South Korea Tour Packages

Most popular South Korea tour packages

South Korea COVID-19 tourist guide  

South Korean borders were previously closed for tourism due to the pandemic situation. However, as of now, South Korea is once again accepting tourists from around the globe. All major cities are open for tourists, and both sightseeing and transportation are operational. It is recommended that you go through our detailed South Korea COVID-19 tourist guide to get more details on the regional travel restrictions and guidelines. In addition, when preparing for your international trip, make sure to learn and apply the common COVID-19 health and safety measures for your benefit.

Holidays in South Korea

The country of South Korea, officially known as Republic of Korea (ROK), is located in the easternmost region of Asia. It shares a land border with North Korea on one side and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan on the east and the Yellow Sea on the west. Seoul, officially named Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the largest metropolis and capital city of South Korea. The country is filled with mesmerising natural beauty, soaring cityscapes and breathtaking countryside. It is also a centre of rich culture, entertainment and historical significance. Tourists from around the globe visit South Korea to spend their holidays amidst the gorgeous mountain ranges, astonishing islands and regional beauty of the place. In addition, the country is a perfect showpiece of how rural and urban life can co-exist, creating a fascinating blend for a thriving nation. South Korea tourism has been on the rise lately, and if you are planning on visiting, now is a great time. You can add this majestic country to your East Asia tour plan or go for an exclusive South Korea trip. You can consider this South Korea trip package if your ideal vacation plan also includes Japan.

How to reach South Korea

When it comes to travelling to your international holiday destination, you have to consider options that are both time and cost-effective. Here are the best ways to reach South Korea:

Reaching South Korea by air

Among the various available airports, the main international gateway of South Korea is the Incheon International Airport, located in the Seoul Capital Area. If you are travelling from India, you can get direct flights to Seoul, South Korea, from New Delhi. Otherwise, you can opt for 1 or 2-stop flights from other major Indian cities, like Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc. Similarly, travellers from other parts of the world can find daily flights to South Korea, making travelling by air the best option. It is recommended that you check the plane schedule and book flight tickets weeks before the commencement of your trip.

Reaching South Korea by rail

Due to its geographical location, there are no train routes connecting India or any other countries to South Korea. Even its neighbouring country, North Korea, doesn’t have a train link with South Korea due to their political conflict. Besides rail, the same reason also obstructs international road transport options.

Reaching South Korea by sea

Apart from air, reaching South Korea by sea is a great alternative tourists can opt for. They make up for a great travel experience, especially if you are a fan of sightseeing. However, the option for a direct cruise to South Korea from India or other regions may not be easily available. Your best chance at travelling to South Korea by cruise is from Russia, China or Japan. You can look into South Korea travel packages that include transportation for a hassle-free trip experience. 

Travelling within South Korea

Due to the excellent national transport infrastructure of South Korea, tourists will have little to no issue in terms of travelling within the country. Here are the best ways to travel within South Korea:

• By air :Domestic flights are available in South Korea across its multiple airports. They are a quick and reliable way to reach the farthest corners of the country, like Jeju-do Island. Domestic flight tickets are also quite affordable when compared to other options.
• By ferry : Ferry travel is another crucial transport option for getting around in South Korea. Multiple islands are a part of the country, and reaching by ferry is often the only available option.
• By train : For intercity transport during your South Korea trip, you can opt to travel by train. The trains are fast, clean and very reliable when it comes to travelling long distances within the country.
• By bus : The best option available for travelling within major cities of South Korea is by bus. They can precisely take you to the popular tourist location in the city or town, cheaply and comfortably. Basic bus information is listed in English, and you will have no issues understanding it. However, be mindful of the city traffic in major metropolitan areas.
• By metro : Another great option for travelling in the major cities of South Korea is by metro. You can find a metro system in Daegu, Daejeon, Busan, Gwangju and Seoul, with the latter being the largest one of them all.
• By taxi : Taxi service runs throughout various South Korean cities and towns. You can easily find one cruising by the roadside or at designated taxi stands. In addition, you can also use the ride-hailing services available in South Korea.

