Korea Legal Tips for Visitors

Ink up before you fly? Or cover up when you land? If you’re planning a trip to South Korea and you’re rocking some visible ink, you might be wondering: Are tattoos still taboo in Korea? The short answer? Yes—but with important caveats . Let’s break down the cultural attitudes, legal quirks, and real-world experiences you should know before flashing that sleeve on the streets of Seoul. Tattoos and the Law in Korea: A Strange Legal Gray Area Here’s a surprise for many tourists: tattooing is technically illegal in Korea unless done by a licensed medical professional. Yep, you read that right—only doctors can legally tattoo people under current Korean law. This stems from a law dating back to the 1950s, which classifies tattooing as a “medical procedure” because it involves needles piercing the skin. While this law hasn’t stopped tattoo artists from working underground or even in plain sight, it does mean most tattoo parlors operate in a legal gray area. Will You Get in Trouble f...

Imagine this: You just landed in Seoul. You’re excited, but a little lost. You need to call your Airbnb host or check directions to your hotel. You’re standing in the airport with no Korean SIM card yet and no Wi-Fi. What if we told you there's a way to be instantly connected before you even step off the plane? Welcome to the world of eSIMs . For tourists visiting Korea, eSIMs offer a fast, flexible, and modern way to stay connected with a local number — no tiny plastic cards needed. But can you really rent a Korean phone number as a visitor? Let’s dive in. What Is an eSIM and Why Should Tourists Care? An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical SIM card. Many modern smartphones (like iPhones, Pixel, and Galaxy series) now support eSIM functionality. This means you can activate a data and voice plan remotely — sometimes before you even arrive in Korea. Can Tourists Rent a Korean Phone Number with eSIM? Y...

You're in the heart of Seoul, and after exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, shopping in Myeongdong, and hiking Bukhansan, you’re ready to see more of Korea. Maybe you're dreaming of the beaches of Busan, the hanok villages of Jeonju, or the stunning landscapes of Sokcho. But one question lingers in your mind: Can I get there by public bus? The answer is—absolutely! Korea has one of the most efficient and foreigner-friendly intercity bus systems in the world. Whether you're heading to famous tourist spots or quiet countryside villages, buses can take you there—comfortably, affordably, and on time. Types of Buses: What’s the Difference? There are two main types of long-distance buses in Korea: Express Buses ( Gosok Beoseu): These connect major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Daegu. Think of these as Korea’s highway buses, often with plush seats and onboard restrooms. Intercity Buses ( Si-oe Beoseu): These cover more regional and rural destinations...

  Imagine this: You’re strolling through a hip neighborhood in Seoul like Hongdae or riding along the Han River. You spot locals zooming past you on sleek electric scooters — no traffic, no delays. You wonder, “Can I try that too?” Yes, you can! But before hopping on an e-scooter in Korea, especially as a tourist, there are a few rules and realities you need to know. Let’s break it down so you can glide safely and legally during your stay. Are E-Scooters Legal for Tourists? E-scooters are legal and widely used in Korea, especially in urban areas. They’re part of Korea’s growing micromobility scene and a popular way to beat traffic and explore cities more freely. However, as a tourist, there are legal requirements you need to meet to ride one. Do I Need a License? Yes. As of 2021, Korean law requires riders to have a valid **driver’s license** — even for electric scooters. This includes: A Korean driver’s license An International Driving Permit (IDP) If you're t...

  What Are the Rules for Using Public Baths or Spas (Jjimjilbang) in Korea? You’ve probably seen them in K-dramas—steamy rooms, bright orange pajamas, hard-boiled eggs, and people lounging around with sheep-towel hats. Welcome to the world of jjimjilbangs , Korea’s unique blend of public bathhouse and relaxation spa. If you're curious about how to enjoy one as a foreign visitor, you're in for a truly Korean experience—but you’ll want to know the rules before diving in. What Is a Jjimjilbang? A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is more than just a sauna. It’s a full-on wellness complex that includes: Gender-separated bath and shower areas with hot, warm, and cold tubs Co-ed relaxation zones with heated rooms, sleeping mats, snack bars, and TVs Massage services, beauty treatments, and sleeping quarters for overnight stays They're popular with everyone from travelers needing a cheap place to sleep to locals winding down after a long day. What to Expect When You Arrive ...

  How to Handle a Medical Emergency in Korea Without Speaking Korean Imagine this: You're in Seoul, enjoying some mouthwatering street food at Gwangjang Market when you suddenly feel dizzy. You try to stay calm, but your heart's racing, and your vision starts to blur. Panic sets in—not just because you feel unwell, but because you don’t speak a word of Korean. What do you do? If you’re traveling in Korea and experience a medical emergency, don’t worry. Korea has a world-class healthcare system, and there are practical steps you can take even if you don’t speak the language. Here's everything you need to know to get help fast and stay safe. 📞 Step 1: Call 119 (Korea’s Emergency Number) Korea’s equivalent of 911 is 119 . This number connects you to emergency medical services (EMS), firefighters, and rescue units. Here’s the good news: When you call 119, operators usually have access to an interpretation service. Just say “English, please!” and wait patiently. 🗺️...

  Let’s say you're visiting Korea and stumble upon a peaceful protest in Gwanghwamun or Hongdae. The energy is contagious—people are holding signs, chanting slogans, and advocating for change. You might feel inspired to join in, take photos, or even raise your voice in solidarity. But wait—can a foreigner legally participate in a protest in Korea? This is a surprisingly common question among tourists and expats. And the answer is both simple and complex. Let's break it down. Yes, Korea Allows Peaceful Protests—But There’s a Catch South Korea has a vibrant history of democratic protest. Peaceful assemblies are protected under the Constitution, and demonstrations happen regularly—ranging from labor rights to environmental issues to government policies. However, foreigners are subject to a different set of rules , especially when it comes to political expression. So, Can Foreigners Legally Participate? Technically, the law does not explicitly ban foreigners from joi...