south korea travel from philippines

South Korea Visa from the Philippines

South korea visa requirements for citizens of the philippines.

Citizens of the Philippines must have a visa to go to South Korea. Currently, Filipinos need to apply for a visa through the South Korean Embassy.

More about South Korean visa requirements for Philippines citizens can be found below.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa for South Korea?

Yes, citizens of the Philippines require a visa to visit South Korea.

It is not possible to get a South Korea visa on arrival from the Philippines. Travelers must apply at the embassy in advance.

Filipinos can usually stay in South Korea for 90 days with a South Korea tourist visa. To study or work in the Republic of Korea, other types of visas are available.

South Korea Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Several different South Korean visas are available to citizens of the Philippines depending on travel plans. Specific requirements depend on the visa type

Travelers from the Philippines need to fill out a visa application form . Basic personal information, contact details, and passport data are required. There are also some health and safety requirements.

Documents Required by Citizens of the Philippines

The full list of required documents differs depending on the visa type.

The following documents are required to apply for a South Korea tourist visa from the Philippines:

• Philippines passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
• Passport-style photograph
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
• Payment of the tourist visa fee

Additional supporting documents are required to get a visa to study or work in South Korea .

How to Apply for a South Korea Visa from the Philippines

Filipinos need to make an appointment at the South Korean Embassy to apply for their visa. The South Korean Embassy in the Philippines is located in Metro Manila.

Applicants may download the visa form and fill it out before their appointment.

They must present the completed application form with all the supporting documents at the embassy. They will also need to pay the visa application fee.

South Korea visa applications from the Philippines can be made between 15 days and 3 months before the departure date. Visa processing times vary depending on the embassy and current demand.

South Korea Entry Requirements for Filipino Visitors

Filipino citizens are asked to present the following documents to enter South Korea:

• Philippines passport valid for 6 months
• Valid South Korea visa

A visa does not guarantee entry. South Korean immigration officials are responsible for making the final decision and they may request additional paperwork.

South Korea transit visa for Philippines passport holders

Filipinos do not need a visa to transit through South Korea :

• Incheon International Airport, Seoul— for less than 24 hours for
• Other airports— when departing on the same calendar day

Passengers must stay in the transit area. A visa is required to leave the airport or pass through immigration.

Visit South Korea from the Philippines

Depending on the time of year, there are direct flights from the Philippines to South Korea :

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Daegu International Airport (TAE)
• Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (INL)

There are also flights with one or more stops to other South Korean destinations such as Jeju Island .

Korean Embassy in the Philippines

To visit South Korea in 2022, Filipinos must contact the embassy for information about visa applications during COVID-19.

Find below the details of the South Korea Embassy in Metro Manila, the Philippines:

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Philippines

South Korea Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the Philippines to South Korea

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Documents & Additional resources

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Can I travel to South Korea from the Philippines?

Most visitors from the Philippines, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the Philippines can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Can I travel to South Korea without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the Philippines can enter South Korea without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter South Korea?

Visitors from the Philippines are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering South Korea.

Can I travel to South Korea without quarantine?

Travelers from the Philippines are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in South Korea?

Mask usage in South Korea is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in South Korea?

Restaurants in South Korea are open. Bars in South Korea are .

Update April 12, 2024

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Philippines to South Korea: Travel Requirements, Quarantine Rules, Restrictions, etc.

However, on-arrival RT-PCR test is still mandatory for all travelers. by Ina Louise Manto | September 28, 2022

Did you know that the Philippines is the third top country South Koreans visited the most in 2019? While Koreans can’t get enough of the Philippines’ tropical weather, Pinoys love South Korea just as much, as seen in the growth of appreciation for Hallyu or the Korean Wave over the years. K-dramas helped us survive the lockdown, so it’s no wonder that we’re raring to visit!

Here’s everything you need to know to help you prepare for your visit to South Korea:

Table of Contents

• Who can travel to South Korea?

Requirements for travel from the Philippines to South Korea

Do you need a visa to enter south korea.

• Quarantine rules

Current South Korea COVID Situation

Is south korea open to tourists now.

As of May 30, 2022,  South Korea is opening its borders to tourists from June 1, 2022 . Four Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, can also enjoy visa-free travel to Jeju and Gangwon province in June. The country has previously eased its border restrictions on April 1, allowing fully vaccinated non-leisure travelers to enter the Republic of Korea without the mandatory quarantine requirements.

Who can travel to South Korea from the Philippines?

Beginning April 1, 2022, South Korea is reopening its borders to international passengers who are traveling for non-leisure purposes such as students, businessmen, employees, seasonal workers, and families of Korean nationals. Other allowed travelers include Korean nationals and foreigners re-entering the country after a long period of time (those who left after June 1, 2020).

On March 21, the Republic of Korea waived its mandatory quarantine requirement for inbound travelers whose vaccination status is registered in the country.

Here are the travel and health documents you need to prepare for:

• Valid passport
• Proof of vaccination. You may request an International Certificate of Vaccination through the Bureau of Quarantine or request proof of vaccination from VaxCertPH .
• Q-CODE registration. Submit your vaccination history and upload your vaccination certificate/proof of vaccination in the system here .
• Travel and health insurance that includes treatment and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infection

Find more information about detailed travel requirements here .

Yes, you need to secure a visa to enter South Korea. These are the types of visas you can apply for at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines and its requirements:

• For Seasonal workers (C-4, E-8)
• For F-1-5 or those visiting and joining family
• For Korean’s parents-in-law
• For Korean’s sister or brother-in-law
• For Filipino married to military personnel stationed in Korea
• For Parents of naturalized citizens (Filipinos who acquired Korean citizenship)
• For Employees
• For Businessmen
• For Students
• For Religious Workers
• For Housewives

Find more visa categories here .

Beginning June 1, 2022 , the embassy will resume processing Korean Tourist Visa applications.

For when tourists are allowed again, you will have to process tourist visa applications through accredited agencies.

Note: Multiple entry visas issued prior to April 5, 2020 may be used without re-application.

PSA: You Can Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa Again from June 1 PSA: You Can Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa Again from June 1 Ina Louise Manto | May 20, 2022

Visa-free entry for Filipinos

Visa-free entry to Jeju Island resumed on June 1, together with the reopening of Korea’s borders to tourists. Another addition to the visa-free entry is via Yangyang International Airport where tourists can visit and explore Gangwon Province. Find more about it here:

BOOKMARK: Everything You Need to Know About Visa-Free Travel to Jeju and Yangyang BOOKMARK: Everything You Need to Know About Visa-Free Travel to Jeju and Yangyang Ina Louise Manto | Jun 02, 2022

South Korea quarantine rules

Beginning April 1, 2022, all fully vaccinated travelers entering South Korea are exempt from quarantine . This means that you must have already taken your third or booster shot prior to traveling or have completed your primary vaccines at least 14 days prior but within 180 days.

However, passengers coming from Myanmar, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine will still have to quarantine for seven days upon arrival.

As of September 3, 2022, all arriving travelers are still subject to an  on-arrival   PCR test  within 1 day of arrival and upload the test result to the Q-code site .

For updates and more information regarding travel to South Korea, don’t forget to visit the following pages:

• https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3275/list.do
• http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en
• https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761454&page=1

Ina Louise Manto

When she’s not writing, Ina’s busy curating playlists that will save her when words don’t work, reading, annoying her cat, or thinking of her next meal.

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South Korea Tour Package from the Philippines

Welcome to the home of the Hallyu wave! Visit the shooting locations of popular dramas such as Descendants of the Sun and Winter Sonata. Try on a hanbok and savor the experience of the wonder that is Korean cuisine! South Korea derives its name from one of its earliest dynasties, the Goguryeo dynasty, which has been around since the time of the Silk Road. It is located in the Korean Peninsula and separated from North Korea by the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a strip of land that serves as a border between the two countries. The country’s neighbors include Japan in the east side, and China on the west. You can choose the Korean Drama Special Package, particularly geared towards filming locations used for Korean dramas, or avail the normal package. A tour in the city gives you a chance to admire the modern architecture. For one, South Korea has plenty of delights to offer.

4 Days 3 Nights

 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS TOUR 

Our three (3) nights, four (4) days package takes you on a fun ride from the incheon international airport to gyeongbok palace, tour package itinerary:, day one:   arrival & transfers .

Arrive at Incheon International Airport. From there, you will meet the tour guide. Visit Nami Island. The half moon-shaped island is famous due its role in the Korean drama Winter Sonata . It also happens to be one of the most famous tourist destinations in Korea.  Aside from being one of the most flocked to tourist attractions in South Korea, Nami Island has also been viewed as a center of peace, prosperity, and happiness, due to its location and inspiring landscapes. 

