BACKPACKING SOUTH KOREA TRAVEL GUIDE (2020) JUMP TO : South Korea Travel Itineraries | Places to Visit | Where to Stay | Travel Tips |

Cost of Travel

Backpacking South Korea is all about experiencing both sides of this country - the traditional and modern aspects of South Korean culture.

Known as the "Land of the Morning Calm," South Korea is a fascinating country, a place where ancient temples and skyrise buildings stand side by side.

What comes to mind when you hear of South Korea? For many, the bustling capital city of Seoul is the first place to come to mind.

This sprawling metropolis is certainly the center of attention, as it's home to over half of South Korea's population, but travelling in South Korea is about so much more than just exploring the big city.

Within a few hours of Seoul, you can find yourself hiking in rolling hills, reflecting at a peaceful temple, or exploring a traditional village.

Depending on what time of year you visit South Korea, you could be skiing the slopes or chilling on a beach. One thing is for sure; no matter when you visit, there's probably some a festival taking place, whether it's a traditional Korean holiday or a massive music festival.

You'll also find a wealth of cultural and historical attractions in all corners of the country.

Of course, one of the highlights of backpacking South Korea is the incredible cuisine. Few countries are as defined by their food as South Korea, and the people take great pride in their culinary traditions.

Furthermore, South Koreans know how to party, so be prepared to wash that spicy kimchi down with several glasses of beer and soju.

Perhaps no place in the world presents a contrast quite like the Korean Peninsula. Split decades ago as a result of the Korean War, the difference between North and South is like night and day.

Get ready to explore the beautiful South Korean temples with our MONSTER backpacking

guide!

Whereas North Korea is isolated under totalitarian reign, the highly-developed South Korea is one of the most modern countries in Asia. The two are split by the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), an interesting name considering how many armed guards patrol it.

South Korea is often overlooked by backpackers who flock to South East Asia, but I'm here to show you why backpacking South Korea is an incredible travel experience.

Read my comprehensive South Korea travel guide below; it includes everything you need to plan an amazing trip, like costs, budget hacks, South Korea itineraries, how to get around, the foods to try, and so much more!

Where to go Backpacking in South Korea One great thing about traveling in South Korea is that you're never too far from any other destination in the country. You can travel from one end to the other in five hours or less, so you don't have to waste entire days in transit.

Thanks to the country's excellent transportation system, getting around is a breeze when you're backpacking South Korea. Seriously, you'll ride the nicest trains and buses you've ever been on in South Korea.

The best strategy for exploring South Korea is to book a flight to Seoul. From there, you can travel across the country to Busan, stopping at several interesting points along the way. You can then book a flight out of Busan or make your way back to the capital via train or bus.

Traditional meets modern in South Korea - this guide will show you everything you need to

know | Image by Peter Savinov

Best Travel Itineraries for South Korea Wherever you decide to visit in South Korea will depend on your interests, and of course how much time you have. Here are a few different ideas for South Korea travel itineraries. I've included two different one-week itineraries and one jam-packed 2-week itinerary.

Backpacking South Korea 7 Day Itinerary #1: Seoul to Busan

See South Korea’s most important cities

7 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan

With just one week to spare in South Korea, your best bet is to travel across the country from Seoul to Busan with a stop in Gyeongju along the way. Since there's so much to see and do, you should dedicate at least three days to the capital to start your trip.

Seoul is home to several ancient Korean palaces, the grandest of which is Gyeongbok-gung. In addition to visiting the palaces, you'll want to check out some of the city's museums, temples, markets, and parks. That's more than enough for a couple of busy days in Seoul.

A folk village in Seoul. | Photo by Sasha Savinov

From Seoul, you can catch a train or bus to Gyeongju. This small city is home to many historic sites such as Tumuli Park - the final resting place of Shilla kings. It's possible to do a whirlwind tour of the city, but you'll enjoy it much more if you stay at least one night.

Finally, head to the coast and South Korea's 2nd biggest city of Busan. Hopefully, you're backpacking South Korea during the warmer months because most people come here to kick back and relax on the beach.

There's lots more to Busan than the beach, though. You can fill your days exploring the city or hiking in the surrounding hills. Read more about the wonder of Busan in our Busan itinerary.

Backpacking South Korea 7 Day Itinerary #2: Seoul and Jeju

Get a mix of city life in Seoul and nature in Jeju Island

7 Days in South Korea: Seoul, Jeju Island

If you're looking for more of a vacation vibe on your trip to South Korea, you'll definitely want to add Jeju Island to your itinerary. With one week in South Korea, you can still start off with 72 hours in Seoul and then just catch a quick flight to Jeju.

Since this trip is a bit more relaxing than the one outlined above, you might as well partake in Seoul's rowdy nightlife. Night quickly turns to day here, especially on weekends when it seems like the whole city is out partying.

You may need a day to sleep in and recover if you really go hard on a night out in Seoul.

While Jeju may be known as South Korea's "honeymoon island," it's still a great place for backpackers. For starters, you can hike the country's highest peak at Hallasan. There are also caves, waterfalls, botanical gardens, and several trails leading to viewpoints. A few days full of adventure and beach-bumming in Jeju is a great way to cap off your trip.

