Practical tips for your South Korea trip

Tip 1: visa and travel documents

Good news: most Western passport holders staying less than 90 days in South Korea don’t need a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival.

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) was required for a while, but it’s not needed at least until December 31, 2026.

But legislation can change, so always check the current visa and entry requirements before you go.

Tip 2: exchanging won and paying

The South Korean won (KRW) is the currency. And while South Korea is hypermodern, it’s not always possible to pay by card everywhere. Even in Seoul. So make sure you always have some cash on you.

The cheapest way to handle money? Pay with Revolut. With a free account, you can withdraw cash abroad without extra fees (up to a monthly limit). Just watch out: on weekends, there can be a small surcharge (usually around 1%). Check the terms in the app before you withdraw.

You can also order Korean won in advance at your bank or a currency exchange like Travelex — handy to have some cash ready when you arrive.

Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and bigger stores, but not everywhere. So never rely on them entirely.

Tip 3: staying connected with an eSIM via Airalo

Most hotels and restaurants have WiFi, but I also want to use navigation apps and stay online for other things. I’d recommend getting an eSIM via Airalo. Just buy it at home, install the app, and once you’re in South Korea, you only need to activate it. Super convenient. The alternative is buying a physical SIM card at Incheon Airport, but I find an eSIM much easier.

Tip! Use the code THISIS8469 to get a discount on your first eSIM purchase at Airalo.

Tip 4: getting around with the T-money card

The T-money card is South Korea’s public transit card, and you really can’t do without it. You use it on the subway, bus, taxi, and even in some stores. Buy one at convenience stores like GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven for around 2,500–4,000 won (roughly $2–$3).

You can top it up at any convenience store (usually cash only!) or at top-up machines in subway stations. A single subway or bus ride in Seoul costs around 1,400 won (about $1). Read more about getting around by public transport in South Korea.

Tip 5: download these apps

Google Maps doesn’t work well for navigation in South Korea, but I still like to keep it open to save places I want to visit and do research. That said, you’ll need a few extra apps in South Korea, so download:

Naver – the most important app! This is basically the Google Maps of South Korea. You can plan routes, search restaurants, and check opening hours. Pro tip: search for locations in lowercase without spaces for the best results. The app is available in English, but not everything is translated.

Kakao Map – an alternative to Naver Maps. Some people prefer this one, especially for bus times. I didn’t use it myself.

Papago – translation app by Naver. Works better than Google Translate for Korean.

KakaoTalk – het WhatsApp van Zuid-Korea. Ik heb dit niet nodig gehad, maar had ‘m voor de zekerheid wel geinstalleerd.

Kakao T or K-ride – for ordering taxis (like Uber, which doesn’t work as well here).

Seoul Subway – handy if you’re spending a lot of time in Seoul.

Tip 6: get around by public transport

South Korea has an excellent public transport network. The subways are clean, modern, and always on time. Seoul has more than 20 lines, but it’s surprisingly easy to figure out. All signs are in both Korean and English.

For longer distances, you can take the KTX (Korea Train Express). This is the high-speed train that zips through the country at 190 mph (305 km/h). From Seoul to Busan, you’re there in 2.5 hours.

Want to know more about booking train and bus tickets in South Korea? I’ve written a detailed guide with all the practical info about getting around by public transport in South Korea.

Tip 7: renting a car? You need an international driver’s license

Want to rent a car? You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most of the time, you can get one via your country’s automobile association (like ANWB in The Netherlands).

I didn’t rent a car on the mainland myself, but from what I could see from the bus, it looks totally doable. The roads are good, and driving’s relatively easy. Except in the cities, of course. On Jeju, I did drive, and it wasn’t stressful at all. You just need to pay attention to how the lanes work and when you have the right of way, but I found it pretty manageable. Next time, I’d definitely want to rent a car on the mainland too, for more flexibility.

Tip 8: booking accommodation

I usually go straight to Booking.com, but for South Korea, I’d also recommend checking Trip.com. It’s often significantly cheaper, and they have different options too. We’re talking about saving tens of dollars, so it’s really worth comparing.

Tip 9: etiquette and culture

Politeness matters in South Korea. A few things to keep in mind:

• Take your shoes off at temples and some traditional accommodations
• Use two hands when giving or receiving things
• Tipping is not customary and can even be considered rude
• Women tend to keep their shoulders covered

Tip 10: same power outlets

South Korea uses the same type of outlets as most of Europe (220V, Type C/F plug). If you’re coming from the US, you’ll need a plug adapter — but a universal travel adapter will do the trick. No need for a voltage converter.

Tip 11: safety

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. I’m not talking about the tensions with North Korea here — you won’t notice any of that as a tourist. Crime is low, you can walk around at night without any worries, and people are helpful. Of course, you should always stay alert (especially in busy areas), but generally speaking, there’s nothing to worry about.

Tip 12: the language

Learning the Korean alphabet is a step too far for me. But memorizing a few useful phrases can definitely help:

• Annyeonghaseyo (hello)
• Kamsahamnida (thank you)
• Juseyo (please / I’d like this)

Luckily, someone usually speaks English, especially in Seoul and at tourist spots. And you can get surprisingly far with pointing and gesturing.

Tip 13: what to read and watch before you go

Want to get in the mood before your trip? These recommendations will help:

KPop Demon Hunters – This animated Netflix film became a global hit. It’s about a K-pop group that secretly battles demons. Perfect for getting a feel for K-pop culture and Korean folklore. The music is addictive, and the animation is stunning. Great for a cozy night on the couch before you leave.

Big in Korea – Dutch documentary series (available on NPO) in which Korea expert Remco Breuker explores the country. You don’t just see the shiny, modern side, but also the social challenges South Korea is facing. Highly recommended if you want to understand the country behind the K-pop.

Korea: A New History of South and North by Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo — A comprehensive history book about both North and South Korea. It clearly explains how Korea became what it is today. Really interesting if you want to understand the country’s context, but you do need to stay focused while reading.

And of course, there are plenty of K-dramas on Netflix (like Squid Game or Crash Landing on You) and films like Parasite that immediately show you why South Korea has become such a cultural powerhouse.