What Not To Do in South Korea: 18 Important Tips To Know

South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea, is located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. 

In South Korea, you’ll have the chance to learn South Korean history, eat delicious Korean foods, and take part in old traditions, like wearing hanbok, as well as new traditions, like K-pop. 

Knowing what not to do in South Korea will set you up for a smooth and memorable experience in this beautiful east Asian country. 

Read on to find out what not to do in South Korea, including must-know Korea travel tips, tips for visiting South Korea responsibly, and advice on cultural customs you should know before you go.

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What Not To Do in South Korea: 18 Important Tips To Know

Let’s dive into what not to do in South Korea!

1. Don’t Forget to Buy Mobile Data

Most hotels and guesthouses in South Korea provide WiFi, but having mobile data available is convenient for when you’re out for the day and don’t have WiFi access.

You have two good options for getting mobile data while in South Korea. Your first option is to purchase a physical SIM card. 

To do this, you have to find a vendor selling prepaid local SIM cards, and then go through the process of purchasing and enabling the SIM. 

There are shops in Incheon Airport where you can purchase a physical SIM. Tourist SIM cards are affordable and you can select how much mobile data you’d like. 

Your second option is to purchase an eSIM. An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that you can load into your device. 

With an eSIM, there’s no need for a physical SIM. Esims work exactly like traditional SIM cards, enabling your phone to connect to cellular networks and access mobile data. And eSIMs come with many benefits!

Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs can be remotely activated, allowing you to easily switch between mobile carriers or plans.

You don’t need to visit a storefront to buy an eSIM, you can purchase them online. The information needed to activate your eSIM is then sent to you over email or via an app.

For example, with aloSIM, you can use their free app to purchase an eSIM, and then a QR code is provided through the app to install it.  

2. Don’t Rely Only on Google Maps 

Google Maps doesn’t work very well in South Korea. This is because of Korean government regulations. The government wants all ownership and storage of its mapping data to be held in South Korea, for national security. 

As a result, you’ll need to download and use a Korean map app while in South Korea. The most accurate apps to use are Naver or KakaoMap.  

These map apps are available in English, and they can be used for everything from walking directions, to driving directions, and public transit routes. 

For public transit, they include helpful details like the best train car to board based on where you’re disembarking, and which station exit to use. 

3. Don’t Forget to Get a T-Money Card 

Fantastic public transport systems are found all throughout South Korea. Public transport is simple to use, affordable, and fast. Through a mixture of underground trains, buses, overground trains, and more, you can efficiently get wherever you need to go. 

It is possible to buy single-ride tickets at the station for each trip you take on a train or bus. But, I recommend getting a transport card. They are easy to buy and load, and make it much quicker to hop on and off public transport. 

Throughout Korea, buses and trains are operated by several different companies. You can pay for journeys with all operators with one transport card. There are three to choose from, but I recommend using T-money, because it’s the most widely accepted card. 

T-money cards can be purchased at any convenience store as well as in transport hubs. You will pay a small fee for the card, which is refunded if you decide to return the card at the end of your trip. You can then load your card with funds either in the convenience stores, or in the transport stations.  

T-money cards can be used in taxis, subways, and buses across the country. You can also pay for some store purchases using your T-money card. 

4. Don’t Go To Korea Without Cash

What not to do in South Korea? Forget to bring cash. 

Korea’s currency is the won. Paper money comes in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10,000, and 50,000 won bills. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500 won – you won’t often come across 1 and 5 won coins, though.

The majority of businesses in South Korea accept debit and credit cards. But you will still need to carry cash for the few scenarios where card payment isn’t accepted. 

Some small businesses will only accept cash, and buying food in markets is typically cash-only. Cash is also required for loading transit cards, like the T-money card, in convenience stores.

5. Don’t Forget to Learn Basic Korean Phrases

It’s always a good idea to learn some local language when in another country. As a guest, it shows respect and appreciation for the culture you’re visiting. 

We found that whenever we attempted to use Korean phrases while in South Korea, the people we were speaking to had an enthusiastic reaction. 

Sometimes they were impressed, other times they would laugh because yes, our pronunciation was pretty bad. But either way, it’s worth the effort for a chance to chat with people you meet while in South Korea.

