Traveling to South Korea for the first time can be an exciting and unique experience. There are several things to keep in mind to make the most of your trip.
- Learn some basic Korean phrases, such as "hello," "thank you," and "where is the bathroom?" to make your interactions with locals easier.
- Get a T-Money card, which is a rechargeable card that can be used for public transportation, as well as for purchasing items at convenience stores and vending machines.
- Research popular tourist destinations, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and Jeju Island, and plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Bring comfortable shoes, as South Korea is a very walkable country and you will do a lot of walking.
- Be prepared to take your shoes off when entering homes and some traditional buildings.
- Be aware of the customs and etiquette when eating, such as not sticking your chopsticks upright in your rice, as it is considered rude.
- Try Korean street food and traditional Korean dishes, such as kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue.
- Be aware of the "no smoking" areas and the smoking areas, as well as the fine if you are caught smoking in non-smoking areas.
- Be aware of the "no photo" areas in certain places such as museums, temples and palaces.
- Be prepared for the hot and humid weather in the summer, and the cold and dry weather in the winter.
- Bring an adapter for charging your devices, as South Korea uses Type C and Type F outlets.
- Download a translation app or have a translation app installed on your phone to help with communication.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and traditional sites, as they may require you to cover your shoulders and knees.
- Research the best time to visit different tourist destinations, as some places may be overcrowded during peak season.
- Take advantage of the high-speed Wi-Fi available in many public places, such as airports and train stations.
- Try the local nightlife scene, such as visiting a noraebang (karaoke room) or drinking in a pojangmacha (street food stall).
- Be aware of the local customs and etiquette, such as bowing when meeting someone and using two hands to give or receive something.
- Take advantage of the local transportation, such as the subway, buses and trains, to save time and money.
- Try local shopping experiences, such as visiting a traditional market or shopping in a department store.
- Stay in a traditional Korean accommodation such as a Hanok or Temple Stay, to get a more authentic experience of the culture.
