South Korea Travel Guide: Tips, Costs & Mistakes to Avoid
I don’t remember exactly how or why we decided to visit South Korea. Probably all those K-dramas Neha’s been obsessed with lately sparked her curiosity, and I just rolled with it. I had no idea what to expect from South Korea, but it turned out to be a bittersweet whirlwind. We made a ton of dumb mistakes on this trip—silly stuff, nothing catastrophic—but even so, it became one of the best places we’ve ever explored. Let’s walk through everything and anything about South Korea, from our fumbles to its magic. The mystique of this land has its own enigma and vibe, and we’ll cover the following when it comes to visiting South Korea:
Your Ultimate South Korea Travel Guide
Planning, Logistics, and Visa (from India) - This blog and the upcoming,
Seoul – embodiment of tradition and modern society
Train to Busan
The Jeju Love Affair
South Korea and India gained independence on the same day, and there are plenty of common threads between the two nations. Sure, people love debating the stark differences in progress, but let’s not forget—both countries endured immense suffering, and the choices they made carved wildly different paths. South Korea had a head start with the USA as a catalyst right from the get-go, while India forged its own way, stumbling and rising on its own terms. Today, both societies wrestle with their unique challenges, shaped by history’s twists and turns. It’s a fascinating contrast, one that hit me as we planned this trip.
Speaking of planning, let’s shake off the serious stuff and get to the fun part—figuring out when to visit South Korea! The season you pick can make or break your trip, as this country transforms with every shift in the weather. Like its East Asian cousin Japan, South Korea shines during cherry blossom season—think late March to April, when everything’s drenched in pink and buzzing with life. It’s peak season for a reason! Then there’s autumn, around October and November, with crisp air and fiery leaves that rival any postcard. Winter kicks in from December to mid-March—perfect if you love snowy vibes and cozy thrills. The tricky months? June to August. Sure, the heat’s tame compared to Indian summers (hovering around 31°C), but the rains can derail your plans and leave you dodging puddles instead of sights. Pick wisely, because South Korea’s magic deserves the right spotlight!
After living in Pune for a while and craving those North Indian winters, we picked December for our South Korea trip to get our chilly fix. If we had to sum it up, South Korea is hands-down an incredible country to visit—I mean, really, really incredible. I’m still kicking myself for not considering it sooner because it’s a love affair you can’t shake off. It’s peaceful, steeped in history, and somehow blends culture with modern vibes in a way that’s downright astonishing. Yes, the challenges you’ve heard about—like shrinking birth rates or the glaring rich-poor divide in cities like Seoul—are real, no question. But we were blown away by how people stick to traffic rules, honor queues, and show mutual respect for each other, making it all work seamlessly. We rolled into December, expecting biting cold (and trust me, it was very, very, very cold) and a dull, gloomy vibe. Boy, were we wrong! The celebrations, especially the “Light Festival,” wiped out every ounce of that dreariness. It was our first time seeing anything like it—no other country we’ve visited even comes close. Picture this: a simple, plain spot transformed into a dazzling explosion of creativity and twinkling lights. For us, it was Seoul’s unexpected gift, a total game-changer.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and help you plan your own South Korea adventure!
If you’re traveling for the first time to a country where English isn’t widely spoken, buckle up—there’s a treasure trove of details and tips that’ll make navigating this wonderland a breeze. South Korea might feel daunting at first, but with the right plan, it’s pure magic waiting to unfold.
Why December in Seoul?
Seoul, the buzzing capital, is usually your entry point into South Korea, and it’s a massive playground bursting with things to see and do. This city has it all—history and tradition spill out through ancient forts, stamp trails, and mouthwatering cuisines that’ll hook you instantly. Craving amusement? Lotte World, Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm, and Little France are just the start. Into malls, shops, or modern art? You’ll be spoiled for choice with endless shopping paradises, quirky souvenirs, and those unmissable beauty products and treatments. It’s tough to decide what to skip because every corner screams adventure! We’ll dive deeper into city specifics in later blogs, but for now, nail down your days. You’ll need at least three days to rush through Seoul’s highlights—think whirlwind—and still feel the rush. Want to savor it with nearby gems like a local? Plan for four days minimum, though six days let you soak it all in at your pace.
Busan’s New Year Magic
From Seoul up north, you’ll head south or maybe east, passing through charming cities that ooze tradition and serenity—no hustle, just calm. We toyed with stopping at one but, with food options in mind and a peaceful Jeju on our radar, we skipped them. Instead, Busan became our next must-visit spot. It’s a gem, especially around New Year with its jaw-dropping drone show (It was a funny one). Smaller than Seoul, Busan has its own laid-back charm, and we planned a few days to explore at our leisure. It hit us late that BIFF—the famous film festival—calls Busan home, which only sweetened the deal. Naturally, we booked a train to Busan, our little nod to that iconic “Train to Busan” flick.
