Planning your first trip to South Korea? Whether you’re drawn in by the delicious food, vibrant culture, high-tech lifestyle, or your love for K-pop and K-dramas, South Korea is an unforgettable destination. But before you hop on a plane to Seoul or Busan, there are a few important things you should know to avoid culture shock and make the most of your experience.

Here’s a detailed guide of 10 essential things you should know before traveling to South Korea.

1. 🗣 Learn a Few Basic Korean Phrases

While English is somewhat understood in tourist areas, most locals (especially older people) may not speak English fluently. Knowing a few key Korean phrases can go a long way:

• 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello

• 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you

• 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?

• 화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodieyo?) – Where is the bathroom?

📌 Tip: Download the Papago app – it’s better than Google Translate for Korean.

2. 📶 Stay Connected: SIM Card or Pocket Wi-Fi?

South Korea is one of the most connected countries in the world — but you’ll still need internet on the go for maps, translations, and public transport. Grab a prepaid SIM card or rent a portable Wi-Fi device at the airport.

3. 💳 Don’t Forget a T-money Card

South Korea’s public transportation system is world-class. To use it, you’ll need a T-money card, a rechargeable smart card accepted on subways, buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores.

You can get one at Incheon Airport or any convenience store like GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven.

4. 🥢 Be Ready for Cultural Dining Differences

Eating out in Korea is a whole new experience:

• Meals come with free side dishes (banchan)

• Kimchi is everywhere — it’s served with almost everything

• No tipping — service is already included

• Chopsticks are metal and flat — a bit tricky for beginners

• Water is free, but usually served cold

And remember: some restaurants specialize in just one dish, so don’t expect a long menu!

5. 🚽 Smart Toilets… and Confusing Ones

Public restrooms in Korea can be super modern — heated seats, bidet functions, buttons galore — or surprisingly basic.
Important tip: In some places, toilet paper is outside the stall, so grab it beforehand!

6. 📱 Download These Apps Before You Go

Your life will be much easier with the right apps. Here are the must-haves:

• Naver Map or KakaoMap – Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea

• Papago – Best for Korean-to-English translation

• KakaoTalk – The main messaging app in Korea

• Subway Korea – Real-time subway navigation

• MangoPlate – For restaurant recommendations (like Yelp)

7. 🧳 Understand Korean Accommodation Types

From luxurious hotels to traditional guesthouses (Hanok), Korea has a wide variety of lodging. A few things to know:

• You may be sleeping on the floor (yo or futon) in traditional stays

• “Love motels” are cheap and clean — not as sketchy as they sound

• Capsule hotels and hostels are common and affordable

8. 🚇 Public Transportation Is Amazing

• Super clean, safe, and efficient

• Subways and buses are foreigner-friendly

• Most signs are in Korean + English

• Subways stop running around midnight, so plan your night outings accordingly

• Taxis are affordable, but not all drivers speak English

9. 👥 Respect Korean Social Etiquette

Korean society is rooted in respect and hierarchy. Here are a few tips to blend in:

• Always use both hands when giving or receiving something

• Take off your shoes when entering a home or some restaurants

• Keep your voice down in public

• When drinking, turn away from elders while taking a sip (it’s a cultural norm!)

10. 🎉 Explore More Than K-Pop & Seoul

While Seoul is amazing, there’s so much more to South Korea:

• Busan – Beaches, seafood, and a laid-back vibe

• Jeonju – Food capital and home of traditional Hanok villages

• Gyeongju – Known as “the museum without walls” for its ancient sites

• Jeju Island – Volcanic island paradise, perfect for nature lovers

Don’t forget to check out:

• Noraebang (karaoke rooms)

• PC Bangs (gaming cafés)

• Street food markets

• Palaces and temples like Gyeongbokgung

• K-pop dance classes for tourists!

✈️ Bonus Tip: Use Skyscanner to Find Cheap Flights to Korea

Planning a trip to South Korea on a budget? Then you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best deal on your flights. One of the easiest and most effective ways to find affordable tickets is by using Skyscanner.

Here’s why it’s a must:

• You can search with flexible dates to find the cheapest travel days

• It compares prices from hundreds of airlines and travel sites

• You’ll discover budget airlines and alternate routes you might not have considered

👉 Search for the best flight deals to South Korea here:
🔗 Find Cheap Flights to Korea – Skyscanner