Asia · Eastern Asia

South Korea

Republic of Korea

Flag of South Korea
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+09:00
🏛️ Capital
Seoul
👥 Population
51,159,889
📐 Area
100,210 km²
💱 Currency
South Korean won (₩)
🗣️ Languages
Korean
📞 Calling Code
+82
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+09:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Eastern Asia

About South Korea

South Korea is a country of exhilarating contrasts, where ultramodern cities pulse with technology, K-pop, and world-class cuisine while ancient palaces, mountain temples, and traditional villages endure just a short journey away. Occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, this East Asian nation has undergone one of the most remarkable economic and cultural transformations of the twentieth century, evolving from a war-devastated country in the 1950s into a global trendsetter that now exports its culture as enthusiastically as it exports semiconductors.

Seoul, the capital and home to nearly half the country's 51 million people, is one of the world's great cities — a megalopolis where ancient Joseon-era palaces stand in the shadow of futuristic skyscrapers, where the nightlife rivals Tokyo and New York, and where the food scene ranges from sizzling street stalls to Michelin-starred temple cuisine. Beyond Seoul, the country offers extraordinary diversity: the island paradise of Jeju, the historic city of Gyeongju with its ancient Silla kingdom burial mounds, the vibrant port city of Busan, and countless national parks laced with hiking trails.

The Korean Wave — the global phenomenon of Korean pop culture — has introduced millions of people around the world to this country through its music, dramas, cinema, and food. But visitors who come expecting merely a K-pop fantasy discover something far richer: a deeply rooted culture with thousands of years of history, a cuisine of extraordinary depth and complexity, and a people whose legendary hospitality makes every visitor feel genuinely welcomed.

History & Background

The Korean Peninsula has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the Three Kingdoms period — Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla — shaping its early history from around the first century BCE. The Silla kingdom unified much of the peninsula in 668 CE, followed by the Goryeo dynasty, from which the name "Korea" derives. The Joseon dynasty, established in 1392, lasted over five centuries and profoundly shaped Korean language, culture, and philosophy through its adoption of Neo-Confucianism. This era produced the Korean alphabet, Hangul, invented under King Sejong the Great in 1443 — one of the most scientifically designed writing systems ever created.

The twentieth century brought profound trauma: Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, followed immediately by the devastating Korean War of 1950–1953, which killed millions and left the peninsula divided along the 38th parallel. South Korea's subsequent rise from one of the world's poorest countries to its twelfth-largest economy within a single generation is often called the "Miracle on the Han River." This transformation, built on industrialisation, education, and extraordinary collective determination, underpins the confident, dynamic South Korea that visitors experience today.

Culture & People

Korean culture is shaped by thousands of years of Confucian philosophy, Buddhist tradition, and a fierce, hard-won national identity. Respect for elders and ancestors is deeply embedded in social life — Koreans use different speech levels depending on the age and status of the person they are addressing, and family hierarchies are taken seriously. At the same time, contemporary Korean society is dynamic, creative, and globally connected, with young Koreans leading trends in fashion, beauty, gaming, and entertainment that resonate around the world.

Traditional arts remain vibrantly alive alongside the modern. Samulnori drumming, pansori folk singing, taekwondo, and the intricately elegant gestures of court dance are performed at cultural centres and festivals throughout the year. The hanbok, the traditional Korean garment, is worn proudly at celebrations and increasingly as a fashionable cultural statement by younger Koreans. Korea's spiritual landscape encompasses Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucian ancestor worship practised simultaneously — a testament to the Korean capacity to hold multiple traditions in comfortable coexistence.

Food & Cuisine

Korean cuisine is one of the world's great culinary traditions, celebrated for its bold flavours, its emphasis on fermentation and gut health, and the communal joy of cooking and eating together. Kimchi — fermented napa cabbage with chilli, garlic, and ginger — is the beating heart of Korean food culture, appearing at virtually every meal as a banchan (side dish). The array of banchan that accompanies any Korean meal is staggering in its variety, from spinach seasoned with sesame oil to fishcake, braised lotus root, and pickled daikon.

Korean barbecue (gogi-gui), where diners grill marinated beef, pork belly, or chicken over a charcoal or gas grill built into the table, is an unmissable social experience. Bibimbap — a bowl of rice topped with vegetables, a fried egg, and gochujang paste — is both a daily staple and a dish of genuine artistry. Street food deserves its own exploration: tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), odeng (fish cake skewers), and Korean fried chicken are among the best snacks in Asia. Seoul's Gwangjang Market is one of the world's great street food destinations.

