🇰🇷 First Time in Korea: Essential Travel Guide

Citizens of over 100 countries can enter South Korea visa-free for 30–90 days for tourism. The US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries qualify for 90-day visa-free stays. Japan and Singapore get 90 days as well.

At Incheon Airport (ICN), immigration typically takes 15–30 minutes. You'll need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
• A return or onward ticket
• Completed arrival card (handed out on the plane or available at immigration)

Since 2023, Korea uses the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) for some nationalities, though many countries are currently exempt. Check k-eta.go.kr before your trip — requirements change frequently. The fee is ₩10,000 (~$7) and it's valid for 2 years.

Customs is straightforward. You can bring in up to $10,000 USD without declaration. Tobacco is limited to 200 cigarettes and alcohol to 2 bottles (under 2L total).

The currency is the Korean Won (₩). As of 2026, ₩1,000 ≈ $0.70 USD. Korea is one of the most cashless societies in the world — you can pay by card almost everywhere, even at street food stalls and convenience stores.

Best payment methods:

• Credit/debit cards — Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere. AMEX works at larger stores but not small shops. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• T-money card — Prepaid transit card that also works at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven). Get one at the airport or any subway station for ₩2,500.
• Cash — Still needed at some traditional markets and small eateries. Exchange at banks or official money changers in Myeongdong or Hongdae for the best rates. Avoid airport exchange counters — their rates are 3–5% worse.

ATMs that accept foreign cards are found at all convenience stores (look for the "Global ATM" sign). Withdrawal fees are typically ₩3,000–₩4,000 per transaction.

Korea has some of the fastest internet in the world. Free Wi-Fi is available on all subways, most buses, and in virtually every cafe and restaurant. Look for networks named "Public WiFi Free" or "KT_Free".

For mobile data, you have three options:

• eSIM (recommended) — Buy before you arrive from providers like Airalo or Ubigi. Plans start at ~$5 for 1GB/5 days. Activate the moment you land — no counter visit needed.
• SIM card — Available at Incheon Airport arrivals (KT, SKT, LG U+ counters). A 30-day unlimited data SIM costs ₩33,000–₩55,000. Bring your passport.
• Pocket Wi-Fi — Rent at the airport for ₩3,000–₩5,000/day. Good for groups since multiple devices can connect, but you need to return it before departure.

For navigation, download Naver Map or KakaoMap before your trip. Google Maps works for driving directions but is unreliable for transit and walking routes in Korea due to government mapping restrictions.

Korean (한국어) is the official language. While English proficiency has improved significantly, don't expect fluent English outside of tourist areas, international hotels, and younger demographics.

Helpful apps:

• Papago (by Naver) — The best Korean-English translator. Far more accurate than Google Translate for Korean. Has camera translation for menus and signs.
• KakaoMap — Search in English, get directions in Korean. Essential for showing taxi drivers your destination.

Essential Korean phrases:

• Hello — 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
• Thank you — 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
• Excuse me — 저기요 (jeogiyo) — use this to call a server in a restaurant
• How much? — 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)
• One of this please — 이거 하나 주세요 (igeo hana juseyo)

Restaurant menus in tourist areas usually have photos and English. At local spots, use Papago's camera mode to translate the menu on the spot.

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and petty theft is uncommon compared to most major travel destinations.

Key safety facts:

• Walking alone at night is generally safe in all major cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Jeju
• Public transportation runs safely until midnight (later on weekends in Seoul)
• Lost items are frequently returned — check the lost and found at subway stations or call 120 (Seoul Dasan Call Center, English available)
• Emergency number: 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance), 1330 (tourism hotline with English support 24/7)

The main safety concern for visitors is traffic — scooter and motorcycle delivery riders can be aggressive, especially on sidewalks. Watch for them when stepping out of buildings. Also be cautious on hiking trails, which can be steep and slippery in wet weather.

Tap water is technically safe to drink, but most Koreans drink filtered or bottled water. Bottled water costs ₩800–₩1,000 at convenience stores.

Korea has a respectful, hierarchical culture. You won't offend anyone by accident as a tourist, but knowing a few customs goes a long way:

• Shoes off indoors — Always remove shoes when entering a Korean home, traditional restaurants (with floor seating), and some temples. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance as your cue.
• Two hands — Give and receive things (especially money, business cards, drinks) with both hands. When pouring a drink for someone older, hold the bottle with two hands.
• Dining etiquette — Wait for the eldest person to start eating. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral incense). Slurping noodles and soup is normal and even expected.
• Bowing — A slight nod/bow when greeting or thanking someone is appreciated. No need for deep bows unless in very formal situations.
• Tipping — Do not tip in Korea. It's not expected at restaurants, hotels, or taxis. In some cases, tipping can cause confusion.
• Quiet on transit — Keep phone calls and conversations quiet on subways and buses. Avoid eating on the subway (drinks are fine).

Koreans are generally very helpful to tourists. If you look lost, don't hesitate to ask — many people will go out of their way to help, even walking you to your destination.