4 reasons to visit South Korea this year
South Korea is having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. According to the Korea Herald, the country welcomed 16.37 million foreign visitors in 2024, which is a 33.8% increase on the previous year, with tourism spending hitting record highs. Whether you are drawn by the food, the scenery, or the culture, this year is an excellent time to make the trip. Here are four of the best reasons to go.
Seasonal variety
Few destinations offer such a distinct experience throughout the year. Spring is arguably the most spectacular season, when cherry blossom trees line the streets of Seoul, and temperatures sit at pleasantly cool degrees. Autumn brings a similarly vivid display as the foliage turns across the country’s mountain ranges. South Korea also has some of the best hiking terrain in Asia, with well-maintained national parks such as Seoraksan and Jirisan offering trails for all abilities. Winter, meanwhile, brings excellent ski resorts, and summer festivals draw crowds to coastal cities. Timing your visit around these seasonal rhythms makes a significant difference to the experience.
Local delicacies
South Korean cuisine is one of the country’s greatest draws, and food was cited as a primary reason for visiting by 16% of all inbound tourists in 2024. From Michelin-starred tasting menus in Seoul’s Gangnam district to sprawling seafood markets in Busan, the range is extraordinary. Staples such as kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap, tteokbokki, and Korean fried chicken are available everywhere, from street stalls to sit-down restaurants, and rarely disappoint. The culture around food, like communal dining, banchan side dishes, and table-top grilling, is as much a part of the experience as the flavours themselves.
Digital infrastructure
South Korea often ranks among the most connected countries in the world, with fast, reliable Wi-Fi available in metro stations, shopping centres, cafés, and on public transport. This makes it a particularly attractive destination for digital nomads, content creators, and anyone who plans to work whilst travelling. When relying on public networks during your trip, it is worth taking a moment to understand what is proxy vs vpn, particularly when logging into accounts or browsing sensitive sites on the go. A little preparation goes a long way towards keeping your data secure whilst making the most of those seamless connections.
The people
South Korea is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world. South Korea sits at number 44 in the Global Peace Index, well within the Peaceful ranking, and visitors consistently remark on the warmth and helpfulness of locals. Whether you are navigating Seoul’s subway for the first time or asking for a restaurant recommendation in a small coastal town, you are unlikely to feel lost for long. That combination of safety and hospitality makes South Korea an especially comfortable destination for solo travellers and first-time visitors to Asia alike.
With so much on offer across cuisine, culture, nature, and connectivity, South Korea deserves a place at the top of any serious travel list this year.
