Discover Korea Now

 If you’re googling “ Korea winter travel 2025 ” or “ things to do in Seoul in December ,” this guide is for you. Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind when you think of Korea – most people dream of cherry blossoms in April or fiery foliage in October. But if you’re planning a trip between December 2025 and February 2026 , winter is actually one of the best times to visit: fewer crowds, magical night festivals , and street food that only appears when the temperature drops. Below is a 2025–2026 winter travel guide to Korea , written with first-time visitors in mind. 1. Why visit Korea in winter (Dec 2025 – Feb 2026)? Fewer crowds, better value Peak tourism in Korea usually happens in spring and autumn. In winter, you’ll still see visitors, but you won’t be fighting through walls of people everywhere you go. That often means: Easier restaurant reservations Shorter queues at major attractions Better chances of finding good hotel deals December 24–Janua...

  What Foreigners Really Think About Everyday Korean Habits When you first arrive in South Korea , you might expect high-tech cities, K-pop playlists in every café, and a sea of neon-lit signs. But what surprises most foreigners isn’t the speed of the Wi-Fi or the style of the cafés — it’s the invisible code of social behavior that shapes daily life. A viral YouTube video titled “Things That Are Normal in Korea but Strange Abroad (and Vice Versa)” captured just that. In it, people from Australia , Norway , Switzerland , Belgium , and Israel share candid stories about what felt “off” or “odd” during their time in Korea. The result isn’t a criticism, but rather a fascinating mirror reflecting how deeply culture shapes what we call “normal.” 1. A Compliment or an Insult? The “You Gained Weight” Paradox For Koreans, commenting on someone’s appearance is often a sign of affection — a way of showing attention or familiarity. Saying “You lost weight!” or “You look bigger than ...

 When I first started planning my trip to South Korea, one question kept nagging at me: How would I survive without speaking Korean—or even English fluently? I was planning this adventure with my family, none of us bilingual, and I couldn’t help but worry. Would we be able to ask for directions? Order food? Check into a hotel without awkward stares or misunderstandings? Turns out, we weren’t alone in wondering this. Many travelers—especially from French-speaking countries like mine—face the same fear: “Can I travel in Korea without speaking Korean or English?” So let me reassure you right away: yes, you can. And you might be surprised at how much fun you’ll have doing it. 📱 Your Best Friend: Papago, Not Google Translate Before the trip, someone recommended I download Papago , a Korean-made translation app. I didn’t expect much—but wow. It’s built specifically for Korean, and honestly, it outperforms Google Translate, especially when it comes to casual phrases and signs. We used...

Thinking about traveling to South Korea but unsure about the budget? While South Korea isn’t as cheap as Thailand or Vietnam, it’s not as expensive as Japan or major U.S. cities either. In 2025, the cost of living in South Korea has risen slightly compared to previous years, but travelers can still explore Korea affordably with the right strategies. This guide breaks down real travel costs, comparisons with U.S. prices, and tips on saving money , so you can plan an amazing trip without overspending! 1. Korea vs. U.S.: 2025 Travel Cost Comparison How much does South Korea cost compared to major U.S. cities? Here's a direct cost breakdown for 2025: Expense Seoul, Korea      New York, U.S.      Los Angeles, U.S. Hotel (3-star) $80 – $150       $150 – $250 $140 – $220 Coffee (Latte) $4 – $6       $5 – $7 $4 – $6 Fast Food Meal $6 – $8        $10 – $15 $12 – $18 Public Transport (Subway, Bus) $1.20   ...

When I first traveled to South Korea, I thought I was prepared. I had my SIM card ready, subway app downloaded, and a list of must-try foods. But what caught me off guard wasn’t the logistics—it was the subtle moments when I realized I didn’t quite know how to behave. A friendly Korean elder bowed slightly, and I awkwardly waved back. I almost walked into a traditional restaurant with my shoes on. And once, I reached out with one hand to pay at a café and got a quick lesson in manners from the barista’s kind but firm expression. If you’re planning your first trip to Korea and don’t want to learn these things the hard way (like I did), here are the cultural etiquette basics that helped me feel more comfortable and respectful while traveling. 🙇 How to Greet Someone (and What Not to Do) In Korea, people don’t shake hands the way they do in the West. A small bow or a slight head nod goes a long way, especially with elders or people in service roles. It doesn’t have to be deep—just a gest...