South Korea Travel Guide — Currency, Costs & Culture (2026)

South Korea uses the South Korean Won (KRW), symbol: ₩. Capital city: Seoul. Region: East Asia. Primary language: Korean.

Government & practicalities: Head of state: Han Duck-soo (Acting President). Government type: Presidential republic. International calling code: +82. Drives on the Right. Power outlets: Type C/F, 220V 60Hz. Internet domain: .kr.

What $100 USD typically buys in South Korea

• 🍜 15–19 bowls of bibimbap
• 🚇 95+ Seoul subway rides
• ☕ 27–33 café lattes
• 🍗 7–9 fried chicken meals
• 🎬 10 cinema tickets

Daily travel budgets in South Korea

Budget travelers: ₩60,000–100,000/day (~$45–75) — guesthouses, street food, subway. Mid-range travelers: ₩150,000–300,000/day (~$110–225) — mid hotels, restaurants, attractions. Luxury travelers: ₩500,000+/day (~$375+) — 5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours.

Typical local prices in KRW

• Bowl of bibimbap: ₩8,000–12,000
• Korean BBQ (per person): ₩15,000–30,000
• Convenience store meal: ₩4,000–7,000
• Coffee (café): ₩4,500–6,000
• Soju (bottle): ₩1,700–3,000
• Subway ride (Seoul): ₩1,250–1,550
• Budget hotel/night: ₩40,000–70,000

Cultural tips for visitors to South Korea

• 🙏 Bow slightly when greeting someone — deeper for elders and seniors.
• 🥢 Use two hands when receiving food, drinks, or gifts from older people.
• 👟 Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants.
• 🤫 Keep voices down in public transport — speaking loudly on the metro is considered rude.
• 🍺 Don't pour your own drink — pour for others and let them pour for you.

Tipping customs in South Korea

Tipping is not customary in South Korea and can even cause mild confusion. High-end hotel restaurants occasionally have service charges built in, but in general, no tip is expected or needed.

Useful phrases in Korean

• 안녕하세요 (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo) — Hello (formal)
• 감사합니다 (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da) — Thank you
• 얼마예요? (Eol-ma-ye-yo?) — How much is it?
• 맛있어요 (Ma-shi-sseo-yo) — It's delicious
• 화장실이 어디에요? (Hwa-jang-sil-i eo-di-e-yo?) — Where is the toilet?
• 괜찮아요 (Gwaen-chan-a-yo) — It's okay / No problem

Traditional foods to try in South Korea

• Bibimbap
• Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
• Kimchi jjigae
• Tteokbokki
• Japchae
• Sundubu jjigae
• Bingsu (shaved ice)

Major landmarks and attractions in South Korea

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• N Seoul Tower
• Insadong Street
• Jeju Island
• DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
• Myeongdong shopping district

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Korea

• Jongmyo Shrine (Seoul)
• Changdeokgung Palace Complex (Seoul)
• Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon)
• Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes

Safety information for South Korea

South Korea is extremely safe for travelers — consistently ranks among the world's safest countries. Violent crime against tourists is very rare. Take normal city precautions in crowded areas. Traffic can be aggressive; use pedestrian crossings.

Visa information for South Korea

Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many more can visit South Korea visa-free for 90 days (K-ETA electronic travel authorization may be required — ₩10,000 fee). Check the Korean embassy for your nationality before travel.

Emergency numbers in South Korea

police: 112, ambulance: 119, fire: 119, tourist: 1330 (Korea Tourism Hotline, 24/7 in English)

Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and vary by city, season, and travel style. Exchange rates and costs are for informational purposes only. Always verify visa requirements and safety conditions with official sources before travel. Information current as of 2026.