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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.

Discover the winter wonderland of South Korea on this nine-day tour
Map of South Korea Winter Adventure: Seoul, Pyeongchang, Gyeongju & Busan - 9 Days
South Korea Winter Adventure: Seoul, Pyeongchang, Gyeongju & Busan - 9 Days

Pack your skis and down jacket for an incredible nine-day adventure through South Korea's winter wonderland. Experience the capital Seoul under a layer of snow and unwind in a traditional bathhouse. Wander through the snowy forests and temples of picturesque Nami Island before you hit the ski slopes of Pyeongchang. Discover ancient Gyeongju's history covered in ice, and wrap up your trip on Busan's wintry beaches, exploring vibrant markets, sacred temples, and rejuvenating hot springs.

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.

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 1 hour 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Christine Liu
active 1 hour 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Judy Zhang
active 11 mins ago

Judy Zhang

My travel story began with a solo backpacking trip to Singapore—what started as a personal escape quickly became a lifelong passion. Since then, I’ve helped travelers discover the heart of East...

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Travel specialist Hilda Yang
active 7 hours ago

Hilda Yang

Travel is my greatest passion—it awakens my senses, connects me with nature's wonders, and continually deepens my appreciation for our diverse world. Every journey through Japan reveals new layers...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for South Korea

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

South Korea in 9 days!
South Korea | Jul 9 - Jul 17, 2026

M
Meghan D.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026
Hannie did such a great job planning our tours in Korea and picked the best guides and drivers for our family. She was also always available whenever we had questions, both before and during our trip, which we really appreciated. For our guided day in Busan, our guide was Ms. Son Eunjeong, and she was absolutely wonderful. She was so good with our kids and made the day fun and interesting for everyone. We explored the market, visited Gamcheon Culture Village, rode the beach train, and... Read more

Hannie did such a great job planning our tours in Korea and picked the best guides and drivers for our family. She was also always available whenever we had questions, both before and during our trip, which we really appreciated.

For our guided day in Busan, our guide was Ms. Son Eunjeong, and she was absolutely wonderful. She was so good with our kids and made the day fun and interesting for everyone. We explored the market, visited Gamcheon Culture Village, rode the beach train, and learned so much about the history of Busan. She knew all the best photo spots and took lots of family pictures for us throughout the day, which we really appreciated. She also recommended some great ice cream that the kids loved. At the market, she even helped my husband find a pair of shoes he was looking for.

Our driver in Busan was wonderful too. She was a very safe and careful driver, and we really appreciated that she had a car seat ready for our child. We felt very comfortable with her driving us around all day.

In Seoul, Hannie booked a food tour for us with Jay, who was also fantastic. He was flexible, great with the kids, and had so many good recommendations. Our kids still talk about the donuts he got for them and the dried strawberries we found at the market! He even arranged a stop at an art museum for our kids, which was such a thoughtful addition to the day.

We really appreciated how well Hannie matched us with guides and drivers who understood what works for a family traveling with kids. Everything felt personal and well planned, and knowing Hannie was always available if we needed anything made the trip that much easier. We had a great experience in both Busan and Seoul and would definitely recommend her.

Local specialist: Hannie Ngo
Hannie
Hannie Ngo
Local specialist in Seoul, South Korea | Replied on Aug 13, 2026
Hi Meghan and Matt, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful, detailed review. It genuinely made my day! I've read it more than once, and I keep smiling picturing your family's day with Eunjeong and Jay. My team and I are beyond happy to know you had such a wonderful experience across Seoul and Busan, and that what left the strongest, most lasting impression on you were the people of South Korea. That's exactly what we hope every family feels — that the trip becomes... Read more

Hi Meghan and Matt,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful, detailed review. It genuinely made my day! I've read it more than once, and I keep smiling picturing your family's day with Eunjeong and Jay.

My team and I are beyond happy to know you had such a wonderful experience across Seoul and Busan, and that what left the strongest, most lasting impression on you were the people of South Korea. That's exactly what we hope every family feels — that the trip becomes less about the itinerary and more about the people who made it special. Hearing about the beach train, the market adventures, the ice cream, the donuts and dried strawberries, and even that impromptu shoe hunt with your husband made us smile so much.

I'll admit, there were a few hiccups along the way that honestly had me worried we hadn't fully lived up to what your family deserved. So it means the world to me that you were gracious and kind enough to still recommend us despite that. It's a real gift, and I don't take it for granted.

Thank you again for trusting us with your family's trip, and for the care you put into sharing your experience. We would be so happy to welcome you back to Korea again soon — please know we'll be here whenever you're ready for the next adventure.

