Things to Know Before Visiting South Korea

Cultural Etiquette

Korean culture places great emphasis on respect, hierarchy, and social harmony. While Koreans are generally forgiving of tourists' cultural missteps, knowing these basics will earn you warm smiles and better service.

Bowing & Greetings

• Bowing is the standard greeting. A slight nod (15–30°) is appropriate for casual encounters. A deeper bow shows more respect.
• Handshakes are common in business settings. Support your right forearm with your left hand when shaking hands with someone older or of higher status.
• Two hands — Always receive items (business cards, gifts, money, drinks) with both hands or with your right hand while supporting your right arm with your left. Using one hand to receive from an elder is considered rude.

Age & Hierarchy

• Age matters a lot in Korea. It's one of the first things Koreans ask each other (even among strangers). This determines the level of formality in speech and behavior.
• Use both hands when pouring or receiving drinks from someone older.
• Don't pour your own drink — pour for others, and they'll pour for you. This applies especially at meals with alcohol.
• Turn away from elders when drinking alcohol. Face away slightly and take a sip — don't drink directly facing an elder.

Shoes & Indoor Spaces

• Remove shoes when entering homes, many traditional restaurants, temples, and some fitting rooms. Look for a shoe rack or pile of shoes at the entrance.
• Slippers are often provided in restaurants and temples. Use them — don't walk around in socks or bare feet unless specifically told to.

Public Behavior

• Public displays of affection are generally restrained. Holding hands is fine, but kissing in public is uncommon and may attract stares.
• Loud conversations on public transit are frowned upon. Keep phone calls brief and quiet on buses and metro.
• Escalator etiquette: Stand on the right, walk on the left (in Seoul). This is strictly observed.

Language Tips

While English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Korean phrases goes a long way. Koreans genuinely appreciate any effort to speak their language.

Essential Korean Phrases

WiFi & Connectivity

South Korea has one of the world's fastest and most accessible internet infrastructures. Staying connected is easy.

Options for Tourists

Where to Get Connected

• Incheon Airport: Pocket WiFi and SIM card rental counters in the arrivals hall. Also available at Gimpo Airport.
• Convenience stores: Some sell prepaid SIM cards (ask for "유심카드" / yoo-sim ka-deu).
• Free WiFi zones: All Seoul metro stations, most buses, airports, tourist attractions, and virtually every café.

Payment & Money

South Korea is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Cards are king, but you'll still want some cash for certain situations.

Cards

• Credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere — convenience stores, metro, street food vendors, taxis, and even small market stalls.
• Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. American Express is less widely accepted.
• Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay) are increasingly common.
• T-money card (transit card) can also be used for small purchases at convenience stores and some vending machines.

Cash

• Always carry ₩50,000–100,000 ($35–75) for traditional markets, small restaurants, and rural areas.
• ATMs are widely available at convenience stores (7-Eleven, CU, GS25). Look for "Global ATM" signs. Most accept foreign cards.
• Exchange money at Myeongdong money exchange shops for the best rates. Airport rates are acceptable for initial cash.

T-money Card

The T-money card is your most important purchase in Korea:

• Buy at any convenience store for ₩2,500 (~$2)
• Load with ₩20,000–50,000 to start (top up at convenience stores or metro stations)
• Works on: Seoul metro & bus, Busan metro & bus, some taxis, convenience store purchases
• Saves ₩100 per ride compared to single-use tickets
• Transfer discount: Free transfers between bus and metro within 30 minutes

Essential Apps for Korea

Download these apps before arriving — they'll make your trip significantly easier:

Navigation

• Naver Map — The #1 navigation app in Korea. Far more accurate than Google Maps. Real-time transit directions, walking routes, and restaurant info. Available in English.
• Kakao Map — Excellent backup navigation app. Also in English.

Translation

• Papago (by Naver) — Best Korean translator. Supports text, voice, image (camera translation), and real-time conversation mode. Far superior to Google Translate for Korean.

Communication

• KakaoTalk — Korea's #1 messaging app (like WhatsApp). Used by virtually everyone. Some restaurants and services use KakaoTalk for reservations.

Transportation

• Kakao T — Taxi-hailing app (like Uber). Shows estimated fare, tracks your ride, and can pay by card. Essential for late-night rides.
• Korail Talk — Book KTX and other train tickets.

Food & Reviews

• MangoPlate — Korea's Yelp. Restaurant reviews, ratings, and recommendations. Invaluable for finding good food.
• Coupang Eats — Food delivery (Korea's Uber Eats). Useful if you want to eat in your hotel.

Daily Life Tips

Convenience Stores

Korean convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are a traveler's best friend:

• Hot food: Fresh kimbap, ramen (hot water provided), bibimbap, sandwiches — all $2–5
• Payment: T-money card, credit card, or cash
• Services: ATMs, bill payment, parcel pickup, printing
• Hours: Most are 24/7
• Seating: Many have eating areas with tables and microwaves

Toilets

• Public toilets are clean, free, and widely available in metro stations, tourist areas, and parks.
• Many have heated seats, bidets, and automatic functions. Buttons are often in Korean — look for the water drop symbol (비데) for the bidet.
• Carry tissues just in case, especially in older areas or hiking trails.

Trash & Recycling

• Public trash cans are rare on Korean streets. This is intentional — Koreans carry their trash until they find a bin (usually at convenience stores or metro stations).
• Don't litter. Fines can be up to ₩100,000 ($75).
• Separate recyclables when possible — paper, plastic, cans, and food waste go in different bins.

Smoking

• Smoking is banned in most public spaces, including streets in some areas (look for no-smoking signs with fines listed).
• Designated smoking areas are available near metro stations and some restaurants.
• E-cigarettes are treated the same as regular cigarettes.

Dining Etiquette

Korean dining culture is rich and social. Knowing these basics will enhance your restaurant experiences:

At the Table

• Wait to be seated at sit-down restaurants. The host will seat you.
• Banchan (side dishes) are complimentary and unlimited at most restaurants. You can ask for refills (리필 / ri-pil).
• Don't start eating until the eldest person at the table picks up their chopsticks.
• Rice and soup bowls stay on the table — don't lift them to your mouth (unlike in Japan/China).
• Chopsticks and spoon — Use chopsticks for solid food, spoon for rice and soup. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (associated with funerals).

Korean BBQ Etiquette

• The grill is communal — everyone cooks together. The person who ordered or the youngest often handles the grilling.
• Wrap meat in lettuce/ssam with sauce, garlic, and kimchi. Use your chopsticks or fingers.
• Don't flip meat too often — let it cook properly on one side first.
• Soju etiquette: Pour for others with both hands. Receive with both hands. Turn away from elders when drinking.

Paying

• Go to the counter to pay — don't wait for the check to come to your table at casual restaurants.
• Say "계산해주세요" (Gye-san-hae ju-se-yo) if you need the bill brought to you.
• Splitting bills is uncommon among Koreans (one person usually pays for the group), but tourists can split easily by asking.

Frequently Asked Questions