travel and hospitality—it’s not just my career, but my dream. 🧳✨ With a background in Hospitality and Tourism Management, I’ve explored various countries...

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Trip Reviews for South Korea

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our trip was amazing and everything went acco...
South Korea | Oct 16 - Nov 18, 2025

Annie
Annie A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025
Our trip was amazing and everything went according to plan.
We interacted first with Jones with whom we spent 11 days from Seoul to Gwangju. Jones is very reliable and has a very good knowledge about his country. If he does not know the response to a question, he will make sure to look for it. He advised us about good places to eat. We definitely recommend him especially for several days like we did with Jones.
Luke in Busan was very nice and very open about the culture of Busan....
Read more

Our trip was amazing and everything went according to plan.
We interacted first with Jones with whom we spent 11 days from Seoul to Gwangju. Jones is very reliable and has a very good knowledge about his country. If he does not know the response to a question, he will make sure to look for it. He advised us about good places to eat. We definitely recommend him especially for several days like we did with Jones.
Luke in Busan was very nice and very open about the culture of Busan.
Christine is very professional and though we spent only one day with her, it was very interesting to discuss about the past and the present of Korea. She has a lot of knowledge and experience.

Hotel Reviews
Hanok Hotel Daam Seoul

Beautiful hotel: Beautiful authentic room, Delicious breakfast. Very nice staff. Very well situated, this Hanok has it all. One of the best of our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skybay Gyeongpo
Gangneung

We did not go to this hotel as the program was changed. We were instead, in Itaewon in Seoul in the Hamilton Hotel. Though noisy because of it’s proximity with the Main Street of Itaewon, We recommended this hotel for its convenience location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lavalse Hotel

Very well situated near the older part of Busan. The view is spectacular when you face the bay. Though not an authentic hotel, ew definitely recommend this hotel for its convenience, view.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stanford Hotel and Resort Tongyeong

Cold atmosphere. Nice and big room and view on the sea.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shilla Stay Yeosu Expo Station
Yeosu

Though big and not traditional, this hotel has a great view on the harbor . It is clean and modern. We enjoy our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Seaes Hotel & Resort

Very nice and relaxing resort. A nice place to discover the south of Jeju Island and to enjoy nuit the view on the sea. Definitely recommend it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jeju Sun Hotel and Casino

Well situated as it is a good base ro discover Jeju city in a Jeju Island. Good breakfast. Nice room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Holiday Inn Gwangju

Nothing special to say

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Songjukheon Pension

We arrived late at this place and it is in the middle of nowhere . Si, we did not have the chance to meet the owners who live in another house. No breakfast which is a problem, the room, which is more of an apartment was c very clean but we think this place is better for a long stay and not for a one night stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Samlockhon
jeonju

Great place to stay with very very nice people to welcome us. The top was very spacious and authentic. It was the best Hanok atmosphere wise with very kind owners would love to intersect with guests. The breakfast is home made cooking and everything is delicious. We definitely recommend recommend this Hanok beautifully situated in the center of Jeonju

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
HanokInn

Very well situated but the owner is not very talkative and and at ease with guests. The room , we had would not suit everyone as it was very very small with the bed in a mezzanine with a difficult staircase. Not a problem for us though but just mentioning . The breakfast, which is very light as announced, was kit to our taste. We had to have breakfast outside.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Golgulsa Temple Stay
Gyeongju

The accommodation is so-do especially because it was raining during our stay.

