South Korea Travel Experience 2025

South Korea has long been a dream destination for Vietnamese tourists. According to travel experiences in South Korea, the Land of the Morning Calm is not only captivating because of the Hallyu wave but also opens up a world of bustling streets, rich cuisine, and the timeless beauty of palaces, making each journey a memorable story.

Overview of Traveling in South Korea

Distinctive Climate of South Korea

Located in Northeast Asia, South Korea has four distinct seasons, each with its unique charm: spring blooms with cherry blossoms, summer is lively with beach festivals, autumn is romantic with red leaves, and winter is covered in white snow. This seasonal variety makes many travel experiences suggest that you can visit South Korea at any time of the year and still find it fascinating.

Read more: Which Season Should You Visit Japan?

Traveling Through South Korea

On your journey, Seoul is always the first stop, blending tradition with modernity: ancient palaces stand alongside bustling shopping streets. For those seeking a peaceful atmosphere, Jeju Island offers a romantic and serene landscape. Busan attracts visitors with its emerald beaches and youthful energy.

Especially in 2025, Gangneung and Gyeongju – emerging destinations – are becoming trends for independent travel. Compared to Japan or Taiwan, South Korea has advantages in reasonable costs, diverse experiences, and flight duration from Vietnam. Not too far to cause fatigue, yet enough to feel like exploring a new land – this is why many travel experiences consider South Korea a top choice for Vietnamese tourists.

Preparing for the Trip

Documents and South Korea Travel Visa

When preparing to visit South Korea, documents are the most important factor. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. A South Korea tourist visa is mandatory and usually takes 5–8 working days for processing. Requirements vary depending on the traveler group: families with children need to prepare birth certificates, solo travelers should provide full financial proof, while group travelers often receive support for collective applications.

The ideal time to submit your application is at least one month before the trip. Applications can be submitted at the Embassy or the visa centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, you can rely on iVISA – a reputable service company that helps complete applications quickly with a high approval rate.

Flights, Accommodation, and Luggage

Alongside documents, booking flights and accommodation should be planned early. According to Seoul travel experiences, flights should be booked 2–3 months in advance for lower prices. On average, flying from Vietnam to Seoul takes about 4–5 hours, depending on the airline and route. Therefore, you should consider flight times to arrange a suitable itinerary.

Hotels and homestays should also be booked early, especially during peak tourist seasons in Korea such as cherry blossom or autumn leaf periods. Additionally, don’t forget to prepare a luggage checklist: light clothing for summer, a thin jacket for autumn, warm clothes for winter, and comfortable outfits for moving around.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Based on South Korea travel experiences, a 5–7 day trip allows you to explore both traditional culture and modern lifestyle. The following itinerary is suitable for families, groups of young friends, or couples seeking a memorable holiday.

Days 1–2: Explore Seoul

Begin your journey in Seoul – the heart of South Korea. Visitors can tour Gyeongbokgung Palace to learn about history, stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village with traditional houses, enjoy city views from Namsan Tower, and immerse themselves in the bustling shopping streets of Myeongdong. These are typical experiences often mentioned in Seoul travel guides.

Day 3: Amusement Park Fun

On the third day, you can choose between Everland – South Korea’s largest theme park, or Lotte World – a modern indoor destination in the heart of Seoul. Both offer exciting rides, unique performances, and entertainment suitable for children and adults alike.

Day 4: Beach Experience in Busan

Busan, a famous port city, is known for its clear beaches and vibrant lifestyle. Visitors can swim at Haeundae Beach, enjoy fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market, and wander through the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. Many believe that to truly experience South Korea in summer, Busan is the perfect answer.

Days 5–6: Romantic Beauty of Jeju

Jeju Island is a tourism paradise, ideal for nature lovers and couples. During two days here, you can hike Hallasan Mountain, admire Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, or relax on Hyeopjae Beach. The combination of mountains, sea, and local culture makes Jeju an unforgettable experience in South Korea travel.

Day 7: Food and Shopping in Seoul

On the final day, return to Seoul to enjoy street food and visit traditional markets to buy souvenirs. Many tourists look for Korean specialties such as ginseng, seaweed, cosmetics, or small keepsakes to bring home for family and friends.

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Food and Shopping When Travel In South Korea

Food

Cuisine is one of the most memorable aspects of South Korea travel. Over 70% of international visitors consider Korean food a highlight of their trip.

