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? 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."

My trip to Seoul, South Korea on my 38th birthday is one of the most memorable and amazing birthday trips I've had to date. It's my very first birthday trip abroad and I made sure that we plan it very well. South Korea is one of the items in my bucket list that I've been wanting to visit for the longest time and for me to also share the experience in my travel blog. That is why, I am so happy that I finally visited this charming country. Best of all, I visited it on my birthday!

Whatever your reasons are, whether it's the food, the culture, or the K-pop and K-dramas, South Korea is definitely an amazing and fascinating country to visit in Asia. If you're traveling to Korea for the first-time, I hope this Seoul, South Korea Travel Guide Blog 2024 with sample itinerary will help you in planning a memorable Korea trip. I've provided here some useful and easy-to-follow information on visa requirements, how to get there, best time to visit, transportation, where to exchange currency, best hotels in Seoul, top things to do in Korea, tourist spots and attractions, sample DIY itineraries, budget, expenses, and so much more.

RECOMMENDED KOREA ITINERARY: DIY SEOUL - 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour

Looking for Sample Seoul, South Korea DIY Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, or 6 days tour? Here's my South Korea Travel Guide blog with suggested itineries to help you plan your trip!

Here are some of my recommended Seoul, South Korea DIY Itinerary that you could easily follow. You can use this as your guide in creating your own itinerary and feel free to tweak or adjust it depending on the things you want to do in Korea, tourist spots and attractions you want to visit, and how many days you plan to visit Seoul.

BEST HOTELS IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (Affordable & Budget-friendly Hotels Guide 2024)

Are you planning a trip to Seoul, South Korea? And wondering where are the best places to stay in Seoul, Korea? Here are some recommended budget hotels in Seoul for your next trip to South Korea!

Seoul, South Korea is a city filled with amazing places to eat, drink, explore and amazing things to do. You can't miss the South Korean capital's charm when planning an itinerary in South Korea. There are many hotels in Seoul where you can spend some time while on your holidays in the big city. Whether you are looking for a well-known hotel brand or one offering better value for money, we got you covered!

Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea? In this guide, I will be sharing information on the top best hotels, hostels, budget hotels and guesthouses in Seoul, South Korea that you may consider for your next travel.

SOUTH KOREAN VISA: List of Travel Agencies Accredited by the Embassy

How and where to apply for a South Korea Visa in the Philippines? Who are the accredited travel agencies that are dsignated to accept Korean visa application?

Starting September 19, 2022 (Monday), the Korean Embassy implemented a 'designated travel agency system' to address the surge in South Korean Visa applications in the Philippines. If you are filing your visa application, there are 36 designated travel agencies that are accredited by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines to accept visa applications as of October 7, 2022. In addition to the existing requirements, applicants must accomplish the Power of Attorney document (from the Embassy) when they apply through the accredited travel agencies.

Visa-Free Entry to South Korea starting June 1, 2022

Planning a trip to South Korea this 2022? Take advantage of the Visa-Free Entry to South Korea for Filipinos and other nationalities!

In a recent announcement posted by the South Korean Embassy in the Philippines, it says the Korean government will allow visa-free entry of Filipino tourists to Jeju Island and Yangyang starting today, June 1, 2022.

The World’s Most Beautiful Rail Routes

The fast-paced life that we lead in today’s world leaves us with a defined time limit to enjoy vacations. Air transport is always an easier and practical choice to reach a destination. However, some vacations are meant to be devoured and enjoyed in the lap of nature where the luxury of time stands still. Trans-Siberian Private & Small Group Tours provide just the right break from the hustle and bustle of daily life with their most scenic rail routes in the world.

SOUTH KOREA VISA REQUIREMENTS and How to Apply for a Visa in the Philippines in 3 Easy Steps!

How to apply for a South Korea Visa in the Philippines?

South Korea is one of the most-favorite destinations abroad among Filipinos. Is it because of its food, its culture, or because of its K Dramas? Whatever the reason is, South Korea is definitely a must-visit! For Filipinos wanting to visit South Korea to see its wide array of tourist spots and attractions, a tourist visa is required to enter this beautiful country. With this, let me share to you how to apply a South Korea Visa in the Philippines in 3 easy-to-follow steps.

DISCOVER SEOUL PASS: Enjoy 35 Attractions, Discounts and Freebies in Seoul, South Korea!

For my 38th birthday last April, we decided to celebrate it in one of the countries I've been wanting to visit - South Korea. And I'm glad we did! Without a doubt, South Korea is a must-visit country that will definitely amaze you and leave you with beautiful memories.

If you're planning a Korea on a budget trip, I highly suggest that you get a Discover Seoul Pass that you can easily buy online at Klook.com. It's a "smart card" that allows the cardholder convenient and hassle-free access to a range of top attractions and experiences in Seoul plus exclusive discounts and freebies.

KOREAN VISA: List of Accredited Travel Agencies Allowed to Process Visa Applications

Where to apply Korean Visa in the Philippines?

Starting July 1, 2018, Filipinos who wish to visit South Korea should course their visa application through accredited travel agencies. This new policy shall be implemented due to the huge increase in Korean visa applications which causes inconvenience to the applicants. Also, the new policy aims to have better visa application process in the Philippines for Filipinos wanting to visit South Korea.

NAMI ISLAND AND PETIT FRANCE: Awesome Day Tours from Seoul, South Korea

When visiting Seoul, South Korea, a day trip to Nami Island is a must. This half-moon shaped islet is a popular destination among tourists because of its beautiful scenery, peaceful environment, and as location of popular Korean telenovela such as Winter Sonata which became a hit in the 2000's. Located in Chuncheon, South Korea, Nami Island is about 1.5 to 2 hours away from the city of Seoul. But getting here is not a problem. Just join a group tour for easy and convenient Nami Island tour.

A Peek into North Korea from the Demiliratized Zone (A Memorable Day Tour from Seoul, South Korea)

The mere mention of North Korea makes me really excited as it is one of the countries I want to visit in the future. But I know, it won't be cheap and easy to get there and to explore it. So, when we were planning our Seoul, South Korea trip, I made sure that a visit to the DMZ or the Demiliratized Zone in Gyeonggi-do will be part of our itinerary. This day tour from Seoul is an awesome way to have a glimpse of North Korea, and let me share to you our experience on getting there and the places we visited.

Sport Tourism: Four Sporting Events You Shouldn't Miss in 2018

If you love to travel and you love to watch sports, you quite literally have the world at your feet. Combining the two gives you the perfect chance to see parts of the world you might not otherwise get the chance to visit and to do so in the company of thousands of like-minded fans. You also get to support your favorite teams and athletes in the most direct way possible.

How to Check your SOUTH KOREA VISA APPLICATION STATUS Online

Okay, your Korean Visa Application was accepted and it is now being processed, and you're too excited to know if you were granted a visa or not. It usually takes about 3 working days for the visa to be released for applicants with OECD Visa/s. For those without OECD visa, applying in Manila takes about 5 working days for your visa to be processed and 7 working days if you're applying in Cebu.