South Korea
Here is your quick guide to the country
2024
The Visa
Information about this Visa is based on American Citizenship.
- Visa
- US citizens do not need a visa to visit South Korea for up to 90 days for tourism or busines
- As of December 2024, South Korea has extended the exemption from the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) for visitors from select countries, including the United States, until December 31, 2025; meaning US citizens can travel to South Korea for tourism or business without needing a K-ETA during this period
Foods to Try
- Bibimbap
- Tteokbokki
- Jjigae
- Korean fried chicken
- Kyochon 1991
- Chain spot with the best Korean fried chicken; very popular with locals
- Mom’s Touch
- Chain fast-food fried chicken spot
- Kyochon 1991
- Ganjang Gejang
- Raw crab
- Don’t knock till you try it, was actually one of my favorite meals.
- Korea BQQ
- Bulgogi
- Makgeolli (Rice wine)
- Kimbap
- Jajangmyeon
- Soju
- Korean beer
Popular Neighborhoods Around Seoul
Hongdae
Hongdae short for “Hongik University”; filled with a young crowd that comes a live at night with street performers and a popular clubbing scene. Lots of shopping and cute cafes to enjoy during the day on and surrounding main street.
- Great Nightlife with a younger demographic
- La Luz- Popular barcade to start your night 😉
Myeongdong
The shopping district for tourist filled with all kids of stores to shop all day in. Vendors come in offering great Korean street food
- Food vendors open after 4
- Bring cash
- Visit Myeongdong Cathedral
Ikseon Dong Hanok Village
A blend of traditional and modern cafes in narrow alleyways preserved in a Hanok houses. If you love a cute cafe with a good coffee this is the neighborhood for you.
- Head to the main street (Donhwamun -ro 11- gil) to hangout with locals at pochas in the night. Chill drinking vibes all around.
Things to do
Free Activities
- Spend the day in a Hanbok
- Traditional Korean clothing
- Youcan find many rental stores around the Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Hang out at a pocha
- Popular area for this is Jongro
- A Pocha refers to a small, outdoor street food stall, often set up as a tent or cart, where people can enjoy Korean comfort food and drinks like soju late into the night
- Go for a night out in Itaewon
- Popular area filled with clubs and bars
- Cheonggyecheon stream
- A stream in the middle of the city; popular among locals to sit around and enjoy each others company.
- Jonggak Avenue of Youth is a popular small neighborhood nearby worth a visit for dinner; popular with business locals.
- Gwangjang Market
- Open 9am- 10:30pm
- Bring cash
- Here you can find many different Korean dishes and comfort foods.
- Popular here is the stall featured on Netflix: Street food Asia.
- Banpo Hangang Park
- Head to 7-Eleven for ramen or mom’s touch for fried chicken and have a little picnic by the river. (locals and tourist love doing this)
- Bike along the river
- Rent cost
- Banpo Bridge moonlight Rainbow Fountain
- During the summer starting at 7pm a water show happens along the bridge every half hour
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Often puts on a light show; so when in Seoul look up to see if there is one going on
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- A traditional village
- Bukchon Yukgyeong
- Viewpoint and popular photo spot
- Gangnam
- Starfield Coex Mall
- All below free to visit and in the neighborhood
- Starfield Libary
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Gangnam Style Sculpture
- All below free to visit and in the neighborhood
- Starfield Coex Mall
Not Free
- Head to one of the many photo booths around Seoul and enjoy some time taking pics
- Usually cost around 5,000 KRM
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Open 9am-6pm
- Cost 3000 KRW to visit; free to enter if you are wearing a Hanbok
- Served as the home of the kings of the joseon dynasty and their government
- N Seoul Tower
- Free to walk up and get a beautiful view of Seoul and worth it for sunset.
- Take the Namsan Cable car if you don’t want to walk
- Cost:
- Adult round-trip: KRW 15,000
- Adult one-way: KRW 12,000
- Child round-trip: KRW 11,500
- Child one-way: KRW 9,000
- Cost:
- Lotte World
- Small amusement park locals enjoy
- Open 10:30am -8pm
- Cost around 20 USD
- get tickets from Klook; there you can combine the ticket with an aquarieum pass.
- Small amusement park locals enjoy
A Week is good for Seoul
Visiting the DMZ
Some history
The DMZ is the “Demilitarized Zone” between North and South Korea. It is the world’s most guarded boarder and is a very tense area between the two Koreas. There is a lot of historical and cultural significance here that highlights the two countries turbulent past and ongoing hope for reunification.
Key Locations
- Imjingak Peace Park
- Serves as a memorial site for the millions of South Koreans separated from their families during the Korean War
- The Third Tunnel
- This is where North Koreas attempted to invade the south through a tunnel
- Hard climb up and down to the tunnel
- Dora Observation
- Here is where you can see North Korea from across the river and hear propoganda noise
The tour I took booked on Klook; click here
Check out the vlog here
Highly recommend a visit here!
Tips
- You can only visit through a tour
- You must bring your passport
- Go on a sunny day so you can see North Korea better.
