Planning Your Trip to Korea Together!
“I want to visit Korea, but I don’t know how to plan…” is something we often hear.
So this time, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to plan your trip and useful tips, so even beginners can enjoy Korea with confidence!
1. How to Choose the Best Time to Visit Korea
Korea has four distinct seasons, and each offers different experiences. It’s best to choose your travel period according to what you want to enjoy.
| Season | Features | Suggested Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Cherry blossoms, strawberry desserts, pleasant temperatures | Similar to spring in Japan |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hot, humid, occasional sudden rain; cold foods popular | Short sleeves, light clothing |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Autumn foliage, clear skies, dry and comfortable weather | Long sleeves + light jacket |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Sub-zero temperatures, snow | Down jacket essential, thorough winter gear |
2. How to Choose Your Travel Destinations
When thinking of Korea, most people immediately think of Seoul, but regional cities also have their own unique charm!
Seoul
The heart of Korea, offering shopping, restaurants, cafés, and historical landmarks all in one place.
For first-time travelers, starting here is highly recommended.
Busan
A coastal city with beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and trendy cafés.
Direct flights from Tokyo via LCC are available.
Jeju Island
Often called the “Hawaii of Korea.” Rich in nature, perfect for a relaxing trip.
Gyeongju, Jeonju, etc.
Great for experiencing historical streets and traditional atmospheres. You can even try hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) here.
3. How to Choose Hotels and Accommodation
■ Location-focused
If your main goal is sightseeing, staying near a subway station is recommended (e.g., Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun).
■ Design-focused
Korea has many designer hotels and hanok stays, perfect for Instagram-worthy experiences.
■ Price-focused
Guesthouses and Airbnb are also good options. Areas like Hongdae or Nampo-dong in Busan offer many budget-friendly accommodations.
Booking Sites Examples:
- Agoda（아고다）: Strong selection of Korean hotels
- Booking.com: Rich Japanese-language reviews
- Local Korean sites (e.g., Yanolja, Goodchoice) are also worth checking
4. Planning Your Itinerary
Example: Seoul 3-Day, 2-Night Model Plan
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival at Incheon Airport → Airport Railroad → Stroll around Hongdae → Café & fried chicken |
| Day 2 | Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village → Café lunch → Shopping in Myeongdong → Evening at Dongdaemun |
| Day 3 | Local breakfast → Souvenir shopping → Transfer to airport & departure |
👉 Tips:
- Group activities by area to minimize travel time.
- Consider café tours in the afternoon and visiting markets or night view spots in the evening.
5. Booking Flights & Airport Transfers
Using LCCs (e.g., Jeju Air, T’way Air) can make round-trip tickets available from around 20,000 JPY.
In Seoul, getting from Incheon Airport to the city takes about 1 hour via the Airport Railroad (A’REX) or limousine bus.
6. Dealing with Language Barriers
While many stores understand Japanese, knowing some Korean or English can be very convenient.
Useful Phrases:
- 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) = Hello
- 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) = Please give me this
- 화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodieyo?) = Where is the restroom?
📱 Translation apps like Google Translate or Papago are also extremely helpful.
7. Souvenirs & Currency Exchange Tips
Souvenirs: Hand cream, Korean seaweed, instant ramen, face masks, etc.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange money at Myeongdong or the airport, but city exchange offices often offer better rates.
Summary
Planning a trip to Korea becomes much smoother and more fulfilling with just a few handy tips✨.
The key to a successful trip is organizing your travel season, destinations, and itinerary around what you truly want to do.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, refer to this guide to enjoy the best Korean travel experience!
✈️ If you have any questions or want to recommend places, feel free to share them in the comments😊
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