Prep For Korea: Pre-Travel Checklist

South Korea has become a major travel destination in recent years, with its cutting-edge technology, world-class cuisine, and chart-topping pop bands. Before booking a trip to Korea, it is essential to research visas, COVID restrictions, and airport transfers. Here are some key things to do before travelling to South Korea:

- Obtain a visa: Most travellers can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days, but they still need to apply for a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) on the K-ETA website at least 72 hours before departure.

- Learn basic Korean phrases: While English is widely spoken in South Korea, it is beneficial to learn some basic Korean phrases out of respect for the local culture and to facilitate communication with locals.

- Download a navigation app: Google Maps is not commonly used in South Korea, so it is recommended to download navigation apps such as KakaoMap or Naver Map to help you get around.

- Research cultural etiquette: It is important to be aware of cultural differences and social etiquette in South Korea. For example, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's house or certain establishments.

- Be prepared for spicy food: Korean food is often spicy, and it is served with kimchi, a spicy side dish, at every meal. If you cannot handle spicy food, consider opting for sushi, western-style restaurants, or dishes like chook (rice porridge).

- Plan your trip for spring or autumn: These seasons offer the most comfortable weather for visitors, with spring showcasing the country's famous cherry blossoms and autumn displaying vibrant foliage.

- Consider purchasing a local SIM card: While not necessary, a local SIM card can be useful for translation, navigation, and staying connected during your trip.

Learn basic Korean phrases

Learning basic Korean phrases is a great idea if you're travelling to Korea. Basic English is widely understood in Korea by folks under 50, and signage is almost always in both Korean and English. However, it's still a good (and respectful) idea to learn some of the local language. Here are some key phrases to get you started:

• Hello – 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
• Thank you – 고맙습니다 (go-map-seum-ni-da)
• You're welcome – 천만에요 (cheon-man-e-yo)
• Excuse me – 실례합니다 (sill-ye-ham-ni-da)
• Sorry – 미안합니다 (mi-an-ham-ni-da)
• Goodbye – 안녕히 가세요 (an-nyeon-ghi ga-se-yo)

If you want to take things a step further, here are some more useful phrases:

• Where is the bathroom? – 화장실이 어디예요? (hwa-jang-shil-ee uh-di-eh-yo?)
• How much is it? – 얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?)
• I'm lost – 길을 잃었어요 (gil-eul ilh-uhb-suh-yo)
• Do you speak English? – 영어 할 수 있어요? (yung-uh hal su-eet-suh-yo?)
• I don't understand – 잘 모르겠네요 (jal mo-reu-geht-neh-yo)
• I don't speak Korean well – 한국말 잘 못해요 (hangungmal jal motaeyo)
• Please give me... – [object] + 주세요 ([object] + ju-se-yo)
• How are you? – 어떻게 지내세요? (eo-ddeoh-ke ji-nae-seh-yo?)
• I am good – 잘 지내요 (jal ji-nae-yo)
• What is your name? – 이름이 뭐예요? (i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?)
• My name is ______ – 제 이름은 ____ (je i-reum-i ____)
• Nice to meet you – 반갑습니다 (ban-gap-sum-ni-da)
• Good morning – 좋은 아침 (jo-eun a-chim)
• Good afternoon – 좋은 저녁 (jo-eun jeo-nyeok)
• Good evening – 좋은 저녁 (jo-eun jeo-nyeok)

Download a Korean navigation app

It's a good idea to download a navigation app before travelling to South Korea, as Google Maps is not commonly used there and many locations are not marked on the app.

KakaoMap

KakaoMap is a good alternative to Google Maps. It provides detailed directions and travel times, and has options for different types of transport: walking, cycling, driving, or using public transport. If you're on foot, it will keep you safe by suggesting pedestrian-friendly routes. It will also help you track your stops if you're using public transport, such as the subway. KakaoMap is also useful for finding user-generated content, such as photos and reviews of places. However, reviews are mostly in Korean.

Naver Map

Naver Map is another popular choice for navigation in South Korea. It has the most detailed maps and navigation information, and records real-time information from users to optimise its navigation system. It also has several user-friendly features, some of which are designed specifically for tourists. For example, you can preview the street you'll be visiting, and rotate the street view 360 degrees to find landmarks and other prominent places nearby. Naver Map is great for looking up transportation directions, such as public transport, biking, and bus routes. However, it may be difficult to find results in English.

