Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Traveling for the first time and not sure if South Korea is the right place for your next trip? Are you concerned about the Korean language, culture, money, internet, transportation, hotels, food or etiquette you will encounter while traveling to South Korea?
This article will keep you from guessing!
Whether you’re traveling to South Korea for the first time or have been there before, Trip.com will tell you the 10 things you should do and help you avoid difficult situations or unexpected culture shock.
Table of Contents
Learn basic Korean words and phrases
Don’t rely solely on the help of your English-speaking Korean guide. While traveling in Korea, why not make yourself useful by learning a few Korean words, and since you already have experience watching K-dramas and K-pop, there is little reason not to thank and greet the locals in Korean as you stroll through the colorful streets of Seoul or breathe the fresh air of Jeju Island!
Be aware of the things that might rub off as rude
No two countries are the same and there are cultural behaviors that you’re used to that may not appeal to other nationalities. For example, Koreans don’t like to be addressed immediately by their first name. They also don’t like to call someone by their first name. There are also many customs to bear in mind when dealing with older Koreans. Here are some travel tips for South Korea on what annoys Koreans so you don’t have to worry!
Make sure you’re packing for the right weather
It goes without saying that you should check the season and weather in South Korea before you leave. South Korea has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. If you want to see the cherry blossom season, it usually runs from late March to April. On the other hand, you can admire Korea’s magnificent autumn foliage from September to November and, of course, the snow from December to February. Always check the weather forecast in case of rain.
Save your money for the shopping districts and flea markets
Whether you are on a tight budget or not, you will later praise yourself for having enough money to browse Korea’s shopping districts. The shopping districts and flea markets have everything your heart desires: fashionable coats, tops and scarves of high quality, designer bags, not to mention Korean cosmetics, accessories and, of course, the delicious street food.
Shout for your server in Korean restaurants
We all know that in Korea we have to be quiet on public transport. But ironically, South Korea also encourages tourists to shout at waiters in restaurants to get their attention. This is considered normal and not at all rude.
This is because Korean waiters do not serve customers and usually do not sit next to tables. Therefore, they prefer that you raise your voice so they can hear you. You can also ring the bell if there is one at your table. If you need to call the waiter, just say “Cheo gi yoh!”, which means “There!”.
Don’t be upset if you get rejected from entering a nightclub
In South Korea, some clubs and bars are not open to foreigners, so it is normal to be turned away for this reason alone. Some nightclubs will only let you in if you are Korean or have a Korean residence permit. The reason may be that the club has had negative experiences with foreigners in the past or that it is trying to appeal to a certain demographic.
Utilise reliable navigation apps
When traveling in a foreign country, it’s important to arm yourself with reliable navigation apps. But in South Korea, Google Maps is apparently not as useful as in other countries. One of the most useful tips for travelers in South Korea is to download apps like KakaoMap and Naver Map.
KakaoMap not only has maps, but also features that show weather, attractions, restaurants, and other useful information. However, when using KakaoMap, you may need to use another translation app if you don’t have a basic knowledge of Korean, as not all information is translated into English.
Naver Map provides excellent translation and displays both Korean and English words. Since Naver is one of the largest internet portals in South Korea, the app also provides adequate information and basically works like a Google app.
Take off your shoes when needed
In many Asian countries, it’s the norm to take your shoes off before entering a house or place. The same is true when you’re in South Korea. When you enter a Korean home, remember to take off your shoes so as not to dirty the floor. And when you visit a religious place like a Korean temple, take off your shoes as a sign of respect. Some restaurants may also ask you to take your shoes off if they offer meals on the floor.
Avoid handing tips (no matter the amount)
Tipping is not the norm in most Asian countries and is not generally practiced, unlike in Europe and the United States. One thing to know before traveling to South Korea is that tipping is not expected. In fact, tipping waiters, staff and even taxi drivers can be considered rude and offensive. You can still tip in Western-style restaurants that accept it, but remember that tipping is prohibited in local restaurants and most places in South Korea.
Familiarize yourself with the use of tissue
Don’t be alarmed if you see toilet paper rolls on tables in local South Korean restaurants or when locals use toilet paper as napkins. Toilet paper rolls are commonly used here to wipe the mouth and clean the nose. So when traveling in South Korea, using toilet paper as napkins on the table and having toilet paper rolls in restaurants is quite normal.
However, toilet paper is usually not available in restrooms in South Korea. Therefore, you should prepare your own toilet paper or buy it before using the restroom. Some toilets also have a policy that toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet bowl, but instead should be disposed of in a nearby trash can.
Therefore, those traveling to Korea for the first time should be aware of these pre-travel do’s and don’ts to prepare physically, mentally and culturally for the experience. Don’t be naïve when traveling to Korea, as there are many deep-rooted customs and traditions.
You can also read my other post, 7 Must-Dos for Your Trip to South Korea, to go over the must-dos for your trip to South Korea and customize your very own travel plan.
Let these Korea travel tips guide you on your first SK adventure!