Jeju’s Must-Know
Our third and final stop was Jeju, a tiny island that’s as stunning as it gets. Settlements hug the north and south, with a mountain smack in the center—like the whole island revolves around it. It’s South Korea’s best-kept secret, a honeymoon hotspot for locals, and we added it thanks to Neha’s K-drama obsession. Digging deeper, I fell for it too—oh, and there’s a Sex Museum, which sealed the deal. This trio—Seoul, Busan, Jeju—became our South Korea roadmap, sketched out at a high level, ready to roll.
Alright, let’s shift gears to the second half of our South Korea itinerary!
Visa work
Getting a visa for South Korea from India means dealing with VFS—yep, them again. The process feels a lot like applying for a Schengen visa, so if you’ve done that, you’re halfway there. You’ll need to round up:
Visa form
Itinerary
Flight tickets
Accommodation proof
Bank statements (a salary account with decent funds—think INR 1,00,000—boosts your odds, though it’s not a must; if you’re low on cash but invest, toss in credit card statements or investment proof)
ITRs
Travel insurance
If employed: NOC and salary slips
If self-employed: company info and statements (double-check for extras
Planning to drive in South Korea? An International Driving Permit (IDP) is non-negotiable—especially for Jeju, where public transport won’t cut it and taxis bleed your wallet dry.
The visa usually takes about 15 days to process through VFS, and you can pick it up or have it delivered. It’s valid for 90 days from issuance, giving you plenty of time to plan. Cost? Around INR 4,200 per person. One catch: at VFS New Delhi, they demanded cash payment—no cards accepted back then. That might’ve changed, but pack some cash or hit an ATM nearby just in case. Nail this step, and South Korea’s wonders are yours to chase!
Language
Our research screamed one thing loud and clear: language is a hurdle. English isn’t common—signboards, menus, food labels, you name it, they’re mostly in Korean, with English translations as rare as a unicorn. For us, skipping non-veg delicacies made it trickier—we didn’t want to accidentally munch on mystery meat! But here’s the kicker: South Korea’s got a tech fix for nearly everything, and that sparked some hope. From apps to gadgets, they’ve turned challenges into child’s play. Let’s dive into the tech essentials first, then circle back to other logistics that’ll smooth your ride.
Naver Maps Hack
Coming from India, we’re practically married to Google Maps—warts and all. It’s our go-to for scoping out distances between cities, markets, and spots in South Korea during our initial research. But here’s the shocker: once you’re there, Google Maps flops—hard. You’ll be wandering in circles, nowhere near your destination. Enter Naver Maps, South Korea’s homegrown genius. Let me tell you, this app is a tech marvel—free, crazy accurate, and packed with details Google could only dream of touching. Take Myeongdong, Seoul’s buzzing market: Naver didn’t just guide us from our stay, it handed us gold:
Shortest route based on our departure time
Approx trip cost
Exact bus stop, boarding side of the road
Directions to head in
Metro routes—entry gate, exit gate, even how to find the gate inside the station!
I was floored. For days, I kept bugging Neha—“How does it do that?”—until she got fed up and started digging for answers just to shut me up! Pro tip: grab a SIM at the airport and download Naver in Seoul—trust me, you’ll need it pronto.
But paradise has its quirks. Naver Maps is mostly in Korean, so reading it? Tough luck. I floundered—badly. Early on, I hopped on the wrong bus 5 out of 10 times, heading the opposite way while Neha fumed. We doubled our fares some days—public transport averages 90 rupees per trip (valid for four transfers on subway or bus within 30 minutes), so it stings! Then there’s searching: literal translations mess up restaurant or spot names, so finding the right combo of words was a puzzle. We cracked it, though—start with Google Maps to get a rough idea of the place and keywords, then plug that into Naver. Boom, 95% success rate. You’ll need both apps in your arsenal to conquer South Korea’s buses and metros like a pro.
Next up, Papago—our translation lifesaver. Its killer feature? Point your camera at anything—food labels, signs, notices—hit translate, and you’re golden. Download it in Seoul too—it saved us from non-veg slip-ups the whole trip, a vegetarian’s dream! We barely used it to talk, though—locals managed with broken English or hand gestures, and shopkeepers flashed calculators to haggle. Simple, brilliant, and way more fun than fumbling with phrases.
