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.
Betalingen en Wisselkoersen
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
Reizen en Plaatselijk Transport
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
Eten, Drinken en Culinair Advies
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
Klimaat en Weersomstandigheden
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.
Kledingvoorschriften
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
Internetbeschikbaarheid
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Netspanning en Telefonie
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.