Latest Travel Tips for South Korea for First-Time Travelers

South Korea, the land of K-pop and kimchi, is a captivating destination with ancient palaces, trendy streets, and the picturesque Jeju Island. Travel experience in South Korea offers a journey through the bustling Seoul, the red leaves of Naejangsan, and spicy dishes. The vibrant atmosphere mixed with traditional elements makes the heart flutter. This article shares detailed tips for fully exploring South Korea.

Travel experience in South Korea: When is the ideal time to visit?

The ideal time to travel to South Korea depends on personal preferences, but each season has its own beauty. September to November (autumn) is the most beautiful time, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, and red and yellow leaves covering Naejangsan and Seoraksan Park. The cool weather and clear skies are perfect for strolling in Myeongdong or taking photos at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

March to April (spring) sees cherry blossoms in full bloom in Yeouido and Jinhae, creating a romantic scene, with temperatures of 10-20°C. May to August (summer) is hot and humid (25-35°C), suitable for exploring Jeju Island or swimming at Haeundae Beach (Busan), but be prepared for rain. December to February (winter) is cold (-5 to 5°C), ideal for skiing in Yongpyong or enjoying the snow in Gangwon. Check the weather via AccuWeather and book tours early through nvktravel.com during peak seasons (autumn, spring).

>>> See more: Travel Experience in South Korea: Tips for Exploring the Land of Kimchi

The travel experience in South Korea suggests visiting in the autumn

What to prepare when traveling to South Korea?

Thorough preparation is the key to a smooth trip to South Korea. Below are the necessary items based on real experiences.

Visa

Vietnamese citizens need a tourist visa (C-3-9), costing 20-50 USD (460,000-1,150,000 VND). Required documents include a passport (valid for 6 months), a 3.5x4.5 cm photo, proof of financial means (savings of 5,000 USD), itinerary, and employment confirmation. Submit at the South Korean Embassy (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City), with processing time of 8-10 days. Note that Jeju Island is visa-free if flying directly. Register through nvktravel.com for quick document support.

4G SIM card

A 4G SIM card is essential for checking Google Maps, communication, and check-ins. Purchase a KT Olleh or SK Telecom SIM at Incheon Airport, priced at 30,000-60,000 KRW (500,000-1,000,000 VND) for 7 days, with a capacity of 1-2GB/day. Pre-order through nvktravel.com to receive the SIM upon arrival. Bring an unlocked phone and check the data package before activation.

>>> See more: Which Season is the Best for Traveling to South Korea? The Most Beautiful in the Land of Kimchi

Airfare

Round-trip tickets from Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi to Seoul (Incheon Airport) cost 6,000,000-10,000,000 VND (with budget airlines like Vietjet, AirAsia). Book early 2-3 months in advance through nvktravel.com for the best prices. Flights take 4-5 hours, usually landing in the morning or evening. Bring identification (ID card/passport) and a copy of the visa when checking in at the airport.

Personal items

• Clothing: In autumn/spring, bring a light jacket and comfortable sneakers for walking in Myeongdong and the palace. In summer, wear sun protection and a hat. In winter, prepare a down jacket, gloves, and a scarf (available at Uniqlo Korea, 500,000 VND/set).
• Supplies: Bring a universal adapter (50,000 VND) as South Korea uses type F sockets. Prepare a power bank (10,000mAh, 200,000 VND), and a waterproof bag (50,000 VND) for your phone if visiting Jeju. Bring cold and digestive medicine (Berberin) for weather changes.
• Others: Download Google Translate and Naver Map for communication and navigation. Bring a small trash bag and tissues for hygiene.

Appropriate clothing when traveling to South Korea

Currency

The currency is South Korean Won (KRW), 1,000 KRW ≈ 18,000 VND (as of May 2025). Exchange money at Vietnamese banks (Vietcombank) or Incheon Airport, with better rates in Seoul (Myeongdong market). Bring 3,000,000-5,000,000 VND (equivalent to 200,000 KRW) in cash for food and entrance fees. Credit cards (Visa/Master) are accepted in shopping malls, but small markets like Gwangjang require cash.

How to get to South Korea

South Korea is 3,000 km from Vietnam, easily accessible by air. From Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi, airlines like Vietjet, Asiana, and Korean Air fly directly to Incheon Airport (Seoul) or Gimhae (Busan), taking 4-5 hours. Round-trip fares range from 6,000,000-12,000,000 VND, depending on the time. Book through nvktravel.com to hunt for cheap tickets and check promotions.

In South Korea, the public transportation system is modern:

• Subway: In Seoul and Busan, the fare is 1,250 KRW per ride (22,000 VND), using the T-money card (10,000 KRW, top up at machines in the station). The trains are clean, punctual, and have English signs.
• Bus: Intercity (Seoul-Jeju, Seoul-Busan) fares range from 30,000-50,000 KRW (500,000-900,000 VND), book through the Kobus app.
• Taxi: The starting fare is 3,800 KRW (70,000 VND), suitable for groups. Use Kakao T to easily call a taxi.

Bring Google Maps and a T-money card for flexible travel. Save the Incheon Airport hotline number (1330) for assistance.

