Time Difference
Korea is 1 hour ahead of Taiwan.
Documents & Entry Requirements
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Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
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Visa: Taiwanese travelers can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. No K-ETA application is required (visa exemption period extended until the end of 2025).
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Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card): Starting from February 24, 2025, travelers must complete the e-Arrival Card online within 3 days prior to entry and present the QR code upon arrival. If not completed online, a paper card can be filled out on the plane.
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Q-Code Health Declaration: Starting from September 1, 2024, Taiwanese travelers are no longer required to fill out the Q-Code health survey when entering Korea.
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Customs Declaration: If you have nothing to declare, you may use the "Nothing to Declare" lane.
Luggage & Essentials
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Identification Documents: Passport, national ID, and a photocopy of your passport (recommended to keep backups).
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Mobile Internet: Options include SIM card, eSIM, or portable Wi-Fi router.
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Transportation Card: T-Money card is recommended for subway and bus travel.
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Currency: It's advisable to exchange some Korean Won in Taiwan for initial use. For better rates, exchange money at local Korean currency exchange offices. Credit cards are also widely accepted.
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Electronics: Bring your phone and a power bank. (Note: Starting February 2025, power banks are not allowed in overhead compartments and must be carried with you.)
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Adapters & Converters: Korea uses 220V power with round two-pin (European) outlets. Bring appropriate adapters.
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Toiletries: Most hotels do not provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, etc. Please bring your own.
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Clothing: Prepare season-appropriate clothes. Korea has four distinct seasons. Autumn and winter are dry, so bring moisturizers.
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Medication & Health Items: Bring any personal medication or supplements you may need.
Transportation & Accommodation
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Airport to City: You can take the airport express train (AREX) or airport buses. Prices and travel times vary depending on the route.
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Accommodation: Book in advance and confirm that your lodging includes all needed amenities.
Spending & Tax Refunds
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Tax Refund: Purchases over KRW 30,000 are eligible for tax refunds. Some department stores have self-service kiosks or staffed counters for processing refunds.
Cultural Etiquette & Taboos in Korea
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Giving and Receiving Items
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Always use both hands when giving or receiving items, especially with elders or superiors. Using one hand may be seen as impolite.
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Behavior in Public
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Keep your voice down in public places like subways, cafés, and restaurants. Avoid using speakerphone to prevent disturbing others.
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Do not touch others casually—especially avoid touching shoulders, heads, or holding hands with the opposite gender.
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Meeting and Social Etiquette
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Bowing is the traditional greeting. Younger or junior people should bow first when greeting elders or superiors. Men may bow and shake hands—use both hands to show respect.
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Avoid casually calling middle-aged women “ajumma.” Use the term “oppa” for men cautiously, especially with strangers.
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Dining Etiquette
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Wait for elders to begin eating first. Sit properly—do not stretch out or cross your legs.
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Use spoons for rice and soup; chopsticks are for side dishes. Do not use them interchangeably.
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Never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice—this resembles funeral rites and is seen as disrespectful.
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Leave the restaurant promptly after finishing your meal; lingering for long chats is discouraged.
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Photography & Pointing
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Do not take pictures of strangers in public without permission, especially if they appear in the shot. This can be seen as a privacy violation.
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Avoid pointing at people with your finger—use your whole hand to gesture politely.
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Other Considerations
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Respect hierarchy and elders, and use honorific language.
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Follow public hygiene and traffic rules. Garbage sorting is strictly enforced.
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Eating and drinking on public transportation is prohibited, including bringing drinks on buses.
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Additional Reminders
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Travel Insurance: It is recommended to purchase travel and medical insurance before departure.
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Weather: Be aware of local weather. Spring and autumn have large day-to-night temperature differences; summer is hot, and winter is cold.
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Packing: Make a checklist beforehand to avoid forgetting essentials.
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Electricity: Korea uses 220V. Bring a round two-pin (EU-type) plug adapter.
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Currency: Bring a reasonable amount of Korean Won and a credit card.
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T-Money Transportation Card: Can be purchased at convenience stores for use on public transportation.
Quick Tips
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Korean power outlets differ from Taiwan’s—don’t forget your adapter.
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Starting in 2025, power banks must be carried in your personal bag, not stored in overhead compartments.
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Most Korean hotels do not provide disposable toiletries—bring your own.
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Take care of your personal documents and valuables while traveling.