Uncover South Korea’s Hidden Gems: South Korea Tourism and Exclusive Tour Packages for Indian Travellers
South Korea, a vibrant fusion of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, offers Indian travellers an unforgettable cultural adventure. From the global sensation of K-pop and the flavours of authentic kimchi to serene temples and bustling street markets, South Korea tourism promises a journey like no other. This South Korea travel guide covers everything Indian tourists need — from top attractions and must-visit cities to Indian food options, visa details, and more. With specially curated South Korea tour packages from India, your dream Korean getaway is just a flight away.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms bloom across Seoul and Gyeongju, with mild weather (10-20°C). Ideal for sightseeing and festivals like the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and humid (20-30°C), perfect for beach trips to Jeju Island. Monsoon rains occur in July, so pack umbrellas.
- Autumn (September to November): Cool (10-25°C) with stunning fall foliage in Naejangsan National Park. A favorite for Indian travellers due to pleasant weather.
- Winter (December to February): Cold (-5 to 5°C) but magical with snow, ideal for skiing and winter festivals like the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival.
Top Places to Visit, Major Events & Public Holidays
- Seoul: The capital city offers Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong for shopping, and N Seoul Tower for panoramic views.
- Busan: Known for Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jagalchi Fish Market.
- Jeju Island: A paradise with volcanic landscapes, Hallasan Mountain, and Manjanggul Lava Tube.
- Gyeongju: The “museum without walls” with Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
- DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): A unique historical tour near the North Korean border, offering insights into Korea’s history.
Major Events & Festivals:
- Seoul Lantern Festival (November): Thousands of lanterns light up the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
- Boryeong Mud Festival (July): A fun, messy event perfect for adventure seekers.
- Lotte World Events: Year-round K-pop concerts and cultural shows at Lotte World Theme Park.
Public Holidays (plan around these as attractions may close):
- Lunar New Year (January/February): A major holiday with traditional celebrations.
- Chuseok (September/October): Korean Thanksgiving with family gatherings.
- National Foundation Day (October 3): Celebrates Korea’s founding.
Indian Food Availability
- Jyoti Restaurant (Seoul): Located in Itaewon, it serves North Indian dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and naan. Perfect for families.
- Chakraa (Seoul): Offers South Indian specialties like dosa and idli, with a cozy ambiance.
- Namaste Busan (Busan): Known for its tandoori dishes and vegetarian thalis.
- Delhi Indian Restaurant (Jeju): A go-to for Indian travelers visiting Jeju, offering biryani and curry.
Visa Information for Indian Citizens
- Tourist Visa (C-3-9): A single-entry visa valid for 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 90 days. Costs approximately INR 3,500.
- Jeju Island Visa-Free: Indians can stay on Jeju for up to 30 days without a visa if arriving directly.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- Completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and financial stability (bank statements).
- Return flight tickets.
- Application Process: Apply through the Korean Embassy in India or authorized agencies like VFS Global. Processing takes 10-12 days.
- K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Required for visa-exempt entries (e.g., Jeju). Costs around INR 500 and is valid for 2 years.
Destination Suitability of the Tour
- Families: Kid-friendly attractions like Everland Theme Park and Seoul Zoo, plus safe public transport, make it ideal.
- Honeymooners: Romantic spots like Jeju Island, Nami Island, and cherry blossom trails are perfect for couples.
- Seniors: Accessible cities like Seoul with modern amenities and guided tours suit older travelers.
- Solo Travelers: Safe, with vibrant hostels and easy navigation via public transport.
Group Tour vs. Private Tour:
- Group Tours: Cost-effective, ideal for families and first-timers. Includes guided visits to major attractions.
- Private Tours: Perfect for honeymooners or those seeking personalized itineraries, offering flexibility.
How to Reach and Public Transport
Flights from India
- Major Airlines: Air India, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and IndiGo operate direct and connecting flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Incheon International Airport (Seoul).
- Flight Duration: Direct flights take ~6-7 hours; connecting flights via Dubai or Singapore take 10-12 hours.
