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South Korea
Getting Started & Practical Information
When to Visit
Summers in South Korea consist of the time between
about June to about September, but this time is also the monsoon or rainy season.
Temperatures in Seoul average about 75°F (25°C) during this time, while the mountains
are cooler, but all of the country, particularly in the south and west, receives
a fair amount of humidity and rain. Winters hover right around the freezing point
with the mountains remaining below that point for much of winter and the coasts
typically getting above during days so snow doesn't tend to remain on the ground
long. The fall (autumn) tends to be fairly warm and sunny as the changing leave
colors attract a fair amount of tourists. Likewise, the spring draws a lot of tourists,
including many locals as the Cherry Blossoms are in full color in March-May. These
two times also raise prices in most hotels as the tourists fill most hotels and
transportation routes well in advance.
A final point to consider before planning your travel is local holidays. Holidays
can make travel either more attractive, such as for large festivals, or less attractive
due to tourist sight closings and more expensive transportation options, so make
sure you look into this before booking your trip.
Weather
Although weather can be generalized based upon years past, for more up to date weather
patterns and predicted future weather patterns, visit weather websites like weather.com; many local news sources also have information
for international weather forecasts.
Tours & Cruises
If you're looking for a pre-arranged trip, that involves little effort on your
part, then you should consider going on an organized tour or cruise. Organized tours
and cruises vary from all expenses included to only daily tours and perhaps hotels
included in the price, but all the options below will help you arrange all the details
so you don't have to worry about finding the best deal or right hotel.
Holland America Cruises: Cruises for all ages and families.
Intrepid Travel: Boasts
more "off the beaten track" destinations; do your research though since
some tours are very adventurous and involves camping and local hotels.
Kensington Tours: Only offers personal tours for you and
your family/friends, which allows greater flexibility, but also means slightly higher
prices.
Road Scholar: For older adults, Road Scholar offers tours with an educational
emphasis; formerly known as Elder Hostel.
Royal Caribbean: Cruises for all ages and families.
Guidebooks
If you are just traveling on business and have little free time or are already familiar
with South Korea, you may not need anything more
than SafariTheGlobe.com's Mini Guide to
South Korea! However, if you need more detailed and up to date information,
there are a number of great country-wide, guidebooks available for travel in South
Korea.
Frommer's:
Incredible number of lists, which divide travel into various categories based upon
your interests. Travelers looking to spend most of their time in a single location
or on organized tours enjoy these books.
Lonely
Planet: Great maps and updated often with comprehensive housing information,
restaurants, & transportation options. Backpackers and adventurers love these
guidebooks.
Rough Guides: Cover various aspects of travel from culture
to getting by on the cheap.
Visas
Many foreign nationals need a visa to enter South Korea,
however the requirements for citizens of different nationalities varies. To learn
more about who need visas, what type of visa is needed, what requirements are needed
to obtain a visa, and visa costs, please visit the Official Website of South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
& Trade.
Health & Insurance
Every part of the world has different health concerns and diseases, including South Korea. Before traveling, consult with a physician
to learn more about your destination and what steps you can take to prevent illness.
At the time of writing, South Korea didn't have any health immunizations that
are required prior to arrival, although a number of immunizations are strongly recommended.
Many health insurance providers don't cover health care that is provided outside
your home country. Before going abroad check with your health insurance to see if
they cover international care. If not, consider purchasing an international medical
insurance option, preferably from a company that specializes in international medical
insurance.
Transportation
Unless you're on an organized tour or working with a travel agent, you will
have to arrange some transportation. The below links can greatly help you start
your planning, first by finding a flight to South Korea,
then with domestic airlines and car rental agencies. If you don't know where
to begin, try the "Flight & Rental Car Search Sites" to learn competitor's
prices during your trip.
Largest International Airlines: Air France, American
Airlines; British Airways;
Cathay Pacific; China Southern Airlines;
Delta; Emirates;
KLM; LAN; Lufthansa;
Qantas; Singapore Airlines;
United Airlines.
Largest South Korean Airline: Korean Air
Largest Rental Car Agencies in South Korea: Avis & Hertz.
Flight & Rental Car Search Sites: Expedia.com;
Farecast.com; Kayak.com;
Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.
Housing
Housing options are numerous in most tourist destinations, but every individual
seeks out something different when it comes to housing. The below links should help
you get started, with low- to high-end hotels, hostels, and camping options.
Popular International Hotel Conglomerates: Accor Group (various price ranges); Choice Hotels (low- to mid-price range); Hilton (various price ranges); Hyatt (high-end to resorts); InterContinental Group (mid- to high-price
range); Marriott Family (various
price ranges); Starwood Hotels
(high-end); Wyndham Hotels
(low- to mid-price range).
Hotel Search Sites:
Expedia.com; Kayak.com;
Orbitz.com; & Travelocity.com.
Hostels: Although there are many hostel websites, some of the most
popular and reputable include hostels.com,
hostelworld.com, &
hostelbookers.com.
Camping: Camping is still a foreign concept in South Korea. Although
there are movements to change this, currently there are few organized and official
options. Additionally, camping should not be undertaken anywhere within sight of
the North Korean border as this area is not safe and you may be viewed as a threat.
Opening Hours, Expenses, & Tipping
South Korea is on a similar time schedule as much
of northern Europe, but tends to work longer hours. Shops
tend to open at about 8:00-9:00 am and close between 5:00-8:00 pm. This later work
day leads to later dinners, which usually occur at 7:00 pm or later. Most places
close on weekends, which are Saturdays and Sundays in South Korea, although most
restaurants and tourist sights are open seven days a week, some of which have extended
hours during the weekend.
South Korea is a fairly expensive country, very similar
to much of Europe. Fortunately, there is a decent range
of pricing options. Hostels can cost as little as 10,000-20,000 won ($10-20), and
up to 300,000 won ($250) for a nice hotel in Seoul. Food is similar, with local
restaurants serving great local food for 6,000-12,000 won ($5-10). For western food,
expect to pay at least 15,000 won ($13) though. Transportation also offers a variety
of pricing options. Taxis in Seoul tend to be at least 2,500 won ($2), while a subway
ride is only about 1,000 won ($1) to get just about anywhere in the city.
There is no tipping in South Korea and offering a
tip can be an insult. This trend is changing in many western restaurants and hotels,
but is still not common.
Crime & Safety
South Korea is a relatively safe place to visit,
however has its share of crime. Major cities, tourist locations, and public transportation
are breeding grounds for pick pocketers so keep your passport and wallet protected
at all times. Violent crime is rare, especially against foreigners, but be extra
cautious near the North Korean border as the North
Koreans may view you as a threat or a spy. This isn't common, but in some areas
sporadic firings take place.
This page was last updated: December, 2011