South Korea Hotels

The country of idols, music, technology, science, history, and so much more. South Korea is one of the most visited countries from all over the world for its beauty. Stepping into South Korea is like entering a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and sensations that leave you spellbound. Every corner of South Korea tells a story of its rich heritage and vibrant present. South Korea isn't just about entertainment; it's also a hub of technology and innovation. Yet, the country remains deeply rooted in its history and traditions. From the rituals of ancestral worship to the intricate art of tea ceremonies, you can find anything spiritual easily. And let's not forget about the food that takes you to another world with each bite, making you crave more. There’s something for everyone in every corner of South Korea. Start your new or another journey with Bookperfect and find the best hotels in South Korea easily, which are just several clicks away from you!

Capital of South Korea

The capital of South Korea is Seoul, which is the largest and most popular city in the country. With a population of approximately 10 million residents as of 2024, Seoul has a rich history dating back to 18 BC when it was founded by the people of Baekje. Throughout history, Seoul has undergone significant reconstruction and urbanization, emerging as a global city with a high quality of life and a strong economy.

South Korea Flag

The national flag of South Korea, known as the Taegeukgi, consists of a white rectangular background with a red and blue Taegeuk symbol in the center, surrounded by four sets of black bars or trigrams. The Taegeuk symbolizes the origin and duality of the universe, with the red representing positive forces and the blue representing negative forces. The four trigrams in each corner symbolize different elements like sky, earth, water, and fire, reflecting the dualism of the cosmos.

South Korea Location

South Korea is located on the Korean Peninsula in Northeast Asia, sharing borders with China, Russia, and Japan. The peninsula is about 750 miles long and is situated in the easternmost part of the Asian continent.

Time in South Korea

South Korea time zone is Korea Standard Time (KST), which is UTC+09:00, with no daylight saving time adjustments. This means that South Korea is 14 hours ahead of cities like New York and 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The country does not observe daylight saving time changes, maintaining a consistent time zone throughout the year.

Languages Spoken in South Korea

The official South Korea language is South Korean. Apart from Korean, Japanese, English, and Mandarin are also widely spoken and understood in the country. In popular tourist areas, you can find English speakers and signs in English for a refined visit.

What Currency Does South Korea Use?

The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean won. The won is divided into paper money denominations of 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; and 50,000 won bills, along with coins in 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500 won values. The currency code for the South Korean Won is KRW.

Is South Korea Expensive?

Recently, prices of many things in South Korea are on the rise but it’s still possible to visit the country for several days or a week on budget with affordable accommodation. Also, depending on which city you’re planning to visit is another factor that you shouldn’t overlook. For example, visiting Seoul can be awfully expensive while other cities are more affordable.

South Korea Population

As of March 2024, South Korea’s population is 51 million. The most crowded city is the capital Seoul with 10 million residents, and then Busan with 3.5 million, Incheon and Daegu with around 2.6 million.

South Korea Safety

Generally, South Korea is safe with low crime rates as many solo travelers report facing with no issues. However, there are many warnings about being in crowded places or at big public gatherings as petty crimes may take place. Keep your valuables close to you and be aware of your surroundings during your trip.

Strange Laws in South Korea

Here are some weird laws in South Korea:

