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Introducing South Korea

South Korea captivates travelers with its unique blend of traditional and modern cultures. This vibrant peninsula nation offers a diverse range of experiences from the bustling metropolis of Seoul, with its high-tech subways and pop culture, to the tranquil Buddhist temples and historic palaces tucked away in the countryside. South Korea's landscapes are equally varied and beautiful, ranging from the volcanic Jeju Island to the stunning Seoraksan Mountain peaks, and the scenic coastal city of Busan. Visitors can immerse themselves in the country's rich history in Gyeongju, sample local cuisine in a Seoul food market, or explore the art scenes in the rustic village of Andong. All these elements combine to create an unforgettable Korean experience that appeals to adventurers, history buffs, and food lovers alike.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 13 days · 14 days

South Korea Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Go for a ride in a Sky Capsule tram at the Haeundae Blue Line Park in Busan
Map of Best of South Korea: Seoul,  Andong, Busan & Jeju Island - 10 Days
Best of South Korea: Seoul, Andong, Busan & Jeju Island - 10 Days

Explore South Korea's cultural highlights and natural wonders on this 10-day itinerary. The adventure begins in Seoul, where you'll explore the urban culture and street food scene. Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) next before continuing to historic temples in Andong. Discover the beautiful coastline of Busan, then fly to Jeju Island to marvel at the spectacular scenery and take in views from the country's highest peak.

Discover South Korean history and culture on a cross-country tour, stopping for views at Busan's Songdo Skywalk
Map of  Best of South Korea & Japan: Seoul, Busan, Tokyo & Kyoto - 14 Days
Best of South Korea & Japan: Seoul, Busan, Tokyo & Kyoto - 14 Days

See the best of South Korea and Japan as you cross the two nations by car, plane, and train. Learn about culinary traditions at busy markets in Seoul and Busan, then explore volcanic Jeju Island's gardens and mountains. Jet off to Tokyo for Mount Fuji views and pop culture, and ride a bullet train to Kyoto for a tea ceremony and hike before indulging in street food in Osaka.

Visit famous K-drama filming locations like Jeonju Hanok Village, with traditional buildings
Map of South Korea K-Drama Tour: Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju & Busan - 10 Days
South Korea K-Drama Tour: Seoul, Jeonju, Gyeongju & Busan - 10 Days

Immerse yourself in Korean drama on this 10-day tour of South Korea. You'll visit the country's most famous locations, featured on film, from Seoul to Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Busan. Marvel at the capital's Gyeongbokgung palace and N Seoul Tower, then discover European-themed villages and the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto. More movie-worthy highlights include Jeonju's ancient hanok houses, Daerengwon Tomb Complex, and Busan's Gamcheon Cultural Village.

Damyan Bamboo Forest
Map of Discover South Korea's Western Coast Natural Wonders - 7 Days
Discover South Korea's Western Coast Natural Wonders - 7 Days

From bamboo forests to mountain summits, discover some of South Korea's natural wonders along the peninsula's western coast. Touchdown in Seoul and admire the extensive grounds of Gyeongbokgung palace before heading south to explore Taeanhaean National Park and soaring over Daecheon Beach by sky bike. After checking out the traditional houses of Jeonju Hanok Village and wandering Damyan's lush bamboo forests, you'll take in the extraordinary views of Jirisan National Park.

Explore K-drama filming locations like the sprawling Gyeongbokgung palace
Map of South Korea K-Drama Tour of Seoul - 5 Days
South Korea K-Drama Tour of Seoul - 5 Days

Experience a taste of South Korea's "Hallyuwood" as you hit the sights of Korean drama scenes on this five-day trip. You'll tour some of Seoul's most famous locations, which feature heavily in popular South Korean movies and TV shows. Visit ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Mountain, and the iconic N Seoul Tower—you'll even have the chance to ride rollercoasters at Lotte World. Head out of the city for more K-drama hotspots, from European-themed villages to the tree-lined parks of Nami Island.

