• A view of Bukchon Hanok Village in South Korea, with the iconic observation tower in the distance.

SOUTH KOREA TOURS

Travel your way

POV: you’re thinking of travelling to a unique destination that’s always intrigued you and now you're ready to visit the place that brings together a mash up of culture, tragedy, hope, colour, peace and cute af vibes. We’re talking about South Korea if the title wasn’t obvious enough. This country is FULL of awesome things you’ll wanna experience for yourself. Like...? 

Famous South Korea landmarks that include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Seoul Tower, Bulguksa Temple, Myeongdong, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Haeundae Beach... *takes breath*. It’s also a top tier place to actually sink your teeth into, too. Into legit recipes that’ve fed generations for YEARS. Honestly, we’re drooling just thinking about it. And the culture? Next level.  

Travel South Korea with Topdeck to delve deep into this destination.  

Don’t take our word for it. Experience it for yourself. Join the South Korea party.

Topdeck South Korea tours

Delve Deep: South Korea

9 days 1 Country 20 Max group size

From $2,179

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Places to visit in South Korea

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Seoul in three words: eclectic, bold, unforgettable. This place is a vibrating hub with something new at every turn. Things to do in Seoul? Get your notes app ready. Visit Gyeongbok Palace. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village. Eat your way around Gwangjang Market. Other Seoul attractions? Book the trip to find out. 

Is Busan worth visiting? Short answer: a big fat YES. It’s got sea views. It’s got hot springs. It’s got its own film festival. That’s the tip of the iceberg. What to do in Busan, you ask? It’s not a visit without a trip to Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Village. Get a taste of K-pop culture, too, at an optional dance class.

Not to be confused with Gyeongju which is a little (a lot) more to the right of the South Korean map. Jeonju is the home of bibimbap. The birthplace of the Joseon dynasty. And traditional hanoks that’ll transport you back in time. That’s intriguing enough, right?

THINGS TO DO IN KOREA

A view of Golgulsa Temple in Hamwolsan Mountain.

Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple

Zen. Discipline. Devotion. If these words ignite you in any way, you’re gonna LOVE the overnight temple stay we offer on our South Korea tour. Explore the temple and allow that inner peace to wash over you like a wave of serenity. You’ll also get all the deets on the local etiquette which is followed by a martial arts session complete with meditation. We’re not saying you’ll leave this experience a completely different person, but you might unlock an inner dialogue you’ve not had the key to before. And that’s why we do what we do.

A view of the Bridge of Freedom in the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea.

Learn about Korea’s past during a DMZ tour

A super important part of Korean history, a trip to the DMZ is crucial when you travel South Korea. What is DMZ? Created at the end of the Korean War in 1953, it’s a 160-mile-long demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. During our included DMZ tour, you’ll learn of the war’s shattering history, spot North Korea through a telescope and explore the secret underground tunnels.

Your South Korea Qs answered...

How much will a trip to South Korea cost?

It depends! You’ll need to budget for spending money, meals (only the ones which aren’t included, obvs) and those immense optional activities. Go through your itinerary and think about the optionals you’re keen to experience – it’s all part of the fun!

What should I include in my Korea packing list?

For summer, the usual essentials like t-shirts (especially those that cover your shoulders), shorts, loose-fitting pants (for comfort and stuffing your face with all the local eats), trainers (those 10k steps will occur daily), light jackets and a hoodie. Travelling South Korea during winter? Add in essentials like a scarf, a (long) warm coat, gloves, thermals and boots. Your full packing list will be included in your trip notes!

What public holidays are celebrated in South Korea?

Seollal (Korean New Year) on the first day of the lunar calendar. Families get together to pay tribute to their ancestors. Independence Movement Day on 1 March which commemorates the beginning of public protest against Japanese colonial rule in 1919. Children’s Day is a pretty unique one celebrated on 5 May – parents give presents to their kids and spend the whole day together. Parents Day is a week later. Hangul Day on 9 October celebrates the creation of the Korean Hangul alphabet – that’s pretty awesome if you ask us. 

What’s the local currency in South Korea?

South Korean won (KRW).

Bonus questions...

When’s the best time to travel to South Korea?

The best time to visit South Korea has to be between March and May! Warm weather? Check. Less rain spots? Check. Cherry blossoms. Check! October and November are awesome to see those trees in peak autumn, too.

Will I need a visa and/or travel insurance to travel to South Korea?

You must have comprehensive travel insurance to participate in a Topdeck trip to South Korea. You will be unable to join us without it. 

It’s your responsibility to obtain the correct visas for your trip. Ask your travel agent or check with the relevant embassies before you depart. 

Find travel advice for Australia citizens here, for New Zealand citizens here for US citizens here, for Canadian citizens here and for British citizens here. If you’re travelling from a country not listed here, head to the relevant government website for more information. 

What are the health and vaccine requirements for travel to South Korea?

We recommend you consult your doctor about health and vaccination requirements before you travel to South Korea. 

For current travel safety advice, please check your home country’s travel advisories.

Can I use my mobile phone whilst travelling in South Korea?

Mobile phone reception in South Korea varies. Signal is likely to be better in cities and towns than in rural areas. Remember to check your network provider’s roaming fees to avoid any nasty surprises on your next bill! Alternatively, an eSim is a great option to roam locally. Another thing to bear in mind, Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea; the locals use the app Naver.

What do I need to charge my devices in South Korea?

The plug types in South Korea are Type C and F. South Korea operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. 

We recommend you bring a universal plug adapter – airports usually sell them, but it’s cheaper to buy one before you go.

Top tips for travelling South Korea

Go when the trees are in full blossom in spring, or when they’re burning orange during autumn. Be aware that your experience may change during Lunar New Year and Chuseok. Learn some basic Korean! Don’t expect heaps of personal space when you’re out and about – it's a BUSY place. Take a mask with you to protect yourself from local pollution and dust. For couples, leave the PDA at home.

What are some useful phrases I can use in South Korea?

Hello = 안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo) 

Yes = (ne) or (ye) 

No = 아니요 (aniyo) 

Maybe = 아마도 (amado) 

Please = 주세요 (juseyo) 

Thank you = 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 고마워요 (gomawoyo) 

You’re welcome = 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo) 

Excuse me (for someone’s attention) = 저기요 (jeogiyo) 

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