South Korea
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 51.7 million people live in South Korea, on 100,295 km². The capital is Seoul.
- Capital
- Seoul
- Population
- 51,684,564
- Area
- 100,295 km²
- Official languages
- Korean
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in South Korea?
Sockets take plug type C/F, at 220 V and 60 Hz.
What is the emergency number in South Korea?
Call 112 for the police, 119 for an ambulance and 119 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in South Korea?
Not expected.
Which side of the road do they drive on in South Korea?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in South Korea?
Prices are in South Korean Won (KRW).
What language do they speak in South Korea?
Official languages: Korean.
How do I call a number in South Korea from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +82.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
