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Weather & climate
Weather in South Korea
South Korea
24°
Partly cloudy
Thu
9°
24°
Fri
10°
19°
Sat
9°
24°
Sun
12°
28°
Mon
10°
19°
Tue
5°
21°
Wed
8°
22°
SPF level in South Korea
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for South Korea
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid until after your departure date when entering South Korea for tourism for up to 90 days.
You can enter South Korea for up to 90 days for short-term tourism without a visa.
You must have an onward or return ticket to enter South Korea visa-free.
British nationals are temporarily exempt from requiring a K-ETA for visa-free travel until December 31, 2026.
From 24 February 2025, you can submit an e-Arrival card online up to 72 hours before arrival instead of a paper form.
Good to know:
If you are ill upon arrival from the UK, you must submit a Q-Code or paper-based health questionnaire.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering South Korea.
Safety in South Korea
Tips when travelling
South Korea is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification at all times.
Take extra care of your passport, credit cards and money in crowded areas and places popular with foreigners.
Take care when travelling alone at night in bars and nightlife areas and only use legitimate taxis or public transport.
The police consider car and motorbike drivers at fault in accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians, which can lead to criminal charges.
The legal alcohol limit for driving is less than half the UK limit, and penalties include prison and fines.
Bonus tips:
If you are a British male of Korean origin on the family register, you may be liable for military service even with a UK passport.
Taxis drivers often speak little English, so have your destination written in Korean with a map.
More information
Driving in South Korea
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100-120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50-60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Remember: South Korea drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in South Korea
As a British tourist, you'll need travel insurance to cover healthcare costs in South Korea. The GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in South Korea.
Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travelling to South Korea. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is readily available. Be aware of air pollution, particularly in urban areas.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in South Korea, particularly in larger establishments and cities. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards. Smaller shops and markets may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in South Korea
Tipping is not a standard practice in South Korea, and service charges are typically included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. Attempting to tip can sometimes be awkward or even refused. However, there are a few exceptions where small gratuities are appreciated but not expected.
Restaurant
Not customary. Service charge usually included.
Bar/Café
Not customary. No need to tip.
Taxi
Not customary. No need to tip. Rounding up is unnecessary.
Hotel Porter
1,000-2,000 KRW may be appreciated for exceptional service.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping is not customary.
Tour Guide
A small tip (5,000-10,000 KRW) is appreciated for private tours or exceptional service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile phone users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in South Korea. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card or using Wi-Fi where available.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30,000 KRW (~£18)
Network coverage
4G LTE, 5G
Electrical in South Korea
Voltage
220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is widely available in South Korea, especially in Seoul and other major cities. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi. There are also dedicated Wi-Fi hotspots available.
Average speed
100 Mbps
South Korea has excellent internet infrastructure, with fast and reliable Wi-Fi widely accessible, particularly in urban areas. Free Wi-Fi is available at many locations.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling South Korea
Country code
+82
To call a Seoul number (e.g., 02-1234-5678) from the UK, you would dial 00 82 2 1234 5678.
The country code for South Korea is 82. The international exit code from the UK is 00.
Language in South Korea
UK Embassy
British Embassy Seoul
4th Floor, Jeongdong Building, 15-15 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04517, Republic of Korea
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.