South Korea

South Koreahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-koreaSouth Koreahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/latest-travel-alerts-and-warningsWhat are the issues affecting travelers in South Korea? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2021-01-26T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/latest-travel-alerts-and-warningshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in South Korea – updated 5 April 2021</h2> <p>All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea are required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 72 hours of departure.</p> <p>All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) after entering South Korea. Arrivals will be taken for testing and must remain at the testing facility until a negative result has been secured. All must then quarantine for 14 days.</p> <p>Anyone who tests positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. Those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home for 14 days.</p> <p>All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of 120,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities.</p> <p>From March 19, 2021 all inbound travelers (Korean and foreign nationals) must fill out the Health Questionnaire and Special Quarantine Declaration in accordance with the Special Entry Procedure. They are also required to install either the “Self-Quarantine Safety Protection App” or “Self-Diagnosis App” on their phones to monitor if they show symptoms that indicate infection of COVID-19 such as fever during their stay in Korea.</p> <p>From April 13, inbound travelers from the U.S. (Korean nationals and foreign-nationals on long-term visas) are subject to self-quarantine and must receive diagnostic tests within three days of their quarantine period.</p> <p>Face masks are compulsory in public places (public transportation, demonstration sites and in healthcare facilities). Failure to wear an appropriate mask that covers both nose and mouth could result in a fine.  Those who violate a self-quarantine order may be subject to a fine, arrest, or deportation. </p> <p><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" target="_blank" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong></p>Getty Images / Diego Mariottini 1902452584 Getty Images Bright neon signs line a pedestrian street in downtown Seoul, South Korea.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/is-south-korea-safeIs there a lot of crime in South Korea? Should you be worried about tensions between the North and South? Here are our top safety tips for travelers to South Korea.2020-08-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/is-south-korea-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>South Korea is a safe destination, but, does that mean travelers have nothing to worry about? </p> <ul> <li><a href="#health">Travel health tips for South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#seoul">Is Seoul Safe?</a></li> <li><a href="#crime"> How to avoid crime in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#racism"> Racism in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#north-korea">Tensions between North and South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#nuclear-threat">How real is the threat of nuclear war from North Korea?</a></li> <li><a href="#safe"> Just how safe is South Korea? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="health">Travel health tips for South Korea</h2> <p>See your travel doctor prior to visiting South Korea, and make sure you have all the <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-korea" target="_blank" title="CDC">recommended booster shots and vaccinations before you go</a>. Other diseases such as measles mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot should be up to date.</p> <h2 id="seoul">Is Seoul safe?</h2> <p>Each city in South Korea suffers from the same criminal activity as any other city around the world. From petty thieves and con artists to drunken brawlers, danger could be a threat to anyone – it's about knowing the areas to avoid and tactics to stay safe.</p> <p>Just watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas of Seoul, question any extra friendly people (who are probably trying to scam you), and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/traffic-the-amazing-race" target="_blank">watch out when you're crossing busy roads</a>.</p> <p>If there is a large demonstration or protest (which are common in Seoul), walk the other way and avoid these crowds, which may turn violent.</p> <h2 id="crime">How to avoid crime in South Korea</h2> <ul> <li>Keep your money and valuables out of sight and out of reach</li> <li>Be cautious if you go out by yourself late at night, especially if you're a woman traveling alone</li> <li>Be wary of anyone who approaches you out of nowhere </li> <li>Don't insult anyone's family, friends, culture, ethnicity or religion (obvious, we know)</li> <li>Don't leave valuables in your hotel room that you don't want stolen</li> <li>Only take taxis that are marked like taxis, and if you're confused, have your hotel/hostel call a legitimate service for you before you leave your room</li> <li>Learn how to say, "Please," "Thank you," "Hello," and "Goodbye" in Korean, and use them when appropriate.</li> </ul> <p>Be aware of where you're going, and try to appear confident as you explore the urban landscapes of Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, Jeonju, and other major cities.</p> <h3>South Korea says no to contraband items</h3> <p>This should be obvious, but when you travel outside your home country, please don't bring any type of contraband items with you.