What to do in South Korea: living traditions, K-culture and great outdoors 🌏🇰🇷

South Korea captivates with its contrasts: royal palaces and futuristic buildings, popular markets and design cafes, volcanic mountains and sandy beaches. This guide helps you plan a smart itinerary, savor the best of Korean cuisine, understand local customs and stay easily connected throughout your trip. To prepare your stay and manage your data in a few clicks, you can consult the dedicated GoMoWorld page for the destination: you'll find everything you need to travel connected in South Korea.

South Korea moves fast, very fast. Trends are invented at the pace of K-culture—music, series, fashion, beauty—in a society that remains deeply attached to its Confucian roots. In Seoul, you can go from Joseon dynasty palaces to Gangnam rooftops in the blink of an eye. In the south, Busan blends ports, beaches and inventive street food. And when you set foot on Jeju Island, expect basaltic cliffs, extinct volcanoes and outdoor hiking.

Seasonally, spring (March-April) brings cherry blossoms and mild weather, summer is hot and humid, autumn (late September-November) transforms mountains into red and gold, and winter is cold and dry, perfect for covered markets and cozy cafes. In any case, plan for layered clothing: generous air conditioning in summer, cool mornings in spring, crisp evenings in autumn.

Weather tip: spring and autumn offer the best combo "pleasant weather + landscapes". If you're targeting sakura season, book early: accommodations and trains fill up quickly around peak bloom times.

Start with Gyeongbokgung, the most emblematic of the five grand palaces. If you go in hanbok (traditional costume), entry is free and the experience is truly memorable. A stone's throw away, Bukchon Hanok Village displays its traditional houses on gentle slopes: come early in the morning to avoid crowds and respect the tranquility of the place. Insadong, famous for its galleries, crafts and tea houses, perfectly extends the "old stones + arts" mood.

Then head to Myeongdong for beauty and skincare: masks, serums, steaming street stalls (tteokbokki, skewers, sweet hotteok). In the evening, Namsan and N Seoul Tower offer panoramic views. If you prefer modern lines, head to Gangnam, explore COEX and its Starfield Library, then go up to the top of Lotte World Tower for Seoul Sky, an impressive sunset on clear days.

Hongdae is the neighborhood of live music and concept cafes. Street performances follow one another from late afternoon. For a green break, cycle along the Han River or settle in for a picnic: Seoulites love ordering fried chicken delivered directly to the lawn.

Navigation tip: in South Korea, Google Maps isn't always optimal for pedestrian routes or address searches. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap and allow location access. With GoMoWorld, you can activate the integrated VPN to secure your public Wi-Fi connections during your searches.

Busan, the country's second city, breathes the ocean. Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach stretch out the sand, while the Gamcheon Cultural Village spreads its colorful houses on the hillside. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched facing the sea, offers a unique atmosphere at sunrise. Jagalchi Fish Market will delight Korean sashimi lovers, to be enjoyed ultra-fresh on site.

Gyeongju is a dive into history: royal tombs, Buddhist caves, temples and UNESCO-listed remains. Rent a bike to connect the sites at your own pace; at sunset, Anapji Pond sparkles and pagodas stand out in the dim light.

The DMZ, demilitarized zone, offers a glimpse into contemporary Korean history. Several excursions from Seoul offer tunnels, observatories and museums. A powerful experience, to be booked well in advance during high season.

Jeju Island, a 1-hour flight from Seoul, unfolds its volcanic landscapes and craters, starting with Hallasan, Korea's highest point. The Olle trails, Jusangjeolli cliffs and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls make you want to hike every day. Add green tea plantations and sea-view cafes for a very gentle interlude.

For long-distance trains: the KTX connects Seoul to Busan in just over 2 hours. Buy your tickets in advance for weekends and holidays: seated places fill up quickly.

