Nowadays, South Korea is becoming increasingly popular because of the global appeal of K-pop and K-dramas. With groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and IVE making waves, more and more fans are flocking to Korea to experience its vibrant fashion scene.
If you’re thinking about visiting Korea as well, be sure to check out this article. As someone who has traveled to Korea twice, I’m here to address some common questions you might have: What should you pack to travel to Korea? What should you be aware of when you travel to Korea? And what are the best places to visit in Korea?
1. Travel to Korea Checklist
Click here to download the complete Excel list.
1-1. Essential
| No. | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passport | Please check if it’s going to expire soon. |
| 2 | Korean Visa | Please check if your citizenship qualifies for visa-free entry. If not, you may need to apply for a Korean visa. However, your country might still be on the K-ETA list or eligible for the APEC Business Travel Card (for business trips only). If you don't find your country below, please check here to apply for a normal visa. |
| 3 | Airplane Ticket | Please don’t forget to arrange travel insurance. |
| 4 | Clothes | Please check the weather in the cities you will be visiting. For information on South Korea's weather, please click here. |
| 5 | Mobilephone | Please keep the contact number of your country’s embassy in your contact book for any emergencies: U.S.A. +82 2-397-4114 U.K. +82 2-3210-5500 Canada +82 2-3783-6000 Australia +82 2-2003-0100 Please check your country's embassy in South Korea here. |
| 6 | Sim Card or Portable Wifi | |
| 7 | Back Bag | Please check if it meets your airline’s requirements. |
| 8 | Power Bank | This is quite essential for a long trip. Please make sure it meets your airline’s requirements. |
| 9 | Credit Card | Visa, MasterCard, and JCB can all be used in South Korea! |
| 10 | Cash (RMB) | You can exchange some currency at airports in both your country and South Korea. ＊According to Korean customs regulations, each foreigner is allowed to carry a maximum of USD 10,000 without declaring it to customs. |
| 11 | Hotels | Booking your hotels online and printing the information page in advance is highly recommended, as Korean customs may ask where you will be staying during your journey. |
| 12 | Emergency Medicine and First Aid | Common medicines, such as aspirin, are generally acceptable. However, please check if the medications you are carrying are prohibited in Japan. For more details, please click here. |
| 13 | Suitable Shoes | This depends on the type of trips you will be taking. |
| 14 | Google Map, Amap or any other electronic map services. | For Korea, Google Maps is highly recommended! |
| 15 | Translator Apps or Devices | Or at least print the phases below in case 1. 영어 하세요? (Do you speak English?) 2. 길을 잃었어요. (I’m lost.) 3. 음식이 필요해요. (I need some food.) 4. 물이 필요해요. (I need some water.) 5. 의료 도움이 필요해요. (I need medical assistance.) 6. 경찰을 불러 주세요. (Please call the police for me.) 7. 구급차를 불러 주세요. (Please call an ambulance for me.) |
1-2. Additional
| No. | Item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Driving Licence | Some countries’ driving permits are recognized in South Korea. If you plan to go on a self-driving trip in South Korea, please check the policy of your country. |
| 2 | Gifts | If you are visiting someone in South Korea. |
| 3 | Wet Wipes | To stay clean in inconvenient situations. |
| 4 | Travel Pillow and Eye Mask | To relax comfortably during your journey. |
| 5 | Sunscreen and Hat | Ensure that your sunscreen and any other liquids are packed in your checked luggage, as they are not permitted in your carry-on. |
| 6 | Guidebook | Nowadays, many tourists get information online, but it can still be helpful to carry a guidebook with you. |
| 7 | Umbrella or Packable Rain Jacket | In case it starts to rain while you are traveling. |
| 8 | Laptop | If you need it for entertainment or work during your trip. |
| 9 | Emergency Food (Energy Bars, Dried Fruits, etc) | Although shopping is convenient in Korea, it’s still a good idea to have some emergency food with you. |
| 10 | Travel Grooming Kit | Hotels of course provide grooming supplies, but it’s better to bring your own if you have specific preferences. |
| 11 | Personal Care | Include items such as sanitary pads, shaving cream, and deodorant. |
| 12 | Laundry Bag | To keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. |
| 13 | Books | Reading books on the way can be really relaxing. |
| 14 | Noise-canceling Earplugs | To create a quiet environment for yourself anywhere. |
| 15 | Water bottle | You can fill your water bottle with drinkable tap water while waiting for your plane, avoiding the need to buy expensive bottled water. |
2. Places to Visit in Korea
Looking for fun places and hidden gems in Korea? I’ve given this a lot of thought and am excited to share my personal recommendations with you! If you have specific preferences or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment.
2-1. Fashion
Myeongdong: In Seoul. Probably the fashion center of South Korea!
Gangnam: In Seoul. Offers a luxury vibe with chic department stores and high-end shopping malls.
Hongdae: In Seoul. Known for its local brands popular with young people and its street fashion.
Itaewon: In Seoul. An international district with a vibrant nightlife, including nightclubs and more.
2-2. Historical Attractions
Gyeongbokgung Palace: In Seoul. One of the main places of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1935.
