The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Who can stay, how long can you stay, and how do you get to stay?
South Korea is straightforward for Australians. The visa situation is clean and simple — no visa needed for short stays, and the country runs like clockwork when it comes to immigration processing. Incheon Airport immigration is fast and efficient. A far cry from some other Asian airports.
Australian passport holders get 90 days visa-free on arrival. No application, no fee. Just rock up with a valid passport (6 months validity), a return or onward ticket, and you're in. Immigration at Incheon is quick — often under 10 minutes. They'll take your photo and fingerprints at the counter.
Korea previously required a K-ETA (electronic pre-approval) but this has been suspended for Australian passport holders through at least the end of 2025. Check the K-ETA website before you travel in case the policy changes. When it was active, it cost ₩10,000 and took 24-72 hours to process. Keep an eye on it.
You can apply for a visa extension at the Seoul Immigration Office in Mokdong or regional immigration offices. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'll need a reason (study, work sponsorship, family). Don't just assume you can rock up and get more time. The 90-day visa-free period is generous enough for most visits.
If you're between 18-30, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. It gives you 12 months with the right to work. Popular with younger Aussies wanting to teach English or experience Korean life long-term. Apply through the Korean Embassy in Canberra or consulates in Sydney/Melbourne. Quota fills up, so apply early.
The main work visa for English teachers. Requires a bachelor's degree (any field), a clean criminal record check, and a job offer from a Korean school or hagwon (private academy). Your employer sponsors the visa. Contract is typically 12 months with housing provided. Thousands of Aussies have done this — it's a well-worn path.
If you marry a Korean citizen, you can apply for an F-6 spousal visa. Requires proof of genuine relationship, financial capacity, and basic Korean language ability (TOPIK Level 1 or completion of a social integration course). Gives you the right to live and work in Korea. Can lead to permanent residency (F-5) after two years.
Some people do visa runs — leaving Korea and re-entering to reset the 90-day clock. Flying to Osaka or Fukuoka for a weekend is common. Immigration may question you if you do this repeatedly. It's not illegal but they can refuse entry if they suspect you're living in Korea on tourist stamps. Don't take the piss with it.
Korea takes overstaying seriously. Fines start at ₩200,000 and increase daily. You can be detained, deported, and banned from re-entering for up to 10 years. Korean immigration is efficient and computerised — they WILL know. Set a reminder on your phone a week before your 90 days are up. No excuses.
Fill out the arrival card on the plane — saves time at immigration. Customs declaration is only needed if you're carrying over USD $10,000 or restricted goods. Korea allows 1 litre of alcohol, 200 cigarettes and USD $800 worth of goods duty-free. If you're bringing gifts, keep receipts. Incheon Airport has excellent English signage — you won't get lost.
Passport with 6+ months validity, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (rarely asked but have it), sufficient funds (again, rarely checked). No COVID vaccination requirements as of 2025. Check smartraveller.gov.au before you fly for the latest entry requirements.
What to eat (and what to eat with caution)
Korean food is world-class and you're going to eat like a king. Everything revolves around rice, fermented vegetables, grilled meat and chilli paste. The banchan (side dishes) culture means you'll get 5-10 little plates with every meal — for free. Portions are generous, quality is high, and the food scene is one of the best reasons to visit Korea.
Sit down, grill your own meat at the table, wrap it in lettuce with garlic, ssamjang (paste) and kimchi, and stuff it in your gob. Samgyeopsal (pork belly) is the cheapest and most popular cut — around ₩12,000-15,000 per serve. Galbi (marinated short ribs) and hanwoo (Korean beef) are premium options. Most BBQ places are all-you-can-eat for ₩15,000-25,000. Absolute belter of a meal.
Fermented spicy cabbage that comes with literally every meal. Over 200 varieties exist. You'll either love it or need a few goes to get used to it. Kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) is a staple comfort food — cheap, spicy and warming. Every Korean family has their own kimchi recipe and will insist theirs is the best. Sound familiar?
Korean fried chicken (chikin) is a religion here. Double-fried for extra crunch, tossed in soy-garlic or gochujang (spicy) sauce, served with pickled radish and cold beer. Chains like BBQ Chicken, Kyochon and BHC are everywhere. Order through delivery apps (Baemin, Yogiyo) or eat in. Chimaek (chicken + maekju/beer) is the national pastime. You will become addicted.
