South Korea Travel Tips to Help You Travel Smart

If you're planning a trip to South Korea, you're not alone. Many Singaporeans head there for the food, skincare, shopping, and seasonal getaways. It’s a place that blends modern city life with deep-rooted traditions, making it ideal for first-timers and repeat travellers alike.

But while South Korea is easy to enjoy, it does have its quirks. From subway etiquette to tipping culture, from which apps to download to how to pay in shops. So knowing a few local tips can really smooth things out.

This guide keeps it practical. It’s written with Singaporean travellers in mind, covering payment methods, local customs, transport hacks, and how to stay connected. If you're still sorting out your flights to South Korea or deciding on hotels in South Korea, we’ve included useful links too.

Let’s dive in and get you travel-ready.

Language & Communication in South Korea

So here’s the thing: English isn’t that widely spoken in South Korea, especially once you step out of touristy areas. In Seoul, you’ll get by fine at cafes, shops, or hotels. But in smaller towns or traditional markets? You’ll definitely need some backup.

I used Papago the most. It’s a local translation app, and honestly, way better than Google Translate when it comes to Korean. You can type, speak, or take a photo of a sign or menu, and it works like a charm. I also saved a few key phrases on my phone, just in case the app glitched or I had no signal.

If you’re taking taxis or asking for directions, it really helps to have your hotel name and address written in Korean. I just screenshotted mine and showed it whenever I needed help. Most locals are kind and even though they might not speak English, they’ll try their best to point you in the right direction.

Oh, and small cultural thing: Koreans don’t really do small talk with strangers. They’re polite, but reserved. A little nod, a quiet “annyeonghaseyo,” and a smile is more than enough.

Here are a few basic phrases that came in super handy:

Honestly, you don’t need to be perfect. Just showing the effort makes a big difference. Locals really appreciate it when you try.

Paying for Stuff & Handy Apps in South Korea

Source: Google Play

One thing that stood out to me is that South Korea really doesn’t use much cash. Locals tap their phones for almost everything, from café orders to late-night snacks at convenience stores. Most of them use apps like KakaoPay or Naver Pay. But for us tourists, those aren’t the easiest to set up since they usually need a local number or ID.

For us, the easiest way is still credit or debit card. Visa and Mastercard work fine in most places like the malls, restaurants, even some street food stalls. Just make sure your card has no foreign transaction blocks. That said, smaller markets or rural shops might still prefer cash, so it’s good to carry some notes around.

You can withdraw Korean won from ATMs at most convenience stores like GS25 or CU. Try to use Global ATMs as they usually have an English option and accept international cards. Some machines charge a small fee, some don’t. I’d avoid changing too much cash at the airport unless you’re in a rush as the rates aren’t the best.

As for useful apps? These helped me a lot:

If you're not keen on using your physical card everywhere, you can also preload a Wise or YouTrip card to avoid bank fees. Just remember that some local apps won’t accept these, so always have a backup.

Tipping & Service Etiquette

Good news! Tipping isn’t expected in South Korea. Most places already include service charge in the bill, especially at restaurants and hotels. No one’s going to side-eye you if you don’t leave anything extra.

That said, if someone really goes out of their way, you can round up or pass a small cash tip. Just hand it over politely with both hands.

Safety & Emergency Info

South Korea feels safe, even at night. It’s the kind of place where you can walk around solo and not worry too much. That said, like any city, you still want to stay alert in crowded places like subways or night markets. Pickpocketing isn’t super common, but it happens.

Stick to official taxis or ride apps like KakaoT when possible. And don’t flash valuables in public as the same logic as anywhere else.

In case of emergencies:

• Police: 112
• Ambulance / Fire: 119
• Tourist Hotline (English available): 1330

Pharmacies are easy to find, but staff may not speak English. I always bring basic meds from home like panadol, motion sickness pills, that sort of thing. If you need a doctor, head to a major hospital in Seoul as they usually have English-speaking staff.

Cultural Etiquette & Local Customs

In general, Koreans are quite reserved, especially with strangers. So it’s nothing personal if no one makes small talk or smiles at you on the street. Once you interact with someone though, they’re usually polite and helpful.

