Korea Legal Tips for Visitors

  So you’ve been shopping in Korea — maybe a few trendy outfits from Hongdae, some luxury skincare in Myeongdong, and a quirky kitchen gadget from a department store in Gangnam. At the checkout, the clerk hands you a receipt and says something about a “tax refund.” Wait… did you just save money? Yes, you did! As a foreign tourist in Korea, you may be eligible for a VAT (Value-Added Tax) refund on your purchases. Korea's tax refund system is friendly, efficient, and can put a nice chunk of change back in your wallet — if you know how to use it. 1. What Is a Tax Refund in Korea? When you buy goods in Korea, the price often includes a 10% VAT. But as a non-resident tourist, you’re not obligated to pay that tax — and Korea lets you claim it back! This applies to certain products purchased at tax refund–eligible stores. Not every shop participates, but many do — especially in popular tourist areas. 2. Who Qualifies for a Tax Refund? To be eligible, you must: Be a non-res...

  You're walking down the bustling streets of Seoul with a cigarette in hand. You pause, glance around, and wonder: Can I light this up here? Is there a smoking area nearby? What if I smoke and get fined? Suddenly, that small cigarette doesn’t feel so small anymore. Whether you're a smoker or just curious about local laws, it’s important to understand Korea’s strict smoking rules. Unlike some countries where smoking in public is still common, South Korea has drawn clear lines — and breaking them can cost you. 1. Is Smoking in Public Legal? The short answer: only in designated areas. South Korea has implemented strong public health laws to reduce secondhand smoke exposure. Many outdoor and indoor public areas are now designated as non-smoking zones , especially in cities like Seoul and Busan. Smoking on the street may seem common in some spots, but if you’re in a posted no-smoking area, you could face a fine. 2. Where Can You Smoke? Look for smoking booths or des...

  You're sitting in a lively pojangmacha (street tent bar), surrounded by sizzling grilled meats, clinking glasses, and the cheerful hum of Korean conversation. A bottle of soju lands on your table, and someone yells "건배!" — cheers! But just as you're about to take a sip, a thought pops into your head: Am I even allowed to drink this here? What are Korea’s alcohol laws, anyway? Whether you're a casual drinker or just curious about local customs, knowing Korea’s alcohol rules will help you stay out of trouble and enjoy the experience like a local. Let's explore the legal drinking age, where you can drink, and what kind of behavior might land you in hot water. 1. What's the Legal Drinking Age in Korea? In Korea, the legal drinking age is based on the Korean age system. You must be at least 19 years old in Korean age — which usually means 18 in international age. To be safe, you should wait until the January 1 of the year you turn 19 (Korean age) ...

  You’ve got your tickets to Seoul, your bags are nearly packed, and there’s one furry friend curled up on the couch looking at you with those wide, questioning eyes. “Are you coming too?” you whisper. But before you make any promises to your pet, there’s a big question you need answered: Can you bring your pet to Korea? The short answer is yes — but bringing a pet to Korea requires preparation, paperwork, and attention to detail. South Korea has strict import regulations for animals, especially to prevent diseases like rabies. Here's everything you need to know to bring your cat, dog, or other animal companion safely into the country. 1. What Pets Can You Bring? Most travelers bring dogs and cats, and these are the animals primarily covered under Korean import regulations. You can also bring other animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and birds, but they may require additional quarantine procedures or special import permits depending on the species. For the purpose of this...

  You've just arrived in Korea and are ready for a road trip along the scenic coastal roads of Gangwon-do or to cruise through the neon streets of Busan. You’ve got your international license in hand and a rental car booked for tomorrow. But suddenly you wonder: is my foreign license enough? Can I legally drive in Korea? Driving in a foreign country can be both thrilling and intimidating. In Korea, the process is relatively straightforward — if you understand the rules. This guide will walk you through what type of license is valid, what documents you need, and what to expect when you're behind the wheel in South Korea. 1. Can You Drive with Your Foreign License? Yes — but it depends on your license type and which country issued it. There are three main ways foreign visitors can legally drive in Korea: International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention License exchange agreement (for long-term residents) Full Korean license (after pass...