Best time to visit in South Korea

There are four major tourism seasons in South Korea, each of which offers a completely different travel experience. For instance, the period of Spring, which ranges from March to late May or mid-June, is considered the best time to visit South Korea for its welcoming weather. The average temperature usually remains around the lower 20s, which is ideal for local sightseeing and participating in outdoor activities. In addition, the cherry blossoms seen across Seoul, Jeju-do Island and Gangwon-do Province, help enhance the beauty of the region.

The next popular South Korea tour season is Summer, which starts in late June or early July and can stretch till August. Even though the temperature runs high during this time, it is not unbearable. People consider summer the best time to visit South Korea for its mountain and beachside experiences. However, keep in mind that frequent rainfall is a common feature seen throughout the summer season. 

The time of Autumn, which ranges from September to November, is another great season for a South Korea trip. The temperature remains soothing, with mostly clear skies, and features unrivalled regional beauty. This is a great time to visit South Korea if you want lower tourist traffic and are interested in sightseeing.  

Winter in South Korea, from December to February, is a notable season for tourism. Even though the temperature remains chilly, winter can offer a different perspective to exploring South Korea. It is the best time to go to South Korea for its snow-capped mountains and cityscapes, winter outdoor activities, and major events and festivals, including Christmas and New Year. 

Places to visit in South Korea

A trip to South Korea can offer various experiences, depending on the locations you visit. Here are some of the best places to see in South Korea:

Seoul

The capital city of Seoul is a great place to start your South Korea journey. You will find a perfect blend of architectural brilliance, well-maintained gardens and other beautiful sights throughout this busy city. The world-renowned Korean pop culture runs through the veins of the city, making it massively popular among youngsters and adults alike. Some famous tourist attractions in Seoul are Changdeokgung Palace, Bukhansan National Park, Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower. The city is also filled with an array of local shops and restaurants. Seoul’s rich and vibrant nightlife also makes it one of the best places to visit in South Korea. If your ideal plan involves a short trip to the capital city you can consider this South Korea vacation package.

Busan

Busan is one of the most beautiful places in South Korea. It is the second-largest city in terms of population and a thriving cultural, economical and education centre in the country. It is one of the most versatile locations in South Korea, where you can enjoy a beach experience, explore religious sites, gaze at the scenic mountains, delve into the rich nightlife and so on. The main tourist attractions in Busan are Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Beomeosa Temple and Hurshimchung Hot Springs. Make sure to enjoy the local cuisine in the form of seafood during your stay at Busan.

Jeju Island

Jeju island is the largest island in South Korea and remains a massive tourism hotspot throughout the year. If you are looking to spend some time amidst the beautiful artwork of nature, Jeju Island stands to be one of South Korea's best places to visit. Some of the main features of this location are its serene beaches, lava caves, lush green forests, and regional flora. It is a famous getaway for South Korean city residents who want a break from their daily lifestyle. During your Jeju Island visit, make sure to check out Halassang National Park, Hamdeok beach, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls and Hyeopjae beach.   

Pyeongchang county

Pyeongchang is a county located in South Korea’s Gangwon-do province, within the Taebaek Mountain region. The natural beauty and calming essence of this location produce some of the best views in the country. Apart from local sightseeing and photography, the extensive hiking trails of Pyeongchang’s Odaesan National Park attracts tourists from around the globe. It also serves as a great spot for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities due to its snow-capped mountain peaks. The various Buddhist shrines spread across this region are also quite popular among visitors looking for some spiritual gain. It is a perfect example of the top South Korea beautiful places. 

Dadohaehaesang National Park

The Dadohaehaesang National Park is considered one of the best places to visit in South Korea. It is the largest national park in the country. The massive 2,321.5 square kilometres area of this park is divided into two halves, marine area, and land area, with the former accounting for the most. It is believed the Dadohaehaesang National Park is home to over 1,500 plant species, 800 insect species and 11 mammal species. It is a perfect site for boat trips, and during your visit, make sure to check out its major attractions, which include Baekdo, Heuksando, and Hongdo. It is often regarded alongside other must-visit South Korea famous places for nature lovers.