Nami island, peaceful, and crescent-shaped, stands not too far from seoul, which is why a lot of people prefer to visit nami island as a tourist destination. it houses enough amenities, with educational centers, shops for crafts and design as well as food aplenty in the area. the island was named for a general during the joseon period. the general had died at a young age, after his fortunes had downturned. his grave is unmarked but it is said that there was a pile of stones where he was supposed to be buried; if anyone gets any stone, then ill luck will befall the house of whoever takes the stone., nami island is considered a micronation; it has its own currency, stamp and telephone card. the island has hosted many events promoting art, culture and various causes. one can travel to the island via: traveling by train to gapyeong station, walking or taking a cab from the station to the ferry wharf. there are no hotels in the island. the nearest ones would be located in gapyeong., amongst its must-sees are the central korean pine tree lane, gingko tree lane, and riverside paths. all of them can be easily sighted, and walked to. the iconic winter sonata statues are located specifically in gongsaengwon garden., petite france (optional tour) – be amazed at the french architecture this french cultural village holds stroll around the complex with your friends, enjoy the fresh air and view. the small village hosts a figure antoine saint-expeury’s iconic and most beloved character, the little prince as well as a figure of michael jackson you can admire., from afar one would think from the looks of the architecture of petite france that one would be in a foreign country. however, it’s only part and parcel of petite france, a cultural village and youth training center. its architecture is modelled after those in france. the owner of petite france got the idea to build petite france after he visited france. from there, he was inspired to recreate the beauty of french architecture. the village pays tribute to the creator of the little prince. in fact, there’s even a hall dedicated to him. you can also find a miniature eiffel tower inside the petite france complex., in the village, there are plenty of photo spots. there are also props from the korean dramas that have filmed in petite france, for tourists to pose with. for a start, tourists can begin with the antiques flea market. the area where you can find the filming spot for beethoven virus, and maestro and outdoor cafes, and the event hall of petite france. the latter area is connected to the observatory. from this observatory, you can get a gist of cheongpyeongho lake. on the far end of the complex, you can find the exhibition halls for antique porcelains and grand display of european-style living room. bringing a map is highly recommended., the location is accessible by taxi and subway. the place emits strong romantic vibes, so bringing your significant other here is a very recommended option – or rather, a must., after dinner, check in the hotel., day two:   everland.

Depart for Yongin the next day. One of Seoul’s major cities, Yongin houses Everland, the country’s largest theme park, the Hoam Art Museum and the Korean Folk Village, amongst several tourist attractions.  In the Korean Folk Village, you’ll get to try on hanbok , which is the national attire of South Korea. You will also get the chance to create your own kimchi. The site is famous for its nature as a “living museum”; the whole set is interactive and educational, with parts of it modeled after the structure of a village during the time periods of traditional up to the late Joseon era of South Korea. Food is cheap and accessible here. 

Go to everland, which is located not too far from there. aside from being the nation’s largest theme park, everland enjoys fame due to the animals it houses.  get to know the animals at zootopia if you love animals. for the thrillseekers, you can opt to catch t express, hurricane and especially the horror maze. go a long way with our unlimited ticket., everland is a theme park featuring many attractions and to south korea, it is their biggest theme park. it operates from 10am to 10pm daily. the prices for everland tickets vary, depending the method of purchase. the theme park is divided into five spots, with all their different attractions. in global fair, there are restaurants and amazing architecture where you can take plenty of great photos with. this area is mostly full of shops and restaurants. american adventure: adrenaline rush features the most extreme ride from everland. hurricane adventure can send you nineteen (19) feet off the ground; hold tight as the pendulum-patterned columbus adventure rocks back and forth. get to pet cute animals and get up and close with geese or even manage to book a private guided tour with a professional animal trainer in everland zootopia couples can go have their caricatures made and painted during white day; the theme park offers a wide range of transportation options like lifts., the theme park can be reached through bus and shuttle ride. when booking for everland, avoid mid-july to mid-august, chuseok holidays, christmas, and new year, as the crowds can get pretty heavy during those times of the year. the park is friendly to children as well as pwds. some prefer to purchase cute card holders from the park itself., catch up to waujeongsa temple, which is accessible via  subway. waujeongsa temple was founded by a displaced monk, kim hae-geum. the reason for the founding of the temple was for the reunification of north and south korea. the founder, kim hae-geum had been displaced during the korean war. it boasts of well-made statues, its holy ground adorned with colorful and varied buddhist symbols. don’t forget to pay your respects in the temple; this is holy ground, after all., after the visit to waujeongsa temple, maximize your trip to dongseohogno. after all, what is a visit to south korea without grabbing some of their famous beauty products dongseohogno is located in daegu, south korea. it’s also considerably near luxury stores. from stores to theatres to bookstores, the space in dongseohogno is aptly and well divided to keep one busy and happy. enjoy window-shopping, shopping and some me-time while in dongseohogno , day three:   seoul.

Following breakfast, you will be toured around Seoul. There, you will experience Duty Free Shopping and Cosmetic Shop in Lotte Shopping Mall. Lotte, founded in 1979, has since become one of the leading shopping centers in the country. The mall is easy to access with public commute. The store also has virtually everything, from simple and domestic items up to branded products coming from overseas. Fear not – they accept credit cards here. 

Don’t forget to have a list of products you want to check out ready with korea being a hot destination for makeup and skincare, many people choose to buy korean beauty products due to their low cost as well as effectivity. , after dinner, check in with the hotel for your resting time or you can also opt to take an optional tour of the city. , seoul city tour (optional tour) – this tour is accessible by nighttime, afternoon and daytime, with options for the whole night, or for half-day. meet your tour guide in a specified bus. from there, you will be guided to places you can access within the urban maze of seoul. the trip takes four hours so make sure to allot time, water, good shoes and plenty of patience. your guide will speak in english, as to be understood. the city of seoul is more than 400 years old; its geography as well as character have lent the country plenty of importance across history. in olden times, seoul used to be a walled city of chosun, its people constantly worried about invasions by land and sea. it was no surprise that a tower was eventually built, from which the night watchman would be able to guard and stay on the lookout for any potential danger coming for the city. this tower, now the n seoul tower, is one of the highlights of this city tour. from your hotel, you will pass by namsan hanok village, n seoul tower, seoullo 7107, ddp (led rose garden) and then dongdaemun., day four:   incheon.

After breakfast, you will go to Gyeongbok Palace. Gyeongbok – or Gyeongbokgung- is the Northern Palace due to its location and direction. Historical, ancient and still majestic despite its age (it was built in the mid-15th century), the palace hosts two museums. You can access a restroom here. It is closed on Tuesdays and open every day of the week. The offices inside the palace have miraculously remained untouched. 

The palace happens also to be the largest palace in south korea. it is found a stone’s throw away from the blue house, which is the presidential residence of the leader of south korea. when in here, take an hour up to two hours to be able to stroll around, enjoy the sights, and mull over the complexity of the imperial south korean architecture. the grounds here are spacious.,  while the palace had been twice destroyed, it still stands. it used to sire 500 buildings long ago. after a time where it had been damaged due to a political rift, the efforts would be put away for naught, due to the japanese invasion of south korea. the invasion would once again damage the palace., if you are a fan of joseon era dramas, or happen to be interested in korean history, then this part of the itinerary is perfect for you to immerse yourself in. wear walking shoes and bring water while in here; the stroll will be long and full of learnings. try to avoid crowds as well., transfer to icn for departure via the korean food and souvenir supermarket. , the lunch for the day will be the maru shabu (beef) and salad bar. please note there will be an additional usd 5.00 charge during holidays and weekends. , changdeok palace (optional tour) – this tour is only available every tuesday. during 1997, it was acknowledged by the united nations as a heritage site during the committee meeting in naples, italy. its rear garden was built during the reign of king taejong. as much as possible, human hands were forbidden to lay a hand on it. the exception to this rule only happens when it is absolutely necessary to do so. the palace also serves as the burial and final resting place of the members of the royal family., **please be advised that the itinerary can be changed in accordance with local conditions without any further notice. .

5 Days 4 Nights

  5 DAYS  4 NIGHTS TOUR

For almost a week, travel from chungjuho lake to gyeongbok palace.

Arrival will be at the majestic Incheon International Airport. The airport houses amenities you can avail of in order to relax. There is a nearby hotel, lounge and relaxation center, consisting of a spa and personal care. From the Incheon International Airport, you will be transferred to the Chungju Cruise, which you will take to ferry across the nation’s largest lake, Chungju.

Admire and enjoy the fresh air in the nation’s most famous and gargantuan lake, chungjuho. chungjuho was formed after the chungju dam was built. during the process of building chungju dam, across three regions, 66.48km’s size of area ended up submerged. despite the losses, the manmade lake would eventually become a prominent tourist spot location. from the five ferry docks on chungjunaru, you can take a look at the lake. chungju dam houses its main ferry dock, with cheongpunaru, janghoenaru and gudambong peak and okunsubong peak are located. danyangnaru can be found in danyang-eup, with woraknaru near woraksan mountain. the lake is accessed by ferry on cruises; these cruises leave from the chungju dam ferry terminal. these ferries are easy to come by during the summer time; every hour, you can catch them by the site. in the winter, they are rather scarce.  ,   after dinner, you may now sign in your hotel. .

