Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to South Korea

Discover South Korea

Discover South Korea

Why visit South Korea?
South Korea blends dynamic cities, mountain landscapes, and a coastline dotted with islands. You find pop culture, timeless architecture, and tranquil countryside within a compact, easy-to-explore country.

What to expect
Seoul offers skyscrapers, palaces, and lively neighbourhoods, while Busan brings beaches, hillsides, and coastal temples. Beyond the cities, national parks, traditional villages, and smaller ports reveal a slower, more contemplative side of the country.

Plan your trip
You can pair urban stays in Seoul or Busan with day trips to historic towns and scenic hiking areas. South Korea also works well as a base for wider North Asia journeys, thanks to efficient airports, fast trains, and clear visitor infrastructure.

Top experiences in South Korea

Explore royal palaces in Seoul

Stroll through Seoul's grand palace complexes to see landscaped courtyards, painted wooden halls, and views of the surrounding city and mountains.

Walk along Busan's coastal trails

Follow seaside paths linking beaches, cliffs, and a hilltop temple, with wide views over harbours and out to the open sea.

Shop and café-hop in trendy districts

Browse fashion, cosmetics, and lifestyle boutiques, then pause in stylish cafés that anchor local street culture.

Relax on South Korea's city beaches

Unwind on well-kept urban beaches where you can combine swimming, waterfront walks, and dining steps from the sand.

Hike in South Korea's national parks

Follow well-marked trails through granite peaks, forested valleys, and seasonal foliage close to major cities.

Discover K-culture landmarks

Visit cultural centres, music districts, and filming locations that showcase the global wave of South Korean entertainment.

Experience traditional hanok neighbourhoods

Wander quiet lanes lined with wooden homes, tiled roofs, and small galleries that preserve historic urban life.

Enjoy seasonal festivals and light displays

Time your visit for lanterns, fireworks, or winter illuminations that transform city streets and riverfronts after dark.

Experience South Korea's way of life

Getting around
High-speed KTX trains link major cities such as Seoul and Busan in just a few hours, supported by frequent metro services and buses. For coastal or island escapes, domestic flights and ferries give you additional flexibility.

Local life & culture
In the cities, you feel an energetic rhythm of work, study, and late-night socialising, balanced by a strong appreciation for design and public spaces. Cultural life runs from contemporary galleries and music venues to calligraphy, tea traditions, and preserved folk villages.

Where to unwind
You can relax in urban parks, riverfront promenades, and hillside viewpoints that frame both nature and skyline. Across the country, scenic beaches, forest retreats, and mountain trails offer quiet escapes from the pace of the city.

A taste of South Korea

National dishes & specialties
South Korea is known for barbecue, hearty stews, and rice dishes served with an array of side plates. Seoul and Busan each highlight regional flavours, from coastal seafood to comforting street snacks enjoyed year-round.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You find casual eateries on almost every street, serving everything from noodles and dumplings to contemporary fusion plates. Food districts in Seoul and Busan showcase trends, late-night bites, and creative takes on familiar favourites.

Signature & scenic dining
For something memorable, you can book restaurants with skyline views, riverfront terraces, or sea-facing tables. In both major cities, chefs combine local ingredients with refined presentation to create special-occasion meals.

Retail therapy in South Korea

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping complexes in Seoul and Busan bring together international labels, beauty brands, homeware, and entertainment. Many combine department stores with cinemas, food halls, and rooftop spaces for an all-day visit.

Markets & local crafts
Bustling markets in Seoul, Busan, and other regional centres showcase textiles, accessories, household items, and everyday snacks. Smaller craft-focused streets and workshops highlight stationery, ceramics, and contemporary design pieces you can take home.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping districts glow with neon signs, street food stalls, and late-opening boutiques. Night markets and pedestrian streets create a lively atmosphere where browsing, people-watching, and quick bites blend together.

Best time to visit South Korea

Peak season: Late March to May and September to early November bring mild, comfortable days around 10–22°C (50–72°F) with cherry blossoms or autumn colours, making this the most popular time for sightseeing.

Shoulder season: June and early July, plus late November, see warmer or cooling conditions around 15–27°C (59–81°F), with fewer crowds but some rain or overcast days.

Low season: Late July to August and December to February range from hot, humid summers near 25–32°C (77–90°F) to cold winters often between -3–7°C (27–45°F), ideal if you prefer beach days or snowy cityscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions