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Best (and Worst) Times to Visit South Korea in 2024/2025

South Korea experiences four distinct seasons. Generally, the best times to visit South Korea are in spring (March to May) for the cherry blossoms and autumn (September to November) for the fall foliage . Both periods have mild temperatures with an average range of around 10–16°C (50–61°F), with more clear days than summer/winter.

The best time for you to visit South Korea could be different however, depending on what you want to see and your travel preferences. Read our article to find out the best times to visit South Korea based on different factors.

• 1.South Korea Weather and Climate
• 2. The Worst Times to Visit South Korea
• 3. Best Times for Pleasant Weather and Fewer Crowds
• 4. The Cheapest Time to Visit South Korea
• 5. South Korea Travel Guide by Month

South Korea Weather and Climate

South Korea has four distinct seasons:

Spring (March to May): Being one of the best times to visit South Korea, the average temperature ranges from 8–16°C (46–61°F) , providing pleasant weather to enjoy the cherry blossoms and outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August): The sweltering conditions may make it uncomfortable for you to explore sightseeing spots during summer in South Korea. The average daily high during this season is 30°C (86°F) and there is frequent rainfall due to the rainy season. June is a better time to travel compared to July and August as it's cooler and has fewer crowds, with an average daily temperature range of 18–27°C (64–81°F).

Autumn (September to November): This is another one of the best times to visit South Korea. Cooler temperatures and decreased rainfall are the main features of this season. The average night-day temperature range is from 10 to 18°C (50–64°F). Many locals choose to go hiking during fall.

Winter (December to February): It is the coldest and driest time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 5°C (37–41°F) on a typical day. We don't usually advise visiting South Korea during this period because it is too cold for comfort. However, if you are going for skiing or snowboarding activities, it's a different story. A Japanese skiing/ winter experience is even better though.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Trip to South Korea >>>

The Worst Times to Visit South Korea

The summer months (July to August) in South Korea are the worst time to visit. High temperatures usually reach up 35°C (95°F) on the hottest days, and two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs during this season, making heavy rainfall common. Therefore, you're recommended to avoid this period if you have a flexible schedule.

The second worst time to visit South Korea is in winter , from December to February. January is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures in Seoul sometimes dropping below -10°C (14°F) and occasionally falling below -15°C (5°F).

Suggested reading: Plan a Family Trip to South Korea >>>

Best Times for Pleasant Weather and Fewer Crowds

Late April to May has mild weather in South Korea , with average daily temperatures ranging from 13 to 23°C (55–73°F), and there are more sunny days before the rainy season arrives. The crowds of people viewing the cherry blossoms have disappeared and the summer vacation has not yet started, making it a perfect time to do outdoor activities and go sightseeing.

June is the start of summer and the rainy season in South Korea. The night-day temperature range is about 18–27°C (64–81°F) and rainfall typically consists of steady drizzles, but it doesn't rain every day.

September marks the tail end of the summer crowds and the rainy season. The weather tends to be drier and cooler, with an average daily temperature range of 17–26°C (63–79°F). More crowds arrive in October and November for the colorful autumn scenery. South Korea usually has a 3-day holiday in September for the important Chuseok (Mid-Autumn) festival and some stores may close or open late. Chuseok would not affect your trip and could be a chance to see more of Korea's culture.

Suggested reading: Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Japan and South Korea >>>

The Cheapest Time to Visit South Korea

Winter (December to February) is the cheapest time to visit South Korea, except during Christmas and New Year (usually from December 23rd to January 5th). Not only could you benefit from lower hotel prices and better deals on international flights, but also you would see fewer crowds. However, be prepared for the chilly weather!

South Korea Travel Guide by Month

January and february: cold and dry.

• Average temperature: -4–5°C (25–41°F)
• Average rainfall: 23 mm (1 in)

January and February in South Korea have the coldest and driest weather of the year, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C (14°F). It's quite cold and it may not be an ideal time for you to visit the country.

Festivals and events: Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year, is the most important festival in South Korea. During this time, you could immerse yourself in Korean culture at a temple fair to experience traditional Korean performances, sample local cuisines, and pray for the coming year.

March to April: Best Time for Cherry Blossoms

• Average temperature: 5–14°C (41–57°F)
• Average rainfall: 56 mm (2 in)

The cherry blossom season, from March to April, is one of the best times to visit South Korea due to the pleasant weather and increased number of sunny days. The cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom from late March to early April.

Festivals and events: Cherry blossom festivals are held in many cities in South Korea to view the charming pink blossoms, and it's the most popular event in spring.

May: Warm with Clearer Days

• Average temperature: 13–23°C (55–73°F)
• Average rainfall: 106 mm (4 in)

May offers an excellent opportunity for travel in South Korea due to its pleasant climate and sunny days. It's a perfect time to travel, particularly if you have a flexible schedule , as the rainy season and summer vacation crowds have yet to arrive.

June: Coolest Summer Month

• Average temperature: 18–27°C (64–81°F)
• Average rainfall: 133 mm (5 in)

June marks the beginning of summer in South Korea and is considered to be the coolest month to travel during the summer season. However, it is also the start of the rainy season, which typically means a steady drizzle rather than downpours.

June is a better month for families with school-age children (if you can get time off school) compared to July and August because you could enjoy fewer crowds and lower costs.

Festivals and events: South Korea celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival. As well as seeing dragon boat races, you could also eat aizi cake (wormwood rice dumplings) and appreciate captivating traditional performances.

July to August: Hot and Humid

• Average temperature: 22–31°C (72–88°F)
• Average rainfall: 380 mm (15 in)

July and August are the hottest months of the year, and the rainfall is very high and sometimes stormy. However, it does not rain every day. High temperatures could exceed 35°C (95°F), creating an uncomfortable feeling of heat and humidity while doing outdoor sightseeing on some days. There are also the summer vacation crowds. If you are flexible with when you can go, it is suggested that you avoid this period.

September: End of the Rainy Season with Fewer Crowds

• Average temperature: 17–26°C (63–79°F)
• Average rainfall: 169 mm (7 in)

The weather becomes cooler and drier in September. You could expect fewer crowds and cheaper costs when traveling to South Korea during this month.

Festivals and events: The Chuseok festival is another important festival in South Korea where you could appreciate the full moon and enjoy traditional performances, immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere.

October to November: Best Time for Autumn Foliage

• Average temperature: 7–16°C (45–61°F)
• Average rainfall: 52 mm (2 in)

October to November is one of the peak times to travel to South Korea due to the comfortable weather and sunny days. The whole country explodes with colors and you could enjoy the stunning red and yellow fall foliage scenery.

December: Celebrating Christmas

• Average temperature: -3–4°C (27–39°F)
• Average rainfall: 22 mm (1 in)

December is cold and dry in South Korea. Although it's not quite as cold as January, it's too cold for travel without being encumbered by lots of warm clothing. If you want to celebrate Christmas with your family in South Korea, remember to book your Christmas feast in advance.

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Flying To Korea: How To Get Cheap Flights To Korea In 2024

Want to know how to get cheap flights to Korea, when to book flights to Korea, and where to find the best prices? Not sure if you can fly direct to Korea and which airline you should use? Want essential tips for flying to Korea in 2024 and what to prepare before you travel and when you arrive?

This guide to flying to Korea will help you plan and book your flight to Korea at the best possible price and make sure you know all there is to know about travelling to Korea now. Discover tips about when to book your flights, how to track prices, and get the best deal.

Also learn about the current entry rules for Korea, whether you need to apply for a K-ETA or tourist visa, and other important details about flying to Korea. Finally, discover my travel tips for travelling to Korea and what you should do at the airport to make your trip smoother.

Table of Contents

Affiliate Disclaimer :  This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

What’s In This Flying To Korea Guide

This guide will tell you everything there is to know about where to get cheap flights to Korea, the best times to book, and other essential info about flying to Korea.

Here’s a brief overview of what you can find in each section:

• Rules for flying to Korea : Find out about the latest rules and regulations for flying to Korea now and the entry procedure when you land, as well as K-ETA and tourist visa requirements.
• Best time to book flights : Discover the 6 different booking categories for booking flights to Korea and when to get the best prices depending on the time of year you travel.
• Where to get cheap flights to Korea : Learn about two methods to book cheap flights to Korea from wherever you are and whether there is a best day to book flights.
• Korean airlines for flights to Korea : Information about which Korean airlines fly direct to Korea from other countries and budget airlines for cheap flights to Korea.
• Flying to Korea from different regions : Destination-specific information about flying to Korea from areas such as the USA, Europe, Australia, and Singapore.
• Transiting through Incheon Airport : Details about how to transit through Incheon Airport, what to do for a layover, and about joining a one-day transit tour.
• Flying to Korea travel tips : Tips about flying to Korea that will help you book cheap flights, prepare you for your arrival, and save money on your travels.

Use the links above to jump to the section you’re interested in, or keep reading to find out all there is to know about flying to Korea. If you still have questions at the end, please feel free to leave a comment.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa , but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected : Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay : For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul : Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators : Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook , Trazy , Viator , and Get Your Guide . These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions

Seoul City Passes : Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass . These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around : For public transport, grab a T-Money Card . Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass . To see more of Korea, there are many Rental Car Options .

Travel Money : Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea : I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

How To Learn Korean : The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

Rules For Flying To Korea In 2024

After turbulent times for the airline industry in recent years, there were many rules imposed in regards to flying to Korea. This section will explain what you need to do before flying to Korea, as well as the rules for when you arrive.

Fortunately, many of the rules put in place were removed, but some still exist and others are permanent. Here are details about all of the rules for flying to Korea in 2024.

Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA)

Travellers to Korea who have a visa-free or visa-waiver travel arrangement with South Korea need to apply for a K-ETA from the official K-ETA website . Without K-ETA approval before flying to Korea, you won’t be allowed to board the plane. Complete the K-ETA as soon as possible. Not sure if you need a K-ETA to travel to Korea? Check out this poster or read my guide to the K-ETA for more information. If you’re not from one of the countries listed below, then you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa to South Korea instead.

Current K-ETA exemptions : Travellers from the following countries are exempt from the K-ETA until December 31st, 2024:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam).

Tourist Visa For South Korea

For citizens of countries that aren’t part of the Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, it will be necessary to apply for a tourist visa to travel to Korea, even if you reside in a country with visa-free or visa waiver travel agreements with Korea.

In some countries, tourist visa applicants will be required to provide personal and financial information before their application is approved. Be sure to allow lots of time to apply for a tourist visa before booking flights to Korea.

Tourist visas must be applied for and approved in advance before you can fly to Korea. If your tourist visa isn’t approved, you won’t be allowed to travel to Korea.

Health Checks When Flying To Korea

From July 2023, travellers to Korea no longer need to complete the pre-departure self-check health form known as Q-Code . Instead, passengers should report any symptoms if necessary when they arrive. Temperature checks are conducted at the airport by scanners that you simply walk through.

From June 2023, the Korean government no longer requires COVID-infected travellers to self-quarantine. The guidelines from the Korean government now suggest that people self-isolate for 5 days, but that is only a suggestion and not enforced. It is up to each traveller’s discretion.

Best Time To Book Cheap Flights To Korea

There is no single best time to book flights to Korea for everyone, but there are 6 identified booking categories that are useful to consider when booking a flight.

These different booking categories, shown in the table below, are based on the Annual Airfare Survey by CheapAir, which analyses almost a billion flights each year.

The ‘ First Dibs ‘ and ‘ Peace of Mind ‘ categories are for travellers to Korea that want the best selection of available seats, convenient flight times, and a guaranteed flight. Prices will be about $50 and $20 higher, respectively, than the ‘Prime Booking Window’.

The ‘ Prime Booking Window ‘ is the best time to book a flight to Korea, which is from 21 to 127 days in advance of your planned travel date. Flights in this window are within 5% of their lowest cost, but also offer a good selection of available seats and flight times.

For travellers who want to try to get the cheapest flights to Korea, and don’t mind some risk, then booking a flight to Korea within 20 to 7 days (‘ Push Your Luck ‘ & ‘ Playing With Fire ‘) of travel is your best option. However, seating and flight times will be more restricted.

It is not recommended to book flights to Korea with less than 6 days (‘ Hail Mary ‘) before the scheduled flight time. These flights are on average $220 more expensive than flights booked between 21 and 127 days before departure.

Seasonal Flight Considerations

As well as the number of days before flying to Korea, the season you plan to travel will affect the price and availability of flights. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel in Korea, especially during cherry blossom season in April and autumn foliage season in October.

January and February are the cheapest months to fly to South Korea, but also the coldest. Temperatures fall below freezing during winter, going as low as -20 degrees Celsius. There are many things to do during winter in Korea, but it’s not the most popular time to visit.

High season in Korea is between June and August , however, these months are not that good for travelling as summer in Korea is very hot and humid. Rainy season in Korea runs from mid-June to late July and there can be many rainy days during this period.

If you want to book the cheapest flights to Korea, travel during winter or book your flights around 3 to 4 months in advance of your planned travel date. Also, be sure to use a good flight comparison website or flight tracker to get the best deals.

Where To Get Cheap Flights To Korea

There are a couple of ways to get cheap flights to Korea, both of which will involve a bit of work to find the best departure time, price, and flight duration to suit your travel needs.

The first option is to use a flight comparison site , which gives you the best flight prices to Korea at that particular moment. The second option is a flight tracker , which updates you regularly about when the cheapest flights are available for your desired route.

Flight Comparison Sites For Flights To Korea

There are many flight comparison websites, also known as flight aggregators , where you can find cheap flights to Korea. I use them every time I book flights between Korea and other countries when I travel. It takes a bit of time, but the cost savings are certainly worth it.

If you have to fly to Korea on a certain date, then flight comparison sites will show you the best flights available from the different airlines that fly to Korea. You can adjust the departure and arrival times, the flight length, the price, and select which airlines you want to fly with.

To get the best flight prices to Korea on flight comparison sites, it’s necessary to spend some time tweaking the days and times you want to travel. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can adjust which day you depart and arrive to see which option is the cheapest.

Here are four of the best flight comparison sites for booking cheap flights to Korea. I recommend you try them all and see which provides the best flights to Korea.

Skyscanner is one of the most popular flight aggregators and offers flights, hotels, and other travel bookings for all major destinations. Skyscanner shows an airline’s environmental ratings and which flights are practical or difficult based on time.

Expedia is a large US travel company that offers tours, flights, hotels, and other services around the world. You can book hotel and flights together, to save you time and effort when travelling. A good place to start your flight search.

WayAway is a newer flight comparison site for the modern generation, with Instagram recommendations & travel advice as well as a good selection of cheap flights. You can get cashback on bookings with their premium service.

Kayak are great for people looking for cheap flights to Korea. You can see price trends for your flight to Korea to see when the best prices are available. There are also lots of budget travel options on the site that can save you more.

Price Differences Between Sites

Which flight comparison site is better? There are so many different possible prices that it’s impossible to say that one is better or cheaper than another. Sometimes flights will be cheaper on Skyscanner, other times they’ll be cheaper on Expedia or another site.

I searched for flights between Los Angeles and Seoul for April 1 to April 8 – a busy time of year for cherry blossom viewing. Here are the results of the flight costs from each site. As you can see, the cheapest flight was through WayAway, but the shortest was with Kayak.

When using flight aggregators, don’t always take the price you see as the final price you’ll pay. This is the lowest possible price, but you might want to change the flight time, add seat reservations, or book through a different site to the one suggested.

Flight aggregators such as Skyscanner will offer a number of different websites to book your flight through, such as Kiwi.com or Trip.com . They’ll also send you to the airline’s own website with details of the flight you want to book.

Booking Tip : Choose the link to the airline’s own website. It’s often not the cheapest, but it’s safer and can work out cheaper in the long run. Other booking websites may charge fees for amending or cancelling flights that are higher than the airline will charge.

Flight Trackers For Flights To Korea

The other way to find cheap flights to Korea is to track the cost of flights using a flight tracker service. There are a number of websites that will send you regular (even daily) updates about the latest cost of a certain flight that you want to take, highlighting when it’s cheapest.

The aforementioned flight aggregators – Skyscanner , Expedia , WayAway , and Kayak – allow you to track the price of flights once you’re logged into their website. These are called price alerts and they’ll send you an email or message through the app with the latest prices.

If you have time to wait for the cheapest flight prices to Korea, then flight tracker websites or price alerts can save you a lot of money. You can check the best prices day to day and book your flights when you see a price you’re happy with. The best prices come to those who wait.

Here are four of the best flight tracker sites for booking cheap flights to Korea. I recommend signing up for them all and following the prices each day. If you decide that one site constantly gives you the best prices, just follow that site for future price updates.

Google Flights

Google Flights allows you to track the cost of flights between two destinations, such as London to Seoul, and will send you a daily email showing you the cheapest or most convenient prices for that route. I’ve been using it to track flights between London and Seoul for a couple of weeks and the prices have ranged from 1,085,000 KRW to 863,000 KRW.

There is also a price chart that shows the price of flights to Korea or other destinations for the last 80 days. This is a really useful flight tracker for monitoring flights for free and judging how much you should expect to pay when you’re ready to book your flight to Korea.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

Scott’s Cheap Flights sends you cheap flights based on your selected airport, sending you the best domestic and internatinal flight deals, including mistake fares and bucket list deals. However, most of these features are reserved for the premium membership plans, which start at $49 per year. There are no deals for budget airlines, and the site insists that only the best airlines are included.

FareCompare

FareCompare specialises in finding the best flight deals for you and provides a wide range of alerts that go beyond just flights between two destinations. You can also select flights from your selected airport to certain regions (e.g. Asia) and based on the type of travel you want (e.g. ski destinations or beach holidays). If you’re flying to Korea, you can use FareCompare to not only track flights to Korea, but internal flights in Korea, too.

Hopper is an app that predicts the lowest price of flights and then sends you a notification to your smartphone telling you when to book for the biggest savings. The company claims the predictive algorithms and AI technology is 95% accurate when estimating flight costs up to 12 months in advance. This method is certainly easier than checking emails every day and trying to judge when the lowest price is available.

Best Day To Book Flights To Korea?

There is no certain day that is best for booking flights to Korea. It’s an often repeated travel myth that booking flights on one day will be cheaper than on another, but it’s not true.

Of course, there are times of the year, and numbers of days before booking your flight when flights to Korea will be cheaper, but not set days. In the words of one industry expert:

“While there used to be greater price variation depending on the day of the week you booked a flight, there’s less variation now due to pricing being handled algorithmically by computers,” Steve Oliverez, CEO of InsanelyCheapFlights.com

Korean Airlines For Flights To Korea

There were over 4,700 international flights to Korea per week in 2019 with dozens of different airlines flying to Korea from around the world. Most of those airlines flew to Incheon Airport , Korea’s main airport located just outside of Seoul, as well as regional airports, such as Jeju International Airport on Jeju Island and Gimhae International Airport in Busan.

Korea has two main airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, as well as several budget airlines that fly within Korea and beyond. If you’re flying to Korea from other parts of Asia, these budget airlines can be a great way to book cheap flights to Korea.

For travellers from other parts of the world, such as from the Americas, Europe, Australia, or Africa, long-haul airlines such as Delta, Lufthansa, United, British Airways, Qantas, and other national carriers are usually the best options for flights to Korea.

In this section is information about the main Korean long-haul and budget airlines for flying to Korea. The following section will provide more information about international airlines that fly to Korea from other selected countries and regions.

Korean Long-Haul Airlines That Fly To Korea

Korea has two long-haul airlines that have been operating for decades and provide access to most of the world’s major destinations. Through partner programs and airline alliances, such as SkyTeam and Star Alliance, these airlines cover hundreds of cities around the globe.

Korean Air (Est. 1969)

Ranked as the world’s 9th best airline and the best airline in Korea, Korean Air has a reputation for providing excellent customer service. The airline flew to over 150 international destinations in 2019 and had the largest number of destinations, such as the USA, Europe, China, and Japan.

Asiana Airlines (Est. 1988)

Asiana Airlines is Korea’s second largest long-haul airline and one that has flights to dozens of other countries around the world, including New York, London, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo. Asiana Airlines is part of Star Alliance , the world’s largest airline alliance.

Please note : In 2020, Korean Air agreed to take over Asiana Airlines and is currently seeking approval from national governments around the world, with only the EU yet to approve the deal . Korean Air has suggested that it may turn long-haul Asiana flights into Korean Air flights and reserve the Asiana brand for low-cost routes in Asia.

Korean Budget Airlines That Fly To Korea

If you’re flying to Korea from another country in East or South East Asia, then a Korean budget airline might be your best option for cheap flights to Korea. There are several reputable low-cost carriers that operate between countries in Asia and Korea, offering basic flights for a low price. Here are four of the best Korean budget airlines that fly to Korea.

Jeju Air , based on Korea’s semi-tropical island south of the mainland, is Korea’s largest low-cost carrier and offers budget flights to dozens of locations across Asia. This is the best budget airline for visiting Jeju Island, which operates a visa-free travel program for people to experience Korean culture even without a tourist visa.

Jeju Air Destinations : Jeju Air operates flights between Korea and China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Russia, Saipan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Jin Air is Korea’s second largest budget airline and travels to 26 international destinations in Asia (and Guam). In 2019, Jin Air also offered flights to Australia and the USA. These flights are currently not operating, but may return in time. Jin Air focuses more on international customer than domestic travellers, so is used to catering to foreign travellers.

Jin Air Destinations : Jin Air operates flights between Korea and China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Air Busan operates mainly from Busan, Korea’s second largest city, flying out of Gimhae Airport and other airports across Korea. This airline is convenient for travelling to Korea from Japan as it is considerably closer than airlines based in Incheon, 300km away to the north.

Air Busan Destinations : Air Busan operates flights between Korea and Cambodia, China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Russia, Saipan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

T’Way Air

T’Way Air operates flights as far as Guam and Australia in Oceania as well as many destinations across Asia. The airline is the only Korean budget airline that flies between Seoul and Sydney and has offered flights for as low as $270 AUD one way to attract customers on this route.

T’Way Air Destinations : T’Way Air operates flights between Korea and Australia, China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Russia, Saipan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam

Aero K is a budget carrier based in Cheongju, a city in central Korea that has an international airport that’s very useful for getting to places like Sejong and Daejeon. Operating since 2016, this airline has expanded to offer flights to other cities in Korea and a 3 countries close to Korea. The name of the airline is Korea spelt backwards.

Aero K Destinations : Aero K operates flights between Korea and Japan (Osaka and Tokyo), the Philippines (Clark), and Taiwan (Taipei), as well as Jeju Airport and Yangyang Airport in Korea.

