South Korea Travel Guide for US & EU Visitors: Best Places to Visit, KTX Tips & Staying Connected with UncleSim
South Korea is one of the easiest and most exciting countries in Asia for visitors from the US and EU – K‑pop energy, royal palaces, hiking, beaches, and some of the best food in the world, all in a safe, super-connected country.
🇰🇷 Why visit South Korea from the US & EU
In one week, you can see centuries‑old palaces in Seoul, eat street food by neon rivers in Busan, hike volcanic landscapes on Jeju, and walk through ancient tombs in Gyeongju. The mix of history, modern culture, and nature makes South Korea perfect for first‑time Asia trips and repeat travelers who want something deeper than typical “tourist spots.”
🛂 Visa & entry info for US/EU travelers
- Many US and EU citizens can visit South Korea visa‑free for up to 90 days for tourism, depending on nationality.
- South Korea has used the K‑ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) system for some nationalities; it has been temporarily waived for certain visitors in recent years, but exemptions and requirements can change.
Because rules differ by passport and are updated regularly, always:
- Check the official Korean government, K‑ETA, or embassy/consulate website for your country before booking.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival and you have a return/onward ticket.
🚄 Getting around South Korea (easy, fast & efficient)
South Korea’s transport is one of the reasons travel here feels so smooth.
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Between cities – KTX & Korail:
- The KTX bullet train links Seoul to Busan in about 2.5 hours and Seoul to Gwangju in under 2 hours.
- Tourists can use rail passes such as the Korail Pass to ride KTX and other Korail trains over several days – perfect if you plan a loop like Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → Seoul.
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Within cities – Subway & buses:
- Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and other cities have excellent subway systems with English signage and announcements.
- Rechargeable transport cards work on subways and buses nationwide, and taxis/ride‑hailing apps fill in late‑night or door‑to‑door journeys.
You will use your phone constantly to check KTX schedules, navigate stations, and follow walking routes – making reliable roaming data a real “secret weapon” for smooth travel.
📍 5 must‑go places in South Korea & why
1. Seoul – Palaces, K‑drama streets & city views
Core experience: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander Bukchon Hanok Village, shop and snack in Myeongdong, and end the day at N Seoul Tower.
Why: Seoul combines royal history, modern shopping, cafes, and nightlife in one city – ideal as your base and first stop coming from the US or Europe.
2. Busan – Beaches & coastal vibes
Core experience: Relax at Haeundae or Gwangalli Beach, explore colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, and taste fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market.
Why: Busan gives you a completely different feeling from Seoul – ocean views, beach walks, and street food right by the water, just a quick KTX ride away.
3. Jeju Island – Volcanic landscapes & island life
Core experience: Watch sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong, hike or admire Hallasan, and enjoy beaches and coastal trails.
Why: Jeju is perfect if you want a nature‑focused side trip with hiking, scenic drives, and slower days between city stops.
4. Gyeongju – Open‑air history museum
Core experience: See royal tombs at Daereungwon, explore Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, and walk through historic streets after dark.
Why: Gyeongju lets you step into Korea’s ancient Silla kingdom and is one of the best places to understand the country’s deep cultural roots.
5. DMZ – History at the border
Core experience: Take a guided day tour from Seoul to the DMZ, visiting viewpoints, tunnels, and exhibitions explaining the division of the Korean Peninsula.
Why: The DMZ adds powerful context to any South Korea trip, turning headlines into a real, thoughtful experience.
📶 Pro tip: stay connected (how UncleSim helps)
Almost every traveler guided here from the US or EU ends up relying on their phone for:
- KTX and Korail schedules, seat bookings, and platform info.
- Subway maps and bus routes in Seoul and Busan.
- Translating menus, signs, and cafe boards on the fly.
- Sharing K‑drama street photos, Busan sunsets, and Jeju hikes in real time.
Instead of queuing for a local SIM after a long flight, many visitors now arrive with roaming data already set up, so everything works from the moment they connect to airport Wi‑Fi or leave the terminal. A lot of my guests choose travel roaming services like UncleSim because they want one simple solution that keeps them connected across all their stops – Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju – without worrying about top‑ups or language barriers. It is a small decision that makes a big difference to how relaxed your South Korea trip feels.
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