VISA AND OTHER PROCEDURES
Portuguese citizens – like Brazilians and others from 109 countries and territories – can enter and stay in the country for tourist purposes for up to 90 days.
HEALTH CARE
No vaccinations or special health care are required to visit South Korea.
For more information on traveling health, see the Health Portal of the Ministry of Health and Tropical and Traveler Medicine Clinic. In FitForTravel find country-specific health and disease prevention advice (in English).
TRIP TO SOUTH KOREA
South Korea has seven international airports, but the most likely will be to land at Incheo, about 1 hour from Seoul, from where you can travel to the center of the capital on one of the express trains that provide the connection.
There are countless companies flying to Seoul. THE Air France and Emirates fly from Lisbon to Seoul with a single stopover for around €900.
The transport network is modern and functional.
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
Several airlines (nine at the date of the text) connect Seoul to the four corners of the country, but the territory is small and the train is often the fastest and cheapest way to travel.
TRAIN
Train trips managed by the national company korail are, as a rule, the most practical and economical solution, even more so if you buy a KR Pass, which grants discounts for longer use of trains
SHIP
You will need to use the fleet of ferries that serve South Korea, only if you visit islands off the peninsula such as Jeju and Ulleungdo.
CAR RENTAL
Mainly in Seoul and other major cities, traffic is hampered by frequent traffic jams and the lack of patience and courtesy of Korean drivers who also fail to respect traffic lights too often. If you adapt to these serious conditions, you will have no major problems driving a rental vehicle in South Korea.
South Korea has a four-season climate, just like Europe. At the height of winter, it receives cold air masses from Siberia that generate temperatures that can reach many degrees below zero. Unless you're dealing well with the freezing airs or wish to visit the country's winter resorts, the most favorable months to travel to South Korea are April to October. The summer months can be both hot (up to 35ºC) and humid. Thus, September and October can be considered the ideal time, when temperatures are milder and the landscape assumes great beauty due to the predominance of foliage in shades of yellow.
The currency of South Korea is the Won (KRW). The country has a dense network of ATMs but many do not accept foreign cards. There are so-called Global ATMs at airports and in the most tourist areas of cities that allow for withdrawals of won. Credit cards, on the other hand, are accepted in almost all establishments. South Korea is relatively expensive compared to most Asian countries but far less than neighboring Japan.
ACCOMMODATION
You will find prices between China and Japan. Consider from €15 per person in a double room in a simple guest house in Seoul, €70 to €100 per night for a double room in an average hotel and between €200 and €500 per night in the most sophisticated hotels.
FOOD
Meals have different prices depending on the type of restaurant and area of the country. A full traditional meal in an average restaurant in Seoul can cost from €12 to €30.
INTERNET
It is one of the fastest in the world, if not the fastest, and it is available everywhere, if not free, at very affordable prices in internet cafes.