The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
KoreaA little local knowledge.
Experience the dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, from Seoul's palaces to Jeju's beaches.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Non-Emergency Police: 110
South Korean Won
Exercise Normal Precautions
Essential Etiquette in Korea
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Get a T-Money card immediately
The T-Money card is the standard for transit and small purchases. Use it for subways, buses, and convenience stores. You can buy and load them at any airport convenience store or subway station (cash only for loading).
Don't call people by first names
Using someone's first name without permission is considered rude. Use titles or ask how they'd like to be addressed.
Bow when greeting
Koreans greet each other by bowing. A slight nod of the head is sufficient for casual encounters. Deeper bows show more respect.
Avoid prolonged eye contact with elders
Direct eye contact with seniors or superiors can be seen as challenging or disrespectful. A slight downward gaze shows respect.
Essential Korean Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
"Excuse me (to get attention)"
Take all 63 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water: Technically SAFE to drink (meets standards) but most Koreans boil or filter it. Bottled water preferred by most travelers. Drinking water fountains widely available in Seoul and public spaces.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Pharmacies are widely available (look for 약 / yak signs). Pharmacists can dispense many medications without a prescription. Some U.S. prescription medications may be controlled substances in Korea (e.g., Adderall, certain pain meds) — check Korean Customs requirements before travel. Bring medications in original containers with documentation.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Korea
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Korea.
K.ride
K.ride is a taxi app designed specifically for foreign visitors. Sign up with just your email — no Korean phone number needed. Accepts international credit cards and auto-translates driver chats in 133 languages.
Naver Map
Naver Map is essential for navigation in South Korea. Provides accurate directions for driving, transit, and walking, plus detailed business information, street views, and real-time traffic updates.
KakaoMap
KakaoMap is the other essential navigation app for South Korea, often preferred for its superior routing and detail. Integrates with KakaoTalk for sharing locations and directions with friends.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Seoul
188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141
Field Guides & Dispatches for Korea
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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