Opening
Korea’s worth the trip if you’re into food, temples, and actually interacting with locals rather than just taking photos. I’ve lived here for five years now, and honestly, most Western visitors spend too much time in Seoul and miss the real thing. The countryside temples, the random mountain towns, the fact that you can eat amazing food for $3 — that’s what keeps me coming back to different regions.
Getting There
If you’re asking about getting to Korea from abroad: most people fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN). Direct flights from North America run 12-15 hours depending where you’re coming from. A flight from LAX typically costs $600-1200 depending on season. Japan Airlines and Korean Air usually have decent prices if you book 6-8 weeks ahead.
Once you land at Incheon, take the Airport Railroad directly into Seoul. It takes 43 minutes to Seoul Station and costs 9,000 KRW ($7 USD). Buses run too but take 60-90 minutes depending on traffic — not worth it after a long flight. Buy a rechargeable T-money card at the airport (2,500 KRW) and you’re set for subways everywhere.
What most guides get wrong: they don’t mention that taxis from Incheon are actually a ripoff scam if you don’t know the fixed rates. Uber doesn’t operate in Korea. Stick with the airport railroad — it’s faster and cheaper than any taxi.
What to Do / See
Seoul Basics (If You’re New)
Myeongdong is where tourists go. Gangnam is where Instagram people go. Both are fine for shopping but honestly overrated. Subway Line 2 circles the whole city — get on, ride it once, see what catches your eye. Most neighborhoods have their own character. Hongdae is artsy with decent street food. Itaewon’s international if you’re homesick but expensive. Jongno has the older temples and feels less manufactured.
Bukchon Hanok Village is technically worth seeing — it’s actual traditional houses from the 1920s. Hours are basically always accessible since it’s outdoors, though most shops open 10 AM. Entry is free but expect crowds between 11 AM-3 PM on weekends. Go early on a weekday if you want photos without 200 people in the background. I’d skip the overpriced cafes inside and just walk through in 90 minutes, then grab coffee outside the main area.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Real history, not touristy garbage. Hours are 9 AM-6 PM Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays. Entry is 3,000 KRW. The changing of the guard ceremony happens at 10 AM and 2 PM on weekdays, 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM on weekends — actually interesting if you time it right. Go on a weekday morning before 11 AM if possible. Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Palace Station, Exit 5. Takes 20 minutes from central Seoul.
The palace itself is massive and genuinely impressive. You can spend 2-3 hours here easily. The National Museum of Korea is right next door if you want more, though that’s another 10,000 KRW and honestly, the palace is enough unless you’re really into Korean history.
Jeju Island Day Trip
If you’re staying more than 4 days: take a ferry or cheap flight to Jeju. Flights from Seoul are about 50,000 KRW ($40) one way with budget carriers like Jeju Air. The ferry takes 3 hours and costs around 35,000 KRW. Honestly, the ferry’s cheaper but slower — fly if you’re short on time.
Seongsan Ilchulbong (sunrise peak) is the main draw. Entry is 2,000 KRW, and the hike takes 20 minutes. Go at sunrise if you can handle early mornings — 5:30 AM in summer, 6:45 AM in winter. After sunrise, it fills with tour buses by 8 AM. I’ve been twice and both times it was worth waking up for, even though I’m not a morning person.
One thing I’ll be honest about: Jeju feels increasingly commercialized. They’re building resorts everywhere. Ten years ago it was probably more special. It’s still nice but manage your expectations.
Boseong Green Tea Fields
About 3 hours south of Seoul by train. This is one of the few places that actually looks different than anything else in Korea. The tea fields are genuinely beautiful and way less crowded than other attractions. No entry fee — just walk through. Best in spring (April-May) or early summer (June). Take a train from Seoul Station to Boseong Station (around 15,000 KRW), then grab a local taxi to the fields (5,000-7,000 KRW). Most drivers know where tourists want to go.
Where to Eat / Practical Tips
Eat at small restaurants (호텔 없이), not chains. If there’s no English menu and no tourists, that’s usually a good sign. Most meals run 5,000-8,000 KRW ($4-6). Banchan (side dishes) are free refills.
Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) from street vendors: 3,000-4,000 KRW. Bibimbap: 6,000-8,000 KRW depending on where you eat. Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) in a group: 12,000-15,000 KRW per person. Korean fried chicken is genuinely the best in the world — order it with a beer (마주) for the full experience.
Practical thing locals know: convenience stores (GS25, CU, Emart24) are everywhere and the food is actually good. Kimbap, gimbap, and pre-made meals for 3,000-5,000 KRW at 2 AM when restaurants close. Download Naver Map app before arriving — Google Maps doesn’t work reliably in Korea and Naver is what everyone uses.
Download Papago for translation if your Korean is nonexistent, though honestly most young people speak some English. Don’t worry about it too much.
Honest Take
Go to Korea if you like food, temples, and don’t mind being a visible foreigner in a 96% homogeneous country (it’s fine, just factual). Skip it if you need everything explained in English or want a “relaxing” vacation — Korea moves fast and nothing’s “slow travel” here. Best time is April-May or September-October when the weather’s perfect and things aren’t buried in humidity or freezing cold. Winter’s harsh but beautiful if you can handle it. One thing I wish I’d known: bring compression bags for your luggage. Airport tax-free shops are a scam. Get your souvenirs from regular shops — they’re cheaper and you don’t pay airport prices. Also, public toilets are free and clean basically everywhere, which sounds weird to mention but it’s genuinely one of Korea’s best features compared to other countries.