Practical Guide to Traveling in Korea

How to use this guide

Korea has dense public transit and widespread card payment, so it is a relatively easy country to get around even on a first visit. Still, if you skip a few preparations such as a transit card, a data connection, and a local map app, you can lose time to small problems from day one. This guide follows the order of your arrival: airport transfer, transit, payment, connectivity, maps, etiquette, and emergencies. Fares and rules change often, so it focuses on what to check rather than on numbers, and assumes you will confirm actual fares and conditions with the operators' official information just before you leave.

From the airport to the city

At the major international airports you can choose between the airport railway, airport buses, and taxis. If you have a lot of luggage or your lodging is far from a station, an airport bus that stops near it is easier; if you are staying near a large central station, the train makes timing more predictable. Take taxis only from the official taxi rank and ignore drivers who approach you at the exit. If you land late at night, trains and buses may have stopped, so check before departure which options run at that hour. Transit cards are sold at convenience stores inside the airport, so you can use one from your very first ride.

Transit cards, subways, and buses

A rechargeable transit card is the standard way to ride subways and buses. Paying cash can cost more or lose the transfer discount, and a growing number of bus routes no longer accept cash at all. Cards can be bought and topped up at convenience stores and stations, and you need to tap both when boarding and when getting off for transfer discounts to be calculated correctly. Subway lines are identified by number and color, and every station has a number, so you can navigate by numbers even if you cannot read the station names. Buses are color-coded by type, such as local, trunk, and intercity routes.

• Transit card: buy and top up at convenience stores and stations
• Tap again when getting off to receive the transfer discount
• Subway: navigate by line number and station number
• Taxis: ride-hailing apps reduce mistakes in giving the destination
• Check how to get a refund of the remaining balance before you leave

Payment and cash

In cities, restaurants, convenience stores, and even taxis mostly accept cards, so cash-only situations are not common. Small stalls in traditional markets, street vendors, and some card top-up machines may take cash only, so it is safer to carry a small amount. Foreign cards are sometimes declined depending on the merchant or terminal, so bring at least two cards and confirm with your card issuer that overseas use is enabled. Exchanging money in the city often gives a better rate than at the airport, but many travelers now exchange only what they need and pay by card for the rest. There is also a tax refund system for foreign visitors; check the conditions in the official information.

Mobile data and map apps

Most visitors use a local SIM, an eSIM, or a portable Wi-Fi device. If you plan to rely on map and taxi apps, a data connection is practically essential. Map apps that are common abroad can have limited directions features in Korea, so many visitors also install a domestic map app. Domestic map apps show detailed transit transfers and arrival times, so install one before departure and switch its language setting. Some apps and booking services require verification with a domestic phone number, so consider whether you need a plan that includes a number.

• SIM: some plans include a local phone number
• eSIM: can be installed before departure, but check device support
• Portable Wi-Fi: easy to share, but needs regular charging
• Save your lodging address in the local script

Choosing the season and dates

Summer is hot and humid with a concentrated rainy period, and winter can be quite cold depending on the region. Spring and autumn have pleasant walking weather and are popular, which also means more visitors. During major holidays such as the lunar new year and the autumn harvest festival, transport and lodging get crowded and some shops close, so checking local public holidays before fixing your dates makes planning easier. Spring can bring days of heavy dust and fine particles, so checking air quality and packing a mask helps.

Etiquette that saves confusion

Many restaurants have you order after sitting down, using a call button or a tablet on the table, and it is common to fetch water and side dishes yourself. Tipping is generally not part of the culture, so you simply pay the amount on the bill. Subways have priority seats for elderly and pregnant passengers, and leaving them empty is considered polite; loud phone calls on public transit draw disapproving looks. Public trash bins are relatively scarce, so carrying a small bag helps, and recycling rules are strict. Stations have plenty of lockers, which makes travel days easier. The power supply is 220V with round two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter.

Emergency contacts and precautions

Dial 112 for the police and 119 for fire and ambulance. Interpretation support may be available, but describing your location is hard, so give the name of a nearby building or the subway exit number. If you feel unwell, do not push yourself; visit a medical facility, and if symptoms persist, be sure to see a professional. Keep your passport at your lodging and save a copy on your phone so you can respond quickly if it is lost. Korea is relatively safe, but watching your belongings in crowds and planning your route home late at night are as necessary as anywhere else. This is general guidance; confirm entry requirements and fares with official sources.

• Police 112, fire and ambulance 119
• Describe your location with a building name or subway exit number
• Save a copy of your passport on your phone
• Confirm entry requirements with official sources before departure