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Weather in South Korea
South Korea
16°
Overcast
Wed
5
16
Thu
3
13
Fri
5
12
Sat
5
21
Sun
7
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.
Getting around South Korea
Language in South Korea
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.
Safety in South Korea
Tips for British travellers
South Korea is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification with you.
Take extra care of your passport, credit cards and money in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like Itaewon.
Take care when travelling alone at night in bar and nightlife areas and only use legitimate taxis or public transport.
If you are driving, you must have both a 1949 international driving permit and your UK driving licence in the car with you.
The legal alcohol limit for driving is less than half the limit in England, and penalties include prison and fines.
Bonus tips:
During civil emergency exercises, follow any instructions from officials and be aware that vehicles must stop.
Have your taxi destination written down in Korean or with a map as drivers often speak little English.
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in South Korea
Voltage
220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
British travellers will need a plug adapter for South Korea. The standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 60Hz. Plug types C and F are commonly used.
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
ATMs in South Korea
ATMs are widely available in South Korea, especially in cities, but availability might be more limited in rural areas. Look for ATMs in banks, convenience stores (like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven), and subway stations.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs in South Korea accept foreign cards with a chip and PIN, but it's advisable to check for the 'Global ATM' signage for guaranteed acceptance. ATMs are generally reliable, but it's always a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked. A transaction fee may be charged by the local bank.
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 data package
10 GB for 30,000 KRW (~£18)
Network coverage
4G LTE, 5G
Local carriers
SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus
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.
Health & vaccinations 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.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
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.
Calling South Korea
Country code
+82
To call South Korea from the UK, dial 00 82 followed by the South Korean number (omitting the leading zero of the area code).
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.
UK Embassy in South Korea
British Embassy Seoul
4th Floor, Jeongdong Building, 15-15 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04517, Republic of Korea
Airports in South Korea
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.