US to South Korea Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

Other FAQs about traveling in South Korea

• 1. When to Travel to South Korea?

  South Korea is a nation of four seasons, so the best time to visit depends on the activities and attractions that interest you most. Summer (June to August) sees the mercury soar, although it’s the intense humidity that causes most complaints. The monsoons tend to hit in July and August, so postpone your visit unless you’re prepared to cop torrential rain.

  Once the rains have subsided in the fall (September to November), South Korea puts on a spectacular display of ochre-tinged foliage that rivals the best leaf-peeping destinations in the US. The temperatures and humidity are much lower too, making fall one of the best times to visit.

  South Korean winters are bitter, with heavy snowfall and icy pavements the norm. Nevertheless, the country’s highly developed transportation system continues to run like clockwork, and typically overrun tourist sites experience far thinner crowds. South Korea has an array of outstanding snowfields as well, which receive bucket loads of fresh powder in the winter. Be sure to check current South Korea travel advisories before you go.

• 2. What’s the weather like in South Korea?

  Regardless of where you may be in South Korea, the weather varies tremendously with the seasons. The summers are hot and humid, the winters are bitterly cold, and Spring and Fall provide pleasant temperatures somewhere in-between.

• 3. Where to go in Seoul

  A captivating mix of old and new, Seoul’s ultra-modern skyscrapers and shopping strips rub shoulders with its elegant ancient treasures. To orientate yourself by way of sweeping city views, the Seoul Tower Observation Deck offers the best vistas in town. For a quick history fix, a visit to the antiquated palaces is a must. Gyeongbokgung is the most grandiose, often compared to Beijing’s Forbidden City for its sheer size.

  The equally impressive Changdeokgung features a lush garden that bursts into color during the spring. BukcheonHanok Village provides a fascinating insight into how the common classes once lived, while Jogyesa Temple showcases the country’s strict devotion to Buddhism.

  Adventurous foodies should make a beeline for the Gwangjang Market, a charmingly chaotic food hall where some 5,000 stalls serve everything from pig intestine sausage to mung bean pancakes. For something a little less daring, chowing down on delectable galbi (Korean barbecue) at the stylish Itaewon neighborhood is a quintessential Seoul experience. If fresh seafood sounds more tempting, know that diners at the Noryangjin Fish Market will see the day’s catch killed and cooked at their table. After you’ve had your fill, make your way to Insadong for a traditional tea ceremony to wash it all down. If coffee served in a quirky atmosphere is more your style, then eccentric animal-themed cafes are a dime a dozen in the Mapo-Gu district.

  Shopaholics will adore the upscale Myeongdong district, although bargain-hunters will find better deals at the endless shops that line the city subway system. The humongous COEX Mall is the world’s largest underground commercial complex, while Lotte Mart provides an interesting insight into Korean culture. No trip to Seoul would be complete without a stroll down the Cheonggyecheon Stream, preferably at night when young lovers come to bask in its romantic light displays. Of course, any self-respecting K-Pop fan will want a selfie at the Psy statue in ritzy Gangnam. To top off a long day, head to Hongdae to indulge in the city’s neon-lit nightlife.

• 4. Where to go in South Korea

  Seoul may get the most attention, but there are ample attractions to explore outside of the city as well. Alarmingly close to the capital lies the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing tensions with North Korea. Another easy day trip from Seoul is Suwon, home to the World Cup Stadium and the captivating Hwaseong Fortress.

  The bustling port city of Busan offers an alternative urban experience, this time complete with beautiful beaches to complement the temples and malls.

  A lesser-known metropolis is Chuncheon, which is famed for its delicious food and a smattering of ancient attractions. Head towards Gyeongju for more ancient wonders; a former royal capital that has been painstakingly preserved to showcase its ancient glory. Alternatively, Jeonju is the former spiritual capital of the Joseon Dynasty and comes packed full of traditional temples and villages to explore.

  Trekkers, on the other hand, would prefer to spend their time in the lush Seoraksan National Park, where pristine hiking trails offer endless outdoor exploration. And to top off an epic Korean saga, jump on a flight to Jeju; a postcard-perfect island declared one of the “New 7 Wonders Of Nature.”

• 5. How to Get Around in South Korea

  Korea’s high-speed rail system is superb, although it certainly doesn’t come cheap. Investigate whether pre-purchasing a KORAIL pass will save you money. The train also doesn’t cover the entire country, meaning you’ll need to take a bus now and then. Thankfully, Korean buses are reliable, clean, and reasonably priced–and best of all, there are departures literally every two minutes between the bigger cities.

  National carriers Korean Airlines and Asiana both offer reasonable rates on their extensive networks should you opt to take to the sky instead. But to reach the closer islands, many travelers prefer to jump on a local ferry.