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Essential Travel Info for Visiting South Korea

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-25 — Located in the northeastern part of the Asian continent, South Korea is just a little over two hours by plane from Taiwan. Over the past decade, it has become incredibly appealing thanks to the popularity of Korean dramas. Whether it's national character, lifestyle, language, food, festivals...

Text / Moleskine Editorial Department

Located in the northeastern part of the Asian continent, South Korea is just a little over two hours by plane from Taiwan. Over the past decade, it has become incredibly appealing thanks to the popularity of Korean dramas, and recently the Korean drama "My Love from the Star" has once again made it a hot topic. Whether it's national character, lifestyle, language, food, festivals, culture... South Korea shares some similarities with us, but also differs greatly in many ways, making us even more eager to visit in person and see its true face. But before you go, there are some key facts you should know to avoid any trouble when you arrive.

Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream has in recent years become a romantic leisure spot for locals. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)

1. Basic Travel Information about South Korea

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South Korea is one time zone ahead of Taiwan, which means you add one hour to Taipei time.

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The exchange rate of the South Korean won to the New Taiwan dollar is approximately 0.03067, meaning 1,000 South Korean won is roughly equivalent to 30.67 New Taiwan dollars.

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The currency used in South Korea is the South Korean “won,” pronounced similarly to “Won,” and is generally denoted as “KRW” or “W.” The value of the South Korean won is smaller than that of the New Taiwan dollar; currently, 1 New Taiwan dollar is roughly equivalent to 36–37 South Korean won.

South Korean currency comes in both banknotes and coins. Banknote denominations include 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000; coin denominations include 500, 100, 50, and 10.

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Shopping paradise South Korea is very traveler-friendly. If you shop at stores that offer tax refunds and spend 30,000 South Korean won or more, you can fill out a tax refund form and then process the refund at the airport when you depart. Major shopping malls generally have tax refund systems, such as Myeongdong FORVER 21, Lotte Mart at Seoul Station, as well as Lotte Department Store, MARIO OUTLET, Shinsegae Department Store, Hyundai Department Store, Dongdaemun DOOTA, and various duty-free cosmetics shops—all of which offer tax refunds. Budget-conscious travelers shouldn’t miss out on this benefit.

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Sales tax is already included in prices in South Korea, so no tipping is required when dining at restaurants.

Located on the northeastern coast of Busan, Haeundae Beach boasts a 2-kilometer stretch of fine white sand and is a famous seaside resort in South Korea. In summer, the beach is packed with people enjoying the water, creating a lively atmosphere. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)

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Generally, you need a visa to travel abroad, but since South Korea allows passport holders from Taiwan to enter visa-free for up to 30 days, you don’t need to apply for one separately—just bring your valid passport and you’re good to go.

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◎ Calling within South Korea

Just like in Taiwan, dial the number directly for local calls; for long-distance calls outside your area: area code + phone number.

List of South Korean area codes

◎ Calling outside South Korea

International access code (choose one: 001, 002, or 008) + recipient country code + area code + phone number.

Example: Calling Taipei from South Korea 001 (or 002 or 008) + 886 + 2 + phone number

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South Korea’s mobile phone system is different from Taiwan’s. Non-3G phones cannot provide international roaming services—you must switch phones and numbers to use them.

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There are two types of power outlets: 100V (two-pin plug) and 220V (three-round-pin plug). Currently, 220V is more common, but it's still advisable to bring a voltage converter just in case.

The sandwich shop of Chinese actress Han Chae-young from the Korean drama “A Gentleman’s Dignity” is now operated as a café. Both inside and outside the café feature autographs and photos that attract fans to visit as a pilgrimage spot. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe旅人志)

II. South Korea Entry Procedures

On the plane, flight attendants will ask passengers whether they need an Arrival Card. Be sure to request one — one per person, even for minors, who must fill it out individually. It helps speed up the customs process if you complete it before landing. If you forget to get one on the plane, you can still obtain it at the immigration checkpoint and fill it out there, but this may delay your entry.

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The South Korean Arrival Card includes Chinese annotations, making it easy to follow the instructions and fill it out step by step.

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Flight attendants hand out both the Arrival Card and the Customs Declaration Form. If you are entering with family, only one form is needed for the whole family; if you are traveling with friends, each person must fill out their own form.

Front Side (Image provided by Monocle Editorial Department):

1. English name (same as on passport)

2. Date of birth (year/month/day)

3. Passport number

4. Nationality

5. Occupation

6. Gender (male/female)

7. Purpose of this trip (sightseeing/business/visiting friends/official duty/study/other)

8. Flight number you are arriving on

9. Intended length of stay (__ days)

10. Countries visited prior to arrival in South Korea (__ countries in total)

11. Address and phone number in South Korea

12. Only one declaration form is required per family (number of family members traveling together: __ people)

13. I have completed this declaration correctly and honestly. Date (year/month/day), Signature

Back Side (Image provided by Monocle Editorial Department):

1. Do not fill out items that are within the duty-free allowance.

2. Alcoholic beverages

3. Cigarettes

4. Perfume

5. Items other than alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and perfume

6. Item name

7. Quantity

8. Value

9. Total

● How to Prepare for Your Trip to Korea?》》

Get Going Now！A Visual Guide to Traveling in Korea on Your Own

www.mook.com.tw/books.php?op=booksinfo&bookid=100102

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