10 Things You Must Know Before Visiting South Korea
Sep 20, 2024 | By Kristen
A land rich in history, flaunting colorful culture and technological advancements, South Korea is fast turning into the world’s hot destination for travelers. Before embarking on a journey to the Land of the Morning Calm, it is very critical that you arm yourself with some key pieces of information that will make your trip worthwhile. For this reason, here are ten pieces of travel advice about South Korea that any globetrotter should have at his or her fingertips.
Cultural Etiquette and Social Norms
- Respect the Elders: Respect given to elders in Korean culture is of utmost importance. Greet seniors first; where giving and receiving something, use your two hands if the target person is older or senior.
- Mind Your Manners in Public: Signs of love in public are not good in general. Similarly, talking loudly in public transportation or blowing your nose in public is not good manners.
- Shoes Off Indoors: You will be expected to take off your shoes upon entering some homes and/or traditional restaurants to keep the indoor area clean.
Communication and Language
- Learn Basic Korean Phrases: English works quite well in Korea, particularly with the more youthful Koreans. It is always nice to learn several key phrases which would go a long way in helping engender appreciation and thus improve a travel experience.
- Hi-Tech Connectivity: South Korea is proud to have some of the fastest Internet speeds in the world. You will find free Wi-Fi just about anywhere, and you can stay connected by purchasing a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device.
Money and Shopping
- Currency and Payment: Payment will be in the currency of South Korean Won-KRW. Credit cards will be largely accepted but it always makes much sense to keep the cash handy for small businesses or a traditional market.
- Tax Refund for Tourists: If you are a visitor, then you can get a tax refund for the purchases you make. You can see tax-free signs in many stores, and if it’s above a certain amount, you can get a refund at the airport with your receipt.
Transportation and Safety
- Public Transportation: The public transportation is great. You can get a T-Money card that makes getting on buses, subways, even some taxis in certain areas much easier.
- First and Foremost Safety: One thing for sure is that South Korea has an extremely low crime rate. But it’s always helpful to have some common sense and vigilance, at least in highly concentrated areas.
Food and Dietary Restrictions
- Gastronomical Pleasures and Precautions: Needless to say, the food alone is one reason to visit Korea. If you have special dietary needs, it is to your benefit to know how to communicate them because most traditional dishes will involve both a meat and seafood ingredient.
Discover More of South Korea
When you have covered the basics, dig into the heart of South Korea with these other places that one could visit:
- Jeju Island: Further, explore the natural wonders of Jeju Island: volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and beaches.
- Gyeongju: History will be so alive when one visits Gyeongju, “the museum without walls,” lined with ancient tombs, temples, and relics.
- Busan: Get the vibe of this bustling port city, known for its fresh seafood, beaches, and international film festival.
- DMZ: If you are more interested in recent history, a tour to the so-called Demilitarized Zone gives you an insight into the rigid separation of North and South Korea.
- Andong Hahoe Folk Village: Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Andong Hahoe Folk Village feel themselves traveling back in time as they make their way through the traditional Korean village.
Visiting South Korea is an adventure that promises to be as enlightening as it is exciting. With these travel tips and places to explore, you are now better prepared for a more complete experience of all this dynamic country has in store. Remember, the key to a successful trip lies in understanding and respecting the local customs, keeping connected, managing your finances wisely, navigating the transportation systems, and indulging in the food while being mindful of your dietary needs. Safe travels!
References:
- “Culture and Etiquette in South Korea.” Rough Guides. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.roughguides.com/south-korea/culture-etiquette/.
- “South Korea Travel Advice.” Gov.UK. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea.
- “Internet Usage in South Korea – Statistics & Facts.” Statista. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.statista.com/topics/2230/internet-usage-in-south-korea/.
- “Jeju Island Tourism.” Jeju Tourism Organization. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.visitjeju.net/en.
- “Gyeongju: A Journey to Korean History and Culture.” Visit Korea. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_ENG_2_1.jsp?cid=264207.
- “Busan International Film Festival.” BIFF. Accessed September 20, 2024. http://www.biff.kr/eng/.
- “The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).” Korea Tourism Organization. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_ENG_2_1.jsp?cid=264354.
- “Andong Hahoe Folk Village.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1324/.
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