Backpacking South Korea 14 Day Itinerary #1: Seoul to Busan to Jeju

See all of South Korea’s most impressive sights with this 2+ week itinerary

2 Weeks in South Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island

With an extra week in South Korea, you can take your time and linger in destinations. You can also add a few day-trips to mix it up and get out of the cities. Here's a solid plan for 2 weeks in South Korea, starting again with Seoul.

If you've got two weeks in South Korea, I honestly recommend spending four or five days in Seoul. It's a huge city and more than half of the country lives here, so it's definitely worth that much time. Since the city is so sprawling, it's more enjoyable if you can spread your sightseeing out over a few days.

Exploring Bukhansan. | Photo by Peter Savinov

In addition to hitting the sights in town, you can tack on a day-trip or two. Of course, the most popular is visiting the DMZ. If that's not your thing, you can also get out of the concrete jungle and hike around the beautiful Bukhansan National Park.

Rather than breeze through Gyeongju, you can allot two full days to exploring the city and the surrounding sights. The same goes for Busan, as you can afford to spend a few nights there with two weeks in South Korea.

From there, it's a short flight to Jeju Island. After a few days there, it's time to head back to Seoul to catch your flight out.

Places to Visit in South Korea

Backpacking Seoul

Pretty much everyone who visits South Korea ends up in the capital city of Seoul. The city proper is home to nearly 12 million, while the greater metro area has a whopping 25 million. That's more than half of the country's population in one city alone!

This is a city that seems to have one foot firmly planted in the past while the other steps eagerly toward the future. Ancient palaces sit across the street from shiny new skyscrapers.

Peaceful Buddhist temples exist nearby bustling nightlife districts. Seoul is indeed a fascinating city of contrasts and surprises.

View of Seoul from above.

While in Seoul, you'll be able to dive into the history and culture of South Korea. Start your journey off by exploring the city's ancient palaces. All of them are worth a visit, but you'll definitely want to hit Gyeongbok-gung and Changdeok-gung.

Seoul is also home to several excellent parks. Koreans love getting outside exercise, so go ahead and join them.

Namsan Park is a popular place to visit while backpacking South Korea. Not only is it a great place for a stroll, but you'll also find the Seoul Tower here for some of the best views of the city.

Wherever you go, be sure to do a lot of walking so you can work up an appetite and dig into lots of mouth-watering Korean food. From street food snacks to high-end restaurants and everything in between, there's something tasty around every corner in Seoul.

Once the sun goes down, it's time to party in Seoul. It's not just the young whippersnappers partying out here either; you're just as likely to see businessmen in suits downing glasses of soju as you are college kids.

Some of the best areas in the city to party in Seoul are Hongdae and Itaewon. The party goes late in these neighborhoods, so be sure to pace yourself.

Aside from sightseeing and eating/drinking your way across the city, you may also want to embark on a few day-trips from Seoul. Popular options include hiking in the national park just north of the city or paying a visit to the DMZ.

If you'd rather just chill out, spend a night in one of the city's many jimjilbang (spas) - the perfect place to relax.

Book Your Seoul Hostel Here!

Downtown Seoul | Photo by Sasha Savinov

Backpacking Busan

The ROK's 2nd largest city, Busan, is mostly known for its beaches, as Koreans flock here over the summer holiday for sun and sand. That's not all that's going on in Busan, though. The city is also home to some amazing temples, nature reserves, and hot springs.

A must-do in Busan is making the trip to the ancient Beomeosa Temple. It's a slightly challenging uphill hike, but you're rewarded with some incredible views of the city. Speaking of hiking, there are several trails that are easily accessible from the city, including Jangsan Mountain.

If you'd rather skip the hills, check out Yonggungsa - the Dragon Palace Temple - that's perched along the coastline. Seeing the beautifully designed temple with the waves crashing against the shore is a can't-miss when visiting Busan.

Busan is also famous for its many festivals throughout the year. The Busan International Film Festival runs for the first ten days of October and draws quite the crowd.

In August, you can rock out at the city's International Rock Festival. If you're brave and crazy, you can take part in the Polar Bear Swim in January when the water is a nice 0°C.

Thanks to its location on the coast, Busan cooks up some tasty seafood. Head to the Jagalchi Fish Market to pick from the cat day's catch and have it cooked up at one of the many restaurants.

Those with an adventurous palate might try bokguk, which is a soup made from the extremely poisonous pufferfish. If not, you can always play it safe and stick with the cod.

Read up on the best areas to stay in Busan using our comprehensive guide.

Book Your Busan Hostel Here!

Hit the beach in Busan. | Photo by Sasha Savinov

Backpacking Jeju Island

Most Koreans choose to vacation on Jeju Island. It's definitely the top choice for honeymooners, but you don't have to be a newlywed to enjoy a trip here. Jeju Island is for backpackers as well; you just have to know where to stay and what to do.

