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Wondering what to keep in mind when traveling to South Korea? Check out these tips for first-time travelers to South Korea to explore confidently like a local!
With its unique cultural beauty and the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, South Korea is an ideal destination for travelers worldwide. From the vibrant city of Seoul to the stunning natural landscapes of Jeju Island, this country promises diverse and memorable experiences.
Traveling to South Korea can be an exciting experience, but it may pose challenges for those who have never been to the land of kimchi. In this article, Mytour Vietnam shares with you 10 tips for first-time travelers to South Korea. How does South Korean local culture differ from Vietnam? What are the signature dishes and how to get around in South Korea? Follow the article and save these useful information!
What to Keep in Mind for First-Time Travelers to South Korea?
1. Prepare All Necessary Documents
Preparing all necessary documents is a crucial step when you plan to travel to South Korea. First, obtaining a visa is something you need to do before your trip. According to the diplomatic agreement between South Korea and Vietnam, Vietnamese citizens are only exempt from visas when traveling to Jeju. If you plan to visit other destinations in South Korea, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. The visa application process does not require an interview, but you need to prepare complete and accurate documents to ensure a smooth visa issuance.
To apply for a South Korean tourist visa, you need to prepare documents such as your original passport valid for at least 6 months, passport photos, a copy of your ID card, a notarized household registration book, a visa application form for traveling to South Korea, proof of financial means (with at least $5,000 in savings), round-trip flight and hotel bookings in South Korea, along with your travel itinerary in South Korea.
It's advisable to apply for a visa to South Korea 1 to 2 months before your trip to avoid the risk of delayed or canceled travel due to late visa issuance. You can use professional South Korean Visa Services on Mytour Vietnam for a quick and cost-saving process!
2. When is the Best Time to Travel to South Korea?
Choosing the best time to travel to South Korea depends on personal preferences and the experiences you want to enjoy. Each season of the year offers unique experiences with enchanting landscapes.
Spring, from March to May, is a romantic time with the blooming of countless flowers, notably cherry blossoms. Destinations such as Yeouido Park, Changgyeonggung Palace, or Ssanggyesa Temple are ideal places to admire the pure beauty of spring.
Summer, from June to August, is a fantastic time to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities at places like Haeundae Beach in Busan or Jeju Island.
Autumn, from September to November, is the ideal time to explore the beauty of changing foliage and visit parks like Namsan Park in Seoul.
Winter, from December to February, offers exciting experiences with winter activities such as skiing in areas like Gangwon, or indulging in hot cuisine with soju.
3. Exchange Cash for Convenience
Before embarking on your journey to explore South Korea, a crucial step is to exchange cash for convenience throughout your trip. You won't be able to use Vietnamese currency for payments in South Korea, so prepare in advance and exchange to South Korean Won or US Dollars. Although there are currency exchange points at the airport, exchanging beforehand in Vietnam will save you a significant fee.
In South Korea, cash is commonly used, including both bills and coins. Coins come in denominations like 10, 50, 100, and 500 won, while bills usually have larger denominations such as 1000, 5000, and 10000 won. Exchanging both types of currency will make spending more convenient. Additionally, many malls, restaurants, and hotels in South Korea accept payments with international cards like Visa or MasterCard.
4. Pre-Book Accommodation in Korea
Choosing accommodation is a crucial part of creating a memorable experience during your trip to Korea. Depending on your destination and personal preferences, you can choose from luxurious hotels, budget-friendly guesthouses, to traditional homestays.
For convenience in exploring tourist attractions and enjoying local cuisine, selecting a hotel in central areas like Myeongdong in Seoul is an excellent choice. It boasts a developed public transportation system, making it easy to travel to attractions and go shopping. Additionally, Myeongdong is famous for its diverse shopping outlets and culinary specialties, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.
Note that the check-in and check-out times for hotels in Korea are typically from 1-2 PM and 11 AM, respectively. This should be taken into consideration when planning and booking to avoid inconvenience or unexpected additional costs.
5. Monitor Weather Conditions and Pack Luggage
When packing luggage for your trip to Korea, monitoring the weather is extremely important. With significant changes between seasons, careful consideration is needed to bring suitable backup clothing. In spring and autumn, the weather in Korea is usually mild and pleasant, but in summer, temperatures can soar high, accompanied by intense sunlight. Winter is freezing and may experience snowfall, especially in high-altitude areas.
When packing your luggage, remember to bring suitable clothing for the weather conditions, including warm jackets, raincoats, and comfortable shoes for walking. Also, remember to pack personal items such as toothpaste, a comb, and shampoo, as not all hotels provide them for free. Additionally, bring along common medications like pain relievers, cold medicine, and adhesive bandages. Other essential items include phone chargers, adapter plugs, USB cables, and electronic maps.
Also, remember to check the airline's regulations regarding prohibited items such as sharp objects like knives and scissors when boarding the plane to avoid unwanted trouble.
6. Choose Suitable Transportation in Korea
The public transportation system in Korea is well-developed and diverse, including subways, buses, taxis, and trains.
