A practical guide for Indian travellers to navigate South Korea’s culture, etiquette, and cities with ease.

Published 2017 · Updated March 2026

Way back in April 2015, I received an invitation from the Journalists’ Association of Korea to visit South Korea. The agenda: a global conference on peace with North Korea. Of course, many discussions have taken place since then. While unification remains elusive, the country thrives. Its cities, from Seoul to Busan and Daegu, reflect resilience, discipline, and rapid growth—qualities that make South Korea a fascinating place to explore.

Over the course of my visit, I discovered that experiencing the country fully requires not just seeing its sights but understanding its culture, etiquette, and rhythms of daily life.

Here’s your quick guide: 10 things every Indian traveller should know.

1. Punctuality Matters

• 8:00 am means exactly 8:00 am.
• Even officials follow the clock strictly.
• Arrive on time for buses, trains, and appointments.

2. Professionalism & Discipline

• Friendly yet business-minded.
• Efficient urban life across crowded cities.
• People work hard and enjoy free time responsibly.

3. Follow Traffic Rules

• Cross only at zebra crossings.
• Walk only when the pedestrian light is green.
• No honking or illegal parking.
• Use sidewalks and follow local etiquette.

4. Cleanliness & Waste Disposal

• Garbage bins are everywhere—do not litter.
• Carry a small bag for trash if needed.
• Public spaces, streets, and transport are impressively clean.

5. Politeness & Social Etiquette

• Smile, shake hands, and stay calm if lost.
• Avoid loud behaviour.
• Signboards, maps, and help centres are everywhere.
• Koreans are polite, refined, and sophisticated.

6. Tipping & Service

• Tipping is not expected.
• Self-service is the norm.
• Assistance is offered warmly if needed, but optional.

7. Food & Dining Tips

• Seafood dominates, but salads and rice are widely available.
• Carry dry snacks if needed.
• Steel chopsticks are standard; ask for a fork if unsure.
• Street vendors are helpful; minimal bargaining.

8. Respect Public Spaces

• Do not touch sculptures or jump barriers.
• Walking at night is safe if you follow rules.
• Respect public transport and communal areas.

9. Technology & Connectivity

• Wi-Fi is available everywhere.
• South Korea balances global connectivity with local culture.

10. Enjoy the Seasons

• Spring is perfect for cherry blossoms and city walks.
• Night strolls on safe, clean streets are unforgettable.

Additional Travel Tips for Indians Visiting South Korea

Visa Requirements

Indian passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea.

• Apply through the Korean Embassy/Consulate or a VFS Global Visa Centre in India.
• Required documents typically include: passport (valid for at least 6 months), photos, travel itinerary, bank statements, hotel bookings, and invitation letters (if applicable).
• Processing times vary, so apply 4–6 weeks before travel.

Note: South Korea occasionally introduces visa‑free or simplified schemes for Indian travellers under special agreements; check the Embassy website for current updates before applying.

Flights from India

South Korea is well‑connected to major Indian cities.

Direct flights operate from:

• Delhi (DEL) to Seoul (ICN / GMP)
• Mumbai (BOM) to Seoul (ICN)

Airlines flying this route include:
✈ Air India (direct)
✈ Korean Air
✈ Asiana Airlines
✈ Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)
✈ Thai Airways (via Bangkok)
✈ Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong)

Flight time:

• Direct: ~8–9 hours from India to Seoul
• With stopovers: 10–15+ hours depending on layovers

Best Time to Visit

South Korea is beautiful year‑round, but spring and autumn are standout seasons:

📍 Spring (April – May)

• Cherry blossoms, mild weather — excellent for walking and photography

🍁 Autumn (September – October)

• Fall foliage, clear skies — perfect for scenic drives and hiking

Summer (June – August): warm and humid
Winter (December – February): cold, but wonderful for snow landscapes and winter markets

Local Transport

Getting around in South Korea is efficient and affordable.

In Cities

• Subway & Buses — clean, punctual and extensive
• Taxis — widely available and metered
• Monorail — useful in cities like Daegu

Intercity Travel

• KTX Bullet Train — fast, reliable, and comfortable
  Busan to Seoul ~2.5 hours tip: high‑speed rail is a joy to experience
• Express Buses — cheaper alternative to trains

Tip: Buy a T‑Money card (rechargeable) for seamless travel on buses, subways, and even taxis.

Currency & Payments

• Currency: South Korean Won (₩ / KRW)
• ATMs: widely available — look for international ATM machines
• Cards: Credit/debit cards accepted almost everywhere
• Cash: useful in street markets and smaller vendors

Connectivity

• Wi‑fi: Extremely widespread — even at parks and streets
• SIM Cards / eSIM: Available at Incheon Airport and in the city
• Recommended: Grab a local prepaid SIM or eSIM for data & easy navigation
• International Travel Plug Adapter

Language & Communication

• Korean is the official language; English is commonly understood in major cities, transport hubs, and tourist areas.
• Useful tip: Download offline maps and phrases before you go.

Food & Dietary Tips

South Korea is a food lover’s delight, but note:
✔ Seafood and meats are common
✔ Vegetarian options exist — rice, salads, pancakes
✔ Carry snacks if you have specific dietary needs
✔ Street vendors are friendly and usually open to customisation

Cultural Tips

• Shoes
  Many traditional restaurants require removing shoes
• Chopsticks
  Steel chopsticks are standard — ask for a fork if needed
• Tipping
  Not expected; service is included

Quick India–South Korea Travel Checklist

Item	Notes
Visa	Apply 4–6 weeks ahead
Flights	Direct options available from DEL/BOM
Travel Card	Get T‑Money for transport
Currency	KRW; cards widely accepted
Connectivity	Prepaid SIM / eSIM
Best Season	Spring (cherry blossoms), Autumn (fall foliage)

South Korea is more than a destination—it’s an experience in discipline, civility, and cultural pride. Follow these etiquette tips, respect the local norms, and immerse yourself in the vibrancy of the cities, cuisine, and natural beauty. Whether it’s a stroll along Busan’s beaches, a visit to a Buddhist temple in Daegu, or a walk through Seoul’s cherry blossoms, the journey will be unforgettable.

Ambica Gulati is a journalist and editor whose work explores global affairs, travel, environment, and the intuitive arts. From short stories to wellness mantras, she focuses on meaningful experiences in a complex world.

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