</p> <p>South Korea take the matter very seriously: travelers will be charged a hefty fine, and face long jail sentences for bringing unauthorized goods into the country. This includes narcotics, some prescription drugs, health supplements, firearms, ammunition and explosives, as well as radio equipment, and gold.</p> <p>Marijuana is also taboo in South Korea. Possession and consumption comes with a large fine and possibly jail time as well, so think again if you are planning to have a cheeky smoke.</p> <p>Be careful what books and magazines you bring into the country, as anti-obscenity laws are very strict.</p> <p>Know that if you commit a serious enough crime, you may be liable for the death penalty – even though you're not a citizen. Executions are still a matter of debate in South Korea, but people have called for executions when it comes to violent crime.</p> <h2 id="racism">Racism in South Korea</h2> <p>Given South Korea's very strong sense of national, ethnic, and racial pride, don't be surprised if some of the legal adjudications seem unfairly biased – some might suggest there's an undercurrent of racism.</p> <p>If a Korean man accosts you on the street, think twice before hitting back. Unfortunately, the law will side with the Korean nearly every time. This could be the case in serious crimes like rape, though if you are the victim of such a crime, you should consult with your nation's embassy to see what can be done about legal recourse.</p> <h2 id="north-korea">Tensions between North and South Korea</h2> <p>In South Korea (where reporting North Korean rhetoric is banned) life goes on as usual despite the North and South technically being at war. </p> <p><span>In April 2018, North Korea announced a halt to nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile testing, although ome missile testing has resumed. </span>Tensions between North and South Korea can change with little notice. For the latest information, check your government travel advisory, and follow their advice.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/north-korea/north-korea-travel-tips" target="_blank" title="Travel Safety Advice for Visitors to North Korea">North Korea</a> and South Korea <em>officially</em> are still at war. No surrender or peace pact was ever signed. Consequently, the media likes to report about the tension on the peninsula regularly. Things were tense in 2017 and early 2018 with sabre-rattling (or missile rattling) from North Korea. Despite this, 15 million people visited South Korea in 2018, and it is still considered <a href="http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/safest-countries-in-the-world/" target="_blank" title="Safest Countries in the World">one of the safest destinations in the world</a>.</p> <p>The warning for visitors usually occurs a day after a warning from North Korea, advising foreign governments to evacuate their embassies because their safety couldn't be guaranteed in the event of hostilities.</p> <h2 id="nuclear-threat">How real is the threat of nuclear war from North Korea?</h2> <p>In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border, which triggered further tensions.</p> <p>Aside from the continual tit for tat between North Korea and the US and the occasional weapons test, Kim Jong Un hasn't really followed through on any threats. Consider downloading the South Korean Government's "<a href="https://english.seoul.go.kr/service/living/disaster-evacuation-tips-citizens/emergency-ready-app/">Emergency Ready</a>" app before you go, just in case there are any new threats.</p> <p>So far, there has been no gathering of troops on the border or activation of hardware. Tensions usually heighten when there are joint US-South Korea exercises.</p> <p>Despite threats from the north, South Koreans tend to go about their lives.</p> <p>There was a show of diplomacy by both Korean nations when athletes competed together at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Athletes also marched together during the opening ceremony under a unified peninsula flag. The last time this happened was in 2002 at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.</p> <p>Dignitaries including Kim Jong Un's sister made the trip south, the first time anyone from the Kim dynasty has visited its southern neighbor. With opportunities for future talks between the two nations, it raises some hope for more peaceful times on the Korean Peninsula and potential unification.</p> <h2 id="safe">So, just how safe is South Korea?</h2> <p>South Korea has <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/crime-rate-by-country/" target="_blank">one of the lowest crime rates in the modern world</a>, so a lot of this article is, in truth, hyperbolic. In other words, you shouldn't decide not to go to South Korea just because you're concerned about crime that could just as easily happen anywhere else in the world – perhaps even at home.</p> <p>There's so much to see, from historic temples to politically intense spots (such as the DMZ with North Korea) to ultra-modern cities and peaceful honeymoon resorts. South Koreans are extremely friendly, and this friendliness comes from their pride in their heritage.</p> <p>If you're trying to find the best time of year to travel to South Korea, avoid typhoon season, which runs from June to November. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-a-hurricane" target="_blank" title="Tips for Staying Safe During a Hurricane">If you have a trip booked for typhoon season</a>, stay up to date ahead of your flight to make sure there are no cancellations due to severe weather.