Korea Tips for Travelers

Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by Christine Kaaloa

me and korea Anyong!

I’ve lived in South Korea for a little over a year. While I was there, I documented a lot, not only for family and friends back home who were curious but also for fellow travelers and expat who wanted to visit some of the places I’ve gone to. Thus, most of these articles are directed to my Grrrl Traveler travel site.

General tips:

1. Be prepared to walk A LOT

I’m not kidding. Korean seniors are fit and active people; they make westerners look slothful. Taking the Seoul metro? Prepare to climb stairs (sometimes, levels). Korea does have escalators, but usually it’s for intense climbs– hiking a floor or three with luggage does get sympathy from Korea. Hiking and is a favorite national pastime and mountains in Korea are nothing to sneeze at. It’s common to see 60 year ajusshis and ajummas trotting up steep slopes that might have you wheezing. Walking trails are an element of Korea.

2. Food Etiquette

Know that food in Korea is spicy.

However you’ve had it at home, it’s probably going to be a bit spicier. Your nose will run and you’ll be tempted to blow. Basically, the spice is common.

Bibimbap is your best friend.

When you get there, you might be timid about trying the food. Especially if there are no English menus. If your stomach can’t handle a lot of spice, then consider sushi restaurants, western restaurants, kimbap restaurants (sushi rolls), chook (aka rice porridge).

Don’t blow your nose at a meal

Ever. It’s considered rude to blow your nose in general, but especially while you’re eating. Politely dab it dry.

3. Bring your own medicines

Korea has many pharmacies (called “Yook/Yuk” ) but they don’t sell U.S. brands.

When I travel, I always make a medicine pouch of Tylenol, multi-symptom cold strip medicine and Dramamine. While you may find a Korean equivalent, it’ll hold your travels up if you have to look for it. With the dramamine, it’s handy to have in the case I’m on a boat and waters get choppy. The ferries in Korea aren’t bad but you never can tell how you’ll handle it. My mom actually got a little sick riding on the bus… the bus drivers in Korea are good as race car drivers at times; you won’t always get a smooth ride.

Asian sick masks are common If you have a cold or hit yellow dust pollution season, you could buy a sick mask. Korea has a cute selection so I’d get it there and bring it back as a souvenir. .

4. Bring a 220 volt adapter

The U.S. standard outlet feeds 110V and most of Asia runs on 220V. Yes, that’s extra voltage. If your equipment overheads quickly, I’d discontinue use. Read the white labels on your tech plugs or engravings on your equipment; look for the voltage it can handle. Many things like cellphones, cameras, computers can handle up to 220v, but you’ll need to check. Many Korean hotels can be a bit westernized so they may have western outlets and stuff like hair dryers, irons, etc…

5. Do rent a mobile phone

Generally found in the airports (ask the information desk) and are rented on a daily basis. They are super cheap but it depends on your usage. The rental alone might cost you aroudn $24/week.

6. Bring your favorite products If you have a favorite brand of hair product or tampon, etc… Bring it. Korea will have a Korean version and they may be just as good, if not better, but most labels are in Korean.

.Does Korea have tampons and deodorant?

Yes. Before I left for Korea, there had been some drama on the forums, saying that Korea doesn’t have these things. It does. But once again, it’s finding these things. Convenience stores occasionally stock them.

6. Take a Korean phrasebook with you

Korea isn’t quite international friendly yet. They’re trying to punch up their English but you’ll come across many Koreans who still don’t know it. .

7. Don’t be surprised if you have to use a squat toilet.

Western toilets are becoming more and more available in Korea, but beware there may be times when you will have no choice but to use a squat toilet. For those of you who have never seen a squat toilet or know how to use one, click here. . .