Other Options

Other navigation apps that you can use in South Korea include T Map, One Navi, and Google Maps. T Map has excellent AI features and safety functions, such as a 'children protection path' that warns you about school zones. One Navi is a good option for drivers, as it provides traffic reports and helps minimise fuel costs by suggesting the shortest route and guiding you to cheaper gas stations. Google Maps is familiar to many people, and has a useful offline map option.

Research tipping etiquette

Tipping etiquette varies across the world, and it is always a good idea to research this before travelling to a new country. In South Korea, tipping is not common, but this trend seems to be shifting as the country is exposed to more Western culture.

In hotels, tipping is not customary, but bellboys and housekeepers may be grateful for tips from tourists. If you do decide to tip, the amount is entirely up to you.

In restaurants, tipping is not recommended, especially in Korean restaurants. However, in Western-style restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is recommended. If you do decide to tip, give the money directly to the waiter.

In bars, you will likely receive free refills and will not be expected to tip.

Spa staff do not expect tips, and in most big areas, such as spas and large restaurants, staff will politely refuse tips, saying it is against company policy. You could offer a small tip to your massage therapist as a token of appreciation, but this is not expected.

Tour guides in South Korea will not expect a tip, even though many Western tourists often tip between 5 and 10% of the tour price.

Taxi drivers will appreciate it if you tell them to keep the change, but this is not expected, and they will be confused if you try to give them any more than that.

Hairdressers in South Korea do not expect tips, and you may even surprise them if you do decide to tip.

Overall, while tipping is becoming more common in South Korea due to Western influence, it is not obligatory and should not be insisted upon, as this may be considered rude.

Check visa requirements

When travelling to South Korea, it is important to check the visa requirements for your country of citizenship.

US Citizens

US citizens with a valid passport can visit South Korea for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa. This exemption is in place until December 31, 2024. However, they will still need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) on the K-ETA website at least 72 hours before departure. The K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens are also exempt from the K-ETA requirement until December 31, 2024. Their passports must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from South Korea.

Other Citizens

Citizens of other countries should refer to the Korea Immigration Service website for visa information. A single-entry visa for a stay of no more than 90 days typically costs between US$30 and US$130. A multiple-entry visa will cost between US$60 and US$250.

Application Process

The visa application can be submitted in person at a Korean consulate office during business hours or by mail. The application process usually takes two weeks. If applying by mail, additional documents may be requested, so it is important to apply well in advance.

General Requirements

Regardless of citizenship, the following are typically required for a visa application:

• A valid passport signed and valid for more than six months, with at least one blank visa page.
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• One passport photo taken within the last six months.
• Visa application fee, which varies by country of citizenship.
• A pre-paid and self-addressed envelope for the return of the passport.

Learn about Korean culture and etiquette

Greeting people

The traditional Korean greeting is a bow. However, this is often accompanied by a handshake between men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand. Korean women usually nod slightly and will not shake hands with Western men. However, a Western woman may offer her hand to a Korean man. It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with their given name. Use appropriate professional titles until specifically invited to use their given names.

Respecting elders

Respect should always be shown to those older than you. This involves deferring to their opinion, waiting for their input, and lowering your gaze if they are an elder. When dining in a formal setting, the eldest person should be served first, and everyone else should wait for them to begin eating.

Dressing appropriately

Koreans dress well, so dress accordingly to show respect. A formal suit and tie are almost always appropriate. Koreans dress up for city activities, especially in Seoul. Women should dress modestly and avoid straight, tight skirts.

Table manners

Basic hygiene is noticed and appreciated. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching other people or things if they are dirty. Food should not be eaten with your fingers. Spoons are used to eat soup, but chopsticks are used for everything else. Do not leave your chopsticks standing straight in your food, as this is a symbol of death and bad luck. You can keep your chopsticks on top of or beside your bowl.

Drinking culture

Drinking is a significant part of Korean culture, especially for men, as it gives them status and proves their stamina and machismo. If you do not want to participate in drinking, give a sincere reason such as medical or religious grounds. Do not make an excuse that could be interpreted as judging the morals of those who are drinking. Avoid emptying your glass if you have had enough to drink, and fill others' glasses before your own. In a formal setting, do not fill your own drink; wait for someone else to fill it for you.

Gift-giving

Gift-giving is very common in Korea. Offer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver. If you receive a gift from a Korean colleague, reciprocate with a gift of similar value. Koreans like regional gifts from the United States and Indian or Western artefacts. Wrap your gift nicely in bright colours. Avoid wrapping gifts in dark colours or red.

Frequently asked questions