Home to South Korea's tallest mountain, the longest lava tube in the world, plenty of sandy beaches, and some quirky theme parks, Jeju Island is a pretty epic place to visit.

You can even check out the filming locations of super popular Korean television shows here, if you're into that sort of thing.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Jeju Island is its culture, which is quite different from the mainland. For one it is matriarchal; here you'll surely spot the famed haenyo (women divers) who dive without any oxygen tanks to depths of 10-20 meters in search of squid, octopus, clams, and other seafood.

Be sure to bring your hiking shoes when you visit Jeju. In addition to tackling the dormant volcano Hallasan, you can also enjoy coastal trails that wrap around the island. After a nice hike, you can kick back on a beach and order up a tasty plate of seafood. Life is good on Jeju Island!

Book Your Jeju Island Hostel Here!

The Olleh Trail on Jeju. | Photo by Sasha Savinov

Backpacking Gyeongju

If you're interested in learning more about Korean history and culture, then Gyeongju is the perfect place to visit. It's also a great way to break up the journey from Seoul to Busan.

Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Dynasty, which lasted for 1,000 years and played a very important role in Korean history. The historic area of Gyeongju was actually the first site to be nominated a UNESCO World Heritage status in South Korea.

Here you can visit the beautiful Bulguksa Temple, which just might be the most impressive temple in the country. You should also check out Seokguram Grotto for an excellent example of Silla art and architecture.

With a few extra days in Gyeongju, you can enjoy some hiking in the national park, stroll around Bomun Lake, pay a visit to the royal tombs, and much more.

Getting around the city is a breeze thanks to the bus system and bike rentals, and most places have English signs despite the fact that few foreign tourists visit.

Book Your Gyeongju Hostel Here!

Dongjung Palace in Gyeongju. | Photo by Peter Savinov

Backpacking Daegu

The main reason to stop by South Korea's 4th largest city is to hike on Palgongsan. This mountain is just 20km from downtown and features several different hiking routes.

There are Buddhist statues and pagodas all over the mountain. In fact, there's one statue believed to grant you one wish in your life, if you make it there. If you make it all the way up here, you might as well give it a shot!

In the city, you can also find plenty of parks that are pleasant to explore for a few hours. In Apsan Park, you can hike or take a cable car up to the observatory for great views of the city.

Once the sun goes down, you can head to the Banwoldang part of the city to explore the food and bar scene; there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs in this area.

If you visit on a weekend, this area is especially lively. You can also party hard in the university areas if you're up for it.

Book Your Daegu Hostel Here!

Backpacking Jeonju

If you've had enough of South Korean cities, join the locals and head to a place like Jeonju. The main draw for travelling here is the Jeonju Hanok Village. With more than 700 traditional hanok homes, this is a great place to dive into traditional Korean culture.

The Hanok Village is especially lively during festivals and on weekends, so try to time your visit to experience Jeonju at its finest. During these busy times, you'll find plenty of markets and street food stalls as well.

Speaking of food, Jeonju is thought to have the best bibimbap in the land. There seem to be restaurants cooking it on every corner, so dig into a big bowl of this Korean classic and judge for yourself.

Wash it down with some makgeolli, a traditional fermented rice liquor that this city is also famous for.

Book Your Jeonju Hostel Here!

Hanok Village - Jeonju, South Korea

Off the Beaten Path in South Korea

It really isn't that hard to get off the beaten path in South Korea. Many travelers never even leave Seoul, so the second you step out of the capital you're already there!

Admittedly, I've stayed very much on the beaten path in my travels to South Korea. My brother, on the other hand, lived there for a year and imparted some wisdom on me.

Gurye is a small town near Jirisan National Park, which is home to the highest peak on the peninsula. Here you can try Daesulgi sujebi - a soup made with river snails, a local specialty.

Danyang is another small town nestled between Woraksan and Sobaeksan National Parks with a river flowing through it. I didn't see another foreigner the whole weekend there; it was all Korean people. Also look up the "Eight Views of Danyang" for some beautiful sights in the area. I saw some of them but wasn't aware they were part of that list until my boss informed me Koreans go there for the eight views. Parasailing is popular in Danyang, though I didn't do it.

The Eight Views of Danyang. | Photo by Peter Savinov

Andong is a pretty unremarkable city but it's near the Hahoe Folk Village which felt like a Korean version of the Shire. There's also a nice Confucian Academy outside the town called Dosan Seowon, which is beautiful and peaceful. Sokcho is a small city on the east coast near Seoraksan National Park. Considered one of the nicest places to see fall colors; there are beaches to see in the summer too. Thank you to my brother Pip for those awesome recommendations! Be sure to add a few to your list if you want to experience South Korea outside of the big cities.

Backpacker Accommodation in South Korea Backpacking South Korea is a great experience thanks in part to the many excellent hostels around the country. Especially in the big cities of Seoul and Busan, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to hostels.

While not exactly the cheapest accommodation in Asia, hostels in South Korea are nice and very good value. Check out our reviews of hostels in Seoul and our neighborhood guide on where to stay in Seoul!