Authenticity & Character
For the authenticity and character , we gave 4 , not for the accommodation but for the atmosphere and the activities the temple stay offer. It was an experience for us.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok Hotel
Andong

Best hotel we stay in during our 5 weeks trips. Everything was perfect and we wish we could have stayed longer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sea Cruise Hotel
Sokcho

Cold atmosphere and huge hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 2
Seoul

Nicely situated. Has a business feel. It was very busy during stay with students groups . Very good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour
Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour
South Korea
Discover the Culture of Busan with Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Discover the Culture of Busan with Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Busan
Full Day Cicadas Castle and Haegeumgang Island Tour
Full Day Cicadas Castle and Haegeumgang Island Tour
South Korea
The Healing Tour of Suncheon Bay National Garden and Wetland Reserve
The Healing Tour of Suncheon Bay National Garden and Wetland Reserve
Suncheon
Sunchang Gochujang Village,  Damyan Bamboo Forest and   5.18 Memorial Park
Sunchang Gochujang Village, Damyan Bamboo Forest and 5.18 Memorial Park
Gwangju
Full Day Naejangsan National Park Hiking - Baekyangsa and  Sangwangbong
Full Day Naejangsan National Park Hiking - Baekyangsa and Sangwangbong
Gwangju
Culinary Experience in Korea's Food Capital
Culinary Experience in Korea's Food Capital
Jeonju
K-drama Filming Spots in Jeonju -  Jeonju Hanok Village and Gyeonggijeon
K-drama Filming Spots in Jeonju - Jeonju Hanok Village and Gyeonggijeon
Jeonju
Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market Tour
Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market Tour
Jeonju
Visit Gayasan National Park and Haeinsa Temple
Visit Gayasan National Park and Haeinsa Temple
Daegu
Half Day Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park Tour with Night View
Half Day Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park Tour with Night View
Gyeongju
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay-D2
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay-D2
Gyeongju
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay
Half Day Golgulsa Temple Stay
Gyeongju
Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Discovery: Yangdong Village and Oksan Seowon
Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Discovery: Yangdong Village and Oksan Seowon
Gyeongju
Half Day Andong Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon Tour
Half Day Andong Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon Tour
Andong
 Hiking in Seoraksan National Park - Gwongeumseong Fortress Course
Hiking in Seoraksan National Park - Gwongeumseong Fortress Course
Sokcho

Because of the rainy weather

Explore Nature on the Way to Sokcho: Garden of Morning Calm, Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park
Explore Nature on the Way to Sokcho: Garden of Morning Calm, Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park
South Korea
Go on a Hiking Tour of Bukhansan and Ancient Seunggasa Temple
Go on a Hiking Tour of Bukhansan and Ancient Seunggasa Temple
Seoul
Taste of Korea, Authentic Home-Style Cooking Class
Taste of Korea, Authentic Home-Style Cooking Class
Seoul
Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Full Day Korean DMZ and Hongdae Shopping Street Tour
Seoul
Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Dressing & Namsan Tower
Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Dressing & Namsan Tower
Seoul
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Jessica
Jessica Wang
Local specialist in South Korea | Replied on Nov 26, 2025
Hi Annie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are delighted to hear that your trip was amazing and that everything went smoothly as planned.
We’re thrilled that Jones made your 11-day journey from Seoul to Gwangju so memorable. He will be very happy to know that you appreciated his reliability, knowledge, and thoughtful recommendations. It’s great to hear that Luke in Busan and Christine in Seoul also contributed positively to your experience with their professionalism and... Read more

Hi Annie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are delighted to hear that your trip was amazing and that everything went smoothly as planned.

We’re thrilled that Jones made your 11-day journey from Seoul to Gwangju so memorable. He will be very happy to know that you appreciated his reliability, knowledge, and thoughtful recommendations. It’s great to hear that Luke in Busan and Christine in Seoul also contributed positively to your experience with their professionalism and cultural insights.

Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us. It was truly our pleasure to assist with your Korea trip, and we hope to welcome you back to Asia again in the future!

Warm regards,
Jessica

Christine (from Kimkim) was very responsive a...
South Korea | Nov 9 - Nov 15, 2025

T
Theodore L.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025
Christine (from Kimkim) was very responsive and friendly, she had good suggestions for things for us to do. She didn’t always have the best attention to detail. It took several attempts to explain our situation, that we were combining a self paid trip with a hotel stay covers by the conference that invited me to Korea. After a couple of rounds she eventually got it right. She failed to consider that our arrival at the hotel was going to be before check in time and did not suggest... Read more

Christine (from Kimkim) was very responsive and friendly, she had good suggestions for things for us to do. She didn’t always have the best attention to detail. It took several attempts to explain our situation, that we were combining a self paid trip with a hotel stay covers by the conference that invited me to Korea. After a couple of rounds she eventually got it right.

