South Korea

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Anapji Pond Temples at Sunset, Gyeongju National Park, South Korea. Sinue Serra Images/Shutterstock

Shutterstock / Sinue Serra Images

Why visit South Korea

From Seoul's glittering nightlife to Seoraksan National Park's vertiginous hikes, South Korea offers the traveler a dazzling range of experiences, beautiful landscapes and 5000 years of culture and history.

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Take your South Korea trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

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South Korea: Seoul, Jeju-do, and Busan in 13 Days

highlights

  1. 1 Touring Korea’s demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the border of North and South Korea
  2. 2 Learning how to cook South Korean staples, from bulgogi to bibimbap, during a chef-led workshop
  3. 3 Visiting Gyeongju’s ancient temples and royal tombs on a day trip from Busan
from $4,690

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Top places to visit in South Korea

Discover the best attractions in South Korea from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

South Korea travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

South Korea endlessly tempts travelers with eclectic nightlife, regional cuisine, spas and saunas, hiking and much more.

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Best Time to Visit

South Korea's seasons bring exciting events and festivals, as well as action-packed activities. Here's how to decide when you should go there.

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Transportation

With some of the best public transport in the world, South Korea is a gift to travelers. Here's what you need to know about getting around when you arrive.

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Best Road Trips

South Korea might not leap out as the obvious place for a road trip, but the back roads reveal a different side to the peninsula. Here are our top trips.

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Money and Costs

If you’re looking to travel to South Korea on a budget, follow this money-saving guide, from advice on SIM cards to tips on transit.

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Best Places to Visit

Though it's possible to go from mountaintop to megacity – and back again – in a single day, lingering in these top spots in South Korea is ample reward.

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Get Connected

South Korea has nationwide 4G coverage and widespread wi-fi. Get connected with these mobile tips.

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