South Korea

While South Korea has long been known as the “Land of the Morning Calm,” its tumultuous modern history stands directly at odds with this serene sobriquet.  Yet in spite of the adversity that South Korea has faced, from the colonial Japanese occupation to the divisive Korean War and subsequent dictatorships, the country has managed to overcome innumerable obstacles and establish itself as one of the world’s economic powerhouses. In the 1990s, South Korea, along with Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, was named one of the Four Asian Tigers. 

Today, South Korean corporations, including electronics giant Samsung and manufacturer Hyundai, have become household names around the globe; at the same time, Korean culture, particularly pop music, has slowly risen to prominence, first across Asia, and later the world.  Indeed, South Korea is an energetic, creative nation capable of great innovation, and is already a major player in the global economy and culture.

South Korea Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

South Korea Itineraries

Classic South Korea

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,500
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Busan and Seoul By Night

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,900
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Culture, Food, and White Sand Beaches: A Honeymoon to South Korea and Okinawa

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,900
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Korean Winter Sports Vacation

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,200
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Pursue Your Passion: Celebrate the Arts in Five of Asia's Most Captivating Capitals

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $63,000
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Revitalization, Korean Style

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,000
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Seoul: Riding the Korean Wave

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
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The Ultimate Korean Cultural Experience

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $20,300
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South Korean Summer Adventure

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,800
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Preferred Hotel

Banyan Tree Club & Spa

Seoul, South Korea

The Banyan Tree Club & Spa is centrally located at Mount Namsan, just 10 minutes from downtown Seoul. The hotel was renovated from the Tower Hotel which was created by the first generation of Korean architects. Each of the rooms and suites offer contemporary accommodations that includes a walk-in closet, a private pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and high levels of privacy as each floor contains a maximum of four rooms per floor. Guests may dine at any of the 12 establishments which serve Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, and Moroccan cuisines. Additional facilities at the hotel includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Korean sauna, soccer field, basketball and tennis court, ice-skating rink, golf range and a fully-equipped fitness center. The Banyan Tree hotel is approximately 55 minutes from Incheon International Airport.

Preferred Hotel

Conrad Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

The five-star Conrad Seoul is located in the Yeouido financial district with fantastic views overlooking the Han River and city. The hotel offers a huge year-round indoor swimming pool, spa, well-equipped gym, a rooftop garden and even a golf driving range. The spacious executive lounge outshines other five-star lounges with comfortable seating and a generous happy hour promotion. There are 434 spacious rooms with air-conditioning, a deep bathtub, rainfall showerhead, double sink, luxury aromatherapy toiletries, Apple entertainment systems, a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary newspapers. The hotel is within 5 minutes walking distance from Yeouido Subway Station (Line 5) and reasonably close to Seoul's airports. There is a choice of restaurants including Zest offering international dishes, Atrio that plates up Italian cuisine, a bar and grill on the 37th floor with a 360-degree view of the city and Flames a lobby bar offering wines, cocktails, local and international beers. The hotel also has direct access to the large international-style IFC shopping mall.

Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

Reflecting the unique city it sits in the center of, the Four Seasons in Seoul is a combination of traditional Korea and modern cool. Located in the central business district and yet within walking distance of the city’s historic sites, it’s the ideal choice for those traveling for work or pleasure. Fully equipped with a range of beautiful new facilities, guests may opt to stay in the hotel, making use of the pools, sauna and spa, not to mention state-of-the-art 3D golfing range.  The rooms, studios and suites are decorated with chic design features and all the modern conveniences, providing a welcome retreat after a long day of leisure, meetings or sightseeing. Fine dining is available in the selection of on-site restaurants, serving delectable cuisine from Asia and beyond. Thanks to the expert chefs and the hotel’s stylish bars, the hotel is a nightlife destination in itself and a go-to hotspot in Seoul. 

Preferred Hotel

Paradise Busan

Busan, South Korea

Tucked along the coastline, Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. It is home to picturesque mountains, glimmering beaches, and the Paradise Busan, which is located right along the lively Haeundae Beach.This upscale hotel features rooms with fantastic views, its own on-site casino, and an expansive spa. The polished, modern rooms start at 377 square feet and include views of either the ocean or the city. Many come with private, seaward-facing balconies. The suites offer more space and a private sitting area, and the top suites are divided into four classes, of which the marble-coated Diamond Suite is the most luxurious. There is an array of dining options including styles such as buffet, Western-fusion, Chinese, Japanese, and even a charming English pub. The on-site fitness center is world class, and the spa boasts a number of treatments, scenic hot spring tubs, and wet-dry saunas.