Air Premia is a budget airline operating out of Incheon Airport. It was started in 2017 and has quickly expanded to a range of countries in Asia and further abroad, including the USA, Norway, and Turkey. The airline was founded by the ex-president of Jeju Air, which helped to give the airline quick growth in a crowded market.

Air Premia Destinations : Air Premia operates flights between Korea and Bangladesh, Germany, Japan, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the USA, and Vietnam.

There are several other budget airlines in Korea that travel within Korea and to other destinations. These airlines typically cater to Korean customers looking to travel to Japan, Vietnam, China and other nearby destinations.

If you want to book cheap flights to Korea on one of these budget airlines, use Skyscanner to compare flight times and prices between Korea and your country of departure. This is also a good option to book an extra flight out of Korea to a second destination, such as Japan.

Flying To Korea From Different Regions

Many countries operate flights to Korea, either directly or indirectly, through dozens of different airlines. This section will focus on just the main airlines flying to Korea from certain locations, such as the USA, Australia, and Singapore. This is to give you an idea of the range of options available when planning your flight to Korea.

I used Skyscanner to check the destinations and airlines in this section. It’s really easy to search for flights to Korea, allowing you to select only direct flights, check the prices for a whole month at a time, and from any airport in the country.

Flying To Korea From The USA

Travellers from the USA can fly direct to Korea from over a dozen cities, including Dallas, Detroit, and Atlanta. Long-haul airlines that operate direct flights between Korea and the USA include Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. Indirect flights are available from most large US cities, too.

Delta Airlines (5 routes), Asiana Airlines (5 routes), and Korean Air (10 routes) offer the widest selection of flights between Korea and the USA. American Airlines (DFW – ICN), Hawaiian Airlines (HNL – ICN), and United Airlines (SFO – ICN) only operate one flight path each between Korea and the USA.

Direct flights to Korea from the USA depart from : Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.

Flying To Korea From Australia

Travellers from Australia can fly direct to Korea from Sydney and indirect from other cities in Australia through Sydney. The main airlines that fly to Korea from Australia are Qantas Airlines , Jetstar , T’Way Air , Korean Air , and Asiana Airlines .

Direct flights take 10-12 hours. Flights to Korea from Australia via another country, such as Indonesia, Thailand, or Singapore, can be much cheaper than flying direct. However, indirect flights can add hours to the journey time, even as much as double the direct flight time.

I compared flight times and prices between Sydney and Seoul on Skyscanner and found that indirect flights could be as much as $250 AUD cheaper and only 4-6 hours longer each way.

Flying To Korea From Singapore

Travellers from Singapore can fly direct to Seoul , Busan , and Jeju Island from Singapore. Airlines that fly direct between Korea and Singapore include Scoot , Singapore Airlines , Jeju Air , T’Way Air , Asiana Airlines , and Korean Air .

Flight times to Korea from Singapore are around 6 to 7 hours and flying direct is usually the cheapest and most practical way to travel. Flights to Jeju Island from Singapore are the cheapest, followed by flights to Incheon (Seoul), and then Busan.

Currently, only Scoot offers direct flights between Jeju Island and Singapore.

Flying To Korea From Europe

Travellers from Europe can fly direct to Korea from European cities, including Amsterdam , Barcelona , Budapest , Frankfurt , Helsinki , London , Istanbul , Milan , Munich , Paris , Rome , Vienna , and Warsaw . When I checked flight prices on Skyscanner , Budapest (from $479) had the cheapest flights, while Vienna was the most expensive (from $853)

Airlines that operate regular flights between Korea and Europe include Air France , Asiana Airlines , Finnair , KLM , Korean Air , LOT , Lufthansa , and Turkish Airlines . Most flights between Europe and Korea currently operate through Korean Air or Asiana Airlines as European long-haul carriers haven’t restarted routes to Korea as yet.

I’ve recently flown between Korea and the UK with Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Lufthansa (via Munich) and the prices, while higher than direct flight prices in 2019, were comparatively good and the flights were only 3-4 hours longer than direct flights.

2024 Update : Korean Air is set to offer 4 more direct flights to Europe from March (Prague and Zurich) and April (Istanbul and Madrid). These will all fly direct to Incheon Airport.

Future Routes : From spring or summer 2024, Virgin Atlantic will begin operating flights directly between London and Seoul, providing more competition for Korean Air. This will increase the number of flights between England and Korea and should lower prices for direct flights, too.

Flying To Korea From Asia

There are lots of airlines that fly to Korea from across Asia, including budget airlines like Air Asia (Malaysia), Citilink , Indonesia) HK Express (Hong Kong), IndiGo (India), Jetstar Asia (Singapore), Peach (Japan), Scoot (Singapore), Spring Airlines (China), and VietJet Air (Vietnam). National airlines from countries in Asia usually offer flights to Korea, too.

Unless booking flights to Korea from other parts of Asia at busy times, such as during big holidays, it’s not necessary to book far in advance. The number of budget airlines operating in Asia means competition is high and cheap flights to Korea can be easy to come by.

However, I always recommend checking prices and booking in advance when you feel like the price is good enough so that you’re guaranteed a flight.

Transiting Through Incheon Airport In Korea

Incheon Airport was the world’s 14th busiest airport in 2019, with more than 71 million people visiting the airport and 8 million travellers transiting to other destinations. It was also named as the world’s best transit airport by Skytrax for the 5th year running in 2018.

However, Korea isn’t a popular stopover location for long-haul flights as it’s not situated in a convenient location between destinations such as the USA and Europe. Most connecting flights through the airport are from low-cost carriers flying to other parts of the country.

If you have a connecting flight at Incheon Airport, you don’t need to worry about confusing transfer rules. Incheon Airport has simplified transfer rules and provides a free transfer guide to groups of more than 10 people, as well as transfer guide service desks.

Transferring on a connecting flight at Incheon Airport, even if you need to change terminals, is really easy. There are signs in multiple languages and detailed transfer routes between locations. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to visit in the transfer zone, too.

When you transit through Incheon Airport, you will be restricted to the transit lounge and areas after the security checks. You won’t be able to leave the airport without passing through customs and to do that you’ll need a valid K-ETA or tourist visa for South Korea.

Free Transit Tours At Incheon Airport

From January 2023 , Incheon Airport has reintroduced free transit tours to transiting travellers who have a few hours available to travel from the airport into nearby Incheon or Seoul. These tours

Anyone with a connecting flight within 24 hours, who has valid permission to enter Korea (visa-free, visa exempt, or tourist visa), will be allowed to join the tour for free. The tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis in person, or can be booked online in advance.

You must have a valid visa or an approved K-ETA to join the transit tour regardless of reservation.

The free transit tours are available from the main registration desks in terminals 1 and 2. Travellers should arrive 30 minutes before the tour starts and waiting list members can apply for no-show tickets within 30 minutes of the tour start time.

The types of free transit tours at Incheon Airport include:

Hanbok Experience and Hangeul Crafts (Airport Tour) : Experience wearing Korean traditional clothes, hanbok , learn to write in Korean, hangeul , and experience making traditional Korean crafts.

Cheongwadae (Blue House) and Tongin Market Tour : Take a trip to Seoul to see the former presidential home, the Blue House, and enjoy creating your own Korean lunch box at Tongin traditional market.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong Art Street : This cultural tour will show you two highlights from Seoul’s main tourist area, including the impressive royal palace, Gyeongbokgung, and the artistic Insadong area.

Paradise City Art-tainment : Visit the nearby entertainment complex, Paradise City, which has a range of attractions, including an art gallery, casino, club, theme park, and various cultural experiences.

Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and Bridge of Freedom Tour : See areas associated with the Korean War near the DMZ border area between North and South Korea. Learn about Korea’s difficult modern history and see the scars of war.

Yedanpo Trail and Haneul Garden Tour : See the natural beauty of Korea’s west coast with a guided walk along a coastal nature trail and a visit to the impressive Haneul Garden. Look out over the water and you can spot some of Incheon’s many nearby islands.

Want to know what else you can do near Incheon Airport? Check out this video about things to in Incheon, which is the closest city to Incheon Airport.

Travel Tips For Flying To Korea

Here are some tips to help make flying to Korea cheaper, easier, and safer. These will help you when you book flights to Korea, arrive at the airport, and start to explore Korea.

Take your time checking flights : Unless you have to fly for an emergency, you can afford to wait and invest some time finding a cheap flight to Korea that flies at a time convenient for you. Check sites like Skyscanner and Expedia and sign up for price alerts for the best price.

Plan your flight time to save money : Avoid departing or arriving at an inconvenient time, even if it’s cheaper. There is often a temptation to book a ‘ red-eye flight ‘ to save money, but it’s usually not worth it in the long run. You can end up spending more for an overnight stay at an airport hotel, checking in early to your hotel, and out-of-hours transportation.

Complete your K-ETA ASAP : The K-ETA is a simple process that should take 10 minutes to complete, but there are reported cases when the application is rejected or approval takes up to a week. Don’t leave it to the last minute or else you won’t be able to travel.

Book your hotels early : Travellers will need to have a hotel booking to prepare their K-ETA or tourist visa, so book these early to help you complete them. Booking early usually means getting a better price for hotel stays, too. For travellers to Seoul, I recommended booking a hotel in Hongdae or staying in Myeongdong as they’re both great locations.

Pick up a T-Money card at Incheon Airport : Travellers to Korea will definitely have an easier time travelling if they buy a T-Money card at Incheon Airport . The T-Money card is a prepaid transportation card that can be used for subways, buses, taxis, shopping, and more.

Research transportation from the airport : Incheon Airport is located on a man-made island off the coast of Incheon City in western Korea. It’s takes about an hour to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul. Plan ahead so you know which route you’ll take, when trains and buses run and the stops they make, and whether you’ll need a private taxi or not.

Bring a Wise, Revolut, or WOWPASS travel card : Avoid rip-off airport exchange fees and use a Wise , Revolut or WOWPASS travel card to withdraw cash at ATMs, pay for meals, trips, entertainment, and even hotels. These cards provide a much cheaper alternative to using your regular card in Korea. Find out more about how to use the Wise travel card in Korea and save money.

You can get lots more great travel tips in my packed South Korea Travel Guide , which has details about when to travel to Korea, where to stay, what to see, cultural & language issues, and lots more. There are more tips about flying to Korea, too.

If you have any other tips you’d like to share about flying to Korea, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. Thanks.

Flying To Korea FAQs

Finally, here’s a few FAQs about flying to Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you.

Can I fly to Korea now?

It is possible to fly to Korea from across the world now and there are currently no travel restrictions. However, travellers to Korea will need to apply for either a K-ETA or tourist visa to be able to travel to Korea and should be infection-free.

What airlines fly to Korea?

There are many airlines that fly to Korea. The two most popular airlines flying to Korea are Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, both Korean airlines. Delta Airlines also offers regular flights to Korea from the USA. International carriers such as KLM, Lufthansa, LOT, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines also offer direct flights to Korea.

What is the main airport in Korea?

The main airport in Korea is Incheon Airport, the world’s 14th busiest airport in 2019. Most travellers enter Korea through Incheon Airport and travel to Seoul or connect to another flight to a different location in Korea. Jeju International Airport is also a busy airport that handles a lot of international and domestic flights to Korea.

Should I fly to Incheon Airport or Gimpo Airport?

Most travellers to Korea will fly to Incheon Airport and transfer to Gimpo Airport for a domestic connecting flight or take public transport into Seoul and other parts of Korea. Most international flights to Korea arrive at Incheon Airport. Gimpo Airport was replaced as Seoul’s main airport in 2001.

Which Seoul airport should I fly to?

International travellers to Seoul should book a flight to Incheon Airport and then take public transport Seoul or other destinations. Domestic flights in Korea depart from either Gimpo Airport in Seoul or Incheon Airport.

Are there any direct flights to Korea?

There are many direct flights to Korea from countries around the world. Direct flights to Korea from the USA depart from 13 airports, including LAX, DFW, HNL, and SFO. Direct flights from Australia depart from Sydney and there are direct flights from European cities such as Budapest, Paris, Rome, London, and Amsterdam.

How can I find cheap flights to Korea?

The best way to find cheap flights to Korea is to use a flight comparison site like Skyscanner, Expedia, or Kayak. Flight tracker services, such as Google Flights, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and Hopper, also offer regularly updated prices to help you get the lowest price flights.

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Hi! My name is Joel, I'm the author of In My Korea and writer of this article. I've lived, worked and travelled in Korea since 2015 and want to share my insights, stories and tips to help you have the best experience during your trip to Korea.

I love learning more about Korean culture, hiking the many mountains, and visiting all the coolest places in Korea, both modern and traditional. If you want to know more about my story, check out the ' about me ' section to learn why I love living in Korea.

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When is the best time to visit Seoul? — The best, worst, cheapest & best season to visit Seoul

Thanks to the beautiful natural landscape, rich history, the hallyu (cultural phenomenon) or Korean wave comes from music, movies and unique culture. Korea has become one of the must-go destinations attracting a large number of international tourists. Surely many of us are planning a trip to Seoul, the capital of Korea in the near future. So, when is the best time to visit Seoul? Let’s check out our suggested cheapest time to travel to Seoul, best season to visit Seoul, best time to go to Seoul, best time to travel to Seoul as well as worst time to visit Seoul as follows!

• What to buy in Seoul? — Top 33+ must-buy gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in Seoul
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• Seoul autumn foliage 2023 forecast — The time & 13+ best places to see autumn leaves in Seoul
• Korea fall foliage forecast 2023 — The time & 16+ best place to see autumn leaves in Korea

How is the climate in Korea? What time of year should you travel to Seoul? These are certainly questions asked by many travel enthusiasts. If you are wondering and don’t know when to go to Seoul, please refer to our article below!

A few words about Seoul

Seoul is both the capital and largest city, located in the northwest of Korea. With an area of 605.2 square kilometers. It divided into northern and southern parts by the Han River, the city is also surrounded by eight mountains as well as the Han River plains and the western region. Seoul is known as the busiest and most vibrant city in Korea, the political, economic, social and cultural center of Korea, attracting more than 10 million people living here (metro area population).

While the south of the city is famous for its luxurious residences and crowded modern shopping centers and malls, the north of the city is where the culture and historical imprints of the capital Seoul are preserved. important international events take place. The capital Seoul brings together all the potential elements of a modern, world-class city, but at the same time still retains its inherent traditional cultural beauty.

What season and month is best to go to Seoul? (# when is the best time to visit seoul)

Korean climate divided into 4 distinct seasons. This means that each season will have different weather patterns and experiences. Most tourists choose to travel to Korea in the spring and fall. These are also considered the peak seasons in Korea. But according to many people’s experience, traveling to Seoul Korea in all four seasons are equally beautiful. Each season has a unique beauty for you to explore.

Most people in Seoul are proud that their capital is blessed with a climate with four distinct seasons. The seasons in Seoul are similar to many European countries in that they have quite clear differences in each season of the year. When visiting Seoul, visitors will enjoy a vibrant summer or a cold winter covered with white snow. Most especially spring and autumn with charming, extremely romantic and poetic scenery. Therefore, Seoul is considered the perfect destination at any time of the year. However, to make your trip more convenient, you should limit your visit to Korea on occasions such as: Korean Lunar New Year, Chuseok Mid-Autumn Festival, and stormy times of summer.

• Spring: This time has a warm weather, suitable for sightseeing and outdoor sightseeing activities. Coming to Seoul at this time, you also have the opportunity to participate in flower festivals including: cherry blossoms, azalea flowers, apricot flowers, canola flowers,… with a strong spring atmosphere.
• Summer: Quite hot and rainy, but in return there are many special festivals taking place in the summer.
• Autumn: This is considered the most beautiful and favorable time of the year in Korea. At this time the weather is cool and pleasant. At this time, the roads, parks, mountains… are covered with yellow and red leaves.
• Winter: Considered the harshest season in Korea, it offers many interesting experiences. You can watch the snow fall and participate in winter sports and activities.

It can be seen that the best time to visit Seoul is spring and autumn. The weather is cool with an average temperature of about 20 – 25 degrees Celsius.

If you are wondering which month is good to travel to Seoul, April, October and December will be great options. The weather and scenery of the Korean capital during these months are very suitable for unique experiences and outdoor activities.

The weather in Seoul by season (# best time to travel to seoul)

Spring (from march to may).

Spring in Korea is usually very warm, mild, dry and without rain. Furthermore, in spring the scenery in Korea is extremely beautiful, a season that most people look forward to after a cold winter. As the weather begins to warm and spring comes, tourists flock to the wildflower parks and mountain trails easily accessible via the city’s subway system.

Increasing temperatures also make for perfect running, which is why the Seoul International Marathon is held in March. The weather can be unpredictable so it’s best to keep some warmer outerwear or mid-layers to deal with the possibility of colder temperatures and a sturdy pair of waterproof walking shoes to avoid puddles when the snow melts, especially in late March.

Around the beginning of April, Seoul cherry blossoms begin to bloom, bathing the city’s parks in delicate pink color. And don’t miss the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, where you can walk under an entire path planted with picturesque flowers. Pleasant spring weather, along with the romantic blooming scene of cherry blossoms full of life, is a very suitable time to travel to Korea and regain energy for the beginning of the new year. However, April is also when the infamous yellow dust sweeps from the Gobi Desert, covering the Korean peninsula and creating a cloud of dust and dirt. Please consider going this month if you have allergies.

The weather in May is least likely to be affected, making it one of the most popular months of the year to visit Seoul. This is also the best suggestion for you, take advantage of beautiful sunny days, enjoy vibrant bars, night markets and countless festivals, especially the Lotus Lantern Festival on Buddha’s Birthday, You will admire the beauty of the city surrounded by lanterns and parades.

If you don’t like the crowds of May, save your trip for June, when the weather is still mild and the crowds are sparse, enjoy the night and have fun at Ultra Music Festival.

What to wear when traveling to Seoul in spring? Even if the weather is mild and cool, you should prepare some warm jackets because temperatures can get colder at night. A fleece jacket or a waterproof jacket or softshell jacket will be perfect choices. If you go on hikes like Namsan, it’s best to bring a pair of waterproof hiking shoes, especially when traveling in March, when the snow melts and leaves many wet puddles on the trail.

Summer (from June to August) (# best time to travel to seoul)

Although summer is one of the busiest tourist seasons in Seoul, it is also one of the most miserable weather. The temperature at this time is about 21.9℃ – 20.8℃, relatively hot and muggy. Near the end of June, Korea is affected by East winds from Asia that bring moisture, causing rain and storms that can be torrential, with many lasting all day, and in August, heavy rain can cause dangerous flash floods. Add to that the big crowds, long lines, and higher room prices, and you’ll have to think twice before visiting Seoul during these terrible months.

But for those who are not hindered by the weather, this is also a fun time to explore Seoul. Visitors will have the opportunity to relax at beautiful beaches, exciting and stimulating water parks with adventure games or participate in bustling festivals such as the Jisan Valley Rock Music & Arts Festival and Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, as well as cultural events such as the Sinchon Water Gun Festival and the Seoul Queer Culture Festival take place every weekend.

Summer is a great season to enjoy a bowl of patbingsu or naengmyeon in a cool, air-conditioned restaurant. Let’s enjoy summer in Seoul with lightweight moisture-proof travel shorts, beat the hot summer heat and revive your fun spirit. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat.

What to wear when going to Seoul in summer? To suit the weather and travel itinerary, you should choose thin, light and comfortable clothing. Shorts or travel shorts are a great idea amid the sweltering heat of the Korean summer. In addition, you should equip an umbrella or light raincoat to prevent rain that may occur in the summer.

Fall (from September to November) (# best season to visit seoul)

Fall is always a time that pleases almost everyone. Average temperatures remain warm to mild and it is one of the driest times of the year in the capital. Autumn can be considered the best season to visit Seoul because this time the weather is cool and pleasant, and the romantic scenery will make visitors extremely excited. Korea’s autumn seems to have become a trademark. In Seoul, visitors will encounter the lyrical scene of long rows of Ginkgo trees simultaneously turning yellow along with brilliant red maple leaves. Furthermore, this season visitors can go Enjoy the scenery without worrying about heat or heavy rain.

September is one of the most unpredictable months of the year, the weather can bring some of the hottest days of the year early in the month and fall-like cold later in the season. If you go this month, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in events such as the Seoul International Fireworks Festival and Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival. This is the right time to rest and enjoy with family.

Winter (from December to February of the following year) (# when is the best time to visit seoul)

Winter weather will make everyone feel very lazy, but for those who don’t mind the cold, Seoul will definitely be your favorite place of visiting the city. Actually, Korean winter is not too harsh and bad. If you have ever watched Korean movies, you can see that the winter scene in Korea is also quite romantic. Covered by the pure white of snow everywhere, Seoul gives visitors the opportunity to participate in adventure games such as exciting skiing or relaxing and bathing in hot mineral springs to relax the body after the long journey. In particular, winter is quite empty of tourists so you will be able to get some great deals for booking rooms in Seoul.

In December, the cold can be uncomfortable, but by the end of the month, there are festive decorations and lots of fun. While businesses close on Christmas in many cities worldwide, larger businesses in Seoul explode with festivals and events throughout December and rarely close on holidays.

By January, the temperatures are more pleasant and sunny, and the driest days of the year. Tourists tend to escape the cold, so many attractions in Seoul are also less congested, making this a good time to visit, especially for those wanting to avoid the crowds that flock to the capital at the end of the year. In addition, you can also take advantage of the cold by ice skating at City Hall, eating snacks on the street…

Temperatures have started to warm by a very small margin as we enter February. There are several advantages to traveling to Seoul in February, which are that hotel and flight prices are significantly decreased and visitors can shop freely with Korea’s Great Promotions held at malls the city’s major shopping malls and department stores this month. But take note if you intend to travel around Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal), which usually falls between late January and mid February, as this is one of the busiest times of the year to go travel in Korea.

What to wear when traveling to Seoul in winter? For winter trips to Seoul, bringing a thick, warm coat is indispensable. Besides, you should also prepare gloves to keep warm or a pair of waterproof shoes to better protect your feet in the cold snow.

Seoul weather by month (# best time to go to seoul)

Although it is somewhat cold with low temperatures, in general, January is a good time to travel to Seoul. At this time, there are not too many tourists coming to the city (except holidays, of course). Days in January are usually sunny, relatively pleasant and are also some of the driest times of the year.

• Average temperature: -4 ºC
• Lowest temperature: -9 ºC
• Highest temperature: 1 ºC
• Average rainfall: 21 mm

In Seoul, temperatures have started to warm up heading into February. Like other winter months, February is one of the driest months of the year. Even though the temperatures are quite cold, this is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in Seoul. However, you should avoid traveling during Lunar New Year in Korea because this is the busiest time of the year.

