South Korea is a country of contrasts and diversity: on one hand, it is a global technological powerhouse with sprawling megacities, while on the other, it is home to small traditional villages where ancient ways of life still flourish. Add to this the stunning natural landscapes, fascinating historic sites, warm and welcoming people, and unique cuisine—and you have one of Asia’s most rewarding travel destinations. Visit soon, before the rest of the world discovers it.
Backpacking in South Korea – Tips & Recommendations
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
Overview of the Country and a Brief History
Korea (in Korean: 대한민국) is one of the most colorful and unique countries in Asia. It has managed to become a technological powerhouse—where even market vendors carry smartphones and tablets—while still preserving its traditions and rich history. Traveling in Korea allows you to experience a culture unlike anything you’ve known, with distinctive (and some would say unusual) food, people who are both reserved and extremely courteous, diverse landscapes, and unique heritage and natural sites.
Korea is a peninsula located in East Asia and is home to about 50 million people. It features large, modern cities such as Seoul and Busan, ancient cultural cities and villages like Gyeongju and Andong, vast nature reserves such as Seorak and Mudung, and the volcanic island of Jeju, which was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Throughout its history, Korea has endured many wars and invasions, leaving a wide variety of influences. The ancient kingdom of Silla, whose magnificent remains can be found across the country, brought with it strong Chinese influence. Later, Buddhism spread from neighboring states and became the official religion. The Joseon Dynasty, which ruled until the early 20th century, left behind a tremendous legacy, introduced Confucianism, and built many palaces and temples—though much of it was destroyed during Japan’s harsh rule of Korea between 1910 and 1945, a period that also left a lasting Japanese influence still felt today.
Just a short walk away lies Deoksugung Palace, famous for its stone-wall road and the changing of the royal guard ceremony, offering visitors a glimpse into Korea’s royal history. The area is also packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a perfect place to experience the energy of downtown Seoul while exploring both modern and traditional sides of the city.
After World War II and Japan’s defeat, Korea was divided into two: the northern part under Soviet influence and the southern part under American influence. A few years later, the North invaded the South, conquering almost the entire peninsula, and for years a bloody war raged between the two sides of Korea, with intervention from the United States, the United Nations, and China. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed in the war, and the tension in the region is still felt today.
The South Korean government makes tremendous efforts to promote and support tourism, which is evident in the many information centers available in every city. For example, you can call 1330 at any time, 24/7, from any phone in the country, to receive tourist information in English about any place in Korea. To overcome language barriers, travelers can also use the BBB translation service, which many local service providers will call during miscommunications with tourists. Phone: 1588-544.
That said, the backpacking scene in South Korea is still almost nonexistent, making it a challenging, unique, and completely different experience compared to other destinations in the region. Backpackers in South Korea will face language barriers, the challenges of traveling off the beaten path, and a slightly higher budget than in other countries. However, they will also encounter a fascinating culture and exceptionally polite people, explore stunning national parks and landscapes, taste unusual and spicy foods, and experience a mix of sleeping on a wooden floor in a traditional house while watching a giant TV with 500 local soap-opera channels.
Language and English Proficiency
The spoken language in Korea is Korean. It is written from left to right using an alphabet developed in the 15th century called Hangul, which appears as lines and symbols arranged in square blocks. Many claim it is easy to learn, and for travelers planning a longer stay, it’s worth considering learning the basics of the local language, as it can greatly enhance the travel experience.
Residents of major cities have some knowledge of English, but this is mostly limited to tourist-oriented areas. In less-visited regions, most locals do not understand English at all, though they will often do their best to help if you try to explain yourself through pictures, drawings, or hand gestures. Many Koreans, especially children, may approach you for a short conversation whenever they have the chance—mainly to practice their English.
Geography / Topography
Korea is a peninsula in East Asia, with its only land border to the north shared with North Korea. To the west lies the Yellow Sea, beyond which is China, and to the east is the East Sea (Sea of Japan), with Japan located across the waters. The country covers an area of about 100,000 km². It has a long coastline that wraps around the nation, and in the south there are thousands of small islands, many of which form protected marine reserves.
The landscape is diverse, featuring mountains, plains, vast forests, and extensive agricultural areas.
In the north is the massive capital city, Seoul, located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates South and North Korea—a powerful reminder of the peninsula’s divided history. To the south lies Busan, a bustling port city on the coast, while about 100 km further south of the mainland is Jeju Island, a volcanic island considered one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Jeju is also home to Hallasan Mountain (1,950 m / 6,400 ft), the country’s highest peak.