Preferred Hotel

Signiel Busan

Busan, South Korea

Perched between the third and 19th floors of the new LCT Tower building on the coast of Busan, the Signiel Busan is comprised of 260 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Room types range from Premier Rooms to the prestigious Presidential Suite Room, many of which boast sea views. Hotel facilities include a fitness center with a sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, business center, garden terrace and a kids lounge. For dining, guests can choose from a range of gourmet venues: the Pastry Lounge by three-time Michelin star winner Chef Bruno Menard, all day dining at The View, modern Chinese "tapas" at Chaoran, ocean-view cocktails in The Lounge, in addition to light poolside refreshments at the Pool Bar.
Preferred Hotel

Signiel Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul may have its fair share of five-star options when it comes to lodging, but Signiel Seoul brings luxury travelers unsurpassed expertise and premium hospitality services in a complete package that also features some of the city’s top dining and wellness facilities. Signiel Seoul’s 235 rooms all have panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, and the extra-spacious accommodations also have modern, tasteful furnishings and incorporate Super Premium Bedding Systems that have been co-developed with Simmons Bedding for maximum comfort. Where facilities and services are concerned, the hotel boasts some of the most prestigious establishments citywide with its Evian Spa, sauna, gym, swimming pool, and boutique Salon de Signiel. The spa, which draws inspiration from the purity of the snow-packed Alps, includes six private treatment rooms with their own locker and shower rooms, a relaxation lounge with an “Evian Aquabar,” and a VIP suite room for couples with a private jacuzzi. Dining choices at Signiel Seoul range from gourmet French cuisine to traditional Korean-style food, and there’s even a classical French pastry salon serving artisan deserts by three-star Michelin chef Yannick Alleno.
Accommodation in the DMZ

Accommodation in the DMZ

Dmz, South Korea

Due to its proximity to Seoul, visiting the DMZ is a simple day trip.

Bukchondaek

Bukchondaek

Andong, South Korea

Bukchondaek is a traditional hanok home belonging to a distinguished Korean family located in Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this home was built in strict observance of traditional hanok architecture and has remained virtually unchanged since its construction in 1862. The home consists of 72 rooms and is the largest house in the village. The family-owned property now operates as a homestay, allowing for visitors to experience Korean traditional culture by staying in the traditional structure, enjoying a traditional Korean breakfast served by the household, and see how people live in the village.

Camping

Camping

Odaesan National Park, South Korea

Leave the metropolis and experience Korea’s camping culture at Odaesan National Park, the nation’s largest natural forest and home to many native Korean species and scenic hiking trails, as well as temples. There are many campsites throughout for travelers venturing deep into the park for longer treks.  Campsites typically host restrooms, show facilities and communal kitchens. After a day’s hike, travelers can bed down in cozy, comfortable tents and wake up to crisp mountain air.

Cheil Hotel and Spa

Cheil Hotel and Spa

Asan, South Korea

Famous for hot springs, spas, and botanical gardens, Asan is an ideal city for luxurious relaxation. From the Cheil Hotel and Spa, a visitor’s stay can be even more comfortable. All of the hotel’s 141 inviting rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and LCD televisions. It also houses two restaurants. At Misogadeuk, guests can dine over local South Korean food while at Cheongsan they can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes. There is also a full-service spa and beauty salon, a business center, and meeting and banquet facilities. The hotel is conveniently located near a train station.

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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in South Korea

The best time to visit South Korea is between April and June, and also between September and November.

  • Due to its position, South Korea is one of the relatively few countries in Asia that has four distinct seasons: spring from mid-March to late-May, summer from June to August, autumn from September to November, and winter from December to mid- March. Of course, the actual weather doesn’t always fit into these neat categories.
  • Winter, from December to March, is dry but often bitterly cold, particularly in northern parts. Siberian winds drag January temperatures in most of the country (except on Jeju Island in the south) down to below zero. Temperatures range from 32°F to 46°F (0°C to 8°C) during the day and 17°F to 28°F (-2°C to 8°C) at night.
  • Spring, from April to June, is a beautiful time to visit South Korea, with generally mild temperatures and cherry blossoms spreading north across the country in April. Camellias, azaleas, and other plants and trees flower, but as with autumn, some days can be cold, so bring warm clothing. Temperatures range from 62°F to 81°F (17°C to 27°C) during the day and 41°F to 60°F (5°C to 16°C) at night.
  • Try to avoid peak summer, from late June to late August, which starts off with the monsoon season. This is when the country receives some 60 percent of its annual rainfall and is followed by unpleasantly hot and humid weather. There is also the chance of typhoons. Temperatures range from 81°F to 88°F (27°C to 31°C) during the day and 60°F to 72°F (15°C to 22°C) at night.
  • The best time of year to visit South Korea is in the autumn between September and November, when the weather is fine and clear. Temperatures range from 52°F to 79°F (11°C to 26°C) during the day and 32°F to 60°F (0°C to 15°C) at night

Multi-Country Specialists

South Korea Goes Well With

Travelogues

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