18 Key Insights Before Visiting South Korea

Has any destination been as popular recently as South Korea?

This nation is capturing the attention of travelers globally, thanks to its innovative technology, exquisite cuisine, chart-topping pop music, and some of the most thrilling films and TV shows being produced today.

Combine this with centuries of rich tradition and abundant natural beauty, all within a country slightly smaller than Ireland, and you have one of the world's top travel hotspots.

Safe, welcoming, and equipped with excellent infrastructure, South Korea is truly an easy—and rewarding—destination to explore. Continue reading for tips to enhance your visit.

1. Complete your pre-trip registration at least three days before your flight

Most travelers, including those from the US, Australia, and the UK, can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days (Canadians can stay for up to six months). However, you must apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization on the K-ETA website at least 72 hours before your departure. This straightforward process grants a K-ETA valid for two years once approved.

2. Explore your accommodation options

South Korea offers diverse accommodation choices to suit various preferences and budgets. Budget travelers can find backpacker hostels or guesthouses in key cities and tourist areas, with options for both dormitory and private rooms, often including free internet and breakfast. For a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional hanok guesthouse, which features Korean-style rooms with floor mattresses and sometimes shared bathrooms.

More standard accommodations include hotels ranging from business to luxury, especially in urban hubs and popular destinations like Jeju-do. Adventurous travelers might opt for glamping near national parks or coastal regions. Alternatively, a templestay offers a cultural and spiritual experience, allowing guests to live like a monk and learn about Buddhist traditions in some of the country's most tranquil settings.

3. Plan your visit around the blooming seasons

We suggest scheduling your trip to South Korea during spring or fall, as these seasons offer the most pleasant weather. You’ll earn extra points if your visit aligns with one of the country’s two spectacular blooming periods. Cherry blossoms begin to blossom in mid-March on Jeju-do Island, located off the southern coast, and usually make their appearance in Seoul by early April. In late October and early November, the leaves of the ancient ginkgo trees transform into stunning golden hues, giving Seoul and other cities a majestic appearance for several weeks.

4. Be aware of these two significant holidays

The two holiday periods that can create significant challenges for travelers are the multi-day Lunar New Year and Chuseok (fall harvest) celebrations. During these times, Koreans travel extensively, making it nearly impossible to secure bus or train tickets. Since the dates vary each year, be sure to check them before finalizing your travel plans.

If you can’t avoid traveling during a holiday, consider staying in Seoul or Busan. Many businesses remain open, and the cities can be surprisingly tranquil with much of the population away.

5. Make the most of Korea’s top-notch public transportation

Korea’s subways, trains, and buses are spotless, convenient, and efficient. It often feels like a new station is added to the Seoul metro every month, and the rail and intercity bus systems reach every corner of the country. Public transportation is affordable, with bus and subway fares in Seoul starting at just ₩1250. In all of South Korea, Jeju-do is the only place where renting a car might be practical, and even there, it’s generally unnecessary.

With abundant English signage and logical layouts, navigating public transportation in Korea is a breeze. To get started, pick up a T-money transit card at a convenience store or a vending machine in any subway station. You can load money onto your card at designated kiosks. Make sure to tap your card when you board and when you exit the subway or bus. Fares are based on distance, so forgetting to tap when getting off will result in a higher charge, and you won’t be able to transfer for free. T-money cards are also usable in most taxis.

For longer journeys, it’s easy to purchase intercity bus or train tickets directly at stations. For the high-speed KTX train and popular routes—like those leaving Seoul on Saturday mornings—it's wise to buy tickets in advance. Bus tickets are usually easy to obtain from machines and counters at bus stations, while train tickets can be purchased through the KORAIL website, the national rail operator.

6. Stay connected with these essential apps

Wi-fi is so widespread in Korean cities that you can manage without a local SIM card. However, if you prefer having one or plan to visit rural areas, the easiest option is to pick one up at the various telecom roaming centers at Incheon Airport upon arrival. If visiting a store isn’t convenient, buying a Korean eSIM is an option if your phone supports it. Additionally, phone rental services are available in Korea.