Taste the flavors of South Korea from the islands to the city
Map of South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Busan & Jeju - 7 Days
South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Busan & Jeju - 7 Days

Explore South Korea's diverse culinary traditions from cities to islands on this seven-day tour by train, car, and air, from Seoul to Busan to Udo. Learn Korean flavors and ingredients in a cooking class, and explore the vast Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul. Board a train south to Busan and then join locals at Jagalchi Fish Market, buying seafood cooked to order. Then fly to tranquil Udo for beach time and village life to end your adventure.

Make the Most of Your Time in South Korea

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Take in a pansori (genre of musical storytelling) performance of drums and singing
How Many Days to Spend in South Korea

A 10-day visit is recommended for South Korea. The small size of the country, combined with good roads, multiple domestic airports, and excellent public transportation, makes it...

South Korea Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest South Korea Content

See the iconic sights of Seoul and spend a peaceful night in the tranquil Geumsunsa Temple
Map of Signature Seoul & Geumsunsa Temple Stay - 6 Days
Signature Seoul & Geumsunsa Temple Stay - 6 Days

Experience the highlights of South Korea's capital, including an immersive temple stay, with this six-day Seoul getaway. See the traditional changing of the guard at the palace of Gyeongbokgung, learn about more recent Korean history at the DMZ, and take in the views from atop the iconic N Seoul Tower. Spend a night with the monks at Geumsunsa Temple, then end your trip amid the city's best cafés, bathhouses, and street food markets.

Indulge in savory pork bone hot pot with traditional Korean "banchan"
Map of South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju, Busan & Jeju - 13 Days
South Korea Culinary Adventure: Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju, Busan & Jeju - 13 Days

Love exploring new cultures through your taste buds? You'll explore local markets in five different cities and learn to cook plenty of traditional dishes with this 13-day foodie adventure through South Korea. Start by following tantalizing smells and sizzling sounds in Seoul's markets and alleyways before moving on to the country's culinary capital, Jeonju. Continue making your way south, exploring seaside Busan, before wrapping things up among the tangerine groves and tea fields of Jeju Island.

Explore South Korea's UNESCO-listed sites, such as Namhansanseong, during this 10-day tour
Map of South Korea's UNESCO Treasures & Temple Stay - 10 Days
South Korea's UNESCO Treasures & Temple Stay - 10 Days

Discover some of South Korea's UNESCO-listed wonders during this 10-day journey. See palaces and temples in Seoul, make your own Korean name stamp, and learn some traditional recipes before admiring ancient relics in Gongju and Buyeo. Spend a memorable night at the Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan National Park before transferring to Gyeongju, South Korea's "museum without walls." Finally, return to Seoul via a walk along the ancient fortress walls of Namhansanseong.

South Korea Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for South Korea
Travel specialist Jessica Wang
active 8 hours ago

Jessica Wang

My philosophy is that travel is about personal reflection and growth, about meeting people of different cultures, taking in the beauty of nature, and experiencing authentic activities. Let me know...

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Travel specialist Christine Liu
active 7 hours ago

Christine Liu

I have a deep passion for exploring and traveling, as it allows me to encounter new cultures, meet new people, and witness the incredible diversity of our world. I have traveled to more than 30...

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Travel specialist Hilda Yang
active 6 mins ago

Hilda Yang

Travel is my greatest passion—it awakens my senses, connects me with nature's wonders, and continually deepens my appreciation for our diverse world. Every journey through Japan reveals new layers...

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Travel specialist Winnie Wu
active 5 hours ago

Winnie Wu

I am Winnie, with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, I specialize in crafting personalized journeys across East Asia, especially to Japan, Korea, and China. Each of these countries...

