South Korea

South Korea packs dense, late-night cities, mountain national parks within reach of every city, and a southern coast of islands and fishing ports into a country the size of Portugal. High-speed trains cross it in under three hours. Palaces, temples and hiking trails sit close enough together that a single week can cover both city and mountain.

Cities

Busan

Busan is Korea's port city, built on hills around beaches and a huge fish market, with a looser feel than Seoul. Gamcheon's painted hillside houses and the cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa temple are the visual draws, and the seafood is the reason many Koreans come. The KTX from Seoul takes under three hours.

Seoul

Seoul runs along the Han river between mountains, with Joseon-era palaces in the old centre and glass districts around them. Neighbourhoods differ sharply: Bukchon keeps traditional hanok houses, Hongdae is student nightlife, Gangnam is corporate and retail. The subway reaches everything, and the city's hiking trails start inside the ring road.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Cherry blossom from late March in the south, mild and dry.
• Summer: Hot and humid with a monsoon peak in July.
• Autumn: Clear skies and mountain colour; the best hiking season.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.