Following breakfast, you will experience being taught how to make kimchi and wearing a hanbok in your trip to the interactive Korean Folk Village in Yongi. Go to Everland and enjoy the attractions there with our unlimited ticket.

Pay your respects at weoljungsa temple. woljungsa temple is a temple of the jogye order of korean buddhism. it is located in pyeongchang, gangwon. the temple has many items that are of high cultural value: four national treasures, and five other designated treasures. in the main hall, you can find a figure of gautama buddha. another important figure that you can find in the temple is the famed medicine buddha. the pose of the figure is said to be an offering one, its figure wearing a crown, its face long and its long hair obscuring its ears. you can spot a necklace carved along its neck. others have speculated the figurine comes from the 11th century., woljungsa temple’s legendary octagonal nine-story pagoda is one of the treasures present in the temple. it is believed to have been constructed in the 10th century. it is also believed to represent other 9th to 10th century pagodas present during the goryeo period in south korea. its original base stone is no longer present; it is now replaced. the flat stone laid in its base is carved with lotus flowers., after the visit to the temple, maximize your trip to dongseohogno, the nation’s busiest street, with some shopping. for a more extensive experience in the illustrious everland, you can avail our everland optional tour. , everland tour (optional tour)   – from your hotel, transfer to everland directly. stroll across everland, familiarize yourself with the animals and infrastructures there. after lunch, you will get to experience the everland festival. the everland festival is the highlight of its tour; everland is no stranger to festivals. the theme park hosts a wide array of festivals across the months. from january to february, the winter wonderland festival is celebrated while in march-april and may-june, the rose festival and tulip festivals are celebrated. in july-september, one can feast in time for the summer splash while september-october, one can celebrate in the happy haloween feast. the last feast for the year of everland is the winter wonderland. retire freely to your hotel once the tour is over., day three:   gwangmyeong cave with wine  .

Get to have a cave and wine tour in one in the Gwangmyeong Cave, which is the first destination after breakfast. The cave is a tourism attraction due to its history. Despite its long history of use, it has still retained its cultural value. 

Be greeted by the colorful lights in gwangmyeong cave; the cave entrance is full of colorful led lights. the cave used to be a mine. when it opened to the public in 2011 after it was purchased by gwangmyeong city and converted into a cave theme park, it has since been used as a venue for screenings, concerts, fashion shows, and other exhibitions. the cave features a golden waterfall, golden path, golden palace and a statue of aisha. the latter is one of the most notorious artifacts in the cave. according to urban legend, whoever gets to touch the coins in aisha’s statue’s hand will live a life of prosperity and happiness in the future., the in-cave attractions in the cave include wormhole square, cave underground world, golden road, and modern history museum. the wine cave here measures 194m long. the wines being tasted here are 170. while the cave has long been used before as a mine, there are still traces of it behind. the trip here is a memorable journey into 100 years of history. a plus: after the wine tasting, you can buy the wine you like the best., after that, proceed to hyundai cruise, where you will be treated to a fun excursion admire the scenic waterway, as well as the warmth, generosity and kindness of locals, who will give you help across your way. , day four:   seoul, enjoy the best of what seoul has to offer, itinerary for today will be the famed n seoul tower. the n seoul tower is famous for its view of the seoul cityscape as well as for being the national symbol of seoul. the n seoul tower also happens to be the highest point in seoul. networks such as sbs and kbs get their signals from this point. it is divided into three main sections. these are the n lobby, n plaza and n tower. its attractions include the namsam tower, lighting of the tower, love padlocks and wishing pond and observatory.  , to ride the tower, many ride the namsan cable car. the panoramic view from up is one of the many things that tourists, particularly photographers, enjoy in this spot. the tower is surrounded by several attractions south korea offers, including namsan park and namsangol hanok village. the pricing of the fees depends on the age group: children, elderly, adults and teenagers., the tower uses led technology to give the visitors of the tower a more fun as well as more interactive experience. they offer shows, including “reeds of light” and “shower of light.” to commemorate earth days, the lights are usually shut off. usually, on 6pm, the lights are turned off. the lights are turned on from sunset to 11pm., the love padlocks located here count as one of korean couples’ favorite pasttimes. it is situated on the 2nd floor of the tower. the practice has since been depicted on korean comics and dramas and movies. love padlocks are portrayed usually as an activity where couples buy a lock and key and put their messages, initials and symbols with pens on the surface of the lock. after the lock is secured, the key will eventually be thrown away. the practice mimics the padlocks found on the pont neuf bridge., a decade ago, the teddy bear museum was opened with a 7-meter christmas tree spattered with more than a hundred teddy bears. this event had been held at the tower. the teddy bears showcased here were meant to represent the past, present and future of seoul., in 2016, the tower won the tourism award in the seoul city culture awards. it also garnered grand prize in the 2016 korea’s first, world’s best awards. additionally, this year, it was designated as part of seoul’s future heritage by the local seoul metropolitan government. not to be outdone, this year, the tower received a plaque of appreciation from the energy network of korea ngo., hoard prized and cult favorite korean products during the free shopping at myeongdong. myeongdong is considered a major shopping center. it also is a commercial area, with a main shopping, parade route and tourism district. recently, it was hailed as the 9th most expensive shopping street in the world. aside from shopping, it is known for being near historical sites. , myeongdong is accessible via train. korean cosmetic brands, such as innisfree, too cool for school, usually dominate the street but it is not hard to find stores for clothes here. the business hub of seoul can be found in this district alongside myeongdong cathedral. the place has been around since the joseon dynasty; back then it was a residential area. its name was changed when south korea was put under the rule of japan, to “myeongchijong” and under that period, myeongdong became a commercial area. after the independence of south korea was declared, it became the district of myeongdong., it is estimated almost 2 million people everyday come here for their shopping needs. most of the items that can be found here are targeted towards younger people. these include petite female japanese tourists who scour the streets of myeongdong every night to look for trendy finds. if you are looking for tom ford, louis vuitton, then you will not have a hard time looking for them in this area. smaller brands can also be found here in myeongdong but one has to have a quick eye and check out the smaller alleys in order to locate them in the area., for people who don’t enjoy shopping very much, myeongdong can still be of value to them. the food is cheap, and tastes good. the area is also very spacious, to host countless restaurants, while you can also access tasty and unique street food. on a cold night, the street food make an excellent choice; it can keep you warm. myeongdong is best recommended to be explored in during the latter part of the day, when the lights are on, and the streets are packed., on the side, the myeongdong cathedral should not be missed . the cathedral is built in the gothic style and is esteemed as one of the most important cathedrals in the world., nanta (optional tour)  – it is a famous musical and burlesqueshow, noted for its use of nonverbal performance and the high number of the people who have watched it. popular, it’s no doubt why locals and tourists alike tout the show as a must-see experience. nanta also received an award for best urban program in 2009 and accommodates 750,000 foreign visitors per year. it uses rhythms from korean folk music with modern musical forms in order to create a unique sound and experience., day five:   seoul/incheon, depart for gyeongbok palace after breakfast. this palace was built in the 14th century and better known as the “northern palace” due to its location., the next destination, the national palace museum can be found south of heungnyeum gate.  learn about the rich history of south korea during the tour in national palace museum. you will pass by the deoksugang stonewall. it is a picturesque pathway where one can pass through. it is located right next to deoksugang palace, befitting its name., for the last destination will be the ginseng center. the national ginseng center gives you a free taste of ginseng honey tea. the tour will also give you an overview of the history of ginseng here in korea., departure will be set following it..

