South Korea is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern innovation. From the neon-lit streets of Seoul and its historic palaces to tranquil mountain temples and scenic coastal villages, South Korea offers first-time visitors a varied and cultural deep dive like no other.
If you’re planning your first visit, it helps to understand a few basics such as public transport, local etiquette and what to pack and how to pay. We’ve compiled these 12 essential travel tips for first-time visitors to South Korea based on our recent experience as first-time visitors. We guarantee they will help you feel more prepared and confident for your journey.
Table of Contents
12 Essential South Korea Travel Tips
1. You Don’t Need a Visa for Short Visits 🛂
Most travellers from the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and the EU can enter South Korea visa-free for up to either 30 or 90 days (check current rules for your country here). However, all travellers must complete the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) before your trip.
Tips:
- Apply for the K-ETA online (it’s valid for multiple entries for two years or until your passport expires if sooner than two years). It currently costs around $8 per person.
- Submit your application at least 72 hours before arrival. If you’re visiting during peak season, we recommend applying earlier than 72 hours before arrival.
- You must have your K-ETA before boarding your flight or ship to travel to South Korea.
- An approved K-ETA does not guarantee entry into South Korea.
- Print a copy or save it digitally in case immigration asks to see it.
💡 Tip: Check requirements well in advance, especially if you’re travelling from outside a visa-exempt country.
2. Download Apps You’ll Need Before You Arrive 📱
South Korea is extremely tech-savvy, and local apps make navigating daily life and getting around much easier.
Our top picks must-download apps:
- Naver Map or KakaoMap – Google Maps doesn’t work well in South Korea. Naver Map and KakaoMap proved lifesavers to us!
- KakaoTalk – This is South Korea’s top messaging app, helpful for communication and making bookings.
- Papago – an excellent and extremely useful translation app for Korean
- KakaoTaxi – best for safe, easy taxi hailing
💡 Tip: Wi-Fi is widely available, but we recommend picking up an eSIM card for smoother travel.
3. Use Public Transport — It’s World-Class 🚆
South Korea has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. The subway networks in Seoul, Busan, and other cities are clean, punctual, and offer multilingual services.
Tips:
- Get a pre-paid transportation card such as T-money or Cashbee for easy, cash-free travel on subways, buses, and taxis. You can recharge the card at stations or convenience stores but don’t top up too much in one go as you won’t get your money back if you don’t use it all. We recommend buying one as soon as you arrive at Incheon airport.
- You can also use your T- Money card to pay for entry into attractions, at convenience stores or in restaurants. Just look for the T-money sign and you’ll be able to use it.
- Local etiquette requires people to always stand on the right of escalators and give priority seats to elderly or pregnant passengers.
- If you plan to travel by train you can buy the prepaid Rail+Card which can also be used on high speed lines.
💡 Tip: Transport can get very busy during rush hour — avoid travelling at peak times if you can.
4. Respect Local Etiquette 🙇
Koreans value politeness and formality, especially with strangers and elders. We found that following basic etiquette goes a long way in establishing local connections.
Tips:
- Bow slightly when greeting someone.
- Use both hands when giving or receiving items (especially money or gifts).
- Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home (and in traditional guesthouses).
- Avoid loud conversations in public places, especially on transport.
💡 Tip: Learn to say hello and thank you — it’s always appreciated!
5. Learn a Few Korean Phrases 🗣️
Younger Koreans may speak some English, especially in Seoul. However, once outside the major cities, learning basic Korean phrases for daily interactions is helpful.
Online language sites such as Duolingo will help you with correct pronunciation.
Try these:
- Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) – Hello
- Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) – Thank you
- Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) – I’m sorry / Excuse me
- Eolma-eyo? (얼마예요?) – How much is it?
💡 Tip: Use the Papago app for written signs and spoken translations on the go.
6. Korea Is Safe — But Watch for Scams and Crowds 🧳
South Korea is considered one of Asia’s safest countries for travel. Petty crime is rare even at night. However, nowhere is 100% safe, so we recommend taking the same precautions as you would at home.
Tips:
- Be cautious in crowded areas like markets or festivals and watch out for overcrowding.
- Avoid unofficial taxis — KakaoTaxi is recommended as reliable and safe.
- Be aware of overcharging at tourist markets. Stick to reputable shops or haggle politely.
💡 Tip: Koreans are very honest. If you drop your wallet, there’s a good chance someone will hand it in.
7. Tipping Is Not Expected 💵
Tipping is not part of Korean culture, and it’s not expected in restaurants, taxis, or hotels. However, there are a few exceptions.
- High-end hotels may include a service charge.