Changdeokgung Palace: In Seoul. Known for its secret garden, built in 1405.
Hanyangdoseong: In Seoul. A long defensive wall built in 1396.
Gyeongju: The most famous ancient city in Korea. Bulguksa temple, Seokguram and Bell of King Seongdeok.
2-3. K-pop and K-drama
SM Entertainment: In Seoul. This company is home to many famous Korean celebrities. Be sure to check their opening days.
YG Entertainment: In Seoul. Another major entertainment company known for its influential artists.
JYP Entertainment: In Seoul. Occasionally hosts fan events, so keep an eye out for opportunities to participate.
K-Star Road: In Seoul. A street where you can find handprints of many celebrities.
2-4. Coastal Cities
Busan: Home to the famous Haeundae Beach, one of Korea’s most popular beaches.
Jeju: A stunning island known for Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcano with breathtaking views.
Incheon: Offers beautiful beaches and Myeong-dong Island, a great spot for relaxation.
Pohang: Known for its traditional fishing village life and fresh seafood.
2-5. Wonderful Mountains
Hallasan: In Jeju. High 1947 meters. A sleeping volcano.
Seoraksan: In Gangwon Province. Famous for its peak and the Ulsanbawi Rock.
Jirisan: In South Gyeongsang Province. Has a range of plants.
Taebaeksan: In Gangwon-do Province and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Best for climbing in winter!
3. What to pay attention to regarding Korean manners
3-1. Pay attention before entering any room
In South Korea, many traditional hotels and restaurants require you to remove your shoes before entering. After that, you are expected to sit on a traditional mattress to eat or relax. This can actually be quite enjoyable.
3-2. Always be quiet on public transportation
While it may not be as strict as in Japan, it is still considered rude to make noise or speak loudly on public transportation in Korea. And please use headphones when listening to music or watching TV.
3-3. Avoid staring at someone
Korea is a country that highly values privacy and personal boundaries. Staring at someone for an extended period can be seen as offensive and rude.
3-4. Only smoke in designated smoking areas
In Korea, if there is no sign indicating that smoking is allowed, assume that smoking is prohibited. The use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted as well. Smoking in non-designated areas can result in fines or even legal action.
3-5. Do not dispose of your garbage randomly
Similar to Japan, Korea has strict regulations regarding waste disposal. Be mindful of where and how you dispose of your garbage and ensure you follow the correct sorting guidelines.
4. Other common Q&A
4-1. Do you tip in South Korea?
No, tipping is not customary in South Korea. It is not expected or required.
4-2. Do Korean people speak English?
South Korea ranks 5th in English proficiency among Asian countries, performing better than China and Japan. You can generally expect younger generations to have a higher level of English proficiency.
4-3. Should I use Airbnb or stay at a hotel in South Korea? What is the earliest check-in time for a Korean hotel?
Based on my personal experiences and those of my friends, Airbnb is generally cheaper than standard hotels. If you’re on a tight budget, Airbnb might be a better option. However, if you’re on a business trip or prefer more convenience, staying at a hotel would be more suitable.
As for check-in times, the standard earliest time for hotels is typically around 2:00 PM, though this can vary depending on the hotel.
4-4. Can Americans go to South Korea?
Of course, South Korea basically does not have country-based travel bans in place.
4-5. How much does a trip to South Korea cost?
Airfare can vary significantly depending on how early you book and the time of travel. Instead, I’d like to focus on the costs of accommodations, food, and domestic transportation.
Based on my personal experience, a standard hotel room typically costs around 50 USD per night. Food prices can vary depending on the type of restaurant you choose, with many office workers spending around 10,000 KRW per meal.
4-6. Is South Korea a child-friendly country?
Well, I wouldn’t say South Korea is particularly child-friendly, as there are increasing numbers of child-free zones. These are designated to avoid disturbances from crying and loud children. However, it’s not the case everywhere, so it’s a good idea to check the regulations before entering indoor places like restaurants and cafes.
4-7. Can I find halal, Indian, or kosher restaurants in Korea?
Yes, you can find halal, Indian, and kosher restaurants in Seoul. However, I’m not sure about their availability in smaller cities.
4-8. Can you bump into Korean celebrities when you travel to Korea?
You might see paparazzi news about people randomly meeting their favorite idols on the streets. But the chance of bumping into a celebrity on the street is actually low. You might have better luck if you participate in fan events.
4-9. Can foreigners wear traditional Korean clothes (hanbok)?
Yes, foreigners can wear hanbok. In fact, you can even receive free entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace if you wear hanbok.
4-10. How to Use Public Transportation in South Korea
Buy a T-money card at convenience stores for easy payment on buses and subways. For booking taxis, the KakaoTaxi app is highly recommended.
4-11. Is it safe to travel to South Korea?
Yes, definitely. Countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia don’t impose any travel restrictions on South Korea.
4-12. Do you have more questions?
Please feel free to leave a comment! I’d be happy to answer them for you.
5. Conclusion
That’s all for this article. I hope I’ve answered all the questions you might have. South Korea is a fascinating country with its unique culture and social practices. Just book your ticket and fly over there. Let’s go!