6 Days 5 Nights

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS TOUR

Sign up for a fun tour across korea that not only heightens the senses, but also nourishes the mind, arrival will be at incheon international airport. , you will be transferred to chungju lake cruise, which happens to be a peak tourist destination in korea due to its aquatic and skyline views.  on and aboard your ferry, you can admire and enjoy the fresh air in the nation’s largest lake, chungjuho.  the creation of this manmade lake had come at the cost of the submergence of three regions and the production of the chungju dam in the mid-1980s. ironically, after it was created, people have since flocked to it to admire its view as well as size. its fresh water and clean air, surrounded by amazing scenery are just a few reasons to see this lake., admission to the lake is free; prices vary per ferry. ferries operate in five sides of the lake, but the most popular route for it is the chungjunaru cruise. another ferry runs as far as shin dayang; its ride features amazingly scenic sights. in the summer, the schedule for the ferry is bound to change. in the winter, the boat runs daily in every 2 hours while in the summer, the boat runs per hour from 9 am to 4:30 pm., after dinner, you may now sign in your hotel. you may also opt to go for an optional tour. , petite france (optional tour) – located in the gapyeong region, you can choose to come here via cab or subway. petite france is a beautiful cultural village that pays homage to antoine saint-expeury’s the little prince, a famous book character. korean dramas like  my love from the stars ,  beethoven virus and  secret garden have filmed in this location. the complex features plenty of buildings in the french style of architecture. it also does not hurt that this small cultural village has a decent number of cafes and restaurants where you can eat., day two:  andong, the first locale will be andong hahoe. the andong hahoe is a preserved village built in the traditional joseon era style. it also used to be home to the ryu clan of pungsan.  gyeomam ryu un-ryong and seoae ryu seong-ryong, two scholars from the joseon era, were born here. aside from the architecture, the site has also preserved folk traditions, valuable books and village customs. there, you can step back in time and see what life was like for koreans in the olden times. the village derives it name from nakdong river, which surrounds the perimeter of the town. the town is situated at the foothills of hwasan mountain., the town center is populated by large tile-roofed houses belonging to the ryu clan, adding their own unique charm to the surrounding thatched roofs. aside from that, the village boasts of plenty of natural beauties as well. the village houses unique styles of architecture, from the confucian school in the area; it also maintains folk arts such as the hahae mask dance drama. the latter is a shamanist ritual which honors the communal spirits of the village., the nakdong river flows around it, with buyongdae cliff, endlessly unfolding sand beaches, lush pine trees and more. visitors here can appreciate a panoramic view, from buyongdae cliff. among its attractions nearby are bongjeongsa temple (built during the silla period), gosan seowon (confucian academy), gwiraejeong, gyemyeongsan mountain recreational forest, hakgasan mountain recreational forest, and waryongsan mountain.andong hahoe was added unesco world heritage list under the category of “historic villages in korea” on july 31, 2010. it is also in andong hahoe that the autumn festival is held every year., nowadays, the village is divided into two. these are the namchon (south village) and pukchon (north village) with the ryu clan of pungsan. the ryu clan branches have split the two halves amongst themselves. this spot has become more famous after queen elizabeth ii visited it., proceed to daegu donghwasa temple, which was formerly known as yugasa temple. built by monk geukdal, the temple is sectioned into three sides found in the front and the center. its pillars are considered its main attractions. in the corner, you can see the seolbeopjeon hall. its name was changed to donghwasa temple due to the fact that in the locale, phoenix trees still bloomed even if it was winter. the temple had experienced constant destruction and rebuilding., there are plenty of national cultural relics found in the temple, like the geumdangan 3-floor stone thrower and donghwasa construction rods. the name of the temple roughly translates to “paulownia blossom temple”. during the rebuilding of the temple in 832, it was said that paulownia blossoms bloomed all over the temple., the main hall, bongseoru hall, is named after a phoenix. a set of railings shaped like dragons can be found on either side of the stairs. a pair of stone phoenixes with a pair of circular stone balls can be found in the center. the temple’s renowned elevated pavilion can be reached on the right side., after a flight of stairs, you can find another highlight here in the temple. it’s the buddha of medicine, at a height of 30 meters. surrounding this figurine are other bodhisattvas and buddha figures. the buddha of medicine was constructed in hopes of a united north and south korea; it was completed in 1992. in the front, it joins with gwanseeum, the bodhisattva of compassion, crowning it.,  after the visit to the temple, maximize your trip to dongseohogno, the nation’s busiest street, with some shopping. the street is open all day, so there is no need to worry about rushing to go there.,  you may retire now to your hotel following this history-filled day., day three:   cheongseongdae  .

After breakfast, head with your shuttle to one of the oldest sites in Korea: Bulguksa Temple. The Seokguram Grotto is part of the ancient and religious complex, having stood there since the Silla dynasty. Together, the Grotto and Temple form an architectural complex holding a large significance. The Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Toham in Gyeongju and also serves as a head temple.

The original temple was bigger than the current one; the building that stands today in the complex is only a fraction of its original size. the decrease in size was caused by a fire. the temple had been built on a set foundation during the baekje kingdom era. the chief architect of the temple is kim dae-song. he was also the chief minister of the united silla kingdom. it is notable that during this era, buddhism had been adopted as the official religion of the kingdom., the complex is meant to represent the land of buddha, birojeon, divided into three parts. the first is vairocana, buddha hall. the second is daeungjeon, the hall of great enlightenment and geunnakjeon, the hall of supreme bliss. the hall is constructed of wood and built on a raised stone terrace. the temple is built to be an architectural representation of paradise, as it rises symmetrically from a lotus lake., the entrance is also meant to be symbolic; the entrance gate, mauve mist gate, approaches the cloud bridge gate. the visitor must climb the lower flight of stairs to the bridge of white clouds, paekungyo. the upper flight is choragunyo, the bridge of azure clouds. due to the complexity of the architecture, it took 40 years to complete. the space is so great that the estimate for it is two thousand (2,000) kan. kan refers to the amount of space in four (4) columns., check out the world’s oldest astronomy tower in cheomseongdae see for yourself one of korea’s most precious artifacts, the daereungwon tomb in busan. in cheongseongdae, one cannot help but admire plenty of greenery around the area. flowers grow in the area, so stepping on them is forbidden. the spot is photogenic, and the air is fresh., it was queen seon-dok who had the cheomseongdae observatory constructed. its primary use was to chart the stars in order to predict the weather. its shape is cylindrical with stones 30cm in their diameter. the world’s oldest astronomy tower in cheongseongdae stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m. its 362 stones are meant to represent the 362 days in a year. the pavilion stone is said to have been used as a means of deciding directions., in daereungwon, there are 23 tombs more located across the street near cheongseongdae and behind the park. the site, contrary to it being a site for tombs, is surprisingly quiet and peaceful, a perfect place where one can pass the time to think and relax. trees surround the tombs. admission to the site has a fee; it is not free., within the tomb complex, the cheonmachong tomb (ancient tomb no. 155) is a standout. it is a wooden coffin placed under an underground chamber and then buried under a boulder. it has been classified as a tomb belonging to an upper-class member of society. coming from the silla dynasty. a number of eleven thousand five hundred twenty-six (11, 526) items have been discovered within the site. included in these items is a painting, the chonmado, which is considered valuable as it would be the first painting to be discovered within a tomb – and an ancient one, at that rate. the wooden chamber measures 6.5 m long and 2.1 m wide, reaching 2.1 m in height, with the coffin itself located in the center., day four:  busan.

Go for a post-breakfast stroll in the open air park of Taejongdae with the Danubi Train. Taejongdae, located on the coast of Busan, boasts some of the best coastal scenery in Korea. A lot of space in Taejongdae Park is mostly greenery, evergreens and trees, and some temples. Most tourists prefer to head straight Taejongdae Observatory and Yeongdo Lighthouse but Taejongdae and Yongdusan Park are not without its natural charms.

Visit the charming shrine of yongdusan park and enjoy the view of busan from the location. after the trips to the parks, kill some time shopping in the ever-open kukje market. the kukje market features clean, organized spacing as well as fresh produce and top-notch korean products. the market also serves food aside from offering it up on their racks to be bought home., return to seoul and rest after the long day in your hotel after dinner., day five:  seoul.

Take a trip to the N Seoul Tower. After that, go onto DFS in Lotte and Cosmetic Shop. Lotte Shopping Center in South Korea features both homegrown and major brands; it has grown on to become a major brand as well. For buys that are family-friendly, as well as cheap materials, Lotte has everything you will need.

Finish your tour for the day with seoul’s interactive museum l’atelier, where you can experience interacting with impressionist paintings. l’atelier is a cultural space, specifically dedicated to the 19th century painters. it makes use of holograms and video technology to educate its visitors., day six:  incheon, enjoy your breakfast in the hotel. first in this day’s itinerary will be gyeongbok palace and its palace museum. pass by the blue house and deoksugang stonewall walkway, which happens to be a pathway on the side of the famed deoksugang palace, the northern palace., lunch for the day will be maru shabu (beef) and salad bar. you will visit ginseng center or red pine shop before your departure..

• Korean Romantic Drama Package

 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS KOREAN ROMANTIC DRAMA PACKAGE TOUR

Relive your korean drama fantasies with this package.

After arrival at Incheon International Airport, you’ll get a free Banana Milk. Head over to Nami Island, which was popularized by the classic Korean drama hit Winter Sonata . Feel free to take photos around, and pose with the statues depicting the two lovers from the beloved drama. Lanky trees surround the place, providing fresh air and plenty of space to walk around for tourists.