Airbnb is a solid option as well if you prefer a bit more privacy. If you decide to stay in an apartment, check out our Airbnb post for a 35% discount!

Check out this epic write up on the best hostels in South Korea.

Where to stay in South Korea 

Location Accommodation Why stay here?!

Seoul Bunk Guest House They host awesome parties on their rooftop.

Busan Hostel the Local Their excellent on-site cafe is reason enough to stay here.

Jeju Island Kim's Cabin It's very near the famed Jeju Olle Trail.

Gyeongju Blue Boat Hostel Convenient location makes it easy to get in and out.

Daegu Midtown Hostel It's a new hostel with a great rooftop terrace.

Jeonju Nearest Guesthouse Walking distance to all attractions and a super friendly owner.

Top Things to Do in South Korea

1. Explore the ancient palaces of Seoul

The Joseon Dynasty was the last kingdoms in South Korea lasting from 1392 all the way until 1910. It was during this time that Seoul became the capital.

The kings of the Joseon Dynasty had several grand palaces built in the city, and exploring the palaces is one of the best things to do in South Korea.

There are five grand palaces in Seoul, with the grandest being Gyeongbokgung. With a name meaning "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven," you know they went all out when they built this one.

Be sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony and sign up for one of the free guided tours, which run at 11am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.

Gyeongbok-gung palace

2. Feast on Korean Food

One of the best things about backpacking South Korea is indulging in delicious Korean cuisine. Whether it's the national dish of kimchi, a colourful bowl of bibimbap, or an epic feast at a Korean BBQ restaurant, your taste buds are in for a treat.

3. Spend a night in a jimjilbang

Seeing how people in South Korea love hiking up in the mountains so much, it should come as no surprise that another popular pastime is relaxing in a spa.

In Korean, these spas are known as jimjilbang, and they're all over the place. A trip to a jimjilbang is an absolute must when backpacking South Korea.

You can bounce around between hot and cold tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, get a massage or a body scrub, grab some food and drink, and so much more. Broke Backpackers may want to visit one at night as you can crash in the sleeping room and save some money on accommodation.

4. Take a hike

Hiking is probably the most popular pastime among Koreans. It makes sense, considering that most people live in crowded cities yet most of the country is made up of mountains.

Koreans take hiking very seriously and are usually decked out in the freshest hiking attire. Just because you're working up a sweat doesn't mean you can't look good!

There are hiking trails all over South Korea ranging in difficulty and length. One of your best bets is hiking in Bukhansan, as it is easy to visit from Seoul. If you're up for the challenge, you can tackle the country's largest mountain, Hallasan on Jeju Island.

Hiking in Korea. | Photo by Peter Savinov

4. Take a tour of the DMZ

Many travelers who visit South Korea hope to see the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) that has separated the North from South since the end of the brutal Korean War in 1953.

Here you can catch a glimpse into the "Hermit Kingdom" and learn more about the tense relations between the two Koreas. You'll have to take a tour to get here, so be sure to shop around and check reviews.

6. Indulge in the seasonal sports

South Korea experiences all four seasons, meaning you can enjoy both summer and winter sports here. In the warmer months, that means hiking, cycling, swimming, and more. South Korea is also a great destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

7. Visit a folk village

A fun way to get some insight into Korean history and culture is by visiting Minsok. Also known as the Korean Folk Village, this living museum is a bus ride away from Gangnam in Seoul.

On a visit to the folk village, you can see old-school hanok homes, cultural performances, and maybe even watch a traditional Korean wedding.

It's a fun place to come for the day to get out of the city and try something new.

Hahoe Folk Village | Photo by Peter Savinov

8. Take part in a local festival

In South Korea, there are festivals to celebrate just about everything. You can try catching trout at an ice festival, watch the sky light up at a fireworks festival, or get down and dirty at a mud festival.

Of course, there are also plenty of traditional Korean festivals such as Chuseok as well as food and music festivals all throughout the year.

9. Enjoy an island getaway on Jeju

A quick flight from the mainland will get you to beautiful Jeju Island. Full of beaches, waterfalls, caves, folk villages, and even South Korea's highest mountain, this little island will keep you plenty busy.

In addition to all of its natural wonders, Jeju is also home to some very eccentric tourist attractions. Take Loveland for example, a bizarre park full of risqué sculptures. Visiting this place will definitely make for some of the funniest photos from your trip.

10. Party hard in Seoul

Seoul is undoubtedly a party city. It seems like everyone likes to go out and get loose here, from college kids to briefcase-carrying businessmen. When visiting the Korean capital, you need to have at least one big night out.

Some of the most popular areas to party in Seoul include Hongdae and Itaewon. You'll find tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs in each area. Start with dinner and drinks and see where the night takes you.

My guess is you'll end up loudly singing karaoke and chugging down soju at around 4 AM with some people you just met.

South Korea Travel Tips Before you embark on your South Korea adventure, you'll want to know a bit more about travelling in the country.

Read on for some tips on the cost of travel, survival Korean phrases, how to get around, Korean food and culture, and more.

The Best Travel Backpack?!

