The JJC’s Guide to Planning a Trip to South Korea!

I am now planning my trip to Japan (don’t worry, this is still a South Korea travel guide) and pulling out my hair at every turn! It has taken me months of reading hundreds of online blogs and forums to finally settle on a first-timer itinerary for my 15-day trip. And after that, I have spent countless hours trying to figure out the best ways to get to these places!

Yes, Japan has an efficient transportation system but it can be oh-so confusing trying to navigate it as a foreigner planning a trip from outside the country. Should I buy the JR pass or not? Should I book my tickets when I arrive or risk them being sold out? Which trains can get me to the places I need to go? Where should I stay?… The questions, they never stop!

Changdeokunng Palace Seoul
I wondered the same thing about South Korea!

Whenever I start to get overwhelmed, I remember that I felt this exact same way planning my trip to South Korea! And guess what? I did not need to stress that much because everything was so seamless as soon as I figured out my basic itinerary.

I also had questions about whether I needed to buy the Korail Rail pass or not, how to get to Jeonju from the airport, the best places to visit as a first-time traveller, how to get to certain places (like the Boseong tea plantation) independently and on and on it went!

So I am putting together this South Korea travel guide so you don’t have to stress about all these details! This guide will mainly focus on the places I visited but do feel free to leave your draft itineraries or ask me any questions below. I will be happy to take a look and give you some recommendations – as a “Senior Novice!” haha!

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Anyway, let's get into it! In this South Korea travel guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about planning your first trip to South Korea, the apps you should download, whether or not you need a rail or city pass and how far in advance you need to request them.

We will explore some sample itineraries and places worth visiting on your trip.

‎Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Busan South Korea Travel Guide

South Korea Travel Guide - Before Your Trip

Before you travel to South Korea, you should figure out these three things:

  • Visa: check if you need to apply beforehand. Nigerians do, but several other nationalities either need a K-ETA or are visa-exempt
  • Travel Days: How many days do you have to spend in the country? This will determine your itinerary and whether or not to invest in different passes available
  • Do you need the Korea Rail Pass or Not? Would it actually save you some money?

Continue reading to find out!

Holm Cafe Zamalek

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel

eSIM: Get your travel eSIM here

South Korea Travel Guide - Do I Need a Visa or K-ETA?

If you are visiting South Korea for the first time, you need to check whether you are visa-exempt or if you need a visa or the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). Most countries can apply for the K-ETA in minutes, however, if you are Nigerian, you will need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate beforehand.

I have written an extensive post on how to apply for a South Korean tourist visa as a Nigerian and you can find that information here. The process is pretty straightforward once you have all the required documents. I recommend applying for your visa at least one month before your trip to give enough buffer for the processing time.

South Korea Travel Guide - How Many Days is Sufficient?

I spent 12 days in South Korea and left feeling like I had spent a sufficient amount of time in the country. My itinerary was not packed, there were many hours of downtime and several places I did not get to visit. Still, I felt satisfied with my itinerary.

Generally, I recommend spending at least one week in the country and limiting your itinerary to two cities at most. If you spend less than a week, then do so in just one city, preferably Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Hanbok on Black Girl

I spent four days in Seoul and this post has details of what I did in the city. Some traveller-favourite spots, like Nami Island, N Seoul Tower, the DMZ and Itaewon, are missing but the itinerary gives you a good first draft for your Seoul itinerary.

South Korea Travel Guide - Getting to and Around South Korea

Once you've figured out your visa situation and a first draft itinerary, you can then start to plan your travels to and within the country. I will assume that your first port of entry will be Incheon International Airport, Seoul, the country's biggest airport. From here, you can make your way to the city centre or other parts of the country.

Gangnam Style Statue Seoul

There are buses and trains aplenty. Simply download the Naver app and plug in your destination. The app will give you options to get you to where you need to be.

Be aware that Google Maps does not work in South Korea. Naver is your best bet! Also, read my article here to find out two other essential apps to download and 4 nice-to-have apps for your trip!

South Korea Travel Guide - Do I need a Korea Rail Pass or Discover Seoul Pass?

Now, to the question of whether or not you need a Discover Seoul or Korail Pass, the answer depends on your itinerary. The Korea Rail pass, as the name implies, is great if your itinerary involves several train trips. It includes unlimited boarding, within the specified period, for the high-speed KTX and KTX-Sancheon trains, as well as the conventional and tourist trains.

It does not give you access to the SRT (you don't really need this, the KTX trains are fine) and the metro (you can get a card for the metro at a vending machine in all subway stations)

I spent about 12 days in South Korea, with four of those days being in Seoul. It worked out that I did NOT need either of these passes. I used a combination of trains and buses to get around and typically bought my tickets on the day of my travels. The only train I booked in advance was that from Busan to Seoul.

