A comprehensive guide to traveling to Korea in December

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Korea is a country with four distinct seasons, and the winter month of December is especially blessed with stunning scenery and a wealth of cultural activities. Whether you are a skier looking to experience winter sports or a tourist who enjoys the festive atmosphere, Korea offers a unique experience. However, you need to be well prepared before traveling to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

South Korea

What do I need to prepare for traveling to Korea in December?

Before embarking on your journey to South Korea, it is vital to know the necessary preparations. Here are some things you should consider when traveling to Korea in December:

1. Visa and Passport

Make sure your passport is still valid for at least six months and find out if you need to apply for a visa according to your country's regulations. Visitors from most countries can stay in Korea for up to 90 days without a visa, but check in advance.

2. Clothing Preparation

Temperatures in Korea are low in December, especially in the northern and mountainous regions where temperatures can sometimes drop below zero. It is recommended that you prepare warm winter clothing such as down jackets, scarves, gloves and boots with thick soles. It is also important to bring moisturizer as winter in Korea is relatively dry.

3. Currency and Payment Methods

The official currency of Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Although most merchants accept credit cards, cash is still the main form of payment in some smaller stores and markets. It is recommended that you exchange some KRW in advance, just in case.

4. Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance will provide you with extra protection, especially in the areas of medical care and lost luggage, to ensure that you have peace of mind during your trip.

5. Mobile device preparation

If you want to stay connected during your trip, it is advisable to consider purchasing an eSIM service to avoid high roaming charges. With eSIM, you can easily connect to the internet once you arrive in Korea.

Is it safe to travel to Korea now?

Currently, it is relatively safe to travel to Korea. Korea is a well-policed country with a low crime rate. The government takes tourism safety seriously, and many popular tourist areas have specialized tourist police ready to assist visitors. However, tourists still need to remain vigilant and pay attention to the safety of their personal belongings while traveling.

South Korea

What do I need to be aware of when traveling to Korea for the first time?

If you are traveling to Korea for the first time, the following tips will help you better integrate into the local culture:

1. Learn basic Korean phrases

Although many Koreans speak English, learning basic Korean phrases such as “thank you” (감사합니다, gamsahamnida) and “hello” (안녕하세요, annyeonghaseyo) will help you better integrate into the local culture. gamsahamnida) and “hello” (안녕하세요, annyeonghaseyo), which will make your communication with the locals much smoother.

2. Learn about the local culture

Korea has a rich history and culture. When eating, following etiquette, such as waiting for your elders to move their chopsticks first, is a sign of respect for the local culture. In addition, Koreans are quiet in public and polite behavior will make you more popular.

3. Transportation

Public transportation in Korea is very well developed, and subways and buses are very convenient. It is recommended to download some transportation apps to better plan your trip.

8 Potential Dangers to Know When Going to Korea

1. Take care of your personal belongings

Keep an eye on your belongings

  • Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings at busy tourist attractions, markets, and public transportation. Try to avoid using cell phones or other electronic devices in these places to avoid distractions.
  • Use anti-theft backpacks: Choose backpacks with anti-theft designs, such as hidden zippers, adjustable straps and tear-resistant materials, which can effectively reduce the risk of theft.
  • Store valuables: Keep valuables (e.g. passports, cash, credit cards, etc.) in inner pockets or close to your body, and avoid placing them in outer pockets where they can be easily accessed.

Avoid showing your belongings

  • Use cash discreetly: Try to withdraw or make payments in inconspicuous places and avoid large cash transactions in public.
  • Use electronic devices in a low profile: When using cell phones and cameras in public, try to keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention.

2. Choose safe accommodation

Choose reputable hotels

  • Check reviews: Before booking a hotel, carefully check online reviews and ratings and choose those hotels or B&Bs with a good reputation.
  • Know the security of the facilities: Make sure the accommodation has basic security facilities such as 24-hour surveillance, room safes and secure door entry systems.

Know the Neighborhood

  • Explore the surrounding security facilities: After checking in, learn about the surrounding security facilities, such as the nearest police station, hospital and convenience store, in case of emergency.
  • Familiarize yourself with the surrounding environment: During the daytime, try to get to know the surrounding streets and stores on foot and master the main route routes.

3. Transportation Safety

Use official transportation

  • Choose an official taxi: When hailing a taxi on the street, give preference to official cabs with signs and avoid unregistered vehicles. You can hail a taxi through taxi hailing software (e.g. Kakao Taxi) to ensure safety.
  • Knowledge of public transportation: Familiarize yourself with the operating hours and routes of subways and buses, and avoid taking public transportation late at night or in isolated areas.

