Seoul to Busan Trail: A South Korean Adventure

Despite remaining firmly off the popular tourist trail, South Korea is a dream destination – an intriguing, welcoming nation which seamlessly combines the conveniences of modernity with a deep reverence for their remarkable 5000-year-old cultural heritage. The nation’s capital of Seoul, for example, is packed with massive shopping malls alongside traditional markets, while state-of-the-art skyscrapers stand adjacent to the remains of ancient royal palaces. Travellers looking to escape this vibrant megatropolis will find that the tranquillity of nature is easily accessible due to the country’s exceptional transport system which will whisk you away to far-flung wilderness areas where you can explore magnificent mountainous areas enclosed by densely forested national parks and dotted with peaceful villages surrounded by picturesque rice paddies. While South Korea’s cities provide enough adventure to fill any itinerary, it is beyond these urban expanses that its real natural beauty unfolds in all its of startling variety.

Currency 

Local currency: South Korean Won 
Symbol: ₩ 
ISO code: KRW 
Subunit: Jeon 
Banknotes: ₩1000, ₩5000, ₩10000, ₩50000 
Coins: ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩500 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Weekends: Closed, Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines 
International Airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN), Gimpo International Airport (GMP) 
Domestic Airports: Gimhae International Airport (PUS), Jeju International Airport (CJU) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

South Korean cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes, including iconic dishes like Kimchi, Bulgogi, Bibimbap, and Korean BBQ. Korean cuisine is characterized by its bold flavors, extensive use of fermented ingredients, and variety of side dishes known as "banchan". Notable local drinks include Soju, Makgeolli, and traditional teas. 
Tipping: Not customary 

Annual rainfall: Approximately 1200mm 
Average temperature: 13°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 3°C 
Average lows: -4°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit South Korea is in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.