Korea guide

This page collects practical Korea tips: weather, language, safety, food culture, dishes to try, and useful everyday advice.

Jump to: Weather · Language · Safety & emergency · Food culture · Dishes to try · Good to know · Places to visit

Weather

August in Korea is usually very hot and humid. July and August are peak summer months, and temperatures may often be around 30–35°C.

Indoors, air conditioning is common and can be strong, so it can be useful to carry a light jacket even if it is very hot outside.

Recommended:

• Light summer clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A small umbrella or light rain jacket
• A water bottle
• A light jacket/cardigan for strong air conditioning indoors

Language

Korean is the native language. English can be hit-or-miss depending on where you are and who you speak to.

Many people may be shy about speaking English, even if they understand some. Younger people often understand and speak English better.

Useful apps:

• Google Translate
• Papago — popular for Korean translation

Tip: Having your destination written in Korean can be very useful for taxis or when asking for help.

Safety & emergency

Korea is generally very safe. Pickpocketing is rare, and Korea is active and usually safe even late at night.

Still, use normal common sense:

• Keep your passport and valuables safe.
• Do not leave important items unattended.
• Save important addresses and phone numbers.
• Keep travel insurance details available.

If you get sick, pharmacies are easy to find. Pharmacists can often recommend basic medicine. For persistent issues, visit a local clinic or call for help.

Emergency numbers:

• 119 — Ambulance / Fire
• 112 — Police
• 1330 — Korea Travel Hotline / tourist information / translation
• 1339 — Medical consultation for foreigners

Norwegian Embassy in Seoul:

• +82 (0)2 727 7100 — from South Korea
• +47 23 95 53 00 — from Norway
• [email protected]

U.S. Embassy Seoul:

• +82 (0)2 397-4114
• https://ustraveldocs.com/kr/en/contact-us/

Food & eating culture

Food is a huge part of daily life in South Korea. Some practical things to know:

• Meals are often shared, especially Korean BBQ, stews, pancakes, and larger dishes.
• Most meals come with small side dishes called banchan.
• Banchan is usually free and refillable.
• Water is free at restaurants.
• If there is a bell on the table, press it to call the staff.
• You usually pay at the counter after finishing your meal.
• Many places use kiosks for ordering and payment.
• Many restaurants stay open late.
• Most places have forks, so ask if you are not comfortable with chopsticks.
• There is no tipping culture at restaurants or bars.
• You do not need to order drinks at restaurants.

Not every restaurant has an English menu. Use a translator app and pictures if needed.

Helpful picture guide: https://www.tasteatlas.com/best-rated-dishes-in-korea

Korean dishes to try

This is not a complete list of all Korean food, but it is a good starting point.

Good to know

• Personal space is smaller in crowds, especially on public transport.
• It can be very crowded almost everywhere in Seoul.
• Card is common, but carry some cash just in case.
• Last subway is usually around midnight.
• Taxis are generally cheaper than in Norway.
• Convenience stores are extremely useful: many are open 24/7, sell cheap food, have seating, allow T-money top-up, and sometimes have ATMs.
• Public toilets are free.
• Subway stations usually have toilets.

Recommended places to visit

Seoul is huge. It is not realistic to visit all districts on foot. The best approach is to group nearby neighbourhoods together in the same day.

Youth, indie vibes, street performance, nightlife

Yeonnam-dong — cute cafés, restaurants, small shops, busking
Hongdae — restaurants, clubs, bars, shopping, street performances
Sinchon — university vibe and cheaper food
Hapjeong — chill dinner and bars

Hongdae is one of the most popular nightlife areas, especially for younger people and foreigners.

Shopping and central Seoul

Myeongdong — shopping, cosmetics, street food, restaurants
Namdaemun Market — traditional market with a local vibe
N Seoul Tower — 360-degree city views, popular at night
Cheonggyecheon — long stream and public recreation area downtown

Royal and traditional Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace — largest and most famous Joseon dynasty palace
Changdeokgung Palace — quieter palace famous for its Secret Garden
Cheongwadae — former presidential residence with blue-roof buildings
Bukchon Hanok Village — traditional Korean houses
Samcheong-dong — traditional + modern cafés and shops
Insadong — traditional culture, souvenirs, handmade products, art shops
Ikseon-dong — trendy cafés in old houses
Jongno — busy central Seoul, local food and nightlife
Gwangjang Market — famous traditional market and street food
Hyehwa — student area with cafés and small theatres
Naksan Park — great views and sunset
Seoul City Wall — old fortress wall walking route
Dongdaemun / DDP — shopping and design landmark

Modern and east Seoul

Olympic Park — huge peaceful park from the 1988 Olympics
Seokchon Lake — lake near Lotte Tower
Lotte Tower — tallest building in Korea, observatory on the 123rd floor
Lotte World — famous theme park
Konkuk University area — student area with cheap food, bars, cafés, and nightlife

Trendy and stylish areas

Seongsu-dong — trendy area with old factories turned into cafés and shops
Seoul Forest — large park next to Seongsu
Apgujeong Rodeo — luxury, fashion, beauty, designer brands
Sinsa / Garosugil — cafés, boutiques, fashion stores

Gangnam and riverside

Gangnam — shopping, restaurants, nightlife, skyscrapers
Goto Mall / Express Bus Terminal — huge underground shopping mall
Banpo Han River Park — popular for picnics and the rainbow fountain

International and cultural areas

Itaewon — global food and nightlife
Haebangchon — cosy neighbourhood near Itaewon, cafés and rooftop bars
Leeum Museum — famous art museum with traditional and modern art

Yeouido and riverside

Yeouido — wide streets, parks, National Assembly area
The Hyundai Seoul — large trendy shopping mall
Seonyudo Park — island park built from an old water plant