The half-moon-shaped island was formed due to the construction of cheongpyeong dam. general nami’s grave can also be found on the island; the man for whom the island was named for had led a great victory during the joseon dynasty against rebels. the island is 63 kilometers away from seoul in the direction of chuncheon. it’s also famous for its paths lined with trees. due its nearness to seoul, many tend to gravitate towards the island., electric wires here in nami island are built underground. hence, there are no phone lines here. the island is 553,560 square yards, surrounded by poplar and chestnut trees. in the center of the island, you can find a large grass field. this field features educational facilities, shops and camping sites. the best shops they have fall under the design and crafts category., petite france (optional tour) – kim soo hyun’s do min joon took jun ji hyun’s cheong songyi here as a means to have alone time together. petite france boasts of its french architecture, as well as its accommodations., day two:   pyeongchang.

Leave for Woljeongsa Temple Forest, where selected scenes from the recent hit drama Goblin were filmed. There, enjoy the view, take in the fresh air and fangirl. Take a photo to recreate the iconic scenes from Goblin there. Strike a pose, smile.

Woljeongsa is situated on a mountain, being two hours from seoul. it was built by a monk named jajang in 643 ce, during the reign of queen seon-dok of shilla and was destroyed during the korean war. the temple is a complex that holds sixty (60) temples, twenty-two (22) pagodas and eight (8) monasteries that pepper the mountains., the temple’s best known cultural property is the octagonal, nine-story stone pagoda located directly in front of the jeokgwangjeon (hall of stillness and light). its structure suggests it came from the goryeo dynasty. the legendary jeongmyeolbogung , the jeweled palace of stillness and extinction, holds some sarira (true relics) of the historical buddha. the area is well-known for its snow-capped peaks, stunning waterfalls and peaceful scenery. this buddhist complex is open to people all over the world who have an interest in learning about buddhism and those who wish to join their temple stay programs., the type of buddhism the monks practice here is jogye buddhism. the latter was established over a thousand years ago. it focuses on  chamseon , the art of meditation. meditation was seen as a way to achieve inner peace. the area also can be booked and used by tourists through the use of their website., after that, visit jumunjin breakwater. the site was originally built to protect the coastline from the effects of erosion and longshore drift. it was catapulted to fame after it was prominently featured in episodes of  goblin , a hit fantasy drama series. countless visitors look forward to taking photos of a scene reanactment from the drama. the rocky structure faces the ocean directly, making a dramatic and wide scene that is perfect for photoshoots and films., in goblin, jumunjin breakwater features as ji eun tak’s hideout. there, she talks to her deceased mother. she is also one of the main characters of the drama. in the locale, in the first episode, she calls kim shin, the goblin, to her through wishing for a part-time job and a boyfriend. the locale makes another appearance in the drama in the third episode, when kim shin tells her it rains whenever he is sad., the locale is accessible through public commute. you can get off at jumunjin express bus central terminal, gangneung intercity bus terminal. the view is more beautiful at sunset. the site is famous for its blue water, fine white sand, and the visibility of dark rocks and a view of the pine trees. food, through mostly seafood restaurants, is easy to catch a whiff of around the area.  , you will be transferred to seoul. please check in your hotel after dinner for rest., day three :  yongin.

Go to the peaceful port town of Yongin after breakfast. Enjoy Everland Theme Park on unlimited ticket. Oh Ri-Jin and Cha Do Hyun from Kill Me, Heal Me had their first kiss in this location; in The Producers , the shoot for 1 Night 2 Days was held here, where Baek Seung Chan (Kim Soo Hyun) bought along Cindy (IU) for her birthday.

Everland was south korea’s first family theme park; it still remains as a major theme park and is, in fact, the largest theme park in the country. annually, it receives seven point three million (7.3m) visitors. a subsidiary of samsung, samsung c&t group, owns and operates this theme park. its former name was “farmland.” it is divided into five zones., these zones are global fair, zoo-topia, european adventure, magic land and american adventure. entrance and exit to the theme park are located in global fair. here, you can also find strollers, food, shops and souvenirs. the famous animals of everland can be found in zootopia., in zootopia, there is a petting zoo, pony ride and animal show. among the animals in zootopia are birds, polar bears, sea lions, penguins, bears, lions, tigers, primates and more. there is a safari bus ride which allows the guest to see animals such as ligers and bears roaming within the contained habitat. the petting zoo provides sheep and goats for petting. one of everland’s most famous animals is kosik, the elephants, who made rounds due to his ability to mimic korean words through sound., everland has various festivals across the months. the year begins and ends with the winter wonderland festival. everland’s european adventures zone imitates european architecture in the structure of the restaurants there. the mystery mansion here, is a top attraction; in the attraction, one needs to shoot ghosts. a ride named t express was added in 2008; it is a roller coaster constructed entirely out of wood., everland’s american adventure section is dedicated to themes from american history. its rockville is themed after the 1950s while rodeo is western-themed. magic land, another section, comprises of elaborate buildings and rides, with one portion being aesop’s village, which is patterned after aesop’s fables., continue onto dalkomm coffee, which was featured in descendants of the sun. please transfer to seoul and after dinner, go back to your hotel., day four : dora observatory.

Following breakfast, transfer to the Demilitarized Zone, which separates North and South Korea from each other. To get a better view, you can check from a binocular in the Dora Observatory. The Dora Observatory was first opened in January 1987, replacing the Songaksan Observation Post. It is closed every Monday. 

Dora observatory overlooks several locations: north korea, the statue of kim il-sung, gaeseong, sonagsan and cooperation farm. the site features 500 seats, vip rooms, and abundant parking space. the third underground tunnel is nearby; it is a tunnel built by north korea in 1978 that stretches over 1.6km with a height and width of 2m. there are plenty of attractions in front of the tunnel such as the dmz media hall (offering the history of the divided country and flourishing ecosystem in the demilitarized zone), dmz exhibition hall (displaying relics and documents related to the demilitarized zone), sculptures, and souvenir shops. tourists can walk or choose to ride the monorail., due to limited access to civilians in this program, tourists who go here need to participate in the dmz peace & security tourist program. tourists should carry their passport which will be examined at the checkpoint after unification bridge. pets are forbidden here; use of the telescope has a time limit of maximum of two (2) minutes. parking slots are limited. the observatory can only entertain parking for 30-40 people. the fee of parking is dependent on the size of the vehicle you bought with you. for the amenities, dora observatory houses five hundred (500) seats, vip room, situation room, and thirty-four (34) telescopes., the dorasan station, which is nearby, was built in the hopes of a reunified korea. this station would have hoped to have served as the link between north and south korea geographically. the kijong-dong propaganda village built in north korea is visible from the view in dora observatory. the way to the hill where the observatory is located is steep,so please be careful. you are also advised not to take photos of soldiers and military equipment. the tour is a great place to take people who are interested in korean history as well as those who want to learn more about the cold war. the tour gives you a different viewpoint on north korea and an opportunity to learn more about it., after arriving in seoul, visit dfs and cosmetics store. check in and rest in your hotel after dinner., day five : seoul.

The first agenda of the day will be Doksugang Stonewall Walkway. The walkway is most known for being one of the most iconic locations from Goblin . Aside from its appearance as the office of the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong Wook) in Goblin , the walkway makes a perfect place for couples to spend time together. There are over twenty (20) benches and one hundred thirty (130) trees along the road. Nearby, you can find Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Museum of Art. The walkway is a street with a wide sidewalk at the southern and western walls of Deoksugung Palace. A rose bouquet sculpture of Seoul Museum of Art is in the middle of the walkway. The site is located in Seoul’s neighborhood Jeong in the Jung district.

The magnificent and picturesque stonewall has attracted plenty of tourists and is most popular during the fall foliage season. it is part of the 100 most beautiful roads in korea, as chosen by the central government. the walkway extension has been opened in august 2017; a part of the area is also occupied by the british embassy., savor the moment in the n seoul tower, where do min joo and cheon song yi spent time together in my love from the star . the n tower at seoul is one of the most iconic landmarks of seoul. aside from its occasional appearance in dramas, the n tower has become a beloved symbol. in the nights, it projects digital art using led technology; it also participates in earth hour. built in 1969, the tower is where some local networks such as kbs get their signal. the city itself has several viewing platforms from which point the tourists and visitors can admire the views but the offering of the digital observatory is unique as it holds a 360-degree panoramic view of seoul and and thirty-two (32) lcd screens recounting the 600-year history of seoul., after n seoul tower, continue onto ginseng center and  amethyst factory., a shuttle will carry you to incheon international airport. lunch will be provided by maru shabu (beef) and salad bar buffet., leave a reply cancel reply.

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How much for the three nights oackage tourboer pax. What is the airline and hotel/s?

Hi Ms. Tess,

Thank you for your inquiry with regards to our South Korea Tour Package. For faster response, you could message us on our facebookpage facebook.com/regenttravelmanila or you may email [email protected] to help you.