Pssssst! Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Our favourite carry on backpack is the Nomatic Travel Bag.

Read our full review!

Books to Read while Backpacking South Korea

The Backpacker Bible – Get it for free! Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. To inspire and help

the next generation of Broke Backpackers, you can now grab ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day’ for free! Get your copy here.

Lonely Planet Korea Travel Guide: As usual, the Lonely Planet guide is jam-packed with useful information for your trip to South Korea.

The Birth of Korean Cool: Find out how "one nation is conquering the world through pop culture" in this fascinating read. Beyond "Gangnam Style," writer Euny Hong shows how a very uncool country became cool.

Korea: The Impossible Country: How did South Korea transform itself from a failed country into an economic powerhouse in just 50 years? Find out in this in-depth look into South Korea's rise from the ashes.

The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History: Learn about the complicated history of the Korean Peninsula from World War II up to the present day in this highly acclaimed book.

Gamcheon, Busan | Photo by Peter Savinov

Korean Travel Phrases

Korean is a pretty difficult language to learn, but a little effort goes a long way. I recommend checking out this post on Korean survival phrases to get you started with the correct pronunciation.

Here are a few useful Korean travel phrases to get you started:

Ahn-nyung-ha-se-yo = Hello

Bahn-gap-seup-ni-da = Nice to meet you

Uh-dduh-keh ji-neh-seh-yo? = How are you?

Neh = Yes

Ah-nee-oh = No

Jwe-song-ha-ji-mahn = Please

Gam-sa-ham-ni-da = Thank you

Binil bongjiga eobsda = No plastic bag

Jebal jip-eusibsio = No straw please

Peullaseutig kal but-igi balabnida = No plastic cutlery please

Chon-mahn-eh-yo = You're welcome

Sil-le-hahm-ni-da = Excuse me

Yong-o-rul hahl-jool a-se-yo? = Do you speak English?

Korean people are fun. Learn some Korean to talk to them! | Photo by Sasha Savinov

Staying Safe in South Korea Safety is not a big concern when backpacking South Korea. This is a very safe country where you have very little to worry about.

Even petty theft and pickpocketing aren't really a big concern here. Of course, you should still be mindful of your things, especially on crowded streets or public transport.

Foreigners who run into trouble here usually do so as a result of drunkenly starting arguments or fights. Basically, don't be an idiot and you'll be fine. If you're out and an argument starts, just use some common sense and walk away.

Check out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.

Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road. I strongly recommend traveling with a headlamp whilst in South Korea (or anywhere really - every backpacker should have a good headtorch!) - check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

Want to save the world and stay hydrated? Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to the oceans and planet - Be a part of the solution and invest in a filter water bottle.

The GRAYL GEOPRESS water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you'll need. We use it on our own adventures to purify often nasty looking water and it does a beautiful job - we have yet to get sick! This is what the whole Broke Backpacker team uses- in mountains, cities, jungles - we love it - it's a total game changer

Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N Roll in South Korea

If you're a foreigner in South Korea whose single and ready to mingle, just be aware of a few things. First of all, there are definitely plenty of Korean girls with foreign boyfriends. That being said, it's a very homogenous country where many people still look down on other kinds of relationships.

I remember reading a blog by a guy who lived there several years and had a local girlfriend. Once he finally started to pick up the language, he was incredibly upset to hear what random people out in public said about seeing them together.

As a backpacker passing by, you may not encounter such problems. You might, however, find language barriers and cultural differences as an obstruction to your desires.

Prostitution is technically illegal in South Korea, but there are plenty of red-light districts in the country that seem to operate just fine. Exercise caution (in more ways than one) if you choose to go this route.

When it comes to drugs in South Korea, my advice is to steer clear. I love sparking a fat doobie as much as the next stoner, but it's not worth it here.

Drug laws are pretty strict, and they love making examples out of foreigners who choose to ignore their laws. Are there drugs around? Sure. I just wouldn't bother looking for them. Stick to booze here and save it for your next trip to Colorado.

Speaking of booze, Koreans definitely love to party. In fact, Koreans are among the heaviest drinkers in the world. Because of strict social norms at home and in the workplace, people tend to get quite loose when they go out.

The national drink of South Korea is soju, a clear spirit that's usually about 20%. Most of the time, people just drink it straight, but sometimes a little soju is poured into a cup of beer to really get the party started. It's not that strong, but it creeps up on you after several cups!

Getting Insured

Get insurance! Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance. Have fun on your South Korea backpacking adventure, but take it from someone who has racked up tens of thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.

As a wise man once said, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t be traveling – so be sure to get your backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Traveling without insurance would be fucking stupid. I highly recommend World Nomads.

Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.

What to Pack for South Korea What you pack for your adventure backpacking South Korea depends mostly on what time of year you go. The country experiences all four seasons, so you'll need to take the weather into consideration. It can get very hot in the summer and super cold in the winter, so you'll want to be prepared.