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Trip Reviews for South Korea

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great listener
South Korea | Jul 9 - Jul 19, 2026

J
Janet D.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2026
I planned & booked an international trip with Jessica, She made planning & booking of my trip to Seoul stress - less. What I like most about the planning process was that she listened to what I was looking for and what was important to me and just did exactly that. She guided me in the planning without pressure of doing what "most people do".... From day 1, she was interested in my goals of the trip which was - not bouncing from one place to the next and not going one day after another... Read more

I planned & booked an international trip with Jessica, She made planning & booking of my trip to Seoul stress - less. What I like most about the planning process was that she listened to what I was looking for and what was important to me and just did exactly that. She guided me in the planning without pressure of doing what "most people do".... From day 1, she was interested in my goals of the trip which was - not bouncing from one place to the next and not going one day after another without any rest. Days were flexible where if I wanted a free day, I could have a free day. Her responses were prompt and if they weren't she assured when she would respond.

Hotel Review
Orakai Insadong Suites

great service and good options of variety of rooms. However, our unit was a bit dirty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
walking distance to everything touist
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
dishes in the cabinet were dirty with food
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Jessica
Jessica Wang
Local specialist in South Korea | Replied on Jul 22, 2026
Hi Janet, Greetings from Jessica. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your trip to Seoul. I'm so glad to hear that you felt listened to and that the itinerary reflected what was most important to you. My goal is always to create a trip that suits each traveler's own interests and pace, so it means a lot to know that you enjoyed having the flexibility to explore and relax without feeling rushed. I also really appreciate... Read more

Hi Janet,

Greetings from Jessica.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience!

It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your trip to Seoul. I'm so glad to hear that you felt listened to and that the itinerary reflected what was most important to you. My goal is always to create a trip that suits each traveler's own interests and pace, so it means a lot to know that you enjoyed having the flexibility to explore and relax without feeling rushed.

I also really appreciate your feedback about Orakai Insadong Suites. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed the location, room options, and service. At the same time, I'm sorry to hear that the cleanliness of your unit didn't meet expectations, especially regarding the condition of the room and the dishes. I'll certainly keep this feedback in mind when recommending accommodations and will share it with the hotel where appropriate.

Thank you again for trusting me with your trip. I hope you came home with wonderful memories of Seoul, and I'd love to help you plan your next adventure like Japan, China, Singapore and more destinations in Asia whenever you're ready!

Warm regards,

Jessica

Great guides and Great fun in South Korea
South Korea | Jun 16 - Jun 30, 2026

Melissa
Melissa S.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2026
My two 20ish daughters and I loved our Kim Kim tour of South Korea. I had waited until the last minute to book our tour, and Jessica communicated back and forth with me in a timely manner to decide on the appropriate amount of activities in Seoul, Busan and Jeju. I needed help choosing hotels, and Jessica booked great ones for us! She also chose knowledgeable private tour guides who made our trip fabulous. We really enjoyed her help booking an intimate traditional music concert for us music... Read more

My two 20ish daughters and I loved our Kim Kim tour of South Korea. I had waited until the last minute to book our tour, and Jessica communicated back and forth with me in a timely manner to decide on the appropriate amount of activities in Seoul, Busan and Jeju. I needed help choosing hotels, and Jessica booked great ones for us! She also chose knowledgeable private tour guides who made our trip fabulous. We really enjoyed her help booking an intimate traditional music concert for us music lovers! We felt especially well taken care of because Jessica booked great transfers, internal flights, and tour guides for us. Thanks Kim Kim.

My two daughters and I loved our three days in Seoul with our Tour Guide Sebastian. Sebastian expertly guided us to the sites we had requested and advised us on the best views. He even took a bunch of photos for us so we have great family pics. Sebastian also gave us great restaurant suggestions. One day, we had outdoor plans, and we were discouraged because it was raining heavily. Sebastian suggested fabulous alternative options so we could make the best of our schedule. One of his ideas was a bird sanctuary. He’d been paying attention and knew we loved birds! He saved the day! Sebastian was fabulous!