</p> <p>South Korea is located in a seismically active zone, and although earthquakes aren't as common here as they are in Japan or China, it's important to <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-an-earthquake-travel-safety-tips" title="Earthquake safety tips" target="_blank">know what to do if an earthquake does occur</a>.</p> <p>Keep an eye on developments and travel advisories on coronavirus and tensions between the North and South. But make sure you know the difference between rhetoric, propaganda and real risk from North Korea.</p> <p>As you would elsewhere, respect and celebrate their pride, get to know their story, and go out of your way to <a href="/explore/guides/korean-travel-phrasebook" target="_blank" title="Learn Korean">learn a bit of the local language</a>. The chances of you running into any sort of criminal activity are slim to none. For now, avoid traveling to South Korea until the coronavirus outbreak has been contained, and as always, check your government's travel advisory for the latest information.</p>iStock/uschools 0517973380 iStock Seoul skyline, South Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/staying-healthy-in-south-koreaIs there anything that could make you sick in South Korea? From medical facilities to vaccinations, here's what you need to know.2020-03-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/staying-healthy-in-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#vaccinations">Vaccinations recommended for South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#medical-treatment">Medical treatment in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#health-issues">Health issues in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#toilets">Toilets in South Korea</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="vaccinations">Vaccinations recommended for South Korea</h2> <p>Check with your travel doctor at least 8 weeks before traveling to make sure you are up to date with routine booster shots, or to see if any vaccinations are essential.</p> <p>The <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-korea/">CDC</a> and <a href="https://www.who.int/travel-advice">WHO</a> recommend the following vaccinations for travelers to South Korea: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.</p> <h2 id="medical-treatment">Medical treatment in South Korea</h2> <p>Medical services in South Korea are of a high standard and very efficient. But they can be expensive depending where you go, with some requiring payment upfront before treatment. If you're not flash with your Korean speaking skills, the larger hospitals tend to have more English speaking staff than other facilities.</p> <p>Not all medications are available in South Korea, so like any trip it's worth packing what you usually take along with the doctor's letter to save yourself the drama of running out. Some medications are also considered controlled or prescription in South Korea, so you may need to get a permit from the South Korean <a href="https://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do">Ministry of Food and Drug Safety</a>. </p> <h2 id="health-issues">Health issues in South Korea</h2> <h3><strong>Yellow Dust </strong></h3> <p>This common springtime malaise may feel to people who suffer from seasonal allergies that they have stepped into a little private hell. Yellow dust looks a lot like pollen, but it is actually dust from the Mongolian deserts that rides the wind and blows through South Korea's cities like a scratchy, unbreathable fog. Bring a dust mask or prepare to be miserable. If breathed in, yellow dust can cause throat irritations and may exacerbate cardiovascular or respiratory problems.</p> <h3><strong>Hepatitis A </strong></h3> <p>There are frequent cases of Hepatitis A from the food or water in Seoul or other Korean cities. It is recommended that you make sure your Hepatitis A vaccine is up to date.</p> <h3><strong>Malaria </strong></h3> <p>Travellers to rural areas in South Korea may be at risk for contracting malaria. Mosquitoes carrying the disease are located around the DMZ (demilitarized zone) at the border with North Korea as well as in the northern areas of the Gangwon and Gyonggi provinces. Additionally, there are a few other insect-borne diseases that may become problems; these include Japanese encephalitis, filariasis and typhus. Cases in travellers are rare.</p> <h3>Traveler's diarrhea</h3> <p>The bane of every traveler's existance, it can either stuff your plans up for a few days or at worse, put you in hospital. Lots of people drink the local tap water in South Korea and have little trouble. Apparently, it is of a higher quality than water in the United States. But if you aren't a fan of the taste, stick to treated or bottled water.<br /><br />You can avoid catching traveler's diarrhea by practising good hygiene and watching what you eat and drink. Korean cuisine is varied including raw, uncooked, pickled, partially cooked and other delicacies. Meat and seafood are often found in many dishes. So whether it's a street food cart or a restaurant; make sure the place is busy, is clean and foods like meat are kept chilled. </p> <p>It's also handy to carry some antibacterial gel around with you, especially if you aren't in a position to get to running water and soap.</p> <h3>Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease</h3> <p>A disease commonly found in Asia, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFDM) is a seasonal, symptomatic virus most common in the summer months. If you are travelling with young children under the age of 10, be sure they take good care of their hygiene and their health. HFDM most commonly affects young children and even young adults. Just don't share fluids with anyone.