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The Gate Of Gyeongbokgung Palace at Twilight in Seoul, South Korea

South Korea Holidays


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South Korea holidays offer a captivating blend of past and present. Here, soaring skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology stand alongside ancient temples, royal palaces and living traditions.

Begin your journey in Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital. Dive into its energetic shopping districts, neon-lit entertainment, bustling street food stalls and time-honoured markets. Step away from the modern pace and wander through historic palaces and peaceful gardens, where the city’s remarkable history unfolds.

In contrast, Gyeongju - often called The Museum Without Walls - reveals a quieter side of Korea. Once the capital of the Shilla Kingdom and now home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, this lesser-known region is surrounded by forested mountains, glittering temples and archaeological treasures.

To the north lies the DMZ, a two-mile-wide strip of no man’s land that forms the border between North and South Korea. Visiting this extraordinary buffer zone offers a compelling look at one of the last enduring frontiers of the Cold War.

Head south to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, where sleek high-rises overlook golden beaches and a lively port. Relax in natural hot springs, sample fresh seafood in tented street bars or take a seat in stylish cafés as the city’s coastal charm unfolds.

For more inspiration, read our guide on the top five reasons to visit South Korea.

Trailfinders offers a range of South Korea holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here. Whether you want to explore South Korea on a sociable guided group tour or a city break or stopover – they are the perfect people to ask.
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WHERE TO GO IN SOUTH KOREA

Each area of South Korea boasts its own attractions and with its wonderful blend of old and new, soaring skyscrapers and historical monuments, there is plenty see whether you want an exciting group tour to explore the country or if you’d prefer one of our private touring options. Read our guide on the best places to visit in South Korea.

Take a look at the tiles below the map of South Korea for more details on each destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Seoul
Seoul
South Korea’s exciting capital is a sprawling metropolis of contrasts - dazzling neon-lit streets, futuristic architecture and an energetic K-Pop scene sit alongside historic palaces, traditional markets and street food stalls.
Andong
Andong
A peaceful city on the banks of the Nakdonggang River and surrounded by mountains, Andong offers the chance to gain an insight into Korea’s rich national folk heritage and culture at the Hahoe Cultural Village.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island
The jewel in the crown of Korea’s natural wonders and one of its most popular holiday destinations, the volcanic island of Jeju is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the country’s highest mountain.
Busan
Busan
Busan is South Korea’s second largest city and boasts a spectacular oceanfront location surrounded by verdant mountain ranges - this modern, vibrant, and densely populated port city is most famous for its hot springs, sweeping beaches and seafood.
Gyeongju
Gyeongju
Established as the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom approximately 2,000 years ago, the cultural gem of Gyeongju is affectionately known as the ‘museum without walls’ - the country’s only historic national park is a treasure trove of temples, palaces and royal tombs.
Gwangju
Gwangju
A lovely city with a fantastic art scene, dynamic festivals and a rich history, Gwangju is surrounded by stunning natural scenery with the mountains of Mudeungsan National Park easily accessible.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO SOUTH KOREA

Nobody offers more ways to explore South Korea than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular South Korea holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give our travel experts a call to start planning your perfect holiday in South Korea.
72 Hours in Seoul
City Break
4 days / 3 nights

Discover Seoul on this perfect city break; get an insight into South Korean culture, tradition and history.

Guide Price: €599 £529 pp

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Best of South Korea
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
8 days / 7 nights

Ready for a unique travel experience?

Guide Price: €2324 £1952 pp

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The Best of Japan & South Korea
Multi Centre Holiday
17 days / 16 nights

Japan and South Korea are both equally unique and bursting with culture-rich experiences.

Guide Price: €8,349 £6,949 pp

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Essential South Korea
Rail
12 days / 11 nights

Experience all the highlights of South Korea with the perfect combination of guided tours and the freedom to independently explore, discovering intriguing history, breathtaking natural scenery and beautiful temples along the way.

Guide Price: €3,229 £2,835 pp

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South Korea Highlights
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
9 days / 8 nights

A destination of natural wonder, culinary delights and cityscapes, South Korea is a rewarding trip for any traveller.

Guide Price: €2618 £2337 pp

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South Korea Encompassed
Private Tour
16 days / 15 nights

Combining the serene and picturesque with vibrant and modern; South Korea is a destination which enchants all who visit.