• Average temperature: -2 ºC
• Lowest temperature: -7 ºC
• Highest temperature: 4 ºC
• Average rainfall: 25 mm

Although the weather in February is quite cold, it is generally quite suitable for travel

While early March still feels like winter, you’ll notice a distinct warmth as temperatures begin to gradually rise. However, to be able to fully feel the beauty of Korean spring, it takes a little more time, towards the end of the month or the next month.

• Average temperature: 4 ºC
• Lowest temperature: -2 ºC
• Highest temperature: 9 ºC
• Rainfall: 48 mm

Along with November, April is one of the best months to visit Seoul, as cherry blossoms first appear at the beginning of the month. Yeouido and Nami Island are among the best day trips from Seoul and are also the two best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul. The weather also improved. With the average daytime temperature not too cold, you can “wear” more comfortable clothes than in winter.

• Average temperature: 11 ºC
• Lowest temperature: 5 ºC
• Highest temperature: 17 ºC
• Average rainfall: 95 mm

Even though the cherry blossoms have long since faded, May in Korea is not lacking in charming spring flower scenes. At this time, the temperature increases quite a lot, bringing warm and pleasant weather. If you are looking for dry weather conditions with warm sunshine then traveling in May is highly recommended.

• Average temperature: 17 ºC
• Lowest temperature: 11 ºC
• Highest temperature: 22 ºC
• Average rainfall: 83 mm

During the first moments of June, visiting Seoul is still quite nice. Temperatures continue to rise as the summer days draw near. However, the weather will be a bit humid and uncomfortable in June.

• Average temperature: 21 ºC
• Lowest temperature: 16 ºC
• Highest temperature: 26ºC
• Average rainfall: 151 mm

July is a hard time to visit Seoul. At this time, rainfall is nearly 2.5 times higher than in June and rising temperatures can cause some difficulties for tourists. For trips to Seoul in July, choosing cafes, shopping malls and visiting museums is the most appropriate choice.

• Average temperature: 24 ºC
• Lowest temperature: 20 ºC
• Highest temperature: 27 ºC
• Average rainfall: 383 mm

Like July, August is also not the most comfortable time to plan a trip to Seoul. Hot temperatures are not suitable for a comfortable trip. Furthermore, there may be rainstorms at this time.

• Highest temperature: 28 ºC
• Average rainfall: 283 mm

“Goodbye” to the summer heat, Seoul becomes more pleasant in September. Temperatures begin to moderate. Rainfall also began to decrease. However, it should be noted that Chuseok holiday also in September. Along with Lunar New Year, this is one of the country’s biggest holidays and the busiest time in Korea.

• Average temperature: 19 ºC
• Lowest temperature: 14 ºC
• Highest temperature: 24 ºC
• Average rainfall: 159 mm

Continuing mild and dry days in October, one of the best months to visit Seoul. Temperatures are comfortable, a bit chilly, especially in late October. This is also the start of the beautiful fall colors that cover Seoul with vibrant colors such as yellow, red and orange.

• Average temperature: 13 ºC
• Lowest temperature: 7 ºC
• Highest temperature: 18 ºC
• Average rainfall: 52 mm

By November, you will feel quite cold as winter approaches. Still, it’s an exciting time to visit Seoul. The brilliant fall colors typically reach their peak in late October to early November, creating a distinctive atmosphere around the city. Other than the three cold winter months, November is the driest month of the year in Seoul.

• Average temperature: 5 ºC
• Lowest temperature: -1 ºC
• Highest temperature: 10 ºC
• Average rainfall: 46 mm

The first official month of winter with temperatures starting to drop lower in Seoul. Although the weather is cold, the days of December are relatively dry and sunny, so they are quite suitable for travel!

• Highest temperature: 3 ºC

When is the best time to visit Seoul?

Which season is the best to travel to seoul.

The best time to visit Seoul is in the fall, between September and November. The city experiences mild weather and gentle breezes at this time of year, and offers beautiful views of the sky Brilliant green against a breathtaking backdrop of hillsides. Cultural festivals such as the Seoul Drum Festival (mid-September), Andong Maskdance Festival (September – October) and Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival (early October) are held in Korea.

Visit Seoul in spring, when brilliant pink, purple and white cherry blossoms bloom in the city and beyond. If you’re in the city in mid-April, you’ll be able to enjoy the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – activities range from vibrant flower parades and street performances, to art exhibitions and photography.

Which months are the best to travel to Seoul? (# best time to go to seoul)

Arguably, the best months to visit Seoul are April and October.

Why should you travel to Seoul in April?

As the first month to completely escape the cold winter in Korea, April is a great time to travel to Seoul. Not only are the temperatures pleasant, but April is also relatively dry compared to the summer months.

Of all the reasons to visit Seoul in April, none is more appealing than witnessing cherry blossom season in Korea. Pale pink flowers create a vibrant scene across the streets of Seoul, painting the city at its best. Some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul include Yeouido Park and Changdeokgung Palace.

Why should you travel to Seoul in October?

Along with April, October is probably also the best time to visit Seoul. Temperatures in Seoul in October range from chilly to cool, but still comfortable for activities. You will need to dress warmer, this will help you enjoy your trip to Seoul to the fullest.

The most appealing reason to visit Seoul in October is for the fall colors. Along with the spring cherry blossoms, admiring the fall foliage is an unforgettable experience for any visitor coming here in October.

Some tips before you go

To make your self-sufficient trip to Seoul truly complete, remember the following:

• If you want to see cherry blossoms, go to Seoul in April. If you want to see snow, come in December.
• Taxis in Seoul in the evening or during rush hour often have high prices, so you should use public transportation to save costs.
• You should choose a hotel in the central Seoul area to conveniently move between attractions, the Insadong area will be the best choice.
• You can buy a Korean SIM and T-Money transportation card right at the Korean airport at a reasonable price.
• Korean people often rarely communicate in English, you can communicate with them in Korean or translation software.
• You can bargain when shopping at markets down 20-40% compared to the original price.
• Every November and December there will be many discount and sales in Seoul in particular and Korea in general. If you come to Seoul at this time, don’t forget to go shopping.

Above are detailed updates on the weather in Seoul during the four seasons and months of the year. Hopefully, the information that we just shared will make it easier for you to prepare for yourself a thoughtful and perfect travel plan in Korea.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

• Private Incheon International Airport Transfers (ICN) for Seoul
• Private Incheon Airport Transfers (ICN) for Seoul
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• Bukchon Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience (4/24 Hrs)
• Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
• Seoul City Sightseeing Bus (Downtown Palace Namsan Course/Seoul Panorama Course)
• [Limited Offer] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Luggage Services (Between Airport and Hotel) by Safex
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for South Korea (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for South Korea from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here .

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The Best Time to Visit South Korea

 TripSavvy /  Bailey Mariner

Any time of the year is a good time to visit the Korean peninsula, but the best time to visit South Korea occurs during the spring and autumn months—the former from mid-April to mid-June, and the latter from September to October.

Visit during either season, and you’ll avoid South Korea’s temperature extremes, while arriving just in time to see some of the country’s top tourist attractions. Compared to the peninsula’s hot, wet summers and frigid winters, South Korea’s spring and autumn offer relatively rain-free days, mild temperatures, and technicolor foliage—coinciding with major festivals like Chuseok (the autumn harvest holiday) and the Jeju Fire Festival.

Weather in South Korea

South Korea is a great destination to experience all four seasons in Asia. You’ll find something to love in each season (even the infamously humid summers), but the best time to visit will depend on your love (or tolerance) of snow, sun, or rain—and where you plan to go.

Northwest South Korea—Seoul

Located near the border with North Korea and a short distance from the Yellow Sea, the capital city of Seoul experiences colder-than-usual winters due to exposure to the frigid winds blowing in from the north. The same prevailing winds also blow in dust from China and Mongolia, known as Hwang Sa or yellow dust, which can make for bad air quality.

Monsoon winds in the summer cause torrential rains to fall, rising to a peak of 14-15 inches in the summer months of July and August.  

The temperature in Seoul ranges from 21 to 35 degrees F (-6 to 2 degrees C) in January to 72 to 85 degrees F (22 to 30 degrees C) in August. Humidity swings from 60 percent in January to 76 percent in August. The northwest region of South Korea experiences some 57.11 inches of rainfall yearly.

Northeast South Korea—Pyeongchang

Host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, the mountainous county of Pyeongchang in Gangwon-do Province enjoys temperature highs of 61 to 73 degrees F (16 to 23 degrees C) in July, and frigid lows of 9 to 28 degrees F (-12.6 to -2.5 degrees C) in January. Thanks to its average elevation of 2,460 feet (750 meters) Pyeongchang enjoys longer winters and shorter summers than the rest of the peninsula.  

Pyeongchang hits its stride during ski season between November and March. This is when temperatures drop low enough for skiers and other snow-sports lovers to make the trek up to Pyeongchang’s ski resorts.

The area is one of the snowiest areas in South Korea, experiencing an average of 12 snowy days a month from December to March.

Southern Coast—Busan

The climate in South Korea’s southernmost cities feels milder than counterpart areas up north, with winters barely dropping below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C). However, the city of Busan experiences more intense monsoon conditions between July and August, with the occasional typhoon battering the area.

Busan’s temperatures reach a peak between May and September, with temperatures hitting between 74 and 85 degrees F (23 and 29 degrees C) in August. Temperatures drop to their lowest in Busan during January, with temperatures recorded at 31 degrees F (-1 degrees C).  

Peak Season in South Korea

The summer high season coincides with kids’ summer vacations, spurring South Koreans to travel with their families. The prices for air travel and hotel accommodation rise along with the temperature.

The major festivals of Chuseok and Seollal are also inconvenient for foreign travelers, as many establishments will close over the course of the festival, and locals travel to their hometowns to visit family.

Time your trip instead for the spring and fall months, where crowds are much more manageable and the weather avoids the extremes of either summer or winter. In Seoul, the months of December to February represent the low season, with the promise of cheaper prices at all class tiers.

Spring in South Korea

One of the best times of the year to visit, springtime in South Korea occurs between April and June. Expect average daily temperatures from 59 to 65 degrees F (15 to 18 degrees C) during the day. Cool breezes with ample sunshine predominate, though springtime also brings the peak of the “yellow dust” ( hwang sa ), fine dust storms blowing in from China and Mongolia.

Events to check out:

• Cherry blossom festivals: Cherry trees bloom throughout South Korea in spring. Gyeongju and Jinhae celebrate their respective cherry blossom festivals between March and April.
• Boseong Green Tea Festival : Celebrate everything matcha-related in South Korea’s primary green tea-cultivating capital in early May.
• Buddha’s Birthday: South Korea’s biggest temples celebrate Vesak with candlelight parades; the biggest occurs in Seoul and runs for two weeks in early May.
• Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Ritual : Despite the extinction of Korea’s monarchy, royal ancestral rites are still held annually at the Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul. First Sunday every May.

Summer in South Korea

High heat and humidity make summer a not-so-popular time to visit South Korea, thanks to daytime temperatures hitting 73 to 86 degrees F (23 to 30 degrees C) and monsoon rains drenching the peninsula.

• Ultra Korea Music Festival : A major stop on the world EDM festival circuit, the two-day Ultra Korea Festival in mid-June has hosted major celebrities like Deadmau5 and Armin van Buuren.
• Dano Festival: A traditional mask and shaman festival held on the coastal city of Gangneung, celebrating the ongoing protection of a guardian mountain god. It's held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.
• Boryeong Mud Festival : Get down and dirty in this week-long celebration of all things muddy in mid-July, from tug-of-war to wrestling to every little excuse to slide in the local “therapeutic” mud baths. Mid-July.
• Geumsan Insam Festival : Geumsan County specializes in the cultivation of the ginseng root crop, and celebrates it annually with a festival celebrating traditional medicine in late September or early October.

Autumn in South Korea

Bringing an end to summer’s humidity and heat, the autumn months from September to November combine cooler winds with beautifully riotous fall colors, bringing droves of tourists to the country’s National Parks.

Expect average daily temperatures of 66 to 70 degrees F (19 to 21 degrees C) in the first half of autumn—but as temperatures continue to descend, warmer clothing will be in order.

• Chuseok: Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving is a time for family reunions, gift-giving and the consumption of seasonal foods. Chuseok falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.
• Busan International Film Festival : A showcase for Asia’s young and hungry directors in October—combining world premieres for major Asian releases as well as masterclasses from famous cinema professionals and an awards show.
• Andong Mask Dance Festival : A traditional festival in late September with shamanic roots, celebrated in the city of Andong. Folk dance groups from all over South Korea come to show their traditional moves.
• Seoul Lantern Festival : This festival of lights in November illuminates Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream with traditional lanterns.

Winter in South Korea

From December to March, the winter months in South Korea bring only occasional snowfall—as much as 25 days of snow per year in Seoul, down to only five days in southern cities like Busan. The temperature follows the same north-to-south pattern, with January lows of 27.5 degrees F (-2.5 degrees C) in Seoul and 37.5 degrees F (3 degrees C) in Busan.

• Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm : South Korea’s biggest festival of lights uses over 330,000 square meters of lighting to illuminates a famous garden in Gapyeong County. December to March.
• Seollal (Lunar New Year): Koreans celebrate Lunar New Year with temple rites, family feasts, and commemorations of the ancestors. The dates of Seollal are vary from year to year.
• Jeju Fire Festival : During this March festival, farmers in Jeju throw a massive incendiary festival culminating in the burning of daljip bonfire piles to ensure a good harvest.

The best time to visit South Korea is in the spring or fall when you can avoid the extreme cold of winter and extreme heat of summer. These times of year tend to be drier as well with fewer rainy days.

The cherry blossom season typically takes place sometime in March or April and the blooms last for about two weeks.

South Korea experiences all four seasons with snowy winters and humid summers. It is rainiest in the summer between June and September and you're most likely to get some snow in late December and January.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Seoul, South Korea, Year Round." Retrieved February 17, 2021.

Weather Atlas. "Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea - Detailed climate information." Retrieved February 17, 2021.

Weather Atlas. "Busan, South Korea - Detailed climate information." Retrieved February 17, 2021.

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When is the Cheapest Time to Travel to South Korea?

It’s a question we get all the time. And while we have our opinions, we’ve never actually sat down and looked at the hard data. Today we’ll be looking at airfare to really determine when is the cheapest time to travel to South Korea.

We used Google Flights to pull estimates on 5-day, round-trip flights in 2024. As prices and seasonal patterns can differ by region, we looked at flights originating in California, New York, Texas, the United Kingdom, Singapore and France. We checked a few different airline booking sites to see how well they correlated and Skyscanner came pretty close!

This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Travelers from Singapore are looking at an average ticket of 320 USD with major upswings in September, December for Christmas, and the New Years holiday. Prices are bound to spike for Lunar New Year, but otherwise prices are pretty flat. The cheapest airfare can be found in early-December (before Christmas) and mid-January (after New Years and before Lunar New Years) when they drop as low as 230 USD.

• Cheapest travel season: early-December and mid-January
• Cheapest price: 230 USD

California flights have a summer peak (June – July) with a minimum of 1,400 USD with the winter holidays running at least 1,500 USD per ticket. Due to the popularity of the California-South Korea route, getting cheap tickets isn’t going to be easy. The cheapest tickets can be found in early-winter (November, mid-December) with tickets as cheap as 780 USD.

• Cheapest travel season: November to mid-December
• Cheapest price: 780 USD

Related Posts:

• How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul

If you’re coming from Texas, you have options. Airfare peaks in late-November, the winter holidays (mid-December through early-January) and the summer (late-May through early-August) when prices are a minimum of 1,500 USD and spike really high. On the other hand, tickets can be found for 1,070 USD if you book early enough through the autumn and spring seasons.

• Cheapest travel season: February, March, April, September, October
• Cheapest price: 1070 USD

Tickets from New York is looking at airfare anywhere from 900 USD to 2,000 USD and up. Airfare hits its peak during summer (July, August) and winter (December) where it’ll be a minimum of 1,500 USD KRW for tickets. The cheapest airfare can be found before the holidays (November, early-December) and after (mid-January through early-March) bottoming out at around 900 USD. If you’re coming from New York, an early spring trip might be your best bet.

• Cheapest travel season: February to early-March
• Cheapest price: 900 USD

Travelers from France will have to cough up some more money during the major peak in autumn (August) when airfare is a minimum of 1,200 USD. There are loads of cheap tickets to be found in mid-January (after the holidays) up to early-April at 800 USD or even lower.

• Cheapest travel season: February, March
• Cheapest price: 800 USD

United Kingdom

If you’re coming from the UK, you should avoid visiting in autumn (August through early-September) when airfare will be a minimum of 1,000 USD. On the other hand, January and March have plenty of tickets at 650 USD. Otherwise, expect to be spending about 800 USD minimum on a plane ticket.

• Cheapest travel season: Mid-January to March
• Cheapest Price: 650 USD

General Thoughts

Generally speaking, early-December and mid-January before and after the holidays offer cheap flights with a few exceptions (France, New York). And, if you’re looking to save a100 USD here and there, you can opt for layovers in China or Japan (day trips in Japan are particularly fun if you can squeeze out about 12 hours).

Check out Skyscanner for ticket prices or check out their last minute cheap bookings .

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The Best Time to Travel to South Korea

We can't say South Korea is uneventful because it's not. There is always a music or cultural festival going on each and every month. And the majority of the year it is very comfortable to travel to and around the country. Chances are you will be bothered more by the heat than the rain and any monsoon to worry about.

South Korea isn't Malaysia or the Philippines. As for the snow, most people we predict have encountered snow before in their life at least once. It's not a show stopper, is it? Pick out a date for your holiday vacation and set your heart on arriving in Seoul.

The Best Time to Visit South Korea

Whilst it is hot and humid in South Korea, it can also be wet and cold, and it snows too. The best time for travel is in spring and autumn. If you want winter sports or activities, such as skiing, then travel in December and January for the best results. If shopping is involved, then spring or summer: if the rain gets too much for you, you can always escape to Jeju Island .

We can't say there is a good time or best time to travel South Korea. The four seasons they have are much like those in Europe:

• winter and spring, it is cold but it gets warmer
• summer and autumn, it can be roasting but it cools later

There are the obligatory rains, showers and torrential storms, typically July and August are bad. Ironically, summer is the best time for trekking throughout South Korea and family focused attractions.

The Worst Time to Visit South Korea

Festival and celebrations such as the Chinese Lunar New Year, Chuseok and Seollal shuts most of the country down. Shops, cafes and restaurants are closed, as are many attractions. Even the beaches are off limits in some places.

• Chinese Lunar New Year falls in February, usually
• Chuseok falls in August, early in the second week
• Seollal, usually in January or February

The summer is the hottest, it's extreme in the true sense of the word, and it rains. In a lot of cases, you are glad of the showers, to cool the temperature a little but seek shelter from the storms when they come.

Spring winds from China and Mongolia blow dust into South Korea, and that really impacts on life in Seoul. Come prepared, that's all.

One thing that did irritate us about South Korea is the public signage, there is very little English writing on it. Further to this, some Koreans may not understand English, making it embarrassing when asking for help or advice.

January has more snow and is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. If you have zero interest in winter sports then put off coming to South Korea until the middle of February, at least. Towards the second half of February, it begins to warm by a few degrees more going into March.

The two skiing resorts to book in advance are: Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do. You could also consider catching a flight to Jeju Island for a celebration of the Hallasan Mountain. The Island's temperature is touching 45°F which is warm in comparison to Seoul's 36°F.

Most Korean people don't like the snow and that is evident when their subways are connected to the most frequented facilities they love:

• museums and art galleries
• bars and restaurants
• spas and health clubs
• shopping malls

It's convenient for them to step off the train and walk as short a distance as possible. And that's why you can come to Seoul in winter and not feel bothered by it too much. Be wary of the Korean Lunar New Year towards the end of January and the beginning of February. Because costs rise in shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as hotel accommodation and spas, beauty treatments.

When March comes around it is a sure sign that spring has arrived. The cold has long been forgotten about, it is drying up and becoming warmer each passing day. You are thinking about packing a lunch box and heading for the nearest mountain trek trail. Once there you are going to see wildflowers close to their full bloom, all around. Being in the open fresh air surrounded by nature has its own incredible beauty.

But wear warm clothes nonetheless because the temperature is unlikely to have risen more than 45°F. In spring you can expect a few days that it will rain but those showers will be light.

If you are after South Korean cultural fulfilment, think about the Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival. It has some of the best fragrance from flowering blossoms, and the sample southern Korean seafood. Or you could jump on a bullet train to Daegu for the annual bullfight and rodeo festival.

The country takes on a completely different atmosphere and purpose. More people are finding the outdoors again they're thrilled by the mature cherry blossom. Walking under the trees, amusing themselves with their smartphones and selfies. City parks and their lakes and paths are littered with blossoming trees, marking April as one of the best months to be in South Korea.

Be wary of the dust storms at this time of the year in South Korea, the dust in blown in from China and Mongolia and it can blanket much of Korea.

It isn't quite summer yet in South Korea, but the temperature has jumped by as much as half again since March. You are looking at figures in the region of mid-60's Fahrenheit, at least. If you are traveling to South Korea this month, you are best to pack something warm, a sweater would be a good idea ― just in case.

Now is the right moment to travel to Jeollanam-do to enjoy authentic Korean tea. The Boseong Tea Festival happens this month, keep an eye out for it. Flight and accommodation costs remain more modest before the summer peaks, of July and August. Be wary of the rains as they arrive in June and last until September.

July and August may be the hottest months in South Korea, but the wettest too.

• 5 Best Places to Travel to South Korea in May

June is the month you spend time on the beaches, but the weather continues to feel mild, even though the temperatures are now looking more favorable at 72°F in most coastal areas. If you are out for an early evening stroll, take a light jacket with you as it does cool quickly after sunset.

South Korea has just two months for its summer, and that's it. Very brief but they're an exceptional experience for the foreign holidaymaker. July and August are also the wettest months of the year. Temperatures are now in their high 70's Fahrenheit which is welcome because this month hosts the annual Boryeong Mud Festival. Participants arrive in their droves from all over the world for this fun packed event. There's no excuse for not showing up in a t-shirt and shorts and joining in.

The best of South Korea's short summer. It is also the time to be on the beaches and in the water parks. But this is when beaches, shopping malls and cultural centers become crowded, when Koreans take their annual summer holidays. Many attractions and facilities are inaccessible so it's best to arrive as early as possible and why booking in advance gives you the advantage.

You may wish to stay outdoors as long as you can but the humidity can be too much. Many do shelter with working air conditioning, such as a museum or art gallery. A shopping mall for refuge from the heat.

