The Ultimate South Korea Travel Cheat Sheet for 2025: Insider Tips from a 7-Time Visitor - Xplrverse

Introduction: Why South Korea Deserves a Spot on Your 2025 Travel List

After seven visits to South Korea spanning over a decade, I still remember my first arrival at Incheon International Airport. Completely overwhelmed by the Korean signage, I stood frozen at the train ticket machine, unable to figure out how to get to Seoul. A kind elderly woman noticed my confusion, bought my ticket for me, and guided me to the correct platform—refusing to accept my money. That single act of kindness sparked my love affair with this incredible country that balances cutting-edge technology with deeply-rooted traditions.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning in 2025, this comprehensive cheat sheet contains everything I wish I’d known before my first trip—plus insider tips I’ve gathered from locals and my own experiences navigating this fascinating country.

Planning Your Trip to South Korea

Best Time to Visit in 2025

South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience:

Spring (April-June): My personal favorite time to visit. Cherry blossoms typically bloom in early April, and the weather is pleasantly mild. In 2025, the Korean Tourism Organization predicts peak bloom around April 5-15.
Summer (July-August): Hot and humid with frequent rain. However, coastal areas like Busan and Jeju Island offer relief with sea breezes.
Fall (September-November): Another ideal time with comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage. The mountains around Seoul, particularly Bukhansan and Seoraksan, transform into a canvas of reds and golds.
Winter (December-March): Cold but festive, with excellent skiing opportunities. The 2025 Hwacheon Ice Festival (January 4-26) is not to be missed!

INSIDER TIP: Avoid domestic travel during Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) when transportation is crowded and many businesses close. In 2025, Seollal falls on January 29 and Chuseok on September 29.

Trip Duration & Sample Itineraries

Duration	Recommended Itinerary
3-4 Days	Seoul only (including a DMZ day trip)
7 Days	Seoul (3 days) + Busan (3 days) + transit
10-14 Days	Seoul (4 days) + Busan (3 days) + Jeju Island (4 days) + transit
2+ Weeks	Add Gyeongju, Jeonju, Sokcho, or Gangneung

For my upcoming 2025 trip, I’m planning to focus on the lesser-known central regions like Andong and Danyang that I’ve previously overlooked.

Visa and Entry Requirements for 2025

South Korea’s visa policy is relatively straightforward, but requirements can change. As of 2025:

Citizens from 112 countries, including the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
All visitors must complete the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before departure (₩10,000 or approximately $7.50 USD).
K-ETA applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.

MONEY-SAVING TIP #1: The K-ETA fee is waived for children under 17 and seniors over 70. Also, many travelers don’t realize that if you’re just transiting through Korea (even if you leave the airport for less than 24 hours), you don’t need a K-ETA, saving you the application fee.

Money Matters: Korean Currency & Payment Tips

Understanding the Korean Won

South Korea uses the Korean Won (₩/KRW). As of early 2025, $1 USD equals approximately ₩1,350 KRW (though this fluctuates, so check current rates).

Bills come in denominations of ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, and ₩50,000. Coins are ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, and ₩500.

On my first trip, I was constantly confused about how much things actually cost because of all the zeros. My mental shortcut: think of ₩10,000 as roughly $7.50 USD and divide from there.

Payment Methods

South Korea is increasingly cashless, but not entirely:

Credit Cards: Widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are most common.
Mobile Payments: KakaoPay, Naver Pay, and Samsung Pay are ubiquitous among locals.
T-Money/Cashbee Card: Essential for public transportation and can also be used at convenience stores and some restaurants.
Cash: Still necessary for traditional markets, small restaurants, and rural areas.

MONEY-SAVING TIP #2: I’ve found that using a Korean bank ATM (like KB, Shinhan, or Woori) typically offers better exchange rates than airport currency exchanges. Just make sure to notify your bank before traveling to prevent your card from being blocked for suspicious overseas activity. The most competitive ATM rates are usually found at the machines inside major bank branches rather than standalone ATMs.

Budgeting for South Korea in 2025

Expense Category	Budget Option	Mid-Range Option	Luxury Option
Accommodation	Hostels/Guesthouses: ₩25,000-40,000/night	Mid-range hotels: ₩80,000-150,000/night	Luxury hotels: ₩250,000+/night
Meals	Kimbap, street food: ₩3,000-8,000	Restaurant meals: ₩10,000-20,000	High-end dining: ₩50,000+
Local Transport	Subway/bus: ₩1,350-2,500 per ride	Short taxi rides: ₩5,000-15,000	Private drivers: ₩100,000+/day
Attractions	Many palaces/museums: ₩1,000-5,000	Theme parks: ₩40,000-60,000	Private tours: ₩150,000+

Based on my experiences, a comfortable daily budget (excluding international flights) would be:

Budget traveler: ₩70,000-100,000 ($50-75 USD)
Mid-range traveler: ₩150,000-250,000 ($110-185 USD)
Luxury traveler: ₩350,000+ ($260+ USD)

Getting Around: Transportation Guide

From Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul

You have several options to reach Seoul from ICN:

AREX Airport Express: The fastest option (43 minutes, ₩9,500) to Seoul Station.
AREX All-Stop Train: Slower but cheaper (66 minutes, ₩4,750) with multiple stops.
Airport Bus: Various routes (60-90 minutes, ₩10,000-17,000) depending on your destination.
Taxi: Convenient but expensive (60 minutes, ₩60,000-100,000).

On my most recent trip, I discovered that if you arrive late at night, the late-night airport buses are actually your best option as the AREX stops running around midnight.

Navigating Seoul and Beyond

Subway

Seoul’s subway system is my preferred way to get around the city. It’s:

Extensive (covering almost every corner of Seoul)
Affordable (₩1,350-2,500 per trip)
Efficient (trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours)
English-friendly (announcements and signs in multiple languages)

The subway also connects to nearby cities like Incheon and Suwon.

MONEY-SAVING TIP #3: Purchase a T-Money card (₩4,000 deposit, refundable) and load it with credit. This saves you ₩100 per subway trip and allows free transfers between subway and bus within 30 minutes. I was skeptical about the savings at first, but after two weeks of daily travel in Seoul, I saved over ₩15,000 just by using T-Money instead of single-journey tickets.

Buses

Seoul has an excellent bus system with color-coded routes:

Blue buses: Long-distance routes connecting different parts of Seoul
Green buses: Short routes within neighborhoods
Red buses: Express routes to suburban areas
Yellow buses: Circular routes in downtown Seoul

Taxis

Taxis in Korea come in several types:

Regular (silver/white/orange): Most common and affordable
Deluxe (black with yellow stripe): More expensive but more comfortable
Jumbo: Van taxis for larger groups

The base fare starts at ₩4,800 (as of 2025) for the first 2km, then increases incrementally. There’s a 20% surcharge after midnight.

My personal nightmare: during my second trip, I had a taxi driver who didn’t know where my hotel was and couldn’t understand my pronunciation. I now always have my destination written in Korean or saved on a map app to show drivers.

Inter-city Travel

KTX (Korea Train eXpress)

The high-speed rail network connects major cities:

Seoul to Busan: 2.5 hours (₩59,800)
Seoul to Daejeon: 1 hour (₩23,700)
Seoul to Gwangju: 1.5 hours (₩46,800)

Book tickets through the official Korail website or at station ticket offices.

Express Buses

An affordable alternative to the KTX, connecting even small towns:

Seoul to Busan: 4-5 hours (₩23,000-34,000)
Seoul to Gyeongju: 4 hours (₩26,000-38,000)

Language Essentials: Korean Phrases You’ll Actually Use

Korean (한국어/Hangugeo) uses its own alphabet called Hangul, which is surprisingly logical and learnable. While many young Koreans speak some English, particularly in Seoul and tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases will greatly enhance your experience.

Essential Korean Phrases

English	Korean (Romanized)	Korean (Hangul)	Pronunciation Tip
Hello	Annyeong-haseyo	안녕하세요	“ahn-nyong-ha-say-yo”
Thank you	Kamsahamnida	감사합니다	“kahm-sa-ham-nee-da”
Yes	Ne	네	“neh”
No	Aniyo	아니요	“ah-ni-yo”
Excuse me	Joesonghamnida	죄송합니다	“chwe-song-ham-ni-da”
How much is it?	Eolmaeyo?	얼마예요?	“ol-ma-ye-yo”
Delicious	Mashisoyo	맛있어요	“ma-shi-so-yo”
Cheers!	Geonbae!	건배!	“gun-bae!”