Top Attractions

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul — The grandest of Seoul's five royal palaces, rebuilt in its Joseon-era splendour, with daily guard-changing ceremonies and a superb National Folk Museum within its grounds.
  • Jeju Island — A volcanic island paradise with UNESCO-protected lava tube caves, the dramatic crater of Hallasan volcano, black sand beaches, and distinctive haenyeo (female free-diving) culture.
  • Gyeongju — The ancient capital of the Silla kingdom, dotted with royal burial tumuli, the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa temple, and the spectacular Seokguram grotto.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul — A well-preserved neighbourhood of traditional hanok courtyard houses perched on a hillside between two royal palaces, offering a glimpse of old Seoul.
  • Hahoe Folk Village, Andong — A UNESCO-listed living village where traditional clan houses and Confucian culture have been preserved for centuries, surrounded by a sweeping bend in the Nakdong River.
  • Seoraksan National Park — One of Korea's most dramatic landscapes, with granite peaks, autumn foliage, Buddhist hermitages, and excellent hiking trails in the country's northeast.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Get a T-money card on arrival — this rechargeable transport card works on Seoul's subway, buses, and even taxis, and saves you the hassle of buying individual tickets.
  • Download the Naver Maps app rather than relying solely on Google Maps; Naver Maps is far more accurate for Korean transit directions and local business locations.
  • Learn a few basic Korean phrases — even attempting "annyeonghaseyo" (hello) and "gamsahamnida" (thank you) is warmly appreciated and will generate genuine smiles.
  • Shoes come off at many traditional restaurants, home visits, and guesthouses; wear clean, easily removable footwear to avoid awkward moments.
  • Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are exceptional in Korea — clean, open 24 hours, with hot food, decent coffee, and ATMs that accept international cards.
  • Book popular hiking routes like Bukhansan in Seoul and Hallasan on Jeju in advance during autumn, as trail permits are required and fill up quickly.
  • Tipping is not customary in South Korea and can occasionally cause mild confusion; service charges are included in restaurant bills.

Visa Overview

South Korea offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 100 countries for stays of 30 to 90 days, including the USA, UK, EU nations, Australia, Canada, and Japan. Visitors must hold a valid passport and may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds on arrival. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) is required for many visa-exempt nationals; check the Korea Immigration Service website well in advance, as K-ETA applications must be submitted online before departure. Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must apply at a Korean embassy or consulate.

Getting Around

South Korea has one of the world's best public transport systems. Seoul's subway network is extensive, cheap, clean, and easy to navigate with English signage. High-speed KTX trains connect Seoul to Busan in about two and a half hours, with frequent daily departures. Intercity buses reach areas the rail network misses. Within cities, buses and taxis are affordable; KakaoTaxi is the go-to ride-hailing app. Domestic flights connect Seoul's Gimpo Airport to Jeju in under an hour. The T-money card provides seamless payment across almost all transport modes nationwide.

Safety Notes

South Korea is one of Asia's safest countries for travellers, with very low rates of violent crime and a well-functioning police presence. Petty theft is rare but not unknown in tourist-heavy areas and on public transport; standard precautions apply. Solo female travellers consistently rate South Korea as very safe. The main safety consideration is the geopolitical situation with North Korea — while the border area is carefully managed and attacks have not occurred in decades, stay informed of any alerts. Air quality in Seoul can be poor during spring dust events from China; check daily AQI readings.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in South Korea.