It's really hot in the summer in South Korea. | Photo by Sasha Savinov

How you pack also depends on what you plan to do there. Hiking is huge in South Korea, so it's a good idea to pack good hiking shoes and other gear. If you're visiting in the winter, you might want to bring your ski/snowboard gear to hit the slopes.

On every adventure, there are six things I never go travelling without:

1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.

2.Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. AR bottle are tough, lightweight and maintain the temperature of your beverage – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are. For every AR bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an initiative to reduce plastic in our oceans!

3. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

4. Headtorch: I would never travel without a head torch. Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a head torch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with red light (which insects can’t see).

5. Hammock: Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Active Roots parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful and tough.

6. Toiletry Bag: I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list. Look Awesome, Do Awesome!

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Best Time to Travel to South Korea

South Korea is home to all four seasons, so the best time to travel really depends on what kind of weather you prefer and what you hope to do while you're backpacking South Korea.

Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December-February) can be bitterly cold and dry. If you plan to hit the beach or the slopes, these seasons are just fine.

Those who prefer moderate weather will want to visit in either the spring or the fall. Both seasons are typically sunny and dry, allowing you to spend plenty of time outside comfortably.

If you want to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, you'll want to visit between mid-March and mid-April.

The cherry blossoms in Gyeongju. | Photo by Peter Savinov

Apps to Download before traveling to South Korea

Maps.Me – Prone to getting lost or taking that ‘shortcut’ that adds another few hours onto a simple walk? This app is definitely for you. You can download your map and route before you venture out to keep you on track when backpacking South Korea.

XE Currency – This app is the best way to track exchange rates in real time. Be sure to download it and compare the rate shown on there with the one you're offered.

HIDE.ME – I always have a VPN ready to go on both my phone and laptop, I personally use Hide Me which is one of the fastest and most reliable options out there. This particular VPN allows for up to five connections which is handy for keeping all your devices connected without having to purchase multiple VPN packages.

Subway Korea - This app is great for figuring out the sprawling Seoul metro system.

KTX - This is the app for Korail (the rail network). It's not great but it can be useful at times.

Kakao Taxi - A rideshare service like Uber.

Korean Dictionary - This can come in handle when language barriers get in the way.

Ganghwado Island | Photo by Peter Savinov

Travel Guide to Getting around South Korea Most South Korea visitors arrive at the Incheon International Airport outside of Seoul. There are direct flights to and from this airport from cities all over the world. You can also fly into Busan if you're traveling to South Korea from other points in Asia.

In this section, we'll look at the entry requirements and how to get around South Korea.

Entry Requirements for South Korea

Citizens from over 115 countries are allowed to enter South Korea visa-free. The length of stay varies - Canadians get the jackpot of a maximum 180-day in the country.

A bulk of the countries on the list get up to 90 days, including Americans, Aussies, Kiwis, and most EU countries. It's always a good idea to check out the visa policy on Wikipedia before you plan your trip.

How to Travel in South Korea

Getting around South Korea is quite easy thanks to the country's compact size and excellent transportation system. You can get from one side of the country to the other in just a few hours. When backpacking South Korea, most travellers get around via a combination of bus and train.

The national rail operator is Korail, and there are train routes connecting most major cities. If you plan to move around a lot, it is worth looking into the KR Pass. These give you unlimited train travel for a set amount of time, up to 10 days maximum.

South Korea has a great bus system as well. You can get travel about anywhere in South Korea by bus in a timely and efficient manner. I've yet to take a train or plane in South Korea relying solely on the bus system to get around.

There are domestic flights between cities if you're in a huge hurry, but you probably won't need to fly unless you go to Jeju Island.

Hitchhiking in South Korea

I've never tried hitchhiking in South Korea, but apparently, it's pretty easy. According to the Hitchwiki entry for South Korea, it's especially easy if you're well-dressed and clean-shaven.... so looks like I won't be hitching a ride in South Korea anytime soon...

For more hitchhiking tips, check out Will’s hitchhiking 101 post.

Onwards Travel from South Korea

Unfortunately, your options for overland onwards travel are pretty much non-existent. While some adventurous travellers (with the ability to do so) may want to check out North Korea, it's not likely you'll be backpacking through there.

If you want to skip out on a flight, you can take a ferry from South Korea to either China or Japan. One of the most popular ferry routes is to head from Busan to Fukuoka, as it takes just around three hours to make the crossing. From Incheon, you can catch a ferry to several different cities in China.

Of course, you can always catch a flight out of Seoul to virtually anywhere in the world. You have plenty of choices for onwards travel when flying out of the Korean capital, and South East Asia isn't far away!

Namsan Tower in Seoul | Photo by Peter Savinov

South Korea Backpacking Costs The cost of travel in South Korea is somewhere in the middle. It's definitely cheaper than North America and Western Europe, but more costly than backpacking in Southeast Asia.

While it's possible to get by on a daily budget of around $30-35, you'll be more comfortable if you can allot $45-50 a day.

For getting around South Korea, you'll obviously spend more if you choose to fly or take high-speed trains. That being said, you can score flights from Seoul to Busan for as little as $35, which is actually cheaper than taking the high-speed train, which costs $57.