Essential apps to download include Naver Map (iOS and Android), which outperforms Google Maps in South Korea; Subway Korea (iOS and Android) for navigating metro systems in cities; and Kakao T (iOS and Android), similar to Uber but specifically for taxis.

7. Venture beyond the city limits

There are two distinct Koreas: one is Seoul, and the other encompasses everything else—more broadly, urban Korea versus rural Korea. While the nation is known for its fast-paced, high-tech pop culture, its countryside offers a starkly different experience that you wouldn't want to miss out on.

The Korean countryside boasts stunning beauty. Its mountains and rivers create picturesque views, and the well-kept roads are ideal for scenic drives. Life here differs from that in urban areas, with an older population—most individuals under 40 have migrated to cities—and a more relaxed pace. Be sure to step away from the hustle and bustle of the cities at least once to experience this traditional aspect of Korea.

8. Familiarize yourself with ga, na, da, ra, ma, bas

Basic English is commonly understood by those under 50 in Korea, and most signs feature both Korean and English. However, learning a bit of the language is a thoughtful and respectful gesture.

In addition to picking up a few key Korean words and phrases, mastering Hangul, the Korean alphabet, unlocks a special level of travel in Korea. Being able to read the letters means you can identify terms like 카페 모카 (ka-pe mo-ka, or cafe mocha), 비빔밥 (bibimbap, a famous Korean dish), and 사우나 (sa-oo-na, or sauna).

Hangul is straightforward to learn. King Sejong the Great, who introduced it in the 15th century, claimed that a wise person could master it by noon, and even someone less clever could grasp it within 10 days. Let’s Learn Hangul provides an interactive and easy approach to learning the Korean alphabet.

9. Embrace the nudges

Koreans lead fast-paced lives in a densely populated nation, so you shouldn't anticipate the same level of personal space or social niceties you're used to at home. It's common for Koreans not to hold doors for others or to apologize when they accidentally bump into someone. When boarding or exiting the subway, they often won’t say, “Excuse me”—they'll simply nudge past. This isn’t meant to be rude.

In a bustling city like Seoul, saying sorry every time you brush against someone isn’t practical—you’d be apologizing non-stop. While this might frustrate outsiders, the best approach is to accept it and go with the flow.

10. Prepare for personal questions

Here, greetings typically involve a slight bow—a simple nod of the head that brings your gaze to the floor—but you might also be offered a handshake. If that happens, expect a gentle clasp rather than a firm squeeze and pump.

You may find yourself asked more personal questions than usual from someone you've just met, with age being a primary topic. This is crucial for Koreans, as it determines the formality of their speech and the use of honorifics. Common inquiries also include your marital status, job, and thoughts about Korea. Respond politely and feel free to reciprocate the questions.

11. Dress comfortably, but avoid anything too revealing

As a visitor, you’re welcome to dress according to the weather and your comfort. Koreans tend to be casual about clothing, although their style is generally more modest than what you might expect. If you plan to visit a temple, shorts are acceptable, but tank tops and miniskirts are not. Both men and women often wear t-shirts at the beach (but it’s advisable to skip the Speedo or thong). While tattoos are increasingly common among the younger crowd, some bathhouses may still refuse entry to those with visible ink.

12. Share meals and don’t hesitate to call for service

In Korea, eating is often a communal event, and many restaurants—especially barbecue places—don’t serve individual portions. If you’re dining alone, you may need to convince a fellow traveler from your hostel to join you (which shouldn’t be hard) or order a generous portion of pork belly for two (poor you!).

At dining establishments, servers typically won’t check on you regularly, and most have call buttons at each table. Just press it, and someone will come right over. If you need to get the waitstaff’s attention otherwise, raise your hand and shout, “Yogiyo!” (“Over here!”). Water is generally self-service, and sometimes side dishes are too. If a bottle isn’t placed on your table, look for a water dispenser and metal cups. When you're finished, take your bill to the front counter to pay—no tipping is necessary. At some traditional restaurants where patrons sit on the floor, you may need to remove your shoes before entering.

Additional dining etiquette

• Chopsticks Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or transferring food between different pairs of chopsticks.