To get you started, here are some basic phrases you can use while in South Korea:

• Yes – ne
• No – a-ni-yo
• Hello – an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
• Thank you – go-map-seum-ni-da
• You’re welcome – cheon-man-e-yo
• Excuse me – sill-ye-ham-ni-da
• Ok – gwaen-chan-a-yo
• Goodbye – an-nyeon-ghi ga-se-yo

6. Don’t Miss Going on a DMZ Tour

The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a heavily militarized strip of land running across the Korean peninsula near the 38th parallel north. The demilitarized zone serves as the border barrier between North Korea and South Korea.

Although what you physically see on a DMZ tour isn’t all that impressive, it’s an essential tour while in South Korea because it’s the best way to learn about the Korean War, and the ongoing tensions between South Korea and North Korea. 

This history of ongoing conflict and tension on the Korean Peninsula has shaped the South Korea we visit today, and so understanding that history (and current events) is important when visiting. 

On the DMZ tour, you see several points of interest within the DMZ, including tunnels that North Korea has dug in an attempt to attack South Korea, and the Dora Observatory, where you can look through binoculars to see into a propaganda village in North Korea. 

DMZ tours run out of Seoul. They are quite long because the DMZ is highly controlled. Most tours last all day, leaving around 7:00 AM and returning to Seoul around 4:00 PM. Although tours don’t include lunch, there are several stops on the tour where you’re able to purchase food. 

You can book this highly-rated DMZ Tour From Seoul, which includes an extra – a stop at a suspension bridge to take in some beautiful nature. 

7. Don’t Skip Staying in a Hanok 

What not to do in South Korea? Skip spending a night in a traditional Korean house, a hanok.

A hanok is a Korean building that is built using traditional architectural practices. Hanok were first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon dynasty, and have evolved throughout the dynasties.

Hanok homes have some unique features that make them very recognizable. Most notable about them is that they are designed and built to be one with nature. They are typically built using raw materials like soil, timber, and rock.

Inside them you’ll find lots of hanji, which is traditional Korean paper that is made from the bark of the mulberry tree. Hanji is used on flat surfaces inside the hanok, including walls, doors, the ceiling and even the floor. 

While traveling in South Korea, you’ll want to book at least one night in a traditional hanok. Staying in a hanok gives you the chance to see what these traditional homes are like inside, and they are often small guest houses run by Koreans, which means you have the chance to connect with a local family. 

You can find hanok stays through accommodation platforms like booking.com. Just search with the keyword “hanok.” Although you can find them all over South Korea, I recommend booking a hanok stay in Jeonju’s hanok village. This small city is close to Seoul and known for its historic buildings.

Many hanok houses provide traditional mats and blankets on the floor for sleeping instead of beds. If you prefer beds, look for a hanok stay that offers rooms with a bed. 

8. Don’t Overlook Korea’s Intercity Bus System 

South Korea has a reliable, well-connected train network that includes high-speed train routes (called KTX). But don’t overlook the bus system. 

The intercity bus network in South Korea is much more extensive than the rail network, and it’s very affordable. Many smaller and medium-sized cities aren’t connected to Korea’s rail network, so the only way to travel to such places is by intercity bus (or car). 

When booking bus tickets, there are several comfort levels you can choose from, ranging from basic (which is the cheapest), to premium. 

Premium bus tickets are still more affordable than train tickets, and you get to travel in style. Premium buses typically have large, reclining seats, privacy curtains, charging ports, and wifi.

Being on a budget, we didn’t take a single train in South Korea. We found the buses were a fantastic and comfortable way to get around. 

10. Do Not Eat or Drink on Public Transport

Korean city buses strictly prohibit boarding food or drinks onto the bus. This rule is posted on signage at bus stops, as well as on the buses, and so you may be denied boarding if you have a drink or snack in your hand.

Food and drinks are also not technically allowed on the subway systems in South Korea’s cities. It’s okay to have food and drink on you, but keep them closed or in your bag out of respect for the rules and those around you.

On intercity buses, the rules aren’t as strict. However, the buses stop often, and so it’s recommended to eat any food you’ve packed for these longer bus trips while at a rest stop.

