South Korea

• Bar or club overcharging in certain nightlife areas; check prices and reviews beforehand.
• Taxi drivers occasionally refusing short fares or taking longer routes; use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.

• Tap water is generally safe to drink, though some visitors prefer filtered or bottled water.
• Air quality can occasionally be poor due to fine dust; people with respiratory issues may want masks or to limit outdoor time on bad days.
• Healthcare is high quality; travel insurance is still important to cover costs.

• Routine vaccines recommended. Consider hepatitis A and B, and Japanese encephalitis for rural or long-term stays.

• Use two hands when giving or receiving items like money, cards, or gifts.
• Be quiet and respectful on public transport; mobile phone conversations are often kept brief or taken off the train.
• Try local etiquette in restaurants, such as waiting for elders to start eating first.

• Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles funeral rites.
• Don’t speak loudly on public transport or in residential areas late at night.
• Avoid direct criticism or confrontation; indirect communication is often preferred.

Tipping is not a strong tradition and is often not expected, though some high-end hotels and tour operators may accept or include service charges.

Stylish, neat casual clothing is common in cities. Modest dress is appreciated at temples; cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts or skirts when visiting religious sites.

South Korea has Buddhist temples, Christian churches, and other faiths. Respect quiet, remove shoes where requested, and follow posted rules at temples and historic sites.