Korea

In the globe, Korea ranks among the safest nations. According to national crime surveys, it is ranked low and highly safe. Japan borders Korea in the south. In contrast, China borders it in the north as it is in East Asia. It has a rich history characterised by the K-pop music industry and martial arts like Taekwondo. 

The primary international airport servicing Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is Incheon International Airport. In addition, it’s among the biggest and busiest airports in the world. When you arrive in Seoul, Woking Travel will take care of you and make all the required preparations to transport you from the airport to your hotel. 

Korea offers a diverse range of hotel options, including high-end multinational chains with five stars and opulent décor, reliable business hotels with enough amenities, boutique hotels with a focus on design, and elusive guest homes. 

With Woking Travel, you can pick the ideal spot to crash because we have an incredible assortment of hotels  and have put together fantastic trip packages that will make your time in Korea unforgettable.  

• JW Marriott Hotel Seoul 

The JW Marriott Hotel Seoul is the place to aim for unmatched luxury. Their enormous multi-purpose facility and ideal location in Central City, Seoul, South Korea, provide an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors. 

• The Westin Josun Seoul 

The hotel in Seoul is close to well-known historical sites, well-liked retail areas, and international business headquarters. 

• Fairmont Ambassador Seoul 

The hotel connects you to modern luxury with iconic Fairmont service, and it’s situated at the Parc1 complex, one of Seoul’s most prestigious new locations. 

• Lotte Hotel Seoul 

This opulent hotel offers 10 dining and drinking options, luxurious interiors and is connected to the Lotte Department Store and Euljiro 1-ga Subway Station (Line 2). 

• Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel 

The best venue to see South Korea’s colourful culture and natural beauty is this hotel in Seoul. 

• Stay Gaon 

The distance between this hotel in Busan and the Jungang tube station is around ten minutes on foot. Yongdu-san Park is a short drive away from the hotel , and Gwangbok-Dong is about a 5-minute walk away. 

• Kimstay 9 

Kimstay 9 provides air-conditioned, spotless accommodations only a 12-minute walk from Mok-dong Rodeo Street shopping and Mok-dong Subway Station (Line 5). Gimpo International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away from the hotel. 

• Hotel Firststay Myeongdong 

Hotel Firststay Myeongdong is located in Seoul and is 1.1 kilometres from Myeongdong Station. It features free WiFi, a patio, and non-smoking rooms. The distance between the residence and Namdaemun Market is 400 metres. 

• Hotel 8 Hours 

The hotel may be reached by foot in five minutes from the City Hall Station exit. A refrigerator and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels are features of every air-conditioned accommodation. 

• InterContinental Seoul COEX 

The InterContinental Seoul COEX is a chic, contemporary hotel that is ideal for those looking for a fun and leisurely stay. It is situated in the centre of Gangnam, one of the trendiest areas in Korea.

The transportation facilities in Korea are as follows: 

• Subway/Metro: Subways in major cities like Seoul, Busan, Incheon and Daegu are easy to use and very clean and efficient.  
• Bus: Besides metro trains, buses are a popular mode of transport throughout Korean cities and rural areas.  
• Taxi: Taxis can easily be found in the country’s towns, especially for shorter distances or nighttime travelling. Drivers accept cash or credit cards, and cabs operate according to metered rates. 
• KTX (Korea Train Express): For long-distance journeys between any two cities in South Korea, you could take KTX, a high-speed train service offering fast connections at incredible speeds, 300 km/hr (186 mph). It joins big cities such as Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Daegu.

• Seoul: A city full of life, Seoul is a destination where one can find grand historic palaces, modern high-tech establishments, and lively street markets, including Dongdaemun Market or Namdaemun Market. 
• Jeju Island: Known as “the island of gods, ” Jeju is famous for its incredible natural landscapes, including volcanic craters and waterfalls. My favourite is Hyeopjae Beach. 
• Gyeongju: If I wanted to immerse myself in the Korean story, I would go to Gyeongju. It includes Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Seokguram Grotto, and The Haeinsa Royal Tombs. 
• Busan: With its sandy beaches and colourful cultural life, Busan attracts thousands of tourists with places like Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village. 
• Andong: Andong is a traditional Korean city where one can learn the ancient customs in Hahoe Folk Village and eat the famous Andong Jjimdak (braised chicken). 
• Suwon: Suwon is an example of a modernised market city that still maintains its heritage. One can visit the Hwaseong fortress, used during the Joseon dynasty and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
• Gyeongbokgung Palace: The Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest in Seoul. It has beautiful architecture, a large compound, and exciting changes in guards’ ceremonies. 
• Changdeokgung Palace: It has a peaceful atmosphere like no other place in Seoul since Changdeokgung Palace, also known as the Secret Garden, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
• Jeonju: The birthplace of bibimbap, Jeonju offers various reasons for visiting, such as its lively culinary scene, Hanok Village, and robust arts and crafts sector. 
• Seoraksan National Park: There are so many trails to choose from hiking at Seoraksan National Park. This famous natural reserve features towering peaks, dense forests covering hillsides, and picturesque hiking trails. 

