Palaces, late-night markets and mountains within easy reach of Seoul.
South Korea moves fast, but its past is never far away. Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon hanok village sit among glass towers, markets and neighbourhoods that stay busy past midnight. Busan pairs beaches with the hillside Gamcheon Culture Village, Gyeongju is scattered with Silla-era tombs and temples such as Bulguksa, and Jeju Island has volcanic craters, lava tubes and Hallasan, the country's highest peak.
Food is a constant pleasure: Korean barbecue, bibimbap, fried chicken, street-stall tteokbokki and side dishes that keep coming. The KTX high-speed train and excellent metros make getting around effortless. Spring blossom and autumn leaves in October and November are the best times; summer brings monsoon rain and humidity, and winter is cold but clear.
Best time to visit South Korea
April, May, October, November.
Places to visit in South Korea
Seoul: South Korea's capital, where Joseon palaces and hanok villages sit among neon districts, markets and mountains.
Busan: Korea's second city and biggest port, with city beaches, a vast fish market and seaside temples.
Jeju Island: A volcanic island off Korea's southern coast with Hallasan, lava tubes, beaches and the famous women divers.
Gyeongju: The ancient capital of the Silla kingdom, a 'museum without walls' of royal burial mounds, temples and grottoes.
Jeonju: A historic city with a large traditional hanok village and a reputation as the food capital of Korea.
Seoraksan: Korea's most famous mountain national park, with granite peaks, temples and some of the country's best autumn foliage.
DMZ: The heavily fortified demilitarised zone between the two Koreas, visited on guided tours from Seoul.
Essentials
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
Language: Korean; English signage is common in cities
Plugs: Type C / F, 220 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+9
Tipping: Not expected
Getting around: KTX trains between cities; metros and buses with a T-money card
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking