If you’ve never been to South Korea, you might find that there are some aspects of the culture that are surprising or confusing. Whether it’s social etiquette or simply how to navigate around the city, these are some of the most important tips to know when visiting South Korea to make your trip a lot smoother.
Foreign GPS-powered apps do not work
If you’re used to relying on Google Maps when you travel or sharing your location when you’re abroad, you might be unpleasantly surprised that GPS functionality is limited for apps that are not Korean. To remedy this, there are two navigation alternatives that can save the day: KakaoMap and Naver Maps. I found that they were both a little clunky to use, but helpful for walking directions. Google Maps can still help out with navigation on public transportation thankfully.
For more information on how to navigate the public transportation system in South Korea, read more here.
There is absolutely no tipping culture in South Korea
If you’re coming from many countries in the west where it’s customary to tip a set percentage or at least round up your bill, you may be surprised to find that you could actually be offending the local people if you do this in South Korea. Taxi drivers, restaurant servers, and hotel employees all get paid a livable wage, and they may consider it demeaning or like you see them as a charity case if you try to tip. In fact, Uber doesn’t even have the option.
Ride-sharing apps are a great way to get around
Though taxis are readily available and all accept credit cards, eliminating the need to fumble for the correct fare, you’d do even better to just use Uber. Since many drivers won’t speak English, it may be difficult to communicate where you intend to go. It’s always best to show them the name or address in Hangul. But to eliminate the guesswork, you can just input your destination into Uber or the local alternative, Kakao T. Best of all, taxis and Ubers are pretty affordable.
It might be difficult to find a trash can
There aren’t many trash cans around major cities, which are also free of litter. So you may find that you have to carry your empty coffee cup or candy wrapper for a very long time. If you’re enjoying the street food of local open-air markets, you can give your trash to any vendor, and they will dispose it for you. Otherwise, it doesn’t hurt to have a plastic bag with you to carry your own trash until you find a garbage can.
Catch Table can get you a highly-coveted seat at good restaurants
Catch Table is one of the most popular ways that Koreans make restaurant reservations. While we did find that most restaurants are easy to dine at without one, it can’t hurt to have an account with Catch Table for some of the more popular places. Some restaurants require a deposit when you reserve but usually have a refundable cancellation policy as long as it’s 24 hours prior to your reservation time.
But the most important reason to download the Catch Table app is the ability to join virtual wait lines. This is not available for every restaurant, but when it’s available, it can get you a seat at some of the most popular restaurants without wasting time in a physical line.
Korean apps can help you find good restaurants
While KakaoMaps and Naver Maps both have their faults, it’s a good way to triangulate reviews to find restaurants that are beloved by both locals and foreigners. Google Maps might help you identify popular spots for tourists, but Kakao and Naver can tell you if locals also think the food is good there. Catch Table also has restaurant reviews.
Bars and restaurants often have tablets you can order from
One of the most convenient things about traveling to Korea is that you can often find machines to easily help you order without having to talk to anyone. Many restaurants and some bars with seating provide tablets at every table where you can see pictures of the food and order food and drinks without having to wait for someone to come take your order. There is also a call button in case you have a question.
You can usually settle your restaurant bill at the register
This might be familiar to many Europeans, but Americans may be surprised to go to a restaurant and find that the bill never comes. In some cases, they’ll casually leave a bill on the table after you’ve ordered but never come to collect payment. That’s because you’re expected to go up to the counter or register and settle your bill there.
Most places take credit cards
You’ll probably want to have cash to buy transportation tickets and to buy food and souvenirs from markets which are unlikely to accept credit cards. But other than that, you’ll be able to pay using a credit card for hotels, tourist attractions, taxis, restaurants and cafes, bars, and at most shops.
Contactless payments are not always successful
If you’re used to contactless payments, you may have to revert back to inserting your card into a machine. Both Apple Pay and contactless credit card payments can be wonky if you’re using a foreign card. So make sure to have your physical card handy when you’re getting ready to pay.
It’s polite to hand and receive things with both hands
When you pay or accept something like a receipt or food, it’s polite to use both hands. You should never place money on the counter as it’s considered rude. This is also true when you’re pouring drinks for other people. Instead of holding the bottle or carafe with both hands, you can simply use your second hand to support your arm or wrist.
You should book KTX trains in advance
Though you can travel easily from city to city using many different kinds of trains and buses, you’ll probably want to use the high-speed KTX trains, which will significantly cut your travel time without breaking the bank. However, during peak travel seasons in spring and autumn, you may find that the popular train routes can get booked up. To avoid getting stranded or ending up on a slower train, you should book your tickets at least a couple of days before your travel date on Korail or directly at a train station.
Helpful to know: When Korail emails you your ticket, they instruct you to print the ticket before boarding. We didn’t find this was necessary as it seems they don’t check the ticket at all as long as you’re seated in your assigned seat.
Many stores and restaurants don’t open until 10 or 11 am
South Korea is not ideal for early birds or people with extreme jet lag. A lot of restaurants, cafes, and stores don’t open until at least 10 am. There are a couple of ways to remedy this if you’re used to a 7 am breakfast or you find yourself unable to sleep past 5 am. One option is to have the hotel breakfast, which is usually available much earlier than things are open. Another is to go to a 24-hour convenience store to have coffee and small snacks for breakfast. The third and the most adventurous is to have an extremely Korean breakfast by visiting a 24-hour hot pot, noodle, or barbecue restaurant.
Korean Jimjilbangs may be more nude or more clothed than you’re used to
Korean spas may be a little different from saunas and spas back home. At Jimjilbangs, the saunas that are mix-gendered must be visited with spa clothes that you’re given, usually a t-shirt and shorts. For some Europeans, who are used to sweating it out in a towel or in the buff, this might seem kind of ludicrous. Luckily, traditional Korean saunas don’t get nearly as hot as saunas do abroad. On the other hand, nudity-shy Americans may have an even bigger issue with the same-sex baths at Jimjilbangs, which require you to be totally in the buff. I recommend you at least try it once before closing yourself off to the idea.
Another interesting note about Korean saunas is that many of them don’t have traditional seating, rather people lay on the floor in the sauna for 15-20 minutes.
For far more detailed information about the Spa Land experience in Busan, read more here.
You can enjoy tax-free hotel stays
Everyone goes crazy for duty-free shopping, but did you know you can also enjoy tax-free hotel stays in South Korea? The policy was implemented in 2024 and is only valid at participating hotels, which can be found here. When you pay, they’ll give you a special receipt you can use to get a cash refund at the airport.
Getting a tax refund is super simple
Whether you’re in the market for Korean snacks, beauty products, or clothing, as a tourist, duty-free shopping is outrageously simple. In many stores like Daiso or Olive Young, you can automatically get refunded at the time of purchase as long as you spend over 15,000 won. Otherwise, you can collect your eligible receipts and take them to a kiosk at the airport where you can scan everything and have your refund calculated automatically.
Polite body language is useful in place of Korean
It’s always nice to learn a few helpful phrases like “hello” and “thank you” in the native language when you travel abroad. And Koreans will certainly appreciate your effort. However, if you skipped your Duolingo lessons or you’re shy about trying to speak a foreign language, a short bow can also serve as a respectful greeting.
These are all the South Korea travel tips I wish I had known before I visited for the first time. Hopefully, you feel better equipped to get by on your visit. If you don’t, South Koreans are exceptionally helpful and kind. So it never hurts to ask for help if you need it!
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