South Korea
Explore the best of South Korea, from top travel destinations to authentic Korean food, festivals, and cultural insights. Discover everything South Korea has to offer in our South Korea category.
Korea in Winter: Weather, Things to Do and Food
Visiting South Korea in winter? Weather by region, skiing, ice fishing festivals, Seollal, warming street food and packing tips for Seoul and beyond.
Getting Around South Korea: T-money, KTX, Subways and Taxis
South Korea has one of the best public transport systems in the world. Subways are clean and cheap, high-speed trains connect Seoul and Busan in under three hours, and one transport card works on buses and metros all over the country. The only challenge for visitors is understanding the system at the start. I lived…
Seoul Itinerary: 3 to 5 Days From a Former Resident
Seoul is one of the most exciting cities in Asia: royal palaces next to glass towers, night markets, K-pop, cafes in old factories and some of the best food you will ever eat. I lived in Seoul for a year as an exchange student, and this itinerary is the route I would plan for a…
Where to Stay in Seoul: Best Neighbourhoods From a Former Resident
Seoul is a huge city of very different neighbourhoods: palaces and hanok houses in the old centre, students and street performers in Hongdae, shopping in Myeongdong and glass towers in Gangnam. Choosing the right area saves you hours on the subway. I lived in Seoul for a year as an exchange student in Sinchon, and…
K-ETA Guide: Who Needs It, Cost and How to Apply for South Korea
If you are visiting South Korea without a visa, you may need a K-ETA, the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, before you board your flight. Many travellers only find out at the airport check-in counter, which is stressful. As a Swiss citizen, I need one too. This guide explains who needs a K-ETA, how much it…
Best Time to Visit South Korea: Seasons, Weather and Holidays
South Korea has four very clear seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, a hot and rainy summer, spectacular autumn colours and a cold, dry winter. I lived through all of them during my exchange year in Seoul, and the season makes a huge difference to your trip. This guide explains the best time to visit South…
Seomyeon Shopping Guide: The Best Places to Shop in Busan
If you want to shop in Busan, you go to Seomyeon. It is the commercial heart of the city, the neighbourhood where the two main subway lines cross and where the density of shops, brands, arcades and beauty stores is higher than anywhere else in Korea outside of Seoul. Think of it as Busan’s version…
How Much Does a Trip to South Korea Cost? Daily Budget Guide
How much does a trip to South Korea cost? Less than Japan in many areas, especially for food and transport, but Seoul has become more expensive in recent years. I lived in Seoul for a year as an exchange student and have been to Busan three times, so this guide gives you realistic prices for…
Is Japan Really Living in the Future? What It’s Actually Like
When people imagine a futuristic country, Japan is usually the first place that comes to mind. Images of neon-lit Tokyo streets, high-speed Shinkansen trains, robot cafés, and vending machines on nearly every corner have shaped the country’s global reputation for decades. For many travelers, Japan still represents the closest thing to stepping into the future.…
Japan Digitalization and Automation Compared to South Korea and Switzerland: Lessons for Modernizing Public Services
In the past decade, the conversation around Japan digitalization and automation has become increasingly relevant for governments and businesses grappling with shrinking workforces, demographic change, and the rapidly rising expectations of digitally native citizens. While Japan’s leadership in robotics and consumer automation often garners admiration, South Korea and Switzerland have demonstrated that integrated digital infrastructure…