Despite the adversity that South Korea has faced, from the colonial Japanese occupation to the divisive Korean War and subsequent dictatorships, the country has managed to overcome innumerable obstacles and establish itself as one of the world’s economic powerhouses. In the 1990s, South Korea, along with Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, was named one of the Four Asian Tigers.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Not required – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.
► US Department of State South Korea Information
► Official South Korea website
Part of the APEC Business Travel program
• Expedited Passport Clearance
• All full members of APEC have no need to apply for a visa or entry permit, as the card is treated as such (except for transitional members, USA and Canada)
For most international travelers, the main point of entry will be ICN Seoul Incheon.
► Wikipedia information on ICN Seoul Incheon
The best source to check which airlines are servicing the airport.
Olympic Park region
Size: 253 rooms and suites
Style: Super Contemporary
Year Opened: 2017
This is the hotel with WOW factor, including the Rolls Royce pick-up from the airport. The rooms, staff and service beyond compare.
If views are your thing, you can’t do any better in South Korea than Signiel Seoul. It occupies the 76th to 101st floors of the Lotte World Tower, which is one of the world’s tallest buildings. This means it’s by far the tallest in town, affording an unparalleled vantage point from which to observe the endless sprawl of the city and the mountains beyond – even from the lowest floor of the hotel you’re above the top of Seoul’s next-tallest tower.
But it’s not just the elevation that makes Signiel special. Like all the best of Asia’s skyscraper-topping luxury hotels, it combines its vertiginous perspective with some high-end comforts and, in this case, a look that’s a surprising blend of five-star grandeur and sleek contemporary style. Equally importantly, it’s got plenty to offer the other senses as well, from premium bedding in the bedrooms and Diptyque bath products in the spa-like bathrooms, to the restaurants, which include a modern French option by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno and a contemporary Korean fine-dining restaurant called Bicena. There’s also a spa, the Retreat SIGNIEL, and a library/lounge that’s both an effective meeting venue and a genuinely welcoming place to pass some time.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
► Pocket WiFi Korea
Good Pocket WiFi provider, for South Korea specific travel.
► UBIGI eSIM
For Asia / Africa / Oceania, Ubigi is my favorite selection for a travel eSIM.
► Saily – eSIM
Global data only eSIM provider, easy to use and install.
► VIRTUOSO: South Korea Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: South Korea Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for South Korea.
► VISIT South Korea
The official visitor information for South Korea.
Seoul General Information Page
Japan General Information
with Visa & Entry Requirements
or leave a comment below
page updated: December 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, South Korea Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
Leave a Reply