Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for travelers to South Korea. Consider getting a Typhoid vaccine if you plan on eating street food or staying in rural areas. Routine vaccines like MMR, DTaP, and influenza should be up-to-date. Japanese Encephalitis is suggested if visiting rural areas during rice growing season. Rabies is generally not needed unless you plan on working with animals. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in South Korea, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for South KoreaCulture & Customs
Use both hands when giving or receiving items, like gifts or money, to show respect. Bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone. Avoid tipping, as it’s not customary and can be seen as rude. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in more traditional areas. For LGBTQ+ travelers, while Seoul’s Itaewon has a vibrant scene, discretion is advised in more conservative areas. Women traveling alone should be aware that separate subway cars for women exist during rush hours. Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional accommodations. Avoid speaking loudly in public places.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for South Korea.
- Bibimbap: A colorful mix of rice, vegetables, meat, and a fried egg, topped with gochujang (chili pepper paste). It’s popular because it represents balance and variety in Korean cuisine.
- Kimchi: Fermented vegetables, primarily napa cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. It’s a staple in Korean meals and symbolizes health and tradition.
- Bulgogi: Marinated beef slices grilled to perfection, often served with rice and leafy greens. It’s a favorite due to its sweet and savory flavors and its role in bringing people together at the table.
- Samgyeopsal: Thick slices of pork belly, grilled at your table and usually wrapped in lettuce with sauces and sides. This dish is a social experience, perfect for dining with friends or family.
- Tteokbokki: Spicy and sweet rice cakes, often found in street markets. It’s a beloved street food that provides a taste of Korean comfort and spice.
Yes, tap water in South Korea is technically safe to drink, and many locals do consume it. However, tourists often find the taste not great, so using bottled or filtered water is common. When in doubt, go for a cheap bottled option or refill a reusable bottle at water dispensers found in many public places.
The main language in South Korea is
Korean. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Korean skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for South Korea includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In South Korea,
English proficiency varies significantly depending on the location and the demographic. In major cities like Seoul and Busan, many younger people, especially those in urban areas and the service industry, speak English reasonably well. Signs in tourist areas are often bilingual, making navigation easier for English-speaking travelers.
However, in more rural areas, English speakers may be less common, and communication can be challenging. Older generations may have limited English skills, as English education has improved in recent years but was not as emphasized in the past.
While many South Koreans are eager to help and will try to communicate, it’s beneficial for travelers to learn a few basic Korean phrases. Apps and translation tools can also bridge the gap. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, travelers can generally find enough English speakers to navigate their way through the country comfortably.
Money & Payments
The local currency of South Korea is KRW (₩).
When backpacking in South Korea, cash is king, especially outside urban centers. ATMs are pretty accessible in cities and towns, but note that not all machines accept foreign cards. Look for those labeled ’Global ATM.’ Carry a stash of cash for rural areas, just in case.
Opt for Korean Won over dollars or euros. South Korean businesses rarely accept foreign currencies. Most places take major credit cards, but smaller eateries, markets, and rural spots might be cash-only.
For exchanging money, banks offer the best rates. Avoid airport exchanges due to high fees. Alternatively, head to Myeongdong in Seoul for competitive rates at currency exchange shops. Enjoy the trip!
Tipping in South Korea isn’t customary and can even be considered rude in some cases. Most places, like restaurants and taxis, don’t expect tips, as service charges are usually included in the bill. Instead, if you receive exceptional service and want to show appreciation, a small gift or a simple
thank you in Korean (고맙습니다, gomabseubnida) goes a long way.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.