Are you dreaming of traveling to South Korea but have no idea how to start planning? This comprehensive Korea travel guide will provide everything you need to know, from pre-trip preparations to attractions, food, and accommodation. We’ll take you step-by-step to becoming a pro at navigating the country, ensuring you can explore Korea with confidence!
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you want to break away from traditional group tours for a more unique experience, this Korea travel guide can solve all your doubts. We’ll help you prepare from scratch for a painless, joyful, and smooth journey across Korea.
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Pre-trip Preparation for Your Korea Trip
Flights to South Korea
Due to the close proximity between Taiwan and Korea, there are frequent flights connecting the two. Direct flights are available to Seoul and Busan not only from Taipei Songshan and Taoyuan International Airport, but also from Kaohsiung and Taichung, making it incredibly convenient to start your journey whenever you like.
Major carriers like China Airlines and EVA Air offer numerous flights and excellent time slots but at a higher price point. On the other hand, low-cost carriers like T’way Air and Jin Air offer many red-eye flights that can help you save on your budget and maximize your time in this Korea travel guide itinerary. You can choose based on your personal needs.
💡 If your budget allows, it is recommended to choose Korean Air. They operate out of Incheon Airport Terminal 2, which generally has fewer crowds and saves you more time.
Korea Visa Application
Currently, Taiwan passport holders do not need a visa for tourism and can stay for up to 90 days. Furthermore, Korea has adopted an electronic entry system that is very fast and efficient. For more details, you can refer to the latest Korea entry regulations.
Currency Exchange
Do you need a lot of cash for your trip? Actually, South Korea is one of the most credit card-friendly countries in the world. Almost everything you can think of can be paid for with a card! Having a reliable card is the most convenient way to travel. You can choose a card with high foreign transaction rewards or use the WOWPASS card, which combines a transportation card with a debit card and allows you to pay in Korean Won (KRW) across the country.
Korea also supports mobile payments like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, and Line Pay, though Samsung Pay is significantly more common than Apple Pay. It is important to note that if you are using a Samsung phone purchased outside of Korea, the Samsung Pay version might differ from the local one, making it difficult to use except in major chains like McDonald’s. As for Line Pay, it is supported in some convenience stores and tourist areas like Nami Island, but not as widely elsewhere.
Despite the prevalence of cards, some shops in traditional markets still require cash. If you plan to go shopping in places like the Express Bus Terminal Underground Mall, cash can often get you a better “sweet price.” Therefore, plan your exchange based on your itinerary. For exchanging money in Seoul, the exchange booths in Myeongdong are usually the most cost-effective. Recently, money exchange machines have also appeared in tourist hotspots like Gangnam and Seongsu with decent rates, which are great for emergencies.
In summary, using credit cards is the most recommended method for your journey. To be safe, you can still carry a small amount of Korean Won just in case.
Internet Access
The internet in Korea is very stable, and many cafes and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi. While you can use physical SIM cards, eSIMs, or Wi-Fi routers, using an eSIM is highly recommended as it is more convenient and doesn’t require swapping physical cards.
📌 Korea SIM Card | Daily Unlimited/500MB/1GB/2GB eSIM: KKday | Holafly
Best Time to Visit South Korea
Korea has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. However, if you are on a budget or it’s your first time using this Korea travel guide, the most recommended seasons are Spring and Autumn. Spring offers beautiful cherry blossoms, while Autumn brings stunning maple leaves—sights you can’t see everywhere. The weather is pleasant and the pace is comfortable, making for a truly healing trip.
Transportation in Korea
How should you get around during your trip? Transportation in Korea is very convenient, so don’t worry even if it’s your first time. Here’s a quick overview:
- Subway/Metro: In Seoul and Busan, you can use a T-Money card (similar to Taiwan’s EasyCard) to reach most tourist attractions easily.
- Buses: Korea has a dense network of buses. You can even reach more suburban tourist spots by bus.
- Private Charter: For distant attractions, booking a one-day private charter can solve all your transportation worries at once.
- Self-driving: Since Korea drives on the right side of the road (just like Taiwan and the US), you won’t have trouble adjusting. Simply get an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Korea. If you plan to visit cities like Pohang, Yeosu, or Sokcho, having a car is much more convenient.
Discount Tickets:
📌 Korea | NAMANE Card (Customizable Prepaid Card + T-Money): KKday | Klook
📌 Korea WOWPASS Card / T-money: KKday | Klook
📌 Korea Unlimited Data SIM + T-money Card: KKday | Klook
📌 Seoul/Incheon | AREX Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket (One Way): KKday | Klook
📌 Busan Airport Transfer: KKday | Klook
Recommended Attractions in South Korea
Usually, the top choices for travelers are Seoul and Busan. Here are some highlight attractions for your Korea travel guide:
Recommended Attractions in Seoul
- Petite France & Italian Village: Dreamy theme parks based on Pinocchio and The Little Prince.
- Nami Island: The best spot for maple leaves and a famous K-drama filming site.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Wander through traditional houses and feel the charm of old Korea.
- Lotte World / Everland: The best theme parks for families and couples.
- N Seoul Tower: A romantic spot to enjoy the panoramic night view of the city.
Recommended Attractions in Busan
- Gamcheon Culture Village: A beautiful hillside village known as the “Machu Picchu of Busan.”
- Songdo Beach: A pristine beach where you can take the Marine Cable Car for sea views.
- Haeundae Sky Capsule: Ride cute capsules while admiring the coastal scenery.
