South Korea provides contemporaneity blended with a lot of history and heritage, going well beyond K-Pop, the Korean musical style that has been prominent globally in recent years.
It is an ideal destination for a variety of audiences. Its capital helps to make the nation the third biggest economy in Asia, and you can already picture the speed of Seoul.
Planning a vacation to Korea, or anyplace else, may be difficult without study since it still lacks the tourist attraction of neighbouring nations like China and Japan.
A well-planned schedule for South Korea will make or break your trip. As a result, I will provide practical advice on how to resolve some common traveller concerns.
Do you, for example, know which money to use? Do you know whether South Korea is a safe place to visit? All of this and more may be found in this post on travelling to Korea.
What to know before visiting South Korea
Tip 1: When is the best time to visit South Korea?
To be honest, it differs from person to person. This is the first of Korea’s recommendations.
For example, spring in South Korea lasts from April to May, so you may observe the gorgeous cherry blossoms and enjoy the warmer weather.
Summer is considered the prime season from June through August. This season in Korea is fairly humid and stuffy, with high temperatures, making it a great time to visit the island of Jeju, for example.
The rains are persistent throughout August, making it almost difficult to walk outside without an umbrella or raincoat.
Autumn begins in September and October, when the temperature begins to fall. Snow begins to fall steadily towards the end of December, which may be unpleasant for some but appealing to others.
I visited Seoul, South Korea’s capital, in February, and the snow ensured picturesque scenery worthy of a film. If you wish to travel at the same time, check out the sites in Seoul.
Tip 2: South Korean currency
The South Korean Won is the country’s currency. There is no penny or cent variant of the won.
So 100 won equals around 10 cents, and 1000 won is somewhat less than one dollar.
For example, a modest supper may be had for 5000 won (about $5).
Carrying everything in dollars is the simplest approach to assure that you won’t have any difficulties converting your money. When you arrive in Seoul, exchange a modest amount at the airport since the costs are greater.
The remainder may be exchanged at Myeongdong. There are multiple exchange offices with reduced rates in Seoul since it is a highly active business centre.
Tip 3: South Korean Visa
Entering the country is simple, almost as if you were doing a domestic trip, however I suggest carrying your vaccination card and yellow fever vaccine with you at all times.
If you don’t already have it, learn how to get an international yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Those who travel to work or study should review the laws for each instance on official websites, since numerous papers are necessary to confirm their legal status in the nation.
Tip 4: Safety in South Korea
Can you imagine living in a nation where you can leave your smartphone someplace and it would be ready for you when you return?
Or, for that matter, going down the street at daybreak without fear of being mugged? If so, know that South Korea is living a very similar scenario to this one.
You merely need to listen to stories from foreigners who reside in the nation to feel highly confident about the country’s safety.
I’ve been in circumstances that would not have had the same result in other, less safe nations.
Seoul is the world’s eighth safest city. South Korea has also been ranked as the safest nation.
So, don’t be concerned about leaving your smartphone or camera on show when visiting; the odds of being stolen are quite minimal.
Tip 5: Outlet in South Korea
The outlet is one of Korea’s top suggestions. The two-pin plug is the most common kind of plug in South Korea.
As a result, it’s best if you purchase a universal converter before you go, or if you leave it to buy one in the nation (but do it as soon as you arrive, okay?).
Tip 6: Internet in South Korea
Most people like sharing their whole journey with pals in real time in the age of social media.
As a result, I’ll discuss four methods to utilise the internet in South Korea. Renting a portable Wi-Fi router is the most cost-effective option for me.
The service is around 8000 won each day and may be reserved in advance online.
You may pick it up and return it at the airport. This service is also provided by certain hotels and guest homes.
A chip may also be purchased from a local operator for roughly 30,000 won and is valid for one month. Another alternative is to make your line operate in other nations, which I believe is fairly costly.
The fourth and cheapest option is to utilise the Wi-Fi network at metro stations and business enterprises.
Because it is such a technologically advanced and sophisticated nation, most services are provided for free. It’s one of the amazing Korean tips.
This isn’t my preferred choice since the navigation applications accessible online will be your best friends in getting about without having to go through the rituals of asking for directions in a Korean-speaking nation.