10 Practical Tips for Traveling in South Korea
Practical Tips
2026-10-02
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Install these two apps and bring this one card—half the battle of independent travel in South Korea is won.
- Install Naver Map / Kakao Map: Google Maps can only show maps in South Korea, not provide navigation.
- Get a T-money card: It works for subways, buses, taxis, and convenience stores.
- Carry a small amount of cash: In 95% of situations, you can pay by card or mobile payment.
- Tax refund: Spend 30,000 KRW or more at a single store to get instant tax refund in-store or apply at the airport.
- Convenience store culture: CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven are everywhere, and hot food is available even late at night.
- Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is very widespread in South Korea; you can rent a Wi-Fi egg or buy an eSIM at the airport.
- Power outlets: South Korea uses 220V European-style two-pin round sockets—you’ll need a plug adapter.
- Rainy season: July and August are the monsoon season, so bring rain gear.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in South Korea.
- Emergency numbers: Police 112, Fire/Ambulance 119, Tourist Hotline 1330 (multilingual).