Advice on South Korea
Essential to remember
South Korea has 52 million inhabitants on a territory the size of Portugal. Capital Seoul (10M), currency the won (KRW), language Korean (Hangul alphabet). An ultra-modern country (5G everywhere) with still lively Confucian traditions. Visa-free for French citizens up to 90 days (K-ETA required).
Passport and visa in South Korea
The tourist visa for citizens of the European Union is free and for a stay in South Korea of 90 days as in most countries! You must declare at customs if you carry a large amount of cash!
Seoul and Paris are sister cities.
Going to South Korea?
Did you know?
South Korea went from a GDP per capita lower than Ghana’s in 1960 to one of the ten highest in the world today. It is the only country to have made this transition in less than 60 years, nicknamed the “Miracle of the Han River”.
Airplane: Many airlines serve South Korea but I will only give you the national airlines: there are Korean Airlines and also Asiana Airlines. I used Asiana Airlines to come to South Korea and to return to Germany!
Sea route: Busan, the second city of South Korea and also the country’s main port, it is possible to arrive in Japan; another port Incheon ensures the connection with China. There are also ferries to Russia.
  ;Means of transport in South Korea
Metro: South Korea has very developed metro networks, the signs are written in Korean and English so it is very easy to find your way! It has disposable transport cards which are very practical, the system is quite sophisticated since it is possible to pay for transport with phones that have a chip inside!
Taxis: there are different colors and types of taxis in Korea, international taxis with mandatory reservation by phone or internet! branded taxis (luxury taxis: black color, jumbo taxis).
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Capital | Seoul (10M) |
| Population | 52 million |
| Area | 100,000 km² |
| Currency | Won (KRW) |
| Time difference with Paris | +7h winter / +6h summer |
| K-ETA | Mandatory (5€) |
Accommodation in South Korea
My experience
First time in Seoul, I was shocked by the cleanliness and organization. Clean subway, wifi everywhere (free 5G), restaurants open 24h, delivery at 3am without any problem. It is one of the most convenient countries I have visited, yet little known in France.
I mostly experienced guest houses but South Korea has hotels under 5 groups: super luxurious, luxurious, 1st, 2nd and 3rd category!
  ;Practical information about South Korea
The currency of South Korea is the Won. If you have a Visa credit card, you will have no trouble withdrawing money! There are no tips in restaurants, there is a 10% surcharge on the bill! Taxes are 10% on products!
The electrical current is 220 volts!
Advantages
- Free 5G everywhere
- Varied cuisine (BBQ, kimchi, street food)
- Total safety day and night
- Ultra-efficient public transport
- Fascinating modernity
Weak points
- Language barrier (little English outside the center)
- High cost in high season
- Humid and hot summer
- Freezing winter (-15°C)
- Visible social pressure (intense pace)
There is an 8-hour time difference compared to France and Paris! South Korea and Japan are in the same time zone!
  ;Climate and weather in South Korea
The best time of year in Korea to go is from May to September! I went in early May in Korea and it was a bit cold! Between Nov and March, temperatures are around 0 to 5 degrees!
  ;Things to know in South Korea:
The classic trap to avoid
Always request a K-ETA online before departure (€5, valid for 2 years since 2024). Without a K-ETA, you may be denied boarding at the airport in France. It’s a simple formality but often forgotten.
Thanking and greeting are very important as in Asian countries like Japan! They prefer a handshake when greeting! It is not very common to kiss in the street, they avoid showing excessive affection in public, they are indeed very reserved!
Traditionally Koreans sleep, eat, and sit on the floor! You must remove your shoes when entering a house! Being barefoot can be inappropriate, it is better to wear slippers!
If you are preparing your departure, take a look at our guide on the capital of which complements the topic well. The feedback around South Africa travel also provides useful benchmarks to avoid unpleasant surprises. And to go further for inspiration, the article on Southwest Asia countries is worth a detour.
Most of the time, if you go to a restaurant, either you invite or you are invited, but for young Koreans, they split the bill !
  ;If you want to know more, find the section about : East Asia travel
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Do you need a visa for South Korea?
No for French citizens, but K-ETA is mandatory (€5, valid for 2 years) to be requested before departure.
What currency is used in South Korea?
The South Korean won (KRW). 1€ = about 1,430 won. Card payment accepted everywhere.
What is the best time to visit?
April-May (cherry blossoms) and September-October (autumn foliage). Avoid July-August (stifling humidity).