Temperatures are milder and more comfortable in early September but towards the end of the month it feels chillier, and autumn is closer. When out and about, trekking in the national parks be sure to thrown on an extra layer of clothing. Definitely it will be colder at such heights, and especially next month. You must be told about the annual Harvest Moon Festival. It pretty much closes down the country for quite a few days towards the end of the month. Traveling is difficult.

City parks and the countryside out of the city are preparing for winter and in doing so, turn Korea into a beautiful collage of orange and crimson red. Both Seoraksan and Bukhansan national parks are recommended adventures for the amazing sights of autumn. Just as people turned out for the April blossoms they turn out for another piece of natural beauty. It is warmest in Busan and on JeJu Island, averaging 71°F.

With temperatures struggling to rise above 40°F the air you breathe is crisp and cooler. Yet the natural beauty of autumn encourages you to get out and about, to the parks and away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. A few of you may even be willing to trek the nearest mountain to you? Wear a heavy fleece jacket and sturdy walking boots.

South Korea is amazing at this time of the year as people prepare for festivities. People are full of fun, joy and are jolly good natured more than their usual. It's the time of the year ice rinks open up all around Seoul. City center streets and shopping malls are decorated over the top, in sheer extravagance.

There is Seoul's Lantern Festival to look forward to. Large towns and cities are a delight for families despite the decline in temperature.

The Cheapest Time to Visit South Korea

South Korea is an expensive country to travel to, even at the best of times. There are no bargain basement prices to the country, how there are for other southeast Asian countries during their low season. Between November and March is South Korea's low tourist season, with cheaper prices. Just don't expect to enjoy large price drops on flight costs or accommodation.

South Korea's domestic market is the 3rd largest for travel in Asia, responsible for generating anything upwards of US$11B annually. In other words, there is little reason for prices to be lowered, to attract travelers.

Final Thoughts

The two most beautiful times to holiday in Seoul are October and April. October for the autumn because walking through the city parks there is nothing more moving than seeing the multi-colored leaves. That and the surrealness of the park and its peacefulness. Summer has gone, no more picnics you are shadowed by sadness. Until autumn arrives.

April gives you the blossom from the cherry trees, turning the streets and parks of South Korea into a fragrant, colorful parade of beauty. Just as it puts you at ease walking a path. Leaves falling and being picked up by a gust of wind, the blossom is just nature showing you how creative she can be.

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When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit South Korea?

South Korea’s four seasons each have something special to offer visitors of the country, but depending on what you want out of your Korean experience, some times are better to travel than others. Read on to find out what to expect from each month of the year.

While many prefer to avoid the cold, there is a certain charm about cozying up in a warm coat and wandering through crisp, white snow, which tends to fall most often in January.

Most points of interest are also far less congested, making it a great time to visit, especially for those looking to avoid the crowds of the big cities. The few exceptions are the country’s ski resorts , which are excellent sites to partake in a number of snow activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and sledding. Visitors can also enjoy South Korea’s efficient transportation, which still runs like clockwork despite icy conditions.

Rainfall: 7 days

Temperature: 28°F (-2°C)

The Korean winter is long and cold, extending until late February. Nevertheless, visitors can still enjoy the country’s many indoor facilities such as theme parks, museums, restaurants and jjimjilbangs (Korean spas) – many of which are connected directly to the subway, eliminating the need for walking outside in the frigid weather. Furthermore, shopaholics can take advantage of the huge sales that are held nationwide at mega-malls and department stores throughout this month.

The effects of the Siberian weather system are more pronounced the further north you go, so, for the warmest temperatures, stick to the southern areas, such as the coastal city of Busan or the beautiful Jeju Island.

Rainfall: 6 days

Temperature: 33°F (0°C)

As spring sets in and temperatures begin to warm up, locals head for the mountains, making use of the country’s many national parks, which are canopied in colorful wildflowers. The effects of the change in weather can also be seen in a number of unique festivals such as the Jeju Fire Festival and the Jindo Sea Parting Festival .

Be mindful, however, that during late March, temperatures can unexpectedly drop again, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers. In fact, Koreans use the poetic expression “Ggot saem chuui” (“The winter is jealous of flowers”) to describe the fickle weather.

Temperature: 42°F (6°C)

Japan’s cherry blossoms may be legendary, but Korea’s blossoms are also a sight to behold. Multiple cherry blossom festivals take place during the first and second week of April as lakes, paths and parks are beautified by seemingly endless canopies of blooms.

The caveat: April is also the time of year when the notorious yellow dust from the Gobi Desert covers the Korean peninsula, creating an unwelcomed haze and dustiness. Avoid this month if you have allergies or be sure to bring a supply of masks.

Rainfall: 8 days

Temperature: 55°F (13°C)

May’s weather is the least likely to be inclement, making it one of the most popular months of the year to visit South Korea. Hotel and plane ticket prices are also very manageable, but it’s advisable to book early, as the country’s numerous springtime visitors can limit your lodging options.

Take advantage of the mostly sunny days to enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of events and festivals to experience, with the Damyang Bamboo Festival and Boseong Green Tea Festival in Jeollanam Province being local favorites.

Rainfall: 9 days

Temperature: 64°F (18°C)

Like May, June is a great time of the year to avoid the crowds and enjoy the still-mild weather, particularly in Korea’s coastal regions , which tend to become overcrowded with tourists in July. Evenings can be cool, so it’s not a bad idea to carry a light jacket when headed out to dinner or a night out on the town.

Rainfall: 10 days

Temperature: 72°F (22°C)

Summers in Korea can be intolerably hot and muggy, so you might just find yourself hopping from one air-conditioned venue to the next. The country’s monsoon season also begins in late July, and showers can be intense and long, with many lasting all day.

The heat and rain can be a deal-breaker for many, but for those not fussed by weather, July can be a very fun time to visit. Music festivals like Ultra Korea and the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, and cultural events like the Boryeong Mud Festival and Sinchon Water Gun Festival, are on just about every weekend and make for a great way to beat the heat.

Rainfall: 16 days

Temperature: 77°F (25°C)

While the scorching heat makes August a great month to hit Korea’s beaches and water parks, it is also summer vacation for most Korean schools, universities and companies. Therefore, restaurants, shopping centers and cultural complexes can be overly crowded. With a growing love for staycations, hotels are also at full occupancy and certain amenities like swimming pools are virtually impossible to access.

South Korea is less vulnerable to typhoons than neighboring countries, but typically one to three typhoons can be expected per year. They usually pass over South Korea in late summer, especially in August and bring torrential rains, so don’t leave home without a sturdy umbrella and a raincoat.

Rainfall: 15 days

Temperature: 78°F (26°C)

September is one of the most unpredictable months of the year. The early days of the month can be some of the hottest of the year while the latter days can be chilly and autumn-like. Consider bringing a few items that can be layered depending on the temperature.

As the country gets ready for fall, events such as the Andong International Mask Dance Festival and Hyoseok Cultural Festival provide plenty of fun activities for families and individuals.

Temperature: 70°F (21°C)

With nearly perfect weather and a wealth of events and festivals such as the Busan International Film Festival and Jinju Lantern Festival, October is without a doubt one of the best months to visit South Korea.

Korea’s mountains erupt in a magnificent array of reds, yellows and oranges, and locals flock to national parks to take in the technicolor landscape of natural beauty. Schedule your trip to enjoy the changing of the leaves, especially enjoyable in the Seoraksan and Bukhansan mountain regions.

T-shirt weather can continue well into October, but you’re likely to need a few extra layers by this month.

Temperature: 59°F (15°C)

Like October, November is known to have mild temperatures, low rainfall and a wealth of unadulterated natural beauty. Enjoy the crisp, cool air as you marvel at the colorful lights at the Seoul Lantern Festival, or try your hand at kimchi making at the Seoul Kimchi Festival.

Temperature: 45°F (7°C)

For those who don’t mind the cold, December is also a fun time to visit. Sure, there’s the cold, which can be excruciating on certain days, but there’s also snow, festive decor and lots of merrymaking.

While businesses shut down for Christmas in many cities worldwide, larger businesses in Seoul boom with festivities throughout December and rarely close for the holidays.

When not to go

Seoul can be a tough place to visit during the dog days of summer or the brutally cold days of winter, depending on where you’re coming from and what you’re used to. In general, late summer (late July to late August) is very hot and muggy, not to mention rainy, which could make sightseeing a hassle. Similarly, late winter (early January to late February) can be very cold and dry, making visiting outdoor destinations uncomfortable for some.

South Korea’s two main holidays, Seollal (Lunar New Year), which usually falls in January or February, and Chuseok , which takes place in September or October, are some of the busiest times for domestic travel since people flock to their hometowns to visit family. This can make travelling around the country nearly impossible if not planned months in advance. Furthermore, many attractions are closed during these days, and Seoul becomes unusually quiet.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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Best Time to Visit South Korea (Best Festivals & Traditions!)

Plan your perfect South Korea trip with our guide on the best times to visit for festivals & traditions! Find out ideal travel months for culture lovers.

South Korea is everything in one place. Great food, scenic sights, wonderful culture, and friendly people to match your vacation worthwhile. South Korea should be added to your bucket list if you're a lover of adventure. It’s almost difficult to decide when to visit the beautiful country.

The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May. What’s more, temperatures linger around 50 to 73°F with significantly less rainfall. Noticeably, the flowers are in full bloom. You can spot Asia’s finest cherry blossoms during this time. You can also visit between September and November for up to 40% off travel and accommodations.

The country is a unique blend of technology, classic and modern architecture, and everything in between. However, you shouldn’t limit your trip to the cities. Make your vacation colorful by exploring the countryside and mountains.

When Should You Not Go To South Korea

The least favorable time to visit South Korea is between June to August. It’s called the monsoon season. The temperature high hit 85°F. It is quite humid on most days.  Coincidentally, it’s the busiest time of the year. Tourists troop in their thousands to visit the country. More so, hotel prices tend to skyrocket during this time. Other services are also at a premium.

Most of the major rainfall occurs in late July and August. The typhoons that hit China, Taiwan, and Japan do not affect South Korea this season. This is because South Korea is nestled between those countries.

However, if you’re not bothered by the heat, you can visit during this time. Ensure you book in advance for your accommodation.

Cheapest Time to Travel to South Korea

The cheapest time to visit South Korea is between early September and November.  It’s just after summer, and the crowds have withered down. Temperatures drop to 67°F, and frigid winds sweep the country on most days.

Most of the public attractions offer discounts on rates. Moreover, you also spend less time in lines before entering indoor or outdoor spaces. Hotel prices also drop during this as a result of low patronage.

Despite the cold, several events and activities are lined up in South Korea. We are going to explore them in the article.

Monthly Breakdown of the Weather in South Korea

Below is a monthly guide on what to expect throughout the year in South Korea. We also explored some of the key events lined up.

January: Coldest Month of the Year

January is the coldest month of the year in South Korea. It’s the heart of the winter season. Temperature highs drop to 34.9°F and low 21°F. Noticeably, you will experience icy winds across the cities and countryside. However, there are several instances of sunny skies on most days.

You should pack warm clothes, jackets, and boots if you travel to South Korea this month. There are several events lined up in January. Seollal (Lunar New Year) is one of the biggest holidays in the country. It’s a 3-day celebratory event starting from the 1st.

You can join Koreans to dress their best and feast on  dduk guk  (rice-cake soup) and  mandu guk  (dumpling soup). All the palaces in Seoul also organize special events.

The Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival also happens in January. It’s a festival celebrating the mountain trout known as the Queen of the Valleys. Join thousands of people in Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do to enjoy a wide selection of winter sports.

• Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival
• Winter Sports

February: Inje Ice Fishing Festival

February comes with a mixture of humid and frigid weather. The average temperature highs increase to 39.4°F, and lows hit 24.6°F. So, you are bound to expect more icy winds throughout the month. However, you can also expect some sunny days on most days.

If you’re dropping in this month, you should pack warm clothes and jackets. You can also pack light clothes to explore the country on sunny days.

One of the major events in February includes the Inje Ice Fishing Festival. It occurs every winter when Soyang Lake has frozen over. You can take a trip to the mountain village in the Seoraksan region. You can play ice soccer, watch a dog sled competition, and enjoy a meal of fresh smelt.

• Dog sled competitions
• Ice Fishing

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March: Season of Cherry Blossoms

Winter is still noticeable during the first few days of March in South Korea. However, it makes way more warm and humid days for the rest of the month. The cold snaps don’t linger long as they usher in the cherry blossoms. This is also one of the best months to visit South Korea.

The average temperature highs rise to 50.4°F. So, you should pack more light clothes in preparation for summer. You can engage in more outdoor activities. They include hiking trips, sightseeing, and street photography.

March is a perfect time to travel around the country and partake in special events. They include the Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival. You get to experience the sweet fragrance of the apricot blossoms and taste Korean seafood.

The Bullfighting Festival also happens this month in Cheongdo, located south of Daegu. You can hop on a rodeo and watch a calf beauty contest.

Other events include:

• Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival.
• Gyeongju Traditional Drink & Rice Cake Festival.

April: Hi Seoul Festival

April officially welcomes cherry blossoms throughout the country. Temperature highs hit 63.7°F, so there will be a massive supply of sunshine for most of April. However, you should prepare for a couple of light showers in a few days.

However, you might face the possibility of yellow dust storms in April. These storms sweep from the Gobi Desert and spread to a chunk of East Asia.

April is a month of several festivals. One notable event is the Hi Seoul Festival. It celebrates the rich history and tradition of the capital city. This week-long event takes place in downtown Seoul. It features a lighted boat parade, classical music, and rock concerts.

The Icheon Ceramic Festival also occurs in April. Here, you can experience the history and mastery of Korean pottery. You can even purchase handmade ceramics from original artists.

• Gwangalli Eobang Festival.
• Jeonju International Film Festival.
• Cherry Blossom Festival.
• Jinhae Gunhangje Festival.

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May: Lotus Lantern Festival

The spring season is in full swing in May. The flowers blooming makes the entire country colorful and bright. South Korea is beautiful during this time. Temperature highs continue to increase, hitting 73°F.

Noticeably, May is one of the driest months before the monsoon season kicks in. You should pack summer clothes when traveling into the country this month.

You can get involved in a wide range of outdoor activities. They include hiking in Hallasan, sightseeing in Bukhansan, and tea-sampling at Joellanam-do.

Significant events include the Lotus Lantern Festival. It’s a special occasion that coincides with Buddha’s birthday anniversary. The opening ceremony starts at Dongdaemun Stadium and proceeds to the Han River with lanterns. Similar events also take place at the Jogyesa Temple in Seoul.

• Boseong Green Tea Festival.
• Gangneung Danoje Festival.

June: Start of the Monsoon Season

June is the start of summer in South Korea. The temperature continues to rise throughout the month, hitting 80.4°F. Which makes it pleasant to travel. You should expect sunny and clear skies for most of the month. June is one of the busiest months of the year.

Ditch most of your winter clothes for summer shorts and dresses. The weather is just perfect for hiking around the peninsula. You can visit the scenic beaches in Seoul, Busan, Jeju-si, Gangneung-si, Seogwipo-si, and Incheon.

One of such events is the Muju Firefly Festival. It’s the only place where fireflies are located. The event includes taekwondo demonstrations and dances. You can also head over to Gangneung for the Dano Festival. It features folk performances unique to the region.

• Dano Festival

July: Boryeong Mud Festival

July is neck-deep into the summer season. Temperature rise to 83.8°F on most days. Expect clear and bright skies for most of the month. However, the weather can be uncontrollably humid.

July is also one of the wettest months of the year in South Korea. Heavy downpours occur in the middle of the month, brought on by the East Asian Monsoon. This month also marks the beginning of the typhoon season.

It’s essential to pack warm and light clothes if you’re traveling to South Korea. One notable event that blends with the weather is the Boryeong Mud Festival. Don't go there if you’re not ready to roll in the mud. Activities include mud wrestling and mudslides.

• Mud wrestling
• Visit a spa

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August: Busan International Rock Festival

August is the hottest month of the year in South Korea. Coincidentally, it is also the wettest month of the year. Temperature highs hit 85.1°F on most days in the month. So, you can expect more sunshine and warmth for the better part of the month.

You should pack light clothes if you’re visiting this week. If you enjoy the weather, you can hit the beaches. However, you can stick with indoor attractions if the weather is too hot. You can visit the museums, attend indoor performances, and remain in your hotel room.

Noticeably, the Busan International Rock Festival is one of the biggest events in August. It’s a free, open-air concert that attracts over 15,000 spectators. Attractions include live performances from local and international artists at Dadaepo Beach.

• Muan White Lotus Festival
• Busan International Rock Festival

September: Harvest Moon Festival

The typhoons and monsoons slowly dissipate in September. Temperature highs drop to 78.1°F, giving more comfort to exploring the country. You will experience humid and warm days but also a few instances of rainfall.

Events include the Harvest Moon Festival (Chuseok), the biggest holiday in the country. Also called Korean Thanksgiving, this festival celebrates the harvest season. The actions take place all over the country. Tourists can attend the events held at the palaces or the National Folk Museum in Seoul.

• Harvest Moon Festival
• Visit the Norfolk Museum

October: Jagalchi Festival

Autumn is in the air in October. The temperatures lower to 67.5°F. However, October is considerably drier than most of the preceding months. You can expect sunshine on most days of the month.

October is the perfect time to visit national parks. You can visit the parks at Hallasan, Bukhansan, or Seoraksan and explore their grounds.

Events include the Jagalchi Festival. It’s South Korea’s biggest seafood festival. You can also partake in the Icheon Rice Cultural Festival. It’s a celebration of the country’s agriculture. It’s being organized at the Icheon Seolbong Park.

• Pusan International Film Festival
• Jagalchi Festival
• Seafood Festival
• Icheon Rice Cultural Festival

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November: Gwangju Kimchi Festival

The chills are back in November with autumn. Everywhere you turn, scenic colors fill the air. Temperatures drop to 52.7°F, and you’re bound to experience icy winds on most days. Towards the end of the month, the leaves start to fall off.

Despite the cold, you can explore most of South Korea. You can enjoy sightseeing and hiking at the national parks.

Events include the Gwangju Kimchi Festival. It’s a celebration of agriculture from the plains of Icheon. It’s going to be held at the Icheon Seolbong Park.

• Kimchi Festival
• Visit National Parks

December: Pyeongchang Trout Festival

This month marks the beginning of the winter season in South Korea. Temperatures drop to 39.6°F. The weather is completely frigid, with less room for sunshine. Traveling to South Korea isn’t a bad idea, as there are serious activities you can participate in.

You can head to the ski resorts of Gangwon-do, watch, or partake in the activities. One of the major events in the country is the Pyeongchang Trout Festival. You’d get to test your fishing abilities or partake in sledding and ATVing.

• Trout Festival

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South Korea Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

Though South Korea is small (about the size of the US state of Indiana), it punches well above its weight in terms of things to see and do. Boasting a vibrant culture, incredible history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a wild nightlife, it’s home to both major cities and untouched nature, offering something for every traveler.

Seoul, the capital city and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the world (over half the country’s population of 50 million is concentrated here), is a lively hub for food lovers and partying. But while it gets all the attention, there is much more to explore, including 22 national parks, lush Jeju Island, and the infamous Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) bordering North Korea.

Best of all, since South Korea is a manageable size, you can see a good portion of it in a limited amount of time. The transportation here is modern, clean, and efficient, so it’s easy to get around quickly.

The country is also a foodie’s paradise, with cheap street food and delicious dishes like bibimbap, kimchi, and the famed Korean barbecue.

It’s one of my favorite countries in the world and one that I think is super under the radar and often overlooked by travelers. You never see the tourist crowds found in other Asian countries.

This travel guide to South Korea can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on South Korea

Top 5 Things to See and Do in South Korea

1. Explore Seoul

Korea’s capital has a little bit of everything. It’s a bustling metropolis and global technology hub, with sleek and modern neighborhoods like Gangnam and iconic sights like the Lotte World Tower, the sixth-tallest building in the world. Yet there is a lot of history here too, including many museums, palaces, and temples, among them five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When you’re done exploring for the day, Seoul has a robust street food scene, countless trendy restaurants, and fast-paced, soju-driven nightlife. You could easily spend weeks here and never get bored.

2. Tour the DMZ

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates North and South Korea and, despite the name, is the most militarized border in the world. You can only visit the Joint Security Area (JSA), which has military personnel from both sides, on a guided tour, but it’s a unique experience and an important way to learn about this ongoing conflict (the war started in 1950 and has not officially ended). On the tour, you’ll be able to actually stand in North Korea, visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression (which North Korea dug to sneak soldiers across the border), see the Freedom Bridge, and catch glimpses of North Korea from the Unification Observatory. Guided tours of the DMZ start from 80,000 KRW.

3. Visit Jeju Island

This volcanic, semitropical island is a popular domestic vacation spot. It’s accessible via cheap daily flights from Seoul that take just one hour. Known as “the Hawaii of Korea,” it’s a natural paradise, home to the tallest mountain in Korea (Mount Hallasan), lava tubes, beautiful beaches, and countless hiking and walking trails. Other attractions include visiting mythic Jeju Stone Park, wandering the Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, and watching the haenyeo divers — women who dive without any protective equipment to gather underwater treasures like shellfish and seaweed, which they then sell on the beaches. You can visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum as well to learn more about this cultural practice that dates back centuries.

4. Sing karaoke

Known as noraebang , this is a cultural phenomenon and something worth experiencing at least once while visiting Korea. While the karaoke machine was originally invented in Japan, Koreans have adopted the pastime and made it their own. Here, you rent out a private room with a group of friends (instead of singing in a public bar, as is often the case in Western countries). Pricing is determined by the hour, with rates varying wildly depending on the number of people, time of day, day of the week, and whether snacks and drinks are included. Average group karaoke rates range from 5,000 to 15,000 KRW.

5. Step back in time at a hanok village

Other things to see and do in south korea, 1. visit changdeokgung palace.

One of the Joseon dynasty’s Five Grand Palaces, this 15th-century complex in Seoul was built in harmony with the natural environment at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain. Changdeokgung, or “Palace of Prospering Virtue,” was the main royal residence for 13 kings over the course of three centuries. The complex sprawls over 110 acres, 60% of which is taken up by the beautiful Huwon Secret Garden, home to over a hundred species of trees, flowers, and other plants (some of the trees here are over 300 years old!). The main draw is wandering around the exterior, with its restored buildings and gates, though you can also go inside Injeongjeon Hall, the palace’s throne room. Admission to the complex is 3,000 KRW; the Secret Garden is an additional 5,000 KRW. There are guided tours in English as well.

