The food in South Korea is so good because of its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Korean food is known for its bold and complex flavors, often incorporating a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory elements. The use of fresh and high-quality …
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Backpacking South Korea in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in South Korea with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit South Korea
Embark on a dynamic adventure in South Korea, where tradition meets modernity for the backpacker's delight. Pros? Immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, explore historic palaces, and indulge in diverse street food, all within efficient and affordable public transportation. Language barriers can be a challenge, but the warmth of locals prevails. For the tech-savvy and culturally curious backpacker, South Korea offers a blend of ancient charm and futuristic flair, making it a unique destination where the old and new seamlessly coexist, providing an immersive and memorable travel experience.
Why to go?Why backpacking in South Korea
Food
Mountains
One of the great mountains to explore in South Korea is Seoraksan. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Seoraksan offers breathtaking natural beauty and diverse hiking trails. It is known for its dramatic rock formations, deep valleys, …
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People
South Koreans are known for their warm and generous hospitality. They often go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable, whether it’s through offering food and drinks, providing assistance with directions, or simply engaging in …
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Architecture
South Korea is home to a variety of ancient ruins and interesting architecture. One notable site is the Gyeongju Historic Areas, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and contains a large collection of ancient ruins and historical buildings, …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in South Korea
- Visit Seoul: The vibrant capital city offers a mix of ancient traditions and modern attractions. Explore historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung, shop at trendy markets, and experience the bustling nightlife.
- Explore Jeju Island: Known as the ”Hawaii of South Korea,” Jeju Island is a paradise with stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and unique cultural sites like the Haenyeo Museum.
- Hike in Seoraksan National Park: This breathtaking national park is a must-visit for nature lovers. Enjoy scenic trails, dramatic rock formations, and stunning waterfalls, including the famous Biryong Falls.
- Experience the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Take a tour to the border between North and South Korea to gain insight into the divided nation’s history and witness the tension that still exists today.
- Try Korean Cuisine: Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Korean food. From the iconic bibimbap and Korean BBQ to street food like tteokbokki and hotteok, the culinary scene in South Korea is a delight for foodies.
But South Korea offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking South Korea
The best time to visit South Korea for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F).
In spring, you can witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, especially in cities like Seoul and Busan. The weather is also ideal for hiking in the stunning national parks, such as Seoraksan and Jirisan. Additionally, you can enjoy various outdoor activities and festivals during this time.
Autumn is another great season for backpacking in South Korea. The foliage turns into vibrant colors, creating picturesque landscapes. The weather is comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the country's cultural sites, such as palaces, temples, and traditional villages. You can also indulge in delicious street food and attend lively festivals like the Jinju Lantern Festival.
Both spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodation options, making them the ideal seasons for backpacking in South Korea.
In spring, you can witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, especially in cities like Seoul and Busan. The weather is also ideal for hiking in the stunning national parks, such as Seoraksan and Jirisan. Additionally, you can enjoy various outdoor activities and festivals during this time.
Autumn is another great season for backpacking in South Korea. The foliage turns into vibrant colors, creating picturesque landscapes. The weather is comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the country's cultural sites, such as palaces, temples, and traditional villages. You can also indulge in delicious street food and attend lively festivals like the Jinju Lantern Festival.
Both spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodation options, making them the ideal seasons for backpacking in South Korea.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for South Korea
- South Korea and North Korea are technically still at war, and tensions on the Peninsula can increase with little warning. North Korea regularly conducts missile launches and other provocations. Monitor developments. Consider downloading the South Korean Government's 'Emergency Ready' app.
- Civil emergency drills are held a few times a year for fire, earthquakes, other disasters and civil defence training. Nationwide exercises take place at least twice a year. Regional drills may also be run a few times a year.
- Large-scale public gatherings and protests are common, particularly in Seoul. Protests are generally peaceful and policed but can sometimes turn violent.
- Avoid large public gatherings if possible, and exercise caution in crowded areas. South Korea remains safe for most travellers, with a relatively low crime rate. However, petty crimes happen, especially in major cities such as Seoul and Busan. Watch your belongings.
- Sexual assault and harassment, drink spiking and other violent crimes occur, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, such as Itaewon and Hongdae. Don't accept food, drink, gum or cigarettes from strangers. Remain vigilant, take care when walking at night, and travel in groups if possible.
- The rainy season is from late June to late August. Typhoons can happen in August and September. Heavy rainfall during summer can cause flooding, landslides, and damage to housing and infrastructure. Identify your local shelter (identified by the word 대피소). Follow the advice of local officials.
- Tsunamis caused by earthquakes in the surrounding region are a risk. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground straight away. Don't wait for official alerts, warnings or sirens.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
South KoreaMy tips to get you on the way!Does South Korea sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
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Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for South Korea. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. South Korea may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for South Korea. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. South Korea may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into South Korea, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into South Korea, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024