</p> <h2 id="toilets">Toilets in South Korea</h2> <p>Public toilets are generally very bare and sparse, so it's a good idea to carry some toilet paper with you. Nothing feels worse than being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language, alone, and without toilet paper.</p> <p>Public toilets in many major cosmopolitan areas can a mix of the Asian squat style and Western throne style. However the more rural you go; the more likely it'll be a squat style. You might want to practice not sitting down before you head to South Korea.</p> <p>You might want to pack some anti-bacterial hand sanitiser as well, as many of the public toilets will be without soap to wash your hands.</p>iStock/hanhanpeggy 0471506403 iStock Vendors are selling kimchi at local market in South Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/traffic-the-amazing-raceSouth Korea's busy cities can be confusing to get around for first time visitors. But transport options are surprisingly clean, efficient and affordable.2019-10-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/traffic-the-amazing-racehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#traffic-rules-what-traffic-rules">Driving in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#motorcycle-and-pedestrian-accidents-in-south-korea">Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#taxi-tips-for-south-korea">Taxi tips for South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#t-money">T-Money: South Korea's transport card</a></li> <li><a href="#trains">South Korea's trains</a></li> <li><a href="#buses">South Korea's buses</a></li> <li><a href="#ferries">Inter-island ferries in South Korea</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="traffic-rules-what-traffic-rules">Driving in South Korea</h2> <p>The traffic in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-to-know-before-going-to-south-korea">South Korea</a> is very similar to many other larger countries such as the United States. However, the difference is that South Korea is one of the most urbanized countries on the globe, with a huge population density and several huge cities to think about. This makes the roads some of the most dangerous in the world, with high rates of traffic deaths. Pedestrian deaths make up a huge portion of this, so be aware of the rules of the road when walking around in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-korea" target="_blank" title="Get off the beaten track in South Korea">South Korea</a>.</p> <p>Traffic signals are a courtesy at best and a tactical psyche-out at worst, as some drivers will literally do anything to ensure that they get to where they're going faster than anyone else.</p> <p>The most dangerous part of South Korean roads are the streets of downtown neighborhoods. The main streets that people drive on to get between areas are similar to driving between neighborhoods back home, but the streets that link all the shops and restaurants in downtown neighborhoods are not limited to traffic laws.</p> <p>So when walking around, keep watch for vehicles as they may sometimes move fast through crowds. This generally happens in isolated areas where there is no sidewalk. It’s likely where you will be on a Saturday night, but not a widespread problem across town.</p> <p>People in the cities of South Korea navigate dozens of streets every day without getting killed and after you've stayed in the country for a few days, you'll start to get the hang of it and develop an instinct for what will work and what won't, but until then it may feel as though you're entrusting your life to a city you don't even know.</p> <h2 id="motorcycle-and-pedestrian-accidents-in-south-Korea">Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents in South Korea</h2> <p>If you saw a motorcycle cruising down a footpath in, say, New York City, you'd wonder if someone was shooting a high-stakes chase scene for a Hollywood movie. Back home, we're often upset when a cyclist zooms up behind us on the sidewalk.</p> <p>However, in South Korean cities it's common for motorcyclists to attempt to bypass traffic by sharing footpaths with pedestrians. This had led to a number of injuries and deaths, though it is surprisingly less than you might think.</p> <p>Nobody is going to look out for you, so make sure you only step into a crosswalk when you're absolutely sure it's safe. If cars are stopped all around and the walk signal is green, you can start to walk.</p> <p>A good way to figure out what to do at an intersection when you're not sure when it's safe, is to simply follow everyone else's lead. Cars are more likely to stop for a large group of people, and locals are much more likely to know when it's safe to cross and when it isn't.</p> <p>In general, walk on the side furthest from the road, as motorcycles will weave onto and off of the sidewalk from the road. If you hear an engine rev disturbingly close to you, move away from the road.</p> <p>Traffic in South Korea may seem like another planet, and it may be alarming when you first step off the airplane. There's nothing you can do about it except to be informed and become aware of the difficulties. If you are sensitive to your surroundings, give yourself some time to get used to the rhythms of the city before walking out on your own.</p> <h2 id="taxi-tips-for-south-korea">Taxi tips for South Korea</h2> <p>Legitimate taxi drivers are generally among the most skilled of the drivers in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-south-korea" target="_blank" title="5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to South Korea">South Korea</a>, though it may not feel that way. Although if you get carsick easily, consider taking public transport where you need to go.