The subway is a popular mode of transportation

Accommodation suggestions when traveling to South Korea

Accommodation in South Korea is diverse, from homestays to hotels, suitable for all budgets. Here are suggestions for the travel experience in South Korea:

• Homestay: Hongdae Guesthouse (Seoul, 500,000-800,000 VND/night), near the trendy Hongdae street, with a shared kitchen and a youthful atmosphere. Jeju Cozy House (Jeju, 600,000 VND/night), with mountain views, close to the beach. Book through nvktravel.com for the best prices.
• Hotels: Lotte Hotel Myeongdong (Seoul, 1,500,000-2,000,000 VND/night), centrally located, near the night market, with modern amenities. Busan Tower Hotel (Busan, 1,000,000 VND/night), with views of Haeundae Beach, near Jagalchi Fish Market.
• Hanok: Bukchon Hanok Stay (Seoul, 1,200,000 VND/night), a traditional house, experience wearing hanbok. A quiet space, close to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Note: Choose accommodations close to subway stations (Myeongdong, Hongdae) for convenience. Book early 2-3 weeks in advance through nvktravel.com during autumn/spring. Check for Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and extra beds if traveling in groups.

Itinerary for traveling in South Korea

The 5-day, 4-night itinerary below is optimized for the travel experience in South Korea, exploring Seoul and Jeju, based on real experiences.

Day 1: Seoul – Discovering Tradition

• Morning: Arrive at Incheon Airport, pick up the 4G SIM, take the AREX train (9,000 KRW) to Seoul. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (3,000 KRW), wear hanbok for photos (20,000 KRW).
• Noon: Have bibimbap (120,000 VND) at Tosokchon Samgyetang (near the palace).
• Afternoon: Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, take photos with traditional wooden houses. Stop by Insadong street to buy souvenirs (paper fan 50,000 VND).
• Evening: Walk around Myeongdong market, eat tteokbokki (50,000 VND). Stay at Hongdae Guesthouse.

Day 2: Seoul – Modern

• Morning: Visit Namsan Tower (10,000 KRW), enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul. Eat kimbap (40,000 VND) at a roadside shop.
• Afternoon: Shop in Hongdae, stop by a themed cafe (80,000 VND/cup). Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
• Evening: Eat grilled meat (200,000 VND) at Maple Tree House. Stay in Seoul.

Day 3: Jeju – Nature

• Morning: Fly from Seoul to Jeju (2,000,000 VND round trip), rent a scooter (300,000 VND/day). Visit Hyeopjae Beach, with clear blue water.
• Lunch: Eat seafood (300,000 VND) at Haenyeo Restaurant.
• Afternoon: Explore Seongsan Ilchulbong, watch the sunset. Stay at Jeju Cozy House.
• Evening: Stroll through Dongmun Night Market, eat jeon (50,000 VND).

Visit Hyeopjae Beach, with clear blue water in Jeji

Day 4: Jeju – Culture

• Morning: Visit Seongeup Village, learn about traditional stone houses. Eat bibimbap (100,000 VND).
• Afternoon: Stop by Cheonjiyeon Falls, take photos with the red bridge. Buy green tea (200,000 VND/box).
• Evening: Fly back to Seoul, stay in Hongdae.

Day 5: Seoul – Shopping and Departure

• Morning: Buy cosmetics in Myeongdong (mask 20,000 VND/sheet). Eat bulgogi (150,000 VND).
• Afternoon: Visit Gwangjang Market, buy kimchi (100,000 VND/box). Head to Incheon Airport, end the trip.

What to eat and where to find delicious food when traveling in South Korea?

Korean cuisine is a highlight of the travel experience in South Korea. Here are some delicious suggestions and addresses:

• Bulgogi: Sweet grilled beef, eaten with wrapped vegetables. Enjoy at Maple Tree House (Hongdae, 200,000 VND/portion), cozy atmosphere, open 11:00-22:00.
• Bibimbap: Rice mixed with vegetables, meat, and egg. Eat at Jeonju Jungang (Insadong, 120,000 VND/bowl), traditional restaurant, busy from 12:00-14:00.
• Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes. Try at Gwangjang Market (50,000 VND/plate), lively atmosphere, open 9:00-23:00.
• Jeju seafood: Fresh oysters, shrimp, and squid. Eat at Haenyeo Restaurant (Jeju, 300,000 VND/portion), sea view, open 10:00-20:00.
• Souvenirs: Kimchi (100,000 VND/box), ginseng (500,000 VND/box) at Namdaemun Market. Ask for prices first to avoid overpaying.

Traveling in South Korea opens up a wonderful journey, from the ancient Gyeongbokgung Palace, the bustling Myeongdong street, to the lush Jeju beach and fragrant bibimbap. Each destination is a piece of the puzzle, from traditional culture to modern life, making the heart flutter. The aroma of kimchi, the lights of Seoul, and the smiles of the locals leave an unforgettable mark.

Plan to explore traveling in South Korea with detailed tours at nvktravel.com – where you can find itineraries and tips for a memorable trip! Start your journey to South Korea today!