South Korea

Why South Korea

There are countries that keep their promises and others that surpass you. South Korea is part of the second category. You arrive with the image of K-pop and the neon lights of Seoul, you leave with the crimson colors of Seoraksan in October, the taste of Jeonju's bibimbap at sunrise and the silhouette of Gyeongbokgung Temple under the snow. A country that has not finished surprising you.

What is immediately striking is the density. In less than 100,000 km² (the size of Iceland), South Korea is home to ten centuries of kingdoms, one of the most complex gastronomy in the world, pink granite mountains and black sand beaches. The TGV (KTX) connects Seoul to Busan in 2 hours and 20 minutes: in other words, organizing a tour is both simple and stimulating, with stages that completely change face every two hours by train.

Korean modernity does not crush the past, it frames it. In Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla kingdom, royal burial mounds appear in the middle of shopping streets. In Jeonju, the 700 hanok houses with curved roofs are a five-minute walk from a trendy café. This cohabitation, far from being uncomfortable, gives South Korea a unique texture: you come back to it, and you discover something more.

When to go

South Korea has a very distinct seasonal rhythm, which simplifies the choice.

Spring (April-May)is the queen season. Cherry blossoms transform Gyeongju, Jinhae and the banks of the Han River in Seoul into postcard settings from the end of March. Pleasant temperatures (7 to 24°C), still moderate humidity, festive atmosphere throughout the country. The Jinhae festival (late March-early April) attracts millions of visitors: book early.

Autumn (October-November)rivals spring, perhaps even surpasses it in nature. The Seoraksan and Naejangsan national parks turn red and gold in a few days in October. Perfect temperatures (10 to 20°C), blue skies, controlled crowds outside the parks.

Winter (December-February)is cold (-6°C at night in Seoul) but dry, bright and photogenic under the snow. The ski resorts of Pyeongchang (site of the 2018 Olympics) are operating at full capacity. Seoul and the palaces under the snow offer a timeless atmosphere.

Monsoon (July-August)is to be avoided for a tour. July brings 415 mm of rain and a stifling humid heat. The beaches of Busan and Jeju are still frequentable, but the country is less pleasant to explore.

How much does it cost

South Korea is not a cheap destination, but it is much cheaper than we imagine from France. The cost of living is on average 19% lower than in Paris (Numbeo 2026 data), and the difference is mainly in restaurants (40% cheaper) and transport.

Count between €55 and €110 per day per person for a comfortable trip: accommodation in a decent hotel (€30-60/night), meals in good restaurants (€10-20 per meal), KTX and metro transport, entrance to the sites. In budget mode (youth hostel, street food, carpooling), we go down to €40-55/day.

Organized tours start at €1,582 for 10 days (excluding flights). The direct Paris-Seoul flight costs around €900-1,200 round trip in high season, €600-800 with a stopover. Total budget for a 12-day tour, flight included: count €2,500 to €4,000 depending on your level of comfort.

Where to go

South Korea is a country with a main axis (the west coast from Seoul to Busan) with two major getaways: Jeju in the south and Seoraksan in the northeast. The KTX is so fast that you can go through four cities in a week without feeling rushed.

Seoul(3-4 days) is a must: Gyeongbokgung Palace and its guards in Joseon dress, the Hanbok streets of Bukchon, the Gwangjang night market and its golden pajeon, the nightlife of Hongdae. The city is also a surprise machine: world-class museums, contemporary art galleries, exploding culinary scene.

Gyeongju(1-2 days) is the other Korea: no building of more than two floors is allowed near the historic center. The royal mounds of Daereungwon Park, the Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO) and its thousand-year-old pagodas, the Cheomseongdae Observatory: this is the Korea before the cities, serene and deep.

Busan(2-3 days) tempers the excesses of Seoul with its coastal identity: Haeundae beach, Gamcheon village clinging to the hill like a kaleidoscope, Haedong Yonggungsa temple on the rocks. The city also has the best fish restaurant scene in the country.

Jeonju(1-2 days) is the capital of taste: the bibimbap is an institution, the hanok village an intact setting. A short stage but one that has a lasting impact.

Jeju(2-3 days) is worth it (flight or ferry from the mainland) but is a must: the Hallasan volcano, the basalt cliffs, the haenyeo and the Olle trails are a total change of scenery compared to the rest of the country.

Our itineraries

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

French nationals do not need any visa or prior authorization to enter South Korea for up to 90 days (K-ETA exemption extended until December 31, 2026). A valid passport is sufficient. It is recommended to have the contact details of your accommodation from the first night when passing through customs.

For non-French visitors (nationals of other nationalities), check your individual situation on the website of the Korean embassy in your country of residence.

Getting around

TheKTX(high-speed train) is the ideal means of transport between major cities. Seoul-Busan in 2 hours 20 minutes, Seoul-Gyeongju in 2 hours, Seoul-Jeonju in 1 hour 30 minutes. Book on the website ofKorail(rail.go.kr) or via the Korail Talk app. TheSeoul Subway(9 lines) is very effective, virtually without language barriers.

ProsJejuThe domestic flight from Seoul (Gimpo, GMP) takes 1 hour and costs €30-80 depending on the season with Air Seoul, Jeju Air or Korean Air. The ferry from Mokpo or Busan is a scenic option (12 hours at night).

The rechargeable transport cardT-moneyWorks throughout the country (metro, bus, taxi, some convenience stores). Available at all airports.

Culture and uses

Korean culture is deeply marked by Confucianism: respect for elders and hierarchy are taken seriously. Some customs to know: receiving and giving with both hands (food, business cards, gifts) is a sign of respect; taking off your shoes before entering a traditional restaurant is sometimes required; tips are not in the habit (they can even be perceived negatively).

Buddhist temples (some of which practice thetemplestay, overnight accommodation with the monks) are spaces of silence: dress modestly and avoid speaking loudly.

South Korea is one of the most connected countries in the world: wifi is free in transport, cafes, hotels and even in many parks. Local SIM cards (4G/5G data) can be bought at Incheon airport for less than €15 per week.

Frequently asked questions