Danny was a fabulous tour guide for my daughters and me in Gyeongyu and Busan, South Korea. Danny noticed our interest in some particular historical sites and guided us through a local museum so that we could fully understand the region. It was awesome. He ushered us into a fabulous beef soup restaurant that was both economical and delicious. On our final day in Busan, he made it possible for us to visit the three temples we wanted to see with appropriate pacing for all the hiking. Danny did a great job helping us focus our touring on what we really wanted to see. Danny was a kind, fabulous expert!

Jimmie was an excellent tour guide on Jeju Island. He grew up in Jeju, so he told us about both modern and historical Jeju! He got us addicted to Black Pork and helped us find fabulous restaurants to eat well. Each day, he remained flexible about our plans so that we could enjoy the best activities at the right times of day. Jimmie made us feel like we were his guests in his hometown.

Hotel Reviews
Shilla Stay Jeju Airport

Lovely lobby and outstanding top floor restaurant that overlooked Jeju City. Delicious breakfast that we had trouble leaving.

Authenticity & Character
Cool atrium lobby with shiny marble. Very swanky.
Location
Shops directly outside the front door. Bus stop directly outside. Fabulous location.
Staff
Helpful staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Roomy rooms with everything we needed!
Fairfield by Marriott Busan
Busan

Nice amenities. Cash machine and vending machines in lobby. Restaurant served extra snacks in the evening. Nice breakfast in the morning with very attentive staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Fabulous location....close to the beach and shops.
Staff
Very nice staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean rooms with attentive room staff. Rooms were a bit snug.
GG Hotel

This is a nice hotel in a small town. It remained nice and cool during some sweltering days. Rooms were spacious.

Authenticity & Character
Nice, sparkling lobby.
Location
Good location. The coffee shop with extensive menue right next door was extremely helpful.
Staff
Very helpful staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong
Seoul

Nice posh hotel with all the amenities to make you feel like you are in a busy city.

Authenticity & Character
Swanky. Liked it!
Location
Right near everything. Handy convenient store inside. Delicious breakfast.
Staff
Staff was very kind and helpful to us on many occasions. They took care of our every need.
Cleanliness & Comfort
All guest spaces were clean and sparkling!
Activity Reviews
Full day tour with N Seoul Tower
Full day tour with N Seoul Tower
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sebastian expertly helped us fit in all the sites we wanted to see. He is an expert!
Transport
Seoul Highlights
Seoul Highlights
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sebastian expertly guided us to the sites we had requested and advised us on the best views. He even took a bunch of photos for us so we have great family pics. Sebastian also gave us great restaurant suggestions. We feel fortunate to have had Sebastian with us on our first ays in the city.
Transport
 Gamcheon Village, BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market
Gamcheon Village, BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market
Busan

Gamcheon Village and BIFF Square were a few of the highlights of trip to Busan. The quaint shops and friendly, arty atmosphere of Gamcheon Village were unique and fabulous. We got the shopping bug in BIFF square and loved the film sites.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit K-drama Locations in the Historic City of Gyeongju
Visit K-drama Locations in the Historic City of Gyeongju
Gyeongju

I'm so glad we visited Gyeoungju so that we could better understand the Silla kingdom's history. Our guide suggested we take time for the museum and we are SO glad we did. It had fascinating relics!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Danny was a fabulous tour guide for my daughters and me in Gyeongyu and Busan, South Korea. . Danny noticed our interest in some particular historical sites and guided us through a local museum so that we could fully understand the region. It was awesome. He ushered us into a fabulous beef soup restaurant that was both economical and delicious
Transport
Danny's care was roomy and comfortable. We appreciated it!
Enjoy Jeju: Mt. Hallasan and Tea Plantation
Enjoy Jeju: Mt. Hallasan and Tea Plantation
Jeju Island

We viewed the mountain from many spots. It's gorgeous.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jeju Discovery: Woljeongri Beach and Seongsan Ilchulbong
Jeju Discovery: Woljeongri Beach and Seongsan Ilchulbong
Jeju Island

