11 Useful Travel Tips for Foreigners Visiting South Korea

koreadiscoverytour
Feb 13
3 min read

If you're planning a trip to South Korea, here are some useful tips and cultural insights to help you navigate the country smoothly.

1. Buy T-Money Card

A rechargeable transportation card that can be used on buses, subways, taxis and convenience stores every cities in Korea. Available at convenience stores and subway stations. You can transfer up to 3times between subways and different buses routes within 30minutes.

2. High-Speed Rail (KTX & SRT)

If you're traveling between big cities, South Korea’s high-speed rail system is a great option. KTX departs from Seoul station (central) whereas SRT runs from Suseo station in Seoul(South west part of the city). So you can most likely take KTX but if your hotel is on the South west part of Seoul or in case KTX sold out, you can try to book SRT when you come to Busan or other big cities in Korea. KTX tickets can be booked in English on their official website, "Let’s Korail" or Railninja, up to one month in advance.

KTX (Korea Train eXpress) — **KTX** (Korea Train eXpress)

SRT (Super Rapid Train) — **SRT** (Super Rapid Train)

3. Understanding Taxi Signals

When hailing a taxi in South Korea, check the sign on the front windshield:

Red Light: The taxi is available for passengers.
Green Light: The taxi is reserved and not available.
No Light: The taxi is occupied by another passenger.

4. Emergency Lights While Driving

If you see a driver turning on their hazard lights while driving, it typically means they are either apologizing for a mistake or thanking the driver behind them. It’s a common courtesy in South Korean road culture.

5. Dining Etiquette: Tax & Tipping

The prices listed on restaurant menus already include taxes, so you don’t need to calculate additional costs.
Tipping is not customary in South Korea, including at restaurants, cafes, and taxis.

Korean BBQ menu (The prices on a menu are final price you are going to pay)

6. Coffee Shops and Takeout Cups

In large franchise coffee shops, customers are not allowed to sit inside if they have their drink in a takeout cup. If you plan to stay, make sure to request your drink in a mug or dine-in cup.

7. Navigating Maps in Korea

Google Maps does not work well in South Korea due to government restrictions on map data. Instead, you can download either Kakao Map (English supported) or Naver Map (English supported). Both apps provide addresses, name of properties, reliable navigation, including directions for public transportation and walking routes.

8. Useful Apps for Traveling in Korea

To make your trip easier, consider downloading these essential apps below :

Kakao T (Taxi App): Available nationwide; you can book a taxi and pay in cash or by card upon arrival to your destinations.
Uber: Limited availability, mainly in major cities.
KakaoTalk: The most widely used messaging app in Korea.
Coupang Eats: A food delivery app that supports English.
Subway Apps: Major cities like Seoul and Busan have dedicated subway apps for easy navigation.

9. Free Public Wi-Fi & SIM Cards

South Korea offers free public Wi-Fi in many locations, including subways, buses, and public areas. Look for networks like "Seoul WiFi" or "Public WiFi".
If you need more reliable internet, consider buying a prepaid SIM card or renting a portable Wi-Fi device at the airport.

10. Shopping & Tax Refunds

Many large department stores and duty-free shops offer tax refunds for tourists. If you spend over 30,000 KRW, ask for a tax refund receipt and claim it at the airport before departure.

11. Convenience Stores & Late-Night Eats

Different convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) sell ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and drinks 24/7. You can also heat up food using their in-store microwaves.
Some restaurants, especially in Seoul, operate 24 hours, but many smaller places close by 10-11 PM.