This blog post is all about tips for your first time in South Korea.
When I first landed in South Korea, I had no idea what to expect beyond the tantalizing prospect of bulgogi, K-pop, and high-tech cities.
Very quickly, I realized this country is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, where massive modern skyscrapers can stand just blocks from centuries-old temples.
If you’re planning your own trip to South Korea, maybe a week in Seoul, a jaunt to Busan, or a full countrywide tour, then you’ll want to be prepared for both the delights and the surprises that await.
Below, I’ve included a list of my best tips, gleaned from my own recent travels and trial-and-error discoveries, so you can hit the ground running and make the most of every moment.
This blog post is all about everything you need to know if it’s your first time in South Korea.
12 Essential Tips for Your First Time in South Korea
Below are my top 12 tips if it’s your first time in South Korea and are heading to South Korea on holiday.
1. Getting Around South Korea: Naver Maps instead of Google Maps
While Google Maps works fantastically in many countries, it’s not your best bet in South Korea. You may get a rough idea of where to go, but the directions can be incomplete or misleading due to data restrictions and local mapping differences.
Instead, Naver Maps or KakaoMap are your go-to navigation tools.
Both offer English-language interfaces (though you may have to tweak some settings), and they’re far more reliable for turn-by-turn directions, public transit routes, and up-to-date locations of restaurants and attractions.
Useful Links & Resources
✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.
🚌 12Go Asia
We booked all of our transport in Asia via 12Go. Use this to book sleeper buses, day buses, trains and more to your next destination in South Korea.
📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in South Korea with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
👩🏻💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.
2. Getting Around South Korea: T-Money Card
Another must-have if it’s your first time in South Korea, is the T-Money card, used for buses, subways, and even some taxis. You can pick one up at convenience stores like GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven for a small fee.
Load it with credit at the store or subway station kiosks, then simply tap it at the turnstiles or on bus card readers. One big advantage: you’ll save a bit on each ride compared to buying single tickets, and it’s vastly more convenient.
Pro Tip: The T-Money card can also be used for non-transport purchases (like vending machines or some convenience stores) in select areas. Always check your card balance before hopping on the train—nobody wants to be caught out with insufficient funds.
3. Language Barriers & Useful Apps to Download For Your First Time in South Korea
While many Koreans study English in school, it isn’t as commonly spoken on the streets as you might expect, especially outside major tourist areas or international neighbourhoods.
Surprisingly, I even found more day-to-day English in parts of Japan than in smaller Korean towns. Don’t let that deter you, though as most Koreans are very patient and friendly if you’re polite.
Essential Translating Apps to Download for Your First Time in South Korea
Below is a list of mobile apps I’d recommend downloading to help with any language barriers in South Korea.
- Google Translate: Great for typing or voice translations.
- Google Lens (within the Google app): This camera feature translates signage, menus, and labels in real time. Point your phone at a sign or menu, and watch it transform into English (or your chosen language).
- Papago: Developed by Naver, Papago can sometimes be more accurate than Google for Korean translations. It also supports real-time camera translation.
Here are a few words of Korean that you can use:
- Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) = Hello
- Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) = Thank you
- Hwa-jang-sil (화장실) = Bathroom
4. Sorting Out the K-ETA
Many nationalities visiting South Korea must apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before boarding their flight.
Think of it as a simplified visa waiver. You fill out an online form, provide personal details, and possibly pay a small fee. Once approved, your K-ETA is electronically linked to your passport.
When to Apply for the K-ETA
- 72 hours before arrival is the recommended window, but I suggest doing it even earlier if possible, just to avoid any last-minute stress.
- Print or save a digital copy of the approval email on your phone. Though immigration can check it electronically, it helps to have backup proof if needed.
5. The Best Time to Visit South Korea
Below are the best times of year to visit South Korea.
Cherry Blossoms (Spring)
Between late March and mid-April, cherry blossoms blanket cities from Seoul to Jeju Island, turning streets and parks into pink wonderlands. Expect bigger crowds and possibly higher hotel rates, but the photo ops are worth it.
Major bloom hotspots include Yeouido Park in Seoul, the naval port city of Jinhae, and the scenic campus of Kyung Hee University.
Autumn Foliage (Fall)
Come late October to early November, mountains and forests blaze with red, orange, and golden leaves.