Catching a bus is substantially cheaper and really doesn't take that much longer.

You can find a dorm room in a nice hostel for around $10-15 a night depending on where you are staying. Couples or groups may want to look into private rooms, which won't cost much more per person. You can also find some great deals on places on Airbnb.

When it comes to eating out, you can find super cheap street food or splurge on a fancy high-end restaurant. The choice is yours, my friend. On the budget end of the spectrum, it's

possible to find a decent meal for $3-4. You could also spend a little more and fill up on an awesome Korean BBQ.

There are plenty of free things to do in South Korea, such as going for a hike, strolling around the local park, and wandering the streets. Even the most famous sights in the country don't cost that much. You can get a ticket to the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul for just under $3.

It is worth setting aside some money for some bigger ticket items, like a flight to Jeju Island, ski life ticket, or South Korean spa!

Kimchi is everywhere! | Photo by Sasha Savinov

Money in South Korea

South Korea's currency is the Won. At the time of writing (November 2018), the exchange rate is $1 = 1,135 Won.

ATMs are widely available in South Korea and many businesses accept credit cards, so you really don't have to worry about being able to pay for things when backpacking South Korea.

You should always have emergency cash hidden on you - pick up this awesome security belt with its hidden pocket before you travel, it's perfect for hiding money, a passport photocopy. GET IT HERE

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Camp: Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.

Cook your own food: If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove.

Couchsurf: If you want to save some dough on accommodation, it's worth it to look for a host on Couchsurfing. Check out Couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals.

Pack a travel water bottle: Save money every day with a refillable water bottle!

To learn how to travel the world on $10 a day, check out the backpacker’s bible.

Volunteering in South Korea

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in South Korea whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than World Packers. World Packers is an excellent platform connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves - check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here.

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $20. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $29.

Travel South Korea for Free

You know what's even better than traveling for free? Getting paid to do it! If you've ever thought about teaching English abroad, South Korea is hands down one of the best places to give it a try.

In a country obsessed with education, jobs for native speakers are abundant. South Korea is also one of the highest-paying places to teach English. That brings us to our next point.

Teaching English in South Korea

There are tons of jobs for native English speaking teachers in South Korea. If you're a native speaker with a college degree and a TEFL certificate, you can easily find a job teaching in South Korea.

Many English teachers start out by working in a hagwon, which is basically an after-school and weekend gig. Even brand new teachers earn a decent salary and usually get an apartment provided by the school, in addition to airfare reimbursement at the end of a year contract.

Once you've got some experience under your belt, you can transition to a public school or university job and work a normal schedule.

Many people turn to teaching English in South Korea into a career and make really good money doing it. I have many friends who have taught English in South Korea and almost all of them had a great experience, except one buddy who had an awful boss. That can happen anywhere, though...

If you're interested in learning more about working as an ESL teacher in South Korea, check out our interview with our friend Gwendolyn about her time spent teaching English in South Korea.

Teaching English Online in South Korea

So if you don't want to work in an actual school, we have another awesome option for you!

Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online.

Learn what it’s like to be a VIPKID teacher, a top company in the field of online English learning.

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Broke Backpacker readers get a 35% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code BACKPKR), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Internet in South Korea

If you had to describe the internet in South Korea in one word, it would be "Wow!" This high-tech nation has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world. Take all the Insta-stories you want thanks to the lightning-fast upload speeds.

When backpacking South Korea, you're sure to have internet available at your accommodation. You can even connect to WiFi public places, including metro stations.

If you need to, you can always drop into an internet cafe, although these are mostly frequented by hardcore-gaming teenagers.

One of the best investments you can make is a worldwide travel adapter that will work anywhere! The one featured here is tough, reliable and a solid buy - Don’t leave home without one. GET IT HERE

Must Try Experiences in South Korea While South Korea doesn't have many world-famous sites like the Great Wall or Angkor Wat, there are a ton of things to see and do here. Must-try experiences include visiting the ancient palaces of Seoul, hiking in the mountains, checking out a folk village, relaxing in a jimjilbang, and of course eating tons of awesome Korean food.

Other things to do in South Korea include, seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom, chilling on the beaches of Busan, experiencing a traditional Korean festival, and singing some K-pop at a karaoke bar. For a small country, South Korea has tons to do.

Check out the awesome hiking in South Korea!

Meet the People

South Korea is a very homogenous country - around 96% of the population is Korean - so it's not hard to meet Koreans. What might be hard is communicating, as English is not very prevalent. Most young people speak some English, although many be shy to speak a second language with foreigners.

Smile for the camera! | Photo by Sasha Savinov

People in South Korea like to get outside and socialize in public parks when the weather is nice. Coffee shops and tea houses are also popular places to hang out and chat. As hiking is so big in South Korea, you'll always meet people out on the trails.

Of course, you can always go out to bars and meet people as well. As I mentioned above, Koreans like to throw back a few cold ones after work (with a little soju mixed in, of course). Strike up a conversation and next thing you know it's 3 AM and you're hammered drunk belting out some karaoke. Welcome to South Korea!

