Hang : Korea Made Simple

Traveling in South Korea is generally easy, but a few everyday customs may feel unfamiliar if it is your first visit. Do you need to tip at a Korean restaurant? Is it okay to sit in a pink subway seat? Should you remove your shoes before entering a restaurant? Can you make phone calls on public transportation? The good news is that you do not need to memorize a long list of complicated Korean etiquette rules before your trip. Most everyday etiquette in Korea comes down to one simple idea: be considerate of the people sharing the space with you. Still, knowing a few local habits can make restaurants, subways, cafés, markets, tourist attractions, and other public places much easier to navigate. This practical Korea travel etiquette guide explains the customs international visitors are most likely to encounter, with a focus on situations that actually matter during a trip. 1. Korean Restaurant Etiquette for First-Time Visitors Korean restaurants can work a little differently from re...

  Japchae (잡채) is one of the easiest Korean dishes to recommend to someone trying Korean food for the first time. It is made with chewy glass noodles mixed with vegetables, mushrooms, and often thin slices of meat, all seasoned with a lightly sweet and savory soy sauce. Unlike many Korean dishes that get their color from red chili paste or chili flakes, traditional japchae is usually not spicy . Its mild flavor makes it especially approachable for travelers who are worried about spicy Korean food. You may see japchae at Korean restaurants, buffets, traditional markets, holiday meals, and special celebrations. It is especially associated with festive tables and occasions such as birthdays and Korean holidays. Here is what you should know before trying japchae in Korea. 1. What Is Japchae? Japchae is commonly described in English as Korean glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables . The noodles are called dangmyeon (당면) . Korean dangmyeon is typically made from starch, with sweet pot...

A visit to a Korean traditional market is one of the easiest ways to experience everyday life in Korea beyond palaces, department stores, and major tourist attractions. Traditional markets are still places where local residents shop for fresh produce, seafood, meat, side dishes, and household goods. At the same time, many popular markets have become excellent destinations for travelers looking to try Korean street food in a casual setting. Markets such as Gwangjang Market and Mangwon Market in Seoul, Seomun Market in Daegu, Sokcho Tourism & Fisheries Market, and Dongmun Traditional Market on Jeju Island are well known among visitors. Smaller neighborhood markets can offer a more local experience. If it is your first time at a market in Korea, however, a few things may not be obvious. Can you pay with a foreign credit card? Should you carry cash? Are you supposed to bargain? How do you order without an English menu? How spicy is the street food? Is vegetable-filled gimbap actua...

 Visiting a jjimjilbang (찜질방) is one of the easiest ways to experience an everyday side of Korean culture that you may not see at palaces, markets, or tourist attractions. A jjimjilbang is often described as a Korean sauna, but that does not tell the whole story. Many facilities combine gender-separated public baths with heated sauna rooms, lounges, snack bars, sleeping or relaxation areas, massage chairs, and other entertainment facilities. For Koreans, the routine is familiar. For a first-time visitor, however, the layout can be confusing. Do you take off your shoes first? Are you supposed to be naked? Can men and women stay together? When do you put on the matching T-shirt and shorts? And can you actually sleep there overnight? The good news is that a jjimjilbang is quite easy to use once you understand one important rule: The bathing areas are generally separated, while the main jjimjilbang relaxation area is usually shared. One more thing is worth checking before you go. Not ...

  If you eat Korean barbecue in Korea, you may receive a basket of fresh lettuce and perilla leaves along with grilled meat, garlic, chili peppers, and a small dish of thick brown-red sauce. These vegetables are not just a side salad. They are for making ssam (쌈) —a Korean-style wrap that combines several flavors and textures into one bite. Ssam is especially common with samgyeopsal (삼겹살, grilled pork belly) and other grilled meats, but it is much broader than Korean barbecue. Rice, fish, vegetables, seaweed, and different leafy greens can all become part of a ssam meal. For travelers who have never tried it, the number of small dishes on the table can make the process look complicated. It is actually very simple once you understand the basic idea. Here is how Korean ssam culture works and how to enjoy it naturally when eating in Korea. 1. What Is Ssam in Korean Food? The Korean word ssam (쌈) refers to food that is wrapped in an edible leaf or another wrapping ingredient and eate...

When traveling from Seoul to cities such as Busan, Jeonju, or Gangneung, trains are not your only option. Korea has an extensive network of express and intercity buses connecting major cities, smaller towns, and regional destinations across the country. In some cases, taking a bus can be more convenient than taking the KTX, especially when your destination does not have a nearby train station. Buses are also very useful for regional trips such as Busan to Gyeongju or Gangneung to Sokcho. However, booking a long-distance bus in Korea can be a little confusing for first-time international visitors. What is the difference between an express bus and an intercity bus? Which booking website should you use? Can you book tickets in English? Will an overseas Visa or Mastercard work? Can you board with a mobile ticket? What should you do if online booking does not work? The most important thing to know is that Korea does not use one single booking platform for every long-distance bus. The w...

 If you have leftover rice and well-fermented kimchi, you already have the beginning of one of Korea’s easiest comfort foods: kimchi-bokkeumbap (김치볶음밥) , or kimchi fried rice. The dish is exactly what the name suggests—rice stir-fried with kimchi—but the flavor is much more interesting than that simple description might imply. The kimchi brings acidity, chili heat, garlic, and fermented flavor, while the fried rice adds warmth and richness. Korea Tourism Organization describes kimchi fried rice as cooked rice stir-fried with kimchi, with the spicy and pungent flavor of the fermented kimchi balancing the richness of the fried rice. A fried egg is often added on top, and depending on the restaurant or home recipe, you may also find pork, ham, tuna, cheese, seaweed, or other ingredients. For foreign visitors, kimchi fried rice is particularly easy to understand, order, and enjoy. But there are a few useful things to know before you dig in—especially if you do not eat spicy food or fol...