[9X Review] Comprehensive Guide to 5-Day 4-Night Korea Tour

Not typically one for romantic getaways, Korea had never been on my travel radar. However, the vibrant colors of autumn changed my perspective entirely.

And so, I decided to opt for Mytour's Korea Tour as the next destination to experience and review for everyone.

5-Day 4-Night Korea Tour

Applying for a South Korea Visa

Unlike Southeast Asian countries, traveling to South Korea requires obtaining a visa regardless of whether you're traveling independently or on a tour. However, getting a South Korea visa has never been easy! The reason is due to the increasing number of Vietnamese people staying illegally and immigrating to the country, leading to stricter visa regulations.

To complete the South Korea visa application process, you can either do it independently or join a Korea tour. If you choose to apply independently, you can either go directly to the Embassy or use visa services provided by travel companies. However, make sure to find reputable agencies for a reliable service.

Additionally, for passports without a travel history, no proof of finances or employment, it's very likely to be rejected. Moreover, even if you successfully obtain a visa, some places may require you to deposit 100 million VND, which will be refunded upon your return to prevent overstaying.

A small note for those traveling to South Korea independently: if you can't prove your financial capability, you can apply for a 5-year visa (no financial proof required). This type of visa is more expensive than a single-entry visa (around $80 = 1,900,000 VND). Additionally, this visa only applies to residents of three provinces: Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

South Korea Tourist Visa

If you're traveling to South Korea on a tour, the travel company will handle all visa procedures for you. However, don't forget to prepare some mandatory documents such as the following: (I'll list according to the case of being an office worker)

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• 2 photos sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm with white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Savings account book (minimum 100 million VND per person and deposited at least 1 month before traveling)
• Original confirmation of bank balance for the savings account
• Employment contract (original or copy stamped by the company)
• Confirmation of salary statement within the last 3 months
• Leave request form (if traveling on regular working days)
• Appointment or promotion decision (if any)
• Household registration book (original or copy)
• Labor insurance

If you are not an employee and belong to the category of freelancers, students, retirees, please contact Mytour at 1900 2083 for the most detailed advice on South Korea visa regulations.

Moreover, if you have traveled to Europe, Australia, America, or hold party membership cards, journalist cards, etc., you will be exempt from proving financial capability.

Flight ticket to South Korea

The airline we flew with on our South Korea tour this time was Vietnam Airlines, economy class, with complimentary food and beverage service.

The flight time from Vietnam to South Korea is 4 hours, plus an additional 2 hours on the ground, making it approximately a 6-hour journey. However, with modern Boeing aircraft, you can enjoy all entertainment technology through the screen in front of each seat.

Furthermore, for those who prefer to hunt for cheap flights to South Korea on their own, it's best to start searching 3 to 6 months in advance.

The lowest airfare to Incheon (Seoul) at the current time is around 1,150,000 VND (for Vietjet Air and excluding taxes and fees). Sometimes, I've even seen ticket prices as low as 480,000 VND when searching for flights.

The airline I flew to South Korea with was Vietnam Airlines

Documents for entering South Korea

The documents required for entry into the Land of the Morning Calm will be 2 forms, not just one. However, if you're traveling to South Korea on a tour, all procedures will be taken care of by the tour guide.

For independent travel, make sure to carry a pen with you for filling out forms as pens may not be readily available on the plane.

Hotels in South Korea

The hotel I stayed at during the South Korea tour was Pullman Ambassador Seoul, a 5-star hotel located right in the heart of the capital. It's 1.5km away from Myeongdong shopping street and 2km from Dongdaemun shopping district.

Close to bus stops, MRT subway stations, and surrounded by plenty of convenience stores like 7 Eleven, GS25, CU, etc. Overall, it's very convenient.

What to eat during the South Korea trip?

Breakfasts during the tour are buffet-style at the hotel, offering a wide variety of easy-to-eat dishes. As for lunch and dinner, the menu consists of a table with rice, soup, and 8 main dishes.

The meals on my tour usually feature 1 - 2 standout dishes, such as Bulgogi beef hot pot, honey-glazed grilled chicken, Korean BBQ, grilled tuna, mixed rice, ginseng chicken soup, etc.

