South Korea

Travel tips for South Korea: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Foreign credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants, cafes, and shops, but you will still need to carry some cash for street food, traditional markets, and topping up physical T-Money transit cards.

Try the food

Bibimbap (비빔밥): A warm bowl of mixed rice topped with sautéed vegetables, chili paste, and often a fried egg and sliced beef.
Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Thick, fatty slices of pork belly grilled at your table and wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves with garlic and savory dipping sauce.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Chewy cylindrical rice cakes simmered in a thick, sweet, and highly spicy gochujang-based sauce alongside fish cakes.

Say it in Korean

Hello: 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
Thank you: 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
Please: 부탁합니다 (butakhamnida)
Excuse me: 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
How much is this?: 이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?)
The bill please: 계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo)
Yes / No: 네 / 아니요 (ne / aniyo)
Goodbye: 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo)

Essentials

Plugs: Type C / Type F
Voltage: 220V, 60Hz
Driving: Right side
Tap water: Safe to drink
Emergency: 112 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)
SIM tip: Pre-book a tourist eSIM online before your trip or purchase a physical SIM card from the telecom kiosks located in the arrivals hall at Incheon Airport.

Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in South Korea and may cause confusion; always use both hands when giving or receiving items, especially money or gifts.