Korea Travel Guide · 17 regions

Korea travel: where will you walk next?

From palace stone paths to neon alleys and volcanic coastlines — 17 regions, ranked by where travellers to Korea actually go, with the best places to visit in each. Today’s weather, what to wear and itinerary ideas, all at a glance.

  • Regions 17
  • Top areas 100+
  • Regions with Korea coupons 12
  1. 1Seoul
  2. 2Busan
  3. 3Gyeonggi-do
  4. 4Jeju
  5. 5Incheon
  6. 6Gangwon-do
  7. 7Gyeongsangbuk-do
  8. 8Gyeongsangnam-do
  9. 9Jeollabuk-do
  10. 10Ulsan
  11. 11Daegu
  12. 12Daejeon
  13. 13Chungcheongbuk-do
  14. 14Jeollanam-do
  15. 15Gwangju
  16. 16Chungcheongnam-do
  17. 17Sejong

First time in Korea? Start here.

For a first trip, Seoul alone is plenty. With three days in Seoul: day one, Myeongdong for K-beauty and street food; day two, Gyeongbokgung in hanbok; that evening, a warehouse café in Seongsu. It’s a subway-only itinerary, and it holds most of the Korea travel classics.

On a second trip, stretch the line. Gyeongju, two hours by KTX, keeps a capital a thousand years old; Jeonju Hanok Village keeps its tiled lanes. Miss the sea? Head to Busan. The best seasons are cherry-blossom spring and autumn foliage — travel on weekdays and flights and hotels cost less too.

Pick a region on the Korea travel map

Tap a region to open its home page. The four bold, green-framed regions are the top four by visitor share.

Top 10 places to visit in Korea

The places travellers named as their favourite in Korea. Tap a photo for the best of that area.

Source: Korea Culture & Tourism Institute, 2025 International Visitor Survey — most satisfying place visited (open-ended, multiple answers)

Things to do in Seoul right now: the cafés of Seongsu

Daelim Changgo and other warehouse-turned cafés in Seongsu, plus pop-ups that change every week. Travellers naming Seongsu-dong as their favourite place rose from 1.1% in 2023 to 5.0% in 2025 — a new classic alongside Myeongdong and Hongdae.

Beyond Seoul: Udo on Jeju Island, Haeundae in Busan, and the DMZ. Clear blue sea and the charged air of a border — scenes you’ll only find in Korea.

Korea travel guide by region

Ordered by visits. Top sights, best season, how to get there and top areas for every region.

Seoul travel1City Best in autumn

Seoul travel76.8%

Turn one corner and a royal palace gives way to K-culture; turn the next and it flips back. A capital that feels new every visit.

  • Palaces in hanbok
  • Cafés and pop-ups in Seongsu & Hongdae

AREX express from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station: about 43 min.

Gangwon-do travel6Province Best in winter

Gangwon-do travel4.0%

Deep mountains, wide-open sea — a province that changes its face with every season.

  • Seoraksan autumn leaves and winter skiing
  • Gangneung seaside cafés

Seoul to Gangneung by KTX: about 1 h 50 min.

Korea weather in November

November weather in Seoul averages about 12°C by day and 4°C in the mornings and evenings. A knit and a warm outer layer — that is the trick to what to wear in Korea in autumn.

Busan and Jeju Island feel a little cooler thanks to the sea breeze. Before you fly, check the two-week forecast for rain and put a folding umbrella on your packing list.

What to wear in Korea in November

Korea has four distinct seasons. In November, winter is on its way. Use the temperature guide to decide what to pack.

  1. 28°〜Short sleeves, breathable fabrics
  2. 23〜27°Short sleeves + a light layer
  3. 20〜22°Long-sleeve shirt, cardigan
  4. 17〜19°Light knit, sweatshirt
  5. 12〜16°Jacket and layers
  6. 9〜11°Trench, light coat
  7. 5〜8°Coat with warm base layers
  8. 〜4°Down jacket, scarf, gloves

The highlighted box is the guide for Seoul right now (6°).

Korea travel essentials — all you need to know

Airport transfers, getting between cities, transit cards and when to go — the four basics to sort out before you land.

Airport to the city

From Incheon Airport, the AREX express reaches Seoul Station in about 40 minutes; the all-stop train takes just under an hour and also stops at Gimpo Airport and Hongik University. With lots of luggage, airport limousine buses (about 60–80 min) run to all the main areas of Seoul. Gimpo Airport connects directly to the subway.

KTX between cities

Take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Busan (about 2 h 30 min), Daegu, Jeonju or Gangneung. Tickets go on sale one month before the travel date, and weekends and holidays sell out early. Riding several times? Compare the KORAIL PASS, an unlimited-ride pass for foreign visitors.

Get one transit card

Buy a T-money or similar transit card at a convenience store or subway station. Transfers between subway and bus are discounted within 30 minutes (1 hour from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.). On buses, tap your card again when you get off, or the discount won't apply. Top up at station machines or convenience stores.

Best time to go

Seoul's cherry blossoms usually peak in early April, and autumn leaves from mid-October to early November. July is the rainy season (about 414 mm in Seoul on average), so pack a folding umbrella. Winter (December–February) brings skiing and city illuminations.

Save on your trip with Korea coupons for foreign visitors

From food and spas to shopping and activity tickets, Trippose's Korea coupons are discounts made for travelers from overseas. Just download a coupon and show the screen at the shop. Once you know where you're going, check whether it has a coupon first.

See Korea coupons →

Recommended in Korea

Korean food, lighter on the wallet with Korea coupons

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For beauty, shopping and experience tickets, Korea coupons for foreign visitors are the shortcut. Check for a coupon before you book and your travel budget gets a little breathing room.

Explore Korea travel by theme

Korean food, recommended hotels and sights, by theme.