Obey traffic rules

  • Obey traffic signals: Always obey traffic signals when crossing the street and pay attention to oncoming traffic, especially at busy intersections.
  • Use sidewalks: Walk on sidewalks as much as possible and avoid walking alongside roads with heavy traffic to ensure safety.

South Korea

4. Pay attention to local laws and regulations

Obey the law

  • Know the laws and regulations: Before traveling, learn about the laws and regulations in Korea, such as those related to smoking, drinking and public behavior, to avoid breaking the law.
  • Respect local customs: Korea has high requirements for behavior in some public places, such as prohibiting food and drink on the subway and keeping quiet, etc. Abiding by these norms will help avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Maintaining Cultural Sensitivity

  • Learn basic etiquette: Demonstrate respect for the local culture by following local etiquette when eating, such as waiting for elders to move chopsticks first.
  • Maintain politeness when interacting with locals: Use polite language and maintain a friendly demeanor when interacting with locals.

5. Keep your calls open

Purchase a local SIM card or eSIM

  • Choose the right network service: When you arrive in Korea, you can choose to buy a local SIM card or use the eSIM service to ensure that you are always connected and that it is easy to navigate and find information.
  • Keep your cell phone charged: Make sure your cell phone is fully charged when you leave the house and carry a charging pad with you in case of emergencies.

Keep emergency contact information

  • Keep important contact information: Keep your hotel address, contact information and local emergency numbers (e.g. police 112, medical 119, etc.) in your cell phone for easy access at all times.
  • Inform friends and family of your itinerary: Before traveling, inform friends and family of your itinerary and contact information so that they can reach you in case of an emergency.

6. Understand emergency handling

Familiarize yourself with emergency contact information

  • Call emergency numbers: In case of danger or emergency, call 112 (police) or 119 (medical emergency) for help. Know how to use these numbers and local emergency response procedures.
  • Stay calm: In an emergency, stay calm, assess the situation quickly and take appropriate action.

Getting Help

  • Seek help from locals: If you have a problem, ask passersby or store staff for help. Most Koreans are willing to help tourists and many can speak basic English.
  • Go to a police station: If you have been involved in a theft or other crime, you can go to the nearest police station and report the crime, and the police will help you.

7. Traveling in a group

Avoid traveling alone at night

  • Choose the right time to travel: Try to avoid going out alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Choosing to be active during the day makes it simpler to deal with unexpected situations.
  • Travel in a group: Traveling with a fellow traveler not only enhances safety, but also provides mutual support in case of emergency.

8. Focus on personal health

Maintain a healthy diet

  • Pay attention to food hygiene: When enjoying local food, choose reputable restaurants and avoid eating at street stalls to ensure food hygiene and safety.
  • Drink in moderation: Keep your body well hydrated, especially if you are more active.

Keep a good routine

  • Adequate sleep: A good work routine can strengthen your body's immunity and help you cope better with various situations during your trip.
  • Moderate Exercise: You can do some relaxing exercise during your trip to keep your body active and healthy

What to do when traveling to Korea with high roaming charges?

When traveling abroad, many people will face high roaming charges, which may bring unnecessary financial burden to the trip. To solve this problem, you can consider using PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service.

PhoneSIMGo

Using PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service

  1. High-speed Internet: PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service ensures that you can enjoy high-speed Internet connection during your travels, making it convenient for you to access the Internet anytime and anywhere, whether in the city or remote areas. 2.
  2. Say goodbye to roaming charges: With eSIM, you can avoid high international roaming charges. Choose the right traffic package to make sure you don't go over budget with your data usage while traveling.
  3. Easy Activation: You can purchase and activate your eSIM online before you leave, so you don't have to search for a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination, saving you time and hassle.
  4. Flexible choices: PhoneSIMGo offers a wide range of traffic packages, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and ensure a smooth internet connection during your trip.
  5. Wide Coverage: Whether you are in a busy city or in a remote rural area, PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service can provide you with a stable network connection, making your travel experience smoother.

Conclusion

South Korea is a fascinating destination and the winter season in December offers a unique experience for travelers. Being well prepared and aware of safety matters before traveling will help you explore this beautiful country smoothly. Meanwhile, with PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service, you can say goodbye to high roaming charges and enjoy high-speed internet, ensuring that every moment in Korea is seamless. Whether it's your first time visiting Korea or you're returning, there are endless surprises to discover.