Jeju is absolutely gorgeous. The beaches and neighboring cafes are friendly and wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Jeju is a unique place. You must eat the Black Pork yum!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jimmie was an excellent tour guide on Jeju Island. He grew up in Jeju, so he told us about both modern and historical Jeju! He got us addicted to Black Pork and helped us find fabulous restaurants to eat well. Each day, he remained flexible about our plans so that we could enjoy the best activities at the right times of day. Jimmie made us feel like we were his guests in his hometown.
Transport
Discover the Culture of Busan with Seokbulsa Temple
Discover the Culture of Busan with Seokbulsa Temple
Busan

Busan temples are fabulous. We loved the cable car rides so we could see all the neighborhoods in Busan.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jinyeon: Korean Traditional Music Performance with Modern vibes
Jinyeon: Korean Traditional Music Performance with Modern vibes
Seoul

A lovely, intimate concert with friendly musicians. The musicians allowed us to ask them questions and take pictures with them. A great experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island
Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island
South Korea

Nami Island is a must see. It's worth half of a day!

Quality of Experience
Nami Island is a unique place with lots of fun activities and a lovely forest.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Jessica
Jessica Wang
Local specialist in South Korea | Replied on Jul 21, 2026
Hi Melissa, Greetings from Jessica. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience. It was such a pleasure helping you plan your South Korea trip, and I’m so happy to hear that you and your daughters had such a memorable time. I’m especially glad that Sebastian, Danny, and Jimmie helped make your journey special. They are all wonderful guides, and it’s great to hear how they shared their knowledge, local insights, and thoughtful recommendations along the... Read more

Hi Melissa,

Greetings from Jessica.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience. It was such a pleasure helping you plan your South Korea trip, and I’m so happy to hear that you and your daughters had such a memorable time.

I’m especially glad that Sebastian, Danny, and Jimmie helped make your journey special. They are all wonderful guides, and it’s great to hear how they shared their knowledge, local insights, and thoughtful recommendations along the way.

Thank you again for trusting me with your family’s adventure. I truly enjoyed working with you and hope to help you plan another amazing trip like South Korea, Japan, China and more destinations in Asia in the future!

Warm regards,
Jessica

Michael was amazing
South Korea | Jun 8 - Jun 19, 2026

C
Charles C.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2026
Michael was amazing Read more

Michael was amazing

Hotel Reviews
Shilla Stay Busan Haeundae

Location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NINE TREE BY PARNAS SEOUL MYEONDONG 2
Seoul

Central AC is no good

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half-Day Busan Highlights with K-drama Spot
Half-Day Busan Highlights with K-drama Spot
Busan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Excursion to Korean DMZ + Suspension Bridge Tour
Full Day Excursion to Korean DMZ + Suspension Bridge Tour
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Busan Sightseeing with Hot Springs Spa Experience
Busan Sightseeing with Hot Springs Spa Experience
Busan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Dressing & Namsan Tower
Full Day Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Dressing & Namsan Tower
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Christine Liu
Christine
Christine Liu
Local specialist in Seoul and Japan | Replied on Jul 15, 2026
Hi Charles, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback! I'm delighted to hear that you had a wonderful trip and that Michael made such a positive impression. I'll be sure to pass your kind words along to him—they'll mean a lot. I also appreciate your feedback about the air conditioning at Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 2. Thank you for letting us know. We value comments like yours, as they help us improve future travel experiences. It was a pleasure helping you... Read more

Hi Charles,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback!

I'm delighted to hear that you had a wonderful trip and that Michael made such a positive impression. I'll be sure to pass your kind words along to him—they'll mean a lot.

I also appreciate your feedback about the air conditioning at Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 2. Thank you for letting us know. We value comments like yours, as they help us improve future travel experiences.

It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey to South Korea. I hope you came home with many wonderful memories, and I'd be delighted to help you plan another adventure like Japan, China and other destinations in Asia in the future.

Wishing you all the best!

Warm regards,
Christine

Why travelers love kimkim

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