John Buckley Oct 15, 2024 35 min read
South Korea Travel Guide
Skiing, Hiking & Dog-Friendly Travel AdventuresThis South Korea travel guide is built for outdoor adventurers, independent travelers, and dog-loving expats who want to explore beyond Seoul.
From carving down ski slopes to road-tripping through Jeju Island and hiking volcanic trails, these posts are grounded in real experience — with practical tips to help you skip the fluff and dive deeper into Korea.
Scroll down to explore travel guides organized by season, region, and activity — with more destinations coming soon.
Discover South Korea’s top ski resorts — including Yongpyong, High1, and Muju — with firsthand guides for gear, lodging, and avoiding the crowds.
John Buckley
I grew up in Vail, Colorado — home to some of the best skiing in the U.S. — but I’ve spent the past 15+ years living and working in South Korea as an English teacher and outdoor adventurer.
From skiing deep powder in Japan to trekking in the Himalayas and hiking in Korea, I’ve explored much of Asia with a backpack, a plan, and an open mind.
Through Colorado Saram, I share travel guides, gear tips, and firsthand advice to help you plan unforgettable outdoor adventures across Asia and beyond.
👉 Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or join the free Facebook group for outdoor travel tips, stories, and inspiration.
Read more about my journey →
Jeju Island Travel
Explore Jeju beyond the package tours with dog-friendly itineraries, ferry travel guides, and outdoor adventures like hiking Hallasan.
Summer in South Korea
From off-season mountain resorts to highland trekking in Ganwon-do, these posts highlight the cool side of Korean summers.
South Korea Travel Tips
Gear up for your trip with practical advice on driving, SIM cards, and travel logistics — all based on long-term expat experience.
Essential South Korea Travel Info
Time in South Korea: KST
South Korea Currency:
Korean Won ₩ (KRW)
USD $1.00 = ₩ 1,327
* Subject to fluctuation
