Useful Information for Backpacking South Korea

We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.

We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

WiFi is available at all accommodations during the trip.

South Korea generally has safe drinking water. The country has established water treatment and distribution systems that meet or exceed international standards for water quality. Tap water in South Korea is usually treated to make it safe for consumption, and it is regularly tested to ensure that it meets quality standards.

However, water quality can vary from one region to another, and some areas might have water with a different taste or smell due to local water sources or the treatment processes used. In some cases, people may choose to use water filters or purchase bottled water for their personal preferences.

Yes, South Korea is one of the safest countries you can travel in, with low crime and excellent public transport. Take the usual care with your phone and bag in crowded markets and nightlife areas, and that is about it.

Tensions with North Korea make headlines but do not affect daily life. The DMZ visit runs under strict military rules, so bring your passport that day and follow your guide's instructions. Check the FCDO travel advice for South Korea before you go.

Yes! Travel insurance is a must for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof (on your phone or printed) to your group leader when you arrive.

Need to grab a policy? Get a quote and buy travel insurance here.

We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.

Around 1–2 weeks before your trip you will get a welcome email with your trip information and your group leader's contact details. If you need to reach them before then, get in touch with us and we will pass your message on.

Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times: mild, mostly dry days, with cherry blossom in early April and brilliant autumn leaves from mid-October. Summer is hot and humid, with a rainy season from late June to July, while winter is dry, bright and properly cold, often well below freezing in Seoul.

See our Korea weather guide for month-by-month detail.

South Korea uses the won (KRW), and it is one of the most card-friendly countries you will visit: cards and phone payments work almost everywhere. Carry a little cash for street food, markets and small stalls. ATMs marked "Global" accept foreign cards.

Pick up a T-money card at the airport or any convenience store. You top it up with cash and tap it on metros and buses in every city you visit.

Yes. An eSIM or a SIM from the airport gives you fast, cheap data almost everywhere. One thing catches people out: Google Maps is very limited in Korea and often cannot give walking or driving directions, so download Naver Map or KakaoMap before you go, as both work in English and are excellent for public transport.

Papago is the most useful translation app for Korean.

No. Tipping is not expected in South Korea, and in most restaurants and taxis you simply pay the bill. Some upmarket hotels add a service charge, but that is already on the bill, so there is nothing extra to work out.