Can I please have a quotation. Thank you

Can I please have a quotation. Thank you. Please include if hotel accomadation is included.

Hi Ms. Marilyn,

How much for 4 days/3 nights package per pax pls?

Hi Mr. Sam,

How much Philippines to korean tour for 4night and 5 days sir

Hi Mr. Singh,

How much the tour philippine to korean 4 night and 5 days

Would like to do a tour with my daughter and an infant (8 mos) from Manila, for 4 days and 3 nights preferably on April 23 till April 26. Is this doable? And what is your quote on that? Salamat

Hi Ms. Grace,

Hi, May i know how much is the package tour for 2 and does it include hotels (which hotel) and tours( which tours)?

Hi Ms. Nao,

3days 4 nights package for 6

Hi Mr. Erwin,

From Philippines to Korea 6 days 5 nights packages let me know the prices per pax from October 2nd week

Hi Ms. Josephine,

Inquire Now!

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• Location 1: Php 100,000
• Location 2: Php 50,000
• Location 3: Php 25,000
• Location 4: Php 15,000

March, June and September Price

April, May and October

Korean Drama Package

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

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2024 seoul, south korea travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, budget, tips and more for first-timers.

Traveling to South Korea for the first-time this 2024? Sharing to you my detailed South Korea Travel Guide Blog with DIY itinerary, top things to do in Korea, Seoul tourist spots, budget, breakdown of expenses and many more to help you plan your trip to "the Land of the Morning Calm."

Seoul, south korea travel guide blog 2024 for first-timers - things to do, tourist spots, itinerary, budget and more, okay, let's get started..., korea visa requirements.

VISA-FREE ENTRY TO SOUTH KOREA

Pre-flight travel essentials, book your travel essential and activities.

• Korea 4G SIM Card
• Incheon Airport Private Car Transfers
• Discover Seoul Pass
• Everland Full Day Trip
• Nami Island & Petite France Day Trip
• Bukchon Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience or Hanbok Photoshoot by Hanboknam
• AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul or AREX Incheon Airport Express, Lotte World Pass and Running Man Thematic Experience Center Combo Package

HOW TO GET TO SEOUL SOUTH KOREA?

Cheap flights to seoul.

HOW TO GET TO SEOUL FROM INCHEON AIRPORT

Arex incheon airport express train, all-stop train, kal shuttle bus:, metered taxi or private car transfer:.

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY?

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED IN KOREA?

• Buy a Korea 4G SIM Card
• 4G WiFi Rental

DISCOVER SEOUL PASS + T-MONEY CARD

HOW TO GET AROUND SEOUL?

• Popular route to your destination
• Estimated travel time
• Number of stations and changes
• And a map of the train stations with instructions on how to get there

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KOREA?

How many days to stay in korea.

USEFUL KOREAN WORDS AND PHRASES FOR TOURISTS

• Hello/Goodbye – 안녕하세요 – An-nyeong-ha-se-yo
• Thank you – 감사합니다 – Kam-sa-ham-ni-da
• Please – 주세요 – Ju-se-yo
• It’s delicious! - 맛있어요! - Mas-shis-su-hyo!
• Yes - 네 - Ne
• No - 아니요 - Aniyo
• How much is it? – 얼마예요 – ol-ma-ye-yo
• Give me a discount – 깎아주세요 – Kka-kka-ju-se-yo
• Nice to meet you – 반갑습니다 – Bahn-gap-sum-ni-da
• How are you? - 어떻게 지내세요? - Uh-dduh-keh ji-neh-seh-yo?
• I can’t speak Korean well – 한국말 잘 못해요 – Han-guk-mal jal mot-hae-yo
• I don’t understand - 잘 모르겠네요 Jal mo-reu-geht-neh-yo
• Do you speak English? - 영어 할 수 있어요? - Yon-guh-ha-se-yo?

WHERE TO STAY IN SEOUL?

• It's near a subway station (Anguk Station)
• It's location is walking distance to the shrines and palaces
• Breakfast for 2 persons are included
• It's near convenience stores
• Impressive online reviews with a rating of 9.2 (Superb) on the Traveloka App

K GUESTHOUSE MYEONGDONG 2

• It's near a subway station (Myeong-dong Station)
• It's location is within the shopping district of Myeong-dong
• It's near convenience stores and restaurants

CHEAP HOTELS IN SEOUL BELOW ₱3,000 PESOS

Hotel stay inn seoul station.

• Address: 35, Huam-ro 57-gil, Yongsan-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea
• Guest Rating: 8.1 (Excellent)
• BOOK HERE: Check room rates and room availability

Dream Guest House Myeongdong

• Address: 190-14, Nam-Chang-Dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

INSADONG hostel

• Address: 48, Insadong 14 Gil, jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Guest Rating: 4.5 (Superb)

MUST STAY HOTEL Myeongdong

• Address: 205-125, Namchang-dong, Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea
• Guest Rating: 7.2 (Very Good)

YEHADOYE Guest House

• Address: 10, Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Guest Rating: 4.1 (Great)

K-Grand Hotel Myeongdong

• Address: 4F, 36 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul, South Korea
• Guest Rating: 7.9 (Very Good)

TOP BUDGET HOTELS IN SEOUL BELOW ₱2,000 PESOS

Seoul n hotel dongdaemun, seoul, south korea.

• Address: 21 Jong-ro 66ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Dongdaemun, Seoul, South Korea, 03115

YH GuestHouse

• Address: 87, Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu(2F), Seoul, South Korea, 3112
• Guest Rating: 4.4 (Great)

Korstay Guest House

• Address: 247, Gomdallae-ro, Gangseo-gu, Gangseo, Seoul, South Korea

Seoul Tower Family Guesthouse

• Address: 21-9, Hangang-daero 84-gil, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea, 04352

Hause Itaewon

• Address: 11, hangang-daero 62na-gil, Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea, 04382

Hostel Korea Original

• Address: 20-12, Jong-ro 65-gil, Jongno-gu, Gangbuk, Seoul, South Korea, 3112
• Guest Rating: 7.5 (Very Good)

Open Guest House

• Address: 8 Changgyeonggung-ro 35da-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Jongno, Seoul, South Korea, 136-023

Saerim Hotel

• Address: 192-17 Gwanhun-dong (37-11 Insadong-gil), Insadong, Seoul, South Korea

TOP HOSTELS IN SEOUL BELOW ₱1,500 PESOS

Hostel seoul.

• Address: 9 Bomun-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Gangbuk, Seoul, South Korea

Itaewon Guesthouse Yacht

• Address: 23 Itaewon-ro 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea, 140-201

Naru Hostel

• Address: 242-45 Gongdeok-dong,, Mapo, Seoul, South Korea

Hwanghae Jang

• Address: 11-2, Dangsan-ro 32-gil, Yeong-deungpo, Seoul, South Korea

Cocoon Stay Hapjeong

• Address: 36-4, Yanghwa-ro 7an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea (380-18 Seogyo-dong), Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea

Backpackers INSIDE Hostel

• Address: 2nd Floor 5 Sunggyungwan-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno, Seoul, South Korea, 110-522

Hostel Stay Now Jongno

• Address: 38 Samil-daero 32ga-gil (89 Ikseon-dong), Jongno-gu, Jongro, Seoul, South Korea

THINGS TO DO, TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN SEOUL

EXPERIENCE WEARING A HANBOK

Visit gyeongbokgung palace.

BE AMAZED AT CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE

• Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 KRW / Group (over 10 people): 2,400 KRW
• Students (ages 24 and under): Free (* Except for foreign visitors)

VISIT CHANGGYEONGGUNG PALACE

• Children and Teenagers (ages 7-18): 500 KRW
• Children under age 6: Free

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME AT UNHYEONGUNG ROYAL RESIDENCE

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART, SEOUL

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday : 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Wednesday, Saturday : 10:00 am - 9:00 pm (18:00 - 21:00 : free)

EXPLORE BUCKHON HANOK VILLAGE

VISIT JONGMYO SHRINE

SEE THE CITY FROM N SEOUL TOWER

EVERLAND DAY TOUR

EXPERIENCE THE YOUTH CULTURE AT HONGDAE

SHOPPING AT MYEONGDONG

HAVE A TASTE OF THE STREET FOOD AT MYEONGDONG

SOUVENIR SHOPPING AT INSADONG

LOTTE WORLD

Day tours from seoul.

NAMI ISLAND + PETIT FRANCE TOUR

Other options:.

• Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, or Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
• Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm & More
• Seoul Nami Island, Rail Bike + Petit France Day Tour
• Nami Island, Petite France, Gapyeong Rail Bike & Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour

DMZ DAY TOUR

Other option:.