If you're in the city and need to travel between tourist spots in the area, subways and buses are the top choices. The subway system is very convenient with high operating frequencies and extensive networks. Buses, distinguished by color and number, also provide routes connecting to major tourist attractions.
Meanwhile, if you want to travel quickly and conveniently, taxis are a good option. However, be mindful of the fares, especially during peak hours when you may encounter traffic congestion.
For suburban or intercity tourist spots, trains are the ideal mode of transportation. The Korail Pass card will help you save costs for traveling on Korea's train system.
7. Must-Try Korean Foods
When in Korea, you cannot miss the opportunity to indulge in the country's signature dishes. Here's a list of must-try foods when traveling in Korea:
- Kimchi: This dish is a cultural icon of Korea. Try various types of kimchi such as cabbage kimchi, green onion kimchi, and radish kimchi.
- Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes are one of the most popular street foods in Korea. The spicy, sweet, and chewy flavor of tteokbokki will captivate you.
- Bulgogi: Seasoned and grilled beef served with vegetables and white rice is a special culinary experience.
- Naengmyeon: This is a cold noodle dish, perfect for hot summer days. Try this unique dish when in Korea during the summer.
- Sundubu Jjigae: Spicy soft tofu soup, deliciously flavorful and aromatic Korean cuisine.
- Mandu Kimchi: Kimchi dumplings are a great choice to enjoy the distinctive taste of Korea.
- Nakji Bokkeum: Spicy stir-fried octopus is a longstanding dish with a special, irresistible flavor.
8. Famous Tourist Destinations in Korea
Korea is a country rich in diverse destinations, suitable for all travel preferences. To satisfy the wanderlust of travelers, here are some famous tourist destinations:
- Jeju Island: With beautiful beaches, picturesque cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, and delicious fresh seafood, Jeju is a paradise for nature lovers.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: As a symbol of Korean history and culture, this palace is located in the heart of Seoul and is where you can explore the Joseon Dynasty.
- Bulguksa Temple: Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju is one of Korea's most important spiritual sites, and the oldest.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: This is a traditional village with beautiful Hanok houses, allowing visitors to experience the traditional life of Koreans.
- Seoraksan Mountain: One of the most popular hiking destinations in Korea, with stunning natural landscapes and diverse hiking trails.
- Nami Island: Famous for its romantic scenery, this is where the famous drama 'Winter Sonata' was filmed. If you're a fan of the drama or love capturing romantic photos, this is the destination you shouldn't miss.
- Busan City: With Haeundae Beach and Jagalchi Market, Busan is an ideal destination for those who love beach tourism and local cuisine.
These destinations not only provide unique experiences for travelers but also help you understand more deeply about the culture and history of Korea.
9. What to Buy as Gifts When Traveling to Korea?
When traveling to Korea, buying gifts is an essential part of exploring the culture and traditions of this country. There are many unique and meaningful choices to bring back as gifts for friends, family, or as souvenirs of your trip.
One of the most highly regarded and popular gifts is Korean ginseng. With its remarkable health benefits, ginseng is the ideal choice for giving to loved ones or friends.
Additionally, you can also choose to buy dried persimmons, reishi mushrooms, or Makgeolli rice wine as souvenirs. These products are not only unique but also offer many health benefits.
If you're into fashion and beauty, Korean cosmetics and traditional clothing like hanbok are also must-have choices. Handcrafted art items such as traditional masks or hanbok dolls are also unique and meaningful gifts.
Finally, don't forget to bring back some K-pop and K-drama merchandise as gifts for those who love Korean culture and entertainment industry.
10. Etiquette Rules to Know in Korea
When traveling in Korea, understanding and adhering to etiquette rules is crucial to show respect for the local culture. Some basic rules include:
- Remove shoes before entering a house: This is an essential part of Korean culture; remember to take off your shoes before entering a house or places like restaurants, museums, and temples.
- Street etiquette: Korean streets are often crowded, especially in areas with a high concentration of food and entertainment services. Being pushed around is common, so be patient and understanding when navigating through the crowds.
- Table manners: When dining with Koreans, pay attention to wait for the oldest person to start eating and follow rules like not sticking chopsticks vertically into rice bowls and not lifting bowls while eating.
- Drinking etiquette: When drinking alcohol, pour drinks for others first and allow others to pour for you. Use both hands to pour drinks for those older than you to show respect.
With its picturesque nature, distinctive culture, and impressive cuisine, Korea is a destination you shouldn't miss on the travel map. To prepare for a smooth and memorable trip, keep these tips for first-time travelers to Korea in mind.
Check out more awesome travel experiences in Korea from Mytour blog: Traveling to Korea: DIY Korea Travel Experience 2024, 5 Days 4 Nights Korea Travel Experience for Independent Travelers, 25 Breathtaking Korea Travel Destinations You Must Visit, 25 Exciting Korea Tours for Independent Travelers, 20 Beautiful Korea Scenes for a Dreamy Trip.
Have you taken note of the first-time traveler tips for visiting South Korea?
