Seoul
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | The largest royal palace in Seoul, with the changing of the guard at its gate; entry is free for visitors wearing hanbok. | Closed on Tuesdays |
| Bukchon Hanok Village | Traditional Korean houses with curved roofs between the palaces, still lived in by their owners. | Open to tourists from 10 am to 5 pm |
| N Seoul Tower on Namsan | Views over the whole of Seoul from the top of the mountain, reached by cable car. | Central Seoul |
| Lotte World and Lotte World Tower | An indoor and outdoor theme park, beside Korea's tallest tower and its Seoul Sky deck. | Jamsil |
| Myeongdong and the Starfield Library | The best-known streets for shopping and Korean beauty products, and a giant library inside the COEX mall. | Myeongdong and Gangnam |
Around Seoul
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Nami Island | An island on the river with famous tree-lined paths, loveliest in autumn. | About 1.5 hours from Seoul |
| Everland | Korea's largest theme park, with a zoo and safari rides. | Yongin, about an hour from Seoul |
Jeju Island
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong) | A volcanic crater on the sea, at its finest at sunrise, on the World Heritage list. | East Jeju |
| The Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls | Waterfalls among the greenery; Jeongbang falls straight into the sea. | Seogwipo, south Jeju |
| Hallasan | South Korea's highest mountain, with hiking trails through the forest. | The summit needs a free permit booked in advance |
Busan
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Haeundae beach | Korea's best-known beach, with its long promenade and towers. | East Busan |
| Gamcheon Culture Village | Colourful houses stepping up the hillside, and lanes full of murals. | West Busan |
Tips before you go
- Apply for the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation at least 72 hours before you travel.
- The best times are spring (April and May) and autumn (September to November).
- Itaewon in Seoul has the Seoul Central Mosque and many halal restaurants around it.
Hotels in Seoul
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in South Korea?
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon, N Seoul Tower and Lotte World in Seoul, Nami Island and Everland, Jeju Island, and Haeundae beach in Busan.
Do Saudis need a visa for South Korea?
No visa for up to 30 days, but you need the K-ETA electronic travel authorisation before you travel.
Is there halal food in Seoul?
Yes, especially in Itaewon around the Seoul Central Mosque.
Planning your trip to South Korea? Read Travel to South Korea from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.