You can't escape Korean barbecue: you grill marinated beef (bulgogi) or spicy pork (dwaeji), wrap it in a lettuce leaf with rice, kimchi and ssamjang sauces. Bibimbap, a colorful bowl of vegetables, rice and beef, is drizzled with gochujang (chili paste) according to your tolerance. Also try jjigae (stew), cold noodles (naengmyeon) in summer, samgyetang (chicken soup with ginseng) and street food: tteokbokki, kimbap, hotteok.

For desserts, the bingsu (shaved ice) wave rages all summer, and the cafe scene is a world in itself: latte art, themed cafes, Franco-Korean pastries. Markets like Gwangjang in Seoul are perfect for tasting a thousand little things, from bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) to hand-pulled noodles.

Table etiquette: wait for the eldest to start eating, fill others' glasses before your own, and turn your head slightly to drink alcohol—it's an appreciated gesture.

The metro network in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju is dense, clean, punctual. Get a T-money (or Cashbee) transport card rechargeable at convenience stores, also valid on buses and sometimes taxis. For Seoul airport, the AREX line connects Incheon to the city center; limousine buses also serve the main districts and hotels.

Between major cities, alternate KTX (high-speed trains) and comfortable intercity buses. Buses are often more economical and connect rural areas convenient for hiking. Taxis are abundant; the Kakao T app facilitates rides, especially in the evening.

Connectivity tip: activate a GoMoWorld data plan just before taking the metro; stations and tunnels may have different reception depending on the local operator. Good news: with GoMoWorld, you connect to the best local networks without changing eSIM.

To travel light, the simplest solution is eSIM. With GoMoWorld, the experience is 100% digital: you buy your plan on the website or app, then you install your eSIM only via the GoMoWorld application—without QR code. Once the eSIM is installed, you don't need to change it: a single eSIM works in more than 200 destinations. You activate your plans when you need them, directly in the app, by pressing "Start"; they don't start automatically upon arrival.

In South Korea, GoMoWorld relies on high-performance local mobile networks. All plans allow connection sharing (hotspot), ideal for a laptop, tablet or to help out a travel companion. You also benefit from an integrated VPN to encrypt your connections, especially on public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes and airports. And if you're leaving for several weeks in Asia, it's ultra convenient: the same eSIM will then follow you to Japan, Thailand or Vietnam without reinstalling anything.

Essential reminder: unactivated GoMoWorld plans never expire. Buy them in advance to benefit from a good rate, then launch the plan when you need it.

GoMoWorld data pricing for South Korea

Four simple and economical options:

• The 30-day plan with 30GB at €29.99, perfect if you work online, watch HD streaming and often share your connection.
• The 30-day plan with 20GB at €19.99, ideal for intensive but reasonable use: maps, social networks, some videos and video conferences.
• The 30-day plan with 9GB at €10.99, the right amount for a 10 to 15 day trip with navigation, photos, messaging and bookings.
• The 7-day plan with 2GB at €3.99, very practical for a city trip or stopover.

You can buy on the website or directly in the application, then install your eSIM via the GoMoWorld app (it's mandatory for installation). Recharges are then done in 1 click, without reinstalling anything. And if your journey extends to Singapore or another destination, you simply activate a new plan from the same eSIM.

The currency is the won (KRW). Card payments are ubiquitous, even for small amounts, but keep some bills and coins for markets, provincial buses or parking meters. Tipping is not a local practice: in most cases, it is neither expected nor necessary.

For connectivity, South Korea operates on 220V, 60Hz, with type C and F plugs. A universal adapter will cover most needs. Tap water is generally drinkable; if in doubt, prefer filtered or bottled water. For language, English is understood in tourist areas, but signs and menus sometimes remain in hangeul only: Naver Papago is excellent for translating menus, signs or short conversations.

Respect for places: temples and palaces require proper attire and discreet behavior. Remove your hat and speak softly in prayer areas; ask permission before photographing people.

For a balanced first discovery, aim for ten days. Start with Seoul (Days 1 to 4). Day 1, landing, AREX to the center, gentle stroll in Myeongdong and view from the top of Namsan. Day 2, grand palace tour: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Insadong, then evening in a Korean barbecue near Jongno. Day 3, south bank side: COEX, Gangnam, then Lotte World Tower for sunset. Day 4, art and music in Hongdae, cafe or gallery, and street food dinner.

