25 Things You Must Know Before Visiting South Korea (2025 Guide)
So, you’ve watched the K-Dramas, you’ve listened to the K-Pop hits, and now you’ve finally booked that ticket to Incheon. You are ready for the neon lights of Seoul and the beaches of Busan.
But hold on a second.
As a Korean who loves seeing foreigners enjoy my country, I have to be honest: Korea operates on a very specific, high-speed, high-tech operating system. If you arrive unprepared, you might end up lost, hungry, or accidentally offending a grandma on the subway.
To save you from the culture shock (and help you blend in like a local), here is the ultimate survival checklist. From the “shoes off” rule to the mystery of the toilet paper, here are 25 things you absolutely must know before visiting South Korea.
The “Survival” Basics (Logistics)
1. Google Maps is Useless Here
Due to security laws regarding North Korea, Google cannot access our map data. It will show you a route that takes 2 hours when it should take 20 minutes.
The Fix: Download Naver Map or KakaoMap. They have English interfaces now and are lifesavers.
2. The T-Money Card is Your Key to the City
Don’t buy single tickets. Buy a T-Money card at any convenience store (CU, GS25) at the airport. It works for subways, buses, taxis, and you can even buy drinks with it.
3. WiFi is Everywhere (Literally)
You will find high-speed WiFi on the subway, in cafes, and even on hiking trails. However, renting a portable WiFi egg or getting an eSIM at the airport is still recommended so you are never offline.
4. We Use 220V Outlets
We use the round two-pin plugs (Type F), similar to Germany. If you are from the US, bring an adapter or your phone will die a sad death.
5. Check the K-ETA
While many countries are visa-exempt, you might still need to apply for the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours before flying. Don’t get stuck at the airport!
Dining & Food Culture
6. There is NO Tipping
Put your wallet away. The price on the menu is the final price. If you leave cash on the table, the waiter will likely run after you thinking you lost your money.
7. Water is Free (and Self-Serve)
At restaurants, if you don’t get water immediately, look for a water purifier or a fridge. It’s usually self-service.
8. The Magic “Call Button”
See that button on the table? Press it to summon the waiter (“Ding-dong!”). Don’t wave your hand awkwardly; just press the button. It’s efficient, not rude.
9. Scissors are for Food
If the waiter hands you giant scissors, don’t worry. They are for cutting noodles or BBQ meat. We cut everything here. It’s genius.
10. “Ah-Ah” is Life
Koreans run on caffeine. Specifically, Iced Americano (Ah-Ah). Even in freezing winter, you will see us drinking iced coffee. It’s our national fuel.
Etiquette (How Not to Be Rude)
11. Shoes OFF!
If you enter a home, a temple, or certain traditional restaurants, check the floor. If there is a step up, the shoes come off. Wear clean socks without holes!
12. The Priority Seat is Lava
On the subway, the seats at the ends are for the elderly and pregnant. Do not sit there, even if the train is empty. You will get scolded by a local.
13. Two Hands Rule
When giving or receiving something (a credit card, a drink, a business card), use two hands. It shows respect.
14. Don’t be Loud on Public Transport
The Seoul Metro is eerily quiet. People whisper or text. Being the loud foreigner laughing at full volume is a quick way to get dirty looks.
15. Toilet Paper: Bin vs. Flush
In modern buildings, flush the paper. But in older buildings, the plumbing is weak, and you’ll see a bin full of used paper. If there is a sign saying “Do not flush,” believe it.
Safety & Convenience
16. The “Laptop Test” (It’s Safe)
You can leave your laptop and phone on a cafe table and go to the bathroom. No one will steal it. We have CCTV everywhere and a culture of civic honesty.
17. Public Trash Cans are Rare
You will struggle to find trash cans on the street. Carry a small ziplock bag for your trash and throw it away at your hotel or a subway station.
18. Drinking in Public is Legal
You can buy a beer at a convenience store and drink it in the park. A picnic at the Han River with chicken and beer (Chimaek) is a rite of passage.
19. 24/7 Convenience Stores are Heaven
Korean convenience stores are cleaner and better stocked than anywhere else. You can eat a full meal there at 3 AM. Try the ramen machines!
20. It’s “Palli-Palli” Culture
Korea moves fast. People walk fast, elevators close fast, and service is fast. Don’t block the sidewalk; keep moving!
The Little Details
21. Air Quality Apps
Sometimes we have “fine dust” (Hwangsa). Download an app like MiseMise to check the air quality. If the face is red, wear a mask.
22. Tax Refunds are Immediate
At places like Olive Young or department stores, bring your passport. They often deduct the tax right at the register. Instant savings!
23. Personal Space is… Different
Seoul is crowded. If someone bumps into you on the street, they usually won’t say sorry. It’s not rude; it’s just physics. Don’t take it personally.
24. Use “Papago,” Not Google Translate
Papago is much more accurate for Korean translation. It even has a photo function to translate menus.
25. We Don’t Hug (Usually)
When meeting someone, a bow is standard. Hugging is for very close friends or family. Don’t go in for a bear hug with a stranger!
Final Thoughts
Korea is an amazing mix of futuristic tech and deep tradition. It might feel overwhelming at first, but if you respect the rules and eat all the food, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.