✈️ How much does a trip to South Korea cost and when to fly there

South Korea surprises with how much it packs in. In two weeks you can see the palaces of Seoul, the temples of Gyeongju, the port of Busan, and the volcano on Jeju. High-speed trains run between cities, and within Seoul you don't need a car.

EU citizens don't need a visa: visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days (as of 09/2026, Auswärtiges Amt). Instead of K-ETA, you fill out an e-Arrival Card before arrival; details are in the visa section.

Below we've gathered what you'll need before departure: language, money, seasons, food, Seoul's nightlife, and five cities that are easy to link into one route.

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South Korea in a nutshell

💡 In short:

EU citizens don't need a visa, and K-ETA is temporarily suspended.
The best months to travel: April, May, September, and October.
Main route stops: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, and Jeju Island.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website

Ethnic Koreans make up almost the entire population. There are few foreigners here: mostly Chinese, Japanese, and American military personnel. More than half of residents live in the capital region, so outside Seoul you find yourself in quiet provincial areas.

Sunset over a green park and mountains in Gyeongju

Religiosity in the country is declining. About half of residents don't identify with any religious community, and among believers, Protestants and Buddhists are the largest groups. These are mostly older people: young Koreans consider religious organizations too authoritarian.

Cuisine: what to try

Korean restaurants have long existed abroad, but in the country itself you'll try far more dishes. The foundation is rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish, and meat.

Banchan side dishes are served in small bowls, always accompanied by steamed rice. The most famous is kimchi: spicy fermented napa cabbage that appears on the table at every meal.

Some dishes are made according to unchanging recipes, while others vary from chef to chef. Savory mung bean pancakes, bindaetteok, differ from place to place in batter, filling, and sauce.

Order several dishes for two: portions are small, and you'll get to try more. For drinks, go with soju, a distilled spirit served in small pours and always accompanied by snacks.

Language and the Hangul alphabet

The country's official language is Korean. The local writing system, Hangul, was created under King Sejong: consonants and vowels combine into syllable blocks, so you can read a sign aloud even without knowing the language.

Poster with Korean Hangul calligraphy at palace gates

The younger generation speaks English, sometimes Japanese or Chinese. In tourist areas of Seoul and Busan you'll get by without problems, but in the provinces a translation app on your phone will come in handy.

Money, transport, and connectivity

The country's currency is the won. Dollars, euros, and yuan can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. The exchange rate against the euro fluctuates noticeably, so don't exchange your entire amount at once.

For the metro and buses, get a T-money card: fares are cheaper than single tickets. You can buy and top it up at kiosks and metro vending machines.

Internet in Korea is fast and available almost everywhere, but a local SIM card requires a passport. It's easier to compare eSIM plans in advance and connect on arrival day.

Climate and the best season

Korea has four distinct seasons. In spring and autumn, dry anticyclones determine the weather, making these the sunniest months. Summer depends on hot, humid Pacific air.

The rainy season, jangma, starts in late June and ends in late July. If you're traveling during these weeks, plan for museums, palaces, and underground shopping centers.

Pavilion and cherry blossoms in spring in South Korea

From August to October, typhoons are possible on the southern coast and Jeju. In winter, Seoul is dry and cold, while the island is noticeably warmer. The best time to visit falls in the shoulder seasons.

The climate is changing: farmers are starting banana and mango plantations, while rice paddies and apple orchards are shrinking. Familiar seasonal markers are gradually shifting.

Visas and how to get there

Visa-free entry for EU and Schengen citizens is valid for up to 90 days (as of 09/2026, entry rules). K-ETA for visa-free countries has been suspended until the end of 2026. Instead, within three days before arrival you fill out a free e-Arrival Card on the e-Arrival Card portal.

Direct and connecting flights fly from Germany to Seoul, and the schedule changes by season. Check options for your dates: find flights on Kiwi.com.

Trains and buses run from Incheon Airport to central Seoul; taxis cost more and depend on traffic. Further around the country, trains are the most convenient way to get around: the network connects Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, and other cities.

What to see in South Korea

The country is compact. Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan are only a few hours apart by train, and Jeju is connected to the mainland by flights and ferries. It is easy to build a route from north to south or start from the island.

Corner of Gyeongbokgung Palace with a traditional building

Seoul: palaces, markets, and the Han River

The capital combines skyscrapers, an artificial river in the center, and restored palaces. Many historic buildings were destroyed, leaving ruins and memorials in their place, but the city still has a lot to show.

Night view of Seoul from space with the Han River

The main palace, Gyeongbokgung, was built in the late 14th century and restored in its original style in the 20th century. Admission costs 3,000 won, the palace is closed on Tuesdays, and in summer it is open until 6:30 pm (as of 09/2026, official website). Entry is free if you wear a hanbok.

Nearby is Bukchon Hanok Village: most of the houses were built in the 1920s and 1930s, and people still live in them. The streets are paved and hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.

For city tours, book a group spot in advance: tours and tickets on GetYourGuide.

A trip to the demilitarized zone

The demilitarized zone between the two Koreas is closest to Seoul. Getting there is easier with a bus tour than on your own.

During the tour you will see an amphitheater, the Bridge of Freedom, and the carriage of the last train that left North Korea. The most popular activity here is observing the other side through binoculars at the observatory.

© Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han) · CC BY-SAPhoto: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han), CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Gyeongju and the Silla capital

Gyeongju is a couple of hours from Seoul, on the shore of a lake. It was once an ancient kingdom and the capital of the Silla dynasty, which ruled the entire peninsula.

Traditional house with a tiled roof in Yangdong

Set aside a couple of days for the temples, royal tombs, and the Cheomseongdae observatory tower. You can get there by train.

Busan: port and beaches

Busan is an hour from Gyeongju, and it is a different world: a port, skyscrapers, and the golden sand of city beaches. The panorama opens up from Busan Tower, and the center has many Buddhist shrines and unusual architecture.

Haeundae Beach with umbrellas and Busan skyscrapers

Busan's cuisine is built on seafood. At the Jagalchi fish market you pick fresh fish and immediately take it to a restaurant one floor up: you pay only for the cooking.

In the Gamcheon district, the colorful houses of a former refugee camp have turned into an art quarter with galleries, workshops, and cafes. The quarter sits on a hill, so leave time for the climb.

Jeju and Hallasan volcano

Volcanic Jeju lies south of the mainland. Here you'll find interesting architectural solutions in government buildings, a small palace, and Love Land park with erotic sculptures.

Crater lake on the green slopes of Hallasan volcano

Jeju and its satellite island Udo offer the coastal scenery people come here for. The island's main point: the Hallasan caldera with Baengnokdam lake inside. It's the country's tallest mountain, and the hike to the crater takes a full day.

Tours and tickets in Seoul

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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Nightlife in Seoul

Seoul is beautiful in the evening too. Go up Namsan Mountain to see the city lights at night, or visit the Bamdokkaebi night markets, which operate in different neighborhoods until late in the evening.

Evening lights of Seoul and the Hangang River

Koreans eat food bought at the market at picnics by the Han River. In the evening, it is worth seeing the rainbow fountain show on the Banpo Bridge: the lights operate on a schedule.

Street food is sold until late at night in the Gwangjang, Namdaemun, and Myeongdong areas. Here you can try things you rarely find in restaurants: rice rolls, pancakes, and fried seafood.

For clubs, keep a few addresses in mind. Cakeshop has an intimate atmosphere and varied music. Contra and Pistil occupy floors of the same building, with an open terrace at the top. R&B fans will like Sinkhole, although it can get crowded and smoky.

If you plan to stay out until morning, book accommodation closer to the center: Seoul hotel prices on Trip.com.

Safety and streets at night

Korea is calm: you can walk alone on the night streets of major cities. Crime is low, and incidents involving foreigners are rare.

You should not let your guard down completely. Thefts and scuffles do happen at markets and bars, so keep an eye on your phone and wallet in crowds.

It is worth arranging insurance in advance: compare insurance options before your flight, calmly and without rushing.

Interesting facts about the country

Korea is known not only for flagship brands like Hyundai and Samsung. People here love football, play online games, and live with very fast internet.

Seoul street with Korean signs and pedestrians

Football is one of the most popular sports here. The K League runs from March to November, with clubs from different regions of the country.
After the war, the country received support from the US and the UN and became one of the richest in Asia. The Hyundai and Samsung conglomerates made it a major exporter of cars and electronics.
High-speed internet is available in almost every home, unlike in its northern neighbor. Games and messaging apps are more popular here than phone calls.
Mugunghwa, or the rose of Sharon, is considered the national flower. The name translates as "eternal flower that never wilts."
Mountains cover most of the peninsula, and the sea surrounds it on three sides. Regional neighbors: China, Russia, and Japan.
The Taegeukgi flag: a white field with a red-and-blue circle and black trigrams in the corners. The white color here signifies purity and peace, and the circle represents balance.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?

EU and Schengen citizens do not need a visa: visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days (as of 09/2026, consular information). Instead of K-ETA, you fill out an e-Arrival Card before arrival; details are in the visa section.

When is the best time to visit South Korea?

The driest and sunniest months are April, May, September, and October. Summer is hot and humid, and the jangma rainy season runs from late June to late July. From August to October, typhoons are possible in the south and on Jeju; winter in Seoul is dry and cold.

How many days do I need for the itinerary?

Allow three to four days for Seoul, one to two for Gyeongju, two for Busan, two to three for Jeju, plus travel between cities. In total, that makes a relaxed two-week trip. In one week, you will only have time for Seoul and Gyeongju.

What food should I definitely try?

Start with kimchi and other banchan side dishes served with rice. Then try the savory mung bean pancakes called bindaetteok: every place makes them differently. For drinks, try soju, a distilled spirit, and look for street food at the markets.

Is South Korea safe?

Yes, crime is low here. We have put together tips for night walks, markets, and bars in the safety section.

In short: what to book

If you are visiting for the first time: book a hotel in central Seoul and add two days for Busan.
If you want beaches and a volcano: plan Jeju with a flight from Busan or Seoul.
If you only have a week: keep Seoul and Gyeongju, and save the island for next time.

You can find hotels in Seoul on Trip.com, and tours and tickets with a guide on GetYourGuide.

It is more convenient to compare flights to Korea in advance: flight search on Kiwi.com.

South Korea: visa, seasons and route from Seoul to Jeju