🇰🇷 Travel facts South Korea
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to South Korea — entry, tipping, plug type, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | Seoul |
|---|---|
| Language | Korean |
| Currency | Won (KRW) |
| Timezone | UTC+9 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 11 hours |
| Emergency number | 112 / 119 · Police 112 · Emergency 119 |
| Plug | Type C/F · 220 V / 60 Hz |
| EU / Schengen | not an EU country · not Schengen |
Do I need a visa for South Korea?
Passport required; visa-free for up to 90 days.
Electronic entry permit K-ETA may be required depending on current regulations — check before departure. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much tip do you give in South Korea?
No tipping — uncommon and may cause confusion.
Taxi: No tipping.
Which plug adapter do I need in South Korea?
No adapter needed — Type C / F (220 V / 60 Hz), German plugs fit.
Can you drink tap water in South Korea?
Yes, tap water is drinkable.
Safe; many locals prefer filtered or bottled water.
What can I bring back from South Korea to Germany?
Non-EU country: When returning to Germany, goods up to €430 (by air), 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits are duty-free.
Does my mobile phone work in South Korea?
No EU roaming — pre-book an eSIM or buy a cheap local SIM on-site.
Card or cash — how do you pay in South Korea?
Won (KRW); card is almost universally accepted, T-money card for public transport.
What should I know about health in South Korea?
Travel health insurance with repatriation is recommended; check vaccination/health advice with the German Federal Foreign Office or Tropical Institute.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and safety information may change at short notice — the binding source is the German Federal Foreign Office (South Korea travel advice) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