2. Explore Busan

Korea’s second-largest city is located just two hours from Seoul on the KTX high-speed bullet train. A coastal city, Busan boasts great beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, with its miles of sand, and Gwangalli Beach, known for its sunsets. Gamcheon Culture Village, the “mural village of Korea,” is a hillside neighborhood rich in street art and covered in murals, and nearly all the houses are painted bright colors. It’s a great place to wander around for a few hours, popping into the unique shops, cafés, and restaurants.

3. See the National Museum of Korea

If you visit only one museum in Korea, make it this one. Located in Seoul, it covers all aspects of Korean culture, art, and history, from prehistory to the early modern era. It also contains many national treasures and artifacts that have been designated as having special importance and value in Korean culture and history. Some of the most important ones include the sixth-century inscribed Bukhansan Monument, detailing military expansions; sixth-century gilt-bronze Buddhist statues; and the 10-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, which dates to the 14th century. Don’t miss the exterior gardens, which feature indigenous plants, reflecting pools, and traditional Korean sculptures and lanterns. Admission to the main exhibitions and children’s museum is free.

4. Take a food tour

As a foodie, learning about a culture through its food is one of my favorite things to do while traveling. Korea has an incredible variety of amazing dishes to try, as well as a bustling (and delicious) street food scene. Taking a food tour with an experienced guide is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of Korean cuisine. O’ngo Food offers a variety of tours in Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, and Jeju, with prices starting from 70,000 KRW per person.

5. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Originally built in the 14th century by the kings of the Joseon dynasty, this palace in Seoul served as the seat of the government for two hundred years until it was destroyed by a fire and abandoned for centuries. Since the 19th century (and still today), it has been undergoing renovations to restore the complex to its former glory. It is considered the most stunning of all five royal palaces in Seoul, featuring grand gates, open courtyards, and terracotta-topped buildings set against the backdrop of Mount Bugak. In addition to wandering through the complex, you can also go into the many administrative halls and residential chambers set up to resemble the palace’s heyday. You can watch the changing-of-the-guard ceremony as well, every day except Monday. The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum are also located in the complex. Admission is 3,000 KRW.

6. See the cherry blossoms

While cherry blossoms are often associated with Japan, festivities surrounding the blooms are incredibly popular in Korea as well. Here, the season runs from late March to late April, with many festivals throughout the country. Just be prepared for crowds at the more popular ones, like the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul.

7. Try taekwondo

Korean’s native martial art, taekwondo, is characterized by high kicks and punches and, like all such disciplines, emphasizes mental training. An Olympic event since 2000, taekwondo has only grown in popularity in recent years and is a point of pride in Korean culture. Kang’s Global Taekwondo in Seoul offers classes to adults and foreigners that cost around 43,000 KRW for one hour.

8. Learn to cook classic Korean foods

If you’d like to take your knowledge of Korean food one step further, take a cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare classics like bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi, and Korean pancakes. Hello K Cooking in Seoul offers a class where you’ll learn how to cook three main dishes and one stew — recipes and skills that you can bring home with you. Classes are 107,000 KRW.

9. Go hiking

Korea is an incredibly mountainous country, so hiking is a favorite pastime for locals. Be sure to immerse yourself in nature while visiting this lush land. There are even hiking spots near the bigger cities if you don’t have enough time or don’t want to venture too far afield. Bukhansan National Park, just outside Seoul, is a popular place to go hiking, offering panoramic views over the capital (expect crowds due to its proximity to the city, though). Yet with 22 national parks spread across the country, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds (including lots of guided hikes if you don’t want to organize one yourself). For a multiday hike, the Jirisan Ridge Trek in Jirisan National Park is one of the most famous — a four-day walk from mountain shelter to mountain shelter.

10. Wander around Seoul Olympic Park

In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympics, which was only the second time the summer games had been held in Asia (the first was in Tokyo in 1964). Today, you can visit the massive park where the games were staged, and while Olympic Park does have many sports facilities, there’s much more to explore here as well. The park is divided into four sections, focusing on the arts, history, nature, and sports. In the arts section, you’ll find the SOMA Museum of Art and a park with over 200 sculptures, while in the history section, you can see the third-century defensive Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortifications, excavated dugout huts and storage pits left in the state in which they were uncovered. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here. Admission to the park is free.

11. Discover Jirisan National Park

Located in the southern part of the country (Namwon is the nearest city), this park is named after Jirisan (Mt. Jiri for short), the tallest mountain on mainland Korea. As it’s South Korea’s first national park (as well as its largest), hiking trails and cultural sites abound. You can visit seven major Buddhist temples and see several of Korea’s national treasures of ancient carved stonework from the seventh to the tenth centuries. One of the most important sites here is Samseonggung, or Three Sages Palace, a mountainside shrine dedicated to the legendary founders of Korea. Admission to the park is 1,600 KRW.

South Korea Travel Costs

Cheap hotel rooms start at 28,000 KRW for a room that sleeps one, while a double room generally costs at least 40,000 KRW. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, a TV, air conditioning, and an electric teapot. Breakfast is usually not included at budget hotels.

Airbnb is available around the country, with private rooms starting at 25,000-30,000 KRW. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 50,000-70,000 KRW per night.

While wild camping is illegal in Korea, there are plenty of campgrounds should you want to pitch a tent. Expect to pay 7,000-20,000 KRW for a plot with access to bathroom and shower facilities, and usually even Wi-Fi.

Food – Korean cuisine has developed its own traditions and flavors over the centuries, with a unique emphasis on using uncooked, fermented, and pickled vegetables. Traditional Korean meals are often composed of a variety of side dishes, eaten with short-grain rice. A meal isn’t considered complete unless there’s kimchi on the table.

Common dishes include bulgogi (marinated, grilled beef), samgye-tang (chicken and ginseng soup), bibimbap (a mixed rice bowl), chap chae (a glass noodle dish), and many other noodle and rice dishes. Popular street foods include hotteok (a sweet, filled pancake), tteokbokki (spicy cylindrical rice cakes), and bungeo-ppang (a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste).

Dining out in South Korea is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a casual restaurant serving traditional Korean food is around 9,000-15,000 KRW, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 25,000-30,000 KRW. Expect higher prices in larger cities.

Western food is more expensive. Expect to pay at least 20,000 KRW for a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant.

In terms of fast food, a combo meal (think McDonald’s) is around 7,000 KRW, while a burger is around 4,500 KRW. A typical Korean street food dish is 1,500-3,000 KRW.

A pint of beer is 4,000-5,000 KRW, a glass of wine is 6,000 KRW and up, and a cocktail is 7,000 KRW and up. A latte or cappuccino is 5,000 KRW.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50,000-70,000 KRW per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. Shopping at local markets is the best way to get great fresh produce for cheap.

Backpacking South Korea: Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 75,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, use public transportation and intercity buses to get around, skip the alcohol, and do mostly free activities like walking tours and hiking.

On a mid-range budget of 135,000 KRW per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or cheap hotel, eat out for most meals at casual restaurants, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi as well as trains between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and food tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 255,000 KRW or more per day, you can stay in a nicer hotel or entire Airbnb apartment, eat out pretty much anywhere you want, drink at the bar, get a high-speed rail pass, and do as many guided tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in KRW.

South Korea Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

I find South Korea to be one of the best value countries out there. It’s a really affordable place to visit. Accommodation can add up but food and drinks are generally cheap. Here are some ways to save money when you travel around South Korea:

• Visit the free attractions – With countless museums, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods, and parks, Korea is filled with opportunities to become immersed in its culture. Many of the nation’s museums and cultural attractions are free, so don’t pass them up!
• Purchase a KORAIL Pass – If you want to travel by train, getting a rail pass is the most economical way to do so. You’ll get unlimited train travel for the time period you choose (2-5-day increments). Prices start at 121,000 KRW.
• Get a transit pass – Most major cities in Korea offer a day pass for public transit, which means great savings if you plan to hop around using buses and subways. Seoul’s day pass costs 15,000 KRW, though the longer you stay, the more you’ll save (a seven-day pass is 64,500 KRW).
• Buy a city pass – If you plan on visiting a lot of attractions, buy a city pass . Seoul and Busan both offer ones that include admission to popular sights, a transit pass, and discounts to restaurants and other attractions. A one-day pass starts at 33,000 KRW.
• Eat from the convenience stores – Convenience stores in Korea offer not only snacks and drinks but prepared boxed meals and cheap alcohol. If you’re on a tight budget, shop in those.
• Take the bus – While the trains are fun, the cheapest way to get around Korea is by bus. They take longer but are much cheaper, so if you have the time, opt for long-distance buses. Just show up at the bus station to reserve your tickets in advance, as most websites and apps are in Korean.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing lets you stay with a local for free, cutting your accommodation costs drastically. You’ll get to spend time with someone who can share their tips and advice in exchange for your own travel stories and culture. You can also use the app to meet people for activities (coffee, museum visits, etc.) if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger.
• Drink like the locals – Soju, the national alcohol of Korea, is incredibly cheap, as is domestic beer. Just be careful to not let it sneak up on you — both monetarily and physically. Korea’s drinking culture is infamous!
• Stay in capsule hotels – If you don’t want to Couchsurf or stay in hostels but still want to save money, capsule or pod hotels are great options. These offer just what you need to sleep (a small, basic pod) yet can be surprisingly comfy and much more affordable than a traditional hotel. Prices start as low as 45,000 KRW per night.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as its bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in South Korea

South Korea has plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of my recommended places to stay when you visit:

• Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse (Seoul)
• Zzzip Guesthouse (Seoul)
• Time Travelers party Hostel (Seoul)
• INSIDE Busan (Busan)
• Jeju Hiking Inn (Jeju)
• Backpacker’s Home (Jeju)

How to Get Around South Korea

Bus – Taking a long-distance bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get around the country. There are two types: express (which makes few to no stops) and intercity (which travels between smaller destinations and makes more stops).

Your best bet for reserving tickets in advance is to go directly to the bus terminal, as most bus websites and booking apps are in Korean and only accept Korean credit or debit cards.

Pricing depends on what class ticket you choose: standard, luxury, or premium. The four-hour bus ride from Seoul to Busan costs around 36,000 KRW for a standard ticket, Incheon to Busan takes just over four hours and costs 38,000 KRW, and Seoul to Daegu is 29,000 KRW and takes just under four hours.

Train – South Korea has a robust train system that can take you all over the country. Korean Train Express (KTX) is the country’s bullet train, regularly running at speeds up to 305 kilometers (190 miles) per hour. However, these only go between major cities, have limited schedules, and are more expensive, so KTX may not always be the most convenient choice.

KORAIL (the national railway service) operates slower-speed, intercity trains that offer a wider range of schedules and destination choices. You can also get the unlimited KORAIL Pass, which is offered exclusively to international tourists. A two-day adult pass is 121,000 KRW; a five-day adult pass is 210,000 KRW.

As a comparison of the two train types: the journey from Seoul to Busan on a KRX train costs around 90,000 KRW and takes 2.5 hours, while on a regular intercity train, it takes 5.5 hours and costs 47,500 KRW.

The further out you book, the cheaper KTX train prices get, while intercity prices stay about the same. You can book up to a year in advance.

Flying – South Korea is so small that flying around the country doesn’t really make sense. Trains can get you anywhere pretty quickly. However, if you’re very pressed for time and have cash to burn, there are a few budget airlines offering domestic flights between major cities. Most are around one hour long.

The flight from Seoul to Busan is around 30,500 KRW, Seoul to Jeju is 55,000 KRW, and Busan to Jeju is 22,000 KRW. However, you can find flights even cheaper when you book further in advance.

Low-cost airlines in South Korea include the following:

Car rental – Renting a car isn’t incredibly cheap in South Korea. However, it is one of the best ways to explore all the natural wonders that the country has to offer, many of which are inaccessible by public transportation. Expect to pay around 50,000-55,000 KRW per day on a multiday rental. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old.

When to Go to South Korea

Generally, the best times to visit South Korea are March-May and September-November. During these periods, the weather is mild, with temperatures of 10-24°C (50-75°F); prices for accommodation and transportation are lower; and there are fewer crowds.

In the spring, the cherry blossoms are in bloom all over the country, while the fall brings the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. Also, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, the fall is the best time to visit.

The summer starts with monsoon season, from June through mid-July, and the rest of the summer is hot and humid in the cities (though it cools down in the mountains and along the coasts). Prices for accommodation are also very high during this time.

Winters in South Korea get very cold, with temperatures dipping as low as -6°C (21°F), so unless you plan on skiing, visiting from December through February might not be the best option (though the temples and landscapes look beautiful covered in snow).

How to Stay Safe in South Korea

South Korea is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel around. Petty crime is rare here, though it never hurts to be cautious on public transportation and around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your wallet and valuables secure and out of reach, just in case. Violent crime is even more rare.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard safety precautions apply as always. For specific tips, consult one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

While scams are super rare in South Korea, to avoid getting ripped off, you can check out this list of common travel scams to avoid .

When hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

Earthquakes occur regularly in the region, so it’s best to be prepared and download the Emergency Ready app, which the Korean government developed to provide information in English to foreign residents and tourists. It has all kinds of advice and tips for natural disasters, shows you where nearby emergency shelters are, and sends out warnings and notifications should a disaster occur.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, and forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

South Korea Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

South Korea Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 13 Best Things to See and Do in Taipei

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

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Seoul   Travel Guide

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Best Times To Visit Seoul

The best times to visit Seoul are from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild (average daily high temperatures stay below the mid-70s) and travel expenses are low. If you're a powder hound, you'll want to visit between December and February, when average daytime temperatures stay around the freezing mark and snow can be frequent. It's best to avoid the summer months, also known as monsoon season. During these months, Seoul is uncomfortably humid and full of tourists. What's more, hotel room costs are at fever pitch.

Weather in Seoul

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Seoul

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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When is the best time to visit South Korea?

• Month-by-month

The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May if you want to see the vibrant pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom. If you want to see the landscapes come alive as the leaves change in the cooler weathers, then we’d recommend visiting between September and November. Temperatures during these times are generally pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

June, July and August offer the best conditions for hiking, but the weather is hot and humid away from the mountains.

Winters in South Korea are bitterly cold, so we wouldn’t recommend visiting in December, January or February.

It’s important to take local holidays into account when planning your trip. The Korean New Year is the first day of the lunar month, and Chuseok is the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. During these times, many residents head to their rural hometowns to celebrate and many businesses are closed.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in South Korea

Visiting South Korea in January

South Korea typically sees its highest amount of snowfall this month. Tourist sites are less crowded, but it’s too cold to recommend as a good time to visit.

Visiting South Korea in February

Attractions remain less crowded, but snow is still possible in the north until the end of the month. The Korean New Year generally falls in January or February, so it’s best to avoid that time. The temperatures are still too cold to recommend visiting.

Events & Festivals

• Jeju Fire Festival (late February, early March): A giant bonfire, fireworks and K-Pop concerts are held on Jeju Island to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Visiting South Korea in March

Temperatures begin to increase during March, but overall, it’s still chilly. Depending on the weather, the cherry blossoms may begin to bloom near the end of the month.

Visiting South Korea in April

This is one of the best times to visit, when the cherry blossoms are likely to be in full bloom. However, the most popular destinations are busy. Additionally, the yellow dust from the Gobi Desert often covers South Korea at this time — people with allergies may want to avoid visiting in April.

Visiting South Korea in May

This month features warm, pleasant temperatures and plenty of sun. It’s an excellent time to try outdoor activities, such as climbing Mount Hallasan on Jeju Island. Do be aware, however, that the cherry blossom bloom will be completely over by May.

• Yeon Deung Hoe Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul (beginning of May): Entertainment, a parade and a procession of lanterns light up the Seoul streets.

Visiting South Korea in June

Crowds tend to die down in June, and popular attractions become less crowded. The caveat is that the upcoming monsoon season means rain is very common during this time of year.

Visiting South Korea in July

July is peak monsoon season, so we don’t recommend visiting then. Additionally, the temperatures are very high with lots of humidity. This is one of the worst months to visit.

Visiting South Korea in August

August is very hot and sunny, making it the best time to visit the beaches. However, restaurants, shops and popular sites will be crowded. South Korean schools are on break and there is a surge in domestic travel.

Visiting South Korea in September

The crowds dwindle a little as the schools head back into session. The weather is still very hot, and South Korea can sometimes be hit by typhoons, which deliver rainfall for a couple of days at a time. Chuseok often falls this time of year, so it’s best to avoid that week.

Visiting South Korea in October

This is one of the best months to visit — the weather is comfortably warm, making it pleasant for outdoor activities. Toward the end of the month, mountain ranges in the north start to show signs of autumnal hues as the leaves begin to change.

• Busan Fireworks Festival (October): Fireworks light up the sky and a laser light show dances among the stars at Gwangalli Beach.

Visiting South Korea in November

Temperatures this month are generally pleasant, though they start to get chilly toward the end of the month. It’s the best time to see the bright autumn leaves, particularly at the beginning and middle of the month.

• Seoul Lantern Festival (November): Large, bright lanterns are set in the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul.

Visiting South Korea in December

We wouldn’t recommend December for a visit, as the temperatures can be quite cold. The weather isn’t as icy as January, but Seoul in particular can be frigid later in the month.

• Seongsan Sunrise Festival (New Year’s Eve): Concerts, fireworks, campfires and other festivities kick off the celebration as festivalgoers await the first sunrise of the New Year on Jeju Island.

South Korea Climate Guide

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What to do in South Korea: our highlights guide

13 tips for visiting South Korea on a budget

Feb 19, 2024 • 8 min read

Do as the locals do and grab a bite to eat at street food stalls at the market © Carlo A / Getty Images

South Korea's cost of living is on the rise, but it's definitely still possible to visit on a budget. Between its vast and affordable transit system , wide range of dining options and abundance of low-cost activities and attractions, South Korea can prove a relatively inexpensive travel destination.

To maximize your savings, here's a guide full of helpful pointers to visiting South Korea on a budget.

Consider whether you need a SIM card

South Korea is one of the most connected countries in the world, with many cities offering free wi-fi in busy public areas, in public transport stations and aboard buses and subways. Almost every cafe will provide customers with free wi-fi, and most accommodations, even small places, are likely to have internet access. 

With so much free Internet around, it's entirely doable to forgo the SIM card altogether and rely on the nation's robust wi-fi infrastructure and pre-downloaded maps and translation apps instead. But if you want to guarantee that you'll always be connected, buy a SIM card in advance through sites like Trazy, Klook or Korea Sim and then pick it up at the airport. If your phone supports an electronic SIM card, purchase a short-term plan through eSIM Korea for as little as ₩1000 per day.

Fly to South Korea in January, November, October or March

Winter weather enthusiasts, rejoice! January is the cheapest month for airfare to South Korea, and it's a prime time for avoiding the crowds and partaking in winter sports activities. But if below-freezing temperatures are not your thing, the next most affordable (non-winter) months to fly are November, October and March. For the best deals, be sure to book your tickets at least five weeks in advance.

Leave the airport by bus or airtrain

Taxis from the airport are expensive and no faster than the bus or airtrain. The AREX train (departing from level B1F of the airport) to Seoul Station costs ₩4150 to ₩9500 for an adult ticket, depending on whether you select the 60-minute all-stop or the 45-minute express. From there, transfer to the subway to get around the capital . Or if you're heading beyond Seoul, buy a Korail railway ticket. 

Even more affordable than the Korail are the airport buses, which leave directly from the airport (1F from Terminal 1, B1F from Terminal 2) and go to many major cities across the country.

Buy a Korail Pass for unlimited travel by train

If you plan on traveling to several cities in a short time span, look into purchasing a Korail Pass . Available in two varieties – a consecutive three- or five-day duration period or a flexible two- or four-day duration period – the Korail Pass ranges from ₩131,000 to ₩244,000 for adults. If you're traveling in a group of two or more, that price drops by ₩10,000, and if you're 27 or younger, you qualify for the youth price, discounted even further to ₩105,000 to ₩195,000. The Korail Pass is specifically for international travelers and works for both the high-speed KTX and slow trains.

Ride the slow rail

If you don't expect to ride the train more than a handful of times within a five-day period, it's better to buy tickets a la carte. Look for the budget friendly Mugunghwa trains. As the most sluggish class of trains, they'll slow down your journey considerably (Seoul to Busan , for example, takes an extra three hours by Mugunghwa than by KTX), but they offer a chance to take in the stunning scenery out the window at a more leisurely (and less nauseating) pace. 

To save even more, buy a train ticket for the dining car or the standing-room only spaces between cars. These sections have a limited number of stools or folding seats, so board early for your best chance of snagging one. Or, hit the pavement and use the intercity bus system instead.

Use transportation cards for discounted bus and subway fares

Instead of purchasing single-journey subway tickets or using cash to board the bus, buy a Tmoney transit card for ₩4000 and load it up with money at any subway station or major convenience store, including 7-Eleven, CU, GS25 and Ministop. The Tmoney card reduces both subway fares (by ₩100) and bus fares (by varying amounts, depending on the type of bus) and also provides discounts on transfers within 30 minutes. 

Tmoney cards work anywhere in the country, but if you're visiting just Seoul and Jeju and you plan to get around primarily via public transit, you might want to consider the tourist-only regional MPASS card. This pass can be purchased in varying durations (ranging from ₩15,000 for one day to ₩64,500 for seven days) and allows for 20 rides per day.

Opt for local accommodations over international hotels

With international hotel chains costing upwards of ₩250,000 a night in South Korea, budget-conscious travelers should aim for small local lodgings instead. In Seoul, cute boutique options abound. Outside major centers, though, these can be hard to find, so consider a minbak or pension , which are usually ondol -style rooms equipped with underfloor heating and often sleeping mats rather than beds. When possible, book directly with the lodging as opposed to through a middle-man aggregator site, as proprietors often have to drive up their nightly rates to cover the platform's service fees.

If you're in a pinch and feel comfortable with sleeping in a shared space, there's always the possibility of staying in a 24-hour jjimjilbang (bathhouse). 

Eat at traditional markets, street stalls and mom-and-pop restaurants

For homey, satisfying eats, head to the traditional markets, where you can find heaping portions of noodles, soups and fried snacks at reasonable prices from the restaurants and food stalls tucked inside. Budget travelers should keep an eye out for pojangmacha (tented dining areas), where you can order dishes like meat skewers, fish cake soup and tteokbokki rice cakes (as well as soju and beer) while seated outside at a plastic table. Small mom-and-pop places also provide big bang for your buck, serving up your main course with a bowl of rice and a table full of (refillable) banchan side dishes. 

