Many nationalities must apply for a visa prior to entering South Korea. The visa requirements are based on the passport you hold and may differ depending on the intended period and purpose of your visit.

It is up to each individual traveler to ensure they are able to enter South Korea. Because regulations are subject to change at any time, we recommend you check with South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your country’s travel advisory site for up-to-date information before traveling.

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory before you leave.
In this case, it is up to every individual traveler to make arrangements for his/her own travel insurance, and it is worth pointing out that entry requirements differ according to country. Certain countries require travel health insurance for all foreigners visiting a particular nation.

At least, your policy must provide coverage for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. There might be some variations in the coverage you need, depending on your trip, so make sure you read the section on Travel Insurance in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be able to participate in the trip unless your trip leader has verified your policy number and the contact details of the insurer, which will be noted on the first day of your trip.

Given the fact that the quality, accessibility, and associated costs of healthcare can differ dramatically globally, the need for travel insurance goes beyond being a mere formality, playing a crucial role in being a responsible traveler.

In the case of travelers from the United States, the European Union, or Switzerland, travel insurance cannot be mandatory. However, it is highly recommended. Those from the aforementioned countries, if they opt to travel without insurance coverage within their own region, must sign the ‘Travel Insurance Waiver Form.’ This is in the sense that they accept full responsibility for the expenses incurred.

Tipping is not an integral part of everyday culture in South Korea, and in some restaurants, particularly more traditional ones, tipping can be considered impolite. You might even notice "no tipping" notices, which is an attempt to make everything comfortable for all.

That said, where it’s more Westernized or tourist-friendly, tipping is generally accepted and even encouraged. The easiest thing to do is to just follow the mood of where you are.

Tap water in South Korea is generally safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. If, in any case, you are unsure about the water in the place that you are staying or visiting, the trip leader will be able to guide you in the right direction.

With some of the most developed Internet infrastructure in the world, staying in touch in South Korea is very easy. Wi-Fi spots and Internet cafes can be found in most cities and towns. When traveling to more rural areas, you may have difficulty staying in touch, so plan accordingly in case you need Internet access on your trip.

Mobile phone reception is also excellent within the cities and towns across South Korea. In more rural or mountainous areas, it may not always be so strong, and it would be advisable to ensure that international roaming is enabled or purchase a local SIM or eSIM prior to departing from home.

The well-being and safety of our travelers are important to us, and we make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. When you travel with us, you and your fellow travelers are protected by our global response network and our in-country leadership. In addition, we practice a zero tolerance policy for any form of discrimination.

Before you leave, we encourage you to check the latest information offered by your government or your national advisory service. The World Health Organization is another useful resource for health-related information.

It’s the small cultural details that count in South Korea. Respect, etiquette, and good manners are very important, not least in how the population interacts with one another.

Some helpful tips:

Use both hands when handing or receiving goods, especially money or cards.

Take off your shoes when entering some homes and traditional settings

Respect noise levels on public transportation; keeping voices low is considered good etiquette.

You do not have to be perfect, but some effort will be recognized and appreciated.

Dining with Koreans has a couple of simple rules and customs that are not hard to learn once you understand what is expected of you. Sharing meals is a common custom, and food is put in a central location for everyone to share. It is a sign of respect to wait for the oldest person at the table before beginning to eat, and to serve other people a drink using both hands.