Travel Essentials for Korea: Complete 2026 Tourist Guide

Overview

South Korea is one of the most tourist-friendly countries in Asia. The public transit system is world-class, English signage is common in Seoul and major cities, and the country is remarkably safe. That said, there are a few things that catch first-time visitors off guard: Google Maps does not work well here, most restaurants are cash-optional but some traditional markets are cash-only, and the language barrier can be real outside of tourist areas.

This guide covers everything you need to prepare before and immediately after landing. Whether you are visiting for a week or a month, getting these basics right will make your trip significantly smoother.

Incheon Airport guide

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the main gateway to South Korea. It is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world and is located about 60 km west of central Seoul.

Arrival process

Getting to Seoul

SIM cards and WiFi

Staying connected in Korea is easy. You have several options depending on your budget and how long you are staying. Korea has some of the fastest mobile internet speeds in the world, so even budget SIM options will feel fast.

Your options

Money and payments

South Korea is predominantly a card-based society. Credit and debit cards are accepted at the vast majority of restaurants, shops, convenience stores, and even street food vendors. Samsung Pay and Apple Pay are widely accepted through contactless terminals.

Where to exchange money

• •Best rates: Money exchange shops in Myeongdong or Hongdae. These small, licensed shops offer significantly better rates than banks or the airport.
• •Decent rates: Banks and ATMs. Look for Global ATMs (Hana, Shinhan) that accept foreign cards. 7-Eleven ATMs also work with international cards.
• •Worst rates: Airport exchange counters. Only exchange a small amount at the airport (50,000- 100,000 KRW) and get the rest in the city.

Card vs. cash culture

Korea is one of the most cashless societies in the world. International Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most businesses. Samsung Pay and Apple Pay work at nearly all card terminals, including those that do not show a contactless symbol.

That said, keep some cash for traditional markets (like Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Market), small street food stalls, and older neighborhood restaurants. A good rule of thumb: carry 30,000-50,000 KRW in cash as backup.

T-money card

T-money is Korea's rechargeable transit card. It works on all subways, buses, and even in convenience stores and taxis across the entire country. It also gives you a small discount on transit fares compared to paying cash, and allows free transfers between bus and subway within 30 minutes.

A single subway ride in Seoul costs 1,550 KRW with T-money (1,500 KRW with a single-use ticket). For a typical tourist day in Seoul, budget about 5,000-8,000 KRW for transit. Load 20,000-30,000 KRW to start and top up as needed.

Essential apps

Google Maps has very limited navigation and transit data in Korea due to government mapping restrictions. These apps are what locals and experienced tourists actually use.

Power and adapters

Korea uses the European-style round two-pin plugs (Type C and Type F). If you are coming from the US, UK, or Australia, you will need an adapter. Most modern phone chargers and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter.

You can buy adapters at convenience stores, Daiso (Korea's dollar store chain), or electronics markets like Yongsan. Many hotels also provide universal adapters or have Type C outlets at the desk.

Weather and packing

Korea has four distinct seasons with significant temperature variation. What you pack depends entirely on when you visit.

Safety and emergency

South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty theft is uncommon even in major cities. It is perfectly normal to see people leave bags and laptops unattended in cafes while they order at the counter.

• •All emergency lines have English-speaking operators or can connect you to one
• •Pharmacies are everywhere and marked with a green cross. Common medications are available over the counter.
• •Tap water is technically safe but most locals and tourists drink filtered or bottled water
• •Hospitals in Seoul have international clinics with English-speaking doctors (Severance, Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center)

Useful Korean phrases

You do not need to speak Korean to get around, but knowing a few basic phrases goes a long way. Koreans genuinely appreciate any effort to speak their language, even if your pronunciation is not perfect.

Frequently asked questions