While Seoul is connected by an infinite web of subways, the rest of Korea is best explored on four wheels. To reach the coastal drives of Namhae, the mountains of Gangwon-do, or the hidden cafes of Jeju, you need a rental car.
But Korea is not a place where you can "wing it." One wrong document, and you will be turned away at the counter.
Seoul's public transportation system is a marvel of engineering. It is clean, cheap, on time, and covers every inch of the city. But to use it like a local (and save money), you need to understand the "Hwanseung" (Transfer) system.
Stop taking taxis. Here is how to navigate Seoul like a pro.
The journey from Seoul to Busan covers about 325 kilometers (200 miles) diagonally across the peninsula. It is the "Golden Route" of Korean travel. Almost every tourist will make this trip, and you have four distinct ways to do it.
Do you want to get there fast? Cheap? Or in luxury? Let's break it down.
In 2024, Korea's public transport payment landscape got complicated. What used to be just "T-Money for everyone" has now split into three major competitors: The resident-focused K-Pass, the Seoul-resident favorite Climate Card, and the classic T-Money.
Which one should you buy? Here is the definitive breakdown for 2025.
One of the greatest joys of traveling in Korea is the simplicity of paying. The price on the menu is the price you pay. There is no mental math for tax, and absolutely zero pressure to tip. In fact, trying to tip can lead to an awkward sprint down the street as a waiter tries to return your "forgotten" money.
Here is the practical guide to keeping your money safe (and spending it correctly).
In Korea, alcohol is not just a beverage; it is social glue. You don't really know someone until you have shared a bottle of Soju with them. Whether it's a corporate "Hoesik" (company dinner) or a Friday night out in Hongdae, knowing the rules of the game will save you from embarrassment (and a terrible hangover).
Here is your survival manual.
South Korea is technically a peninsula, but in reality, it is a spine of mountains rising from the sea. 70% of the country is mountainous. If you only visit Seoul, you are missing the lungs of the country.
Here are the 7 best destinations to trade neon lights for starlight.
Most travelers only see the inside of Incheon International Airport (ICN). That is a mistake. Incheon is a city of extreme contrasts: The futuristic "Smart City" of Songdo on one side, and the historic 19th-century port of Chinatown on the other.
If you have a layover of 6 hours or more, get out of the terminal. Here is your guide.
When Seoul gets too crowded, where do the locals go? They head East. Gangwon-do is the province of mountains and sea. The water here is a deep, clean sapphire blue—totally different from the muddy West Sea.
Whether you are a K-Pop fan, a coffee addict, or a nature lover, the trio of Gangneung, Sokcho, and Yangyang has something for you.
Welcome to the "Hawaii of Korea." Jeju Island is a volcanic wonderland three times the size of Seoul. It has emerald beaches, black basalt cliffs, and Mt. Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea.
But here is the truth: Jeju is difficult to travel without a car. If you are planning to visit, this guide will save you hours of frustration waiting for buses.