</p> <p>Only use licensed, marked taxis if you do choose to go that route. Unmarked taxicabs often frequent the airport. Initially, fares are calculated on the meter by distance but will switch to time if you get stuck in a bit of traffic. Tipping is not expected.</p> <p>There are several types of licensed taxis:</p> <ul> <li>Standard Taxis (<em>ilban)</em> - Which are generally orange in Seoul but also can be silver and while. These are the cheapest taxi and commonly found in most neighborhoods, making them easy to flag down. Their base fare is generally 2800 - 3300 KRW (US $2.60 – $3)</li> <li>Deluxe or Model Taxis (<em>mobeom)</em> - These are black with a yellow sign on top. Their flag fare rates can be higher but they don't have late night surcharges. Deluxe taxis are also larger luxurious cars which tend to be found around hotels and major tourist areas. Their base fare is generally 3200 - 5500 KRW (US $3 – 5)</li> <li>International Taxis - These are orange and have "international taxi" on the outside of the vehicle. They are slightly more in price than a standard taxi and are driven by drivers who are proficient in languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese or a combination of. </li> </ul> <p>There is a reasonable chance your driver may not speak English, but don't worry! One option is to write down your destination on a piece of paper to hand to them. South Korea Tourism also has a tourist hotline which is open 24/7 and can help with interpreting if you need it between you and your driver. You can call them on 1330.</p> <h2 id="t-money">T-Money: South Korea's transport card</h2> <p>Like many countries, South Korea has a transport card, making it an easy way to use the public transport network so you can see the sights without the need to fumble for change. T-Money is a touch 'n' go, rechargeable card which can be used with trains, subways, taxis, and buses.</p> <p>Some vending machines will also let you use your T-Money card to purchase items.<br />The cards are found at convenience stores or subway stations; where you can purchase one for as little as for 2500 - 4000 KRW (US $2 – 4).</p> <h2 id="trains">Catching a train in South Korea</h2> <p>Trains are a great way to get around and in between cities without the hassle of being stuck in traffic. South Korea's subway system is efficient, cheap, safe and clean; music to any traveler's ears and with the added bonus of signage in both English and Korean.</p> <p>Six major cities have their own subway system: Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Incheon. It's a good idea to avoid rush hour in the morning and afternoon if you can unless you don't mind your personal space being invaded.</p> <p>Seoul's Incheon Airport has a train service, AREX which is a cheap and fast way to get from the airport into the main city center. It takes around 43 minutes one way and is approximately 4150 – 8800 KRW (US $4 – 8) depending which service you take. There are two services available for the AREX: An all stations commuter service which stops at 13 locations on the way to Seoul and the Express service which runs straight from the airport to Seoul.</p> <h2 id="buses">South Korea's buses</h2> <p><span>Buses service all corners of South Korea and there is a service for everyone. They leave frequently between major cities and towns, with hourly services to more outer urban areas and rural locations. The buses in the urban centers don't tend to stick to a timetable as they are at the mercy of the traffic however they do have onboard staff so you can make sure you're taking the bus to the right destination and avoid the risk of accidentally boarding the wrong one. Thankfully, the expressways around major cities have a bus lane, reducing the chance of being stuck in traffic and wasting your day away.</span></p> <p>The buses also do not have toilets onboard so use the bathroom before boarding. Long journeys will have rest stops thankfully so you don't have to be preoccupied with that desperate need for the toilet the entire ride.</p> <p>Top tip: Buy your ticket in advance if you plan to travel on the weekends or holiday periods. Saves the drama of lining up in the crowds and ensures you have a seat.</p> <h2 id="ferries">Inter-island ferries in South Korea</h2> <p>South Korea has two ferry networks: domestic and international. The international ferries travel to China, Japan, and Russia, each leaving from different ports. If you're not in a hurry to get to a destination, or would like a more scenic way of traveling, this could be an option for you. A ferry from Busan to Fukuoka, Japan can take as little as two hours one way, whereas if you plan to hit up Vladivostok in Russia, it will take you 16 hours from Donghae.</p> <p>Domestically, there are hundreds of ferries servicing islands off the South Korean mainland including the popular volcanic island of Jeju. Jeju-Do is a UNESCO World Heritage site, global geopark and biosphere reserve; with around 9 million people visiting it for its beautiful scenery, relaxation and outdoor activities such as <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-hiking-trails-for-an-adventure-in-south-korea" target="_blank" title="Top 6 Hiking Trails for an Adventure in South Korea">hiking</a>, swimming, and scuba diving.</p> <p>Island hopping is also a great way to take a day trip from the mainland plus experience the authentic culture of South Korea.</p>Getty Images/Panwasin Seemala / EyeEm 1965080940 Getty Images Busan from above