South Korea

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality — confirm the rule for your own passport before booking. Citizens of more than 100 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most of the EU, can enter visa-free for short stays, typically up to 90 days. Travellers from other countries must apply for a visa in advance.

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) is the key thing to check, because the rules have recently changed. K-ETA is normally required for visa-free travellers, but Korea has temporarily exempted a list of nationalities from needing one — currently extended through the end of 2026 and covering around 22 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many European nations). If your nationality is on the exemption list you don't need a K-ETA for now; if not, apply online before departure.

There is also a newer requirement: a digital e-Arrival Card, submitted free online shortly before arrival, is now mandatory for most foreign visitors — though K-ETA holders are exempt, as their K-ETA covers it. Because these rules change, verify the current requirements for your passport with official Korean sources before you book.

The currency is the South Korean won (₩). South Korea is one of the most cashless societies in the world — credit and debit cards, including foreign Visa and Mastercard, are accepted almost everywhere, from department stores to small cafés and street-food stalls. Carry only a little cash, mainly for traditional markets and topping up transit cards.

For getting around, get a T-money card — a rechargeable transit card sold at convenience stores and subway machines. It works on subways, buses and many taxis nationwide and also pays at convenience stores; note it generally needs cash to top up. For cash, look for 'Global' ATMs at banks, convenience stores and airports, which reliably accept foreign cards.

Tipping is not customary in South Korea and is not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels — service is simply included. Some upscale venues add a service charge, but you don't need to add anything yourself.

Korean culture places strong emphasis on respect, age and social hierarchy. A slight bow is the standard greeting and a way to show thanks; handshakes happen too, often with a small bow. Elders and senior people are typically greeted and served first.

A simple, important habit: use two hands (or your right hand supported by your left) when giving or receiving anything — money, a card, a gift, a drink — especially with someone older. Remove your shoes when entering homes, guesthouses, temples and some floor-seated restaurants.

At the table, wait for the eldest person to begin, and don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. Keep your voice down on public transport. Korea is generally relaxed and welcoming toward visitors, and small efforts to follow these customs are warmly appreciated.

Most visitors arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN), west of Seoul. The easiest way into the city is the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) — the nonstop Express train reaches Seoul Station in about 45 minutes, with a cheaper all-stop train just under an hour. Airport limousine buses and 24-hour taxis are alternatives.

Intercity travel is fast thanks to the KTX high-speed rail network, which links Seoul with Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju and other cities — Seoul to Busan is about 2.5 hours. Trains are frequent and comfortable; book ahead during holidays.

Within cities, Seoul's metro is outstanding — extensive, clean, punctual, cheap and signed in English — and is the best way around the capital; Busan and other cities have their own systems. Tap in and out with a T-money card. The Kakao T app is the standard way to hail a taxi. Note that the Naver Map and KakaoMap apps work far better than Google Maps for navigation in Korea — download one before you go.

South Korea has some of the fastest, most reliable mobile internet in the world. If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a Korean data plan online before you travel and be online the moment you land. Physical prepaid tourist SIMs are sold at Incheon Airport — you'll need your passport.

Pocket wifi routers are another option, useful for a group sharing one connection.

Public wifi is very widely available — free at the airport, in most cafés, restaurants, hotels, shopping centres and on the subway — so you can stay connected in most places even without a SIM.

South Korea is very safe — government advisories place it at their lowest risk level. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and even petty crime such as pickpocketing is uncommon by global standards; basic common sense is generally enough. Tensions with North Korea are a long-standing background fact and do not affect everyday travel.

Tap water is technically safe to drink — Seoul's tap water meets international standards — though many Koreans drink filtered or bottled water out of preference, and it is easy to find everywhere.

Memorise two emergency numbers: 112 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance. Healthcare is modern and high-quality, though English-speaking staff can be limited at smaller clinics — travel insurance with medical cover is recommended. Note that some medications routine elsewhere are restricted in Korea, so check before bringing prescription medication and carry it in original packaging.

Power: South Korea runs on 220V, 60Hz, and uses Type C and Type F plugs — the round two-pin sockets common in continental Europe. Travellers from the US, UK and elsewhere need a plug adapter.

Language: the official language is Korean. English signage is widespread on public transport and at major attractions, and younger Koreans often speak some English, but it isn't universal — a translation app helps.

Best time to visit: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most pleasant — mild, dry weather, with cherry blossoms in spring and vivid foliage in autumn. Summers are hot and humid with a rainy season; winters are cold but bring ski season.

Time zone: South Korea uses Korea Standard Time (UTC+9) and does not observe daylight saving.