Rice topped with sauteed vegetables, gochujang, a fried egg and your choice of meat. Mix it all together and eat. Dolsot bibimbap comes in a hot stone bowl that crisps the rice at the bottom — the best version. Jeonju is famous for its bibimbap but you'll find great versions everywhere. Around ₩8,000-12,000 at most restaurants. Healthy, filling and delicious.
Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes, ₩3,000-5,000), hotteok (sweet filled pancakes, ₩1,500), eomuk (fish cake skewers, ₩1,000), mandu (dumplings, ₩3,000), tornado potato on a stick (₩3,000). Myeongdong in Seoul is street food central but every neighbourhood has its stalls. Night markets like Gwangjang Market in Seoul are incredible for street food — go hungry.
CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven are everywhere and their ready-to-eat food is genuinely good. Triangle kimbap (₩1,200), cup ramyeon (₩1,500), bento boxes (₩4,000-6,000), sandwiches and hot dogs. Microwave and hot water station available in every store. A legitimate budget meal option that doesn't feel like you're slumming it. Some Aussies live off convenience store food for entire trips.
Koreans love their stews. Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew), doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew), budae-jjigae (army stew with spam, ramen and cheese — sounds weird, tastes incredible). Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) is eaten on the hottest days of summer. Most stews are ₩7,000-10,000 and come with rice and banchan. Perfect hangover food.
Korean food can be seriously spicy. Gochugaru (chilli flakes) and gochujang (chilli paste) are in almost everything. If you can't handle heat, learn the phrase "an maepge hae juseyo" (make it not spicy please). Some dishes like buldak (fire chicken) are deliberately nuclear-hot — Koreans film themselves eating it for fun. Don't be a hero on your first night. Build up to it.
Don't stick your chopsticks upright in rice (funeral custom). Don't pour your own drink — pour for others and they'll pour for you. The eldest person at the table eats first. Slurping noodles is not just acceptable, it's expected. Side dishes (banchan) are free and you can ask for refills — unlimited. Tipping is NOT done in Korea and can actually cause confusion. Just pay the bill and go.
Convenience store meal: ₩3,000-6,000. Kimbap shop (Kimbap Cheonguk, Kimbap Nara): ₩4,000-7,000. Mid-range restaurant: ₩10,000-20,000. Korean BBQ: ₩15,000-30,000 per person. Fine dining in Gangnam or Itaewon: ₩50,000+. Food courts in department stores (Shinsegae, Lotte) are excellent mid-range options with huge variety. Korea is pricier than Southeast Asia but still cheaper than eating out in Sydney or Melbourne.
Local beers
Korea is a drinking culture and then some. Koreans drink more alcohol per capita than almost any other country. Beer (maekju) is huge, soju is bigger, and mixing the two (somaek) is the national sport. The local beer scene has improved massively in recent years — it used to be pretty average, but craft beer has changed the game.
Korea's best-selling beer. A light, crisp lager — nothing to write home about but perfectly drinkable and cheap. Around ₩3,000-4,000 at a convenience store, ₩5,000-7,000 at bars and restaurants. It's the beer you'll see everywhere and what most Koreans drink with their fried chicken. Think of it as the Korean VB — gets the job done.
Hite is the other major Korean lager — similar to Cass, equally inoffensive. Kloud is Lotte's premium offering and genuinely a step up — all-malt, no rice adjuncts, slightly richer flavour. Kloud is the one to go for if you're choosing between the big three domestics. Terra (by Hite) is the newer green-bottled lager that's become trendy with younger Koreans.
Not beer, but you can't talk about drinking in Korea without mentioning soju. A clear spirit at 16-20% ABV (lower than it used to be). Chamisul (Jinro) is the most popular brand. Costs ₩1,500-4,000 per bottle. Koreans drink it in shot glasses, often mixed with beer (somaek). Fruit-flavoured soju (peach, grape, strawberry) is everywhere. Warning: it goes down dangerously easy and hits hard.
Pour a shot of soju into a glass of beer. That's somaek. Every Korean knows how to make it and everyone has their preferred ratio. There are even techniques — balancing the soju shot glass on chopsticks over the beer and hitting the table so it drops in. It's fun, it's social, and it will absolutely destroy you if you try to keep up with Koreans. You've been warned.