All are prepared abundantly to make you feel full, accompanied by unlimited side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, etc. However, try not to waste food as Koreans don't like food wastage.

Diverse food options during the South Korea tour

>> Explore more: 8 iconic dishes representing the soul of South Korea

Transportation in South Korea

According to my tour itinerary, all destinations are covered with transportation services. However, during free evenings or if traveling independently in South Korea, you can consider using buses, MRT subway, and taxis.

Especially taxis, in the Land of the Morning Calm, there are no 7-seater taxis, only 4-seaters. Additionally, this mode of transportation is quite expensive, with the lowest fare around 1,200 Won/km (~24,000 KRW/km), not including waiting time or traffic delays.

So to get the cheapest fare, you can gather a group of 4 people to 'carpool' the taxi fare. Black taxis are usually the most expensive, while using yellow, white taxis, etc., will be cheaper.

Mobile SIM Card in South Korea

In South Korea, there is a very interesting point where each person can only have one mobile SIM card, registered under their ID number. Therefore, tourists visiting can only purchase data SIM cards for internet access, but cannot make calls.

The price of a SIM card in South Korea is 350,000 VND, with a data capacity of 4GB, available for purchase directly from the tour guide.

Currency Exchange in South Korea

Where to exchange South Korean currency at a cheap and reputable rate? The answer is to go to Hà Trung Street, Hoàn Kiếm. Before exchanging, I checked the exchange rate online and it was 1000 KRW = 22,000 VND. However, when I went to Hà Trung Street, the exchange rate was 20,000 VND, which was 2,000 VND cheaper. I exchanged about 5 million VND per person, which was just enough for shopping.

In the land of Kimchi, the main currency is the Won (KRW). Large denominations are usually in banknotes, while small denominations below 1000 Won are in coins. So, be careful when shopping to avoid losing those small coins.

South Korean Won (KRW)

Dos and Don'ts When Traveling to South Korea

Based on my experience, there are dos and don'ts that you must remember before coming here, including:

What to do when traveling to South Korea?

You should check the temperature before going on a tour to South Korea. The simplest way is to search on Google, or you can join Facebook groups such as: Traveling to South Korea, Independent Travel in South Korea, Sharing South Korea Travel Experiences,...

It often updates the latest news and current temperature of this temperate land. Moreover, due to the cold and dry climate, even when the temperature drops to 6 degrees, the weather is just chilly, not freezing.

Bring seasoning (soup powder) if you have a moderate and salty taste. Due to health factors, almost all Korean dishes are quite bland and spicy.

Bring a large suitcase (for checked baggage) and a small suitcase (for carry-on), because in the Mytour tour to South Korea, you are allowed 12kg of carry-on and 23kg of checked baggage for free.

Moreover, since August 2019, Vietnam Airlines has implemented a policy of baggage classification for air travel. Therefore, besides meeting the correct weight, each type of luggage is only allowed to be arranged into 1 piece for carry-on and 1 piece for checked baggage.

Moreover, since domestic Korean cosmetics are very affordable, you'll definitely need slightly larger suitcases for them.

>> More: Preparing for your trip to South Korea

What not to do when traveling to South Korea?

Absolutely do not bring fruits, vegetables, or any type of meat when entering South Korea. Due to strict quarantine and safety measures, violators may face severe penalties.

Avoid walking randomly on the streets in South Korea. Wait for the green light and cross at the white lines when crossing the road. If walking, stick to the pedestrian lanes. With traffic in South Korea allowing cars to go up to 80km/h, it can be very dangerous to wander without paying attention to designated areas.

P/s: Before diving into the review of the 5N4D South Korea tour, I just want to mention that I traveled during the autumn season, around early November. This is the time when the streets are filled with red and yellow leaves, the weather is chilly but not freezing. It's considered the most beautiful time of the year in South Korea.

Let's embark on the exciting 5N4D South Korea tour adventure with Mytour!

Traveling to South Korea in autumn is the best time of the year

My 5N4D South Korea exploration itinerary

Day 1

Morning: Group gathering at the airport

At 7:00 AM, the group and the tour guide will meet at 15 Le Thanh Tong Street, then proceed directly to Noi Bai International Airport to catch Vietnam Airlines flight VN414 departing at 10:25 AM. The flight duration from Hanoi to South Korea is 4 hours.