11. Don’t Skip Eating Korean Street Food

What not to do in South Korea? Skip eating delicious Korean street food! You’ll find these Korean dishes (and more) in markets, at vendor counters, and occasionally in restaurants. 

Tteokbokki: These are chewy rice cakes that are cooked in a spicy gochujang sauce, which is a Korean sauce made of red chili peppers, fermented soybean paste, and garlic. Tteokbokki is often served with toppings like boiled eggs, green onions, and kimchi.

Bindaetteok: Mung bean pancakes are probably the most common street food you’ll find in market’s, particularly Gwangjang Market in Seoul. These Korean pancakes are made with ground mung beans, vegetables, and meat.

Hweori gamja: These are spiral-cut, deep-fried potatoes on a stick! They taste savory and crispy, and they usually come with a sauce. You’ll find these in street markets, and at sports games.

Hotteok: These are another type of Korean pancake that are filled with brown sugar, peanuts, and cinnamon. As you can imagine, this Korean pancake is slightly sweet. 

Odeng: These are fish cakes made from fish paste, and shaped like sausages. They taste savory and chewy, and are usually served in a hot broth made from fish stock, soy sauce, and green onions.

Kimbab: These are Korean seaweed rice rolls that are filled with ingredients like eggs, vegetables, and meat. Kimbab is usually wrapped in dried seaweed sheets and cut into bite-sized pieces, making it a perfect grab-and-go snack.

12. Don’t Miss Going to a Jjimjilbang (Korean Bathhouse)

What not to do in South Korea? Skip going to a jjimjilbang! A jjimjilbang is a Korean spa. Spas in Korea are similar to what you might experience at home in Canada or the USA, but they do have several unique aspects. 

Most spas in Korea are co-ed, with bathing areas that are segregated by gender. When you enter, you’re given a set of shorts and a shirt to wear in the all-gender areas. The all-gender areas include saunas, hot rooms, cold rooms, communal napping rooms, and dining areas. 

The bathing areas are where you go to soak in different pools, and if you’re brave, you can have a full-body scrub. Scrubs are done by women called ajumma. 

After soaking for 30 minutes in the pools, you are brought to a separate area where you lie down on a stone bed to be aggressively scrubbed down, completely naked. I love getting scrubbed (it’s the ultimate exfoliation experience), but it definitely isn’t for everyone. You need to be comfortable being completely naked in front of others, and the scrub may make your skin feel a bit raw.  

Regardless of if you get scrubbed, visiting a jjimjilbang is a great experience! Entry fees are typically valid for 12-24 hours, so you can easily use up most of your day (or night) relaxing in the spa’s various areas.

In Seoul, I recommend going to Aquafield in Starfield Goyang. It’s one of the city’s newer spas, and is a pretty luxurious experience (for a good price!). Alternatively, Supsok Hanbang Land is a good option. In Busan, I recommend SpaLand Centum City.

13. Don’t Skip Korean Shopping in Korea

If you like to shop, you will be very happy in South Korea! It’s truly a shopping paradise. You’ll find many unique stores that you can’t find at home, selling everything from Korean cosmetics and K-pop merch to beautiful stationery, clothing, and accessories.

For example, in the big cities, you’ll find Line Friends Stores. Line Friends characters are cute cartoons that are popular in most parts of Asia. 

If you are into cosmetics, visiting Olive Young is a must. This store is like the Sephora of Korea, selling a wide array of Korean beauty products. South Korea is known for high-quality cosmetics.  

If you’re interested in browsing womenswear and accessories, you’ll find shops for Korean brands like Stylenanda, Top Ten, and 8 Seconds.

You’ll also want to check out HBAF, a popular seasoned almonds snack brand in Korea. You’ll find multiple HBAF stores with fun storefronts, selling their almond snacks in all sorts of different flavors.

Although it’s worth popping into well-known Korean stores, be sure to wander into small boutiques, too. You’re likely to find some unique things! 

14. Don’t Forget to Carry Your Passport

If you plan to go shopping while traveling in South Korea, be sure to carry your passport on you, because many shops offer immediate tax exemptions. 

