Visiting South Korea is an exciting experience. However, there are some cultural customs, transportation tips, and local habits that can make your trip smoother. Here’s a list of important things to keep in mind when traveling to Korea.

1. Get a T-Money Card

The T-Money card is an essential item for getting around in Korea. This rechargeable transportation card can be used on buses, subways, taxis, and even some convenience stores. You can purchase and reload it at convenience stores or subway station machines, but note that reloading is only possible with cash.

You can top up your card at subway station machines or convenience stores like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven.

Machine at the subway station, credit: daydreamingtravels.com

2. Giving and Receiving with Both Hands

In Korean culture, it’s polite to use both hands when giving or receiving money, a credit card, or any item of importance. This is especially important in formal settings, like when paying at a restaurant or receiving a business card.

Credit: Pictures from gdaykorea.blogspot.com

3. Subway Etiquette: Reserved Seats

Korean subways have designated seats for pregnant women, elderly passengers, and those with disabilities. Do not sit in these reserved seats, even if the subway is empty. While people care less about this rule on buses, it is strictly followed in the subway.

4. Don’t Expect Doors to Be Held Open

Unlike in some Western countries, people in Korea don’t usually hold the door open for the person behind them. It’s not considered rude—just a cultural difference—so be prepared to open doors yourself! When I first visited I almost bumped into the door, so be careful ;)

5. Useful Apps for Navigation and Services

Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea due to government restrictions. Instead, locals use:

Naver Map & Kakao Map – The best alternatives for navigation.

Seoul Subway – A helpful app for navigating the subway system.

Ddareungi – Seoul’s bike rental service.

Kakao T – The most commonly used taxi app.

Shuttle – A convenient app for ordering food in English.

Bucacheck – An app to check your T-Money card balance.

6. Café Etiquette: Returning Your Tray

Korean cafés expect customers to return their trays and cups to the designated return counter after finishing their drinks. Leaving them on the table is considered impolite, so be sure to clean up after yourself.

7. Reserving a Table with Your Belongings

One of the most surprising things for visitors is how safe Korea is. Locals commonly leave their belongings—such as a phone, wallet, or bag—on a table to reserve a seat while ordering. Theft is very rare, so you can safely do the same in cafés and restaurants.

Essential Things to know before Travelling to South Korea