Short Itinerary and Long Itinerary
For a trip to Korea, it is recommended to dedicate anywhere from two weeks to a full month, depending on the time you have available. The country is fairly large, so if you have more time, try to explore widely and experience all it has to offer. However, if your time is limited, you can either focus on one specific region (north or south), or take advantage of the affordable domestic flights and the efficient high-speed rail system to cover the main destinations.
Short Itinerary (10–14 days):
Seoul – Busan – Jeju Island
Long Itinerary (around one month):
Seoul – Jeonju – Damyang – Gwangju – Jeju Island – Busan – Gyeongju – Daegu – Andong – Sokcho & Seoraksan – Seoul
5 Things You Shouldn’t Miss in South Korea
Seoul Nightlife – A trip to Korea isn’t complete without experiencing the dazzling nightlife of Seoul, one of Asia’s most vibrant capitals. Choose one district (or more, if you have time) and dive into a world of karaoke bars, lively pubs, street performers, and late-night food stalls.
Enjoy the Sea in Busan – Busan offers the perfect chance to feel the spirit of a true port city. In just one day, you can watch the massive harbor in action, sunbathe on the beach, and enjoy a fresh seafood feast at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market.
Trek Hallasan on Jeju Island – Hiking up to the crater lake on the summit of Hallasan, the highest mountain in Korea, is an unforgettable experience. Located in the heart of the volcanic island of Jeju—one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature—it’s a must for adventurers. For an easier option, hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), another iconic landmark of the island.
Visit a Traditional Village – To truly immerse yourself in Korean culture, spend time in one of the country’s well-preserved traditional villages. Enjoy a traditional meal rich with kimchi, sip sweet rice wine, and sleep on a floor mattress in a hanok-style house. The most recommended villages include Jeonju, Andong, and Damyang (a designated “Slow City”).
Visit the National Parks – Join the locals who spend nearly every weekend and holiday hiking the scenic trails of Korea’s national parks, many of which are located right next to the country’s major cities. Stunning landscapes, hidden temples, and the friendly hikers you’ll meet along the way make the journey unforgettable. Top choices include Seoraksan, Mudungsan, and Bukhansan.
Transportation
Since South Korea’s only land border is with North Korea—which is closed—entry into the country is possible only by air or sea.
Flights
South Korea has seven international airports, the largest and busiest being Incheon International Airport, located about an hour from Seoul. Incheon serves as the main gateway to the country, but travelers arriving from other parts of Asia can also fly directly into Busan or Jeju, both of which have major international airports.
Ferries
From Japan: High-speed ferries connect Fukuoka and other Japanese ports to Busan. Prices start around USD 120, with travel times ranging from 3 to 19 hours depending on the route.
From China: Ferries operate to Incheon or Pyeongtaek, with journeys lasting 12–26 hours.
From Russia: A ferry from Vladivostok reaches South Korea in about 20–24 hours (approx. USD 110).
More information: asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr
Domestic Transportation
Buses
South Korea’s intercity and express bus system is highly developed, with modern fleets and excellent roads. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to travel between regions.
Intercity Buses: Most are air-conditioned and comfortable. For extra space and reclining seats, travelers can opt for “Udeung” (우등) buses, which cost about 50% more than standard buses.
Terminals: Large cities usually have one or more bus terminals—labeled Express Bus Terminal or Inter-City Bus Terminal—with each serving different regions. Departure times are punctual, usually in the morning and afternoon, with few night services.
Journey Times: Most intercity routes take 2–5 hours. Buses do not have onboard restrooms, but there are scheduled stops on longer trips.
Tickets: Tickets are purchased at counters inside the bus terminals. Prices are low compared to trains, and schedules are posted at terminals or online.
Recommended websites:
City Buses
In South Korea’s major cities, the local bus networks are convenient and efficient. It’s a good idea to pick up a bus map at a tourist information center to better understand the routes and use them to reach attractions at a low cost. Bus colors and numbers indicate different routes, and in some cities announcements are made in English to help travelers. Many drivers are friendly and may assist by letting you know when you’ve reached your stop.
Cost: 1,000–1,500 KRW per ride.
Payment: Insert cash into the fare box at the front of the bus, or use a rechargeable transportation card.
A highly recommended option is purchasing a T-Money card, a rechargeable smart card sold at convenience stores, subway stations, and airports. It works nationwide for both buses and subways. Simply tap the card on entry and exit—the system automatically calculates your fare and provides free or reduced transfers between buses and subways.
Trains
South Korea has an extensive rail network covering almost the entire country. Trains are generally more comfortable than buses, though slightly less frequent and more expensive. Tickets can be purchased at counters or vending machines, both of which provide English instructions. Even standard class is very comfortable.