Guide Price: €9,429 £7,829 pp

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HOW TO GET AROUND SOUTH KOREA

With its excellent network of high-speed trains, South Korea is the perfect destination to be explored by rail and road as part of a private tour. Alternatively, join a small group adventure tour and explore this fascinating country with a group of like-minded travellers whilst enjoying the services of a knowledgeable tour leader. Or, if travelling further afield, why not incorporate a eye-opening stopover city break in Seoul?

Follow one of our carefully planned itineraries or ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect South Korean holiday.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SOUTH KOREA

We feature a great range of accommodation in South Korea, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a luxury hotel overlooking the Hangang River or a great value stopover hotel in the heart of the city.

What you won’t find here are thousands of South Korea hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Novotel Ambassador Yongsan
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A modern hotel, Novotel Ambassador Yongsan is an excellent choice for a sleek stay in Seoul.
Grand Hyatt Jeju
5 star

Jeju Island

With an iconic design, this large hotel enjoys spectacular ocean views and extensive facilities.
Signiel Busan
5 star

Busan

Situated on the lovely Haeundae beach, this stunning property boasts extraordinary city and ocean views and has excellent facilities.
Baymond Hotel
3 star

Busan

Located a 5 minute walk from Haeundae Beach and a 10 minute walk from Haeundae Metro Station, this modern hotel boasts a rooftop pool with sweeping views over Haeundae Beach and the surrounding area.
Hilton Garden Inn Gangnam
4 star

Seoul

This modern hotel offers contemporary accommodation ideally located in the centre of Gangnam Business District and nearby an abundance of bars, restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
Lahan Select Gyeongju
5 star

Gyeongju

This large and modern hotel is ideally set amongst gorgeous natural landscape and adjacent to the impressive Bomun Lake, creating a perfect contrast.

WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH KOREA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, South Korea is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique insight into the culture that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your South Korea holiday to life.
Private Introduction to Seoul
4.5 hours
Departs: Seoul

The best way to get around and explore vibrant Seoul is to do as the locals do – travel by public ...

Korean DMZ tour
7 hours
Departs: Seoul

Discover the history of the Korean peninsula on this guided group tour to the Demilitarised Zone ...

Private K-Culture Odyssey
9 hours
Departs: Seoul

Be immersed in the vibrant world of K-Culture on this special Seoul tour.  From interactive ...

Seoul Night Market Food Tour
2 hours
Departs: Seoul

Explore one of South Korea’s oldest and largest traditional night markets; Gwangjang Market. ...

Private Evening Tour of Seoul
4 hours
Departs: Seoul

Explore the enchanting beauty of Seoul after dark, where ancient palaces shimmer under the ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH KOREA?

South Korea typically follows the same seasons as the UK and Ireland.

The winter months can be very cold and the summer months can reach highs of 30°C, yet it is also the wet and hurricane season. The shoulder seasons are a good time to go: April to May and October, as it's generally a comfortable temperature and with minimal rainfall.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit South Korea.

South Korea Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Ollie Jones -  expert
Ollie Jones

Make sure to take a trip to the notorious DMZ. We spent a few hours exploring the different areas including museums, artefacts, the secret tunnels used to sneak between the border, and we even caught a glimpse of the elusive North Korea. It’s a very eerie place to experience and well worth the visit.

Meg Carey -  expert
Meg Carey

Seoul is a vibrant city with something new around every corner, make sure to visit the key sites but also make time to soak up the culture. From themed cafes, karaoke bars, night markets and photo booths to vibrant art districts and mural villages, you will find plenty of unique experiences to keep you entertained.

Nadia Roche -  expert
Nadia Roche

For an authentic experience in Seoul, head to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village to enjoy delicious Korean cuisine and boutique shopping within traditional hanok homes.

South Korea Fast Facts

Time Zone: South Korea is 9 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings

Getting to South Korea: South Korea is served by multiple airlines, with three daily direct flights into Seoul. Alternatively, popular stopover options include Istanbul and Dubai.

Currency: South Korean Won (KRW). ATM's are widely available in cities and large towns, but credit card payments may not be accepted outside of the larger cities

Tipping: Tipping is not practiced in South Korea and attempts to leave a tip can lead to confusion and sometimes cause offence

Language: Korean is the spoken language in South Korea. English is not widely spoken outside of the capital (Seoul)

Visa: For stays over 90 days only (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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