During my first visit to a Korean restaurant, I tried ordering in Korean by carefully practicing “Bibimbap juseyo” (please give me bibimbap). The server smiled warmly and proceeded to ask me five follow-up questions in rapid Korean. I just smiled and nodded, ending up with a super-spicy version I could barely eat! Now I know to also learn the phrase “Maepge anaeyo” (not spicy please).

Two Cultural Phrases Worth Knowing

1. “Jal meokgesseumnida” (잘 먹겠습니다) – “I will eat well”

Pronounced “jal mok-get-seum-ni-da,” this phrase is said before eating and shows appreciation for the food. It’s similar to saying “bon appétit” but has deeper cultural significance in Korea’s food-centric culture.

2. “Sugo haseyo” (수고하세요) – “Thank you for your hard work”

Pronounced “soo-go ha-say-yo,” this versatile phrase acknowledges someone’s effort. You can say it to service staff, store employees, or even tour guides. It’s more meaningful than a simple “thank you” and shows respect for their work.

Language Resources

Papago: The best translation app for Korean (more accurate than Google Translate)
How to Study Korean: Free online lessons
Talk To Me In Korean: Popular language learning site with free resources

Cultural Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts in Korea

Koreans are generally forgiving of tourists’ cultural missteps, but making an effort to respect local customs will enhance your experience and interactions.

Essential Etiquette Tips

Greeting and Meeting People

DO bow slightly when greeting someone, especially elders
DO accept business cards or gifts with both hands
DON’T be surprised by personal questions about your age, job, or marital status—these help Koreans determine how to interact with you in their age-conscious society

Dining Etiquette

DO wait for the eldest person to start eating
DO use two hands when pouring drinks for others
DO turn away from elders when drinking alcohol
DON’T leave chopsticks standing vertically in rice (resembles funeral rituals)
DON’T pour your own drink—let others pour for you and reciprocate

During a dinner with Korean colleagues, I committed the faux pas of blowing my nose at the table. The subtle yet uncomfortable silence that followed taught me that in Korea, this should be done privately in the restroom.

Public Behavior

DO remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional restaurants, and some guesthouses
DO give up your seat to elderly people on public transportation
DON’T write someone’s name in red ink (traditionally used for writing the names of the deceased)

CULTURAL NOTE: Public displays of affection are still considered inappropriate in many contexts. While younger Koreans are becoming more open, holding hands is generally the most acceptable form of PDA, particularly outside of nightlife districts like Hongdae or Itaewon.

Navigating K-Culture Respectfully

Korea’s global cultural influence through K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty has created a unique situation where many tourists arrive with preconceived notions:

DO enjoy K-culture attractions like HYBE Insight or SM Town
DON’T expect all Koreans to match K-pop aesthetics or care equally about the entertainment industry
DO be respectful when visiting filming locations from popular dramas
DON’T approach idols or celebrities in public—privacy is highly valued

Food & Drink Guide: Beyond Korean BBQ

Korean cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and often communal. While Korean BBQ gets most of the international attention, there’s a vast world of dishes to explore.

Must-Try Korean Dishes

Beyond the Basics

Most visitors know about bibimbap and bulgogi, but here are some lesser-known gems:

Sundubu-jjigae (순두부찌개): Silky soft tofu stew with seafood or meat in a spicy broth. Best enjoyed at Cheongdam Sundubu in Gangnam.
Jokbal (족발): Tender braised pig’s trotters served with lettuce wraps. Try it at Manjok Ohyang Jokbal in Jongno.
Haemul Pajeon (해물파전): Savory seafood and green onion pancake, perfect with makgeolli (rice wine). Head to Gwangjang Market for authentic street versions.
Bossam (보쌈): Boiled pork belly wrapped in cabbage leaves with condiments.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Chewy rice cakes in spicy sauce, a popular street food. The stalls at Sindang Tteokbokki Town serve the original versions.