This means that if you show your passport at checkout, the tax will be deducted from your payment up front. 

There are just a few things you should know when making tax-free purchases in South Korea.
The amount of a single purchase has to be at least 15,000 won to be eligible for tax exemption. The purchase also needs to be less than 1,000,000 won. 

Once you have spent more than 5,000,000 won during your whole trip, you aren’t eligible for any more tax exemptions. But that is a lot of money, so unless you’re a big spender, you should be okay!

15. Don’t Skip a Temple Stay 

Buddhism in Korea dates to the fourth century. As a result, religion is a deeply rooted part of Korean culture. Today, there’s upwards of 20,000 temples across the country!

Because Buddhism is such an important part of Korean life, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (which is the dominant school of Buddhism in Korea) created a program in 2002, that allows visitors to experience monastic life.

The Templestay program invites visitors to stay overnight at a temple. Across Korea, there are many temples that are part of the program. For a small fee, you can book one night (some temples permit longer stays) in the temple. 

Temple stays are sort of like a homestay. They typically include activities, your meals, and simple accommodations. You will typically be given a tour around the monastery, and participate in beginner meditation sessions. You will dine with the monks, and follow their daily schedule. 

A temple stay is a unique experience that gives you a chance to learn about how Buddhism is practiced in Korea. You can find temple stays all throughout the country via the Templestay program website. Be sure to book your stay in advance!

16. Don’t Overlook Cultural Etiquette and Traditions

What not to do in South Korea? Ignore social and cultural etiquette and traditions.

Depending on where you’re traveling to South Korea from, you might find that the culture and traditions are different from what you’re used to at home. 

Take the time to learn about South Korea’s customs and traditions, and then be respectful of them. For example, in South Korea, it’s customary to take your shoes off at the door when entering a person’s home, a temple, or a guesthouse. 

The most respectful greeting in South Korea is a short bow, that’s almost like a nod. When you give and receive any object, do so using both hands. And on that note, avoid pointing at people or things while in South Korea. 

Tipping is not a Korean custom and so it is not expected at hotels, in taxis, in restaurants, or when paying for services. 

17. Don’t Be Surprised by Korea’s Mandatory Camera Sound 

While in South Korea, you might notice the sound of camera shutters around you. We noticed it, particularly at tourist sites, and we wondered why it was so prevalent. Here’s why!

In South Korea, mobile phones are required by law to produce a shutter sound when taking photos or starting videos, regardless of the device’s settings. 

This regulation was originally introduced in Japan, and later adopted by South Korea. It’s intended to deter people from taking photos and videos that are unauthorized, or that they don’t have consent to take. 

In fact, if you buy a phone in South Korea or Japan, it will have been modified to always have a camera shutter sound, and you won’t be able to turn it off when you leave the country.

18. Don’t Culturally Appropriate

Cultural appropriation is when a person adopts elements of a culture that is not their own. It becomes controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from disadvantaged minority cultures.

Examples of cultural appropriation include when white people wear dreadlocks, or non-Indigenous people wear Indigenous dress as a halloween costume.

Cultural appropriation is a complex issue with lots of gray areas. And since much of travel revolves around experiencing and learning about other cultures, it can be tough to figure out what is and isn’t cultural appropriation while abroad.

But it isn’t impossible. When in South Korea, consider the following to figure out if you are appreciating local culture, or appropriating it. 

• Consider whether you’re participating in a tradition, or wearing traditional clothing, out of honor or imitation.
• Consider whether you are aware of the significance, meaning, and history of the tradition or clothing. 

• Consider the situation: are you participating in a cultural tradition or wearing cultural clothing? Being invited to participate is key. 
• Think about whether you are participating to learn about a culture, or to perpetuate a stereotype.

Thinking about whether your actions in South Korea are respectful, and considering the context you’re in, as well as your overall motivations, are all important when thinking about whether you are culturally appropriating.

Final Thoughts: What Not To Do in South Korea

I hope these tips for what not to do in South Korea help you plan a worry-free, memorable trip to this beautiful country in east Asia. I wanted to share these tips because I truly believe that being an informed tourist is the best way to be a responsible tourist!