Ultimate South Korea Travel Guide 2025

If South Korea were a person, it would be the effortlessly cool friend who knows all the hidden gems, can whip up a killer BBQ, and somehow balances ancient tradition with futuristic style. From Seoul’s bustling streets to the seaside calm of Busan and the dreamy island of Jeju—this trip was one for the books!

Whether you’re here for the K-dramas, K-beauty, kimchi, or to feel God’s presence in a new corner of the world, this guide is for you 💛 South Korea is a whole experience—and I’m spilling all the tea (or should I say soju? 😄).

✈️ Traveling to South Korea

Getting to South Korea is pretty straightforward. I flew from Toronto with a stopover, and even though it’s a long-haul trip (hello jet lag), it was absolutely worth it. There are lots of airline options like Korean Air, Air Canada, and Qatar Airways. Just prep your playlist, snacks, and maybe that K-drama you’ve been putting off 😌

🛂 South Korea Visa & Entry Requirements

For Canadian passport holders, no visa is needed for short stays (up to 90 days). However, you must register for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before your trip. It’s easy, quick, and affordable—just apply on the official K-ETA website.

Also, double-check current COVID/travel requirements on South Korea’s official travel or immigration websites before your trip—rules can change fast!

🏨 Where I Stayed

I stayed in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, and honestly, each place gave a different vibe but all had their own magic.

SEOUL

📍 Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences
Modern, clean, and super convenient.

Rooftop pool & gym = yes please. Located in Dongdaemun, which is known for night shopping & food.
Close to subway lines so we could zip around easily. It was city-chic with comfort, and we loved that!

BUSAN

📍 Lavalse Hotel, 82 Bongnaenaru-ro, Yeongdo-gu
This was a whole vibe!

Ocean views from the room? Check.
Close to Jagalchi Market & BIFF Square—seafood galore!
Rooftop café and spa = perfect after a full sightseeing day. It felt peaceful but still right in the middle of things. Definitely recommend.

JEJU ISLAND

📍 Grand Josun Jeju
Can we just say luxury meets peace?

Stunning pool. Spacious room. Super Instagrammable.
Central location for exploring east or west Jeju.
Walking distance to good food and stores. It gave “rest and reset” in the best way. If you’re visiting Jeju, this is your place!

🍜 What to Eat in Korea

Korea is a foodie’s paradise! Here’s some must-try dishes:

Korean BBQ – Grill your own meat at the table. Fun + yummy = the perfect combo.
Bibimbap – Rice mixed with veggies, meat, and egg. Add gochujang for a kick!
Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes. Street food royalty 👑
Hotteok – Sweet pancakes with brown sugar and nuts, especially popular in winter.
Seafood in Busan – If you love seafood, Jagalchi Market will blow your mind.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for busy places with locals. Don’t be afraid of little alley restaurants—they’re often the best!

🚝 Getting Around

Public Transport: Clean, fast, and super efficient. Get a T-money card and you’re good to go on subways, buses, and even some taxis.
Taxis: Cheap and safe. Most drivers use navigation apps, and you can also use KakaoTaxi to book rides.
Naver Maps: Forget Google Maps in Korea. Naver is the way.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the Naver app instead of Google Maps—it works way better in Korea. And always carry a little cash; some small shops and street food vendors don’t take cards.

🛫 Inter-city travel:

Took the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan—clean and fast!
Flew from Busan to Jeju, and Jeju back to Seoul. Domestic flights are super efficient.

🧳 What to Know Before You Go

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November) are the best. We went in spring and it was just perfect—not too hot, not too cold. Cherry blossoms are in full glory in March, check the visitkorea website to find the current forecast for each region.

💬 Language

Most signs in touristy places have English, but locals appreciate it when you try Korean! Here are a few helpful phrases:

Hello – Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)
Thank you – Kamsahamnida (감사합니다)
Excuse me – Sillyehamnida (실례합니다)
Yes – Ne (네)
No – Ani (아니)

👕 What to Pack

Layers: Weather can change quickly.
Comfy shoes: You’ll be walking a lot.
Respectful outfits: Especially for visiting temples or palaces.
A small umbrella or raincoat: Just in case—it’s Korea.

💸 Currency

South Korean Won (₩). Get some cash from the airport or use a travel card like Wise Card (Get zero fees by using my referral link). Most places take cards, but street food stalls usually prefer cash.

🔌 Power & Adapters

South Korea uses Type C and F plugs (same as Europe). The voltage is 220V. Bring a universal adapter, and don’t forget your power bank—you’ll use your phone a lot!

🛡️ Safety in South Korea

South Korea is honestly one of the safest countries I’ve visited. It’s extremely clean (even with little to no public garbage bins), well-organized, and the locals are respectful and kind. But still, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Petty crime is rare, but always keep an eye on your stuff in crowded places (especially subways + markets).
Police stations are easy to find and officers are helpful—don’t be shy to ask for directions or help.
Use crosswalks and obey traffic lights—drivers can be fast and furious sometimes.
Emergency number is 112 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance. Save it on your phone just in case.
If you’re out late, especially in nightlife districts like Hongdae or Itaewon, stick with your travel buddies and use KakaoTaxi for rides home (it’s safe and easy to use).
Respect local etiquette—be quiet on public transport, don’t point with chopsticks, and always be polite. Manners go a long way here

🩺 Health Precautions in South Korea

You’ll be happy to know South Korea has excellent healthcare and is super hygienic. But here’s what to plan for:

Travel insurance is a MUST – It gives you peace of mind in case of emergencies, and Korean healthcare can be pricey for non-residents.
Tap water is safe to drink, but if you prefer bottled water, it’s widely available.
Masks aren’t required everywhere anymore, but many locals still wear them, especially in crowded spaces or public transport—feel free to bring a few.
No major vaccinations required, but it’s good to be up to date on routine ones (like Hep A/B, Typhoid if you’re extra cautious).
Pharmacies are everywhere and usually marked with a big “약” sign. Pharmacists are knowledgeable—even if English is limited, translation apps work wonders.
If you need a doctor, go to an international clinic or a university hospital. Many have English-speaking staff.
Carry basic meds from home (like Tylenol, allergy pills, etc.) just in case you can’t find a familiar brand.

💡 Bonus Tip: The Korean diet is spicy and fermented (hi, kimchi!), so bring antacids or stomach-friendly meds if your tummy is sensitive.