Seoul's craft beer scene has exploded. Magpie Brewing, The Hand and Malt, Amazing Brewing Company, and ARK are top picks. Itaewon, Gyeongnidan and Hapjeong are craft beer hotspots. Expect to pay ₩8,000-12,000 per pint. Craft beer festivals happen throughout summer. The quality rivals anything in Australia. If you're a beer nerd, Seoul will not disappoint.
Perfectly normal and socially acceptable in Korea. Buy beers from CU or GS25, sit at the tables outside (most convenience stores have outdoor seating), and drink. Koreans do this all the time — it's called "pyeonuijeom sul" (convenience store drinking). Cheapest way to drink: a 500ml Cass for ₩2,500 and a bottle of soju for ₩1,800. A night out for under ₩10,000. Beautiful.
Chimaek (chicken + maekju/beer) is a legitimate cultural institution. Order fried chicken and beer to your accommodation through Baemin or Yogiyo delivery apps, or go to a dedicated chimaek restaurant. The combination is perfect, especially while watching Korean baseball or K-League football. Most chimaek joints stay open until 2-4am. Late night chicken and beer runs are a way of life.
Milky, slightly fizzy rice wine at around 6-8% ABV. The traditional Korean alcohol. Served in bowls or kettles, best paired with pajeon (Korean pancakes). Makgeolli bars (makgeolli-jip) specialise in it and serve excellent traditional food. It's an acquired taste but worth trying. Cheaper than beer and easier on the stomach. Popular with older Koreans and the hipster crowd alike.
Koreans can drink. A lot. If you're invited to a hoesik (work dinner/drinks) or social drinking session, rounds come fast and refusing is awkward. You're expected to accept drinks from elders or seniors. Turn your head away when drinking in front of someone older. Never pour your own drink. If you genuinely need to slow down, nurse your glass — an empty glass gets refilled immediately.
Koreans take hangovers seriously. Haejangguk (hangover soup — usually ox blood or bean sprout soup) is the traditional cure. Convenience stores sell hangover drinks like Dawn 808 and Condition — chug one before you sleep. They actually work reasonably well. You'll need them. Every neighbourhood has a 24-hour haejangguk restaurant for exactly this purpose. The Koreans have thought of everything.
Transport options
South Korea has some of the best public transport in the world. Full stop. The Seoul Metro is clean, fast, punctual and cheap. Intercity trains are brilliant. Taxis are affordable. You don't need a car and honestly driving in Seoul would be a nightmare anyway. Just get a T-money card and you're sorted.
One of the world's best subway systems. 23 lines, 700+ stations, covers the entire Seoul metropolitan area. Clean, safe, air-conditioned, free WiFi on trains. Runs from roughly 5:30am to midnight. Base fare ₩1,400 with a T-money card. Announcements in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Google Maps and Naver Map both work perfectly for route planning. You'll use this daily.
A rechargeable transit card that works on all Seoul buses, metro, and most taxis. Buy one at any convenience store for ₩2,500, load it up and tap on/off. Also works in Busan, Daegu and other cities. You can also use your phone's NFC with a virtual T-money through Samsung Pay or the Cashbee app. Saves you buying individual tickets every time. Non-negotiable.
The KTX (Korea Train Express) connects Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours, Daejeon in 50 minutes, and Gwangju in 1.5 hours. Reaches speeds of 305 km/h. Tickets from ₩59,800 (Seoul-Busan). Book through the Korail app or website. Comfortable, reliable and far better than driving. SRT is a second high-speed operator running from Suseo station in southern Seoul — sometimes cheaper.
Seoul buses are colour-coded: blue (trunk routes across the city), green (feeder routes to metro stations), red (express to suburbs), yellow (circular routes in central areas). Pay with T-money — tap on when boarding AND tap off when exiting. Routes are on Naver Map and Google Maps. Buses are clean and efficient but can be confusing if you don't read Korean. Metro is usually easier for newcomers.
Regular taxis (silver/white) start at ₩4,800 and are metered. Very affordable by Australian standards — a 20-minute ride across Seoul might cost ₩10,000-15,000. Deluxe taxis (black) are more expensive but guaranteed quality. Use Kakao T app to hail taxis — it's the Korean Uber. Late at night (midnight-4am), a 20% surcharge applies. Drivers rarely speak English — have your destination written in Korean or show it on your phone.
