Buzz
With the modern lifestyle, South Korea has become an entertainment hub with hundreds of engaging activities, attracting tourists of all ages worldwide, including Vietnam. If you're planning a trip to South Korea but don't know where to start, let Mytour suggest the essential services and detailed itinerary below.
South Korea is one of the hottest travel destinations in Asia
Book Your Flight to South Korea
Airplane is the most common means of transportation to South Korea. According to updates, Vietnam has numerous direct flights to major cities in South Korea operated by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Korean Airlines, Asiana Airlines, VietJet Air, and more. The three major cities in Vietnam, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, have direct flights to Seoul and Busan with a flight time of approximately 6 - 8 hours.
For self-guided travel in South Korea, it's advisable to book your flight at least a few months in advance to secure better prices and more options for your journey. Note that during peak times, ticket prices tend to be higher, so consider adjusting to fit your initial budget and avoid last-minute bookings as prices will be significantly higher near the departure date.
To book affordable flights to South Korea, you can check the prices of VietJet Air, which is a budget airline operating direct flights to South Korea. The reference price for a round-trip flight is around 5,000,000 VND.
What to Prepare Before Arriving in South Korea?
Once you have the perfect flight ticket to South Korea, the next step is to prepare the necessary items for your journey.
- South Korea Travel Visa and passport are two essential requirements for your budget South Korea trip. South Korea requires a visa for entry, and the visa application process is not too complicated. You can either apply for a visa on your own or choose a South Korea tour from reputable travel companies; they will assist you with the South Korea visa application process.
- Currency: The currency used in South Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Both banknotes and coins are widely circulated, so it's advisable to exchange some Won in Vietnam. Additionally, in shopping centers, restaurants, or hotels, credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, so carry them for convenience.
- Personal belongings: The personal items you bring will depend on when you plan to travel to South Korea. Therefore, consider packing appropriate clothing based on the weather conditions. Also, be sure to pack personal items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, a power bank, and common medications like cold medicine, pain relievers, as they will be useful for your trip.
>>> Explore a variety of South Korea tours with diverse itineraries suitable for every traveler's needs.
5-Day 4-Night Itinerary for Your South Korea Trip
Explore the 5D4N South Korea self-guided itinerary below for your reference!
Day 1: Departure from Vietnam to Incheon Airport - South Korea
Prepare your luggage and take a ride to the airport for the flight to Seoul, with a flight duration of approximately 6 - 8 hours. Choose an evening flight to rest and save time. After landing, complete the immigration procedures, collect your luggage, and return to the pre-booked hotel for accommodation.
Day 2: Explore Famous Attractions
After breakfast, you can visit a variety of interesting places, including:
The Royal Palace of South Korea, with a history of 500 years, is a cultural heritage and pride of the Korean people. At the Royal Palace, in addition to exploring ancient architectural structures, you can also immerse yourself in traditional Korean attire, available for rent at the palace entrance.
Gyeongbok Palace – Pride of the Korean People
The National Folk Museum is a place showcasing and preserving the history and culture of South Korea from its early years. Established in 1945, the museum aims to preserve and research the cultural values of Korea. You'll be amazed by the vast space with over 4,000 artifacts on display.
The Blue House, also known as the Presidential Residence, is another interesting attraction in South Korea. The Blue House serves as the residence and workplace of the President of South Korea, surrounded by sturdy, sustainable mountains that add to its grandeur.
After the tour, take a lunch break and savor traditional Korean dishes at local restaurants on the streets of South Korea.
Afternoon: Explore the famous landmarks of South Korea that you shouldn't miss, such as Namsan N Tower – the symbol of Seoul and the highest point in the city. Here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the beautiful city of Seoul or take photos at the location adorned with millions of love locks from couples around the world.
Evening: Enjoy the freedom to dine and explore the lively streets of Seoul at night.
Namsan Tower
Day 3: Spend time shopping
On the morning of the third day in South Korea, experience shopping activities in the vibrant pedestrian street of Myeongdong, featuring numerous world-famous fashion brands such as Chanel, Zara, H&M, as well as local Korean brands like Style Nanda, Roem, Spao, and more. If you're a fashion enthusiast, you can't miss this famous shopping district, right?