The most famous train is the KTX (Korea Train Express), which runs at speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and connects Seoul and Busan—two cities at opposite ends of the country—in just two hours. A ticket costs around 55,000 KRW.
Reservations: For most routes, booking in advance is recommended. Tickets can be purchased online through Korail’s official website.
Rail Pass: Travelers can purchase a KORAIL Pass for unlimited train travel over a set period. This can be cost-effective for those planning multiple long-distance journeys.
Subways
All major cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, have modern, efficient subway systems. They are the easiest way to get around within the city. Trains run frequently, stations are clean and well-lit, and ticket machines offer English options.
Cost: About 1,100 KRW per ride (varies by city and distance).
Tickets: You can buy single-use tickets or recharge your T-Money card at machines or counters.
Support: Stations have clear signage, helpful staff, and tourist information desks where you can get maps of the lines.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available throughout the country and are relatively inexpensive compared to many other countries.
Fares: About 2,800 KRW for the first 2 km, then an additional 100 KRW for every 150 meters (or for every 45 seconds when waiting in traffic).
Typical ride: A short city trip often costs around 5,000 KRW.
While not all drivers speak English, most will understand basic requests, and using your destination written in Korean or a map app will make the ride smoother.
Domestic Flights
Although South Korea is compact and well-connected by rail, domestic flights can sometimes be cheaper than high-speed train tickets and are worth considering for travelers on a tight schedule. Popular routes include Seoul ↔ Busan and Seoul ↔ Jeju, with several budget airlines offering daily flights.
Bicycles
Bicycle rental is available, though not as common as in some other Asian countries. Travelers often need to check with local tourist information centers to find rental shops. Cycling is becoming more popular, and some cities are improving bike paths along rivers and in parks, making it a pleasant way to explore urban and natural areas.
Local Currency, Costs, and Handling Money
The local currency in South Korea is the Korean Won (KRW), commonly represented by the symbol ₩. Its value against the US dollar fluctuates daily but is generally around ₩1,000 per 1 USD, making calculations relatively straightforward. Coins are issued in denominations of ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, and ₩500, while banknotes range from ₩1,000 to ₩50,000. Transactions are typically carried out in local currency, and it is uncommon to use US dollars directly, though prices are sometimes displayed in USD for convenience.
Currency Exchange: Money exchange offices are rare in South Korea. Instead, foreign currency can usually be exchanged only at banks, which are widespread and found on almost every street. In Seoul, private money changers are slightly more common, but banks remain the more reliable option.
Cards and ATMs: Credit cards are widely accepted across the country, from shops and restaurants to hotels and even taxis. However, when withdrawing cash from ATMs, note that only some machines and banks allow international transactions. Look for machines marked Global ATM, usually located in larger branches. Withdrawal limits may apply, often capped at around ₩600,000–₩700,000 per transaction.
💡 Tip: Always carry a small amount of cash, as some street vendors, markets, or rural areas may not accept cards.
In terms of costs, South Korea is generally comparable to Western countries. Prices vary between cities and even between different districts within the same city—tourist-heavy areas tend to be more expensive. Most products are clearly marked with price tags, so bargaining is not common. However, it can sometimes be attempted in hotels or at tourist-oriented shops and markets.
Public Transportation: Affordable and efficient, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Accommodation: More expensive than in many other Asian countries, but the standards are usually higher.
Food: Local Korean food is quite cheap and widely available, while Western-style meals tend to be considerably more expensive.
Shopping & Souvenirs: Prices are similar to those in Israel or other Western countries.
Attractions: Entrance to most tourist sites is either free or at a very low symbolic cost.
💡 Tip: Budget-conscious travelers will find that eating local and using public transportation keeps daily costs manageable, even in major cities like Seoul or Busan.
Shopping
Koreans love shopping, and while prices are not particularly cheap, they are generally a bit lower than in Israel or other Western countries. At the top of the shopping list is electronics and mobile devices, with authentic products often priced lower than back home.
You’ll also find cosmetics and skincare stores everywhere, offering a wide range of products at very affordable prices—South Korea is, after all, one of the world’s leaders in beauty and skincare. Clothing—both sporty and elegant—can be found in abundance, usually of very good quality.
For souvenirs, there is no shortage of choices:
Traditional figurines that reflect Korean culture
Handmade chopsticks
Local rice wine (makgeolli or soju varieties)
Handmade paper and decorative fans
Ginseng root, highly valued in Korean tradition for its medicinal qualities, available in many forms, with ginseng tea being the most popular
💡 Tip: Seoul’s districts like Myeongdong, Insadong, and Dongdaemun are perfect places to combine modern shopping with traditional Korean souvenirs.
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