Title: Visit South Korea: 2026 Travel Guide for South Korea, Asia | Expedia.com [South Korea Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-South-Korea.d94.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in South Korea](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-South-Korea.d94.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[South Korea Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-South-Korea.d94.Flight-Destinations)[Car Rentals in South Korea](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-South-Korea.d94.Car-Rental-Destinations)[South Korea Vacations](https://expedia.com/South-Korea.d94.Destination-Travel-Guides) # South Korea ## Travel Guide ![Bongeunsa Temple which includes outdoor art and a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6080033/b427be10-b6a0-4c54-b891-27339c7eeaa9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bongeunsa Temple which includes outdoor art and a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6080033/b427be10-b6a0-4c54-b891-27339c7eeaa9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oedo Paradise Island which includes landscape views and rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6276676/520273a4-e88b-40b5-90e6-1084544783ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Jeju Island showing landscape views, a park and forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6049718/3d488f79-99fc-498a-9c89-e0f91f620f2e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621563843887/022b2a2a-6e5f-400d-af35-849b4e7b1d3f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## South Korea Travel Guide Video #### With a landscape as diverse as its culture and cuisine, this breathtaking region of East Asia is a feast for the senses. Encounter a thrilling mix of old and new in South Korea. While neon signs and high-tech industries may abound in its cities, this nation promises more than just hustle and bustle, with sleepy coastal fishing villages and grand temples to explore here too. Established in 1948, South Korea, or the Republic of Korea as it is officially known, composes the southern half of the Korean peninsula, along with thousands of outlying islands. The capital city, Seoul, is a buzzing metropolis at the heart of the country’s technology scene. For the best bird’s-eye view of Seoul, head to the observatory at the N Seoul Tower, which offers a 360-degree view of the cityscape and the summit of Mount Namsan. Back on the ground, visit Deoksugung Palace, a modern palace flanked by a traditional gate, and watch the daily Changing of the Royal Guard. In the evening, attend a traditional Korean performance at the Jeongdong Theater. For a complete change of pace, venture to the white-sand Haeundae Beach in Busan. Stretching around 1 mile (2 kilometers) long, this beach offers a relaxing break from the buzz of city life. Find Bulguksa Temple on the slopes of Mount Toham on the southeastern coast. This Buddhist temple complex features unique Silla-era pagodas and a monumental sea-facing statue of Buddha. South Korean food is flavorful and spicy. Be sure to try kimchi, spicy fermented cabbage, often used as an accompaniment to main dishes bibimbap, a mixed rice and vegetable dish, often topped with egg and meat and bulgogi, barbecued marinated beef. The largest airport in South Korea is Incheon International Airport, located in Seoul. Each of the country’s major cities has their own subway system, with signs written in both English and Korean, and journeys paid for using rechargeable money cards. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive, and ferries run regularly from the mainland to the hundreds of outlying islands. Visit South Korea during spring, and you’ll likely be blessed with warm temperatures and little rainfall. See where ancient and modern collide in this fascinating East Asian nation. ### Popular cities in South Korea [Seoul Known for Shopping, Castle and Culture ](https://expedia.com/Seoul.dx178308) The South Korean metropolis has some of Asia’s busiest markets and nightlife districts alongside tranquil teahouses and palaces surrounded by gardens. ## Reasons to visit - Myeongdong Street - Lotte World - Dongdaemun History and Culture Park [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Seoul.dx178308)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Seoul-Hotels.d178308.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Busan Known for Beaches, Shopping and Seafood ](https://expedia.com/Busan.dx602043) Unwind on long beaches, relax in a multistory spa and explore the breathtaking coastal forests of Korea’s most popular summer destination. ## Reasons to visit - Gwangalli Beach - Haeundae Beach - Songdo Beach [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Busan.dx602043)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Busan-Hotels.d602043.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Incheon Known for Dining, Shopping and Budget ](https://expedia.com/Incheon.dx6049715) Korea’s third-largest city is a fascinating mix of political history, modern shopping malls and entertainment districts, and remote outer islands. ## Reasons to visit - Songdo Central Park - Incheon Munhak Stadium - Port of Incheon [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Incheon.dx6049715)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Incheon-Hotels.d6049715.