South Korea Travel Information
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Insider Travel Tips
Experience the vibrant allure of South Korea with essential travel insights.
How long can you vacation in South Korea?
Visitors from many nationalities can visit South Korea without a visit for 30 days or more. Please check with your local authorities or inquire with your travel specialist.
What currency does South Korea use?
South Korea uses the won, which trades at around 1,360 to $1 USD.
Is it better to carry cash or card in South Korea?
It’s good to carry a little cash for small transactions and street vendors, but card payments are now accepted most everywhere in South Korea.
Do I need to tip in South Korea?
No. In fact, offering to tip might embarrass your server/driver/host, etc. Tipping simply isn’t part of Korean culture.
What is the best way to travel in South Korea?
South Korea’s larger cities have excellent subway systems, and taxis are safe and affordable. The rail system connects just about all major parts of the country, making a car largely unnecessary. A flight to Jeju Island takes less than an hour, even from Seoul.
Where to go in Korea if you are a K-Pop fan?
Seoul is the centre of the K-Pop universe. A specialized K-Pop South Korea tour package is a great way to explore South Korea’s booming pop culture industry and visit locations related to K-Pop, along with Korea’s movies and television shows.
Is South Korea LGBTQ+ friendly?
There are no laws against homosexuality or changing gender in South Korea, and foreign same-sex marriages are recognized. However, Korean culture has been slow to embrace LGBTQ+ identities. Protections against discrimination vary across the country and while it’s not censored, there is little LGBTQ+ representation in South Korean media. Younger Koreans are generally far more accepting. Hongdae is one of two LGBTQ+ nightlife districts in Seoul, but some gay bars in the city restrict access to foreigners. Its sister hub, Itaewon is generally more foreigner-friendly. Both these districts are popular with locals and can get rowdy, so stay vigilant and trust your gut when meeting strangers.
Is it safe to walk around at night in the cities in South Korea?
For the most part, South Korea, including Seoul, is a safe destination for tourists. This includes public transit and walking at night. Petty crime and harassment can occur, like in most countries, so it's important to trust your instincts and be vigilant if exploring the nightlife.
Can I drink the tap water in South Korea?
Tap water is safe to drink in just about every part of South Korea, and is usually marked if there is cause of concern.
Can you go from South Korea to North Korea?
No. It is not possible to legally travel across the border between the Koreas. A visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, however, is a popular day trip from Seoul for those curious about South Korea’s enigmatic neighbour.
Featured South Korea Trip Ideas
South Korea Travel Packages
Essential Korea: Seoul & Busan
Busan, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceUncover South Korea’s history, cuisine, and landscapes on an independent tour with guided day trips, blending flexibility with expert local insight.
8 days
From US$2,189/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of South Korea & Japan
Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceUnearth the cultures of South Korea and Japan on this enriching excursion. From Seoul’s historic palaces to Kyoto’s sacred shrines, each moment thrills.
15 days
From US$7,893/p.p.
Request a Quote
Essential Korea: Seoul & Busan
Busan, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceUncover South Korea’s history, cuisine, and landscapes on an independent tour with guided day trips, blending flexibility with expert local insight.
8 days
From US$2,189/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of South Korea & Japan
Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceUnearth the cultures of South Korea and Japan on this enriching excursion. From Seoul’s historic palaces to Kyoto’s sacred shrines, each moment thrills.
15 days
From US$7,893/p.p.
Request a Quote
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South Korea Travel Information
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Great time, great experience and Katie was a huge part in making it happen...Thank you for an amazing time Katie/GoWay Travel..RSE- Development CorpI was looking at a month holiday in New Zealand and Australia and Natasa Jaric who is located in the Toronto area helped to make it happened by combining 2 already designed holidays in Oceania. From the beginning to the end, Natasa was "hands on" by explaining and providing everything I needed for our trip. During our trip, there were few bumps on the road that had nothing to do with Goway Travel as it was the airline company that cancelled our scheduled flight and created chaos. And the other problems (they were light) was because of the way hotels described their rooms. It should definitely be better worded! Db to me means double bed ... what does it mean to you? ;-) Anyhow, we ended up having two beds but with some arguments at one hotel only. The others accommodated us at no extra cost. I should also add that NZ and Aus. know how to treat tourists. I was particularly impressed with the transfers services offered by different companies both in NZ and Aus. Wow! No waiting at the airports, hotels or terminals. They were there ready to pick us up and drive us where ever we needed to be! Well done!!! It's the kind of service that I will have a hard time not to use again as it comes with a $ sign but definitely worth spending it! :-). I received a very good response from the "Help office" when the flight was cancelled and other inquiries I had made. Very good service once again. I live quite a few experiences during that month and all thanks need to go to Natasa and her team. So Natasa: Thank you very very much for a very well organized travel! Carole OuelletMy Wife and I finally had an opportunity to go on one of our Bucket list trips Goway Travel, Egypt Odyssey 9 days including the Nile river .The booking process was seamless,the Goway rep Harpreet answered all of questions, in a professional, and timely manner, the trip it self was incredible, the meet and greet at the airport was incredibly quick,the rep Mohammed Koda,had our luggage and visas in no time we were at the Sheraton Cairo, an amazing hotel in the heart of Cairo, a wonderful facility, 3 amazing restaurants ,a large pool, a bank, and a Starbucks .The Pyramids and Museum tour where incredible WOW, we still talk about it, the guide Marco was amazing, professional and personable gentleman an excellent combination. The shuttle to airport for the Nile river Luxor to Aswan was also very smooth, when arriving in Luxor another rep was waiting for us,we were quickly ,taken to the docks, the Sonesta boat was amazing ,the cabin was clean a good size, and the food very good, with excellent deserts and plenty of fresh fruits, pool with plenty of shade .Our daily trips to the tombs and sites were amazing, our guide Mr Honey is an incredible book of knowledge we are both very grateful for his skills and knowledge .The Nile river trip will stay in our minds for years, we returned back to Cairo to finish our Egypt Odyssey trip with a tour of the original Museum ,such incredible history, and an incredible trip ,thank you so much Goway Travel for making this dream trip happen for us
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