South Korean won (KRW) ₩
Updated: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.007259
AAVE 0.000007
ADA 0.002642
AED 0.002440
AFN 0.041529
AKT 0.000824
ALGO 0.006187
ALL 0.054526
AMD 0.244511
AMP 0.794055
ANG 0.001197
AOA 0.610277
APE 0.004607
APT 0.000704
AR 0.000311
ARB 0.005684
ARS 0.927528
ATOM 0.000323
ATS 0.007853
AUD 0.000931
AVAX 0.000072
AWG 0.001189
AXS 0.000566
AZM 5.647203
AZN 0.001129
BAKE 0.898576
BAM 0.001116
BAT 0.006857
BBD 0.001329
BCH 0.000002
BDT 0.081641
BEF 0.023022
BGN 0.001116
BHD 0.000250
BIF 1.979220
BMD 0.000664
BNB 0.000001
BND 0.000850
BOB 0.004605
BRL 0.003328
BSD 0.000664
BSV 0.000044
BSW 0.776201
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.001727
BTN 0.064038
BTT 2,065.029195
BUSD 0.000665
BWP 0.009032
BYN 0.001827
BYR 18.270222
BZD 0.001337
CAD 0.000913
CAKE 0.000470
CDF 1.524706
CELO 0.008256
CFX 0.011283
CHF 0.000522
CHZ 0.013512
CLP 0.598619
CNH 0.004520
CNY 0.004519
COMP 0.000030
COP 2.524050
CRC 0.300773
CRO 0.009507
CRV 0.002816
CSPR 0.224901
CUC 0.000664
CUP 0.015942
CVE 0.062932
CVX 0.000383
CYP 0.000334
CZK 0.013874
DAI 0.000665
DASH 0.000015
DCR 0.000039
DEM 0.001116
DFI 0.676572
DJF 0.118218
DKK 0.004265
DOGE 0.006370
DOP 0.039328
DOT 0.000532
DYDX 0.004593
DZD 0.088201
EEK 0.008930
EGLD 0.000169
EGP 0.035426
ENJ 0.015469
EOS 0.008213
ERN 0.009966
ESP 0.094958
ETB 0.104616
ETC 0.000075
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000571
EURC 0.000570
FEI 0.000667
FIL 0.000688
FIM 0.003393
FJD 0.001465
FKP 0.000495
FLOW 0.018412
FLR 0.079534
FRAX 0.000669
FRF 0.003744
FTT 0.002056
GALA 0.197594
GBP 0.000495
GEL 0.001775
GGP 0.000495
GHC 76.003863
GHS 0.007600
GIP 0.000495
GMD 0.049080
GMX 0.000100
GNF 5.827748
GNO 0.000006
GRD 0.194469
GRT 0.026416
GT 0.000094
GTQ 0.005065
GUSD 0.000666
GYD 0.138952
HBAR 0.007381
HKD 0.005203
HNL 0.017674
HNT 0.000807
HOT 1.674455
HRK 0.004300
HT 0.004582
HTG 0.086958
HUF 0.205794
ICP 0.000257
IDR 11.776112
IEP 0.000449
ILS 0.001928
IMP 0.000495
IMX 0.003903
INJ 0.000127
INR 0.064038
IQD 0.870503
IRR 875.751958
ISK 0.081839
ITL 1.105044
JEP 0.000495
JMD 0.105055
JOD 0.000471
JPY 0.105592
KAS 0.019225
KAVA 0.011536
KCS 0.000083
KDA 0.079871
KES 0.085916
KGS 0.058117
KHR 2.664602
KLAY 0.012773
KMF 0.280770
KNC 0.004627
KPW 0.597924
KSM 0.000133
KWD 0.000205
KYD 0.000553
KZT 0.311745
LAK 14.572716
LBP 59.559766
LDO 0.001865
LEO 0.000066
LINK 0.000069
LKR 0.221262
LRC 0.040994
LRD 0.121766
LSL 0.011061
LTC 0.000012
LTL 0.001971
LUF 0.023022
LUNA 0.010497
LUNC 8.452692
LVL 0.000401
LYD 0.004219
MAD 0.006114
MANA 0.007538
MBX 0.016967
MDL 0.011497
MGA 2.779971
MGF 13.899854
MINA 0.011630
MKD 0.035169
MKR 0.000000
MMK 1.394684
MNT 2.377782
MOP 0.005359
MRO 0.265633
MRU 0.026563
MTL 0.000245
MUR 0.031414
MVR 0.010261
MWK 1.156315
MXN 0.011497
MXV 0.001301
MYR 0.002640
MZM 42.433853
MZN 0.042434
NAD 0.011061
NEAR 0.000412
NEO 0.000230
NEXO 0.000747
NFT 2,349.022952
NGN 0.910899
NIO 0.024421
NLG 0.001258
NOK 0.006161
NPR 0.102510
NZD 0.001135
OKB 0.000008
OMR 0.000256
ONE 0.324119
OP 0.005175
ORDI 0.000160
PAB 0.000664
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.002274
PEPE 180.407930
PGK 0.002935
PHP 0.040999
PI 0.004377
PKR 0.185099
PLN 0.002421
POL 0.007309
PTE 0.114417
PYG 4.043676
QAR 0.002418
QNT 0.000009
QTUM 0.000736
ROL 29.730737
RON 0.002973
RPL 0.000383
RSD 0.066984
RUB 0.048150
RUNE 0.001485
RVN 0.120212
RWF 0.971391
SAND 0.009225
SAR 0.002491
SBD 0.005319
SCR 0.009753
SDD 39.877795
SDG 0.398778
SEK 0.006251
SGD 0.000850
SHIB 115.262996
SHP 0.000495
SIT 0.136764
SKK 0.017193
SLE 0.015217
SLL 15.217405
SNX 0.002145
SOL 0.000008
SOS 0.379647
SPL 0.000111
SRD 0.024731
SRG 24.731200
SSP 3.132278
STD 14.133065
STN 0.014133
STX 0.002781
SUI 0.000628
SVC 0.005813
SYP 0.073437
SZL 0.011061
THB 0.021672
THETA 0.003365
TJS 0.006184
TMM 11.650538
TMT 0.002330
TND 0.001929
TON 0.000330
TOP 0.001580
TRL 30,284.488051
TRX 0.001863
TRY 0.030284
TTD 0.004506
TUSD 0.000665
TVD 0.000931
TWD 0.021019
TWT 0.001390
TZS 1.728715
UAH 0.029327
UGX 2.503825
UNI 0.000188
USD 0.000664
USDC 0.000665
USDD 0.000665
USDP 0.000665
USDT 0.000665
UYU 0.026631
UZS 7.993768
VAL 1.105044
VEB 34,369,813.693119
VED 0.343683
VEF 34,368.280344
VES 0.343683
VET 0.098629
VND 17.493244
VUV 0.078884
WAVES 0.001748
WEMIX 0.002459
WOO 0.039340
WST 0.001791
XAF 0.374360
XAG 0.000009
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.001799
XCG 0.001197
XCH 0.000239
XDC 0.021372
XDR 0.000486
XEC 90.571076
XEM 0.998256
XLM 0.004525
XMR 0.000002
XOF 0.374360
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.068104
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000481
XTZ 0.001943
YER 0.158533
ZAR 0.011061
ZEC 0.000001
ZIL 0.168985
ZMK 12.556671
ZMW 0.012557
ZWD 0.240437
ZWG 0.017214
ZWL 43.013246

