What You Should Know Before Visiting South Korea: Essential Tips & Cultural Insights

Planning your first trip to South Korea?
Whether you're heading to Seoul for the food, the culture, or the K-pop pilgrimage, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you land. Korea is modern, welcoming, and easy to explore — but it also has its own unique customs that might surprise first-time visitors.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you travel smarter, navigate like a local, and avoid any awkward situations.

1. Public Transportation Is Excellent — Get a T-money Card

South Korea has one of the most efficient and affordable public transport systems in the world. In Seoul, subways and buses are punctual, clean, and easy to use.

How to ride like a local:

Purchase a T-money card at any convenience store or subway station. It works for subways, buses, and even taxis in most cities.
Recharge the card as needed at kiosks or counters.
Download KakaoMap or Naver Map (in English). Google Maps doesn't work well for directions in Korea.

Bonus tip: Avoid subway travel during rush hours (7–9 AM, 6–8 PM) if you don’t enjoy being squished.

2. Dining Out: No Tipping, Free Side Dishes, and Water Is Self-Serve

Eating out in Korea is fun, affordable, and delicious — but also a little different from what many foreigners are used to.

Things to keep in mind:

No tipping culture. Don’t worry about calculating a tip; it's not expected and sometimes even refused.
Banchan (side dishes) are included with meals and often refillable — just ask politely.
Water is free, but usually self-serve. Look for water dispensers or ask where to find it.
In many restaurants, utensils and napkins are tucked into a drawer under the table or on the side.

Bonus tip: At casual Korean BBQ or noodle shops, it's normal to press a call button at the table to get a server's attention.

3. Cultural Etiquette: Respect Goes a Long Way

Korean society places high value on politeness and respect, especially toward elders. Even as a visitor, showing basic cultural courtesy will leave a great impression.

Basic etiquette rules:

Greet with a slight bow or head nod, especially when meeting someone older.
Use two hands when giving or receiving something from someone older.
Don’t sit in priority seats on public transport (marked for the elderly, pregnant, or disabled), even if they’re empty.
Keep your voice down in subways, elevators, and restaurants. Koreans tend to speak quietly in public.

Bonus tip: Taking off shoes before entering someone's home (and even in some guesthouses) is expected. Always look for a shoe rack at the entrance.

4. Restrooms Are Clean — But Know the Tissue Rule

Korea has some of the cleanest public restrooms in Asia. Most subway stations, department stores, and major tourist areas have free, well-maintained facilities.

Important things to know:

Some older buildings still request that toilet paper be thrown in the trash can, not the toilet. Always check for signs.
You might not find toilet paper inside the stall — look near the entrance.
Many bathrooms are equipped with bidets or smart toilets.

5. Internet Access Is Everywhere

Korea is one of the most connected countries in the world.

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, restaurants, subways, and public spaces.
If you want constant access, rent a portable Wi-Fi device or buy a Korean SIM/eSIM card at the airport.
Data speed is fast, even in subways or rural areas.

6. Most Places Accept Cards — But Not All

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted, even for small purchases at cafés or convenience stores.

However:

Some local markets or street vendors may prefer cash.
Public transportation doesn't accept foreign cards for direct payment — you’ll need a T-money card.
ATMs are everywhere, but make sure to use one that says “Global ATM” to withdraw cash with your international card.

7. Language: A Few Korean Phrases Go a Long Way

While English is spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger Koreans, don’t expect fluent English everywhere. A little Korean can go a long way in building goodwill.

Useful Korean phrases to learn:

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) – How much is this?
주세요 (Juseyo) – Please give me...
화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?) – Where is the bathroom?

Even just saying “hello” and “thank you” in Korean earns you smiles.

8. Seasonal Differences Matter

Korea has four distinct seasons, and your packing list will vary drastically depending on when you visit.

Spring (Mar–May): Mild, beautiful cherry blossoms, but sometimes dusty (yellow dust). Bring a mask.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid with monsoon rain in July. Air conditioning is strong indoors.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp, cool air and stunning foliage. Arguably the best time to visit.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, dry, and windy. Heavy coats, gloves, and moisturizing cream are must-haves.

9. Social Norms: Avoiding Culture Shock

Korea is safe and welcoming, but social behavior may feel more reserved than in some Western countries.

Things to remember:

Public displays of affection are uncommon among locals.
Trash cans are rare in public. Carry a small bag for your trash until you find a bin.
Personal space exists, but Koreans are used to crowds — subways and elevators can get tight.
Don’t be offended by direct stares — it’s curiosity, not rudeness.

10. Emergency Services & Tourist Assistance.

If you need help — whether it’s with directions, translation, or an emergency — there are resources available.

1330 Korea Travel Hotline
Free, 24/7 support in English, Chinese, Japanese, and more.
Dial 1330 from any phone in Korea.
Emergency Numbers:
112 for police
119 for fire or medical emergencies

Final Thoughts

Korea is an incredibly rewarding place to visit — it’s clean, safe, efficient, and packed with amazing things to eat and see. But understanding the little things about daily life, social etiquette, and local systems can make the difference between a “good trip” and an amazing one.

Take a little time to learn the basics, pack for the weather, and dive in with an open mind. You’ll be glad you did.