Can I Bring Prescription Medication to Korea? You’ve packed your bags, printed your boarding pass, and you’re almost ready to jet off to Korea. Then you look at your daily medication and wonder: “Can I bring this with me?” Suddenly, you're Googling drug names, customs laws, and wondering if your pills might land you in trouble. South Korea has strict regulations regarding medication imports, especially for controlled substances. But don’t panic — many tourists bring medicine to Korea safely every year. The key is knowing the rules before you fly. 1. Can I Bring Prescription Medicine to Korea? Yes, you can — but with conditions. If you're traveling with personal medication, you are allowed to bring up to 3 months' worth of a prescribed drug for your own use. However, this only applies to non-narcotic, non-psychotropic medications . If your prescription includes controlled substances like ADHD meds (e.g., Adderall), strong painkillers, or sleep aids, special permi...

  It’s your second night in Seoul. You’re enjoying some spicy tteokbokki at a street stall when you notice your wallet is missing. Panic sets in. You're in a foreign country — you don't speak Korean fluently, and you're not sure what to do next. Who do you call? Where can you go for help? Know the Emergency Numbers In Korea, emergency services are fast, reliable, and available 24/7. Here are the main numbers you need to remember: 112 – Police (for crimes, theft, lost items, suspicious activity) 119 – Fire and Medical Emergency (for accidents, injuries, fire, or ambulance) 1330 – Korea Travel Helpline (available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) Dialing these numbers from a Korean phone or SIM is free, and operators are trained to handle emergencies. The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline is especially useful for tourists — they can even help interpret in real time during emergencies involving police or hospitals. What to Do If You’re in Immediate ...

  You’re strolling through a busy shopping street in Seoul — maybe it’s Namdaemun, Myeongdong, or a hidden alley with glowing signs promising “duty-free deals.” A friendly shop owner offers you a luxury item at a “special price.” It seems legit, so you buy it. Later, you discover the item is fake, defective, or massively overpriced. You just got scammed. Now what? First, Don’t Blame Yourself — It Happens South Korea is generally a very safe country with a strong consumer protection system. But like any popular tourist destination, scams can happen — especially in areas that see high foot traffic from foreigners. The good news? If you’ve been scammed, you have options. Korean authorities take these issues seriously, and there are clear steps to take for reporting and resolving the problem. Step 1: Gather Evidence Immediately The moment you suspect you've been scammed, gather as much evidence as possible: Take photos of the product and receipt Note the name and loca...

  You reach into your backpack to grab your passport, only to find... nothing. No familiar blue or red booklet. Your heart starts racing — did you drop it in the taxi? Leave it at the hotel? Or worse, was it stolen? Losing Your Passport in Korea: What You Need to Know Losing a passport while traveling can be one of the most stressful experiences a tourist can face. Thankfully, if you're in South Korea, you're in one of the safest and most organized countries in the world. While it's never ideal to misplace your passport, the process of recovering or replacing it is straightforward — as long as you act quickly and follow the right steps. Step 1: Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps First things first: breathe. Most passport losses are not due to theft — they're simply cases of forgetfulness. Think back to where you last saw it. Was it during hotel check-in? At the airport currency exchange? In a café? In Korea, it's surprisingly common for lost items to be re...

  You’re exploring the lively streets of Myeongdong, camera slung over your shoulder. The street performers are dazzling, the fashion is fierce, and the food stalls are irresistible. As you lift your phone to capture the moment, you notice a local couple in the background. They look surprised — maybe even annoyed. Suddenly, a question hits you: Did I just invade someone’s privacy? Photography in Korea: It’s Not Just About the Shot In many countries, taking photos in public is seen as a harmless hobby. But in Korea, photography — especially involving people — is wrapped in strong cultural and legal considerations. Personal privacy is highly valued here , and Korean laws reflect that deeply. What might be considered “just a candid photo” in your home country could potentially be viewed as a legal offense in South Korea. So, can you take pictures of people in Korea without asking? Technically, no — not if the person is clearly identifiable and hasn't given permission. And esp...