Afternoon: Rest and enjoy the flight

As it's a midday and afternoon flight, Vietnam Airlines provides complimentary meals for the entire group. After dining, you can rest or enjoy activities like gaming, reading, watching movies, etc., on the screen in front of each seat.

Meal on Vietnam Airlines flight

At 4:30 PM, the group lands at Incheon Airport in South Korea, completes immigration procedures, and collects luggage. Wow, we've officially arrived in the Land of the Morning Calm! Taking in the romantic atmosphere is truly an indescribable feeling.

Evening: Indulge in Bulgogi beef hotpot

In the evening, embrace the chill and savor the truly comforting Bulgogi beef hotpot, which makes me feel like I'm stepping into memories of all the Korean dramas I watched as a child.

However, don't overeat just because it's delicious. After dining, we'll continue our journey from Incheon city back to Seoul, with a travel time of about 45 minutes. Upon arrival in the capital, the group checks in and receives rooms at the 5-star Pullman Ambassador Seoul Hotel.

The entire evening is free time, but after the fatigue of the flight, you can head to the hotel's basement to use amenities like the Korean sauna and steam room for relaxation.

Ngày 2

Morning: Immerse yourself in the paradise of Nami Island

Visiting South Korea in autumn and missing out on the golden and red leaf paradise of Nami Island would be a big mistake. Here, you not only experience being engulfed in the vibrant colors of thousands of ginkgo trees, birches, maples, and more, but it's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the romantic Korean love songs spanning decades.

To reach Nami Island, there are two options: taking a ferry or riding a cable car. If you're on a tour, you'll experience the ferry, as the cable car is usually reserved for the adventurous. It's not the common cabin type but rather a seat with a safety harness, where we'll slide from a high pole on the mainland to the island.

For independent travelers, you can consider this interesting mode of transportation priced at 3,800 Won (~$80). The travel time to Nami Island is 5 minutes.

Nami Island ablaze with red and yellow hues

Nami Island tour in South Korea, especially in autumn, is usually crowded (it's not an exaggeration to say that 70 - 80% are Vietnamese tourists). Therefore, the first impression upon setting foot on the island is not about the scenery or beauty but just two words: 'VERY CROWDED'.

The rows of ginkgo trees and maple trees, beautiful as if from a painting in autumn, can have up to 10 people around each tree. However, there's a way to fully enjoy the romance of Nami, which is to venture deep into the island about 100 - 200 meters, where you'll find a tranquil sky still filled with yellow and red hues.

Don't forget the wooden bridge overlooking the sea surrounding the island, which is also an impressive check-in spot not to be missed when visiting Nami.

>> 'Pocket' the most beautiful places to admire yellow and red leaves in South Korea

Afternoon: Namsan Tower - where love is preserved

After lunch with honey-glazed grilled chicken, the group continues the South Korea tour to visit the Skywalk bridge - a transparent glass bridge connecting the mainland to the Fisherman's Wharf in the middle of the river. For me, besides the fact that the entire bridge is made of glass and you can see through to the river below, there's nothing too special about it.

Hop on the bus to visit the symbol of Seoul's television industry, which is Namsan Tower. Similar to Mount Faber in Singapore, here you will get a panoramic view of the capital from above.

Additionally, if anyone wants to commemorate their love here, they can buy a lock priced from 5,000 - 10,000 Won (~$100 - $200) to lock onto the love lock bridge at the base of Namsan Tower.

Evening: Free exploration of Myeongdong

After dinner, the group is free to explore Seoul. As mentioned about the expensiveness of taxis here, I grouped with 4 people to split the taxi fare. This method is quite effective, but Korean taxis neither listen nor speak English, so be sure to show them a map or images of the destination.

Besides, if you're unsure where to go or what to do in the evening, you can head straight to Myeongdong Street - the liveliest pedestrian street and shopping district in Seoul.

Here, you can find everything from famous Korean street food to renowned clothing brands and popular cosmetics, more than enough to keep you occupied all evening. However, some stores here close by either 10 PM or 11 PM.