- Cost: Round-trip economy tickets range from INR 25,000 (budget) to INR 60,000 (premium).
Public Transport & City Passes
- Subway and Buses: Seoul’s subway is extensive, with English signage. Buses cover wider areas.
- T-Money Card: A rechargeable card (INR 200) for buses, subways, and taxis. Available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
- Climate Card Tourist Pass: Offers unlimited travel on Seoul’s subway and buses for 1-5 days (INR 1,000-3,500).
- Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass): Ideal for intercity travel on KTX high-speed trains, starting at INR 5,000 for 3 days.
Road Rules and Driving License
- Road Rules: Drive on the right side. Speed limits are 60 km/h in cities and 100 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Indian licenses are not valid without an IDP, which must be obtained in India before travel.
- Challenges: Korean road signs may be in Hangul, and traffic in Seoul can be hectic.
Driving & Car Rental
- Car Rental: Available from companies like Klook, RentalCars, and Lotte Rent-a-Car. Costs start at INR 4,000/day for compact cars.
- Requirements: Valid IDP, passport, and credit card.
- Parking: Expensive in cities (INR 500-1,000/hour). Rural areas have free parking.
Tour Cost Estimation
- Budget (INR 50,000-80,000 per person for 7 days)
- Mid-Range (INR 80,000-1,50,000 per person)
- Luxury (INR 2,00,000+ per person)
What to Pack for the Destination
- Clothing: Layered outfits for spring/autumn, warm jackets for winter, and light clothes for summer. Modest attire for temples.
- Essentials: Passport, visa documents, IDP (if driving), and travel insurance.
- For Indian Travelers: Pack Indian snacks, a universal adapter (Type C/F plugs), and over-the-counter medicines.
- Winter Gear: Gloves, scarves, and thermal wear for skiing or winter visits.
- Miscellaneous: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a Korean phrasebook or translation app.
Culture & Etiquette
- Greetings: A slight bow with “Annyeonghaseyo” (hello) is appreciated.
- Dining: Wait for elders to start eating. Use both hands when passing items.
- Public Behavior: Avoid loud conversations in public. Remove shoes when entering homes or certain restaurants.
- Tipping: Not customary, but small tips (5-10%) are appreciated in tourist areas.
- Temple Visits: Dress modestly and maintain silence.
Themes and Special Interests
• Honeymoon Packages – Romantic escapes to Jeju Island, strolls through the enchanting Nami Island, and sweet moments at Seoul’s N Seoul Tower love locks.
• Adventure Tours – Thrilling experiences like hiking in Seoraksan National Park, paragliding over Busan’s coastlines, and surfing the waves of Jeju Island.
• Shopping Tours – Retail therapy at Myeongdong’s cosmetics paradise, Insadong’s traditional markets, and Dongdaemun’s trendy fashion hubs — with tax-free shopping perks!
• Luxury Packages – Indulge in 5-star hotels, private city tours, fine dining, and spa experiences tailored for travelers seeking premium comfort and style.
• Budget Packages – Affordable tour options that cover the best of South Korea tourism without compromising on quality or excitement.
• Family Tours – Memorable family adventures with kid-friendly attractions like Everland Theme Park, Lotte World, and educational cultural tours across the country.
• Religious Tours – Spiritual journeys to sacred sites like Bulguksa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, and Jeondong Catholic Church.
• Skiing Packages – Winter fun at Yongpyong and Alpensia resorts, perfect for beginners and snow enthusiasts from December to February.
Why Book with Us
- Tailored Itineraries: Include Indian food stops, visa assistance, and snow activities.
- Expert Guides: English-speaking guides familiar with Indian preferences.
- Affordable Packages: Budget to luxury options with transparent pricing.
- 24/7 Support: Hassle-free travel with dedicated assistance.
- Cultural Sensitivity: We ensure respect for Indian dietary and cultural needs.
Book now for a seamless, memorable journey to South Korea!
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