South Korea

South Korea's culture and traditions are deeply rooted in its long history and shaped by its geography, resulting in a distinctive fusion of ancient customs and modern trends. Confucianism has had a profound impact on Korean society, influencing values such as social harmony, respect for hierarchy, and family bonds. These principles emphasize the importance of respecting elders, valuing education, and maintaining loyalty to one's family and community. 

Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, is known for its vibrant colors and graceful lines, and is worn during festivals and special occasions, representing Korea’s historical elegance. The Korean writing system, Hangul, invented by King Sejong in the 15th century, is one of the most logical and easy-to-learn alphabets. 

South Korea's religious landscape is diverse, with Buddhism, Christianity, and Shamanism playing significant roles. While Buddhism has had a profound influence on the country’s temples, art, and rituals, Christianity is currently the most practiced religion. Approximately 20% of South Korea’s population identifies as Christian, with Protestantism being particularly widespread. As of 2012, there were about 77,000 Protestant churches across the country, reflecting its strong presence in South Korean society.

Korean cuisine, known for its bold flavors and variety, is a core element of the country's culture. It blends fermented ingredients, spices, and fresh vegetables to create dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious. A typical Korean meal includes rice, a main dish and various banchan (side dishes), offering a rich balance of flavors and textures. Among the most popular Korean dishes are Kimchi: A spicy, fermented vegetable dish often made with cabbage or radish; Gimbap: Seaweed rice rolls filled with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, pickles and Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy red chili sauce, a favorite street food of Korea.

South Korea hosts a vibrant array of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its rich culture, history, and seasonal changes. Here are some notable ones:

1. Seollal (Lunar New Year): Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, Seollal is one of Korea's most significant holidays. Families gather to honor ancestors, perform traditional rituals, and enjoy traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup) .

2. Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival): This three-day festival, held in the fall, is similar to Thanksgiving. Koreans honor their ancestors through jesa rituals, and families enjoy traditional dishes like songpyeon (rice cake filled with sweetened sesame or beans) .

3. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF):  Held in October in Busan, this is one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals. It showcases a diverse range of films, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts, with a strong emphasis on Asian cinema.

4. Jeju Fire Festival: This spring festival takes place on Jeju Island and celebrates the island's farming culture. Activities include torch processions, traditional games, and performances .

5. Seoul Lantern Festival: Held along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in November, this festival features beautifully crafted lanterns representing various themes and cultures. It creates a magical atmosphere in the heart of Seoul .

Traveling to Korea can be an exciting experience, and it's essential to prioritize your health and safety while exploring the country. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

1. Healthcare:  Major cities like Seoul and Busan have well-equipped hospitals and clinics. International patients are often welcomed, and many staff members speak English.

2. Hygiene: Korea places a strong emphasis on cleanliness in public areas. Expect regular sanitation in transport systems and establishments.

3. Water Safety: Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but if you have concerns, bottled water is readily available.

4. Food Safety: Street food is popular and usually safe, but ensure that it is freshly prepared and served hot. Choose well-reviewed restaurants for a reliable dining experience.

5. Natural Disasters: Korea is not highly seismically active, but minor earthquakes can occur. During summer and fall, typhoons can impact the country. Monitor weather reports and heed local advice during storm warnings.

6. Crime: Korea is considered very safe, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, especially in crowded areas. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid poorly lit areas.

7. Transport Safety: The subway and bus systems are efficient and safe. Taxis are safe; consider using rideshare apps for convenience. Always ensure the meter is running.

8. Emergency numbers: In case of emergencies, note the following contact numbers:

• Police: 112

• Fire and Medical Emergencies: 119

• Korean Tourism Organization: 1330 (for tourist assistance)

By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy a worry-free trip to South Korea.

Korea’s official currency is  the South Korean won (KRW), symbolized as ₩. Banknotes are available in denominations of ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, and ₩50,000, while coins come in ₩1, ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, and ₩500. The exchange rate fluctuates, but as a rough estimate, 1 USD is approximately ₩1,300.

Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; however, smaller establishments may only accept cash. Mobile payment systems like KakaoPay and Naver Pay are popular. Many Koreans use these apps for convenience, but you may need a local bank account to set them up.

ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available, especially in urban areas. Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and airports, with major hotels also offering exchange services.

Korea Post is the  national postal service which is efficient and reliable. It offers domestic and international mailing and shipping services, including standard and express options. In addition to Korea Post, several private courier companies operate in Korea, such as CJ Logistics, Lotte Global Logistics, and Hanjin. Most shipping services offer package tracking, allowing you to monitor your shipment’s progress.

