Australian passport holders can visit South Korea visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days, and a return or onward ticket should be ready to show on arrival. Australians are currently exempt from applying for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) until 31 December 2026.
The South Korean currency is the won (₩), with coins in 10, 50, 100, and 500 won, and notes in 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 won denominations. Korea is highly card-friendly, so a debit or credit card will cover most purchases, but it’s worth carrying some cash for smaller traditional markets.
How to use a T-money card in Seoul? A T-money card is the easiest way to pay for Seoul’s subway, buses, and most taxis, and can be bought at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or from a kiosk at Incheon Airport on arrival. The card itself costs a small one-off fee and must be topped up with cash at machines or convenience stores, so it’s worth keeping a few thousand won on hand for this.
Tipping is not part of Korean culture and isn’t expected at restaurants, cafés, hotels, or in taxis, as service charges and tax are already included in the listed price. A polite “Gamsahamnida” (thank you) is the appropriate way to show appreciation for good service.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, subway stations, and most accommodation across Seoul, but a prepaid tourist SIM or eSIM is recommended for reliable mobile data while sightseeing. These can be ordered online in advance or picked up at Incheon Airport upon arrival.
Pack warm layers if visiting between November and March, as Seoul winters can be very cold, while summers (June–August) are hot and humid, so lightweight clothing and an umbrella are useful. Toiletries such as deodorant and sunscreen can be harder to find locally, so it’s best to bring your own from home.
Traditional Korean handicrafts, such as hanji paper goods or celadon ceramics, make distinctive souvenirs and gifts. Korea is also internationally renowned for its skincare and makeup brands, which are widely available at competitive prices in shopping districts such as Myeongdong and Hongdae. Some of the best souvenirs to buy are found in Myeongdong.