Search for tourist coupons

For travelers interested in doing a lot of sightseeing on their trip, several different tourist savings cards discount or waive admission to many of the country's most popular attractions. The Discover Seoul Pass (ranging from ₩50,000 for one day to ₩90,000 for three days) offers more than 200 deals, including free use of the city's public bicycles and a free ride on the AREX. The Korea Tour Pass (₩4000) comes with benefits from 182 brands. 

Both passes can be loaded just like Tmoney cards for use as a transportation card, and they also have mobile apps. For travelers who don't intend on visiting so many attractions, it's worth stopping into a tourist information center to see what one-off coupons are available. Check out the Korea Tourism Organization's website or app for a list of special promotions.

Visit museums, movie theaters and other attractions on Culture Day

If you happen to be in South Korea on the last Wednesday of the month, check to see whether any of the venues you're interested in participate in Culture Day. On this day, more than 2000 museums, art galleries, performance halls, movie theaters, sports facilities and heritage sites across the country give free or discounted admission.

Traveling to Jeju is cheaper by plane than by ferry

For those visitors who have Jeju on their itinerary, going by plane can often cost much less than going by boat, plus flying is exponentially faster. Choose budget airlines such as Jeju Air, Air Busan, Jin Air, T'way, Air Seoul or Eastar Jet over the pricier Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Weekday flights without a flexible cancellation policy can be found for less than ₩18,000 one way.

Take advantage of South Korea's vast national park system

South Korea is home to 22 national parks, some of which are free, and others of which charge less than ₩4000 for the entrance fee. For nature lovers, these parks offer not only a bit of hiking but also a glimpse of some of the country's most beautiful Buddhist temples that are hidden within. Book a campsite or sleeping shelter for an overnight adventure experience that costs as little as a couple thousand won a night.

Claim your sales tax refund before you go

Foreigners who stay less than six months (and overseas Koreans staying less than three months) in South Korea are eligible for a refund of the 10% sales tax paid on purchases. These purchases must be more than ₩30,000 and less than ₩500,000 and can be made only at participating tax-free stores. You can claim your reimbursement immediately at the tax-free store itself, at a tax-refund booth outside airports and ports, or at the tax-refund counter or kiosk inside major airports. You'll need your receipts and your passport.

Daily costs in South Korea

• Hostel room: ₩20,000–40,000
• Basic guesthouse or minbak room for two: ₩30,000–60,000
• Self-catering apartment (including a pension): ₩60,000–120,000
• Public transport ticket (one bus ride using a transportation card): ₩1200
• Coffee: from ₩3000
• Gimbap (rice rolls): from ₩2000
• Dinner for two: from ₩15,000
• Beer at the bar: from ₩4000

This article was first published Aug 22, 2022 and updated Feb 19, 2024.

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$429 Find cheap flights to Seoul

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to seoul departing on 10/23. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to seoul.

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Cheap flight deals to Seoul

Flights to seoul - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to seoul to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to seoul.

If traveling to Seoul, the cheapest city to fly from in the last 3 days was Los Angeles , with flights as low as $429 one-way and $862 round-trip. Flights from New York are the most searched and start at $912 for a return trip.

How much is a flight to Seoul?

On average, a flight to seoul costs $1,143. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $454 and departed from los angeles. the most popular routes on kayak are los angeles to seoul which costs $1,298 on average, and san francisco to seoul, which costs $1,238 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to seoul, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to seoul is monday where tickets can be as cheap as $1,514. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $1,623 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to seoul, the cheapest month for flights to seoul is february, where tickets cost $1,512 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are december and june, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $2,086 and $2,024 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is november with an average price of $1,278., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to seoul, the cheapest time of day to fly to seoul is generally at night, when flights cost $1,587 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to seoul is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,694., what is a good deal for flights to seoul, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to seoul, 25% of our users found tickets to seoul for the following prices or less: from los angeles $546 one-way - $987 round-trip, from honolulu $558 one-way - $958 round-trip, from boston $579 one-way - $1,221 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to seoul, to get a below average price, you should book around 1 week before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in seoul, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in seoul is seoul gimpo intl airport, with an average flight price of $105., which airlines fly to seoul, if you’re traveling from united states, you might fly to seoul with korean air, asiana airlines, or delta as they are the most frequent flyers. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to seoul., which airline offers the most flights to seoul, of the 8 airlines that fly to seoul, korean air offers the most flights, with around 295 per week, followed by asiana airlines with 193 flights per week., how many airports are there in seoul, there are 2 airports in seoul: seoul incheon airport (icn) and seoul gimpo intl airport (gmp). the busiest airport is seoul incheon airport (icn), with 74% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to seoul, the duration of your flight to seoul depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to seoul on kayak are from san francisco , which takes 12h 10m, los angeles , which takes 12h 55m, new york , which takes 14h 30m, and newark , which takes 14h 54m., how many direct flights to seoul are there each day, there are around 48 direct flights from within united states to seoul every day. most flights depart in the morning, with 12:00 pm the most common departure time and 48% of flights departing in the morning., how many direct flights to seoul are there each week, each week there are around 333 direct flights from within united states to seoul. the most common day for departures is sunday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to seoul each week, there are not any medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) or short-haul (up to 3 hour flight duration) flights to seoul. instead, there are 333 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from los angeles., how many cities have direct flights to seoul, from the united states, there are direct flights to seoul from 13 cities. the city with the most direct flights is los angeles, with 63 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to seoul, faqs - booking seoul flights, are there nonstop flights to seoul airport from major u.s. hubs.

Yes, there are regular nonstop flights to ICN from U.S. hubs. Mostly, these fly from the west and include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Honolulu International Airport (HNL), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). However, there are also a few nonstop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), and Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL).

What type of amenities are there for business travelers to Incheon Airport?

Business travelers arriving at ICN will find plenty of helpful services to freshen up and continue working. Alongside the free shower facilities, dry cleaning and other laundry services are available on the basement floors of both terminals. For working, the Relax zones provide a comfortable and quiet place to use the free Wi-Fi. If you need any postal services, those are available on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1.

Are there lounges at Incheon International Airport?

Yes, ICN has multiple lounges on the 4th floor of both terminals. For Terminal 1, these include Asiana Business Lounge (near Gate 11), Matina Lounge (near Gate 43), KAL Lounge (near Gate 28), and Sky HUB Lounge (near Gates 25, 29, and in the center). For Terminal 2, these include Asiana Business Lounge (near Gate 231), Matina Gold Lounge (near Gate 252), Matina Lounge (near International Departures), KAL Lounge (near Gates 249 and 253), Lounge L (near Gate 231), and SPC Lounge (near Gate 268).

Are there shower facilities at Incheon Airport?

Yes, there are a variety of shower facilities available at ICN. Free showers are located in both Terminal 1 (near Gates 25, 29, and 118) and in Terminal 2 (near Gates 231 and 268). Shower kits are free for transit passengers, and only a small fee for others. They’re open 24h. Alongside that free service, there are shower facilities in some of the pay-per-use lounges.

What facilities are available for children and families at Incheon International Airport?

There are multiple Kids Zones at the airport just waiting for kids and families. Here, families can find playgrounds for the kids and cafes for the parents. There are also nursing rooms located nearby.

How do I get from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul?

Incheon International Airport is extremely well-connected via public transportation to Seoul and other cities in Korea. The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to get into the city. There are two trains available, one express train and one regular train that stops off at each stop along the way. Bus connections also run from the airport to various locations throughout the city.

What is there to do at Incheon International Airport?

There are many activities and events held daily at Incheon International Airport. For instance, passengers can take photos with actors dressed in traditional Joseon Dynasty garb, walk through a tour of the royal palaces of South Korea, and delve into the Korean cultural experience at the Korea Traditional Culture Experience Center. Aside from these activities, there are also art and relics on display along with artists performing live throughout the airport.

What are the restaurant options at Incheon International Airport?

The food options at Incheon Airport, like all amenities the airport has to offer, are wide and expansive -- you can find Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and all sorts of international cuisines here. Some of the top Korean options include Hanok, Bon Juk, and Bibigo. For Western fare, check out Mozza Luna, Burger Hunter, or Villa de Charlotte.

Which Seoul airport is closest to central Seoul?

Seoul is served by 2 major airports. Seoul Gimpo Intl (9 miles) is the closest to the center of Seoul and Seoul Incheon Airport is 14 miles from the center.

On average, a flight to Seoul costs $1,143. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $454 and departed from Los Angeles Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Seoul?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Seoul.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Seoul?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Seoul is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Seoul?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Seoul with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Seoul?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Seoul up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Seoul

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Seoul flight deals.
• If you need to store some luggage at ICN, lockers are available on the third floor near Check-in B and Check-in N. Storage is available 24h and costs roughly $5 to $9 per day.
• If you need to smoke, there are a variety of dedicated smoking rooms on the first and third floors of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• If you want some muscle relaxation after a long flight to ICN, consider checking out the spas for skin care and massage treatments. In Terminal 1, they’re near Gates 25 and 29; in Terminal 2, they’re near gates 231 and 268. Both are open from 7 am to 8 pm.
• Do you want to get your blood flowing and muscles moving after a long flight to ICN? If so, check out the digital gyms near gates 231 and 268 in Terminal 2. They use digital devices to offer virtual exercises.
• For those wanting a quiet place to pray, ICN offers prayer rooms in both Terminal 1 (on the 3rd floor near Gate 24, on the 4th floor west side, and at the 4th-floor center) and Terminal 2 (on the east side of the basement first floor).
• Travelers with flights to Seoul will almost certainly land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul’s major international airport. However, Incheon International is not the only airport in Seoul; Gimpo International Airport also serves the city. Gimpo International was originally the major airport of Seoul, but nowadays it is a secondary and more domestically-focused airport.
• Got a few hours to spare at Incheon International Airport? Check out the CGV Movie Theater in Terminal 1. There’s no better way to kill a few hours than by seeing what is on the silver screen -- after all, a trip to the theater could even be considered a cultural experience, as you could see the latest Korean flick while you are there.
• Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from Incheon International Airport. For travelers looking to go straight to their hotel after their flight to Seoul, options to consider are Grand Hyatt Incheon, Hotel Hu Incheon Airport and Orakai Songdo Park Hotel. There is even a capsule hotel, Capsule Hotel Darakhyu, located right within the airport.
• Fashion and cosmetics are two of South Korea’s biggest businesses nowadays, and Incheon International Airport certainly does these two industries proud. The selection of premier brands and products is truly expansive in the duty free shopping areas of the airport. Travelers can find a wide selection of both international and homegrown Korean products available for purchase.
• Looking for a place to relax while at Incheon International Airport? Multiple Relax Zones are located throughout the airport, allowing travelers to find lounge chairs and electronic outlets. There is also a Nap Zone with numerous plush recliners specifically designated for napping.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Seoul?

Find which airlines fly direct to Seoul, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Seoul

ANA, Air Busan, Air China, +15 more

ANA, Air Busan, +16 more

ANA, Air Busan, Air China, +14 more

ANA, Air Busan, +15 more

Nonstop returns

Seoul to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to seoul.

Overall, very uneventful and pleasant experience. Most importantly, no delays.

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

We were seated at the back and that was very uncomfortable for me with the turbulence we experienced on our way to Chicago.

I enjoyed flying on Korean Air. The service was great and the food was yummy. They served white fish.

I enjoyed flying on Korean Air. The service was great and the food was yummy, especially the bibimbap and cold spicy noodles. The only thing that bummed me out on this red-eye flight was that my seat did not properly recline so I was not able to sleep.

On time and flight crew are always so happy to help and always smiling unlike other airlines.

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

Stewardess are nice. Food could have been better and should have a better dessert. They do not offer scotch or beer. You have to ask for it. I also was not happy that you do not serve ginger ale and or cranberry juice. This is my first time that an international flight do not have this. I go home overseas every year and when I travel through ANA, Delta, Qatar, JAL, Asiana Air, United Air. they all serve this two very famous drink. You do not have a great snack tray.

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

Plane and service were great. The entertainment is only for Koreans. Wish there were vegetarian options for food. All in all pleasantly surprised. Economy premium was quite good.

This form doesn’t work. Can’t type in, had to copy-paste. The crew constantly telling everyone about minor things is unnecessary. Did you put the belt on, push your bag more under the seat… The seat space was good for tall people, the food was decent for airplane.

Roomy seats for the given price! I couldn’t ask more!

Great airline, but there was no English entertainment (movies or shows)

Check-in was an absolute disaster, taking more than an hour and half because they offered no online check-in and Kiosks were not available to use. In-flight entertainment was exclusively Korean media with a selection of only 5 or 6 movies to choose from. Korean television shows were also available. The food was lackluster. My chicken and tomatoes had 3 small pieces of chicken next to a mountain of soggy wedge potato fries. The seats were more comfortable than other airlines I’ve flown with and the staff aboard was extremely pleasant and helpful.

One of our luggage items was damaged during our flight to Newark from Incheon. Although our email communication was not responded to, when discussing the matter with the staff at the Newark checkin before our return flight to Incheon, we were provided with a free replacement luggage item. This customer service was, overall, very satisfactory.

I would have enjoyed some hot tea, preferably green tea, but they only serve hot coffee.

10 Hours delay on departure of the return flight and in-flight Wi-Fi was not available entire flying time all that caused monetary loss to my business.

Some favorite food ran out of service and I have to eat what was left available. Also I had to drink cold red wind! Why could not have been kept in room temperature?

It was a good flight, with great crew and service. I will definitely fly with them again. Excellent experience and very friendly. Excellent value.

Flight attendants rude, they disappear for almost 3 hours not doing rounds to see what people needed. The laboratories were full of empty water cups, because they never come back to collect them.

Flew on an Airbus 350-900. Excellent aircraft properly cleaned and serviced. Flight crew was excellent plane departed and arrived on time. The A350 has excellent air circulation far better than the 777. I would recommend Asiana to anyone looking to fly in a clean comfortable environment. This is my second round trip flight from New York to Bangkok via Asiana and I will book Asiana again!

I could not choose my seat prior to check in

I had the most wonderful experience from CEB bag drop through deplaning. The staff, the aircraft, food, and cabin crew were all amazing. I want to give a kudos to Marky from Mactan Cebu's Asiana airport staff for his exceptional customer service and assistance.

JetBlue's check-in was great, but there was an in-flight attendant who was very rude and unkind. I didn't realize that the bathrooms were already locked 30 mins prior to landing and needed to use the restroom. Instead of politely asking me to return, she rudely told me, 'NO, bathrooms are locked! Go back to your seat!' The JetBlue flight was more than an hour delay, which made me almost miss my connecting flight with Asiana. I understand the reasoning, but the action they took to get a hold of maintenance was time consuming. It took them more than 30 mins to get a hold of maintenance and for maintenance to get started. The Asiana flight and crew were wonderful, in general. They waited for us who were delayed from the previous flight before they took off and were very kind to take my checked baggage's info. Seats were a little uncomfortable for such long flight, but service and flight attendants were great! However, my 3 checked baggages are missing! They're lost somewhere in the transition. I'm writing this review 3 days after my arrival to the Philippines, and my 3 checked baggages, where my wedding dress is, are all still missing! I and the CEB airport crew have sent multiple emails to both JetBlue and Asiana, and neither has responded to any of our emails. Although, I was able to get in contact with JetBlue's Interline Department who confirmed that the bags were turned over to Asiana without confirmation details.

The full flat bed was not that comfortable, hard and lumpy., too much space wasted with those bulky walls and divisions instead of making the bed 3-4 inches wider. The compartment where you put your feet is like a shoebox, poor design. Toilets of A350 are just too small, sink is too small

Aside from a LOT of turbulence the flight was perfect! The flight crew was superb and the food was delicious!

The seats (legroom) are tight and chairs cushion is stiff (not comfortable). The crew was courteous, professional and friendly. There was no food / snack for this flight (very short flight, but still would be nice to provide some snack for the enjoyment).

FA were very great, plane was A350 new and clean

The crew attended to my needs and the foods served are delivious.

All in all it was a long flight in economy class. There’s only so much comfort one can expect on a plane. The seats felt exceptionally hard and as an over 6’ individual I’ll seldom feel great about legroom. The food was good and the flight crew was great. The headphones provided for the movies were terrible, though

The gate area was incredibly short staffed, with one representative manning 4-5 flights, which caused a 3 hr delay in boarding even though the plane was all ready to leave. Other flights also were delayed because of this. The flight crew was awesome and I feel bad for the only gate worker on call, but Delta needs to hire more employees.

Very frustrated with boarding gate crew. She announced the plane was small and they would be limiting us to one item to carry on. Not a problem for me as I understand the tiny planes have limited space!! Not the case here! It was a rather large plane and had plenty of room for bags! So because I don’t want to be one of “those people” who ignores the request to check a carry on I did so asking if I would be able to pick it up at the bottom of the ramp on arrival in Knoxville to which she responded “yes”! Then I watched as every other passenger held onto their 2 items and boarded!! Then when we arrived in Knoxville our 2 carry ons had been put with all the other luggage and we had to go to baggage pick up and wait for all the big checked bags to come off the carousel! So she lied!! Frustrating. Next time I won’t be so nice!

It was a good experience except when boarding a female flight attendant did not go out of her way to assist my teenage daughters in finding space for their carry-ons after their compartments were full.

On time departure, smooth trip, flight attendant told through passengers the gate we would arrive at and the gate our outbound flight was departing from. Early arrival

Checking in at the airport the agent only booked the first keg of my trip and had my checked luggage going to the airport with a layover! Never was issued a boarding pass for the second leg or received sticker fir my checked bag. All was well in the end! Delta agents helped to resolve the situation!!!

Delayed due to an ill passenger after loading. Not preventable on Delta's part. Was in first class. The seats are becoming worn and detaching from their velcro attachments. Only got snacks on flight. The attendant was not the friendliest.

I would fly again the whole experience was great. The only feed back I can give that they don't do that American Airlines does is the crew there is more humorous with boarding and thank their passengers. It makes it more fun to fly with them. I would however fly Delta again.

Big plane, long flight, absolutely no leg room and basically non existent air! I am 5”4’ and always travel Main Cabin, I was miserable on this plane and could barely move when we arrived in Cabo due to the cramped leg area!

From Atlanta to Cabo I would have hoped on a plane that size I would have been able to breathe and wiggle my feet a little! The leg room in that plane is non existent and I am only 5”4’. And the air vent either wasn’t working very well or just could not blow air from the ceiling to the seat area as I was suffocating through the entire flight! And please don’t say I would have been more comfortable in first class because I cannot afford those rates and have always travelled Main Cabin without issues !

Even though we left CMI late, we mostly made up the time.

Delayed almost 4 hours for a 45 minute flight with no explanation.

Again, multiple delays and I eventually just canceled and drove!

Great crew. Very comfortable business seats with nice bedding. Good food. We were delayed to let late passengers on the flight, but otherwise great experience.

Great crew. We were delayed so that late passengers could get on the flight. Love the bedding in business class. Good food. Great experience.

The CX617 from HK to BKK was delayed more than 1.5 hours.

Horrible - they lied to me about baggage & boarding, even though I specifically spoke to their agents the day before my flight about my issue. When I showed up they did not let me board and stranded me at my airport until I bought a new flight with money I did not have to spend.

I was in business class. There was an excellent headset. But half an hour before arrival they collected them! The rest of the trip I had to use a cheap earphone. There must be a better way to protect the headphones.

All four American Airlines flights I took in last seven days were delayed. Caused me loads of problems, missed meetings, loss of time and money.

American cancelled our flight home. Zero option for hotel, alternative transportation and took 3 hours to find our bags so we could take a 3 hour UBER ride home on our dime. Never flying AA again.

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Everything you want to know about South Korea

What time of year is cheapest to go to Korea?

When is the cheapest time to travel to korea, introduction.

Korea is a popular destination for tourists around the world, known for its unique culture, food, and beautiful landscapes. However, traveling can be expensive, making it important to know when the cheapest time to go is. This article will discuss the best times of year to travel to Korea and how to save money on your trip.

The cheapest time to travel to Korea is during the low season, which runs from December to February. During this time, flights and accommodations are significantly cheaper due to the colder weather and lower demand for tourism. Additionally, many attractions offer discounted tickets during this time.

Shoulder Season

Another affordable time to travel to Korea is during the shoulder season, which runs from March to May and September to November. During these months, prices are slightly higher than the low season but still lower than peak season. The weather is also mild, making it a great time for outdoor activities.

Peak Season

The most expensive time to travel to Korea is during the peak season, which runs from June to August. This is due to the warmer weather and school holidays in Korea and other countries. Flights and accommodations are more expensive during this time, so it’s important to book well in advance.

Attending festivals in Korea can be a great way to experience the culture and have fun while saving money. Many festivals take place during the low or shoulder season, such as the Seoul Lantern Festival in November or the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival in April.

To find cheap airfare to Korea, it’s best to book well in advance and be flexible with your travel dates. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly, and using travel search engines or signing up for airline newsletters can help you find deals.

Accommodation

Staying in hostels or guesthouses can be a great way to save money on accommodation in Korea. Additionally, booking through websites like Airbnb or Couchsurfing can be more affordable than traditional hotels. It’s also important to research different neighborhoods to find the most affordable options.

Transportation

Using public transportation such as buses or trains can be more affordable than taxis or renting a car. Additionally, purchasing a T-money card can save you money on public transportation fares. Walking or biking is also a great way to save money while exploring the city.

Korean street food is delicious and affordable, making it a great option for budget travelers. Additionally, visiting local markets or supermarkets and cooking your meals can save you money on dining out.

Attractions

Many attractions in Korea offer discounted tickets during the low and shoulder season. Additionally, visiting free attractions such as parks or museums can be a great way to save money while still experiencing the culture.

Currency Exchange

Before traveling to Korea, it’s important to research the exchange rate and exchange your currency at a reputable exchange office. Using an ATM in Korea can also be more affordable than exchanging currency at the airport.

Cultural Tips

Understanding Korean culture and customs can also help you save money. For example, tipping is not customary in Korea, and it’s important to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or certain businesses.

Traveling to Korea can be affordable if you plan ahead and travel during the low or shoulder season. By using these tips and understanding Korean culture, you can have a great trip without breaking the bank.

What is the cheapest month to visit South Korea?

If you want to fly to South Korea, consider booking your trip for January, November, October, or March. January has the lowest airfare prices and offers the added benefit of avoiding large crowds while enjoying winter sports activities.

What is the best month to go to Korea?

If you’re planning to visit South Korea, the ideal times to go are usually the spring months of April, May, and June, or the autumn months of September, October, and November. These seasons are known for their sunny and dry weather, with pleasant temperatures on average.

What is low season in South Korea?

