Flights from London (LON) to South Korea

Discover South Korea

Discover South Korea

Why visit South Korea?
South Korea blends cutting-edge cities with mountain temples, seaside escapes, and a rich creative scene. You can move from high-tech districts to quiet hanok lanes, all in a single day.
What to expect
Seoul offers buzzing neighbourhoods and royal palaces, while Busan adds beaches, coastal trails, and harbour views. Beyond the major cities, you will find national parks, historic towns, and calm islands to explore.
Plan your trip
Many travellers combine Seoul and Busan, using fast trains and domestic links to move between regions. South Korea also works well as part of a wider Asia journey, with easy onward connections through Singapore.

Top experiences in South Korea

Explore Seoul's royal palaces

Walk through grand courtyards, traditional gates, and tranquil gardens at Seoul's historic palaces and nearby heritage districts.

Relax on Busan's beaches

Spend time on Busan's sandy shores and coastal promenades, with city skylines and forested hills as your backdrop.

Hike in South Korea's national parks

Follow marked trails past rocky peaks, valleys, and viewpoints in protected mountain areas across the country.

Stroll through vibrant shopping districts

Browse fashion, skincare, and lifestyle stores in lively city districts filled with lights, music, and street performers.

Discover traditional villages and hanok streets

Wander narrow lanes lined with tiled-roof houses, intimate courtyards, and small cultural workshops.

Experience South Korea's café culture

Pause in creative cafés and dessert spots where design, seasonal menus, and gentle music set a relaxed mood.

Unwind in coastal and riverfront parks

Enjoy walking paths, cycle routes, and picnic lawns along rivers and seafronts in cities across the country.

Experience South Korea's way of life

Getting around
High-speed rail links Seoul with Busan in around a few hours, making it easy to experience both cities in one trip. Local metro systems, buses, and taxis connect neighbourhoods efficiently, while well-marked intercity buses reach smaller towns and coastal areas.
Local life & culture
City life moves quickly, but you will still find pockets of quiet in traditional streets, galleries, and riverside parks. Design, music, and popular culture shape the atmosphere, alongside festivals, seasonal flowers, and everyday routines in local neighbourhoods.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in mountain parks, coastal promenades, and landscaped city gardens dotted with walking tracks and viewpoints. Many hotels and resorts offer pools, spas, and wellness areas, giving you spaces to rest between days of sightseeing.

A taste of South Korea

National dishes & specialties
South Korea is known for flavourful grilled dishes, rich stews, rice-based meals, and a wide variety of side dishes. Seoul, Busan, and regional cities each put their own spin on classics, often shaped by nearby seas, farms, and mountains.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In major cities you will find compact eateries, stylish restaurants, and late-opening snack spots side by side. Different districts specialise in street bites, contemporary cooking, or café-style menus, giving you options at any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
Many restaurants and bars make the most of rooftop views, riverside paths, or coastal settings. Elevated tasting menus, intimate chef-led counters, and atmospheric hanok-style venues create memorable evenings across the country.

Retail therapy in South Korea

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls and lifestyle complexes in Seoul and Busan bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. You can move easily between fashion, tech, beauty, and homeware in climate-controlled comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Across cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu you will find markets with textiles, ceramics, paper goods, and everyday essentials. Smaller districts and traditional streets often feature independent studios selling handmade items and seasonal specialties.
Evening retail scene
Shopping districts stay bright well into the night, with illuminated signs, music, and late-opening stores. Some areas add food alleys and casual street stalls, creating a lively atmosphere for browsing after dark.

Best time to visit South Korea

Spring shoulder season (April to June): Expect mild weather around 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F), with flowers in bloom and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Summer peak season (July to August): Temperatures often range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F), with higher humidity and a busier atmosphere in cities and coastal areas.
Autumn and winter shoulder and low season (September to March): Autumn days range from about 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F), while winter can drop to -5°C to 7°C (23°F to 45°F), bringing crisp air and colder nights.

Frequently Asked Questions