With gratitude,
Hannie

Excellent
South Korea | Aug 5 - Aug 9, 2026

E
Eli W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 10, 2026
Excellent service throughout the entire process. From the planning stages to the final day of the trip, the team was attentive and helpful. When I missed the pickup time for a scheduled tour, my advisor was quick to help me catch up with it. Every driver was polite and took the extra time to not only get me to my destination but also guide me through an unfamiliar country. I could not have hoped for better help. Read more

Excellent service throughout the entire process. From the planning stages to the final day of the trip, the team was attentive and helpful. When I missed the pickup time for a scheduled tour, my advisor was quick to help me catch up with it. Every driver was polite and took the extra time to not only get me to my destination but also guide me through an unfamiliar country. I could not have hoped for better help.

Hotel Review
Lemong Hotel

Very helpful staff and I placed perfectly in Seoul. You are only ever a few minutes walk from any convenience you could need, and a great market Street only a few blocks to the north.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to anything you might need.
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Seoul Highlights: Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong & N Seoul Tower
Seoul Highlights: Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong & N Seoul Tower
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
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
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Gyeongju UNESCO Highlights Tour with Local Ryan
Private Gyeongju UNESCO Highlights Tour with Local Ryan
Gyeongju

Very helpful guide with an intimate knowledge of gyeongju and its history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Christine Liu
Christine
Christine Liu
Local specialist in Seoul and Japan | Replied on Aug 10, 2026
Hi Eli,
Thank you so much for your trust, support, and cooperation throughout the trip. I truly believe that it was because of your understanding and support that we were able to make this journey such a wonderful experience.
Your kind words and recognition of my work mean a great deal to me, and they are truly what motivates me to keep doing my best for every traveler. It has been a pleasure arranging this journey for you, and I sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity to meet... Read more

Hi Eli,
Thank you so much for your trust, support, and cooperation throughout the trip. I truly believe that it was because of your understanding and support that we were able to make this journey such a wonderful experience.

Your kind words and recognition of my work mean a great deal to me, and they are truly what motivates me to keep doing my best for every traveler.

It has been a pleasure arranging this journey for you, and I sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity to meet again on your next trip. I would be absolutely delighted to plan another wonderful journey for you in the future.
Best
Christine

Great listener
South Korea | Jul 9 - Jul 19, 2026

J
Janet D.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2026
I planned & booked an international trip with Jessica, She made planning & booking of my trip to Seoul stress - less. What I like most about the planning process was that she listened to what I was looking for and what was important to me and just did exactly that. She guided me in the planning without pressure of doing what "most people do".... From day 1, she was interested in my goals of the trip which was - not bouncing from one place to the next and not going one day after another... Read more

I planned & booked an international trip with Jessica, She made planning & booking of my trip to Seoul stress - less. What I like most about the planning process was that she listened to what I was looking for and what was important to me and just did exactly that. She guided me in the planning without pressure of doing what "most people do".... From day 1, she was interested in my goals of the trip which was - not bouncing from one place to the next and not going one day after another without any rest. Days were flexible where if I wanted a free day, I could have a free day. Her responses were prompt and if they weren't she assured when she would respond.

Hotel Review
Orakai Insadong Suites

great service and good options of variety of rooms. However, our unit was a bit dirty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
walking distance to everything touist
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
dishes in the cabinet were dirty with food
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Jessica
Jessica Wang
Local specialist in South Korea | Replied on Jul 22, 2026
Hi Janet, Greetings from Jessica. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your trip to Seoul. I'm so glad to hear that you felt listened to and that the itinerary reflected what was most important to you. My goal is always to create a trip that suits each traveler's own interests and pace, so it means a lot to know that you enjoyed having the flexibility to explore and relax without feeling rushed. I also really appreciate... Read more

Hi Janet,

Greetings from Jessica.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience!

It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your trip to Seoul. I'm so glad to hear that you felt listened to and that the itinerary reflected what was most important to you. My goal is always to create a trip that suits each traveler's own interests and pace, so it means a lot to know that you enjoyed having the flexibility to explore and relax without feeling rushed.

I also really appreciate your feedback about Orakai Insadong Suites. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed the location, room options, and service. At the same time, I'm sorry to hear that the cleanliness of your unit didn't meet expectations, especially regarding the condition of the room and the dishes. I'll certainly keep this feedback in mind when recommending accommodations and will share it with the hotel where appropriate.

Thank you again for trusting me with your trip. I hope you came home with wonderful memories of Seoul, and I'd love to help you plan your next adventure like Japan, China, Singapore and more destinations in Asia whenever you're ready!

Warm regards,

Jessica

Why travelers love kimkim

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