Essential Knowledge when visiting South Korea: Part I. Expression, Etiquette and Travel Tips
Welcome to South Korea! This guide is designed to help international travelers navigate modern life, transportation, and cultural nuances to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
1.Useful Korean Expressions
While English support is common in major tourist areas, knowing a few Korean phrases is greatly appreciated and highly useful. The Romanization below is designed for easy pronunciation by English speakers, not for formal learning.
• Hello: 안녕하세요 (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo).
• Thank you: 감사합니다 (Gam-sa-haam-nee-da).
• Sorry/Excuse me: 미안합니다 (Mi-an-haam-nee-da).
• How much is it?: 얼마예요? (Eal-ma-eah-yo?).
• Where is the toilet: 화장실 어디예요? (Hwa-jang-sil-o-dee-eah-yo?).
• Give me this please: 이것 주세요 (Ee-got-joo-sae-yo).
2.Etiquette and Safety
South Korea is renowned for its safety, but familiarity with local customs will enhance your experience.
Cultural Differences
• Physical Contact: Avoid prolonged eye contact, as it can be considered impolite or challenging. Bumping into someone in a crowded area is common and usually warrants only a small verbal apology or none at all.
• Personal Space: When sitting on a subway seat or riding an elevator, people feel it is implicitly convenient to sit or stand at the very edge. Small talk with strangers (especially in Seoul) is rare.
• Comments on Appearance: Locals may comment on your appearance. Telling someone you have a "small face or head" is considered a compliment, implying that you have good proportions and look like celebrities on TV.
• Elevators: Do not press the button for other people or ask what floor they are going to. Everyone manages their own button.
• Holding a Door: Do not hold the door and wait unless the next person is within two steps. Holding the door puts a silent pressure on the person far away to come quickly.
Key Korean Customs
• Two Hands: Use both hands when giving or receiving objects (especially money, credit cards, or drinks) to show respect.
• Bowing: A slight bow (10–15 degrees) is appropriate for everyday greetings and thanks. Avoid using the "prayer hands" gesture for thank you, as this is not a Korean custom.
• Shoes Off: Always remove your shoes when entering a traditional Korean home, temple, or accommodation with a raised floor, such as some Airbnbs or Hanok stays.
Safety and Assistance
• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for the Police and 119 for Fire or Medical emergencies.
• Tourist Hotline: Dial 1330 for 24/7 travel information and translation assistance in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, etc.).
• Lost and Found: If you lose something, check the Lost112 website to report or search for items. Korea has a high success rate for finding lost property.
• Living problems in Seoul: Dial 120 for issues in everyday life. Refer to the following post for more details.
!URL[https://koreawhattodo.com/blog/1765339365027]
3. Money and Transportation
Efficient and modern, South Korea's payment and transit systems are traveler-friendly.
Money Matters
• Credit Cards: Widely accepted everywhere, from restaurants to convenience stores.
• Cash: Keep some cash handy for local street vendors, traditional markets, and refilling transit cards. Use banks or authorized exchange centers for the best rates.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary and may confuse service staff. Service charges are usually included in the price.
Transportation Essentials
• T-Money Card: This rechargeable public transit card is essential. Purchase it at any subway station or convenience store. It works on buses, subways, and taxis nationwide.
- • Refills: T-Money cards can only be recharged using cash.
- • Transfers: Tap the card when transferring between bus and subway to receive a discounted fare.
• Alternative Card: Look into the WowPass, which functions as both a T-Money card and a prepaid debit card, making cash management easier.
Bus and Subway Rules
• Buses:
- • Tap Twice: Always tap your T-Money card when boarding and again when exiting. Failing to tap out results in a penalty charge the next time you use the card.
- • Multiple Riders: Inform the driver if you are paying for more than one person so they can adjust the fare.
- • Card Only: Be aware that some bus lines, particularly in Seoul, are "Card Only."
• Subways:
- • One Card, One Person: Unlike buses, each person requires their own T-Money card for subway entry.
- • Priority Seating: Seats marked in red or pink are strictly reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. Please use other seats.
- • Peak Hours: Try to avoid weekday rush hours (7 AM–9 AM and 5 PM–7 PM) due to extreme crowding.
Taxis
• Booking: Use the Kakao T app to book a taxi; this is the best way to bypass language barriers.
• Black Taxis: If you encounter a black taxi with a yellow cap (a Deluxe Taxi), be aware that the fare is significantly higher (about double) than regular taxis.
4.Essential Apps and Digital Navigation
Mastering a few key digital tools is vital for getting around South Korea, as Western map services may be unreliable here.
Mapping and Navigation
• Naver Map & Kakao Map: These are the essential local mapping apps. They provide accurate public transit directions (bus and subway), real-time traffic, and localized place searches. Download and practice using one before you arrive.
!URL[https://koreawhattodo.com/blog/1744092992840]
Communication and Translation
• Papago: Developed by Naver, this is the most accurate translation app for Korean. Use it for instant text translation, voice conversation, and image translation (helpful for menus).
• Kakao T: This app is crucial for booking taxis, eliminating language barriers and ensuring efficient service.
Useful Websites for Planning
• K-ETA: Essential for checking visa requirements and applying for electronic travel authorization if needed.
• Visit Korea & Visit Seoul: Official tourism portals for comprehensive planning.
• Seoul Global Center: A resource for foreign residents and tourists needing support or information.
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