The most surprising dish I tried was sannakji (live octopus)—the tentacles still wriggling as they’re served! While it was a one-time adventure for me, I’d recommend trying at least one dish outside your comfort zone.

Regional Specialties Worth Traveling For

City/Region	Famous Dish	Why It’s Special
Busan	Milmyeon (밀면)	Cold wheat noodles in chilled beef broth, created by refugees during the Korean War
Jeonju	Bibimbap (전주비빔밥)	The original version with over 30 ingredients
Andong	Jjimdak (찜닭)	Braised chicken with vegetables in sweet soy sauce
Daegu	Makchang (막창)	Grilled beef intestines, similar to BBQ but with unique flavor
Jeju Island	Black Pork (흑돼지)	Premium BBQ from native Jeju black pigs

Korean Drinking Culture

Drinking is an important social activity in Korea with its own etiquette:

Traditional Korean Alcohols:

Soju (소주): Clear distilled liquor (17-20% alcohol), typically shared. A bottle costs ₩4,000-6,000 at convenience stores.
Makgeolli (막걸리): Milky rice wine (6-9% alcohol) often paired with pajeon. Refreshing and slightly sweet.
Dongdongju (동동주): Similar to makgeolli but with visible rice grains floating in it.
Baekseju (백세주): Herbal rice wine said to promote longevity.

On my third trip, I visited a traditional makgeolli bar in Insadong where they serve it in brass bowls alongside homemade kimchi. The slightly fizzy, sweet-sour taste pairs perfectly with spicy foods—and caused a much milder hangover than soju!

INSIDER TIP: For a unique drinking experience, visit a pojangmacha (포장마차)—tent bars that serve soju, beer, and simple foods. My favorite is near Jongno 3-ga station, where elderly locals gather to share stories. Just be prepared for some curious looks as a foreigner!

Dining Tips and Etiquette

Most Korean meals come with banchan (side dishes) that are meant to be shared and are usually refillable.
Tipping is not customary in Korea and may even cause confusion.
The person who invites typically pays for the entire meal.
Many restaurants specialize in just one or two dishes, which they’ve perfected.

Accommodation: Where to Stay & What to Expect

Neighborhoods Guide for Seoul

Seoul is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character:

Myeongdong/Jongno: Central location, excellent for first-time visitors. Close to palaces, shopping, and traditional areas. I stayed at Lotte Hotel on my first visit—pricey but ideally located.
Hongdae: Vibrant university area with street performers, cafés, and nightlife. Perfect for younger travelers. Budget-friendly options like Why Guesthouse offer great value.
Gangnam: Upscale district famous for shopping, dining, and Seoul’s modern side. Business and luxury hotels predominate.
Itaewon: International district with diverse restaurants and nightlife. More English-friendly than other areas.
Insadong/Bukchon: Traditional Korean architecture and cultural experiences. Stay in a hanok (traditional house) like Raon Hanok Guesthouse for an authentic experience.

Accommodation Types and Prices

Traditional Options

Hanok Stay: Traditional Korean houses with ondol (floor heating) and low furniture. A unique cultural experience (₩50,000-150,000/night).
Jimjilbang: Korean bathhouse with communal sleeping areas. Ultra-budget option (₩8,000-15,000/night) that includes bath facilities.

Modern Options

Love Hotels: Despite the name, many are just affordable, uniquely decorated hotels. Good for couples (₩40,000-70,000/night).
Goshiwon/Goshitel: Tiny single rooms originally for students. Very budget-friendly (₩20,000-35,000/night).
Apartment Rentals: Good for longer stays or groups (₩70,000-200,000/night depending on location).

During my fourth visit, I stayed in a jimjilbang in Seoul. After getting over the initial awkwardness of the public bathing area (segregated by gender), I found it to be a fascinating cultural experience. Sleeping on the heated floor among local Koreans gave me insight into everyday life I wouldn’t have otherwise had—though the thin sleeping mat took some getting used to!

MONEY-SAVING TIP: In Seoul, accommodation prices drop significantly if you stay just one subway stop away from major tourist areas. For example, staying near Hoehyeon station instead of Myeongdong saved me about 30% while still being just a 5-minute walk away.

