SeoulTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Tap water is treated, but most locals still prefer bottled or filtered water for taste.
• Street food is safest at busy stalls with visible turnover; avoid lukewarm trays late at night.
• Raw seafood should be from specialist venues, not random bar snacks.
• Vegetarian requests need precision; broths and sauces often contain seafood extract.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Seoul is very safe, but phone snatching and bag theft can happen in nightlife zones.
• Taxi meters are reliable; use Kakao T or official stands after midnight.
• Avoid unsolicited club promoters in Itaewon and Hongdae; pricing can shift fast inside.
• Keep your card visible during payment in bars and karaoke rooms.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Use two hands when giving or receiving cards, cash, or gifts.
• Keep voices low on trains and buses; phone calls are frowned on.
• Stand on the right side of escalators unless local flow says otherwise.
• Shoes come off in many homes, traditional restaurants, and some clinics.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis, cafes, or hotel bars.
• High end hotels may accept discreet gratuities for concierge help, but it is never required.
• Do not leave coins on restaurant tables; staff may think you forgot them.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Carry passport ID for hotel check in and tax free shopping.
• Jaywalking is enforced around major junctions; wait for signals.
• Smoking is restricted to marked zones; fines are common in central districts.
• Drones require authorization near palaces, government areas, and the river corridor.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Pack a fine dust mask for winter and spring travel.
• Summer humidity is serious; plan palace and market walks before lunch.
• Pharmacies are efficient, but bring prescriptions in original packaging.
• Travel insurance should include private clinics and hospital translation support.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.