Destination Guide to South Korea

Dynamic cities, cutting-edge design, thoughtful accessibility, serene temples and beautifully curated food culture.

Most visitors arrive through Seoul Incheon (ICN) — one of Asia’s best-designed airports, offering step-free routing, accessible restrooms, clear signage, mobility assistance and efficient customs/immigration.
Gimpo (GMP) connects Seoul with domestic routes and Japan.
Busan (PUS) and Jeju (CJU) also serve regional and long-haul arrivals.
Provide airlines with mobility-aid dimensions and battery type (if powered) when booking.

South Korea offers reliable, modern infrastructure across major cities and intercity links.

KTX high-speed rail: Fully lift-served stations, accessible toilets, wheelchair spaces and priority boarding. Ideal for Seoul–Busan–Daegu–Gwangju routes.
Urban transport: Seoul, Busan and other metros have widespread elevator access, tactile paving and wide gates; buses are increasingly low-floor with ramps.
Private transport: WAVs available in Seoul and Busan via specialist operators; pre-book for airport transfers and day touring.
Walking/rolling: Pavements in modern districts are smooth with consistent kerb cuts; historic alleys may be narrow or sloped.
Boats: Large ferries to Jeju and river cruises generally provide ramp-assisted boarding; smaller boats vary by operator.

Destination Highlights

Culture & City Energy: Seoul and Busan offer accessible museums, galleries, riverside promenades, markets and performance venues supported by excellent public transport.
Temples & Traditions: Courtyards, scenic terraces and cultural workshops provide ways to experience Korea’s spiritual heritage without steep climbs.
Nature & Coast: National parks and coastal routes feature drive-up viewpoints, boardwalks and gentle scenic loops.

Seoul – Palace complexes with partial access via courtyards and verandas; Insadong galleries; riverfront paths; accessible markets and museums; lift-served observation towers.
Busan – Beaches with level promenades, cable-car scenic rides (access varies), coastal viewpoints and seafood dining on step-free terraces.
Gyeongju – Ancient capital with tomb mounds, museums and park-style heritage zones ideal for vehicle-assisted circuits and short rolling routes.
Jeju Island – Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and coastlines; accessibility varies, but resorts, promenades, gardens and selected lookout points work well with private drivers.
Gangwon (incl. Pyeongchang) – Mountain scenery, parks with boardwalk segments and curated viewings at ski resorts and lakes.

Korean cuisine balances bold flavours with healthful, delicately prepared dishes — ideal for travellers who appreciate structured, seated dining.

Signature dishes: bibimbap, bulgogi, kalguksu noodles, Korean barbecue, haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), banchan (side dishes), hotpot, temple cuisine and contemporary tasting menus.
Inclusive dining: Upscale Korean restaurants, BBQ venues and hotel dining rooms are often step-free with private or semi-private rooms. Companion seating and wide aisles help with mobility or sensory comfort.
Curated tastings: Kimchi workshops adapted for seated participation, street food tastings using accessible segments of markets, and tea ceremonies in level-access cultural spaces.
Dietary needs: Kitchens adapt spice levels on request; vegetarian and vegan options are growing, especially in Seoul’s contemporary dining scene.

Korean luxury blends sleek design with deep cultural grounding. Expect:

Adapted rooms/suites with roll-in showers, grab bars and thoughtful layout.
Spa & wellness: Korean sauna culture (select facilities with private, accessible areas), aromatherapy, beauty-led therapies and modern wellness floors.
Private touring: Palace and design-district circuits, car-assisted lookout points, seasonal gardens and artisan workshops.
Coastal & island hotels: Zero-entry pools (select), buggy transport, deck dining and ocean-view suites with level access.
Cultural hosting: Calligraphy, ceramics, temple food tastings and craft workshops tailored for seated comfort.

Korean hospitality is respectful, warm and efficient.
Staff are accustomed to supporting accessibility needs, particularly in hotels, museums and malls.
English is widely spoken in tourism settings.
LGBTQ+ travellers experience discreet, professional hospitality in cities; public displays of affection are rare for all couples, so a gentle approach feels culturally natural.

Accessibility is strong in airports, metros, malls, museums and new attractions.
Heritage temples, hanok villages and older districts may include steps or slopes; however, many offer partial access through courtyard viewing, verandas and alternative entrances.
Modest attire is appreciated at temples; shoes are removed in certain interiors.
Follow signage for quiet zones, photography and cultural etiquette.

Accessibility information is widely available from Korean tourism boards, metro operators and major attractions.
Specialist providers offer WAVs, mobility equipment hire, carers, tactile resources and sensory-friendly guidance.
Museums and cultural sites often provide wheelchair loans, quiet zones and companion seating.

Combine Seoul + Busan/Jeju for balanced culture and coast.
Pre-book adapted rooms and WAVs, especially during cherry blossom, autumn foliage and festival seasons.
Expect slopes and steps in hanok and temple districts; use curated routes focusing on scenic perimeters.
Carry essential medication and translations for allergies.
Early morning visits offer the calmest experience in palace complexes and markets.
Communicate needs clearly — Korean staff respond quickly and respectfully.