• Negi Dining Lounge 

A delicious Japanese restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere and menu. 

• Flavors 

Experience a unique buffet-style dining establishment offering a wide variety of made-to-order delicacies from across the globe at Flavours. 

• Born and Bred 

Born & Bred is not just a restaurant—it’s also a butcher store. Actually, it was among the original butcher shops in Majang, the capital’s largest meat market. 

• New Delhi 

New Delhi, located in Apgujeong, Seoul, is a restaurant serving real Indian food. 

• Buddha’s Belly 

Popular and stylish Thai eatery Buddha’s Belly is situated at the end of Itaewon, up on a hill. 

• Fait Maison 

Discover the elegance of Paris in Seoul! Savour the amazing French-Korean blend of Fait Maison. 

• Privilege Bar 

A rooftop patio and a chic décor with well chosen furnishings create a sophisticated, classical atmosphere at Privilege Bar. 

• Gouga Gwanghwamun 

The restaurant’s simple white signage makes a statement. The pork and rice soup, or dwaeji-gukbap, prepared by Chef Park Chan-il appears and tastes pure. 

• Daol Charcoal Grill 

It is advised to visit Daol Charcoal Grill. This restaurant specialises in fusion food. 

• Han-gong-gan 

In a tiny, intimate environment, Hangongang is a delightful restaurant serving the chef’s authentic Korean food along with a selection of Korean beverages.

• Explore Seoul’s Street Food Scene: Visit some of the city’s most popular food markets and street stalls to taste numerous kinds of delicious Korean street food.  
•  Hike in Seoraksan National Park: With your well-fitted hiking boots, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Seoraksan National Park, its picturesque trails, waterfalls, and the stunning view from the top of the mountains. 
•  Temple Stay: Relish Korea’s rich spiritual heritage by staying at a temple, where you can participate in Buddhist events, meditate during the day, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of historic temples such as Haeinsa or Golgulsa. 
•  Visit K-Pop Concerts: Experience the lively music of Korea by attending live K-Pop concerts or television music show recordings. You will see dynamic performances by the most popular stars on the Korean stage. 
•  Hanok Village Visit: Witness traditional customs and crafts and learn how these delightful alleys are preserved as they were hundreds of years ago at places like Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village or Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju. 
• Enjoy a Korean Spa (Jjimjilbang): Experience ultimate relaxation at a Korean spa called Jjimjilbang, where you can soak in hot baths with soothing effects, rejuvenate through massage therapies, visit communal saunas, or relax in reading rooms. 
•  Learn How to Make Kimchi: Involve yourself in traditional cooking classes on how to make kimchi, Korea’s culture-based fermented cabbage dish that is loved by all Koreans, as well as tourists from all over the world who shop it at every corner they go on holiday. 
•  Discover Gamcheon Culture Village: Explore colourful streets and alleyways filled with vibrant street art at Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village, including whimsical murals, small galleries selling local artworks and stunning cityscape views stretching down to the coastline. 
•  Taste Traditional Tea Ceremony: This kind of traditional ceremony allows visitors to enjoy the spirit of mindfulness while drinking tea; therefore, it offers various fragrant teas and detailed teachings on tea manners between sips at tea houses designed only for this purpose. 
•  Watch Traditional Cultural Performances: Enjoy watching Taekwondo as an example of typical Korean martial art, and observe how they play a traditional mask dance called talcum or pansori singing since they are examples of cultural performances that all show the grace and beauty of Korean arts. 

The weather in Korea varies significantly throughout the year into four seasons, all characterised by distinct features every time they arrive respectively in their turn.  

• One spring (March-May) is characterised by mild temperatures and cherry blossoms that fill Korean landscapes with vibrant green colours.  

• At the same time, summer (June-August), on the other hand, is hot and humid, having periods of monsoon rains.  

• Autumn (September- November) is marked by fantastic apparent sky condition coolness, accompanied by colourful foliage.  

• Winter (December – February) is marked by cold, dry weather so that temperatures may fall below the freezing point and occasional snowfall, especially in the northern regions of Korea. 

• Korea Standard Time (KST) is nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), so when it’s midnight in the UK, it’s 9:00 AM the following day in Korea 

• Korea is 8 hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST).  

• The won is the currency of Korea. 

• For around 81 million individuals, primarily of Korean origin, Korean is their first language. 

As for laws, it’s essential to be aware of local regulations.  

UK Travel Advisory – South Korea  

Laws And Regulations of South Korea For Tourists 

The blend of modernism and tradition in Korea, vibrant cities, awe-inspiring sceneries, and rich cultural history make it unique. There is something for everyone in Korea in the bustling streets of Seoul or calm Gyeongju temples. This country is famous for its tasty food and beverages, flourishing entertainment industry (such as Korean pop music and dramas) and high-level world technology and innovation. Whether interested in history and culture, outdoor adventures or gastronomy, they can find everything in Korea. Moreover, the amicably warm-hearted Koreans make it a friendly place to visit for people travelling across the globe.