Things to Know Before Traveling to South Korea

You’re making your first trip to South Korea. Useful travel advice will help you make the most of your trip by brushing up on Korean culture.

The Korean Alphabet is Easy as A-B-C

The official alphabet of the Korean language is called Hangul, which means “great script.” In contrast to Chinese, it is phonetic, consisting of letters that can be pronounced rather than learned characters. Although the script may appear impenetrable at first glance, the alphabet is actually extremely simple to master. Some people can learn it in a single day. Even if you don’t speak Korean, learning the alphabet will make traveling in Korea lot simpler because you’ll be able to identify food names on menus and locations on street signs.

Inexpensive Transportation

It is exceedingly simple (and inexpensive) to go around because of the incredible public transit system the nation has. Pick up a T-Money card when you get there, which may be used on public buses and subways in most major cities. It also offers discounts on rides during transfers and spares users the inconvenience of buying individual subway tickets for each trip. There are taxis almost everywhere, and the rates, which are dependent on time and distance, are reasonable. Stay away from “deluxe” or “black” taxis, which demand an extra for allegedly better services.

No Tipping Pls!!

Despite the frequently excellent service at restaurants (and really anywhere), gratuities are neither needed nor expected. Tipping is obviously appreciated by cab drivers, hairdressers, porters, and bellboys, but Koreans just do not have this custom. If you do decide to tip, you are under no obligation to do so.

South Korea is One of the Safest Countries in the World, but…

One of the lowest crime rates in the modern world is found in South Korea. Even while its metropolitan areas occasionally have drunken brawlers, petty thieves, and con artists, they are generally safe at any time of day as long as you are aware of your surroundings and maintain a low profile.

Having said that, it should be highlighted that occasionally the country’s legal judgments are unfairly skewed against foreign tourists and citizens. Walk away if a Korean approaches you in a bar. If you strike him back, you can end up in jail because the law is almost always going to side with the Koreans.

Public Bathrooms Can be a Bit Confusing

Even though many public restrooms have toilets in the Western design, it’s not unusual to see squatty potty. To prevent unwanted splashing, when using it, align the tips of your shoes with the front of the porcelain. Other restrooms might have an operating system akin to a remote control that can start a bidet or warm the toilet seat. Make sure you have enough before entering the stall because the toilet paper dispenser in some older buildings is outside the restroom door. Instead of flushing used toilet paper, place it in a garbage can to avoid clogging the toilet.

Put on shower shoes

It should be noted that a bathtub or covered shower is not common in Korean restrooms. Instead, a showerhead is affixed to the wall in the same space. Despite the fact that it saves room, this might make a bit of a mess, hence communal shower shoes are frequently offered in locations like low-cost motels. Bring a pair of your own shoes if you don’t like to share them with strangers.

The concept of personal space does not exist

There simply isn’t any personal space in Seoul or any other Korean city with a population of over 25 million. Pushing and shoving as a result is common. They aren’t even considered to be disrespectful gestures; rather, they are the norm. Therefore, don’t take it personally if you happen to get elbowed in the metro or shoved when you’re in line for the restroom.

Gifts Are Equivalent to Generosity

Gift-giving is a big deal in Korean culture, and it goes hand in hand with respect, harmony, and politeness in both personal and professional relationships. It is usual to offer a small gift, such as flowers or a bottle of wine, if you are asked to someone’s home to demonstrate your politeness. Gifts are never unwrapped in front of the giver and are always given with two hands.

Confucius Rules the Land

South Korea is a dynamic, contemporary nation with advanced technology. Despite this, Confucianism—a philosophy that fosters social peace and controls all relationships, no matter how insignificant they may be—between families, friends, coworkers, and even strangers—remains central to Chinese culture. Although newcomers might not identify the intricate details of the historic building, they can quickly pick up the essentials. Always accept when offered a shot of soju, be respectful to seniors (the Korean language has a special honorific speech just for this), and wait for your boss to finish supper before starting your own.