Must-try dishes include:

Kimchi – served in nearly every Korean meal
Bibimbap – once listed among the top 50 dishes in the world
Samgyeopsal – grilled pork belly, central to social gatherings
Tteokbokki, fried chicken – symbols of Seoul street food
Seafood pancakes with makgeolli – cozy flavors for rainy days

Each region has its own specialty: Busan is famous for odeng and fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market; Jeju is renowned for black pork BBQ and sweet, juicy tangerines – a favorite gift for tourists.

Shopping

“What to buy in South Korea” is a common question for travelers. On average, each person spends around 700 USD on shopping, mainly on cosmetics and ginseng.

Popular souvenirs include:

Cosmetics: Famous brands like Innisfree, Laneige, Sulwhasoo, easily found at Olive Young or major shopping streets
Ginseng and red ginseng: Valuable health gifts, available in large malls
Dried seaweed, packaged kimchi: Lightweight and easy to carry
Traditional souvenirs: Paper fans, Hanbok dolls, small ceramics – elegant and meaningful

For safe shopping, choose large supermarkets like Lotte Mart, Emart, or duty-free shops. Don’t forget to use the Tax Free policy at over 50,000 stores nationwide to save 7–10% on your purchases.

Accommodation and Cultural Experience

South Korea offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels and budget homestays to traditional Hanok houses.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, over 60% of international visitors choose central hotels for convenience, while younger travelers prefer homestays to experience local life.

Regarding culture, South Korea is ideal for those who enjoy traditional experiences. About 40% of international tourists have tried wearing a Hanbok while strolling through palaces or old streets. Additionally, seasonal festivals such as spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, or winter skiing attract millions of visitors each year.

Questions for First-Time Travelers To Korea

If it’s your first time in South Korea, you may have many questions. The following will help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

How long is the flight from Vietnam to South Korea?

From Hanoi, direct flights to Seoul take about 3 hours 50 minutes – 4 hours 45 minutes, and from Ho Chi Minh City about 5 hours 10 minutes. Flights usually depart in the morning or evening, allowing you to plan your itinerary conveniently. This duration is perfect for a short trip while still experiencing culture, cuisine, and shopping in Seoul.

Do I need to know Korean?

You don’t need to be fluent, as most signs in major cities are in English. However, learning a few basic greetings will make locals more friendly and help in small interactions.

What is the average cost of the trip?

A 5–7 day journey typically costs 20–25 million VND, including round-trip flights, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees. Booking early or joining a tour can save an additional 10–15%.

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What should I wear in South Korea?

Clothing depends on the season: light jackets in spring, breathable outfits in summer, sweaters or thin jackets in autumn, and thick coats, scarves, and gloves in winter.

Comparing South Korea Travel Experience with Japan and Taiwan

When planning a trip to Asia, many Vietnamese travelers wonder whether to visit South Korea, Japan, or Taiwan. Each destination has its advantages, from costs, culture, and cuisine to natural experiences. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most suitable destination according to your time, budget, and personal preference. Here is a comparison based on travel experiences in South Korea.

Travel Costs

South Korea: Moderate costs, suitable for independent travelers. Visa procedures are straightforward, and careful preparation usually ensures approval.
Japan: Costs are 30–40% higher than South Korea but offer unique culture, modern technology, and diverse landscapes.
Taiwan: Costs are about 20% lower than South Korea, and visa procedures are quite easy for Vietnamese citizens.

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Cultural and Culinary Experience

South Korea: Famous for Hallyu culture, diverse street food, and rich nature. You can wear a Hanbok in old streets, enjoy kimchi and bibimbap, or shop in Myeongdong.
Japan: Combines traditional culture with modern technology, from ancient temples in Kyoto to bustling Tokyo streets. Sushi, ramen, Mount Fuji, and winter festivals provide unique experiences.
Taiwan: Friendly and accessible, known for street food such as bubble tea and buns, and vibrant night markets.

Xem thêm: Japan Independent Travel Experience 2025

Overall, South Korea is a balanced choice: reasonable costs, diverse experiences in culture, food, and nature, especially suitable for independent travelers. Additionally, the flight from Vietnam to South Korea is only 4–5 hours – close enough for short trips while still offering a sense of exploring a new, experience-rich land.

Contact iVISA to apply for your South Korea visa today. After that, you can pack your backpack and explore South Korea. You will experience the vibrant streets of Seoul, or the romantic beauty of Busan and Jeju. Don’t hesitate – start your journey to South Korea right now!

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