South Korea

A diverse country blending ancient culture and futuristic technology, featuring modern urban metropolises and scenic countryside temples. From Seoul’s fast-paced, high-tech lifestyle to the tranquil beaches of Jeju, let’s explore this incredible peninsula.

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South Korea Travel Info

Language

Korean is the only national language of South Korea, with English as the second most spoken due to mandatory English classes since 1974. However, lack of practice and inadequate teaching cause most Koreans to forget much of it. English services are common in Seoul’s busy areas but sparse elsewhere. Most public signage, store products, and all road signs have English labels. Hangul 한글, the Korean alphabet, is easy to learn and can be mastered within a week, aiding navigation and communication. Many modern Korean words are “Konglish” (derived from English), making them easier to decipher if you can read them.

Demographics

South Korea has a population of about 50 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The vast majority ethnic group is Korean, with a small percentage of Chinese and other expats. Around 50% of Koreans are non-religious, with the majority of the rest being Christians, followed by a smaller number of Buddhists. About 75% of Korea is mountainous, making the greater Seoul area one of the densest and largest cities in the world. The country’s population is quickly aging and birth rates are lowering, leading to a continuous conversation of demographic shift in Korea.

Weather

South Korea is a temperate country with 4 distinct seasons. There are hot and humid summers and cold winters with continuous snow. Korea is not a large country, so weather does not change much across regions, however, the major island of Jeju sees significantly warmer temperatures than the mountainous north, but still receives snow in the winter.

Public Transit

South Korea has world-class public transportation. Google maps does not work in Korea, so download Naver Map or Kakao Map, which give accurate times for trains and buses.

Subway: Every major city has a subway network, and Seoul specifically has one of the most well-connected subway systems in the world. Tickets can be purchased at stations with cash, but we recommend you pick up a Tmoney card at any convenience store, which can be filled with cash at the store and allows for free transfers between trains and buses within a 30(ish) minute window.

Bus: All cities and towns have robust intercity bus networks. Generally running from 6am-11pm, many buses come frequently throughout the day. Tmoney cards can also be used on all city buses. Long haul busses can take you to more niche destinations and can be booked in advance using the Tmoney Go app.

Taxi: Korea has many, many taxis, generally very clean and comfortable. Many train and bus stations have taxi stands, and the ride hailing app KakaoT can call a taxi and pay in advance if you have a Korean number and a Kakao account. If you see a taxi with a red 빈차 sign, it is empty. Taxis accept card, Tmoney, or cash.

High-speed rail: The KTX, ITX, and SRT connect all major cities in the north, south, and east. This is by far the fastest way to travel far in Korea. Tickets can be purchased in advance online which might be necessary during busy seasons. Tickets can also be purchased in person, with agents usually able to speak English.

South Korea FAQ

Korea is more expensive than “budget destinations” in Southeast Asia but cheaper than North America and Europe. Public transportation is very affordable, with free transfers and low fares compared to countries like Japan. Food costs less than in Western countries, and accommodations are moderately priced. Additionally, Western currencies are stronger than the Won making many items cheaper than in the west.

Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. It has very low rates of violent crime, petty crime, and sexual assault. It is an overlooked but great country for solo travel. Petty crime is so low that Koreans will leave bags and phones unattended at tables, and walking outside at night is very safe. As with any country, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your belongings close. Certain neighborhoods have greater risks, so research ahead of time.

Effectively, no. As explained, most Koreans in theory know basic English, but the vast majority can not have a conversation. Seoul will have English services in popular areas for tourism but do not rely on it, especially away from the city. There is a translation app called Papago, made specifically for Korean translation. Thankfully, Koreans are very polite and patient when translating. In 5 years we have not experienced an issue.

Korea experiences all four seasons, each offering beautiful scenery due to its mountainous landscape. The best times to visit are May-June for cherry blossoms and September-October for autumn leaves. The rainy season lasts from July to mid-August, bringing heavy rain. August is hot and muggy, with peak temperatures around 35°C. Leaves fall in November, and temperatures drop below freezing in January.

Cultural Etiquette is usually a big concern when traveling to Asia. Due to American influence, Korea has adopted many Western Etiquette practices, and so it is generally very familiar to travel compared to countries like Japan and China. Abide by common sense Etiquette and you will be just fine. Don’t talk loud on public transit, don’t litter, don’t block pathways, be patient with service providers, form orderly lines, and stand on the right side of escalators. Also, Korea LOVES taking photos, so don’t worry about where to point cameras.

The currency of Korea is the Won. It is heavily inflated with ₩1000 usually equal to $0.70 or €0.60. $700 is 1 million won, meaning you will likely be a “millionaire” while visiting.

Card payment is by far the most common way to pay in Korea, with some establishments not accepting cash. However, refilling Tmoney cards requires cash, so we recommend you bring at least ₩10,000 per person per day for transit costs. ATMs are also widely available.

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