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: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.008292
AAVE 0.000007
ADA 0.003854
AED 0.002635
AFN 0.046965
AGIX 0.012611
AKT 0.001396
ALGO 0.008717
ALL 0.056935
AMD 0.260472
AMP 1.870546
ANG 0.001285
AOA 0.658999
APE 0.005580
APT 0.001283
AR 0.000386
ARB 0.008204
ARS 1.074250
ATOM 0.000481
ATS 0.008453
AUD 0.001009
AVAX 0.000106
AWG 0.001284
AXS 0.000796
AZM 6.099143
AZN 0.001220
BAKE 1.031571
BAM 0.001201
BAT 0.011476
BBD 0.001435
BCH 0.000003
BDT 0.087311
BEF 0.024780
BGN 0.001201
BHD 0.000270
BIF 2.134268
BMD 0.000718
BNB 0.000001
BND 0.000912
BOB 0.008242
BRL 0.003716
BSD 0.000718
BSV 0.000045
BSW 1.979981
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.012123
BTG 0.001635
BTN 0.068614
BTT 2,637.490824
BUSD 0.000717
BWP 0.009652
BYN 0.002170
BYR 14.062158
BZD 0.001441
CAD 0.000990
CAKE 0.000445
CDF 1.644948
CELO 0.011466
CFX 0.016383
CHF 0.000573
CHZ 0.056133
CLP 0.661292
CNH 0.004826
CNY 0.004826
COMP 0.000039
COP 2.190568
CRC 0.323055
CRO 0.014401
CRV 0.002750
CSPR 0.268671
CUC 0.000717
CUP 0.019013
CVE 0.067737
CVX 0.000444
CYP 0.000360
CZK 0.014847
DAI 0.000717
DASH 0.000023
DCR 0.000061
DEM 0.001201
DFI 0.721133
DJF 0.127447
DKK 0.004592
DOGE 0.009558
DOP 0.041908
DOT 0.000907
DYDX 0.006523
DZD 0.095231
EEK 0.009611
EGLD 0.000253
EGP 0.036346
ENJ 0.028358
EOS 0.010872
ERN 0.010763
ESP 0.102207
ETB 0.116615
ETC 0.000109
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000614
EURC 0.000619
FEI 0.000717
FIL 0.001066
FIM 0.003652
FJD 0.001579
FKP 0.000527
FLOW 0.024818
FLR 0.111602
FRAX 0.000724
FRF 0.004029
FTT 0.003457
GALA 0.497984
GBP 0.000527
GEL 0.001870
GGP 0.000527
GHC 79.400576
GHS 0.007940
GIP 0.000527
GMD 0.053174
GMX 0.000105
GNF 6.297113
GNO 0.000006
GRD 0.209316
GRT 0.051284
GT 0.000103
GTQ 0.005462
GUSD 0.000719
GYD 0.149257
HBAR 0.010125
HKD 0.005627
HNL 0.019183
HNT 0.004140
HOT 2.124875
HRK 0.004628
HT 0.006318
HTG 0.093328
HUF 0.223544
ICP 0.000309
IDR 12.774020
IEP 0.000484
ILS 0.002137
IMP 0.000527
IMX 0.006859
INJ 0.000154
INR 0.068614
IQD 0.934585
IRR 986.216415
ISK 0.087357
ITL 1.189411
JEP 0.000527
JMD 0.112724
JOD 0.000509
JPY 0.113631
KAS 0.026910
KAVA 0.017433
KCS 0.000098
KDA 0.152818
KES 0.092883
KGS 0.062819
KHR 2.889906
KLAY 0.029193
KMF 0.302206
KNC 0.006781
KPW 0.645712
KSM 0.000233
KWD 0.000221
KYD 0.000596
KZT 0.330992
LAK 16.087194
LBP 64.138269
LDO 0.002118
LEO 0.000077
LINK 0.000068
LKR 0.236109
LRC 0.090197
LRD 0.129923
LSL 0.011553
LTC 0.000015
LTL 0.002121
LUF 0.024780
LUNA 0.016229
LUNC 14.203050
LVL 0.000432
LYD 0.004541
MAD 0.006641
MANA 0.010703
MBX 0.034699
MDL 0.012300
MGA 3.073451
MGF 15.367253
MINA 0.016791
MKD 0.037885
MKR 0.000000
MMK 1.506492
MNT 2.581375
MOP 0.005796
MRO 0.285792
MRU 0.028579
MTL 0.000264
MUR 0.033704
MVR 0.011093
MWK 1.238552
MXN 0.012161
MXV 0.001388
MYR 0.002901
MZM 45.790822
MZN 0.045791
NAD 0.011553
NEAR 0.000412
NEO 0.000394
NEXO 0.000961
NFT 2,547.852375
NGN 0.966343
NIO 0.026329
NLG 0.001354
NOK 0.006693
NPR 0.109834
NZD 0.001207
OKB 0.000007
OMR 0.000276
ONE 0.994584
OP 0.008079
ORDI 0.000195
PAB 0.000718
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.002404
PEPE 247.710419
PGK 0.003221
PHP 0.044215
PI 0.007985
PKR 0.198368
PLN 0.002653
POL 0.008791
PTE 0.123152
PYG 4.293620
QAR 0.002612
QNT 0.000012
QTUM 0.000994
ROL 32.227436
RON 0.003223
RPL 0.000461
RSD 0.072084
RUB 0.060268
RUNE 0.001682
RVN 0.275259
RWF 1.052211
SAND 0.017373
SAR 0.002691
SBD 0.005741
SCR 0.010409
SDD 43.065461
SDG 0.430655
SEK 0.006772
SGD 0.000912
SHIB 151.442162
SHP 0.000527
SIT 0.147206
SKK 0.018506
SLE 0.016441
SLL 16.441121
SNX 0.003501
SOL 0.000008
SOS 0.406952
SPL 0.000120
SRD 0.027128
SRG 27.127838
SSP 4.067840
STD 15.148026
STN 0.015148
STX 0.005501
SUI 0.001017
SVC 0.006279
SYP 9.328376
SZL 0.011553
THB 0.023560
THETA 0.004774
TJS 0.006582
TMM 12.554736
TMT 0.002511
TND 0.002080
TOP 0.001709
TRL 34,410.400682
TRX 0.002148
TRY 0.034410
TTD 0.004851
TUSD 0.000719
TVD 0.001009
TWD 0.022845
TWT 0.001794
TZS 1.899208
UAH 0.032048
UGX 2.666128
UNI 0.000196
USD 0.000718
USDC 0.000717
USDD 0.000718
USDP 0.000718
USDT 0.000718
UYU 0.028710
UZS 8.428017
VAL 1.189411
VEB 55,702,279.277006
VED 0.555775
VEF 55,577.519871
VES 0.555775
VET 0.147833
VND 18.744581
VUV 0.084873
WAVES 0.003639
WEMIX 0.003708
WOO 0.065052
WST 0.001933
XAF 0.402941
XAG 0.000011
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.001942
XCG 0.001285
XCH 0.000506
XDC 0.025796
XDR 0.000524
XEC 102.338926
XEM 1.532646
XLM 0.004178
XMR 0.000002
XOF 0.402941
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.073303
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000647
XTZ 0.003294
YER 0.170113
ZAR 0.011553
ZEC 0.000001
ZIL 0.295200
ZMK 13.442079
ZMW 0.013442
ZWD 0.259686
ZWG 0.019138
ZWL 47.819682

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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.