Korea Travel Essentials: Before You Go

South Korea is one of the world’s most visitor-friendly destinations — well-organised, safe, and increasingly well-signed in English. But a little preparation goes a long way toward a smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable trip.

Visas

Visa-free access: Citizens of over 100 countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan can enter South Korea without a visa for stays of 30–90 days (depending on nationality).

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): Since 2021, most visa-free visitors must apply for a K-ETA before arrival. Applications are made online (cost: ₩10,000 / ~$7 USD) and are typically approved within 72 hours. Check the official K-ETA website for your country’s requirements.

Visa required: Some nationalities do require a visa; check with the Korean embassy for your country.

Departure tax: Included in most international flight tickets.

Money & Payments

Currency: South Korean Won (₩ / KRW). As of early 2026, approximate exchange rates: $1 USD ≈ ₩1,350; £1 GBP ≈ ₩1,700; €1 EUR ≈ ₩1,450.

ATMs: Widely available. Look for machines at 7-Eleven, GS25, and CU convenience stores, and in all banks. Machines at KEB Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank are generally the most reliable for foreign cards.

Cash vs cards: Korea is increasingly cashless — most restaurants, cafés, and shops accept card. However, small street food stalls, pojangmacha tents, and traditional markets are often cash only. Carry ₩30,000–50,000 for these situations.

Currency exchange: Best rates at airport exchange booths (not always the worst unlike elsewhere), or at dedicated money changers in Myeongdong, Hongdae, and major tourist areas.

T-money Card

A T-money card (티머니 카드) is essential. This rechargeable transit card works on:

• All Seoul metro lines
• Buses in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and most cities
• Some taxis
• Convenience store purchases

Buy at: Airport 7-Eleven, GS25, CU, or any subway vending machine. Cost: ₩2,500–4,000 (card fee, then top up). Saves around ₩100 per journey vs cash.

Return unused credit: When leaving, get remaining credit refunded at bank machines or convenience stores.

Getting a SIM Card / Internet

Tourist SIM cards: Available at both Incheon and Gimhae airports immediately after immigration. Recommended providers: SK Telecom, KT (Olleh), LG U+. 7-day data SIMs cost around ₩15,000–25,000; 30-day from ₩35,000. Coverage is excellent — 5G or strong 4G nationwide including rural areas.

eSIM: Increasingly popular; purchase and activate before departure. Less hassle at arrival. Services like Airalo and local carrier eSIM shops work well.

Pocket Wi-Fi: Rentable at airports (₩8,000–12,000/day); good for groups sharing a device.

Essential Apps

Download these before arrival:

Transport Between Cities

KTX (Korea Train Express): High-speed rail connecting Seoul to Busan (2h20m), Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, and more. Book online via Korail website or app. Reserve seats — standing tickets are available but uncomfortable on long routes.

Mugunghwa / ITX: Slower and cheaper than KTX; useful for scenic routes and smaller cities.

Express Bus: For destinations not served by rail (Jeonju, Gyeongju, Hadong, etc.). Korea’s intercity bus network is cheap and comfortable. Use Bustago or Kobus apps to book tickets.

Domestic Flights: Only worth it for Jeju; for mainland routes, KTX is faster when you factor in airport time.

Accommodation

Korea offers every budget:

• Goshiwon / Guesthouse: ₩20,000–40,000/night; basic but clean
• Motel (모텔): ₩40,000–80,000/night; often better value than appearances suggest; ensuite and clean
• Pension (펜션): Family-run guesthouses, often in scenic areas; ₩60,000–120,000
• Mid-range hotels: ₩80,000–180,000/night; great value, especially business hotels
• Luxury hotels: Major international chains and Korean luxury brands from ₩200,000+

Tip: Korean motels are not seedy — they are the backbone of Korean domestic travel and are generally clean and well-maintained.

Hanok stays: Staying in a traditional Korean house is a unique experience. Available in Jeonju Hanok Village, Bukchon (Seoul), and Gyeongju. Usually ₩60,000–150,000/night.

Electricity & Plug Adapters

Korea uses 220V, 60Hz with Type C or F (round two-pin European) plugs. Most modern devices are dual-voltage (check your charger). Adapters available cheaply at airport convenience stores or any electronics shop.

Health & Safety

Safety: Korea is exceptionally safe. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.

Healthcare: Korea has excellent, affordable healthcare. Many hospitals and clinics in major cities have English-speaking staff. Keep travel insurance — hospital visits are cheap by Western standards but medication and procedures add up.

Pharmacies (약국): Open most hours, including evenings. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and often speak basic English.

Emergency: 119 (fire/ambulance), 112 (police), 1330 (Korea Tourism Helpline — English available 24/7).

Useful Korean Phrases

Even attempting a few Korean words is deeply appreciated by locals.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Do not tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels — it can cause confusion and is not expected. The price on the menu or meter is what you pay.