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Seogwipo Known for Relaxing, Waterfalls and Culture ](https://expedia.com/Seogwipo.dx6048315) Staggering coastal views, cascading waterfalls and a laid-back yet quirky city center welcomes nature-lovers to Jeju Island’s second-largest city. ## Reasons to visit - Seongsan Ilchulbong - Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market - Hallasan Mountain [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Seogwipo.dx6048315)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Seogwipo-Hotels.d6048315.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Jeju City Known for Seafood, Hiking and Sightseeing ](https://expedia.com/Jeju-City.dx850) Love hiking, sightseeing, and marinas? Get away to Jeju City! ## Reasons to visit - Hyeopjae Beach - Hamdeok Beach - Dongmun Market [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Jeju-City.dx850)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Jeju-City-Hotels.d850.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Gangneung Known for Sunrises, Coffee and Festivals ](https://expedia.com/Gangneung.dx1751) Beautiful eastern-facing beaches and spectacular inland mountains make this a popular tourist destination and a site for upcoming Olympic events. ## Reasons to visit - Jeongdongjin Beach - Anmok Beach - Gyeongpodae [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Gangneung.dx1751)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Gangneung-Hotels.d1751.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_94) ### Popular places to visit ![Namdaemun Market which includes a city, markets and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6080055/da6fc738-0ec2-458a-93a2-834ccc25d30b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Namdaemun Market This traditional Korean market is the largest and oldest in Seoul, and where you’ll find all manner of clothes and food at very reasonable prices. ![N Seoul Tower showing nightlife, a city and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502744/c71bb5d1-82ba-46b6-a813-cea2e2b65598.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### N Seoul Tower This Seoul landmark can be seen from miles around and offers the finest panoramas of the city. [](https://expedia.com/N-Seoul-Tower-Yongsan-gu.d502744.Vacation-Attraction) ![Gyeongbok Palace showing a square or plaza and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6080009/35b4660d-3570-421b-969b-3ef4ab2e4a80.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Gyeongbokgung Palace This royal palace has been destroyed on more than one occasion, but today it stands as one of Seoul’s finest examples of classic Korean architecture. [](https://expedia.com/Gyeongbokgung-Palace-Jongno-gu.d6080009.Vacation-Attraction) ## Regions in South Korea ![Jeju City showing a city and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052863/f6981dd1-a280-488a-839d-80d4128b4658.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Jeju Natural wonders and numerous unique theme parks combine with cultural landmarks for a thrilling visit in this South Korean province. ![Gangneung showing general coastal views, views and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621551367373/46171718-f2cd-4631-a41c-0ed437cf03f1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Gangwon This mountainous region in South Korea offers visitors beautiful landscapes, stunning coastal towns and the chance to visit Demilitarized Zones. ![Samsung Innovation Museum showing a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621562614830/d8347e0f-ed93-48a7-97a6-80bfdec8ea97.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Gyeonggi South Korea’s most populated province contains some of the country’s very important cultural treasures, including forts, palaces and prehistoric relics. ![Dongpirang Wall Painting Village showing landscape views, a bay or harbor and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621555737229/8f63a217-27e5-464d-84c6-3cb3dd4fa6d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### South Gyeongsang Cherry blossoms, painted towns, silk mountains, idyllic islands, light shows and fireflies: there is a lot to color your day in this southern province of South Korea. - All areas in South Korea [Gangwon](https://expedia.com/Gangwon.dx6129076)[Gyeonggi](https://expedia.com/Gyeonggi.dx6129075)[Jeju](https://expedia.com/Jeju.dx553248635926569719)[Jeonbuk](https://expedia.com/Jeonbuk.dx6129079)[North Chungcheong](https://expedia.com/North-Chungcheong.dx6129077)[North Gyeongsang](https://expedia.com/North-Gyeongsang.dx6129081)[South Chungcheong](https://expedia.com/South-Chungcheong.dx6129078)[South Gyeongsang](https://expedia.com/South-Gyeongsang.dx6129082)[South Jeolla](https://expedia.com/South-Jeolla.dx6129080) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # South Korea ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Lodging - Packages - [Hotels near Deogyu-san National Park ](https://www.expedia.com/Deogyu-San-National-Park-Hotels.0-l6122808-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Deogyu-San National Park ](https://www.expedia.com/Deogyu-San-National-Park-South-Korea.d6122808.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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