Booking Tips

For hotels, I’ve found Agoda often has the best deals in Korea
For traditional hanok stays, check TempleStay or Airbnb
Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for cherry blossom season (April) and fall foliage (October)
Many love hotels don’t take reservations—just show up

Top Destinations: Beyond Seoul

While Seoul deserves at least 3-4 days of your itinerary, Korea has many other fascinating destinations worth exploring.

Must-Visit Cities

Busan

Korea’s second-largest city offers beaches, seafood, and a more relaxed vibe than Seoul.

Don’t miss: Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (built on seaside cliffs)
Getting there: 2.5 hours by KTX from Seoul

Gyeongju

The ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, often called “Korea’s Kyoto.”

Don’t miss: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Tumuli Park (ancient royal tombs), Anapji Pond
Getting there: 2 hours by bus from Busan or 4 hours from Seoul

Jeonju

Culinary capital known for its preserved hanok village and traditional culture.

Don’t miss: Jeonju Hanok Village, traditional food experiences, makgeolli tasting
Getting there: 1.5 hours by KTX from Seoul

Natural Wonders

Jeju Island

Korea’s Hawaii offers volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and unique island culture.

Don’t miss: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Hallasan Mountain, Manjanggul Cave, Jeju Olle Trails
Getting there: 1-hour flight from Seoul or 2.5-hour ferry from Busan

One of my most memorable experiences was hiking up Hallasan, Korea’s highest mountain on Jeju Island. The weather changed dramatically during the 8-hour round trip—sunny at the base, foggy midway, and snowing at the summit—even though it was April! Make sure to check seasonal access restrictions before planning your hike.

Seoraksan National Park

The most beautiful mountain scenery in Korea, especially stunning in fall.

Don’t miss: Ulsanbawi Rock, Sinheungsa Temple, cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress
Getting there: 2.5-hour bus from Seoul to Sokcho, then local bus to the park

Off the Beaten Path Gems

Andong: Home to Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site preserving traditional lifestyles
Boseong: Stunning green tea plantations with rolling hills and hiking trails
Mokpo: Port city with excellent seafood and access to numerous islands
Gangneung: East coast city with coffee culture and beautiful beaches

SUSTAINABILITY TIP: Consider visiting Gangwon Province (where Pyeongchang hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics). The region has worked hard to repurpose Olympic facilities for sustainable tourism, and your visit helps support these efforts while exploring beautiful mountain landscapes.

Tech Essentials: Staying Connected

Internet and Connectivity

South Korea has the world’s fastest internet speeds, with excellent connectivity almost everywhere:

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most cafés, restaurants, subway stations, and public spaces
SIM Cards: Available at Incheon Airport from KT, SK, or LG U+ (₩30,000-50,000 for 10-30 days of data)
Portable Wi-Fi: Rent devices at the airport (₩5,000-10,000 per day)

After several trips of buying tourist SIM cards, I discovered that using an eSIM from Airalo or similar services was both cheaper and more convenient—you can set it up before you even land.

Essential Apps for Korea

Naver Map: More accurate than Google Maps in Korea, with detailed transit directions
KakaoTalk: Korea’s universal messaging app (also useful for making local friends)
MangoPlate: Korean restaurant finder with English reviews
Subway Korea: Offline subway maps and route planning
Papago: Best translation app for Korean-English

Health and Safety

General Safety

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and even petty theft is uncommon. As a solo female traveler on several trips, I’ve felt completely safe walking alone at night in most areas.

That said, it’s still wise to take normal precautions:

Be aware of your belongings in crowded tourist areas
Exercise caution in nightlife districts late at night
Keep digital copies of important documents

Healthcare

Korea has excellent healthcare facilities, often with English-speaking staff at major hospitals in cities:

International Clinics: Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital, and Asan Medical Center have international clinics
Pharmacies: Easily identified by a green cross sign. Many pharmacists speak basic English
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended

During my fifth visit, I developed a painful ear infection after swimming. I visited a walk-in clinic near my hotel in Seoul and was amazed at the efficiency—I saw a specialist, received a diagnosis, and picked up medication all within an hour. The total cost without insurance was only about ₩40,000 ($30 USD).