• Tattooing: Having a tattoo is not illegal in Korea, but most tattoos are done illegally due to a law requiring tattooing by a licensed medical doctor.
• Smoking in Public: Laws have made it difficult to smoke in public areas with crackdowns on bars, cafes, and restaurants, leading smokers to face fines and bans in various public spaces.
• Dog Meat: The use of dog meat for consumption is in a legal gray zone, with many restaurants still serving it despite most interpretations of the law considering it illegal.
• Lobbying: Government lobbying is illegal in Korea to prevent influence from corporations, although companies have found ways around it by offering jobs to politicians after leaving office.
• Sheer Tops (indecent exposure): Indecent exposure is a fine-able offense due to a vaguely worded law that has raised concerns about its clarity and enforcement.
• Street Vendors: Operating street stalls has been illegal since 2011, but since 2019 vendors can run their businesses with an annual license renewal requirement.
• Gambling (Casinos): Gambling is heavily regulated in Korea, essentially illegal for Korean nationals except at Gangwon Land; foreigners can gamble legally.
• Online Gaming (Cinderella Law): Online gaming is allowed under special conditions like time restrictions and age limits imposed by the "Cinderella Law."
• Pornography: Production, consumption, or distribution of pornography is completely illegal in South Korea as a measure to reduce sexual crimes.
• Late Night Teaching: After-school programs have been restricted to close by 10 pm to curb over-studying and student suicides related to academic pressure.

South Korea Religion

Here’s the summary of religion percentages in South Korean as of 2023:

• No Religion: 51%
• Protestantism: 20%
• Buddhism: 17%
• Catholicism: 11%
• Other Religions: 2%

Must-See South Korea Attractions

South Korea is a country of wonders with its cultural heritage, architecture, blooming flowers, and temples. There are countless attractions in South Korea but there are always favorites of people. So, here is the list of top South Korea attractions you must visit during your trip:

• Nami Island, Gangwon: Known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural events.
• Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul: A historic palace exhibiting traditional Korean architecture.
• Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul: An iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Seoul.
• Hwadam Botanic Garden, Gyeonggi: A botanical garden known for its diverse plant species, ideal for nature lovers.
• Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul: A preserved traditional Korean village with Hanok houses.
• Insadong, Seoul: A neighborhood known for its traditional Korean culture and crafts.
• Manjanggul Lava Tube, Jeju: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring lava formations.
• Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan: A colorful village known for its art installations and culture.
• Naejangsan National Park, Jeollabuk: Famous for its autumn foliage and hiking trails.
• Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden, Seoul: A historic palace with a beautiful garden.

Best Cities in South Korea 

Here is the list of best cities in South Korea for first-timers or all-time travelers:

• Seoul: The main destination for most people as it’s the capital of South Korea. It is the largest city of the country and hub of political, cultural, and economic movements. Also home to many historical sites, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant nightlife
• Busan: The second-largest city in South Korea. It is a major port city with famous beaches, mountains, and seafood. Busan also hosts the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
• Gyeongju-si: Also known as the "Museum without Walls", Gyeongju-si is the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla which means the city is home to many historical and cultural heritage. History lovers can find various archaeological sites, temples, and tombs here.
• Incheon: A metropolitan city near Seoul which is a major transportation hub. With that being said, Incheon is home to Incheon International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. It also has lots of historical landmarks along with modern developments.
• Daegu: Known as the "Textile City" due to its history in the textile industry, Daegu is the fourth largest in South Korea. The city is famous for its traditional markets and street food.
• Jeju-si: Known for its volcanic landscapes, beaches, and natural beauty, Jeju is one of the most popular destinations among travelers. Jeju-si is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Daejeon: Known as the "City of Science and Technology", Daejeon is the fifth largest city in South Korea. The city itself houses several leading research institutions and universities which makes the city bustle with knowledge. The annual Daejeon Internation Wine & Spirits Festival takes place here.
• Andong-si: Known for its traditional Korean culture and folk village, Andong-si is famous for its historic sites such as Hahoe Folk Village. The city is also famous for its Andong Mask Dance Festival.
• Jeonju-si: Known as the "Home of Bibimbap" (Korean mixed rice dish), the city is designated as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy. Jeonju-si is also famous for its well-preserved traditional Hanok village
• Suwon-si:Known for Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suwon-si is rich in historical heritage. It also boasts traditional markets and cultural events.

Best Hotels in South Korea

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If you're making last-minute travel plans to South Korea, Bookperfect is your go-to resource for finding the most up-to-date hotel listings and availability. Access our extensive database of available hotels, guaranteeing a seamless and convenient booking experience for your trip.