• Best DMZ Half Day from Seoul Guided Tour - No Shopping

Other Popular South Korea Experiences

Garden of Morning Calm, Nami Island & More

Nanta Show Seoul

Gyeongju Historical and Cultural Tour

Lotte World Kids Park Undersea Kingdom

Boryeong Mud Festival

Seoul Joseon Palaces & Folk History Day Tour

SBS MTV "The Show" Tour

Trickeye 3D Museum in Seoul

Hanbok Portrait Experience by Z-and in Seoul

SAMPLE SEOUL KOREA DIY ITINERARIES

Sample 6 days / 5 nights seoul south korea diy itinerary, day 1 - arrival.

• 05:10 PM - Departure from Manila via Cebu Pacific
• 10:40 PM - Arrival at Incheon International Airport, redeem Discover Seoul Pass and SIM card
• 11:00 PM - Travel to Seoul via Private Car Transfer
• 12:00 MN - Check-in at Hotel Icon in Jongno

DAY 2 - CITY TOUR USING THE DISCOVER SEOUL PASS

• 07:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel
• 09:30 AM - HANBOKNAM (You can wear your hanbok of choice outdoors for 90 minutes)
• 10:00 AM - Gyeongbokgung Palace
• 11:30 AM - Walk to Changdeokgung Palace
• 12:00 AM - Changdeokgung Palace
• 12:45 AM - Changgyeonggung Palace
• 01:30 PM - Lunch
• 02:00 NN - Jongmyo (Royal Shrine)
• 03:00 PM - Travel to N Seoul Tower
• 04:00 PM - N Seoul Tower
• 06:30 PM - Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center
• 07:00 PM - Dinner
• 08:00 PM - Back to the hotel and sleep

DAY 3 - NAMI ISLAND + PETIT FRANCE

• 06:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel
• 07:00 AM - Travel to Myeong-dong for Nami Island Day Tour via Klook
• 08:00 AM - Depart from Myeongdong Station exit 2
• 09:30 AM - Arrive at Petite France
• 12:00 NN - Depart for Nami Island
• 12:30 PM - Arrive at Nami Island, Explore
• 03:00 PM - Depart for Seoul
• 04:30 PM - Arrive at Myeongdong Station
• 05:00 PM - Street Food / Early dinner at Myeong-dong
• 08:00 PM - Travel back to hotel and sleep

DAY 4 - DMZ TOUR + INSADONG + HONGDAE

• 06:30 AM - Breakfast at the hotel
• 8:00 AM - Hotel pick up for DMZ Tour
• DMZ Day Tour via Klook.com
• Imjingak Park
• Freedom Bridge
• 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
• DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall
• Dora Observatory
• Dorasan Station
• Pass by Unification Village
• Amethyst factory or Ginseng Center visit
• 02:30 PM - Drop off at City Hall / Lunch in a local Korean Restaurant
• 03:30 PM - Explore Insadong and shop for souvenirs
• 05:00 PM - Travel to Hongdae
• 06:00 PM - Enjoy The youth culture and shopping at Hongdae
• 10:00 PM - Travel back to your hotel
• 11:00 PM - Back at the hotel and sleep

DAY 5 - EVERLAND

• 09:00 AM - Depart from Myeongdong Station Exit 2
• 10:10 AM - Arrive at Everland
• 10:30 AM - 04:00 PM - Enjoy Everland
• 04:30 PM - Depart for Seoul
• 06:00 PM - Arrive in Myeong-dong
• 06:30 PM - 10:30 PM - Shopping and Dinner at Myeong-dong

DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

• 07:00 AM - Check-out
• 07:30 AM - Travel to Seoul Statio via Subway
• 08:00 AM - Arrive at Seoul Station
• 08:30 AM - Take the AREX Airport Express Train to Incheon Airport
• 09:30 AM - Arrive at Incheon Airport, check-in
• 12:55 PM - Depart for Manila via Air Asia

For other sample Korea DIY Itineraries, visit my post: RECOMMENDED KOREA ITINERARY: DIY SEOUL - 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour 2020 .

Seoul Trip Budget and Expenses

Sample seoul korea budget for 6 days and 5 nights for 19,986 pesos budget.

• You will be staying for the first 3 nights in a private room that is good for 2 persons at Hotel Icon for PHP 1,500 per night with breakfast.
• For the last 2 nights, you'll be staying at K Guesthouse Myeong-dong 2 for 2,000 pesos per night good for 2 persons, breakfast included.
• You are a group of two.
• Your maximum expense for food is 250 PHP or 5,000 KRW per meal per person.
• You'll be using a Discover Seoul Pass for 24 hours.
• You'll be using a T-Money Card

PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES

• Hotel Icon for 3 nights - 4,500 / 2 = 2,250 per person
• K Guesthouse Myeongdong 2 for 2 nights - 4,000 / 2 = 2,000 per person
• Korea 4G SIM Card - 1,200 per person
• Incheon Airport Private Car Transfers - 3,842 / 2 = 1,921 per person
• Discover Seoul Pass (24 hours) - 1,707 per person
• Everland Full Day Trip - 2,536 per person
• Nami Island & Petite France Day Trip - 1,880 per person
• DMZ Tour - 2,682 per person
• Hanbok Rental - 732 per person
• AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul - 323 per person

TOTAL - 17,231 per person

Day 1 expenses.

• Private Car Transfer - pre-booked
• Hotel Icon (1st night) - pre-booked

DAY 2 EXPENSES

• Breakfast - complimentary at the hotel
• Hotel Icon (2nd night) - pre-booked
• HANBOKNAM - included in the Discover Seoul Pass
• Gyeongbokgung Palace - included in the Discover Seoul Pass
• Changdeokgung Palace - included in the Discover Seoul Pass
• Changgyeonggung Palace - included in the Discover Seoul Pass
• Lunch - 5,000 KRW
• Jongmyo (Royal Shrine) - included in the Discover Seoul Pass
• Travel to N Seoul Tower
• Subway: Jongno-3-ga Station to Myeongdong - 1,250 KRW
• Bus: Myeongdong to N Seoul Tower - 1,200 KRW
• N Seoul Tower - included in the Discover Seoul Pass
• Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center - included in the Discover Seoul Pass
• Bus: N Seoul Tower to Myeongdong - 1,200 KRW
• Subway: Myeongdong to Anguk Station - 1,250 KRW
• Dinner - 5,000 KRW
• Back to the hotel and sleep
• TOTAL - 14,900

DAY 3 EXPENSES

• Breakfast at the hotel - complimentary
• Hotel Icon (3rd night) - pre-booked
• Travel from Anguk to Myeong-dong - 1,250 KRW
• Nami Island + Petit France Day Tour - pre-booked
• TOTAL - 11,250 KRW

DAY 4 EXPENSES

• K Guesthouse Myeongdong 2 (1st night) - pre-booked
• Hotel pick up for DMZ Tour - included in the package
• DMZ Day Tour via Klook.com - pre-booked
• Lunch in a local Korean Restaurant - included in the DMZ Tour package
• Travel to Hongdae from Insa-dong
• Subway: Jonggak Station to Seoul Station - 1,250 KRW
• Subway: Seoul Station to Hongik Station - 1,250 KRW
• Travel back to your hotel in Myeong-dong
• Subway: Hongik Station to Seoul Station - 1,250 KRW
• Subway: Seoul Station to Myeongdong - 1,250 KRW
• TOTAL -15,000 KRW

DAY 5 EXPENSES

• K Guesthouse Myeongdong 2 (2nd night) - pre-booked
• Everland Day Tour - pre-booked
• TOTAL - 10,000

DAY 6 EXPENSES

• Travel to Incheon Airport
• Subway: Myeongdong to Seoul Station - 1,250 KRW
• Subway: AREX Airport Express Train to Incheon Airport - pre-booked
• TOTAL - 6,250

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES

• DAY 1 - 0 KRW
• DAY 2 - 14,900 KRW
• DAY 3 - 11,250 KRW
• DAY 4 - 15,000 KRW
• DAY 5 - 10,000 KRW
• DAY 6 - 6,250 KRW

TOTAL - 57,400 KRW or 2,755 PHP per person

Pre-travel bookings - 17,231 php per person, grand total - 19,986 php per person.

