Itinerary Suggestions

Travel Note

Click view to visit our blog of itinerary suggestions

Travel Note

Cultural Must Knows

Tipping: Not required or normal. Americans- You'll feel awkward not to tip (especially because of exchange rates / lower costs in Korea). It really is not normal or expected, even if you are obviously not Korean. Public Bathrooms: Bring your own tissues and don't flush toilet paper. Thankfully this going away, however in older parts of cities / buildings sometimes there isn't toilet paper in restaurant bathrooms. Carry travel sized tissues with you to be safe! Or take napkins or tissues from the table. Bidets are popular here, but not everywhere either. Usually in restaurants or cafes they also have trash cans in the bathroom stall and signs asking you not to flush toilet paper. Bowing: No handshakes or touching. Korean people often bow when saying hello / goodbye, thank you / sorry or yes. Full 90° bows are too much, just slight head nod without eye contact is good manners. (In many Asian cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is generally a sign of respect.) Take off your shoes: Inside temples, homes, restaurants with floor seating, animal cafes. Observe others and look for signs. It's usually clear if you're required to take off your shoes. Ex: Shoe shelves by the entrance / pile of shoes in the corner by the entry. ***Unless you're having a beach day, wear shoes with socks to be safe. It's not a crime to be barefoot inside, but it's not preferable. Many Koreans even take off their shoes when sitting on a picnic blanket. Crosswalks: Do not press any buttons!! The lights change automatically and any buttons nearby are to provide voice guidance for pedestrians who are visually impaired. It's ultimately harmless to press, but people will look at you strangely if you do. Wet showers / rooms: Some Korean Airbnbs or older hotels may not have separate showers. If you dislike this double check bathroom photos before booking. Squat toilets: Still used in many Asian countries, but you probably won't find them in touristy / popular areas.

Travel Note

Helpful language expressions

Click "VIEW" for a video of simple Korean phrases / etiquette explanations! Be a good tourist! At least memorize: thank you --> kamsa-hamni-da (감사합니다)