Popular leaf-peeping destinations include Seoraksan National Park, Nami Island, and the temples in Gyeongju. Again, book accommodations and transport in advance, as domestic tourists also flock to these sights.
Holidays in South Korea to Be Aware Of
- Lunar New Year (Seollal): Usually falls between late January and mid-February. Travel nationwide can be hectic as Koreans head to their ancestral hometowns.
- Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): Occurs in September or October. Many businesses close, trains and buses sell out fast, and highways become a traffic nightmare. If you can’t avoid these dates, plan meticulously. Buy train tickets weeks ahead, or expect to alter your itinerary.
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
Book your tours, cooking classes, DMZ tour and more via the below activity booking platforms:
- GetYourGuide: great for things like cooking classes, private tours and more
- DMZ Tour: this is the exact DMZ tour we took during our visit to South Korea and I’d highly recommend
- Viator: use Viator to book tours and transport to other destinations across South Korea
🏨 Hostelworld
Book your hostel accommodation in South Korea with Hostelworld, the most reliable hostel site.
🏍️ International Driving License
If you plan to drive a motorbike while in South Korea, make sure you have an International Drivers License to avoid fines and getting into trouble with local authorities.
6. Public Transport: Fast, Efficient, and Affordable
The KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is a shining star of South Korean infrastructure. It connects major cities—Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon—in just a few hours.
It’s clean, punctual, and surprisingly comfortable. Book tickets online or at station kiosks, and remember your T-Money card won’t cover intercity trains. You’ll need a separate ticket.
In cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, local buses are frequent and cheap. Routes can be confusing at first glance, but Naver Maps does a decent job of telling you which bus to take, where to board, and how many stops are left.
Be aware that many signs are in Korean, so it’s helpful to track your progress in the app to avoid missing your stop.
In many Western countries, crossing streets against the light is common if there’s no traffic, but in Korea, most people wait for the signal. Do the same. It’s seen as safer and more respectful to local norms.
7. North Korea: Low Risk But Good to Know
South Korea’s neighbour to the north is often in the news, but for travellers in Seoul, Busan, or other southern regions, the real-world impact is usually minimal. Life continues as normal despite political headlines.
For a unique glimpse into the peninsula’s divided history, consider a day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) north of Seoul.
You can step into the Joint Security Area (JSA), peek across the border, and learn about the 1950s Korean War and ongoing tensions. It’s a sobering, educational experience, and well organized by official tour operators.
Pro Tip: Book your tour in advance, as spots can fill up. Also note that there’s usually a dress code (no torn jeans, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing) to maintain a serious atmosphere and avoid propaganda photos from the other side.
8. Culture & Etiquette: Politeness Goes a Long Way
Bowing is common as a greeting or sign of thanks. Though in more modern or international settings, handshakes are also used. If you hand something (like money or a business card) to someone older or more senior, using both hands is seen as polite and respectful.
In traditional restaurants, guesthouses (hanoks), or people’s homes, you’ll remove your shoes at the entrance. Look for a shoe rack or step-up area indicating the boundary between “outdoor” and “indoor.” It’s a simple gesture of respect for cleanliness.
Many Korean dishes are communal, such as Korean barbecue or hot pot (shabu-shabu). You’ll share side dishes (banchan) like kimchi, pickled radishes, and more. Don’t be afraid to try new flavours; Koreans often encourage guests to taste a little bit of everything.
9. Must-Try Foods if It’s Your First Time in South Korea
Below are some local Korean foods that I’d highly recommend trying on during your first time in South Korea. You’ll be hooked!
1. Kimchi
If there’s one staple that defines Korean cuisine, it’s kimchi. Aka, fermented cabbage or radish with chilli peppers and garlic.
Served at nearly every meal, kimchi can vary from mild to tongue-searingly spicy. Some places feature specialty versions, like white kimchi (non-spicy) or intriguing fruit-infused twists.
2. Korean BBQ
Grilling marinated beef (bulgogi) or pork belly (samgyeopsal) at your table is an experience not to be missed. Look for signs reading “고기집” (gogi-jip, literally “meat house”).
You’ll typically sit at a table with a built-in grill, load up on lettuce leaves and side dishes, and wrap your grilled goodies in a leafy green with sauces like ssamjang.