From November to February, South Korea experiences winter and ski season. Although it is typically a low season for tourism, it is a great time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit. The weather can be extremely cold with heavy snowfall.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Korea?

If you want to save money while traveling in Korea, consider taking the bus instead of the train. Although buses may take longer, they are more affordable. To book your ticket in advance, visit the bus station as most Korean transportation websites and apps are only available in Korean.

How much money do you need to spend 2 weeks at Korea?

The cost of a 10-day trip to South Korea for a solo traveler varies based on individual travel style. For a mid-range budget, a daily spending of $65USD is recommended. However, by opting for affordable hostels, free activities in Seoul, and local cuisine, the daily expenses can be reduced to around $40USD.

How much does a 7 day trip to Korea cost?

For a 7-day trip to South Korea, the average cost is $1,452 for a single traveler, $2,504 for a couple, and $1,084 for a family of four. Accommodation options include hotels ranging from $45 to $202 per night, with an average of $67, as well as vacation rentals that typically cost $110 to $440 per night for the entire home.

While many Koreans speak English, learning some basic Korean phrases can not only help you better navigate the country but also make a good impression on locals. Learning how to say “hello” (annyeonghaseyo), “thank you” (gamsahamnida), and “excuse me” (shillehamnida) are some easy phrases to start with.

Korea is known for its shopping, with many popular shopping districts like Myeong-dong in Seoul or Hongdae in Busan. However, it’s important to be mindful of your budget and avoid overspending. You can also look for discounts and sales, especially during the end-of-season sales in January and July.

Negotiating Prices

When shopping at markets or street vendors, it’s common to negotiate prices. However, it’s important to do so respectfully and not to haggle too aggressively. Asking politely if there is any discount available or simply asking what the best price they can offer is a good way to start.

Public Restrooms

Public restrooms in Korea may be different from what you’re used to. Some restrooms may not have toilet paper or soap, so it’s a good idea to carry some with you. Additionally, some restrooms may have traditional squat toilets instead of Western-style toilets.

Korean weather can vary greatly depending on the season and region. It’s important to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid while winters can be very cold, so bringing appropriate clothing is essential.

Korean etiquette places a great emphasis on respect for elders and others around you. It’s important to avoid being too loud in public spaces or speaking with your mouth full while dining. Bowing is also a common form of greeting and showing respect.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Korea. It’s important to check the visa requirements before your trip and apply for one if necessary. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, but it’s important to confirm this before traveling.

Related posts:

• What is the best month to go to South Korea?
• What is the cheapest way to go South Korea?
• How long can you live in South Korea as a foreigner?
• Does Korea allow dual citizenship?

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Cost of a Trip to Seoul, KR & the Cheapest Time to Visit Seoul

The average price of a 7-day trip to Seoul is $1,705 for a solo traveler, $3,062 for a couple, and $5,741 for a family of 4 . Seoul hotels range from $47 to $201 per night with an average of $58, while most vacation rentals will cost $130 to $340 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Gimpo International Airport ( GMP ) are between $1,307 and $1,841 per person for economy flights and $4,101 to $5,777 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $37 to $75 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Seoul, KR

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to GMP and stay in a Seoul hotel:

• January 8th to March 18th
• August 20th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Seoul is usually late October to early November .

Average Seoul Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Seoul for a week is $1,287-$2,473 ($184-$353 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $37 to $75 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $698 to $1,546 for economy

Lodging : $62 to $62 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $55 to $67 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Seoul for a week is $3,462-$5,134 ($495-$733 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $74 to $150 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,396 to $3,092 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Seoul for a week is $4,356-$9,028 ($622-$1,290 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $148 to $300 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,792 to $6,184 for economy

Lodging : $124 to $124 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $88 to $94 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Seoul

How cheap can you make a vacation to Seoul? The cheapest trip to Seoul is about $134 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $21 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $39.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Seoul for a week is $936-$2,052 ($134-$293 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $16 to $32 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $39 to $47 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $21 to $41 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Seoul for a week is $1,746-$3,822 ($249-$546 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $32 to $64 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Seoul for a week is $3,414-$7,644 ($488-$1,092 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $64 to $128 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $78 to $94 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $29 to $62 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to Seoul cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Seoul Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Seoul.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Seoul for a week is $3,010-$8,102 ($430-$1,157 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $67 to $158 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,989 to $3,324 for first class

Lodging : $92 to $201 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $340 to $612 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Seoul for a week is $5,468-$12,532 ($781-$1,790 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $134 to $316 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,978 to $6,648 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Seoul for a week is $10,936-$22,862 ($1,562-$3,266 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $268 to $632 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $7,956 to $13,296 for first class

Lodging : $184 to $402 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $476 to $857 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Seoul Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Seoul is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Seoul due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Seoul Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Seoul hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Seoul.

Flight Costs to Seoul

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,841 average in late July to a low of $1,307 in late October to early November. Median flight price is $1,309. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Seoul our data includes 138 originating airports, and 74 airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Seoul from an airport like Henry E. Rohlsen ( STX ) in Christiansted, VI (the United States) for an average $9,536 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Taegu International ( TAE ) in Taegu (South Korea) at an average of just $88.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Wednesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Wednesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Seoul, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $535, so you can easily save about 41% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Seoul can easily cost $240 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $16 per person. Private tours can cost $481 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Seoul Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Myeongdong, South Korea
• Namdaemun, South Korea
• Samcheong-dong, South Korea
• Daehangno, South Korea
• Itaewon, South Korea
• Hyehwa, South Korea
• Gyeongnidan-gil, South Korea
• Shinchon, South Korea
• Hongji, South Korea
• Apgujeong, South Korea

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• York, the United Kingdom
• Ubud, Indonesia
• Oklahoma City, OK, US

• How Far Trump Would Go

D onald Trump thinks he’s identified a crucial mistake of his first term: He was too nice.

We’ve been talking for more than an hour on April 12 at his fever-dream palace in Palm Beach. Aides lurk around the perimeter of a gilded dining room overlooking the manicured lawn. When one nudges me to wrap up the interview, I bring up the many former Cabinet officials who refuse to endorse Trump this time. Some have publicly warned that he poses a danger to the Republic. Why should voters trust you, I ask, when some of the people who observed you most closely do not?

As always, Trump punches back, denigrating his former top advisers. But beneath the typical torrent of invective, there is a larger lesson he has taken away. “I let them quit because I have a heart. I don’t want to embarrass anybody,” Trump says. “I don’t think I’ll do that again. From now on, I’ll fire.” 

Six months from the 2024 presidential election, Trump is better positioned to win the White House than at any point in either of his previous campaigns. He leads Joe Biden by slim margins in most polls, including in several of the seven swing states likely to determine the outcome. But I had not come to ask about the election, the disgrace that followed the last one, or how he has become the first former—and perhaps future—American President to face a criminal trial . I wanted to know what Trump would do if he wins a second term, to hear his vision for the nation, in his own words.

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What emerged in two interviews with Trump , and conversations with more than a dozen of his closest advisers and confidants, were the outlines of an imperial presidency that would reshape America and its role in the world. To carry out a deportation operation designed to remove more than 11 million people from the country, Trump told me, he would be willing to build migrant detention camps and deploy the U.S. military, both at the border and inland. He would let red states monitor women’s pregnancies and prosecute those who violate abortion bans. He would, at his personal discretion, withhold funds appropriated by Congress, according to top advisers. He would be willing to fire a U.S. Attorney who doesn’t carry out his order to prosecute someone, breaking with a tradition of independent law enforcement that dates from America’s founding. He is weighing pardons for every one of his supporters accused of attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, more than 800 of whom have pleaded guilty or been convicted by a jury. He might not come to the aid of an attacked ally in Europe or Asia if he felt that country wasn’t paying enough for its own defense. He would gut the U.S. civil service, deploy the National Guard to American cities as he sees fit, close the White House pandemic-preparedness office, and staff his Administration with acolytes who back his false assertion that the 2020 election was stolen.

Trump remains the same guy, with the same goals and grievances. But in person, if anything, he appears more assertive and confident. “When I first got to Washington, I knew very few people,” he says. “I had to rely on people.” Now he is in charge. The arranged marriage with the timorous Republican Party stalwarts is over; the old guard is vanquished, and the people who remain are his people. Trump would enter a second term backed by a slew of policy shops staffed by loyalists who have drawn up detailed plans in service of his agenda, which would concentrate the powers of the state in the hands of a man whose appetite for power appears all but insatiable. “I don’t think it’s a big mystery what his agenda would be,” says his close adviser Kellyanne Conway. “But I think people will be surprised at the alacrity with which he will take action.”

Read More: Read the Full Transcripts of Donald Trump's Interviews With TIME

The courts, the Constitution, and a Congress of unknown composition would all have a say in whether Trump’s objectives come to pass. The machinery of Washington has a range of defenses: leaks to a free press, whistle-blower protections, the oversight of inspectors general. The same deficiencies of temperament and judgment that hindered him in the past remain present. If he wins, Trump would be a lame duck—contrary to the suggestions of some supporters, he tells TIME he would not seek to overturn or ignore the Constitution’s prohibition on a third term. Public opinion would also be a powerful check. Amid a popular outcry, Trump was forced to scale back some of his most draconian first-term initiatives, including the policy of separating migrant families. As George Orwell wrote in 1945, the ability of governments to carry out their designs “depends on the general temper in the country.”

Every election is billed as a national turning point. This time that rings true. To supporters, the prospect of Trump 2.0, unconstrained and backed by a disciplined movement of true believers, offers revolutionary promise. To much of the rest of the nation and the world, it represents an alarming risk. A second Trump term could bring “the end of our democracy,” says presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, “and the birth of a new kind of authoritarian presidential order.”

Trump steps onto the patio at Mar-a-Lago near dusk. The well-heeled crowd eating Wagyu steaks and grilled branzino pauses to applaud as he takes his seat. On this gorgeous evening, the club is a MAGA mecca. Billionaire donor Steve Wynn is here. So is Speaker of the House Mike Johnson , who is dining with the former President after a joint press conference proposing legislation to prevent noncitizens from voting. Their voting in federal elections is already illegal, and extremely rare, but remains a Trumpian fixation that the embattled Speaker appeared happy to co-sign in exchange for the political cover that standing with Trump provides.

At the moment, though, Trump’s attention is elsewhere. With an index finger, he swipes through an iPad on the table to curate the restaurant’s soundtrack. The playlist veers from Sinead O’Connor to James Brown to  The Phantom of the Opera.  And there’s a uniquely Trump choice: a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by a choir of defendants imprisoned for attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, interspersed with a recording of Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This has become a staple of his rallies, converting the ultimate symbol of national unity into a weapon of factional devotion. 

The spectacle picks up where his first term left off. The events of Jan. 6 , during which a pro-Trump mob attacked the center of American democracy in an effort to subvert the peaceful transfer of power, was a profound stain on his legacy. Trump has sought to recast an insurrectionist riot as an act of patriotism. “I call them the J-6 patriots,” he says. When I ask whether he would consider pardoning every one of them, he says, “Yes, absolutely.” As Trump faces dozens of felony charges, including for election interference, conspiracy to defraud the United States, willful retention of national-security secrets, and falsifying business records to conceal hush-money payments, he has tried to turn legal peril into a badge of honor.

In a second term, Trump’s influence on American democracy would extend far beyond pardoning powers. Allies are laying the groundwork to restructure the presidency in line with a doctrine called the unitary executive theory, which holds that many of the constraints imposed on the White House by legislators and the courts should be swept away in favor of a more powerful Commander in Chief.

Read More: Fact-Checking What Donald Trump Said In His Interviews With TIME

Nowhere would that power be more momentous than at the Department of Justice. Since the nation’s earliest days, Presidents have generally kept a respectful distance from Senate-confirmed law-enforcement officials to avoid exploiting for personal ends their enormous ability to curtail Americans’ freedoms. But Trump, burned in his first term by multiple investigations directed by his own appointees, is ever more vocal about imposing his will directly on the department and its far-flung investigators and prosecutors.

In our Mar-a-Lago interview, Trump says he might fire U.S. Attorneys who refuse his orders to prosecute someone: “It would depend on the situation.” He’s told supporters he would seek retribution against his enemies in a second term. Would that include Fani Willis , the Atlanta-area district attorney who charged him with election interference, or Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan DA in the Stormy Daniels case, who Trump has previously said should be prosecuted? Trump demurs but offers no promises. “No, I don’t want to do that,” he says, before adding, “We’re gonna look at a lot of things. What they’ve done is a terrible thing.”

Trump has also vowed to appoint a “real special prosecutor” to go after Biden. “I wouldn’t want to hurt Biden,” he tells me. “I have too much respect for the office.” Seconds later, though, he suggests Biden’s fate may be tied to an upcoming Supreme Court ruling on whether Presidents can face criminal prosecution for acts committed in office. “If they said that a President doesn’t get immunity,” says Trump, “then Biden, I am sure, will be prosecuted for all of his crimes.” (Biden has not been charged with any, and a House Republican effort to impeach him has failed to unearth evidence of any crimes or misdemeanors, high or low.)

Read More: Trump Says ‘Anti-White Feeling’ Is a Problem in the U.S .

Such moves would be potentially catastrophic for the credibility of American law enforcement, scholars and former Justice Department leaders from both parties say. “If he ordered an improper prosecution, I would expect any respectable U.S. Attorney to say no,” says Michael McConnell, a former U.S. appellate judge appointed by President George W. Bush. “If the President fired the U.S. Attorney, it would be an enormous firestorm.” McConnell, now a Stanford law professor, says the dismissal could have a cascading effect similar to the Saturday Night Massacre , when President Richard Nixon ordered top DOJ officials to remove the special counsel investigating Watergate. Presidents have the constitutional right to fire U.S. Attorneys, and typically replace their predecessors’ appointees upon taking office. But discharging one specifically for refusing a President’s order would be all but unprecedented.

Trump’s radical designs for presidential power would be felt throughout the country. A main focus is the southern border. Trump says he plans to sign orders to reinstall many of the same policies from his first term, such as the Remain in Mexico program, which requires that non-Mexican asylum seekers be sent south of the border until their court dates, and Title 42 , which allows border officials to expel migrants without letting them apply for asylum. Advisers say he plans to cite record border crossings and fentanyl- and child-trafficking as justification for reimposing the emergency measures. He would direct federal funding to resume construction of the border wall, likely by allocating money from the military budget without congressional approval. The capstone of this program, advisers say, would be a massive deportation operation that would target millions of people. Trump made similar pledges in his first term, but says he plans to be more aggressive in a second. “People need to be deported,” says Tom Homan, a top Trump adviser and former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “No one should be off the table.”

Read More: The Story Behind TIME's 'If He Wins' Trump Cover

For an operation of that scale, Trump says he would rely mostly on the National Guard to round up and remove undocumented migrants throughout the country. “If they weren’t able to, then I’d use [other parts of] the military,” he says. When I ask if that means he would override the Posse Comitatus Act—an 1878 law that prohibits the use of military force on civilians—Trump seems unmoved by the weight of the statute. “Well, these aren’t civilians,” he says. “These are people that aren’t legally in our country.” He would also seek help from local police and says he would deny funding for jurisdictions that decline to adopt his policies. “There’s a possibility that some won’t want to participate,” Trump says, “and they won’t partake in the riches.”

As President, Trump nominated three Supreme Court Justices who voted to overturn  Roe v. Wade,  and he claims credit for his role in ending a constitutional right to an abortion. At the same time, he has sought to defuse a potent campaign issue for the Democrats by saying he wouldn’t sign a federal ban. In our interview at Mar-a-Lago, he declines to commit to vetoing any additional federal restrictions if they came to his desk. More than 20 states now have full or partial abortion bans, and Trump says those policies should be left to the states to do what they want, including monitoring women’s pregnancies. “I think they might do that,” he says. When I ask whether he would be comfortable with states prosecuting women for having abortions beyond the point the laws permit, he says, “It’s irrelevant whether I’m comfortable or not. It’s totally irrelevant, because the states are going to make those decisions.” President Biden has said he would fight state anti-abortion measures in court and with regulation.

Trump’s allies don’t plan to be passive on abortion if he returns to power. The Heritage Foundation has called for enforcement of a 19th century statute that would outlaw the mailing of abortion pills. The Republican Study Committee (RSC), which includes more than 80% of the House GOP conference, included in its 2025 budget proposal the Life at Conception Act, which says the right to life extends to “the moment of fertilization.” I ask Trump if he would veto that bill if it came to his desk. “I don’t have to do anything about vetoes,” Trump says, “because we now have it back in the states.”

Presidents typically have a narrow window to pass major legislation. Trump’s team is eyeing two bills to kick off a second term: a border-security and immigration package, and an extension of his 2017 tax cuts. Many of the latter’s provisions expire early in 2025: the tax cuts on individual income brackets, 100% business expensing, the doubling of the estate-tax deduction. Trump is planning to intensify his protectionist agenda, telling me he’s considering a tariff of more than 10% on all imports, and perhaps even a 100% tariff on some Chinese goods. Trump says the tariffs will liberate the U.S. economy from being at the mercy of foreign manufacturing and spur an industrial renaissance in the U.S. When I point out that independent analysts estimate Trump’s first term tariffs on thousands of products, including steel and aluminum, solar panels, and washing machines, may have cost the U.S. $316 billion and more than 300,000 jobs, by one account, he dismisses these experts out of hand. His advisers argue that the average yearly inflation rate in his first term—under 2%—is evidence that his tariffs won’t raise prices.

Since leaving office, Trump has tried to engineer a caucus of the compliant, clearing primary fields in Senate and House races. His hope is that GOP majorities replete with MAGA diehards could rubber-stamp his legislative agenda and nominees. Representative Jim Banks of Indiana, a former RSC chairman and the GOP nominee for the state’s open Senate seat, recalls an August 2022 RSC planning meeting with Trump at his residence in Bedminster, N.J. As the group arrived, Banks recalls, news broke that Mar-a-Lago had been raided by the FBI. Banks was sure the meeting would be canceled. Moments later, Trump walked through the doors, defiant and pledging to run again. “I need allies there when I’m elected,” Banks recalls Trump saying. The difference in a second Trump term, Banks says now, “is he’s going to have the backup in Congress that he didn’t have before.”

Trump’s intention to remake America’s relations abroad may be just as consequential. Since its founding, the U.S. has sought to build and sustain alliances based on the shared values of political and economic freedom. Trump takes a much more transactional approach to international relations than his predecessors, expressing disdain for what he views as free-riding friends and appreciation for authoritarian leaders like President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, or former President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil.

That’s one reason America’s traditional allies were horrified when Trump recently said at a campaign rally that Russia could “do whatever the hell they want” to a NATO country he believes doesn’t spend enough on collective defense. That wasn’t idle bluster, Trump tells me. “If you’re not going to pay, then you’re on your own,” he says. Trump has long said the alliance is ripping the U.S. off. Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg credited Trump’s first-term threat to pull out of the alliance with spurring other members to add more than $100 billion to their defense budgets.

But an insecure NATO is as likely to accrue to Russia’s benefit as it is to America’s. President Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine looks to many in Europe and the U.S. like a test of his broader vision to reconstruct the Soviet empire. Under Biden and a bipartisan Congress, the U.S. has sent more than $100 billion to Ukraine to defend itself. It’s unlikely Trump would extend the same support to Kyiv. After Orban visited Mar-a-Lago in March, he said Trump “wouldn’t give a penny” to Ukraine. “I wouldn’t give unless Europe starts equalizing,” Trump hedges in our interview. “If Europe is not going to pay, why should we pay? They’re much more greatly affected. We have an ocean in between us. They don’t.” (E.U. nations have given more than $100 billion in aid to Ukraine as well.)

Trump has historically been reluctant to criticize or confront Putin. He sided with the Russian autocrat over his own intelligence community when it asserted that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Even now, Trump uses Putin as a foil for his own political purposes. When I asked Trump why he has not called for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been unjustly held on spurious charges in a Moscow prison for a year , Trump says, “I guess because I have so many other things I’m working on.” Gershkovich should be freed, he adds, but he doubts it will happen before the election. “The reporter should be released and he will be released,” Trump tells me. “I don’t know if he’s going to be released under Biden. I would get him released.”

America’s Asian allies, like its European ones, may be on their own under Trump. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister recently said aid to Ukraine was critical in deterring Xi from invading the island. Communist China’s leaders “have to understand that things like that can’t come easy,” Trump says, but he declines to say whether he would come to Taiwan’s defense. 

Trump is less cryptic on current U.S. troop deployments in Asia. If South Korea doesn’t pay more to support U.S. troops there to deter Kim Jong Un’s increasingly belligerent regime to the north, Trump suggests the U.S. could withdraw its forces. “We have 40,000 troops that are in a precarious position,” he tells TIME. (The number is actually 28,500.) “Which doesn’t make any sense. Why would we defend somebody? And we’re talking about a very wealthy country.”

Transactional isolationism may be the main strain of Trump’s foreign policy, but there are limits. Trump says he would join Israel’s side in a confrontation with Iran. “If they attack Israel, yes, we would be there,” he tells me. He says he has come around to the now widespread belief in Israel that a Palestinian state existing side by side in peace is increasingly unlikely. “There was a time when I thought two-state could work,” he says. “Now I think two-state is going to be very, very tough.”

Yet even his support for Israel is not absolute. He’s criticized Israel’s handling of its war against Hamas, which has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and has called for the nation to “get it over with.” When I ask whether he would consider withholding U.S. military aid to Israel to push it toward winding down the war, he doesn’t say yes, but he doesn’t rule it out, either. He is sharply critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once a close ally. “I had a bad experience with Bibi,” Trump says. In his telling, a January 2020 U.S. operation to assassinate a top Iranian general was supposed to be a joint attack until Netanyahu backed out at the last moment. “That was something I never forgot,” he says. He blames Netanyahu for failing to prevent the Oct. 7 attack, when Hamas militants infiltrated southern Israel and killed nearly 1,200 people amid acts of brutality including burning entire families alive and raping women and girls. “It happened on his watch,” Trump says.

On the second day of Trump’s New York trial on April 17, I stand behind the packed counter of the Sanaa Convenience Store on 139th Street and Broadway, waiting for Trump to drop in for a postcourt campaign stop. He chose the bodega for its history. In 2022, one of the store’s clerks fatally stabbed a customer who attacked him. Bragg, the Manhattan DA, charged the clerk with second-degree murder. (The charges were later dropped amid public outrage over video footage that appeared to show the clerk acting in self-defense.) A baseball bat behind the counter alludes to lingering security concerns. When Trump arrives, he asks the store’s co-owner, Maad Ahmed, a Yemeni immigrant, about safety. “You should be allowed to have a gun,” Trump tells Ahmed. “If you had a gun, you’d never get robbed.”

