There are many aspects of Korean culture that are very familiar to Koreans but are new to foreigners. For example, “Jjimjilbangs”, cosmetics shopping, “Hanbok” experiences, and PC cafes are some of the things you’ll want to do when you come to Korea. Hiking is also one of the most popular pastimes in Korea, and the country’s mountainous landscape makes it easy to go on safe day trips in most parts of the country.
1. South Korea Quick Facts
Language Korean
Religion Protestant 20%, Buddhist 17%, Catholic 11%
Currency Won (KRW, ￦)
Visa k-eta Visa exemption 90days.
(If you are a national of a country that allows visa-free entry to South Korea, you can get a travel permit online to enter the country quickly and easily.)
Power Plugs 220 V 60 Hz (F Type)
Capital Seoul
ATM ATMs can also be easily found everywhere, allowing you to withdraw local currency using a credit or check card.
Use card South Korea is a near-cashless society where foreigners can pay for almost everything, from duty-free shops in big cities to hole-in-the-wall shops, as long as they have a credit or debit card for international payments.
Useful APP
Google Maps
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Inchon International Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
The country has very good public transport. Unless you’re in a very remote area, you can get around by local and intercity buses, and public transport fares are very cheap compared to other countries, and there’s even a free transfer system.
This is a very useful transportation card for foreigners to use when traveling in Korea. It is a period transportation pass that allows up to 20 rides per day on public transportation such as the metropolitan subway, Seoul buses, and Incheon Airport Railroad .
Price: Purchasable only with Korean Won cash
division price Discounted price after 5pm
1 day pass 15,000 won 12,000 won
2-day pass 23,000 won 20,000 won
3-day pass 30,500 won 27,500 won
5-day pass 47,500 won 44,500 won
7-day pass 64,500 won 61,500 won
*The Mpass price includes a rental deposit of 5,000 won, and you can receive a refund of 4,500 won w
*One day is calculated from the first use (tag) after Mpass issuance until midnight of the same day.
*M pass available routes in the metropolitan area: metropolitan subway, Airport Railroad regular train, Seoul branch/main line/circuit bus, village bus, Seoul late-night bus
4. Safety
South Korea has one of the highest levels of security in the world. For example, you can leave your mobile phone or laptop in a coffee shop or public place and no one will touch it.
South Korea also has a lot of CCTV cameras, so cities and public spaces are well monitored. It’s safe to walk around late at night, and smartphone apps make it easy for anyone to report emergencies or suspicious incidents.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Police – 112
Fire and Ambulance Services – 119
Korean Tourist Police and Translations Services – 1330
Medical Emergencies – 1339
5. Climate
Korea, which falls under the “mid-latitude, temperate climate,” boasts four distinct seasons. Spring and fall display clear and mild weather and summer is hot and humid while winter shows cold and arid climate characteristics. Although the temperatures do not differ much among regions, the southern areas including Busan tend to be warmer as the average temperature is around 4 degrees Celsius(39.2°F-48.2°F) higher.
Spring is a season of flowers and boasts optimal weather to enjoy the flowers. From forsythia and cherry blossoms to azalea and roses, you can enjoy beautiful scenes filled with flowers on every road and street.
Summer in Korea is under sweltering heat but, since it is a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, over 270 beaches are open to display colorful and diverse summer scenes. However, this also partially coincides with the rainy season so, if you plan to visit Korea from the end of June to the end of July, it is wise to check the weather trends in advance. Keep in mind, the period between July and October also sees several typhoons.
Fall in Korea is a beautiful season even without any special events. The average temperature hovers around 15 degrees Celsius makes it pleasant to walk around and, with the addition of various local, unique festivals, you can take advantage of great views, delicious foods, and exciting plays all in one spot.
In winter, the average temperature drops to 0 to 1 degree Celsius and frequently plummets to sub-zero so you need to wear thick outerwear at all times. On the other hand, this is also the perfect season to enjoy hot springs, ondol culture, and warm soup dishes. It is also exciting to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding with the beautiful snow-scape in the background.
6. price
Utilities, including public transport, are affordable in South Korea. On the other hand, the cost of groceries and basic necessities is quite high.
Bottled water 2l 2,000won
Big Mac Combo meal 7,000won
Starbucks Americano Grande 5,000won
7. Travel precautions
In Korea, many facilities have no or low fees, and many additional services are free. Privately run tourist attractions and amusement parks may cost money, but museums managed by the government, such as the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial, are generally free for both Koreans and foreigners.
Most restaurants offer free side dishes, and coffee is free or cheap if there is a dedicated vending machine. Most of the country is mountainous, so even in large cities like Seoul and Busan, mountain climbing is free, except for a few mountains.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Take your shoes off at the door when entering any residence, temple, or guesthouse.
A short bow—essentially a nod—is the most respectful greeting.
Give and receive any object using both hands.
When beckoning someone, Korean’s do this palm down. Never use one finger in an upward motion, as this is how they beckon dogs.
It is generally considered rude if you start eating before your elders.
You must wash before entering a public bath, and ensure you are free from all suds before entering the public waters. The bath is for relaxing, not cleaning!
Tip
Tipping is not a Korean custom and is not expected at hotels, taxis, or other establishments.
9. Holidays
The public holidays in SOUTH KOREA in 2024
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
9 Feb to 11 Feb Fri to Sun Seollal
1 Mar Fri March 1st Movement Day
5 May Sun Children’s Day
15 May Wed Buddha’s Birthday
6 Jun Thu Memorial Day
15 Aug Thu Liberation Day
16 Sep to 18 Sep Mon to Wed Chuseok
3 Oct Thu National Foundation Day
9 Oct Wed Hangeul Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Tuesday to Thursday, 28 January to 30 January : Seollal
Saturday, 1 March : March 1st Movement Day
Monday, 3 March : March 1st Movement Day Holiday
Monday, 5 May : Children’s Day
Monday, 5 May : Buddha’s Birthday
Friday, 6 June : Memorial Day
Friday, 15 August : Liberation Day
Friday, 3 October : National Foundation Day
Sunday to Tuesday, 5 October to 7 October : Chuseok
Thursday, 9 October : Hangeul Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day