Additionally, if you travel to South Korea in winter, you can visit the Elysian ski resort and engage in exciting snow activities.
Afternoon: Explore and shop at the large cosmetics superstore, featuring famous Korean beauty products and thousands of renowned brands. Check out more Tips for Buying Korean Cosmetics from A - Z to choose the right beauty products for yourself!
You can also visit stores offering fresh ginseng and lingzhi mushrooms, famous specialties of the Kimchi land, and buy them as gifts for your loved ones.
Evening: Have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel or immerse yourself in the crowd at Myeongdong pedestrian street, savoring enticing street foods and unique Korean cuisine.
Myeongdong Pedestrian Street
Day 4: Everland Theme Park
Everland Theme Park is the largest outdoor theme park in South Korea with numerous captivating attractions. You might spend the entire day exploring the fascinating offerings here. Located just over 1 hour from Seoul by coach or car, Everland is a vibrant amusement park designed to make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale garden.
Here, you have the chance to discover thrilling and adventurous play areas or snap photos in European-style miniature settings. Additionally, the Magical Land area with fairy tale-inspired games is perfect for families with little ones to enjoy.
At the park, visitors can also experience the process of making kimchi and try on the Hanbok (traditional Korean attire) for memorable photo opportunities.
Everland Amusement Park
Afternoon: Explore the largest tax-free shopping center in Seoul, Shinsegae (Chila, Lotte), and visit Dongdaemun Market with its numerous fashion stalls and exciting innovations in Korea.
Shinsegae Tax-Free Shopping Center
Day 5: Stroll around and bid farewell to Korea
On your last day in Korea, take a leisurely stroll along the streets, capture memorable photos, and buy some souvenirs for yourself or your family.
Before checking out and organizing your belongings for the flight back to Vietnam, carefully inspect and pack your luggage for a smooth journey onto the plane.
>>> Explore more of the must-visit attractions in Korea here.
Tips for Traveling to Korea
During your international trip, it's important to be aware of certain tips for a safe and convenient journey. Here are some key considerations for traveling to Korea:
- Language: Most Koreans don't use English, so learn a few basic Korean phrases to navigate, make purchases, and communicate effectively during your travels.
- Attire: Korea has a cold climate, so check the weather and prepare appropriate clothing. When visiting places of respect like temples, palaces, and churches, wear modest and tidy attire. Also, for extensive sightseeing, wear comfortable shoes with a moderate sole for easy movement.
- Dining: Korea is renowned for its diverse, intricate, and uniquely spicy dishes. If you're not accustomed to spicy food, consider visiting Vietnamese restaurants in Korea for familiar flavors or bring instant noodles, jerky, or dry provisions from home. For Korean food enthusiasts, don't miss traditional dishes such as tteokbokki, kimchi, and fish-shaped cakes, which are readily available at all eateries in Korea.
Unique Korean Cuisine
- Transportation: In Korea, there are various public transportation options like buses, subways, taxis, bicycles, etc., making city travel quite convenient!
For buses, similar to Vietnam, they operate on specific routes, picking up and dropping off at designated stops. Familiarize yourself with your destinations and the corresponding bus routes. The one-way bus fare ranges from 500 to 1400 won.
Subways are a popular and cost-effective means of transportation in Korea. With affordable fares and safety, a subway train arrives approximately every 2-3 minutes, allowing you to explore Seoul, Busan, or Daegu. The average fare is around 900 won.
Taxis, while more expensive than subways and buses, offer an interesting experience as you sit comfortably and enjoy the scenery. The pricing varies based on time and distance between destinations, providing flexibility in your choice of transportation.
Additionally, it's crucial to secure and keep track of your belongings, always keeping them on your person and within your control.
>>> Explore more in the article Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need When Traveling to Korea from A to Z for meticulous luggage preparation!
The preceding insights covered the itinerary and essential tips for your independent Korea trip. Plan your journey or consider booking an affordable Mytour Korea tour with incredible offers! Wishing you a joyful and meaningful trip.
Check out the top 5 best-selling tours in Korea at Mytour Travel:
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