Discover the Ultimate Way to Travel Korea Hassle-Free for Travel Enthusiasts

Korea stands as a highly developed nation and a dream destination for many. The perennial question for travelers remains: should one opt for independent exploration or guided tours when it comes to travelling in Korea? If you're grappling with that decision, dive into the insights shared in this article!

Choosing the Perfect Time for a Korean Adventure

Korea unveils its unique charm with each season, offering a diverse tapestry of experiences. Hence, aligning your travel dates with your preferences is pivotal. Pinpointing the ideal timeframe marks the initial step in your journey to finding the optimal way to travel Korea.

1. Spring

Springtime in Korea spans from March to May, boasting pleasant weather characterized by mild temperatures, gentle sunshine, and a warm atmosphere. Many travelers opt for exploring Korea during this season, drawn by its numerous captivating flower festivals.

Springtime in Korea is awash with the pink hues of cherry blossoms (Image Source: Collected)

2. Summer

Summer in Korea stretches from June to August. During this period, temperatures tend to rise higher compared to other seasons. Despite the hot weather and occasional rainfall, coastal cities remain bustling with people.

Nevertheless, this is also the season when the most beautiful beaches come to life. If you're a beach lover and enjoy water activities, you may consider traveling to Korea either independently or as part of a tour.

This could also be considered a peak tourist season. With school children on summer break, many families organize outings and outdoor activities for their kids.

3. Autumn

From September to November marks autumn in Korea. Arguably one of the most beautiful seasons, according to the travel experiences in Korea in September shared by travel enthusiasts, the autumn weather here is pleasantly cool and refreshing.

Autumn in Korea adorned with romantic golden hues (Image Source: Collected)

Many travelers often choose to visit Korea in winter as this is when the scenery undergoes a transformation. Some streets, parks, and famous landmarks don a coat of autumnal red or shimmering gold.

4. Winter

You can also consider various ways to travel to Korea during winter. Winter in Korea lasts from December to February the following year. Korean winters are typically cold and snowy. If you're not accustomed to cold temperatures, it's advisable to avoid visiting Korea during this season.

For some other travelers, winter in Korea holds a peculiar allure. During this time, you not only get to admire the snow but also participate in exciting snow activities. These include skiing, soaking in hot springs, ice fishing, and more.

Independent Traveling in Korea

One of the most popular ways to travel to Korea is by going independently. However, this method is only suitable for experienced travelers who have prior experience traveling to Korea.

Traveling abroad is vastly different from domestic travel. Even the preparation process can be more complex and cumbersome. Let's explore what you need to prepare if you're planning to travel to Korea independently!

Independent travel in Korea offers you unforgettable experiences (Image Source: Collected)

1. What to prepare when traveling to Korea independently

Traveling to Korea independently requires you to allocate time to prepare various documents and related procedures. These preparations will facilitate a smoother and easier immigration process for you.

Applying for a Visa

The first thing to note is the visa. If you don't have a visa yet, you should proceed to apply for one immediately. Since the visa application process takes some time, to avoid any unfortunate situations, you should apply about 1 month before your planned departure. The documents required for the visa application include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure
• Employment contract to prove employment
• Leave request form with clear confirmation from the company
• Savings book with at least 100 million dong.

After completing the paperwork, you will submit it to the Consulate General of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City or the Embassy of Korea in Hanoi. It's advisable to choose a reputable visa service provider to increase your chances of visa approval and avoid unnecessary risks.

Booking Flight Tickets

When traveling to Korea, there are numerous airlines to choose from. Some domestic and international airlines you can consider are Vietnam Airlines, Air Busan, Korean Air, etc. It's advisable to book your tickets as early as possible. Booking early will help you save a lot of costs for your trip. The closer to the departure date, the higher the ticket prices. Therefore, booking in advance will save you a considerable amount of money!

There are many airlines for you to choose from for your journey (Image Source: Collected)

Hotel Reservation

When applying the independent travel method to Korea, booking hotel rooms is the next factor you need to consider. Typically, at any location, there will be hotels for travelers to stay. The types of rooms here have a wide range of prices from budget to luxury.

Similar to flight tickets, you need to search and book rooms early through online booking platforms. This will help you secure accommodation in advance. No need to worry about rooms running out or no availability on the day of your trip.

Buying a 4G SIM Card

4G SIM cards are widely sold in Korea. You can also prepare in advance by buying one in Vietnam. This SIM not only helps you conveniently communicate in Korea but also provides Wi-Fi for you to use. With Internet access, you'll feel more at ease as you can use Google Maps for navigation, search for necessary information, etc.

Alternatively, you can also purchase one upon arrival in Korea. Some telecommunications stores or even airports sell these SIM cards. The prices are also quite reasonable, not too expensive or significantly different from buying in our country.

Exchanging Currency

Exchanging money before your trip is something you should do if you're applying the independent travel method to Korea. Changing to Korean currency will make shopping easier and more convenient when you arrive in the land of kimchi. And don't forget to bring your card for backup!

Don't forget to exchange currency before exploring Korea!(Image Source: Collected)

2. Must-Visit Attractions When Traveling Independently in Korea

There are numerous hot tourist spots in Korea for you to explore. However, your trip will be easier if you visit based on specific locations. Depending on where you stop or where you go, you can plan out an itinerary, suitable routes for yourself.

