Custom travel to South Korea

South Korea is one of Asia's most fascinating destinations, blending 5,000 years of history, from ancient kingdoms to the Joseon dynasty, with ultra-connected modernity driven by K-pop and tech giants. Seoul lines up Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Bukchon hanok village and the futuristic districts of Gangnam and Hongdae. Busan charms with its port, beaches and Jagalchi fish market, Jeju with its UNESCO-listed volcanoes and lava tubes, and Gyeongju, former Silla capital, with royal tombs and Bulguksa Temple. Add the DMZ, the world's most monitored border, and an iconic cuisine of kimchi, bibimbap and Korean BBQ: one of Asia's most complete destinations.

Highlights

• Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon, Gangnam
• Busan: south coast, Haeundae beach, Jagalchi market
• Jeju: volcanic island (UNESCO), Mount Hallasan
• Gyeongju: Silla capital (UNESCO), Bulguksa
• DMZ: border with North Korea
• Gastronomy: Korean BBQ, kimchi, bibimbap

Sample itineraries

When to go

April-May (cherry blossoms, 15-22 °C) and September-November (red maples, 10-25 °C) are ideal. Avoid July-August (humid monsoon 30 °C+, possible typhoons) and December-February (very cold -5 °C to -10 °C in Seoul, snow).

• Spring (cherry blossoms) (April – May), Cherry blossoms (Korean sakura April 1-15 waves)
• Humid summer (June – August), Beaches, festivals, to avoid for cultural visits
• Autumn (maples) (September – November), Red maples (mid-October to late November)
• Winter (December – February), Yongpyong, Pyeongchang ski resorts

Practical information

One of the world's safest countries (almost zero crime). K-ETA mandatory before departure (online, 10,000 KRW, ~€7, 3-year validity). Cards accepted everywhere, Apple Pay/Samsung Pay omnipresent. Tap water drinkable (but Koreans prefer filtered). No tipping custom (sometimes frowned upon). Hangul alphabet easy to learn in 1 h (24 phonetic letters). Limited English outside tourist zones, Papago (Naver translation app) very useful.

Frequently asked questions

When?

April-May (cherry blossoms, 15-22 °C, blooming waves between April 1 and 15) and September-November (red maples, 10-25 °C, coloring from mid-October to late November) are the two ideal windows, offering pleasant temperatures and spectacular light for Seoul's palaces and Gyeongju's temples. Avoid July-August: the humid monsoon pushes temperatures past 30 °C with heavy humidity, and typhoons are possible, though it's the season for K-pop festivals and Busan and Jeju beaches. Winter (December-February) stays very cold in Seoul (-5 °C to -10 °C, snow), but allows skiing at the PyeongChang resorts, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

How long?

10 days for our most-chosen itinerary, 'Classic Korea': Seoul (4 nights, with optional DMZ), Gyeongju (2 nights, UNESCO Silla capital, Bulguksa and Seokguram), Busan (2 nights, Haeundae beach and Jagalchi market), thanks to the KTX quickly linking the cities. 12 days to add Jeju Island (3 nights), with Mount Hallasan, the Manjanggul lava tubes, and black and white sand beaches, an extension especially popular for honeymoons. For a shorter, upscale stay centered on the capital, 7 days is enough for a 'Exclusive Seoul' itinerary combining the 5 great Joseon palaces, a private hanbok, and dinner at Mingles (3-Michelin star).

Budget?

€2,600-€3,600 per person for 10 days in our Comfort tier (excluding flights): 4★ boutique hotels in Seoul, hanok stay in Bukchon, hotels in Busan and Gyeongju, KTX and DMZ included. In Premium, €4,200-€6,000 for 10-12 days at the Four Seasons Seoul, Park Hyatt Busan, and a Jeju resort (Shilla, Lotte), with a private French-speaking guide. In Exclusive, from €7,500 for 10-14 days at the Signiel Seoul (in the 555 m Lotte Tower), with Premium DMZ (JSA) and dinner at the 3-Michelin-star Mingles. Expect €700-€1,100 per person for a Paris-Seoul round-trip flight in Economy (Air France, Korean Air, Asiana).

Visa?

K-ETA mandatory (online electronic authorization, €7, 3-year validity). No visa < 90 days.

English spoken?

Limited outside Seoul and tourist zones. Learn a few Korean words. Papago (Naver app) very useful for translation.

Family?

Yes, from age 6. Total safety, theme parks (Lotte World, Everland), Korean BBQ fun for kids.

How to get around?

The KTX (Korean TGV, 305 km/h) connects major cities in record time: Seoul-Busan in 2 h 30, Seoul-Gyeongju in 2 h. For Jeju, a 1-h Korean Air or Asiana domestic flight from Seoul Gimpo airport is necessary. Seoul's metro, one of the world's best, runs on a rechargeable T-money card, and taxis and Uber/Kakao Taxi remain cheap in the city. In Jeju, a private car is recommended, as public transport is limited there. Signs are in Korean and English in tourist zones, but Korean-only elsewhere.

DMZ: should I go?

Yes, unique geopolitical experience. Half-day from Seoul. Premium JSA (Joint Security Area) option to see the demarcation line.

Combine?

Yes: Korea + Japan (Seoul-Tokyo 2 h 30 flight), Korea + Taiwan, Korea + Vietnam.

Tips?

No, not customary. Sometimes frowned upon. Service included in prices.

Can I pay by card, or do I need cash?

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in South Korea, and Apple Pay/Samsung Pay are omnipresent, including in small shops and markets. Tap water is drinkable, though Koreans generally prefer filtered water. Still, keep a little won in cash (KRW) for street vendors, some taxis, or the small street food stalls at Gwangjang Market. No tip is expected, as service is already included in listed prices.

Which region should I choose for a first trip to South Korea?

For a first trip, our 10-day 'Classic Korea' itinerary (Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan) is the most chosen: it covers the Joseon palaces and the DMZ in Seoul, the thousand-year-old Silla capital in Gyeongju, and the south coast in Busan, thanks to the KTX quickly linking the three cities. It's an excellent balance of history, modernity, and gastronomy for culture-curious travelers, as a couple or with friends. If you're traveling on a honeymoon, adding volcanic Jeju Island (12 days total) is especially popular.