- You can offer a small tip to tour guides or personal drivers (though it’s optional and not expected).
💡 Tip: A small gift from your home country is often a more culturally appropriate thank-you gesture.
8. Prepare for the Seasons — Weather Varies Dramatically ☀️❄️
South Korea has four distinct seasons, and what you pack will depend entirely on when you go. If you’re travelling throughout the country, you’ll need to pack accordingly.
We hadn’t anticipated how cold it would be when we visited and I was freezing!
Seasonal tips:
- Spring (March–May): Spring months have comfortably mild temps. It’s the best time to see cherry blossoms but bring a face mask for the occasional yellow dust blown in from China.
- Summer (June–August): Summer is hot, humid, and rainy. You’ll need to pack light clothes and an umbrella.
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): Autumn is cool and dry with beautiful foliage. It’s a great time for hiking.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Winter is cold and snowy so you’ll need thermals, warm coats, and gloves.
💡 Tip: Layering is key. You may find that indoor spaces are very well-heated in winter.
9. Korean Food Is Delicious [But Can Be Spicy! 🌶️]
Korean cuisine will be a major highlight of your trip. We found the food was healthy and packed with flavour but be warned many dishes are spicy! Look out for “maepda” (맵다) = spicy on the menu. It means it!
Our top pick must-try dishes:
- Bibimbap – A simple but tasty rice bowl with vegetables and chilli paste
- Samgyeopsal – Succulent Korean BBQ pork belly
- Kimchi jjigae – A spicy kimchi stew
- Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes, great for an on-the-go snack
- Hotteok – This street food favourite is delicious sweet pancakes
💡 Tip: If you can’t handle heat, you can ask for less spice: “an maepge juseyo” (안 맵게 주세요).
10. Bring a Travel Adapter (Type C or F) 🔌
South Korea uses the 220V, 60Hz voltage system with Type C and F plugs (the same as in much of Europe).
Tips:
- UK and US visitors will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter for certain appliances.
- Most hotels and guesthouses have USB ports, but it’s good to carry a universal adapter just in case.
💡 Tip: You can buy adapters easily in local convenience stores or electronics shops.
11. Take a Day Trip to See More of Korea 🚄🌄
While Seoul is packed with exciting things to do, taking a day trip from the capital gives you a completely different perspective on South Korea. Easy day trips can include mountain temples and coastal cities so we strongly recommend planning a few trips to diversify your sightseeing.
Easy day trips from Seoul:
- 🕊️ DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) – One of the most unique and historically significant places to visit in Korea. While access to the Joint Security Area (JSA) is currently restricted, we visited other key sites on a guided tour, including the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Dorasan Station — all of which offered us insight into the ongoing division between North and South Korea.
- 🍂 Nami Island – Famous for its beautiful tree-lined paths, especially in autumn and winter. There are a number of fantastic options for visiting Nami Island such as this tour from Seoul.
- 🏯 Gyeongju – Explore Korea’s ancient capital with tombs, temples, and heritage sites. If you have the time, we recommend staying overnight to see as much as you can of this lovely city.
- 🧘♂️ Suwon – Visit the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, just under an hour from Seoul.
- 🎎 Incheon – Explore Chinatown, coastal parks, and temples. It’s easy to reach by subway from the centre of Seoul.
- 🧗 Bukhansan National Park – This park is a hiker’s dream. It’s accessible by metro from the capital and offers panoramic views over Seoul.
💡 Tip: High-speed KTX trains and regional buses make day trips efficient and affordable. Leave early for the most flexibility.
12. Book Major Attractions in Advance 🎟️
Popular attractions and cultural experiences often sell out in South Korea — especially in peak seasons. If you’re planning to catch the cherry blossom time or autumn foliage, you’ll need to make your bookings well in advance of your trip.
We recommend booking ahead for:
- Palace tours in Seoul (especially with traditional dress rentals)
- K-pop concerts or live shows
- DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) tours. These tours have limited slots (don’t forget your passport!)
- Korean cooking classes or hanbok experiences
- Seasonal festivals (lantern festivals, cherry blossoms, etc.)
💡 Tip: Use Klook or GetYourGuide for bookings with English-language options.
Final Thoughts
South Korea is a country where tradition meets technology, where vibrant street life exists alongside serene temples, and where every meal is an adventure. We loved it and cannot wait to return and explore more of the country.
For first-time visitors, South Korea can feel both exciting and unfamiliar but armed with our essential tips, you’ll be able to navigate confidently, connect with locals, and make the most of your time.
We promise that South Korea offers a rich and rewarding experience you’ll never forget.
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