A few things that stood out to me:

• Always take off your shoes when entering someone’s house or some traditional restaurants too. You’ll know when you see all the shoes lined up outside.
• Use two hands when giving or receiving stuff, like money, drinks, or gifts. It’s a small sign of respect, especially with older people.
• Don’t point at people or things with your finger, and definitely don’t use your feet to gesture. It’s considered rude.
• At meals, wait for the eldest to start eating before you dig in. And if you’re sharing dishes, don’t go straight in with your own chopsticks. Instead use the serving ones.
• Public hugs or kisses? Not common. You’ll see couples holding hands, but that’s about it.

Also, Koreans usually speak softly in public places, especially on trains or buses. So if you're chatting with friends, just keep the volume down.

When someone gives a small bow or nod, just return it. It’s their way of saying hi or thank you. And honestly, just learning a simple “annyeonghaseyo” or “kamsahamnida” makes a good impression. Locals really appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.

Public Holidays & Travel Seasons

If you're the type who likes to avoid crowds or plan around festivals, here's what you need to know.

The two biggest holidays in SouthKorea are Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival). These are major family occasions, kind of like Chinese New Year back home.

A lot of shops and restaurants close, and everyone’s travelling back to their hometowns so transport gets packed and prices go up.

Other holidays like Children’s Day (May 5) and Buddha’s Birthday are also popular, especially with local families out and about. If your trip overlaps with these, book trains and hotels early.

As for the best time to go?

• Spring (Apr–May): Cool weather, cherry blossoms, super nice for walking around.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp air, colourful leaves, great for photos.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, but perfect if you're planning to ski or see snow.
• Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot and humid, with more local tourists since it's school holidays.

So it really depends what kind of trip you're after. For most Singaporeans, spring and autumn are the sweet spots. Nice weather, fewer local crowds, and lots to see.

SIM Cards, Wi-Fi & Connectivity in South Korea

If you're the type who needs Google Maps, translation apps, or food delivery on standby, having mobile data in South Korea is a must. Luckily, staying connected there is pretty straightforward as long as you sort it out early.

If your phone supports eSIM, that’s the easiest option. You can buy one online before your trip, activate it with a QR code, and you’re instantly connected the moment you land. No queues, no SIM-swapping. That’s what I used on my last trip and it was smooth all the way.

If you prefer a physical SIM, just pick one up at Incheon Airport. The booths are right at the arrival area. I’ve used the KT counter before and the process was fast as the staff were used to tourists. You’ll just need your passport for registration.

There are three main telcos: KT (also called Olleh), SK Telecom, and LG U+.

All three offer tourist SIMs with various plans. Honestly, they’re all decent. KT worked well for me even in smaller towns. SK Telecom’s data speed felt snappy, but it was a bit pricier. LG U+ had decent value, especially if you don’t need a voice plan.

Most plans come in 5-day, 10-day, or 30-day options.

Expect to pay anywhere from ₩30,000 to ₩60,000 (around SGD 30–60), depending on how much data you want. You can get unlimited data, or go for a smaller plan if you just need it for maps and messages.

Wi-Fi is also common and you’ll find it in cafes, hotels, subway stations, and even some buses. That said, not all networks are open-access. Some will ask for a local number to log in, which is why I still recommend getting your own SIM or eSIM. It saves you the hassle when you’re out and about.

Couple of quick tips:

• Download key apps (like Papago or KakaoMap) before your trip.
• Screenshot your hotel details and booking confirmations, just in case you lose signal.
• Some people rent pocket Wi-Fi devices, but personally I find SIMs easier as there’s one less gadget to charge and carry around.

Final Notes for a Fuss-Free Trip

Once you’ve sorted the basics: data, transport, local quirks, South Korea gets really easy to enjoy. You won’t need to over-plan. Just be ready to adjust along the way.

If it’s your first time, you’ll probably spend most of your trip in Seoul. Makes sense. It’s convenient, packed with food and shopping, and you can get almost anywhere by train.

But if you’ve got a few extra days, think about squeezing in a side trip. Busan’s great for a change of pace. Jeonju has solid food. Gyeongju’s quiet but full of old-school charm.

Still sorting out the details? These links might help:

✈️ Checking flights to South Korea

🏨 Picking where to stay in South Korea

No need to cram everything into one trip. Leave some room to wander, miss a train, or stumble into a random café that ends up being your favourite memory.

Enjoy your time there. You’ll come back with stories.