Discover South Korea

British citizens visiting South Korea will need a valid passport. South Korea allows visa-free entry for short stays for British passport holders for up to 90 days. However, anyone eligible for visa-free entry is usually required to authorisation through the K-ETA system before departure. You can apply at the official site here.

The best times to visit South Korea tend to be spring and autumn. Spring has the cherry blossoms, but that can lead to cities being busy. Autumn sees the mountains burst with vibrant foliage and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) usually falls in September and October. Summer tends to be hot, with the monsoon season in July.

The official currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). Most businesses accept credit cards, and Korea is a largely cashless society - but it is still required for small purchases, traditional markets and street food stalls. Most banks have available ATMs where you can use credit cards.

Learning basic Korean phrases can help and is highly appreciated, but many people, especially in tourist areas, speak a little English. Korean people can be a little shy using their English, so a translation app is recommended.

South Korea's transportation is one of the best in the world. KTX high-speed trains offer fast, clean, safe and affordable transport across the country. Major cities like Seoul and Busan have comprehensive metro systems. Buses, subways and even taxis can be paid for with the T-Money Card. These can be purchased at convenience stores or airport vending machines.

South Korea offers a diverse range of attractions from historic and cultural to traditional and gastronomic. Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is the 14th-century base of the Joseon Dynasty. Hongdae and Gangnam are vibrant art and culture centres, where you can become immersed in the K-Pop phenomenon. Outside Seoul, you can visit the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) on the border with North Korea. The city of Gyeongju is known as the 'museum without walls' while Busan is the south's coastal capital, famed for sandy beaches and seafood such as oysters.

Yes, people consider South Korea one of the safest countries for tourists. Crimes rates are low, and the people are generally helpful and honest. However, it's always advisable to take standard precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

People in South Korea do not commonly practice tipping and may even consider it rude. The price already includes exceptional service, and a simple 'thank you' or bow will suffice. For high-end hotels and guides, small tips in a clean, folded envelope may be appreciated.

Rooted in Confucianism, South Korean society highly values respect for elders. When meeting someone older, bow slightly when greeting and saying goodbye. Use two hands when giving or receiving money and maintain a low volume when talking in public. Speaking loudly or using the phone on the subway is considered rude.

South Korean cuisine has seen a rapid increase in popularity around the world. Focused on spicy flavours (gochujang paste), fermented vegetables (kimchi), the food is often colourful and full of flavour. Vegetables are used heavily in Korean cuisine, but often with a fish sauce or broth. Look for chaesik (vegetable-only) options in restaurants. Some of the most popular Korean dishes are bibimbap (rice and vegetables with or without meat and eggs), Korean fried chicken, bulgogi (marinated beef) or tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The most popular beverage is Soju - a clear, distilled Korean spirit with a similar taste to vodka but a much lower percentage (13-20% ABV).