Gwanghwamun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

South Korea blends ultra-modern cities, historic temples, mountain landscapes and incredible food. This guide gives first-time visitors practical, friendly tips to navigate Korean culture, transportation, top attractions and everyday travel.

🧭 1. Cultural Tips

Bukchon Hanok Village – traditional Korean homes

👋 Greetings & Manners

• A light bow is a polite greeting.
• Use two hands when giving or receiving items.
• Remove shoes in homes and some restaurants.

🍽 Restaurant Etiquette

• Sharing dishes is normal.
• Do not place chopsticks upright in rice.
• No need to leave tips.

💬 Useful Korean Phrases

• 안녕하세요 – Hello
• 감사합니다 – Thank you
• 주세요 – Please give me…
• 화장실 어디예요? – Where is the bathroom?

🚇 2. Transportation Tips

Seoul Metro subway

🏙 Subway

• Fast, clean, and easy to use.
• English signs in major cities.
• Use KakaoMetro or Subway Korea apps.

🚌 Buses

Seoul city buses

• Blue – long city routes
• Green – neighborhood routes
• Red – express suburban buses

🚖 Taxis

• Safe and inexpensive.
• Use the Kakao T app.

🚅 KTX High-Speed Trains

KTX high-speed train

• Seoul ↔ Busan in ~2.5 hours.
• Connects all major Korean cities.

💳 T-money Card

Universal transit card for buses, subways and many taxis.

🌟 3. Must-Visit Attractions

🏯 Seoul

Seoul skyline from Namsan

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Myeongdong
• Hongdae
• N Seoul Tower

🌊 Busan

Haeundae Beach, Busan

• Haeundae Beach
• Gamcheon Culture Village
• Jagalchi Fish Market

🌿 Jeju Island

Seongsan Ilchulbong – Sunrise Peak

• Hallasan National Park
• Sunrise Peak
• Jeju beaches and cafés

🕯 Gyeongju

Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju

Known as the "museum without walls," rich with ancient temples and royal tombs.

🛡 4. Safety Notes

Seoul at night

• Very safe for solo travelers.
• Bright streets and lots of CCTV.
• Beware of overpriced nightlife spots.
• Weather alerts on phones are normal.

💸 5. Budgeting Tips

Affordable Korean street food

• Meals: 6,000–25,000 KRW
• Transport: ~1,250–1,450 KRW
• Hotels: 70,000–160,000 KRW

Money-Saving

• T-money card
• Local diners (shikdang)
• Intercity buses over KTX

📱 Useful Apps

Helpful Korean travel apps

• Naver Map – Best for navigation in South Korea.
  Android iOS


• KakaoMap – Great walking and driving directions.
  Android


• Papago – Excellent Korean ↔ English translation.
  Web Android


• Kakao T (Taxi) – Main taxi app in Korea.
  Android


• Subway Korea – Subway map & line info.
  Android


• KakaoMetro – Easy subway route planner.
  Android iOS

🎉 Final Travel Tips

• Carry a portable charger.
• Convenience stores have great cheap meals.
• Explore side streets for hidden gems.
• Locals are helpful—don’t hesitate to ask questions.