Then leave for Gyeongju (Days 5 and 6). First day, museums and tombs, sunset at Anapji Pond. Second day, bike between Buddhist sites, traditional meal in a hanok, then bus or train to Busan.

Busan (Days 7 and 8) will offer you beaches and villages. Haeundae or Gwangalli in the morning, Gamcheon in the afternoon, Haedong Yonggungsa temple at daybreak the next day, and Jagalchi market for lunch.

Return to Seoul (Day 9) or take a flight to Jeju if you have the energy (Days 9-10). On Jeju, focus on a crater (Seongsan Ilchulbong), a waterfall, an Olle trail, and a seafood evening. Otherwise, from Seoul, a DMZ excursion can complete the itinerary with a strong historical perspective. Day 10, final beauty treatments, coffee and takeoff.

If you have more time, extend the trip beyond borders. From South Korea, it's natural to head to Japan for a temple-onsen-and-neon immersion, to go down to Thailand for beaches and fragrant cuisine, to cross to Vietnam for Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An, or to pass through Singapore for an ultra-efficient urban stopover. You stay on the same GoMoWorld eSIM, just activate the plan for the new destination.

Data optimization: download your offline maps in Naver/Kakao the day before, save your boarding QR codes, and schedule GoMoWorld activation on departure morning: zero stress once there.

Bukchon hanok in the early morning are a reservoir of serenity. In Hongdae cafes, you meet DJs, illustrators and designers at work. Korean baths (jjimjilbang) offer an authentic local experience—cleanliness, warmth, relaxation, but respect the codes (gender-separated spaces, clothing provided in common areas). In autumn, go hiking around Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park: mineral ridges, reddened maples, immense views.

Culturally, a traditional dance show or pansori (narrative singing) performance is a pleasant change from classic circuits. Contemporary art museums in Seoul (MMCA, Leeum) and independent spaces in Seongsu complete the picture.

Cafes, hotels and shopping centers often offer Wi-Fi, but these networks aren't always secure. Activating the VPN integrated into your GoMoWorld app allows you to encrypt your traffic with one click during your purchases, payments and sensitive connections. For shopping, Korea loves modern payment methods, and airport duty-free shops offer tax refunds. Keep your receipts and passport on you to benefit from refunds where offered.

Think hotspot: a single data plan can be enough for two or three devices thanks to connection sharing. Very practical for families or a laptop on the go.

Install the GoMoWorld application before the trip, log in with the email used for purchase, and follow the guided eSIM installation in the app. There's no QR code: everything is done step by step. Once the eSIM is in place, you can buy your plans in advance; as long as you haven't activated them, they don't expire. Upon arrival, open the app, press "Start" to activate your plan, and you're set. Recharges are done in 1 click, without reinstalling the eSIM.

For luggage, a universal adapter, a light windbreaker, a pair of sneakers and a small waterproof bag for Jeju make the difference. Download Naver Map/KakaoMap and Papago for translations, and keep a T-money card in your pocket for transport.

Last tip: if you're traveling during a festival or a Korean long weekend, remember to book accommodations and trains as soon as your dates are set. For data, opt for 20GB or 30GB: you'll be fine even with streaming, video conferences and hotspot.

South Korea blends the softness of traditions with the energy of a country turned toward the future. In a few days, you'll go from a royal palace to a futuristic rooftop, from a seaside temple to the fish market, from a hike on an extinct volcano to a skincare shopping session. With GoMoWorld, connectivity becomes the easy part of the trip: a single eSIM for more than 200 destinations, installation via the app, flexible data plans that activate when you decide, available hotspot and integrated VPN to travel serenely. And if you feel like extending the adventure to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam or Singapore, you keep the same eSIM, launch a new plan, and you're off—without losing a minute.

In short: head to South Korea, live intensely, eat well, walk a lot, and let GoMoWorld take care of the rest. Have a great trip!