20 Travel Tips for South Korea

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Navigating a new country can be daunting, especially one with different cultural norms, rules and expectations from what you’re used to. Having moved to Korea with basically zero knowledge of the culture, I must admit I’ve learned quite a few of these essential tips the hard way. But have no fear – I’m here to turn my blunders into helpful travel tips for your upcoming trip to South Korea! 

​1. Carry Hand Sanitizer and Tissues with You Everywhere.

It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a public bathroom without toilet paper and sometimes even without soap! Toilet paper is also often kept outside of the stalls so having it on your person can come in handy in multiple ways. Don’t be caught off guard at your most vulnerable – come prepared with the good stuff 😉

2. Use Public Transport.

It’s a cheap and easy way to get around the cities, as well to see what they have to offer. Invest in a T Money card right when you arrive. You can pick one up at the nearest convenience store for about 2,500 won / $2.50 and use it in all major cities.

Keep in mind that you must pre-pay for your rides and load the card in cash before you hop on the bus. You can do so in most 7 Eleven, GS 25 and other convenience stores.

There is also a Cash Bee card that can be purchased and used for public transportation, but T Money is more widely used throughout the country.

3. Google Maps Doesn’t Really Work Here.

It’s great for when you’re trying to find a way to get where you’re going via public transit, but for car and walking routes, Google Maps is of no help!

Per some interesting security/legal reasons, Google actually isn’t permitted to offer such services in the country – and you can thank North Korea for that! The Korean navigating app Naver is a great alternative, but unfortunately the entire thing is in Korean.

4. Be Quiet on Public Transport.

Part of good social etiquette in Korea means keeping quiet on public transport. Locals tend to avoid talking and don’t like when others are loud. We’ve had our fair share of dirty glances and telling offs even just for whispers – especially from older Koreans!    

5. Some ATMs Don’t Accept Foreign Debit Cards.

Often the ATM will say it’s a global ATM if it does accept foreign debit cards. I recommend coming prepared with a bit of Korean won before entering the country to avoid expensive exchange rates and having to search for a global ATM immediately upon arrival.

Korean BBQ with minari (water celery)

6. Eat Korean Food.

This may be a no-brainer, but Korean food is the cheapest option for budget travelers, and also a great way to really experience the culture. You can get a filling Korean meal for as little as 2,000 won / $2! Koreans are also proud of their healthy diet and will be impressed that you’re dining among locals.    

7. The Western Concept of Breakfast Doesn’t Exist.

Of course you’ll easily find a western-style breakfast place in Seoul, but outside of the capital city, good luck finding a warm western breakfast. Koreans themselves eat rice and kimchi – among other things. You can however easily find coffee and other assorted breakfast-y type baked goods at convenience stores, bakeries and cafes.

8. The Water Is Safe to Drink.

From my own observations, I’ve noticed Koreans don’t seem to drink the tap water and instead opt for bottled or filtered water. Those who do drink the tap water though, tend to come away unharmed. I live in Daegu and drink the tap water regularly and have never had an issue. But if you’re worried, filtered water is standard in all restaurants and bottled water is easy to find.

9. Be Conscientious of Air Pollution.

During the spring and start of summer it can be so bad that people are advised to avoid going outside. It isn’t as bad as other places in Asia, but good to keep in mind! Consider investing in a face mask to filter the air if you’re sensitive to smog.

10. Look to Young People for Help.

The majority of Koreans are very friendly and love sharing their culture and helping foreigners in need. Young people tend to be especially good at English and are often more than happy to help out. This isn’t to say older Koreans aren’t friendly, just that their English may not be as good! When desperate, it isn’t too hard to find a friendly soul willing to help.

The towering skyscrapers of Busan

11. People May Stare.

Kids may gleefully shout hello, and strangers may try to sneak a picture of you. Korea is a very homogeneous country lacking in diversity, especially outside of Seoul. Seeing a foreigner can be an exciting thing for some Koreans.

12. Don’t Flush the TP!

Toilet paper is usually disposed of in trash cans next to the toilets and not to be flushed. Don’t risk being that person who ignores the signs and clogs the toilet!

13. Learn Survival Korean Phrases.

Korean often has the reputation of being a difficult language to learn, but learning a few basic Korean phrases can make a great impression and help you get around the country. Some big ones to know:

Hello –  안녕하세요 – annyeong-ha-se-yo
Goodbye – 안녕히 계세요 – annyeong-he kye-se-yo
Thank you – 감사합니다 – kam-sa-ham-ni-da
Nice to meet you – 반갑습니다 – ban-gap-sum-ni-da
I’m sorry – 죄송합니다 – chway-seong-ham-ni-da
Please (give) – 주세요 – ju-say-yo
Where is the (something) – 어디예요 – o-di-ye-yo
Bathroom – 화장실 – hwa-jang-shil
Where is the bathroom? – 화장실 어디예요 – hwa-jang-shil o-di-ye-yo
How much is it? – 얼마예요 – ol-ma-ye-yo

14. Public Transport Is Nearly Always On Time.

When it comes to a schedule, the listed time is nothing to tempt fate with. Be sure to arrive a little early to ensure you don’t miss an important bus or train – especially one that requires a ticket. The trains come on schedule and leave five minutes later with or without ticketed passengers. No ifs, ands or buts about it!

15. Taxis Are Affordable.

When you’re in a hurry or your destination is just too far to make public transportation worth it, taxis are fairly cheap in Korea compared to back home. Your wallet will forgive you if you choose to skip the 2-hour bus ride for a little more speed at the higher cost. But watch out for the black taxis – they’re more expensive!

Korea blooms in spring

16. No Need to Worry About Tipping.

Tipping isn’t customary for any service jobs in Korea –  helping to keep your travel expenses low! Some cafes and restaurants may have tip jars at the register for generous patrons, but it’s not a requirement.

17. Remember Your Korean Manners.

• Accept and take things using two hands.
• Take your shoes off when going inside people’s private homes, temples and some restaurants.
• Show proper respect to your elders by bowing in greeting, using proper formal language, giving up your seat on public transport, etc.
• At the table, pour your elder’s drink before your own and be sure to use two hands!
• Don’t blow your nose while sitting at the dinner table.
• Picking up your rice bowl to eat is a no-no.
• Don’t stick your chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl, it’s an omen of death in traditional Korean ceremonies.

18. Bring an International Driver’s Permit.

If you’re going to spend a substantial chunk of time exploring everything Korea has to offer, come prepared with an IDP – you’ll need one to drive here! You definitely don’t need a car in the cities, but some of the best spots in Korea are rural and are more easily accessible via car. Driving in Korea also couldn’t be easier with cheap car rentals, signs that are in English and drivers that drive on the right – perfect for traveling Americans!    

19. Free Wifi Is Plentiful.

In the major cities, many businesses have free wifi that can be accessed during your city explorations when in need!

20. Consider an EG SIM Card.

For travel outside of the cities, or when you’re in need of minutes and more data than free wifi can give you, a travel sim card can be a lifesaver. In Korea, the easiest and most affordable option is the EG Sim card.

You’ll need to register your sim card and email a photo of your passport data page before it can be used. It typically takes about 24 hours for your account to be approved and activated. For more info of where to get one, check out their website here.

There you have it folks! 20 tips for smooth travel throughout Korea. What’s your favorite Korea travel tip? Share below 🙂