3. Bibimbap
A hearty bowl of rice topped with assorted vegetables, a fried egg, and also gochujang sauce. Stir everything together before digging in. Hence the name “bibimbap,” which literally means “mixed rice.”
4. Street Food
Night markets and street stalls serve up a wild array of snacks, from tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with cinnamon sugar) and dakgangjeong (crispy sweet-and-spicy chicken chunks).
Strolling through bustling market alleys with piping hot street food is a quintessential Korean experience.
10. Tech & Payment Options in South Korea
South Korea is consistently ranked among the most digitally connected societies in the world. Free Wi-Fi is widespread, in cafés, restaurants, train stations, and even also some public parks.
If you rely on data for navigation, though, renting a portable Wi-Fi (often called a “Wi-Fi egg”) or buying an eSIM like Airalo can grant you 24/7 internet.
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in major cities, though some small restaurants or markets might prefer cash.
So always carry a bit of Korean won in smaller denominations to cover taxi fares or quick snacks.
11. Day Trips & Sightseeing Around South Korea
Below are some day trips to consider and places to to check out if it’s your first time in South Korea.
1. Historic Palaces in Seoul
If you’re based in Seoul, allocate a day or two for the grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung. Some of them host colourful guard-changing ceremonies, and the architectural details also offer a window into the Joseon Dynasty.
RELATED blog post to read: The Best Coffee Shops in Seoul, South Korea
2. Coastal Beauty in Busan
South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, features gorgeous beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli, as well as incredible seafood markets such as Jagalchi.
The vibe here is a bit more laid-back than Seoul, and if you’re a fan of fresh fish or panoramic coastal views, Busan can be a highlight.
RELATED blog post to read: The Ultimate Guide to Gamcheon Busan Culture Village
3. Jeju Island
Often called the “Hawaii of Korea,” Jeju is a volcanic island with natural wonders. Think waterfalls, hiking trails, and also stunning coastlines.
While it’s a short flight from Seoul (about an hour), booking in advance is advisable, especially during summer or popular festival periods.
4. Tea Fields in Boseong
If you’re after something more tranquil, the Boseong Green Tea Fields in South Jeolla province are a lush, emerald paradise.
The region is famed for its tea plantations, and you can also take gentle hikes through the terraces, followed by a cup of fresh green tea in a traditional teahouse.
12. Extra Travel Tips & Safety for Your First Time in South Korea
Below are some additional travel tips for your first time in South Korea.
1. Cash vs. Card
Use a card for most metro rides, restaurants, and shops, but keep some cash on hand for smaller countryside establishments or street markets.
While ATMs are common, they might not all accept foreign cards. Look for “Global” or “International” ATMs.
2. Medical & Emergency Info
South Korea’s healthcare system is excellent, and major cities have English-speaking doctors. In emergencies, dial 119 for ambulance or fire services, or 112 for police.
If language is a barrier, your hotel staff or a local tourism info centre can help coordinate.
3. Respect Local Customs
South Korea is a law-abiding, safe nation, and also mutual respect is highly valued. Pay attention to signs (like no-food carriages in subways), and follow local etiquette whenever possible.
Even small gestures like moving quietly in shared public spaces go a long way in blending in respectfully.
Enjoy Your First Time in South Korea!
South Korea packs a punch with its dynamic cities, lush landscapes, and also a culture that’s equal parts tradition and innovation.
But for first-timers, the nuances like navigating with Naver Maps, mastering T-Money cards, and overcoming language barriers can feel a bit daunting. But with the right preparation, you’ll find travelling here is both smooth and richly rewarding.
Embrace the vibrant street food culture, relish the efficiency of high-speed trains, and plan your trip around cherry blossoms or autumn colours if you’re keen on postcard-perfect scenery.
Also, don’t let the headlines about North Korea rattle you. Chances are, you’ll experience nothing but the warmth of local hospitality. And if you’re curious about Korea’s divided past, a well-organized DMZ tour offers a stark reminder of the peninsula’s complex history.
Above all, go with an open mind. South Korea is a country that loves to surprise its visitors. Whether it’s through a random K-pop performance in a shopping mall, an impromptu conversation with friendly locals at a convenience store, or the first time you bite into a fiery tteokbokki and realize you can’t stop eating it.
So get ready to explore, indulge, and discover why so many travellers (myself included) leave Korea with stories worth telling for years.
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