Welcome to South Korea 😊

Quick Facts About South Korea

Money and Finances

The currency used in South Korea is the South Korean won (KRW). Notes come in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 won, while coins come in denominations of 10, 50, 100, and 500 won.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in South Korea, especially in urban areas. Most accept international debit or credit cards, but it is always a good idea to check with your own bank before travelling to ensure that your card will work.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in South Korea, particularly in larger establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and department stores. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while AMEX is generally accepted in larger establishments but less so in smaller ones. Overall, using credit cards in South Korea is relatively easy and convenient.

Internet and Phones

South Korea has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world with an average download speed of 95 Mbps and an average upload speed of 17 Mbps. However, there are some restrictions on internet use due to government censorship and monitoring.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

South Korea has three major telco companies: SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 50,000 won per month and there are no sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to South Korea

To call South Korea from another country, dial the international access code followed by 82 (South Korea's country code) and then the area code and phone number. The area code for Seoul is 2 and for other regions, it ranges from 31 to 64.

Transport Around South Korea

Air Travel

South Korea has two major international airports: Incheon International Airport located in Incheon, and Gimpo International Airport located in Seoul.

Train Travel

South Korea has an extensive intercity train network, including the KTX (Korea Train Express) that operates at high speeds. Example ticket prices for an intercity trip from Seoul to Busan range from KRW 44,600 to KRW 59,800, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

South Korea has extensive metro systems in major cities such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon. The Seoul metro system alone has 21 lines with over 660 stations.

Buses

South Korea has a comprehensive bus network that serves both urban and intercity routes. Example ticket prices for an intercity trip from Seoul to Busan range from KRW 20,000 to KRW 30,000, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours.

Rideshare

South Korea has several popular ridesharing apps such as KakaoTaxi and Tada. The average cost for a 10km trip within a major city is around KRW 10,000.

Driving by Car

Driving in South Korea can be challenging for foreigners due to the heavy traffic and complex road networks. Speed limits are generally 60 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h on highways. South Korea uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In South Korea, it is common to bow as a form of greeting. Tipping is not a widespread custom, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas. If you do choose to tip, rounding up the bill is generally acceptable. Locals address each other by family name followed by an honorific title depending on the age and gender of the person. It is polite to wait until a stranger introduces themselves before initiating conversation. Men and women typically address each other with honorific titles rather than using first names.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

South Korea has a universal healthcare insurance system that covers all citizens. The cost for a visit to a primary care physician is around 3,000-5,000 KRW (2.50-4.20 USD) and for a specialist it ranges from 20,000-50,000 KRW (16.80-42.00 USD). The country also has a high-quality medical infrastructure with modern hospitals and clinics. Expats can also purchase private health insurance if they prefer.

COVID Situation

South Korea implemented aggressive testing and contact tracing to control the spread of COVID-19. The country also had a strong culture of mask-wearing and social distancing. As of August 2021, there have been over 216,000 confirmed cases and over 2,100 deaths in the country. The vaccination rates in the country are also high, as over 70% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Common Health Risks

South Korea is generally a safe country with no major health risks. However, visitors should be aware of the high level of air pollution in some areas, especially during winter months. Visitors should also take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as there have been cases of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses in the country. The country also experiences occasional food safety issues, particularly with seafood, so visitors should be cautious of where and what they eat.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

The legal drinking age in South Korea is 19 years old. Public drinking is allowed in designated areas and there are regulations on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places. There are some restrictions on drinking alcohol in certain areas such as schools, hospitals and government buildings. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in South Korea and can result in severe punishment. Possession of any illegal drugs, including marijuana, can result in imprisonment and heavy fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no laws prohibiting premarital relationships in South Korea. However, the cultural expectation is to refrain from sexual activity before marriage.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in South Korea, but same-sex marriage is not recognized and LGBTQ individuals do not have the same legal protections as heterosexual individuals. Discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ individuals is still prevalent in South Korea.

Firearms / Guns

The laws regarding firearms in South Korea are very strict. Private ownership of guns is illegal, except for certain limited circumstances such as hunting or sport shooting, and even then, there are extensive regulations and background checks required.