Jeonju

Jeonju is one of the best places to visit in South Korea if you want a glimpse into the region’s historical side during your trip. It is a famous spot for tourists due to its excellent availability of cuisine, outdoor activities, festivals, historic buildings, and so on. Just exploring Jeonju Hanok Village will make you feel like you have somehow travelled back in time to mediaeval Korea. Some other major tourist attractions of Jeonju are the Royal Portrait Museum, Jaman Mural Village, Wansan Park, Omokdae Historic Site, and Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Jeonju is thus one of the must-visit places in South Korea. 

What to eat in South Korea

While staying in South Korea, try not to miss out on the popular cuisine. Here are some tasty dishes you have to try during your trip:

• Bibimbap - While roaming the streets of Seoul, Busan or any other major cities in South Korea, make sure to give Bibimbap a shot. Most restaurants and street food vendors have this dish listed on their menus. It is a small bowl of rice with various toppings, including raw egg, chicken, other meat, a variety of vegetables, and so on. It is a wonderful meal option for when hunger strikes.
  
  
• Bibim naengmyeon- Another exciting Korean food item that you should try is bibim naengmyeon. It is a noodle dish containing a cold broth, boiled egg, onions, sliced cucumbers, and boiled meat. Visitors should try this at least once as it is quite a unique dish.
  
  
• Kimchi- One of the most famous Korean cuisines is Kimchi. It is a dish made with radish, ginger, onion, cabbage, chilli powder seasoning, and a variety of salted seafood, which are then fermented for many hours. You must try it out if you want to taste authentic South Korean cuisine.
  
  
• Korean stew- Just as the name suggests, it is a type of regional stew that is made with vegetables, seafood or meat, and sometimes all. It has a signature broth that is seasoned with saeujeot, gaenjang, or gochujang.

Things to do in South Korea

Here are some exciting things you can do in South Korea during your trip:

• Explore the city on foot - Life in major South Korean cities is best witnessed when exploring on foot. Cities like Seoul offer a dynamic perspective on the regional way of living. In addition, you will also get to experience the rich nightlife, shop for souvenirs at local stores and connect with locals during your exploration.
  
  
• Glance at history across museums- Most of the country’s historical essence is beautifully captured across several museums. If you are interested in exploring the rich past of South Korea, visiting the museums is one of the best things you can do.
  
  
• Try out winter adventure activities- The massive snow-capped mountains and slopes in various parts of South Korea are home to beautiful ski resorts and winter adventure activities. A prime example of such a place is the Taebaek mountain range, where you can go skiing, sledging, snowboarding, and so on.
  
  
• Take a religious trip- There are several hundred beautiful Buddhist temples located across various parts of South Korea. From ceremonial tea rooms and meditation halls to carved statues and intricate architecture, visit these sites to get insight into the region’s charming religious aspect.
  
  
• Spend a lovely day at the beachside- Spending some time at the beachside is one of the best things you can do in South Korea. From exciting seaside activities to enjoying the calm atmosphere, South Korea’s beaches make up for a great getaway. 

Forex/Currency for South Korea

The official currency used in South Korea is called South Korean WON (KRW). So, for your South Korea holiday trip, you will need to acquire their local currency to make purchases and pay for services there. Using the local currency of the foreign nation is the best way tourists can handle expenses without facing any problems. You can easily get your preferred forex online through the foreign exchange services offered by Thomas Cook India. You can choose from the multiple currency options and get forex at the best market rates. Make sure to carry KRW for your South Korea vacation trip in the form of a forex card as well as cash.

Visa for South Korea

All tourists are required to apply for a visa in order to gain entry access to South Korea. For instance, Indians travelling to South Korea will need to apply for a South Korean tourist visa. It is a type of temporary visit visa that has a validity of 90 days and is issued for non-profit purposes, like tourism, visiting friends and family, attending concerts, etc. You can contact the embassy or consulate for more information in this regard. In addition, if you are a citizen of a country that falls under the South Korea Visa Waiver Program (VWP) list, you can apply for a K-ETA, which will allow entry into South Korea for business and tourism purposes. So when checking South Korea holiday packages, make sure to take care of visas accordingly.