An extensive network connects every city and town in Korea. Express buses (gosok) for major routes, intercity buses (sioe) for smaller towns. Book through the Kobus or T-money GO apps. Seoul has three main bus terminals: Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam), Dong Seoul (east side) and Nambu Terminal (south). Comfortable, punctual and often cheaper than KTX. A Seoul-Busan express bus is around ₩23,000.
The Airport Railroad Express connects Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in 43 minutes (express) or about 58 minutes (all-stop). Express costs ₩11,000, all-stop is ₩4,850 with T-money. Runs every 30-40 minutes. Far cheaper and often faster than a taxi (which costs ₩65,000-80,000 and takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic). The express train has free luggage storage and charging ports.
You can rent a car with an International Driving Permit (IDP) — get one from your state motoring authority before you leave Australia. Useful for exploring the countryside, Jeju Island or coastal areas. Driving in Seoul is not recommended — traffic, aggressive drivers and parking nightmares. Outside Seoul, roads are excellent. Drive on the right. Navigation apps: Naver Map or Kakao Map (Google Maps driving directions don't work well in Korea).
The metro stops around midnight and doesn't start again until 5:30am. This is the gap that catches everyone out. Taxis surge in demand after midnight and can be hard to find — especially on Friday and Saturday nights in Gangnam and Hongdae. The Kakao T app helps but expect waits. Night owl buses (N-buses) run a limited number of routes. Or do what Koreans do: drink until the first train starts. Jjimjilbang (bathhouse) is another option — crash there for ₩10,000-15,000.
Google Maps works for basic navigation in Korea but Naver Map is far superior for public transport routing, real-time bus/train info and local search. Download it before you arrive. The interface is available in English. Kakao Map is the other Korean option. For transit directions, Naver Map is king. For walking directions and finding specific businesses, both Naver and Kakao beat Google hands down in Korea.
Currency and ATMs etc
The Korean Won (KRW/₩) is the currency. As of 2025, AUD $1 gets you roughly ₩900-950. Don't panic at the big numbers — ₩10,000 is about AUD $11. Korea is increasingly cashless but you'll still want some won on hand. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even market stalls.
International ATMs are at every convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) and all major banks. Look for machines with "Global ATM" or "Foreign Card" stickers. Withdrawal limits are typically ₩1,000,000 per transaction. Fees are ₩3,000-4,000 per withdrawal from most banks, plus your Australian bank's fee. Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank ATMs are most reliable for foreign cards. Incheon Airport has ATMs right after customs.
Korea is one of the most card-friendly countries in Asia. Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere — restaurants, street food stalls, convenience stores, taxis, even vending machines. Contactless (tap) payments are standard. Some very small traditional markets might be cash-only but this is increasingly rare. You can genuinely go days without touching cash in Seoul.
Best rates are at money changers in Myeongdong, Seoul — not at the airport. The exchange booths on the main street offer competitive rates with no commission. Also good rates at Itaewon money changers. Banks offer decent rates but charge a small commission. Bring AUD or USD in clean, undamaged notes. Avoid exchanging at hotels — the rates are terrible.
If you're sending money to a Korean partner or paying for accommodation in advance, Wise (TransferWise) offers the best exchange rates. Korean bank accounts can receive international transfers but the process is bureaucratic. Your partner can also receive through Kakao Pay or Toss if they're set up for international transfers. Western Union outlets exist but the rates are poor compared to Wise.
Convenience store meal: ₩3,000-6,000. Casual restaurant: ₩8,000-12,000. Korean BBQ per person: ₩15,000-30,000. Beer at a bar: ₩5,000-8,000. Coffee: ₩4,500-6,000. Metro ride: ₩1,400-2,000. Taxi (15 min): ₩8,000-12,000. Budget hotel/guesthouse: ₩40,000-70,000/night. Decent hotel: ₩100,000-200,000/night. Korea is mid-range — cheaper than Japan and Australia, more expensive than Southeast Asia.
Korea is a no-tipping country. Don't tip at restaurants, cafes, taxis or hotels. It's not expected and can cause genuine confusion. Service charge is included in the price. This is one of the best things about Korea — the price on the menu is the price you pay. No mental maths, no awkwardness. Just pay and leave. Beautiful.
