Currency South Korean won (KRW, ₩). No sub-units. Banknotes from 1,000 to 50,000 won (verify the exchange rate before travel).
Cards Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost universally, including at many market stalls and on the KTX.
Cash Useful at traditional markets, temples and street stalls. Carry 200–300 USD for emergencies and smaller markets.
T-money A prepaid card for the metro, bus, taxi and vending machines. Available at the airport — it saves money on every journey.
Exchange Currency exchange booths in Myeongdong and Itaewon offer better rates than the airport and hotels.
Tipping Not practised at restaurants or in taxis — service is included. A gratuity for private guides is a gesture, not an expectation.
Exemption Colombians, Mexicans, Spanish, Argentines, Chileans and many other nationalities do not require a tourist visa for short stays.
K-ETA The electronic travel authorisation is suspended for many passports until the end of 2026, simplifying entry. Verify its current status.
Passport Minimum validity of three months from entry; some consulates recommend six.
e-Arrival Card From 2026 this replaces the paper form. Complete it online up to 72 hours before your flight.
Documents Have your return ticket and proof of accommodation to hand in case immigration requests them.
Vaccinations None required for entry from Latin America or Europe under normal conditions.
Insurance Strongly recommended. Private hospitals in Seoul are excellent but can be costly without coverage.
Water Tap water is safe to drink, although most Koreans prefer bottled or filtered water for taste.
Air quality Seoul experiences fine-particle pollution episodes in March and April. Check the app and carry KF94 masks.
Pharmacies Green cross sign. Basic English spoken in urban areas, with a wide range of over-the-counter products.
KTX The bullet train reaches 305 km/h: Seoul to Busan in 2h 20m and to Gyeongju in 2h. The backbone of any internal journey.
Metro Seoul's metro is one of the most-used in the world: clean, punctual and with full bilingual signage.
Flights to Jeju One hour from Seoul. The Gimpo–Jeju route is the world's busiest; book in advance.
Apps Kakao T for taxis. Naver Maps and Kakao Maps for getting around: Google Maps has limited coverage in Korea.
Car hire Recommended only on Jeju. In cities, public transport is always the better option.
Official Korean, written in Hangul — a scientifically designed alphabet created in 1443 to be easy to learn.
English Functional in hotels, tourist restaurants and among young urban Koreans; limited at markets and in rural areas.
Translation Naver's Papago and Google Translate work well with the camera for reading menus.
Useful phrases Annyeong haseyo (hello) · gamsahamnida (thank you) · juseyo (please).
Our approach CocoVolare works with specialist cultural guides who translate context, not just language.
Greeting A slight bow. Handshakes only if the other person initiates. Physical contact is generally minimal.
At the table The eldest person begins eating first. Never stand chopsticks vertically in rice.
Soju etiquette When someone pours, hold your glass with both hands; do the same when you pour. The youngest person serves the eldest first.
Volume Talking loudly on the metro or in a restaurant is considered intrusive. A quiet tone is the norm.
Temples Remove shoes and enter in silence. Do not photograph monks without permission or touch statues.
01 · Capital
4–6 nights