On the campaign trail, Trump uses crime as a cudgel, painting urban America as a savage hell-scape even though violent crime has declined in recent years, with homicides sinking 6% in 2022 and 13% in 2023, according to the FBI. When I point this out, Trump tells me he thinks the data, which is collected by state and local police departments, is rigged. “It’s a lie,” he says. He has pledged to send the National Guard into cities struggling with crime in a second term—possibly without the request of governors—and plans to approve Justice Department grants only to cities that adopt his preferred policing methods like stop-and-frisk.

To critics, Trump’s preoccupation with crime is a racial dog whistle. In polls, large numbers of his supporters have expressed the view that antiwhite racism now represents a greater problem in the U.S. than the systemic racism that has long afflicted Black Americans. When I ask if he agrees, Trump does not dispute this position. “There is a definite antiwhite feeling in the country,” he tells TIME, “and that can’t be allowed either.” In a second term, advisers say, a Trump Administration would rescind Biden’s Executive Orders designed to boost diversity and racial equity.

Trump’s ability to campaign for the White House in the midst of an unprecedented criminal trial is the product of a more professional campaign operation that has avoided the infighting that plagued past versions. “He has a very disciplined team around him,” says Representative Elise Stefanik of New York. “That is an indicator of how disciplined and focused a second term will be.” That control now extends to the party writ large. In 2016, the GOP establishment, having failed to derail Trump’s campaign, surrounded him with staff who sought to temper him. Today the party’s permanent class have either devoted themselves to the gospel of MAGA or given up. Trump has cleaned house at the Republican National Committee, installing handpicked leaders—including his daughter-in-law—who have reportedly imposed loyalty tests on prospective job applicants, asking whether they believe the false assertion that the 2020 election was stolen. (The RNC has denied there is a litmus test.) Trump tells me he would have trouble hiring anyone who admits Biden won: “I wouldn’t feel good about it.”

Policy groups are creating a government-in-waiting full of true believers. The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 has drawn up plans for legislation and Executive Orders as it trains prospective personnel for a second Trump term. The Center for Renewing America, led by Russell Vought, Trump’s former director of the Office of Management and Budget, is dedicated to disempowering the so-called administrative state, the collection of bureaucrats with the power to control everything from drug-safety determinations to the contents of school lunches. The America First Policy Institute is a research haven of pro-Trump right-wing populists. America First Legal, led by Trump’s immigration adviser Stephen Miller, is mounting court battles against the Biden Administration. 

The goal of these groups is to put Trump’s vision into action on day one. “The President never had a policy process that was designed to give him what he actually wanted and campaigned on,” says Vought. “[We are] sorting through the legal authorities, the mechanics, and providing the momentum for a future Administration.” That includes a litany of boundary-pushing right-wing policies, including slashing Department of Justice funding and cutting climate and environmental regulations.

Read More: Fact-Checking What Donald Trump Said in His 2024 Interviews With TIME

Trump’s campaign says he would be the final decision-maker on which policies suggested by these organizations would get implemented. But at the least, these advisers could form the front lines of a planned march against what Trump dubs the Deep State, marrying bureaucratic savvy to their leader’s anti-bureaucratic zeal. One weapon in Trump’s second-term “War on Washington” is a wonky one: restoring the power of impoundment, which allowed Presidents to withhold congressionally appropriated funds. Impoundment was a favorite maneuver of Nixon, who used his authority to freeze funding for subsidized housing and the Environmental Protection Agency. Trump and his allies plan to challenge a 1974 law that prohibits use of the measure, according to campaign policy advisers.

Another inside move is the enforcement of Schedule F, which allows the President to fire nonpolitical government officials and which Trump says he would embrace. “You have some people that are protected that shouldn’t be protected,” he says. A senior U.S. judge offers an example of how consequential such a move could be. Suppose there’s another pandemic, and President Trump wants to push the use of an untested drug, much as he did with hydroxychloroquine during COVID-19. Under Schedule F, if the drug’s medical reviewer at the Food and Drug Administration refuses to sign off on its use, Trump could fire them, and anyone else who doesn’t approve it. The Trump team says the President needs the power to hold bureaucrats accountable to voters. “The mere mention of Schedule F,” says Vought, “ensures that the bureaucracy moves in your direction.”

It can be hard at times to discern Trump’s true intentions. In his interviews with TIME, he often sidestepped questions or answered them in contradictory ways. There’s no telling how his ego and self-destructive behavior might hinder his objectives. And for all his norm-breaking, there are lines he says he won’t cross. When asked if he would comply with all orders upheld by the Supreme Court, Trump says he would. 

But his policy preoccupations are clear and consistent. If Trump is able to carry out a fraction of his goals, the impact could prove as transformative as any presidency in more than a century. “He’s in full war mode,” says his former adviser and occasional confidant Stephen Bannon. Trump’s sense of the state of the country is “quite apocalyptic,” Bannon says. “That’s where Trump’s heart is. That’s where his obsession is.”

These obsessions could once again push the nation to the brink of crisis. Trump does not dismiss the possibility of political violence around the election. “If we don’t win, you know, it depends,” he tells TIME. “It always depends on the fairness of the election.” When I ask what he meant when he baselessly claimed on Truth Social that a stolen election “allows for the termination of all rules, regulations and articles, even those found in the Constitution,” Trump responded by denying he had said it. He then complained about the “Biden-inspired” court case he faces in New York and suggested that the “fascists” in America’s government were its greatest threat. “I think the enemy from within, in many cases, is much more dangerous for our country than the outside enemies of China, Russia, and various others,” he tells me.

Toward the end of our conversation at Mar-a-Lago, I ask Trump to explain another troubling comment he made: that he wants to be dictator for a day. It came during a Fox News town hall with Sean Hannity, who gave Trump an opportunity to allay concerns that he would abuse power in office or seek retribution against political opponents. Trump said he would not be a dictator—“except for day one,” he added. “I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill.”

Trump says that the remark “was said in fun, in jest, sarcastically.” He compares it to an infamous moment from the 2016 campaign, when he encouraged the Russians to hack and leak Hillary Clinton’s emails. In Trump’s mind, the media sensationalized those remarks too. But the Russians weren’t joking: among many other efforts to influence the core exercise of American democracy that year, they hacked the Democratic National Committee’s servers and disseminated its emails through WikiLeaks.

Whether or not he was kidding about bringing a tyrannical end to our 248-year experiment in democracy, I ask him, Don’t you see why many Americans see such talk of dictatorship as contrary to our most cherished principles? Trump says no. Quite the opposite, he insists. “I think a lot of people like it.” — With reporting by Leslie Dickstein, Simmone Shah, and Julia Zorthian

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15 Steamy K-Dramas You Should Watch Today

10 k-dramas with heartbreaking plot twists, 10 times female k-drama characters were total bosses.

• Time travel in K-dramas elevates romantic stories, solving crimes or creating epic romances separated by centuries.
• The best time travel K-dramas cleverly use the trope to tell captivating stories with unique twists and engaging narratives.
• From romantic to historical to political intrigue, time travel shows in Korean television offer diverse and compelling storylines.

The idea of traveling through time is a powerful storytelling tool popularized by Hollywood movies, anime series, and the best time travel K-dramas . For K-dramas, the past often involves the Joseon era, riddled with political distress, turmoil, and drama. In some cases, K-dramas get creative and use time travel to solve crimes, like a heinous murder from the past, or with clues unraveling through time. In others, time travel is the narrative catalyst for an epic romance story of lovers separated by centuries.

Not surprisingly, many of the best K-dramas involving time travel use the concept to elevate romantic stories with a sci-fi or fantasy twist. In fact, this happens so much that K-drama audiences largely agree that it's become an overused plot device. That said, whether they are mainly romantic, detective, or historical K-dramas , there are dozens that cleverly use time travel to continue telling captivating stories, and the best time travel K-dramas use the trope to tell some of the most unique stories on the small screen.

The Best K-Dramas Based On Webtoons, Ranked

These top K-dramas ranked were once all popular webtoons and either got their start on the webtoons.com site or other sites and platforms.

20 My Perfect Stranger

Released in 2023.

• Available to stream on KOCOWA

When the two cross paths, they find that maybe their time traveling, and their lives, are actually linked to one another.

While most Korean dramas involving time traveling only see one character do the actual time traveling, My Perfect Stranger takes a risk in making both of its main characters time travelers . One does so on purpose though, while the other does not, which is where much of the intrigue comes from.

Hae Jun (Kim Dong Wook) is a journalist investigating a serial murder case who discovers a time machine and uses it to follow his own investigation. Yoon Young (Jin Ki Joo) discovers her mother dead and is then struck by a car, waking up in the same time that Hae Jun traveled to. As is true for many time travelers, they become trapped instead of able to travel between times. When the two cross paths, they find that maybe their time traveling, and their lives, are actually linked to one another.

Released In 2017

• Available to stream on Roku

Instead of traveling to the past, Tunnel is a time travel K-drama that takes the audience to the future - in a manner of speaking. The present-day of the story is actually 1985 in which a string of murders are being investigated. When the detective (Choi Jin Hyuk) pursuing a lead runs after a suspect through a tunnel, he’s hit in the head and ends up 30 years in the future.

The murder mystery element of the series is inspired by a real string of serial killings in Korea, but the story is very much fictional. While the show presents itself as a murder mystery with a time-travel element, there’s also a romantic subplot and a family at the center of the story that makes it a drama that really shines. Incredibly popular outside of South Korea as well, Tunnel has been adapted for Thai television and an Indonesian remake is in development.

10 Must Watch K-Dramas That Aren’t Romances (& Where To Stream Them)

Want to enjoy some new TV series from Korea but without all the love and sappy sentimentality of some K-dramas? Check out these 10 great options.

18 Familiar Wife

Released in 2018.

A married man (Ji-Sung) with two kids is unhappy in his life. He’s depressed, hates his wife, and is unsatisfied at work. If he had only made different choices in his youth, he might have had a happier life. After traveling through a toll booth and losing control of his car, he winds up in the past and is able to change some of those decisions.

This is one time travel series that doesn't confine the protagonist to one time. Able to travel back and forth between the past and the present, he’s able to see how his different decisions have big outcomes later in life. It’s a similar concept to something like Sliding Doors but with many small changes to help someone understand their path in life. The music truly helps set the stage in the series as well with the soundtrack being nominated at the Korea Drama Awards.

Released In 2021

• Available to stream on Rakuten Viki

Times isn’t a traditional time travel K-drama in which one character is transported to another time period completely. Instead, the time travel is a result of a phone line that is able to traverse timelines. Several series have used similar ideas, often with the use of radios instead of phones, with varying degrees of success.

Two journalists, one in 2015 and one in 2020, connect over the use of the same phone line. Initially, they work together to prevent the death of one of their fathers, but while investigating, they uncover a conspiracy that involves time travel and corrupt politicians. The series is definitely a unique take among the time travel shows created for Korean television, which usually focus on history and a romantic subplot instead of political intrigue. While the series didn't reach widespread acclaim, star Lee Joo-young was nominated for Best New Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

16 Tomorrow With You

While Tomorrow With You does use romance like most time travel K-dramas do, it also has a unique idea for the time travel itself. While most Korean time travel shows involve time traveling by accident, the main character in Tomorrow With You can decide to travel in time. It’s also done so while traveling the subway instead of falling through a portal or suffering a life-threatening injury in order to do it.

Yoo So-Joon (Lee Je-Hoon) takes on time-traveling adventures when he discovers that Ma-Rin (Shin Min-A) and he are linked by a tragic accident in the future. Intrigued by her, he decides to save both her and himself. He believes that he can change their fates thanks to his ability, but he has to figure out just how they are connected. He resolves to marry her in order to make sure, and they become truly linked as he falls in love.

15 The Best Hit

In The Best Hit, 1993 K-pop idol Yoo Hyun-Jae (Yoon Shi-yoon) gets accidentally transported to 2017, discovers that he is presumed dead after he disappeared in 1994, and investigates why he traveled through time. He does all this while struggling with living in the future, of course. Meanwhile, Hyun-Jae's biological son, Lee Ji-Hoon (Kim Min-jae), is secretly training to become an idol himself and is even enrolled in Star Punch Entertainment's program - while making his parents believe that he's studying for the civil service exams.

Also known as Hit the Top , and Best Punch , The Best Hit is an underrated gem in the world of the best time travel K-dramas. It's also an interesting way for the audience to get a look at what it takes to become a pop idol. Some of the stars of the series are also popular musicians. Kim Min-jae, for example, is also a rap artist and was nominated for the Best New Actor award at the Seoul Awards following the debut of the show.

14 Sisyphus: The Myth

• Available to stream on Netflix

The storyline introduces a character who travels from the future to his current time.

This 2021 Netflix K-drama has some serious Terminator vibes to it, but it's full of good laughs, color, and drama. Han Tae-Sul (Cho Seung-woo) is a talented engineer who is determined to uncover the real reason behind his older brother's murder. If that wasn't enough, the storyline introduces a character who travels from the future to his current time. In the future, the world is dominated by gangs and military cliques. Survival entails having serious combat skills, and Gang Seo-Hae (Park Shin-Hye) is just the right warrior.

She travels back in time to help Tae-Sul on his dangerous journey after learning key evidence about his brother's death. What's interesting is that the series doesn't focus solely on the one-way time travel trip, but insists that the two main characters are responsible for breaking a time loop. Some critics disliked that Sisyphus: The Myth breaks its own established rules about time traveling, but it certainly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

13 Splash Splash Love

Released in 2015.

Splash Splash Love is one of those K-dramas that combine time travel with romance . In the television series, a high-school student gets transported to 15th-century Korea. She soon meets the young king of the kingdom who wants to learn more about mathematics. Thankfully, the heroine of the show is a patient teacher who is more than willing to tutor the King.

Splash Splash Love is a quick and easy watch as it is one of the shortest K-dramas out there, with only two episodes. This is part of why the show has near-perfect pacing and ranks among the best time travel K-dramas. It was originally broadcast as a 10-part webseries on Naver TV Cast. Its popularity led to it being edited into two hour-long episodes, so binging it is really like watching a movie.

12 Rooftop Prince

Released in 2012.

Rooftop Prince has a lot of storylines to process, but they're well worth it. The titular protagonist is a prince who wakes up in present-day 2012, even though he's actually from the Korean Joseon dynasty/era . The crown prince and his two confidants find themselves on the rooftop of Park-ha's (Han Ji-min) home. After the prince realizes he's time-traveled 300 years into the future, he also sees the long-lost sister of Park-ha - who is the spitting image of his late wife who drowned.

The prince is convinced he will find the answers to his past in 2012 and poses as the grandson of a powerful CEO, who in reality was killed by another family member. Both the characters of the past and the characters of the present have intense backstories and the series leans into the soap-opera-like aspects of those. It works in the show's favor, as the series has become even more popular outside of Korea than in its home. It is most popular in Japan and China.

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11 The King: Eternal Monarch

Released in 2020.

Not only does The King: Eternal Monarch have a phenomenal female lead in Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), but it's also full of riveting action, features a unique story of parallel worlds, and is also one of the unique time travel K-Dramas available on Netflix. In the show, there are two co-existing realities: present-day South Korea and the Kingdom of Corea.

The current king of Corea witnessed his father's murder as a child at the hands of his uncle. When he discovers a doorway to the parallel world and present-day South Korea, he also discovers that his uncle has been traveling between the two worlds and trying to raise his own army. The king must stop his uncle, but along the way, he learns the truth about the mysterious figure who once saved his life and finds he must travel to a moment in the past. The series explores the idea of a single moment in time altering someone's whole reality.

10 Queen In-Hyun's Man

A Joseon Dynasty scholar meets an aspiring actress in the year 2012 in the political and romantic Korean drama , Queen In-Hyun's Man, one of the best time travel K-dramas. In 1694, a noble-born scholar is the only survivor after his family was murdered, but there's a bigger story at play while he supports the reinstatement of the deposed queen and there's a conspiracy involving a royal concubine. Due to a magical talisman, he time travels 300 years into the future and meets an actress who he has a connection with.

What makes the rom-com elements of the scholar from the past meeting the actress from the future is that the actress, so far, is not a household name. instead, her big break is about to be playing Queen In-Hyun, the very woman the scholar is a supporter of.

The time travel K-drama Faith follows the story of a plastic surgeon who gets transported to 14th-century Goryeo. She soon learns that a royal guard warrior was the reason why she was brought back more than 600 years into the past. The royal guard begs the plastic surgeon to help their injured queen. However, the plastic surgeon has actually caught feelings for her kidnapper.

Faith is considered one of the better time travel and fantasy-themed romance K-dramas thanks to the stellar performances of the actors, as well as the detailed story that shines a light on Korean history and mythology. It's also got a multi-layered title. While the literal translation of the title is "faith" as in "belief in justice," the Hanja lettering (Chinese letters used to write Korean) actually means "divine doctor," allowing the audience to understand that both terms are important to the long-term storyline of the show.

8 Nine: Nine Time Travels

Released in 2013.

In the time travel K-drama Nine: Nine Time Travels , Park Sun-woo (Lee Jin-wook) discovers nine incense sticks that could take him back 20 years in time. He uses his time in the past to save his family, who have been victims of a terrible tragedy. However, he needs to be extra careful when he goes back in time, as he can only do it nine times - the twist that makes Nine: Nine one of the best time travel K-dramas. Park soon finds out that whatever he changes in the past also resonates and affects his present life.

The K-drama was nominated for several awards across Korea for its great cast and romantic storyline, including snagging nominations at the Korean Drama Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. It also became popular outside of Korea, broadcast on television in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand.

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7 Go Back Couple

Inspired by a webtoon called Do It One More Time , Go Back Couple (also simply called Go Back in some regions) is a Korean miniseries where a couple wishes that they never met each other. They have both become unhappy and exhausted with their marriage and wish they could have changed their unhappiness at the seeming source of all of their problems - meeting each other. The couple soon finds that they've reverted to their 20-year-old selves, faced with trying to make decisions that will make their future selves happy and satisfied.

The show features plenty of funny and heartwarming moments that will make viewers swoon — and an ending that will surely tug at the heartstrings of every long-time K-drama viewer. After its broadcast, the series was nominated for a slew of KBS Drama Awards, picking up two, one for Best Couple for the lead actors in Son Ho-jun and Jang Na-ra, and Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries for Jan Na-ra.

6 Chicago Typewriter

• Currently unavailable to stream

Out of the most compelling and best time travel K-dramas (as well as general fantasy K-Dramas ), Chicago Typewriter is the only one that's about reincarnation rather than strictly about traveling through time. Three resistance fighters from the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea find themselves in a new time period, but not because of mysterious scientific machines or magical objects. Instead, the three are reincarnated as a writer, a fan, and a ghostwriter.

Switching between the 1930s and the 21st century, these three characters start to see parallels between both time periods. As they start to uncover the truth behind their pasts, they worry about how it might affect their present. K-drama fans tired of the same old romantic comedy fare will love the truly unique story elements of Chicago Typewriter. The series was also filmed on location around Seoul, South Korea, so fans will enjoy picking out the real sites.

Released In 2016

• Available to stream on Paramount+

Signal has a storyline that not many shows have explored, but it works wonders in enthralling its audience. The outstanding police procedural K-drama is also a thriller, as it was inspired by real-life crime stories and a murder case, and the show interweaves two different timelines. The series pulls inspiration from the time travel aspect of the movie Frequency and the real-life Hwaseong serial murders in Korea.

While investigating a case, a cold case profiler discovers a walkie-talkie from the year 1989. He deduces that the walkie-talkie transcends time and allows him to communicate with a detective from 1989 for a short period of time. Together, they use their knowledge to stop heinous crimes from ever occurring — a unique concept that cements Signal 's status among the best time travel K-dramas.

4 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Moon lovers: scarlet heart ryeo (2016).

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is inarguably one of the most talked-about time travel K-dramas (as well as being a remake) . It has everything from time travel and romance to drama and political intrigue, not to mention some of the most heart-wrenching scenes.

Be wary of total solar eclipses, as that is what is responsible for a 25-year-old woman (IU) living in the 21st century being transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Waking up in a new identity, she is among the royal princes of the Wang family. While she initially finds herself falling for a kind-hearted prince, she is soon pulled in by the brooding and dark fourth prince, and the dynasty's political bickering. She ends up right in the middle of the power struggle of the different princes.

K-dramas are full of strong female lead characters who go against tropes and fight for justice. These are the best times they were total bosses.

3 Life on Mars

It's evident that among the best time travel K-dramas, the use of time anomalies is a common trope for crime stories, but the detective drama Life on Mars stands out for being truly unpredictable. Adapted from a British drama, Life on Mars follows the cop Han Tae-Joo (Jung Kyoung-Ho), who is investigating what seems to be an ordinary murder case in 2018 — until he wakes up in 1987. In order to get back to 2018, he needs to solve a murder in 1987 first.

Life on Mars ' premise is simple enough, but its hilarious script, fast-paced mysteries, and astounding reveals make it a well-rounded series that's equally enjoyable for both first-time and long-time K-drama viewers. The series also won for Best Adaptation Of An Existing Format at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2018.

2 Live Up To Your Name

True to its title, Live Up To Your Name leverages its romance and fantasy elements.

Some of the best K-dramas don't really offer anything new to the genre - but instead build on traditional tropes to arrive at a truly compelling, inspiring, and relatable story. This is the case with Live Up To Your Name , in which the greatest male acupuncturist of the Joseon era travels 400 years into the future , striking a tense and sometimes clashing romance with a brilliant and gorgeous female doctor from 2017. True to its title, Live Up To Your Name leverages its romance and fantasy elements to craft the ultimate comedic time travel medical K-drama about destiny.

While the series wasn't a major award-winner, it did manage a surprising feat. The series finale more than doubled the viewership of the series premiere in South Korea (according to Nielsen). Interest in the series actually increased and ratings went up instead of leveling out as the series aired. While that's the opposite of what happens for most series broadcast on television, it's even more impressive because the show aired on a cable network rather than a free broadcast network.

1 Mr. Queen

Inspired by the Chinese web series Go Princess Go , Mr. Queen , features a hotshot male chef who finds himself transported to the Joseon era — not as himself, but in the body of the Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun) — inadvertently unraveling the mystery behind the queen's supposed attempt at taking her own life. While trying to conform to the Joseon era as a woman, he gets caught in the political turmoil of the kingdom, and the king isn't the goofy and undermined ruler everyone assumes. He's cunning, mysterious, and seeking the truth behind those who wish to dethrone him.

The series remains one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. Shin Hye-sun's performance as Queen Cheorin is largely why Mr. Queen is regarded by many as the best time travel K-dramas of all time.