South Korea Travel Safety Guide

Tap water is treated and generally safe, though many locals still prefer filtered water at home.

Food hygiene is usually good by travel standards.

Do not assume every international app, map, or card works perfectly the same way it does elsewhere.

Metro and rail are the safest and easiest default in major cities. Kakao T is the best-known taxi app for many visitors.

Traffic is more disciplined than in much of Southeast Asia, but crossings should still be taken seriously because turning vehicles may not behave the way visitors expect.

A T-money style transport card makes buses and metros easier, and some tourists use WOWPASS where foreign cards work poorly.

Currency is South Korean won (KRW). Cards are widely used, but some tourist situations and transport top-ups still go more smoothly with cash or a local travel card.

Tipping is generally not expected.

Taxi pricing is usually straightforward if you use Kakao T or licensed taxis.

Plug types are C and F. Voltage is 220V.