Public Transportation
South Korea, especially Seoul, boasts jaw-dropping public transportation—it was the first city in the world to roll out smart cards for it! You can snag one right at the airport, and they’re national, so the same card works in Busan or Jeju—no sweat. We hit a snag, though: one card had balance, got damaged (no clue how), and replacing it was a nightmare. Retailers wouldn’t budge, and despite the language barrier hassle, we lost that cash. Lesson learned! Now, Visa or Mastercard works too—your call, convenience or cash. Seoul’s metro and bus network is a dream—extensive, frequent, and the airport link? Seamless. Busan’s a different beast: airport-to-city connectivity exists, but expect line switches galore if you’re lugging bags from downtown. We schlepped 25 kg of luggage onto packed buses during peak hours—trust me, it’s a workout you don’t want.
The bus network shines, though—covers nearly everywhere you’d want to go with solid frequency, so you’re never stranded. In Busan, watch for variety: hilly spots like Gamcheon Village use tiny green buses. They’re cute but cramped, so brace yourself to squeeze in with your gear. Then there’s Jeju—oh boy, don’t bank on public transport there. We did, and it nearly wrecked our serene island vibe. Coming from India, we figured we’d rent a car if needed or stick to buses. Biggest. Mistake. Ever. Buses run maybe single-digit times a day, and everything’s spread out—waiting around or syncing museum visits (most shut by 5 pm in winter) with schedules was torture. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you go—it’s a breeze online, no agent fees to stress over. We didn’t, and paid the price in wasted time and grumbles.
Rental cars in Jeju? Right at the airport, super easy. Cabs too—just don’t repeat our rookie move of “winging it” with buses. Learn from our stupidity, and you’ll thank me later!
Seoul Airport Connectivity
Landing in Seoul? You’ve got a buffet of options to zip from the airport to the city—spoiler, it’s a breeze once you know the ropes! Note: Seoul’s airport is in Incheon, a solid trek from the city, much like Jewar Airport to Delhi or Gurugram. You can hop on buses, metro, luxury buses, or taxis to reach Seoul from Incheon Airport. Big heads-up: public transport shuts down at night. Late flight or early morning takeoff? Private taxis are your only bet—check Naver Maps for bus timings to dodge that trap.
Step outside the arrivals hall, and the choices hit you fast. Incheon’s its own city, not Seoul—think of it as the scrappy up-and-comer next to the big shot. Metro’s your simplest play—clear signs in the arrival area guide you straight to it, no sweat. Then there’s luxury buses parked just outside; they’ve got routes galore, so pick wisely. You’ll get a pillar number for your bus—just don’t miss it! Pro tip: if you’re a couple or a group, those plush seats might cost as much as a cab, so crunch the numbers before you commit. Cabs? Easy-peasy via an app if you grabbed a SIM at the airport (you’ll need that local number—don’t skip it). No SIM? Metered taxis are there, but they’ll dent your wallet more, so save them for a pinch. Pick your ride and roll into Seoul like you own it!
CurrencyAfter countless trips across Asia, here’s a golden rule: never buy South Korean Won from your home country—India in our case. The exchange rates? A total rip-off. Grab USD instead before you leave, then swap it in Seoul for the best bang for your buck. Spots like Moneybox and Yellow Company dish out killer rates, but location’s key—Moneybox in Insadong isn’t the same as Namdaemun. We struck gold in Myeongdong—hands-down the best rates, especially on Mondays if you’re pinching pennies. USD’s the champ here, delivering every time, at least as of this year. Need some Won upfront? Carry just enough for your ride from the airport and a SIM card (or lean on a Niyo forex card and save the hassle).
Overall Budget – Economic Yet Comfy Stay + Tons of Cute Shopping!
Our 10-day South Korea fling? Totally doable without breaking the bank. Return flights from Delhi ran us INR 80k, and cozy stays for 10 days hit around INR 50k. Add local commutes, entry fees, and food—think INR 50-60k—and you’re looking at roughly INR 250k for a couple. Shopping? That’s your wild card. We had to chain ourselves to stop grabbing every adorable gadget and outfit—tech, clothes, everything’s just too cute to resist!
From Seoul’s dazzling Light Festival to Busan’s chill vibes and Jeju’s stunning slip-ups, this trip was a rollercoaster of chaos, charm, and pure joy. Plan smart with our tips—visa, Naver, transport—and South Korea’s magic is yours for the taking. Trust me, you’ll fall hard for this place, just like we did! So, ready to dive deeper? Stick with us as we unpack Seoul, Busan, and Jeju one by one in upcoming blogs—each city’s got its own story, and we’re just getting started!
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