South Korea is a charming nation situated on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is well-known for occupying one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders; that it shares with North Korea. However, South Korea is a peaceful country covered in green, hilly countryside, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tea plantations, centuries-old Buddhist temples and coastal fishing villages. It has an eclectic mix of ancient culture and modern technology and can trace its history back half a million years.
These days most cities consist of a new fashionable area with coffee shops and karaoke bars, but in these same cities you will also find the Korea of old; alleyways and street markets in an intriguing maze where vendors sell everything, just as they have done for hundreds of years.
South Korea also bursts with magical pink blooms in March for Cherry Blossom season and is often less crowded than the Japanese season.
Our new Scenic South Korea tour takes in all the sights and wonders of this fascinating country.
For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
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For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
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Any time from March to May is a lovely temperate climate to explore. If a cooler climate is your preference, then a visit between September and November will allow you the opportunity to watch the autumnal colours change across the landscape.
Did you know that South Korea also has a spectacular Cherry Blossom season? The Best time to see this is in March.
Korean cuisine is delicious, colourful and healthy. Meals are usually served with a bowl of rice and a bowl of soup and consist usually of banchan (side dishes) including Kimchi (seasoned and fermented vegetable), fish and meat. Most food is eaten with chopsticks so best get practicing as cutlery is not always available at restaurants. Korean food is generally hot and spicy compared to Chinese and Japanese cuisine.
South Korea is the ultimate destination for exploration, be that independently or with a guide. If you like having an expert at your side for the duration of your trip, we would highly recommend having a guide for your tour. They will be able to take you to the iconic sights as well as the hidden gems with no troubles as well as share their passion, and love for their local region. A guide will be your local resource throughout your trip, whether that be to talk about the history of a place or to suggest an excellent restaurant! South Korea can of course be done independently but we would still recommend a guide or local to be on hand to point you in the right direction or help recommend where to go.
South Korean society and culture is built on intricate social etiquette and customs. As foreigners, we are not expected to be knowledgeable about all etiquette, but it will make your time in South Korea more enjoyable if you are respectful of local customs. Some examples of scenarios you may encounter include removing your shoes and hats when entering a temple or house (some restaurants as well). You may be supplied with slippers at some places, but please come prepared with plenty of spare socks, and shoes that are easy to take off for the fairly regular occasions when they must be removed. It is also more polite to use both hands when giving or receiving things, such as money or change. Your Local Guide will advise you of some of these other customs at the beginning of your tour.
A visa is not required for Australian passport holders for entry into South Korea for stays up to 90 days.
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