Traveling to Myeongdong to indulge in some super distinctive cuisine

Day 3

Morning: Hands-on experience making Korean kimchi

On the morning of day 3, it's time to learn and experience the famous kimchi-making process. The whole group will be taught the authentic method of salting and will have the opportunity to try making it themselves. Due to health reasons, Koreans avoid MSG and limit sugar, so all the sweetness in the kimchi comes from natural sources like apple juice, pear,...

After finishing, you can freely enjoy various types of complimentary seaweed. Then, head upstairs to choose a Hanbok outfit of your choice for a photo shoot.

Afternoon: Unlimited fun at Everland Theme Park

Renowned for being among the top 10 largest and most modern parks in the world. A trip to Korea would be incomplete without visiting the famous Everland Park. Along the way down, we'll pass through four main areas: the zoo (outdoor zoo, safari zoo), children's play area, adventure rides, and the European flower valley.

These are the main sections of the park, in addition to global market complexes, shopping areas, and K-pop performance venues. To avoid getting lost, you can pick up a map (Vietnamese version) to plan your journey through the nearly 7-hectare valley.

The ticket price is included in the tour package, but for independent travelers and individuals, it's as follows:

• Adults: 52,000 Won (~830,000 VND)
• Children: 41,000 Won (~670,000 VND)

Exploring Everland Park in South Korea

A few special notes about this park: it's nestled deep in a valley, so if you plan to stay until evening, remember to bring a warm jacket. Additionally, the tips for enjoying Everland suggest that to fully explore the vast amusement areas, you should walk down into the valley through each area for the experience, and then take the cable car back up to save your legs from getting tired.

However, be mentally prepared that you can only 'ride and admire' because this park is always crowded. Each ride typically has 30-50 people waiting in line (the number of people in line is clearly displayed on a sign at the entrance of each ride).

Even the cable car has queues; on one occasion, I had to wait for over half an hour to get on the cable car. But there are two types of cable cars here: one is an open-air seated cable car (near the adventure rides), and the other is a cabin-style cable car (near the flower garden). Depending on your preference and time, you can choose the one that suits you best.

Evening: Free to Explore Seoul at Night

Since we had spent the afternoon thoroughly enjoying ourselves at Everland Park, after dinner, I just strolled around the hotel, experiencing the streets of South Korea, and then went back to rest early.

However, if you still have the energy, you can consider visiting some of the super hot spots highly recommended by Korean travel enthusiasts, such as the shopping, dining, and entertainment districts like Hongdae, Insadong, Gangnam, Dongdaemun, Gwangjang Market, the Han River banks, and more.

>> See more: 6 Unmissable Things to Do in Seoul

Ngày thứ 4

Morning: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gwanghwamun Square

This morning, the group will visit Gyeongbok Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village. However, when on a tour, remember that the itinerary may not follow the sample 100% and can change depending on circumstances, weather conditions, or routes.

For example, the schedule for the 4th day of my tour changed because Bukchon Hanok Village does not welcome visitors on Sundays. Therefore, today's schedule will be swapped with tomorrow's. Any changes will only affect the order, not cancel any activities, so there's no need to worry too much.

After having breakfast buffet at the hotel, the group will hop on the bus to explore Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwanghwamun Square.

Cheonggyecheon is considered the green lung of Seoul, helping to balance the temperature and cool down the capital by 2 - 3 degrees in the summer. Along this stream, you'll have the opportunity to admire a series of legendary symbols of Korea as well as folk tales of humanity.

At first glance, Cheonggyecheon may just look like a stream flowing past high-rise buildings. But try strolling along this stream once, and you'll involuntarily feel relaxed and peaceful inside.

Cheonggyecheon Stream in South Korea

If Cheonggyecheon Stream is likened to Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake, then Gwanghwamun is undoubtedly the square with the statue of King Ly Thai To.

With its spacious area featuring the statue of King Sejong - the most revered king of the Joseon dynasty. Here, you'll not only have the chance to learn about Korea's prosperous period but also to check in with the giant statue of the king alongside rows of vibrant gingko trees lining the street.

Afternoon: Shopping spree in South Korea

Honestly, the part of tours I dislike the most is mandatory shopping stops, but with a South Korea tour, this is the time I find most enjoyable. To provide a detailed review for you all, I'll temporarily divide today's shopping session into 2 parts.