South Korea has extensive mobile coverage, with 4G and 5G networks widely available in urban areas. Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, and mobile shops, typically offering data plans suitable for short-term visitors.

Free Wi-Fi is accessible in many public places, including cafes, restaurants, and airports, and most hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi for guests. For added convenience, you can rent portable Wi-Fi devices (often called "Wi-Fi eggs") at the airport or online, providing unlimited internet access while on the go.

Messaging apps such as KakaoTalk, LINE, and WhatsApp are widely used in Korea, with KakaoTalk being particularly popular for messaging and calls among locals. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are commonly used for communication and sharing experiences.

VISA

As of 2024, South Korea offers visa exemptions to citizens of 106 countries, allowing them to enter without a visa for short term visit. The duration of the visa exemption ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the visitor's nationality. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

For citizens of countries that don't qualify for visa-free entry into Korea, a visa is required. The documents needed for a visa application typically include:

- A completed visa application form

- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity remaining)

- Passport-sized photos (meeting specific size and background requirements)

- Proof of financial stability (such as bank statements or proof of income)

- A detailed travel itinerary or proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, flight reservations)

- Proof of purpose for the visit (such as an invitation letter, business documents, or tour itinerary)

- Visa application fee

- Any additional documents as required based on the visa type (e.g., employment contracts for work visas).

CUSTOM REGULATIONS

Duty-Free Allowances

Personal Effects: Items for personal use are generally exempt from customs duties.

Duty-Free Goods: Travelers are allowed to bring in up to USD 600 worth of duty-free goods, which may include:

- 1 liter of alcohol (limited to 1 bottle, maximum value of USD 400)

- 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250 grams of other tobacco products)

- 60 milliliters of perfume

- Gifts and souvenirs up to the USD 600 limit.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

- Drugs: Importing, possessing, or using illegal drugs (including certain medications without a prescription) is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties.

- Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons require special permits and are generally prohibited.

- Certain Foods: Some agricultural products, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal products, may be restricted or subject to quarantine.

- Cultural Property: Certain antiques and cultural artifacts are restricted for export and import without special permission.

Declaring Cash: Any amount over USD 10,000 must be declared upon entry.

Health Declaration:

- All travelers entering Korea are required to fill out a Health Declaration Form before arrival. This form typically includes information on your health status, recent travel history, and any symptoms of illness.

- Prescription medications can be brought in for personal use, but large quantities (more than a 3-month supply) may require prior approval or a prescription from a Korean doctor. Some medications may be classified as controlled substances in Korea, requiring special permits.

Entry and Exit Procedures: Present your passport and visa at immigration control upon arrival. Follow exit requirements and regulations for exporting items.

When traveling to Korea, it's important to respect local customs and laws to avoid misunderstandings and demonstrate cultural sensitivity. Here are some tips:

1. Bowing and Handshake: Bowing is a common form of greeting. Handshakes are also common, but usually accompanied by a slight bow. When shaking hands, it’s polite to use both hands, especially if the person is older or in a senior position.

2. Respect for Elders: In Korean culture, age and seniority are highly respected. Always greet older people with a bow and use polite language when addressing them.

3. Shoes Off Indoors: When entering homes or traditional accommodations like a hanok, always remove your shoes at the entrance. Wearing indoor slippers is the norm.

4. Table Manners: When dining, wait for the eldest person to start eating before you begin. Passing food or drinks with both hands, especially when serving elders. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as this resembles a ritual for the deceased.

5. Public Etiquette: Koreans generally prefer quiet and respectful behavior in public places. Speaking loudly or making a scene is considered rude. 

6. Queueing: Always queue patiently in public spaces like train stations, buses, and cafes. 

7. Personal Space and Gestures: Avoid touching people casually, such as on the back or shoulders, especially when meeting for the first time. Koreans tend to respect personal space. Pointing at someone with your finger is considered impolite. 
8. Respecting Traditions and Religion: If visiting temples or other religious sites, dress modestly and behave quietly. Be sure to follow any instructions.
9. Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly in temples, shrines, or rural areas.
10. Understanding Korean Laws: Smoking is prohibited in many public areas, including restaurants, parks, and bus stops. Drinking alcohol in public is generally allowed, but public drunkenness is frowned upon. Drug use is strictly illegal in Korea, with harsh penalties for possession, use, or distribution.
11. Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in Korea. Service charges are typically included in bills at restaurants. However, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.