Things to do in Gamcheon culture village Busan

You can book this ticket in advance via the official KTX website or app or through Klook. Several websites come up if you search for train tickets, but some of them have a pretty steep markup.

If you travel during peak seasons (Spring, Autumn and Holidays, especially Chuseok Holidays), then I recommend booking your tickets in advance.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Hanbok on Black Girl

South Korea Travel Resources

Getting a visa to South Korea

Solo Tripping in South Korea - The Beginning

A simple travel checklist for first-time visitors

Buy a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport or get an eSIM here.

Rent your Hanbok online

Hanok Stay Experience in Namwon

My recommendation is that you tally up your individual train costs, which you can find easily on the Korea Rail website and see if this pass is worth getting. You can get the pass and reserve your seat on the train up to 30 days before your planned travel date.

You will need the Discover Seoul Pass if you plan to visit several places covered by the pass. The pass also doubles as a transit card, so if you do get it, there is no need to get another card like T-Money or Cashbee card.

Now, let's talk about some of the best cities to visit in South Korea as a first-time traveller.

South Korea Travel Guide - The Best Cities to Visit (First Time)

For my trip, I visited Jeonju (for its Hanok Village), Boseong (for its tea plantation), Namwon (quiet countryside, beautiful hanok stay), Busan (for the beach and big city vibe) and Seoul (for everything else!). I thought these were all great places to stop by and each one had its charm.

In addition to these places, you can look up Gwangju, Gyeongju, Andong, Suwon, and Jeju Island and choose your stops based on your preferences.

Bukchon Hanok Village

To wrap up this guide, here are some considerations for the best time to visit.

South Korea Travel Guide - The Best Time to Visit

Spring (Late March to May) and Autumn (Late September to November) are generally considered the best time to visit South Korea. This also means that they are the most popular times to visit. Spring is especially busy because of cherry blossoms blooming. So if you do visit then, be sure to book your flights and accommodations in advance.


Enjoyed this post?

  • Guess where! 👀
  • Let me be honest, that tripod was never going to see the light of day! 🤭
  • What a beautiful city! 😍

#kamoriver #kyoto #japan
  • Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰
_____________________

If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢

📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here
📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン)
📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats.

For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. 

Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day!

#lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
  • This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍

To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it!

-------‐‐‐--‐

Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages.

The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture.

#travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
  • Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
Guess where! 👀
19 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Let me be honest, that tripod was never going to see the light of day! 🤭
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
What a beautiful city! 😍 #kamoriver #kyoto #japan
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰 _____________________ If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢 📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here 📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン) 📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats. For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day! #lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍 To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it! -------‐‐‐--‐ Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages. The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture. #travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/6

Help fuel more adventures and insights! ☕️ Treat me to a virtual coffee, explore my Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks, or simply share this post with a fellow traveller. Your support keeps this wanderlust-filled blog thriving! 🌍✈️

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and it has helped to simplify your planning process or at least inspired you to visit South Korea! I would love to hear from you in the comment section. Leave me your questions and thoughts below!

2 comments

  1. Hi Amara, I’m planning on starting kbeauty product business in Nigeria and I would like a 1 week tour to Korea to see and test this product myself. Please I need your advice for a jjc like me for visa applications, flights etc.

    1. Hi Peace, if you’re a first time applicant, please check out some of my tips here. There are posts on mistakes to avoid when applying for visas and how to improve your travel history to give you a better chance for application success. Getting the South Korean visa is pretty straightforward once you have all the documents in place and meet all the requirements.

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Close
Guess where! 👀
Guess where! 👀
19 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Let me be honest, that tripod was never going to see the light of day! 🤭
Let me be honest, that tripod was never going to see the light of day! 🤭
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
What a beautiful city! 😍

#kamoriver #kyoto #japan
What a beautiful city! 😍 #kamoriver #kyoto #japan
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰
_____________________

If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢

📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here
📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン)
📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats.

For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. 

Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day!

#lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰 _____________________ If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢 📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here 📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン) 📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats. For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day! #lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍

To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it!

-------‐‐‐--‐

Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages.

The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture.

#travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍 To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it! -------‐‐‐--‐ Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages. The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture. #travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?😭😂

Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl 🦉, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel!

Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍵, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? 😉 #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGN👑

I only hike for love ❤️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are!

+1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel!
_____________________________

Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below!

#travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?😭😂 Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl 🦉, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel! Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍵, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? 😉 #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGN👑 I only hike for love ❤️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are! +1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel! _____________________________ Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below! #travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍

#japantrip2025🇯🇵🌸⛩️
An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍 #japantrip2025🇯🇵🌸⛩️
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June.

If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can:

🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🤯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌

You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays.

Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! 😀 

Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr
Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter

Send this post to your manager immediately! 🚀
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June. If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can: 🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🤯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌 You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays. Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! 😀 Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter Send this post to your manager immediately! 🚀
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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