The first part is shopping at government stores. For me, these moments offer more knowledge than shopping itself. I understand why Koreans are so tall and live so long.

In addition to strict food inspection, they also have many special nutritional supplements such as: ginseng (red ginseng, Korean ginseng), Korean red ginseng, red pine oil, lingzhi mushroom,...

Besides, visiting government-run areas like this helps me understand one thing, if you can buy cheap ginseng, there are only 2 types: one is ginseng extract mixed with other substances, two is ginseng with unknown origin.

6-year-old ginseng is the most nutritious type and is only sold at government ginseng stores

The second part is free shopping. Many young travelers to the land of Kimchi often just search on google for famous entertainment and shopping spots.

But if you go on a tour, you will know you have to go to duty-free shops, domestic Korean cosmetics stores to see how cheap they are. Not praising the quality but all the shopping chains I set foot in like: The Shilla, Charm & Charm,... all drove me crazy.

Evening: Never-ending exploration at Dongdaemun area

And the final evening in this South Korea tour, I will dedicate the experience to Dongdaemun. In Seoul, you can indulge in shopping, dining, exploring, and taking pictures with countless nooks and crannies like: Dongdaemun Design Plaza fashion center (looks a bit like a giant whale), Heunginjimun ancient Seoul gate, Doota shopping center, Shin Pyeonghwa Fashion Town, Lotte FITIN,...

>> Check out: Top 7 must-visit places in Seoul

Exploring Dongdaemun - the virtual playground of young Koreans

Day 5

Morning: Immerse yourself in Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbok Palace

When it comes to traveling to South Korea, almost everyone knows about Gyeongbok Palace - the residence of the Chosun dynasty for nearly 600 years. Visiting the palace with its 7,225 majestic rooms, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in ancient Korean life thanks to its distinctive architecture and well-preserved artifacts.

Don't forget, the Blue House Cheongwadae (Presidential Palace) and the Seoul Folk Museum are also nearby areas to explore the fascinating culture.

Scenery inside Gyeongbok Palace

As mentioned on Day 4, Bukchon Hanok Village is only open for visitors from Monday to Saturday. Besides, as it's a popular tourist spot that almost everyone visiting Seoul must see, let me share some insights:

• Bukchon Hanok Village opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, and remains closed on Sundays.
• If taking the subway, head to Gate 2, Anguk Station, Line 3, then walk approximately 300 meters.
• At the foot of the village, there are many shops renting Hanbok for photo shoots. For affordable Hanbok rental, visit shops outside the main street rather than inside the village. The rental price for men is 15,000 Won (~$300) and for women is 17,000 Won (~$340) due to the additional skirt layer for women.
• When entering Bukchon Hanok Village, maintain silence and refrain from loud noises, as it is the residence of the wealthy in Seoul. They often hire security guards and people holding signs saying 'keep silent' to remind visitors to behave properly and not litter.
• As the village is not very large, you can leisurely explore all its nooks and crannies. At the end of the street, there's a legendary slope where you can capture unforgettable photos.

With its cultural significance, where houses and alleys have been preserved for hundreds of years, Bukchon Hanok Village stands as the most beautiful symbol of South Korea.

Wearing Hanbok while visiting Bukchon Hanok Village

Afternoon: Farewell to South Korea, heading back home from the airport

If someone asks me, 'Should I travel to South Korea?' My answer will always be, if you have the opportunity, try to visit South Korea at least once in your lifetime. The land of Kimchi is not about extravagance; it's simply a place that makes me want to come back again and again.

Thank you and goodbye South Korea, the whole group boards the bus to Incheon Airport to catch flight VN415 at 6:05 PM and head back home.

With these practical travel experiences in South Korea, I believe you can apply them both when joining a tour and when traveling independently. Or if you simply want to go but are too lazy to plan everything from A to Z, you can check out Mytour Travel's South Korea tour packages that I've chosen. Mytour doesn't promise to give you a perfect trip, but it will always be the best memory when you look back.

I've finished sketching the 'map' to explore the land of Kimchi. And here's all the authentic 5-day 4-night South Korea tour experience that I want to share. If you're ready to choose this as your next destination, don't hesitate to prepare your visa documents 1-2 months in advance.

Wishing you the smoothest and happiest journey ahead!

Author: Daisy Ng