She failed to consider that our arrival at the hotel was going to be before check in time and did not suggest alternatives such as the option of paying for an early check in. She offered us one option for hotel— the L7 in Myeongdong. It was a nice hotel, well run, clean, with an excellent breakfast. However, for people our age, staying in Myeongdong got tiresome after a couple of nights. It would have been helpful to have been warned about the noise and crowds and offered a possible alternative.

We were directed to excellent activities and connected with an outstanding guide, Christine Lee and her husband Young. Christine was knowledgeable, warm and friendly. We got an excellent picture of Korean history talking with her and she showed us around Nami island and the garden of morning calm as an expert. These two experiences were outstanding!

Hotel Review
L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE

It’s a well run hotel, very clean, and the breakfast is excellent. Myeongdong is a central location with easy access to subway, the byeongbokgung palace. Myeongdong is where one of the major night markets with street food is located. However, it is harder to find quieter restaurants or easy places to walk around without crowds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central and close to subway.
Staff
Staff were great in the restaurant. They were unsure how to handle our early arrival straight from the airport.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless and great maid service daily.
Activity Review
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Seoul

The best parts of this trip was the visit to Nami Island and the garden of morning calm. The Italian and French villages are a bit tired and run down. Christine Lee and Young did an amazing job showing us around and teaching us about the history and flora of the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Christine Liu
Christine
Christine Liu
Local specialist in Seoul and Japan | Replied on Nov 19, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed experience with us. We truly appreciate both your kind words and constructive notes, which help us improve our services. We’re delighted to hear that Christine (Kimkim team) provided friendly and responsive support, and that her activity suggestions enhanced your trip. It’s also wonderful to know that your time with Christine Lee and Young was a highlight—their expertise and warmth reflect the very best of our guide network. Nami Island and... Read more

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed experience with us. We truly appreciate both your kind words and constructive notes, which help us improve our services. We’re delighted to hear that Christine (Kimkim team) provided friendly and responsive support, and that her activity suggestions enhanced your trip. It’s also wonderful to know that your time with Christine Lee and Young was a highlight—their expertise and warmth reflect the very best of our guide network. Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm are indeed gems, and we’re thrilled they made your Korean history exploration so memorable.

Jessica created a wonderful tour for us in Ko...
South Korea | Oct 23 - Oct 29, 2025

Kathleen
Kathleen N.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025
Jessica created a wonderful tour for us in Korea. We were met at the airport and guided throughout our stay which made this so very easy and not the least bit stressful. This was our first time having a private tour and I highly recommend it. One guide we had, Michael was especially impressive. He took us to visit historical sights, villages and the must see street food markets in Seoul. Jessica arranged our transportation on the high speed train to Busan for a few nights and that was amazing... Read more

Jessica created a wonderful tour for us in Korea. We were met at the airport and guided throughout our stay which made this so very easy and not the least bit stressful. This was our first time having a private tour and I highly recommend it. One guide we had, Michael was especially impressive. He took us to visit historical sights, villages and the must see street food markets in Seoul. Jessica arranged our transportation on the high speed train to Busan for a few nights and that was amazing as well. I would not hesitate to use Kimkim travel in the future, they truly make touring a seamless experience, well worth the cost!

Hotel Review
Avani Central Busan
Busan

Central location with amazing views of both the city and the nearby ocean. Very well stocked and comfortable room with a helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Jessica
Jessica Wang
Local specialist in South Korea | Replied on Nov 12, 2025

Hi Kathleen!

Welcome back! Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, and it truly made my day! I'm so happy to hear you had such a great time in Korea and that everything went smoothly.

It was such a joy helping plan your journey, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the experience from start to finish :)! I'll be sure to share your kind words with Michael; he'll be thrilled to hear them!!!

All the best🥰,
Jessica

Why travelers love kimkim

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