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Cities in South Korea 212
Browse all cities and towns
Aeweol Andong Angang Ansan Ansan Anseong Anyang Anyang Anyang-Si Anyang-Si Anyangsi Asan Bucheon Buchon Buchun-Si Bundang Busan Byeoryangdong Changweon Changwon Chechon Cheju Cheonan Cheongju Cheongwon-gun Cheonju Chincheon Chinhae Chinju Chinyeong Chochiwon Chonan Chongok Chongup Chuncheon Chungcheong Chungju Daegu Daejeon Dalseo-gu Danjin-gun Dongan-gu Euijeongbu Euiwang Eumsung-Kun Geumsan-Gun Gimhae Gimhae-si Gimpo City Gongjusi Goyang Goyang-si Gumi-Shi Gunpo Gupo-si Guri-Si Gwacheon Si Gwangju-Si Haenam Hanam Hayang Heunghae Heungup-Myun Hoechon Hoengseong Hongcheon Hongseong Hwado Hwaseong-si Hwasun Hwasung Hwawon Icheon-si Ichon Iksan Iljuk-myeon Incheon Inchon Jeju Jeonju-Si Jincheon-gun Jinchunkun Kanghwa Kangneung Keoje Kihung Kijang Kimcheon Kimhae Kimje Kimpo Kochang Kochang Kongju Koseong Koyang Kumchon Kumi Kumsan Kunpo Kunsan Kuri Kwacheon Kwangju Kwangju Kwangju Kwangmyeong Kwangyang Kwangyang Up Kyeongju Kyeongsan Kyungsan Masan Miryang Mokpo Mummakeup Mungyong Munsan Naeso Naju Namdongku Namwon Namyangju Nongso Nonsan Ochon Oedong Okcheon-gun Okchon Osan Paengseong Paju Paju Peolgyo Pocheon-Si Pochon Pochun Pohang Poryong Puan Pubal Pucheon Pusan Pusan Puyeo Pyeongtaek Sacheon Samchok Sangju Seogwipo Seokcho Seonghwan Seongnam Seongnam Seonsan Seosan Seoul Shiheung Shihung-Si Siheung Sihung-si Sinhyeon Suncheon Sungnamshi Suweon Suwon Suwon Taean Taean Taebaek Taegu Taejeon Taejon Taesan Tangjin Tongducheon Tonghae Tongyong Uijeongbu-dong Uijongbu Uiwang Ulsan Um Sung Gun Ungsang Wabu Waegwan Weonju Wonju Yangju Yangju Yangju Yangju Yangpyeong-Gun Yangsan Yangu Yechon Yeocheon Yeoju Yeokbuk-Dong-Si Yeongcheon Yeongju Yeongpyeong-Dong Yeongweol Yeonil Yeosu Yesan Yongdong Yonggi Yonggwang Yongin Yonmu Youngcheon-Si

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of South Korea needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of South Korea?
The capital of South Korea is Seoul.
What currency does South Korea use?
South Korea uses the South Korean won (₩) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in South Korea?
The official language(s) of South Korea include Korean.
What is the population of South Korea?
South Korea has a population of approximately 51,159,889 people.
What region is South Korea in?
South Korea is located in Asia, specifically in the Eastern Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for South Korea?
The international dialing code for South Korea is +82.
What time zones does South Korea observe?
South Korea observes the following time zone(s): UTC+09:00.
What is the current time in South Korea?
The local time in South Korea is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of South Korea?
South Korea covers a total area of 100,210 km².
How many states or provinces does South Korea have?
South Korea is divided into 35 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in South Korea in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for South Korea in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of South Korea?
Visa requirements for citizens of South Korea vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.