• Eating with fingers Refrain from using your fingers to eat, except when handling ssam (lettuce wraps).

• Pouring your own drink (alcohol) It’s customary for dining companions to pour drinks for each other, not for themselves. When pouring or receiving a drink, it’s polite to use both hands.

13. Familiarize yourself with Korean drinking customs

The tradition of hoesik – a social gathering of colleagues to eat and drink together – is widespread. Drinking, often heavily, is a cornerstone of social interactions in Korea, with evenings frequently evolving into lively bar-hopping adventures.

The most popular beverage is soju, which is typically a blend of ethanol, water, and flavoring. Excessive consumption can lead to severe hangovers. Be cautious with the notorious 'soju bombs', where a shot of soju is dropped into beer and consumed together.

To help absorb the alcohol, you’ll find anju (bar snacks; a must in many bars). Expect plates piled high with greasy delights like French fries, vegetable twigim (fritters), or fried chicken. There’s even a term for this combo: chimaek, derived from chikin (fried chicken) and maekju (beer).

Similar to trends in other nations, attitudes toward heavy drinking are shifting, especially among the youth. It's common for non-drinkers to enjoy an evening at a stylish coffee shop or bakery, while those seeking budget-friendly drinks often gather at convenience stores, many of which offer seating for immediate enjoyment of their snacks and beverages.

14. Should North Korea be a concern?

Despite what you might read in the news, South Koreans generally don't fear an attack from North Korea—and you shouldn't either. Military skirmishes are exceedingly rare, and the risk to civilians is even less common. Taking a guided tour to the DMZ can provide a unique and fascinating experience. From a distance, North Korea may appear almost humorous in its oddities, but when you're watching South Korean soldiers observing their North Korean counterparts who are watching you, the geopolitical realities become quite serious. Moreover, many tours might offer your only opportunity to actually set foot in the world's most secretive nation.

15. Keep an eye on air quality

Even in a post-pandemic world, it's wise to have a mask handy, as air quality can sometimes dip to unhealthy levels. This is particularly true in spring when dust from the deserts of Mongolia and northern China mingles with local pollution, creating poor air conditions. Consider downloading an app like IQAir Air Visual (available on iOS and Android) to monitor current air quality and forecasts throughout the country.

16. Be prepared to adapt your diet

If you have food allergies or follow a specific diet, finding suitable dining options and clear ingredient information may prove challenging. Vegetarian and vegan lifestyles are gradually becoming more accepted in Korea, but many restaurants still do not accommodate these diets. Even items that seem vegetarian might contain anchovy broth or fermented shrimp. Vegetarian or vegan-friendly dishes include bibimbap (without meat), japchae (sweet potato noodles), and chaeso jeon (vegetable pancake). Buddhist temples frequently offer vegan meals; for instance, Bongeun-sa temple serves a vegetarian lunch, while Balwoo Gongyang and Sanchon specialize in vegetarian temple cuisine.

17. Understand that LGBTIQ+ acceptance is still evolving

Although attitudes are slowly changing, Korea remains conservative in many areas, and anti-LGBTIQ+ sentiments are prevalent. LGBTIQ+ travelers may encounter more curiosity—albeit misinformed—than outright hostility. Public displays of affection are generally discouraged, which applies to heterosexual couples as well.

Seoul features small gay districts in Itaewon and Jongno-3-ga, while the Hongdae-Sinchon-Ewha university corridor is another area where LGBTIQ+ individuals can feel more at ease expressing themselves.

18. Use your judgment and keep these numbers handy, just in case

Theft and violent crime are uncommon in South Korea. Travelers rarely encounter scams or pickpockets, and locals often go out of their way to be welcoming. Nevertheless, it’s wise to practice basic safety and common sense. South Korea enforces strict drug laws, so don’t even consider trying to circumvent them. Since nightlife can involve heavy drinking, be aware of your limits to avoid finding yourself in a precarious situation.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for the police, 119 for emergency medical services, or 1330 for the Korea Travel Hotline, where an operator can connect you to the necessary service and act as an interpreter. This number also connects you to the Korea Tourist Police.