East Asia
South Korea
Fast, safe and wired: excellent transit, 24-hour convenience and easy solo dining in big cities. Thin English outside Seoul and Busan, and apps that want a Korean phone number, are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa62 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyKRWUS$1 ≈ ₩1,347.39Details
- Price level57%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, F220 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 1330
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated to high standards and fine in newer buildings, but most locals use filters; restaurants serve free filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalConservative society; most LGBTQ+ people aren't out at work.Details
- Internet251 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 251 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors can drive for up to a year with a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP plus their home licence.
- Digital nomad visaYesDigital Nomad Visa (F-1-D)Details
Where to go in South Korea
11 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeoulCapital city | 5/5 | $2,080–3,120 | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | 34/100 |
| BusanCity | 5/5 | $1,710–2,600 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 46/100 |
| JejuIsland | 5/5 | $1,630–2,520 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 51/100 |
| GyeongjuCity | 5/5 | $1,340–1,930 | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | 71/100 |
| SeogwipoCity | 5/5 | $1,560–2,370 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 56/100 |
| IncheonCity | 5/5 | $1,630–2,450 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 55/100 |
| JeonjuCity | 5/5 | $1,340–1,930 | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | 70/100 |
| SokchoCity | 5/5 | $1,410–2,080 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 66/100 |
| GangneungCity | 5/5 | $1,410–2,080 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 65/100 |
| DaeguCity | 5/5 | $1,410–2,080 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 65/100 |
| YeosuCity | 5/5 | $1,340–1,930 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 69/100 |
When to visit South Korea
Apr–May and Sep–Nov are mild and clear. Jul–Aug is hot with monsoon rain; Dec–Feb is dry and very cold, good for skiing. Jeju is milder.
Good to know
Entry
- Visa-exempt visitors need a K-ETA (about KRW 10,000), but many nationalities are excused until 31 Dec 2026.
- Without a K-ETA, file the free e-Arrival Card online from 3 days before landing.
- Apply only on k-eta.go.kr; look-alike sites charge extra fees.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drugs, including cannabis, mean jail and deportation; some ADHD and sleep medicines need pre-approval.
- Jaywalking and smoking outside designated areas can bring on-the-spot fines.
Etiquette
- Give and receive things, and pour drinks, with two hands, especially for elders.
- Leave priority subway seats empty, even on full trains.
- Don't write someone's name in red ink or stand chopsticks upright in rice.
- Keep voices low on public transport.
Tipping
Not expected anywhere; upscale hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- K-ETA (Ministry of Justice)
- Korea e-Arrival Card
- Korea Visa Portal
- Speedtest Global Index: South Korea
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.