How Things Work in South Korea
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is not customary in South Korea and can actually confuse or embarrass staff.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea has world-class public transport — the T-money card works on all Seoul Metro lines, city buses, and taxis nationwide.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea has world-class hospitals, but national health insurance does not cover tourists, making travel insurance essential.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea enforces strict drug laws and several unique statutes — cannabis is illegal even if it is legal in your home country.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance, and 1330 for the 24/7 English-language Korea Tourism Hotline.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea has no national dress requirements, but modest dress is expected at Buddhist temples, and Koreans themselves tend to dress very stylishly.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 19 by Korean age reckoning, drinking in public is legal and common, and soju is the beloved national spirit.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is not the norm in South Korea — prices in most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are fixed.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally unrestricted for tourists, but military installations are strictly off-limits and DMZ tours have specific enforceable rules.
Updated 2025-06
Most businesses including shops and restaurants operate 7 days a week, and convenience stores are open 24/7 year-round.
Updated 2025-06
Taxis in South Korea are metered, generally honest, and the Kakao T app (available in English) makes hailing one straightforward.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water in South Korea is safe to drink and is among the cleanest in Asia, though many locals prefer bottled water by habit.
Updated 2025-06
ATMs at 7-Eleven, GS25 convenience stores, and post offices reliably accept foreign cards 24/7, though cash remains useful for markets and street food.
Updated 2025-06
Buy a tourist SIM card at Incheon Airport arrivals immediately — KT, SKT, and LG Uplus all offer excellent coverage with 4G/5G nationwide.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea uses Type C and Type F (European-style round-pin) plugs at 220V/60Hz — American visitors need an adapter.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea has very low scam rates compared to most tourist destinations, though occasional overcharging can occur in heavily touristed areas like Itaewon.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea is one of the world's safest countries for tourists — violent crime is extremely rare and women regularly walk alone at night without concern.
Updated 2025-06
Use two hands when giving or receiving items, pour drinks for others before yourself, and remove shoes when entering traditional restaurants or homes.
Updated 2025-06
Korean (Hangul) is the dominant language, but English signage is widespread in tourist areas and the Papago app is better than Google Translate for Korean.
Updated 2025-06
Haeundae Beach in Busan is South Korea's most famous, but summer crowds are intense and jellyfish are a seasonal hazard.
Updated 2025-06
South Korea drives on the right side, an International Driving Permit is required, and Kakao Maps is far more accurate than Google Maps for navigation.
Updated 2025-06
Korean BBQ is a must-do dining experience, banchan side dishes come with free unlimited refills, and 24/7 convenience store food is genuinely excellent.
Updated 2025-06
Buddhist temples are the most common religious sites — remove shoes, dress modestly, and bow respectfully when entering main halls.
Updated 2025-06
Spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–October) for foliage are the best times to visit South Korea.
Updated 2025-06
Eat convenience store meals and set-menu lunches, rent a hanbok for free palace entry, and use the subway for intercity travel to stretch your budget significantly.
Updated 2025-06