Visa Requirements for South Korea

Traveling to South Korea is easy for many nationalities.

• In most cases, no traditional visa is required.
• Instead, travelers simply apply for an electronic authorization K-ETA at www.k-eta.go.kr.
• Children and seniors are even exempt from K-ETA, making travel especially convenient for families.

Why We Chose October

We decided to visit South Korea in October, and the timing couldn’t have been better. This season is often called the velvet summer:

• Comfortable daytime temperatures between 15–22 °C.
• Crisp air without the extremes of heat or cold.
• Beautiful autumn foliage in full color.

What to Pack for October in Korea

Here’s what we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable sneakers for exploring cities and cultural sites.
• Light jackets or cardigans for daytime strolls.
• A few warmer layers for cool evenings.
• Umbrella or raincoat, since brief showers are possible.

Flights: Bali → Beijing → Seoul

After sorting out K-ETA, we booked our tickets through trip.com (link for 2 people). Our route was:
Denpasar → Beijing → Seoul.

Choosing a layover in China helped us save on the total cost, and trip.com also rewarded us with hotel vouchers for future bookings throughout Korea.

Our South Korea Travel Itinerary

We planned our journey to experience both modern Korean life and its deep cultural heritage.

Seoul (October 6–9)

Hotel: Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

• Exploring Myeongdong and Insadong.
• Street food tasting.
• Traditional bathhouse (jjimjilbang).
• Day trip to the outskirts of Seoul.

Seoul → Sokcho (October 10–11)

Hotel: Sokcho Mari Vista Hotel

• Fresh seafood on the East Sea coast.
• Hiking in Seoraksan National Park.

Sokcho → Andong (October 12–13)

Hotel: CM Park Hotel

• Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Learning about Korea’s Confucian traditions.

Andong → Gyeongju (October 14)

Hotel: Hanok 1st Street

• Overnight stay in a traditional hanok with floor bedding.
• Visits to Buddhist temples and ancient royal tombs.

Gyeongju → Busan (October 15–17)

Hotel: Toyoko Inn Busan Haeundae 2

• Relaxing on Haeundae Beach.
• Exploring Jagalchi Fish Market.
• Experiencing the lively southern port city.

Busan → Jeju Island (October 18–22)

Flight via trip.com.
Hotel: Goodstay Nulsong Parktel

We rented a car to explore the island and stayed in one hotel for convenience.

• Cheonjiyeon and Cheongbang waterfalls.
• Hallasan volcano hikes.
• Green tea museums and plantations.
• Scenic beaches, quieter than those on the mainland.

Returning Home (October 23)

Route: Jeju → Shanghai → Bali
Tickets: link for 2 people.

Souvenirs to Bring Home from Korea

• K-beauty products like masks, serums, and creams.
• Korean tea and ginseng.
• Traditional sweets and snacks.
• K-pop inspired souvenirs.

Final Thoughts: South Korea with Flado

Our journey across South Korea was the perfect balance of culture, history, and natural beauty. With simple entry requirements, affordable deals, and a variety of destinations, Korea is an excellent choice for your next adventure.