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South Korea

대한민국

Land of the Morning Calm

Last updated: 2025-03-25

Essential Phrases

Hello

안녕하세요

An-nyeong-ha-se-yo

Thank you

감사합니다

Gam-sa-ham-ni-da

Yes

Ne

No

아니요

Ah-ni-yo

Excuse me

실례합니다

Shil-lye-ham-ni-da

Sorry

죄송합니다

Joe-song-ham-ni-da

Please

제발

Je-bal

Help!

도와주세요!

Do-wa-ju-se-yo

Where is...?

...어디에 있어요?

...eo-di-e iss-eo-yo

How much?

얼마예요?

Eol-ma-ye-yo

Cheers!

건배!

Gun-bae

Goodbye

안녕히 가세요

An-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo

Emergency Contacts

Police

112

Police

Ambulance

119

Medical emergency

Fire

119

Fire

Tourist Police

1330

Tourist Information (24/7)

US Embassy Seoul

+82 2 397-4000

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Money & ATM Reality

Currency

South Korean Won

KRW

1 USD ≈ 1,330 KRW (approximate)

ATM & Card Access

ATM Availabilitywidespread
Card Acceptancehigh
Cash PreferredNo

ATM Fees: 0-2000 KRW

  • Card widely accepted
  • Tipping not expected
  • ATMs everywhere

Internet & Connectivity

Free WiFiabundant
SIM Card Tips
  • KT
  • SKT
  • LG U+ - Tourist SIM: ₩20,000-50,000

Popular Apps

KakaoTalkGoogle MapsNaver MapUber

Safety Index

9
Overall
/ 10
Based on Global Peace Index & US Dept of State Travel Advisories

Crime Overview

Petty Theftlow
Violent Crimelow

Transportation

Excellent - KTX trains are great

Common Scams

  • Petty theft
  • Taxi scams

Areas to Avoid

  • Generally very safe

Natural Disaster Risks

  • Typhoons (summer/fall)
  • Earthquakes (rare)

Note: Safety ratings are based on Global Peace Index, US Department of State Travel Advisories, and local government sources. Ratings are subjective and should be used as a general guideline only. Always verify current travel advisories before your trip.

Solo Women Travelers

9
Overall
/ 10
Based on solo female traveler reviews & government advisories

Night Safety

safe

Dress Code

Casual - modest at temples

Harassment Risk

rare

Women-only transport options available

Tips

  • Very safe country
  • Women-only subway cars available
  • Excellent infrastructure

Note:Women safety ratings are based on solo female traveler experiences, TripAdvisor reviews, and US Department of State advisories. Every woman's experience may vary. Trust your instincts and research specific destinations.

Festivals & Events

September-OctoberMid-Autumn

Chuseok

cultural

Korean Thanksgiving

Impact:Family holiday - some closures
NovemberNovember

Seoul Lantern

cultural

Lantern festival

Impact:Beautiful and crowded

Offline Survival Kit

Documents

Passport (valid 6+ months)
Travel insurance

Apps

KakaoTalk
Naver Map
Google Maps

Downloads

Korean phrasebook

Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes
Layers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Korea safe for tourists?
South Korea has an overall safety rating of 9/10, making it very safe for tourists. Petty theft is low and violent crime is low. Areas to be cautious in include: Generally very safe. Always stay aware of your surroundings and take standard travel precautions.
Is South Korea safe for solo female travelers?
South Korea has a women's safety rating of 9/10, making it very safe for solo female travelers. Night safety is rated as "safe" and harassment is rare. Women-only transport options are available. Very safe country
Do I need a VPN in South Korea?
A VPN is not strictly necessary, but still useful for South Korea. There are no significant internet restrictions. Popular apps include KakaoTalk, Google Maps, Naver Map.
What scams should I watch out for in South Korea?
Common scams in South Korea include: Petty theft; Taxi scams. Always use reputable services, agree on prices before committing, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Should I use cash or card in South Korea?
Card payments are widely accepted in South Korea. The currency is South Korean Won (KRW). Card acceptance is high, especially in urban areas. Card widely accepted
What are the emergency numbers in South Korea?
Emergency numbers in South Korea: Police: 112. Ambulance: 119. Fire: 119. Tourist Police: 1330. The US Embassy in South Korea (US Embassy Seoul) can be reached at +82 2 397-4000.