Emergency Information

Emergency Service	Number	Notes
General Emergency	112	Police/emergencies
Ambulance/Fire	119	Medical emergencies
Tourist Helpline	1330	24/7 assistance in English

HEALTH TIP: Korea’s air quality can be poor, especially in spring when yellow dust (hwangsa) from China affects the peninsula. Check air quality indexes and consider bringing a mask during peak seasons (March-May).

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Action Plan for South Korea

After seven visits spanning over a decade, I’ve witnessed South Korea transform from a relatively under-the-radar destination to a global cultural powerhouse. Yet despite its rise in popularity, the country still offers authentic experiences, warm hospitality, and surprising discoveries for travelers willing to venture beyond Seoul’s neon lights.

To make the most of your 2025 trip to South Korea, follow this 5-step action plan:

Prepare Digitally: Download essential apps (Naver Map, Papago, KakaoTalk), apply for K-ETA, and set up an eSIM before arrival
Learn Key Phrases: Memorize at least 5-10 basic Korean phrases and download a good translation app
Balance Your Itinerary: Aim for 60% planned activities and 40% unstructured exploration time
Embrace Public Transport: Get a T-Money card immediately and rely on Korea’s excellent transit system rather than taxis
Try Something New Daily: Whether it’s a food, activity, or neighborhood, push yourself to experience something outside your comfort zone each day

South Korea offers a rare blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, packaged in a safe, efficient, and increasingly accessible destination. Its continued evolution means that even returning visitors will find new experiences waiting to be discovered.

The Korea I first visited in 2012 is markedly different from the Korea awaiting you in 2025—but the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture remain constant. Go with an open mind, a respectful attitude, and a willingness to adapt, and you’ll discover why so many travelers (myself included) find themselves returning again and again.

행복한 여행 되세요! (Haengbokhan yeohaeng doe-se-yo) — Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Korea expensive to visit?

South Korea is moderately expensive compared to Southeast Asia but more affordable than Japan or Western Europe. Budget travelers can get by on ₩70,000-100,000 ($50-75 USD) per day, while mid-range travelers should budget ₩150,000-250,000 ($110-185 USD). Food can be quite affordable if you eat at local establishments rather than Western restaurants.

What’s the best time of year to visit South Korea?

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Cherry blossom season (early April) is stunning but crowded and more expensive. Summer can be very hot and humid with heavy rainfall, while winter is cold but offers excellent skiing opportunities.

Do I need to know Korean to travel in South Korea?

While knowing basic Korean phrases will enhance your experience, you can navigate major cities and tourist areas with English, especially in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. Signs in tourist areas and public transportation are typically in English and Korean. Having a good translation app helps in situations where language barriers arise.

Is South Korea safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, South Korea is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and cities are well-lit and active at night. As with any destination, basic precautions should still be taken, especially in nightlife areas after midnight.

How much should I tip in South Korea?

Tipping is not expected or customary in South Korea. In fact, tips may be politely refused or cause confusion in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. The exception is high-end Western hotels, where staff may be accustomed to tourists leaving tips.

Can I use credit cards everywhere in South Korea?

Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller establishments, traditional markets, and rural areas may be cash-only. It’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting non-tourist areas. Most ATMs in convenience stores and banks accept foreign cards.

What should I be careful about regarding Korean etiquette?

Key etiquette points include: removing shoes when entering homes and some restaurants, accepting items with both hands, not writing names in red ink, and showing respect to elders. Koreans are generally understanding of cultural differences, but making an effort with basic etiquette is appreciated.

What’s the best way to get from Seoul to other major cities?

The KTX high-speed train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities. For example, Seoul to Busan takes just 2.5 hours by KTX versus 5 hours by bus. Domestic flights are good options for reaching Jeju Island, with multiple departures daily from Seoul, Busan, and other cities.

Do I need a visa to visit South Korea?

Citizens from 112 countries, including the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. However, all visitors must complete the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before departure, which costs ₩10,000 ($7.50 USD).

How reliable is the internet in South Korea?

South Korea has some of the world’s fastest and most reliable internet. Free Wi-Fi is available in most public places, cafés, and on public transportation. For constant connectivity, purchasing a local SIM card or renting a portable Wi-Fi device is recommended.