Korea is all about culture. And we all know how fast this culture grows on us. Nowadays, it’s a dream for everyone to visit Korea. Well, many of us are going to fulfill our dreams now. Whether you’re a K-culture fan or just curious about the country, this tips will guide to make your Korea trip smooth and unforgettable. From language tips to transportation hacks and food etiquette, here’s everything you should know before you land in Korea! It’ll help make your journey hassle-free. So let’s make your dream country tour as peaceful as possible.
1. Language Tips for Travelers
If you are only visiting Seoul, language might not be a big issue. But if you’re visiting the countryside of Korea, then you will definitely need some Korean language skills because most of the older people there might not be able to speak English. If your flight is coming soon, just install the Papago app for translation. Papago can translate 14 languages and translates English to Korean with a more natural tone and understandable Korean.
2. Download Kakao-Map or Naver-Map Before the Trip
Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea, so you need one of these apps. Personally, I recommend Naver Map because it’s more English-friendly, whereas KakaoMap is mostly in Korean. You’ll especially need these maps in Seoul, which has a lot of streets, alleys, and areas. So to travel or find your destination, don’t forget to download Naver Map or KakaoMap.
3. Transportation
If you’re traveling in Korea, you might already know about the T-money card. It’s used for subways and buses. But in July 2024, Korea launched another card called the Climate Card for tourists. It allows unlimited travel on Seoul’s subways and buses in all the main areas. You can get a 5-day Climate Card for 15,000 won (about $10.76), which is worth it if you use the subway at least three times a day. You can collect the Climate Card and T-money card from any convenience store near a subway station. So don’t forget to give the Climate Card a try in Seoul.
4. Rules in Transportation
Korea is busy, and people work very hard, especially in Seoul. Make sure not to make noise on buses or subways. If people need to talk, they whisper. This shows respect for others’ space. You might also see pink-colored seats — these are reserved for pregnant women, elderly people, or people with disabilities. Even if the bus or subway is empty, do not sit there, as it’s seen as disrespectful. Lastly, there’s a law that prohibits food and drinks on buses, so keep that in mind.
5. Pack the Food Instead of Eating at the Restaurant
In Korea, you usually pay only for the main dishes, and side dishes are free. Yes, it’s true. However, in some restaurants, you may also need to pay for your seat along with the main dish, which might not be obvious at first. If you’re on a budget and want to try traditional food, you can ask for takeout. That way, you avoid the seat fee and still get your main dish with plenty of side dishes. Yum Yum!
6. Side Dishes in Restaurants
In restaurants, you’ll be served many free side dishes called banchan. You can even ask for refills as many times as you want — but make sure not to waste food. In countries like Korea, Japan, and most of Asia, wasting food is seen as disrespectful. Sometimes, they might not even serve you more if they notice you’re wasting it.
7. Interaction with People in Korea
Korea is a country where people generally don’t greet strangers. So if you say hello, there’s a good chance you won’t get a reply. However, if you’re in the countryside and need to talk to elders, start with a slight bow. It will help them feel comfortable speaking with you. Also, use both hands when giving or receiving something. Using just one hand can seem impolite, and the other person may even refuse to take it. Lastly, Koreans are very friendly once they feel comfortable with you. If they like you, they might come up to you and start a conversation.
8. Shopping at Daiso
Korea is expensive — we all know that. But did you know you can find affordable items at Daiso? If you want to shop for your family and friends, don’t forget to check out Daiso. They sell everything from makeup to cookware, toys, and more — all at reasonable prices and good quality.
9. SIM Card and Wi-Fi in Korea
You might think you need a SIM card as soon as you land, but SIM cards in Korea are quite expensive. Luckily, you don’t really need one. Most of the city, including buses and subways, offers free public Wi-Fi. So unless you really need a SIM card, you can skip it and still stay connected.
10. Taxis
There are two types of taxis in Korea: regular and black taxis. Black taxis are much more expensive than regular ones. If you don’t check before booking, you might end up paying a lot and think you’ve been scammed — but that’s just the price. Also, note that buses and subways stop running at midnight. After that, taxi prices go up dramatically. So plan your travel accordingly and make sure you return to your hotel before public transport closes.
11. Carrying a Plastic Bag
You won’t find many public trash bins in Korea except at convenience stores or specific rare spots. This is because people used to pile up garbage around bins, so the government removed most of them. Make sure to carry a plastic bag with you to collect your trash and throw it away at your accommodation or at a convenience store.
12. Other Things You Should Know
You can’t smoke just anywhere in Korea — it’s illegal except in designated smoking areas. Also, don’t throw toilet paper into the toilet, as Korean plumbing isn’t designed for it. Use the bin placed beside the toilet. Bonus tip: Carry your passport with you to be eligible for tourist tax refunds!
So there you go! These little tips might seem simple, but they’ll make a big difference during your trip. Korea is a beautiful country with so much to explore, and being prepared will help you enjoy every moment without stress. Have a safe journey, and don’t forget to soak up every bit of your dream adventure! Don’t forget to let us know in the comments when you will go on the trip and if you have already been to Korea. Till then keep exploring Wavies.