The Capital City Seoul

Seoul is a modern and bustling city. By traveling independently in Korea, you can freely explore all the unique features when you come here. Some extremely hot check-in spots in Seoul that you shouldn't miss include:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: This is considered the largest palace in Korea, built in 1395, during the Joseon Dynasty. The architecture of this palace is extremely unique. When you visit, don't forget to rent Hanbok costumes for some glamorous check-in photos!
• Namsan Tower: Namsan Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Seoul. And if you're with your loved one, you shouldn't miss this spot. You can hang a love lock here as a testament to your love for each other.
• Bukchon Hanok Village: This village is very close to Gyeongbok Palace. Here, there are hundreds of traditional houses over 600 years old. These houses were built a long time ago, during the Joseon period. You can wear Hanbok costumes and take impressive photos here.
• Myeongdong Shopping District: When you come here, you'll be amazed by the luxurious fashion stores. Almost all top Korean fashion and cosmetics stores are present here. Examples include H&M, Forever21, Zara, etc.

The City of Busan

Busan is a modern and developed port city, not inferior to other places. Here, there are many beautiful beaches where people often flock to in the summer. Besides the beaches, there are many other interesting destinations here.

Check-in at Busan (Image Source: Collected)

• Busan Tower: This is the second tallest tower in the land of kimchi. By following the way to travel to South Korea independently, you will get a panoramic view of Busan city when you reach this tower.
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: This temple was built in 1376. It can be said that this is one of the most famous and sacred ancient temples in Korea. 
• Gamcheon Culture Village: Visiting this place, you will have the opportunity to admire houses painted in extremely vibrant and outstanding colors.

Jeju Island

By traveling to South Korea independently, you can choose Jeju Island as a stopover for your journey. Jeju Island is the largest island in Korea, so there will be many prominent places for you to explore and check-in. In addition, there are specialties here that only Jeju has, such as tangerines, black pork...

Nami Island

If you wander to South Korea in autumn, a destination you definitely shouldn't miss is Nami Island. This is a very famous place known to many because it was the main setting for the famous drama 'Winter Sonata'.

Nami Island is loved by many travelers (Image source: Collection)

In autumn, the scenery here becomes incredibly romantic. The landscape seems to be wearing a new coat. The yellow and red colors of the leaves intertwine, making the sky stand out. Here, you can enjoy some specialties like grilled corn-fed chicken with cabbage, grilled meat...

Traveling to South Korea with a tour

If you lack experience in traveling to South Korea independently, you can opt for traveling to South Korea with a tour. This tour option is very suitable for those traveling with friends or family.

1. What are the advantages of traveling to South Korea with a tour?

By traveling to South Korea with a tour, you will discover its excellent advantages. Some of these include:

- The cost will be somewhat cheaper compared to traveling independently. Additionally, you will know and plan your expenses more effectively for your trip.

- You won't have to worry about the hassle of visa procedures and applications. All you need to do is prepare the required documents, and the travel company will take care of the rest. Your visa approval rate will be up to 100%.

- You won't need to fret over planning an itinerary. With a tour, all sightseeing programs will be arranged by the travel company. They will also handle transportation arrangements throughout the trip.

- Most importantly, there will be a Vietnamese-speaking tour guide accompanying you throughout the journey. If you don't speak Korean or English, this tour option will be extremely helpful.

For these reasons, tours to South Korea are increasingly becoming the optimal choice for many travelers.

2. Limitations of Touring South Korea?

Apart from the mentioned advantages, touring South Korea also comes with its own limitations. However, compared to the significant benefits, these limitations are considered minor.

Touring South Korea may have a few limitations to consider (Image Source: Collection)

- Since touring follows a preset schedule, you won't have the flexibility to explore on your own. The best approach is to carefully review and choose a tour with the most preferred attractions to sign up for.

- Similarly, dining arrangements are already included in the tour package. Therefore, you won't have the freedom to choose your meals or room preferences.

- Typically, the itinerary for exploring South Korea is quite packed. Each destination will have a limited amount of time for stops. Hence, you need to be in good health to keep up with the tour program and make the most out of sightseeing and photo opportunities.

Should You Choose Independent Travel or Guided Tours for South Korea?

From the above insights, you've probably noticed the strengths and weaknesses of each way to travel to South Korea. However, if you're not familiar with international travel, the quickest and most convenient way to visit Korea is still through a guided tour.

It's crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy tour company when traveling. Nowadays, there is no shortage of travel companies for you to choose from. Among them, Mytour stands firm in the tourism industry. Along with its quality, excellent service, and dedicated staff, it ensures that travelers feel satisfied and happy.

Currently, our company offers some extremely favorable tours to South Korea. You can learn more on our company's website.

Some Things to Note When Traveling to South Korea

When visiting a foreign land, understanding the culture and taboos of the place is essential. This helps you avoid unwanted incidents and ensures a smoother trip. Whether traveling to South Korea independently or with a tour, it's important to keep these factors in mind.

Being aware of some key points will help ensure you have a smooth trip.(Image Source: Collection)

- In public places, absolutely refrain from sniffing or spitting. Such behavior is considered very impolite and uncultured.

- When communicating with locals, avoid staring or pointing fingers at their faces. This is seen as disrespectful and demeaning.

- While on the subway, maintain order at all times. Avoid laughing, joking, or speaking too loudly.

- When visiting temples, it's advisable to dress modestly and respectfully. Remember to remove your shoes outside and avoid entering through the main door, opting instead for the side entrance.

With the insights shared above, surely you've made a decision for yourself. Depending on your needs and preferences, choose the way to travel to Korea that suits you best. If you're interested in a tour, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour to book a tour and receive the quickest advice and support!