SOUTH KOREA an amazing place famous for its beauty. It is one of the top destination in asia and it is also famous for its k-dramas and k-pop culture. SOUTH KOREA is a perfect blend of traditional and modern culture. KOREA can be an unforgettable journey for you all especially if you are prepared. In this blog, there are some tips about how to travel in korea as a first timer. By this blog you came across many new facts.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO DO BEFORE TRAVELLING SOUTH KOREA
1. LEARN IMPORTANT KOREAN PHRASES
While english is widely taught in korean schools, but not everyone is fluent, especially outside major cities. Learning simple phrases is very important to travel and communicate in korea. Read the phrases mention below in table. You can also use app duolingo
| ENGLISH PHRASES | KOREAN PHRASES |
| HELLO | Annyeonghaseyo |
| GOODBYE | aneeyong |
| PLEASE | Juseyo |
| YES | neh |
| NO | aniyo |
| THANK YOU | Gamsahamnida |
| EXCUSE ME | jeogiyo |
| I AM SORRY | Mianhaeyo |
| NICE TO MEET YOU | Ban-gap-soom-ni-da |
2. GET A T- MONEY CARD
A t- money card is a rechargeable public transportation and payment card used across south korea for buses, subways, taxis and as well as for purchase at many convenience stores and vending machines. You can buy a card at convenience store or subway stations, load it with cash and then simply tap it to pay for fares and goods. You can load cash upto KRW 500,000. You can get refund for unused balance at T- money sales.
3. DOWNLOAD KEY APPS BEFORE YOU GO
Some apps are very essential for making your trips smoother. It can help you to explore korea efficiently and make your trip very enjoyable. Here are list of some apps
- KakaoMap or Naver Map– Google maps doesn’t work well in korea so use this app.
- Papago– A transition app made by Naver, better than google translation to translate korean in english and make your communication good.
- Kakao talk– The main messaging app in Korea, also used for contacting or to make a call.
- K-ride– It is basically used for booking taxis and tickets.
4. USE WIFI OR RENT A SIM CARD IN SOUTH KOREA
Free wifi is available in many places in korea, but if you want to stay connected on the go , reant a portable Wi-Fi egg or a korean SIM card at the airport. Internet is incredibly fast in korea and you will definetly want it for maps, translations, and snapping those instagram stories. A SIM card is very important to make communicate with each other also if you lost somewhere.
5. EMBRACE THE LOCAL ETIQUETTE
Korean culture is rich in customs here are some few etiquettes which are important to be kind there
- Bow lightly- When you greeting someone or thanking someone bow them lightly to show respect like this in image.
- Remove shoes- When you entering in someone’s home or in a temple always remove your shoes
- Giving gifts- When you give someone a gift always use both hands to presesnt them. This is a sign of respect towards others.
Showing cultural awareness will help you avoid awkward situation.
6. EXPLORE MANY PLACES IN KOREA
- Namsam tower– People like Namsan Tower for its panoramic city views, romantic atmosphere, and iconic status. Visitors are drawn to the “Locks of Love” tradition, the peaceful park and observatory, the cable car ride up the mountain, and its role as a symbol of Seoul featured in Korean media
- HAN Bridge- People in Korea like the Han River bridges because they are a dynamic part of the city’s culture, offering beautiful views, recreational spaces, and social opportunities. The bridges and the surrounding Han River parks serve as a central hub for relaxation, exercise, and entertainment for both locals and tourists.
- Jeju island- People love Jeju Island for its stunning natural beauty, which includes volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and beautiful beaches. It is also a popular honeymoon destination and a cultural hub with unique traditions, history, and local cuisine. The island’s accessibility and mild climate make it an attractive getaway for both Koreans and international tourists
7. HAVE A KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SEASONS
- SPRING (April-june)– Cherry blosoms and pleasant weather.
- SUMMER (July-august)-Hot, humid and rainy
- FALL (September-november)-Ideal weather, autmn follage
- WINTER (December-february)- Cold and snowy, perfect for ski trips.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT SOUTH KOREA
Travelling in south korea is a rich and rewarding experience, and these tips will help you avoid beginner mistakes and enjoy the local culture. From exploring street food alleys in seoul to hiking in mountains of jeju there are something for every type of traveller.
So grab your backpack or suitcases, brush up on few korean phrases and get ready to say anneyong KOREA. For travel you can visit our site TRAVELCOMFY