- Sea Life Busan Aquarium: Located right by the beach, featuring jellyfish and various marine life.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A stunning seaside temple perfect for looking out at the endless horizon.
📌 Seoul Theme Parks | Lotte World & Aquarium Tickets: KKday | Klook
📌 Everland Theme Park Admission Ticket: KKday | Klook
📌 N Seoul Tower Ticket: Klook
📌 Nami Island Day Tour | Petite France & Rail Bike: KKday | Klook
📌 Busan Songdo Marine Cable Car Ticket: KKday | Klook
📌 Gamcheon Village & Haeundae Blueline Park One Day Tour: Klook
📌 Haeundae Blueline Park Beach Train & Sky Capsule Ticket: KKday | Klook
📌 Sea Life Busan Aquarium Ticket: KKday | Klook
Food Recommendations in Korea
Grilled pork belly, grilled intestines, pork soup rice… all the Korean delicacies you can think of should be on your list! Here is a summary of food recommendations by region:
Food Recommendations in Seoul
- Gohyang Kalguksu: A knife-cut noodle shop featured on Netflix; the handmade noodles are incredibly chewy.
- Hong’s Jjukkumi: The spicy stir-fried baby octopus is flavorful and leaves a lasting impression.
- Baekdon (빽돈): Located in the bustling Jongno district, known for tender pork and sweet, delicious steamed eggs.
- Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang: Famous pork bone soup with tender meat and a refreshing, savory broth.
- Palgakdo: Charcoal-grilled Korean chicken ribs that are so tender they melt in your mouth.
Food Recommendations in Busan
- Songjeong Samdae Gukbap: A long-standing local favorite for pork soup rice with rich broth and soft pork.
- Mipo-jib: Large seafood platters where you can enjoy sashimi and soy-marinated crab all at once.
- Nasari Sikdang: Classic Korean seafood knife-cut noodles and spicy stir-fried pork.
- Nampo Samgyetang: Thick broth and tender chicken, perfect for nourishment in winter.
- Haedae Seashell Kingdom: Specializes in various live shellfish grilling; eating grilled scallops while facing the sea is quite relaxing.
Estimated Travel Budget for Korea
If you’re planning a trip, how much should you budget? Although it varies by the number of days and people, the cost of food and lodging in Korea is quite similar to Taiwan. If you catch a cheap red-eye flight or LCC, it won’t be too expensive! Here is a rough estimate per person for a 5-day, 4-night trip:
- Flight: $6,000-$12,000 TWD (approx. $185-$370 USD)
- Accommodation: $1,500-$3,000 TWD per night (approx. $46-$93 USD)
- Meals and Coffee: approx. $800-$1,200 TWD per day (approx. $25-$37 USD)
- Transportation (Subway, Taxi): $600-$800 TWD (approx. $18-$25 USD)
- Tickets and Cultural Experiences: $500-$2,000 TWD (approx. $15-$62 USD)
In total, the estimated budget per person is roughly $18,000-$30,000 TWD (approx. $555-$925 USD), which can be adjusted according to your personal travel style.
Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea
While traveling in Korea is very convenient, these apps will make your trip even easier:
- Naver App / Kakao Map: Essential for navigation; you can set them to English or Chinese versions.
- Papago: Real-time translation to handle any communication issues.
- Coupang Eats : Great for ordering delivery so you never go hungry at night.
- Kakao T: Korea’s ride-hailing platform, similar to Uber.
Recommended Cultural Activities and Experiences
Although Korea is geographically close to Taiwan, it has a very distinct culture. Take advantage of your trip to experience these unique activities.
- Hanbok Experience: Wear a Hanbok and wander through Hanok villages for the perfect photo.
- Jjimjilbang: Relax in a sauna just like in a K-drama.
- Skiing: Visit during winter to enjoy the snow and try out skiing.
- Nanta Show: A unique performance using kitchen utensils, combining tradition with modern music.
- Wild Wild Show: A high-energy “hunk” show featuring 10 artistic and sexy performances.
- Strawberry Picking: Pick and eat sweet, fragrant Korean strawberries in winter.
- ID Photos: Get your hair and makeup done professionally for a high-quality Korean-style ID photo.
📌 Seoul | Gyeongbokgung Seohwa Hanbok Rental: KKday
📌 Busan Hill Spa Jjimjilbang Admission: KKday | Klook
📌 Seoul Aquafield Jjimjil Spa Admission: KKday | Klook
📌 Seoul Nanta Show Ticket: KKday | Klook
📌 Seoul Wild Wild “After Party” Musical Ticket: KKday | Klook
📌 Jisan Forest Ski Resort 1-Day Tour: KKday | Klook
📌 Seoul Suburban Strawberry Picking Tour: KKday
This concludes our recommendations. From pre-trip planning to the best attractions and food, this guide provides a well-rounded set of recommendations so you can travel freely across Korea and create unforgettable memories!
Check some hot tours in Busan:
📌 Seoul | Gyeongbokgung Seohwa Hanbok Rental: KKday
📌 Seoul Lotte World & Aquarium Tickets: KKday | Klook
📌 Everland Theme Park Admission Ticket: KKday | Klook
📌 N Seoul Tower Ticket: Klook
📌 Korea SIM Card | Daily Unlimited/500MB/1GB/2GB eSIM: KKday | Holafly
📌 Korea | NAMANE Card: KKday | Klook
📌 AREX Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket: KKday | Klook
