south korea
South Korea, a country located in East Asia, is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene temples scattered throughout the countryside, South Korea offers a unique and exciting travel experience. There’s something for everyone in this dynamic and vibrant country.
Korea blog post
APPS TO DOWNLOAD
The right applications can make your travels so much easier.
In South Korea, they are not big fans of Google, they mostly use Naver which is an equivalent.
- NaverMap : GPS Navigation
Really great, works the same way Google Maps does. Especially convenient for transportation, the app even tells you in what wagon to enter in the subway. Also great to find coffee shops and restaurants. However, you might sometimes need to write in Korean to search, but a good translator exits!
- Papago : Translator
Best translator, koreans use it too. Works for speaking, writing and photos!
- KakaoTalk : Messenger app
Koreans use KakaoTalk to chat, real-time voice an video calls. If you make Korean friends they will probably ask for your Kakao ID.
TRANSPORTATION (T-MONEY CARD)
To use public transportation in South Korea, you’ll need to purchase the T-Money Card.
The T-Money Card is a transportation card that can be used on buses and subways throughout South Korea. It is a reloadable card that can be purchased at convenience stores, subway stations, and bus terminals for 2,500KRW (~1,80€).
You need to check-in and check-out everytime, the price depending on the distance. So don’t forget to check out!
The card can be used to pay for transportation fares as well as purchases at some stores and vending machines. It is recommended for tourists to purchase a T Money Card for convenience and savings on transportation fares.
When you purchase it, you will be asked how much money you want on it. Put at least 10,000KRW, and adapt the amount to the cost of your travels.
It is possible to have a refund (card cost excluded). You can ask for it in convenience stores and at vending machines!
101 culture and language
Words to know :
Hello → annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) / Can use it in shops, restaurant, buses…
Thank you → Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) / All situations
Yes → ne (네)
No → aniyo (아니요)
I am [your name] → Jack iyeyo or Beyonce yeyo (이에요 or 예요) / Depending if it finish by a sounding vowel or consonent.
How much is it? → eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?)
Koreans use 2 systems to count, the native korean and sino-korean. There is no specific rule for when to use which unfortunately. In Korean when you want to count something, you need to use classifiers. These are little words that come after the name and number of the thing being counted.
Tips on how to act:
- Whether it is to say hello or thank you, you can give a little bow or nod.
- Giving and receiving with both hands is a sign of respect and politeness.
- Try to be discreet in public.
- Koreans eat rice with a spoon and not chopsticks.
- Before asking for the cutlery in a restaurant, check the drawer of your table.
- To get your waiter’s attention you can say jeogiyo (저기요).
Don’t blow your nose in public, but you can sniff.
VISA
Foreign nationals who wish to enter South Korea must have a valid visa, unless they are from visa-exempt countries. The visa requirements vary depending on the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and nationality of the traveler.
Visitors from 117 countries are allowed to enter South Korea without a visa for a certain period of time, ranging from 30 days to 90 days. However, visitors from other countries must apply for a visa before traveling to South Korea.
There are several types of visas available, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and working visas. The application process can be done online or at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate.
It is important to note that the visa application process can take several weeks, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Check the website of the Korean embassy in your country to find out which visa to apply for and start the process in good time.
Also, make sure you know the requirements for coronavirus.