What to Eat in South Korea

Oh wow. Where to begin? Enjoying the mouth-watering cuisine is definitely a highlight of backpacking South Korea. Make sure you hit up some street food, hole in the wall local joints, and Korean BBQ restaurants.

It is also worth mentioning that pretty much every meal comes with some kind of banchan or side dish; the amount basically scales with how you're eating. If you're eating solo, you'll typically get 1-3, but if you're in a big group you'll get a bunch of banchans.

Here are some dishes you have to try in South Korea:

● kimchi = the national dish - spicy, fermented cabbage ● bibimbap = a rice bowl with vegetables, spicy sauce, and a fried egg ● bulgogi = marinated beef ● japchae = stir-fried noodles

● teokbokki = rice cakes spicy sauce ● pajeon = savory pancake made of flour, green onions, and whatever else ● samgyetang = a soup with ginseng broth and chicken stuffed with rice ● dubu kimchi = stir-fried pork and kimchi served with boiled tofu

Mmmm... Korean BBQ. | Photo by Sasha Savinov

Festivals in South Korea

South Korea has countless festivals that span over the entire year.

It starts out with Seollal - the Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays in the country and a very festive time. South Korea's New Year takes place around late January - February.

One interesting thing about Korean New Year is that all people add a year to their age on this day rather than their birthday.

Another super important festival in Korean culture is Chuseok. This harvest festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month during the full moon. On this day, Koreans visit their ancestral hometown and partake in a massive feast of traditional food.

There are many other interesting festivals in South Korea, such as Yudu. On this day, people try to drive away bad luck and spirits by bathing and washing their hair. People also eat long noodles for a long and prosperous life.

People also celebrate Chopail (Buddha's Birthday) by hanging up lanterns and visiting a temple. As many Koreans are Christian, Christmas and Easter are also big holidays.

A look inside a traditional home. | Photo by Sasha Savinov

A Recent History of South Korea

I'll begin to explain South Korea's recent history with the founding of the country on August 15, 1948. After the Japanese surrendered in World War II, the peninsula was partitioned - the US would administer the south, while the Soviet Union would administer the north.

The division was supposed to be temporary, but it didn't quite work out that way. The Korean War broke out in 1950 and lasted for three long and bloody years. With no agreement, the status quo remained and the two would go on as separate entities.

In the 70 years since the Korean War, it's remarkable to see the stark contrast between the two Koreas. Just look at a satellite image of the Korean peninsula at night. While South Korea is full of bright, shining lights, the north is shrouded in darkness.

Since its founding, South Korea has gone through periods of democratic and autocratic rule. The era known as the First Republic was mostly democratic, but the Second Republic was overthrown early on and replaced by an autocratic military regime.

The country is currently in the Sixth Republic and is, for the most part, a liberal democracy.

South Korea elected its first female president, Park Gyuen-hye, in 2013. However, she was impeached in 2016 due to a corruption scandal.

The current president is Moon Jae-in, who was inaugurated in 2017. He made history by meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and has done so on multiple occasions now.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in South Korea

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a tough travel water bottle.

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Recently, my gear-venture, Active Roots has started to sell water bottles. For every Active Roots water bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an awesome initiative aimed at educating people on the risk of single use plastic and helping to clean up our oceans. Help save the planet, whether you take an Active Roots bottle or not – TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your plastic footprint, don’t be a dick.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

Just as you would anywhere else in the world, be sure to respect the local culture and customs when backpacking South Korea.

For example, you should always pour someone else's drink before your own, and shouldn't leave chopsticks in your rice bowl, as this resembles ancestral ceremonies.

Be sure to remove your shoes when you enter someone's home in South Korea. People love sitting and even sleeping on the floor here, so it's very rude to muck it up with your dirty shoes. Other than that, just be respectful and friendly and people here will treat you very well.

South Korea is a great place to go backpacking. | Photo by Sasha Savinov

Final Thoughts on Backpacking South Korea

While South Korea isn't often brought up as a backpacking destination, it most certainly should be. With bustling cities, tons of outdoor adventures, a vibrant culture, and even a beautiful island, you're sure to have a great time backpacking South Korea.

This is a fascinating country that has transformed drastically over the last few decades. It's amazing to see the clash of tradition and modernity taking place here.

On one hand, Koreans proudly celebrate their traditions and ancient culture. On the other hand, they're sprinting towards the future with break-neck speed.

Should you decide to travel to South Korea, you will be well rewarded. It's an affordable destination that offers tons of unique experiences.

Best of all, you don't need a lifetime to take in all that the country has to offer. Carve out a few weeks to dive into South Korea, and it will be one of the best trips you ever take.

Want to learn how to travel the world on $10 a day? Check out the Broke Backpacker’s Bible for FREE!

Yay for transparency! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse crap. Your support helps me keep the site going.

Need More Inspiration???

● Where to Stay in Seoul: Kick Ass Neighborhood Guide ● Backpacking Japan Travel Guide ● New Zealand Travel Guide ● Backpacking Taiwan Travel Guide ● Is South Korea Safe?