South Korea brings together Joseon-dynasty palaces, seaside temples and the energy of the culture that took K-pop and K-dramas around the world.
What to see in South Korea
The usual route links Seoul and Busan by high-speed train, with a DMZ visit in between.
Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace and its changing of the guard, the traditional houses of Bukchon, shopping in Myeongdong and the view from N Seoul Tower. Many visitors rent a hanbok, the traditional dress, which gets you into the palaces free.
The DMZ
The demilitarized zone between the two Koreas is visited on authorized tours: lookouts toward the north and the tunnels dug under the border.
Bring your passport: it is checked at military checkpoints.
Busan
The country’s second city, by the sea: Haedong Yonggungsa temple on the rocks, colorful Gamcheon village, the Jagalchi fish market, the Taejongdae cliffs and Haeundae beach.
Best time to visit South Korea
Cherry-blossom spring and red-leaf fall are the best seasons.
- Jan Cold
- Feb Cold
- Mar Good
- Apr Ideal
- May Ideal
- Jun Good
- Jul Rainy
- Aug Very hot
- Sep Good
- Oct Ideal
- Nov Ideal
- Dec Cold
Cherry blossoms bloom in early April, and in October and November the mountains turn red and gold, with very pleasant temperatures.
July brings monsoon rains and August is hot and humid. Winter is very cold, especially in Seoul.
Entry requirements for South Korea
Neither US nor Mexican citizens need a visa for tourism, and until December 31, 2026 they do not need a K-ETA either.
US passport (including Puerto Rico)
No visa for up to 90 days
- Exempt from the K-ETA until December 31, 2026.
- For trips in 2027, check the official portal in case it is required again.
- Fill in the e-Arrival Card before landing.
Mexican passport
No visa for up to 90 days
- Also exempt from the K-ETA until December 31, 2026.
- For trips in 2027, check the official portal.
- e-Arrival Card before landing.
The K-ETA is Korea’s electronic travel authorization. Its temporary exemption has been extended year by year; when you book a 2027 trip we confirm whether you need it and help you apply on the official portal.
Official sources: K-ETA (official Korean portal) · Korea e-Arrival Card · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Is it safe to travel to South Korea?
South Korea is a very safe country, with little crime and excellent public transport. DMZ visits are always on authorized, tightly controlled tours.
- Get a T-money card. It works on the metro, buses and at many convenience stores.
- Use Naver Map or KakaoMap. Google Maps does not give full walking or driving directions in Korea.
- Tipping is not customary. Service is included at restaurants and hotels.
- Try the food. Korean barbecue, bibimbap and Gwangjang Market in Seoul.
Our tours with South Korea
We visit Korea combined with Japan, or with China and Japan, with Spanish-speaking guides. Prices per person in a double room, without international flights.
- Japan & Korea for Everyone Tokyo · Kyoto · Seoul · Busan See the tour
- China, Japan & Korea for Everyone Beijing · Shanghai · Tokyo · Kyoto · Seoul · Busan See the tour
See every Asia tour, with day-by-day itineraries, on our Far East page.
Suggested itinerary: Seoul and Busan in 6 days
This is the Korea part of our Japan and Korea tour, after Tokyo and Kyoto.
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Day 1
Arrive in Seoul
Flight from Osaka and a first night in the city.
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Days 2–3
Seoul
Palaces, Bukchon and a free day for Myeongdong or the markets.
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Day 4
The DMZ and train to Busan
A visit to the demilitarized zone and the high-speed train south.
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Days 5–6
Busan
The seaside temple, the markets, Taejongdae, Haeundae and the flight home.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a K-ETA for South Korea?
Until December 31, 2026, US and Mexican citizens are exempt. For trips in 2027, check the official portal, k-eta.go.kr; we confirm the requirement when you book.
Is South Korea expensive to visit?
Hotel prices are similar to the US, but transport and food are affordable. Our 13-day Japan and Korea tour costs from $4,149 per person, without flights.
When is the best time to visit South Korea?
April and May for cherry blossoms, and September to November for fall colors. Avoid July, the rainiest month.
How many days do you need in South Korea?
Five to seven days for Seoul, the DMZ and Busan. Many travelers combine it with Japan on a two-week tour.
Can you combine Korea with Japan?
Yes, they are less than two hours apart by plane. Our Japan & Korea for Everyone tour covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul and Busan in 13 days.
