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Explore South Korea

K-food, palaces, mountains, late-night cities, and a culture of quick service and respect.

South Korea combines fast-paced cities, food markets, historic palaces, pop culture, mountains, and highly efficient transit. Korean politeness levels matter, so using respectful basic phrases helps.

Phrases Quick Mode Culture Tipping

Quick facts

LanguageKorean

CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)

Emergency112

PaymentCards are widely accepted, even for small purchases

Essential phrases

All phrases

Hello

안녕하세요

An-nyeong-ha-se-yo

Please

부탁합니다

Boo-tak-ham-nee-da

Thank you

감사합니다

Kam-sa-ham-nee-da

Excuse me

실례합니다

Shil-lye-ham-nee-da

Cultural norms

All tips

Use two hands respectfully

Etiquette

Give and receive cards, money, and items with two hands or with your free hand supporting your wrist.

Shared dishes are common

Dining

Korean meals often involve shared banchan and grilled dishes. Wait for cues before starting in formal settings.

Transit cards are essential

Transport

T-money or compatible transit cards make subways, buses, and convenience-store payments easier.

Tipping guide

Full guide

Tipping is generally not expected and can feel awkward. Exceptional guides or hotel staff may accept a discreet tip, but it is not standard.

Restaurants

₩0

Not expected

Tipping can feel awkward and may be refused.

Taxis

₩0

Not expected

Pay the metered fare.

Hotel staff

Optional

Not standard

Luxury hotels serving international guests may be more accustomed to tips.

Tour guides

Small cash tip

Appreciated

Guides working with international visitors may accept tips.

Use the app for quick access and saved phrases

Quick mode, category browsing, and your personal phrasebook.

Open South Korea in App