Planning a trip from India to South Korea? This guide covers everything you need—from flights and visa process to itinerary tips and essential travel info. Whether you’re flying into Seoul or Busan, we’ve got practical advice to help you plan smoothly and stay on budget.
VISA Process:
Flight Booking
When it comes to booking flights from India to South Korea, you have options for both Incheon International Airport in Seoul and Gimhae International Airport in Busan. For our trip, we chose a direct flight, which lasted approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. Just like my previous direct flight to Paris, this option was ideal due to our limited vacation days. Direct flights save time, eliminating the need for layovers and additional travel days.
If you have more time and are looking for budget options, consider checking flights with layovers. They can sometimes be cheaper, but keep in mind that layovers may require self-checking, including collecting and rechecking your luggage.
Our flight was booked for March 25th, returning on April 1st. The total cost was INR 63,466 after applying discounts and coupons. To get the best deal, monitor flight prices for at least a week before booking and compare discounts across various websites.
Transportation
Once you arrive at Incheon Airport, the AREX train network provides convenient access to Seoul city. We purchased a ticket for KRW 19,000 (about INR 1,208) from a vending machine at the airport.
After reaching Seoul Station, we took a bullet train to Busan, which we had pre-booked online for around INR 5,849 via Rail.com.
South Korea’s local transportation system is excellent. The subway system is efficient and easy to navigate. Use a T-money card, a contactless smart card that can be recharged at metro stations or convenience stores like GS 25. This card is used for all public transport and saves time, as you avoid buying tickets repeatedly. You can also get a refund for any remaining balance on the card when you return.
E-SIM
For connectivity, we purchased an e-SIM for South Korea from a recommended website. It included a 6GB data pack, which is very useful for navigation and staying connected. The cost was EUR 10.99, approximately INR 996. While free Wi-Fi is available in many places, having your own data pack is crucial for reliable navigation and communication.
Note: Google Maps is not as reliable in South Korea. Instead, use the Naver Map app, which is accurate and easy to navigate. Download it before your trip to avoid any issues.
Best Time to Travel
I traveled from March 25th to April 1st, choosing March specifically to experience the cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom season is a must-see and varies slightly each year. Check the official South Korean website for blooming dates in different cities to plan your trip accordingly.
For my travel dates, cherry blossoms were in full bloom in Busan and Seoul, making the trip a great success.
Hotel Booking
We stayed at the Toyoko Inn in Busan’s Seomyeon area for four nights. And In Seoul, we stayed in Myeong-dong area at Sejong Hotel.
Both locations were ideal for exploring local attractions and had excellent metro connectivity. The hotel was within a 10-minute walk from the metro station, making it easy to access the city’s public transport system. Additionally, both Seomyeon and Myeong-dong area are vibrant with neon lights and shops, perfect for evening strolls.
Food Options
As a vegetarian, finding food options can be challenging, especially in a country where non-vegetarian food is predominant. South Korea may present some difficulties due to language barriers and the local definition of vegetarian food. Fish is sometimes included in vegetarian dishes, so clarify your dietary restrictions clearly.
I recommend trying out vegan restaurants. I have created a video detailing a vegan restaurant in the Insadong area, which offers authentic Korean vegan dishes.
Additionally, having ready-to-eat food packets like those from Haldiram’s can be a lifesaver. They help manage your budget and provide familiar food when needed.
Final Thoughts
Planning a trip to South Korea involves several key elements: flights, transportation, accommodation, and food. Researching and preparing in advance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you found this guide helpful, please subscribe to my channel for more travel tips and guides.
Thank you for reading, and happy travels to South Korea! If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to ask.
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