Sample 3 Days / 2 Nights Seoul South Korea DIY Itinerary for 8,000 pesos

• 07:10 AM - Departure from Manila via Air Asia
• 12:10 PM - Arrival in Incheon International Airport, redeem Discover Seoul Pass and SIM card
• 01:00 PM - Travel to Seoul via AREX Airport Express Train to Seoul Station
• 01:45 PM - Travel from Seoul Station to Anguk Station
• 02:00 PM - Check-in at Hotel Icon in Jongno
• 03:00 PM - Explore Insadong, have lunch
• 04:30 PM - Travel to Hongdae
• 05:15 PM - Explore, eat, and enjoy in Hongdae
• 09:00 PM - Go back to the hotel
• 10:00 PM - Arrive at the hotel and sleep

DAY 2 - NAMI ISLAND + PETIT FRANCE

• 06:00 AM Breakfast at the hotel
• 07:20 AM Travel to Myeong-dong
• 08:00 AM Depart from Myeongdong Station exit 2
• 09:30 AM Arrive at Petite France
• 12:00 NN Depart for Nami Island
• 12:30 PM Arrive at Petite France
• 03:00 PM Depart for Seoul
• 04:30 PM Arrive at Myeongdong Station
• 05:00 PM Street Food / Early dinner at Myeong-dong
• 07:00 PM Travel back to hotel and sleep

DAY 3 - CITY TOUR USING THE DISCOVER SEOUL PASS

• 06:00 AM - Brekfast at the hotel
• 07:00 AA - Check-out, leave bags at the reception
• 07:30 AM - Start City Tour using the Discover Seoul Pass
• 07:00 PM - End City Tour, have dinner
• 08:00 PM - Shopping at Myeongdong
• 09:30 PM - Go back to the hotel and get your bags
• 10:00 PM - Travel to Seoul Station
• 10:50 PM - Travel to Incheon Airport via AREX Express Train
• 11:40 PM - Arrive at Incheon Airport, check-in and wait for your flight
• 03:05 AM (the following day) - Depart for Manila via Cebu Pacific Air

For other sample Korea DIY Itineraries, visit my post: RECOMMENDED KOREA ITINERARY: DIY SEOUL - 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour 2019 .

Sample Seoul Korea Budget for 3 days and 2 nights for 8,000 pesos budget

• You will be staying for 2 nights in a private room that is good for 2 persons at Hotel Icon for PHP 1,500 per night with breakfast.
• Your maximum expense for food is 5,000 KRW per meal per person.
• Hotel Icon for 2 nights - 3,000 / 2 = 1,500 per person
• 4G WiFi Rental (3 days) - 149 x 3 days = 447 PHP / 3 = 223 PHP per person
• AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket - PHP 323 x 2 = 643 PHP per person

TOTAL - 5,953 per person

• AREX Airport Express Train - pre-booked
• Subway: Seoul Station to Anguk - 1,250 KRW
• Subway: Anguk Station to Jonggak (Insa-dong) - 1,250 KRW
• Travel back to your hotel in Jongno (Hotel Icon)
• TOTAL - 17,500 KRW
• Subway: Anguk Station to Seoul - 1,250 KRW
• TOTAL - 16,150 KRW
• DAY 1 - 17,500 KRW
• DAY 2 - 11,250 KRW
• DAY 3 - 16,150 KRW

TOTAL - 44,900 KRW or 2,155 PHP per person

Pre-travel bookings - 5,953 php per person, grand total - 8,108 php per person.

• Round trip airfare Manila-Seoul-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses

South Korea Travel Blogs

• NAMI ISLAND AND PETIT FRANCE: Awesome Day Tours from Seoul, South Korea
• DISCOVER SEOUL PASS: Enjoy 35 Attractions, Discounts and Freebies in Seoul, South Korea!
• A Peek into North Korea from the Demiliratized Zone (A Memorable Day Tour from Seoul, South Korea)
• RECOMMENDED KOREA ITINERARY: DIY SEOUL - 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour 2019
• SOUTH KOREA VISA REQUIREMENTS and How to Apply for a Visa in the Philippines in 3 Easy Steps!

I hope this First-timer's Seoul Korea Budget Travel Guide will help you in planning an unforgettable and exciting South Korea Adventure! Enjoy and have fun in South Korea!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 22 comments :.

Hi Mervz.. Thank you for this post.. question lang, anong day kayo nag travel? may nabasa kase ako na different blog, parang advise nya around tues or wednesday ang better day of travelling kase most of the attraction are close on Mondays / Tuesdays? Ano pong ma-advise nyo? thanks a lot

mas ok if two way ticket nyo kc baka d maapprove ang visa if one way lang, mejo mahigpit na kc sila sa visa lately kc madami na ata nag TNT sa kanila

Sir, yung 19,986 for 6 days and 5 night di p kasama airfare dun right?

Thanks you the detailed information's, very useful :)

Hello sir about sa airfare ticket pwede ba na dun nlng bumili ng ticket going back to Manila or need to have the 2 way ticket before leaving Manila... thanks sir 👍🏻☺️💜

Hi yung food expenses niyo and kung kayo kumakain, di mo masyado na-blog.

Thank you for your blog its so helpful Kamsahamnida!!!!!💕

Hi.. Malayo po buh yung Nami island sa Petite France? If mg DIY paano pumunta sa Petite france from nami island? Thanks

Thank you for your helpful blog. I enjoy reading it :)

hi po kua..need po ba talaga ng bank account or credit card pag nagtravel sa korea?salamat po😊

uh, kasali ba po ba yung plane ticket sa almost 20k nyong gasto or hindi pa po?

hi po good afternoon po..pwd po mag ask kung magkano po magagastos sa trip to korea po stay ng 1 week po 2 adult po at 3 bata? ung cheapest po if meron po slamat po

Hi sir. Would like to ask if your familiar with the kdrama goblin locations, yun po sana ang gusto ko ivisig bukod sa famous places in korea.

Wow, this is very helpful! Thank you! I love reading your Blogs :)

Whaa galing sobra ng blog na toh! Niisip ko palang tanong ko may sagot na sya.Thank you. Share ko to....

Ang galing !!! thanks for your writing !! eto na ang susundan namin itinerary . Very detailed ang information and sobrang helptful ng tips.

wow! very detailed. Thanks soo much. I will follow this - I hope i can survive travelling with my 7yr old son (just the 2 of us in December) :-)

pa update nman po if what package worked for u. Planning to travel with my 2 kids.. thank you!

Sobrang detailed and helpful! Really great for people like me whose never been to SK before. TYSM!

Thank you for this detailed travel guide. Ask ko lang po if how much you spend for the visa and may show many ba?

Thanks for the info...ask ko lang po, pagbumili ng Discover Seoul Pass na 48 hours kahit ano pede piliin dun sa mga attractions? Than yung City Tour po ba may enough time naman each sites na mkapagpapicture at mavisit ng maayos?

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

South Korea Tour Package from the Philippines

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TOURIST KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR FILIPINO EMPLOYEES

• Application Form
• 1-piece of Passport-size colored picture
• Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
• Photocopy of Bio-age (page 2)
• Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (if applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
• Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline (cellphone number is not allowed), HR-email address)
• Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
• Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
• If personally invited by Korean: Invitation Letter and Copy of Inviter’s Passport
• If invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter and Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

TOURIST KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR FILIPINO BUSINESSMEN

• Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI
• Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit

TOURIST KOREAN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR FILIPINO HOUSEWIFE

• Husband’s Original Personal Bank Certificate of Employment (must include position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (cellphone not allowed), HR e-mail address)
• Husband’s Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
• Husband’s Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316
• Photocopy of NSO Marriage Certificate
• South Korea visa requirements for Retired
• South Korea visa requirements for Students/Dependents
• Arrange SK Visa

TIPS FOR YOUR TRAVEL TO SOUTH KOREA

KOREA ALL IN PACKAGES FROM PHILIPPINES

KOREA AUTUMN PACKAGES

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You can now send your Korean visa application via mail

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MANILA, Philippines – Talk about convenience! The Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) in the Philippines now allows visa applications to be sent through mail, KVAC announced on its website.

Starting May 1, 2024, Filipino applicants no longer need to submit their Tourist Visa (C-3-9) Application forms in person anymore and can submit them via KVAC’s assigned courier service W Express . However, non-Filipinos and other types of visas must still submit their applications personally.

W Express is the only accredited courier service of KVAC so far. They operate nationwide and have multiple branches across regions.

For a smoother process, KVAC recommends applicants to plan their Korea trip itinerary at least four weeks prior to the planned flight date. All necessary visa requirements are found on the Korean Embassy website. Applicants just need to visit a W Express branch nearest them with a National ID card to “help W Express verify your identification,” KVAC said.

The application and mailing fee per head costs P1,900 and will be collected on-site. Typically, the service duration will take 14-16 working days, beginning from W Express’ receipt of your application form until delivery of the passport.

In January, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea announced it will be simplifying the requirements for Korean visa applications for specific types of applicants and their immediate family members from February 1 to December 31 of this year.

In the same month, South Korea announced that it was set to launch the Hallyu visa, which will allow foreign Korean culture enthusiasts to reside in the country for up to two years. The Hallyu visa program will provide opportunities for non-Koreans to participate in South Korea’s culture and entertainment industries. – Rappler.com

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Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Josh Smith and Christian Schmollinger

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Seoul-based reporter covering the Koreas with a focus on South Korean politics, North Korea's missile tests and the K-pop industry. Before joining Reuters, he worked at The Korea Herald.

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