Don’t Trust Google Maps!
The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Traveling in South Korea (By a Local)
So, you finally booked the ticket. You are coming to the Land of Morning Calm (and Iced Americanos). You have your K-Drama bucket list ready, and you are dreaming of eating tteokbokki on a street corner.
But here is the truth: South Korea is a futuristic wonderland, but it also operates on its own unique digital and cultural ecosystem. If you try to travel here the way you travel in Europe or the US, you might end up lost, hungry, and confused.
As a Korean who loves showing off my country, I want you to have the best time possible. Forget the boring guidebooks. Here is the Ultimate First-Timer’s Survival Guide to navigating Korea like a pro in 2025.
1. Download “Naver Map” (Delete Google Maps Now)
I cannot stress this enough. Google Maps does not work well in Korea. Due to government security laws, Google cannot access our detailed map data. It will show you a route that takes 3 hours when it should take 10 minutes.
The Fix: Download Naver Map or KakaoMap. Both have excellent English interfaces now. They will tell you exactly which subway car to sit in for the fastest transfer. Trust me, these apps are your new best friends.
2. The “T-Money” Card is Your Life
Do not buy single-journey tickets. They are a hassle. As soon as you land at Incheon Airport, go to a convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) and buy a T-Money Card.
What it does: It works on subways, buses, taxis, and you can even use it to buy drinks at convenience stores.
Pro Tip: If you want a debit card functionality too, look into the WOWPASS. It’s a pre-paid card specifically for tourists that solves the “cash vs. card” headache.
3. There is No Tipping (Seriously, Put Your Wallet Away)
If you are from the US, this will feel weird. But in Korea, tipping is not a thing. The price on the menu is the final price. Service is included. If you leave cash on the table, the waiter will likely run after you on the street thinking you forgot your money. Save that cash for more skincare products!
4. The “Shoes Off” Rule is Strict
If you enter a guesthouse, a temple, or a traditional restaurant with floor seating, look down. If you see a pile of shoes, take yours off. Walking on a Korean floor with outside shoes is considered incredibly dirty and disrespectful.
Fashion Tip: Make sure your socks don’t have holes in them. You will be exposing your feet to the public a lot more than you think.
5. Public Trash Cans are Rare (The “Trash Trek”)
You finished your street food skewer. Now, where do you throw the stick? You will look left. You will look right. You will find nothing. Since a waste management policy change in the 90s, public trash cans are scarce to encourage recycling.
The Solution: Carry a small ziplock bag in your backpack for your own trash, or politely ask to throw it away at the place where you bought it. Do not just leave it on a wall; the CCTV is watching (and the grandmas will scold you).
6. Subways are Quiet Zones
The Seoul Metro is clean, fast, and remarkably quiet. Even during rush hour, people rarely talk loudly. If you are chatting with your friend, whisper. If you are on the phone, keep it brief. Being the loud foreigner on the train is the fastest way to get the “laser eyes” of judgment from the locals. Also, never sit in the Pink Seats (Pregnant women) or the End Seats (Elderly/Disabled), even if they are empty.
7. Safety: The “Laptop Test”
This is the biggest culture shock. You can walk into a cafe, put your expensive laptop and phone on the table to save your seat, and go order a drink. When you come back, it will still be there. Korea is one of the safest countries in the world regarding theft. We have CCTV everywhere and a culture of civic honesty. Relax. Nobody wants your iPhone.
8. Drinking Water is Free
You never need to pay for water at a restaurant. As soon as you sit down, a bottle of water and cups will be placed on the table (or there is a self-serve water purifier). And yes, Kimchi and side dishes (Banchan) are free and refillable. Just shout (politely) “Sajang-nim, more Kimchi please!” and they will bring it to you. It’s unlimited happiness.
Final Thoughts
Korea is fast-paced, high-tech, and incredibly welcoming if you respect the rules. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—Koreans are generally very helpful to tourists. Just remember to bow, download Naver Map, and eat as much as you possibly can.
Welcome to Korea!