Seoul travel tips: what to know before you go

Things to know

1. Bow slightly when greeting, and give and receive items with both hands or with your right hand supported by your left.
2. Pour drinks for others rather than yourself; when an elder pours for you, hold the glass with both hands.
3. Remove shoes when entering homes, temples and restaurants with floor seating.
4. Leave the pink priority seats on the subway free for pregnant women, and the end seats for older passengers.
5. Avoid writing someone's name in red ink, which is associated with the dead.
6. Book Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden ahead: Secret Garden tours have limited places; reserve online in advance, especially in spring and autumn.
7. Wear hanbok to enter the palaces free, and use free museums such as the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Korea and can confuse staff. Upmarket hotels may add a service charge; elsewhere, prices already include everything.

Language

What to wear

Seoul dresses smartly and on-trend; in winter you need a proper down coat, hat and gloves, while summer calls for light clothing and an umbrella for the monsoon.

Practical details

Plugs and voltage

Type C and F, 220 V, 60 Hz

Drinking water

Seoul's tap water is treated to drinking standards, though most residents drink filtered or bottled water.

Emergency number

112 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance), 1330 (tourist helpline)

Phone and internet

Free Wi-Fi is common on the subway, in cafés and public spaces; prepaid SIMs, eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi are sold at Incheon Airport.

Time zone

Asia/Seoul

Seoul has low street crime, but keep an eye on bags in crowded markets and nightlife areas. Check air-quality forecasts on fine-dust days in spring, and watch for flooding of underpasses during monsoon downpours.

Plan the trip

Seoul travel guide · When to go · Costs.

Questions travellers ask