Foreign tourists can get a VAT refund (10%) on purchases over ₩15,000 at Tax-Free shops. Look for the "Tax Free" sticker. Get your receipt stamped at the airport before departure and collect your refund at the Tax Refund counter. Lotte, Shinsegae and Hyundai department stores all participate. Worth doing if you're buying cosmetics, clothes or electronics. The refund process at Incheon is straightforward.
Coffee is expensive in Korea — ₩5,000-7,000 at chains, ₩6,000-9,000 at indie cafes. Fruit is expensive (a single apple can cost ₩3,000+). Foreign cigarettes are ₩4,500 per pack. Nightclub cover charges in Gangnam can hit ₩30,000-50,000. Accommodation in Seoul is pricey compared to other Asian capitals. Budget more than you would for Southeast Asia — Korea's costs are closer to Japan than Thailand.
If you have a Samsung phone, Samsung Pay works in Korea and can be linked to international cards. Kakao Pay is the dominant mobile payment app in Korea — most Koreans use it daily. Unfortunately setting up Kakao Pay as a foreigner without a Korean bank account is difficult. For short visits, your Australian Visa/Mastercard contactless will work at most places anyway. Just make sure your bank knows you're travelling.
If you're staying long-term (teaching, working), you'll need a Korean bank account. Requires your passport, ARC (Alien Registration Card from immigration), and your phone number. Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank are the most foreigner-friendly. The process takes about an hour at the branch. You'll get a debit card and can set up Kakao Pay and internet banking. Essential for receiving your salary and paying bills.
Traps and dangers — How to stay safe!
South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely low, streets are safe at all hours, and you can leave your laptop at a cafe table while you go to the bathroom without worrying. That said, no country is perfect, and there are a few things to be aware of.
Korea consistently ranks in the top 10 safest countries globally. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. Women walk alone at night without concern. You can leave valuables at a table and they'll be there when you come back. ATMs on the street rarely get vandalised. It's genuinely one of the safest places you'll ever visit. Coming from Australia, you'll feel very comfortable.
The Itaewon district (Seoul's main foreigner area) is generally safe but has the highest concentration of incidents involving foreigners — drunk fights, petty theft from bars, and occasional scams. The 2022 Halloween crowd crush was a tragic exception. Use common sense: watch your drink, don't leave belongings unattended at bars, and don't pick fights. Stick with your mates and look after each other.
Korean taxis are safe but some drivers, especially late at night, may try to refuse short fares or overcharge foreigners. Always insist on the meter. Use the Kakao T app for records and accountability. Deluxe (black) taxis are always reliable. Never get in an unlicensed vehicle. If a driver is driving dangerously, note the taxi number (displayed on the dashboard) and report it.
Korea has very few scams targeting tourists compared to Southeast Asia. The main one: bars in Itaewon or Gangnam where attractive women invite you in, you order drinks, and the bill comes to ₩500,000+. Known as "juicy bars." If someone on the street invites you to a bar, decline. Aside from this, you're unlikely to encounter scams. Korea is refreshingly honest as a country.
Korea has some of the strictest drug laws in the developed world. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana can result in up to 5 years in prison. Korea can and does test foreign residents and even tourists. If you test positive for drugs consumed overseas, you can be prosecuted in Korea. This is not a joke. Leave the party drugs in Bali.
The DMZ (demilitarised zone) is 50km north of Seoul. Despite the geopolitical tensions, daily life in South Korea is completely normal. Koreans don't walk around worried about the North — they've lived with it for 70 years. The Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom is a fascinating day trip from Seoul. Tensions flare up periodically in the news but rarely affect daily life or tourism.
Korea gets typhoons (late summer/early autumn) and occasional earthquakes, but both are significantly less severe than Japan or the Philippines. Heavy monsoon rains in July-August can cause localised flooding. Winter brings heavy snow and temperatures down to -15°C in Seoul. The main weather risk is the brutal summer humidity (June-August) — stay hydrated and carry a towel.
All Korean men serve roughly 18-21 months of mandatory military service. This means Korean culture has a strong awareness of hierarchy and respect. As a foreigner, this doesn't really affect you directly, but be aware that Korean men your age have been through military training. Don't start fights. Respect the culture. And if you see soldiers in uniform, it's completely normal — they're everywhere, especially near bases.
Hidden cameras (molka) in bathrooms, changing rooms and motels are a genuine problem in Korea that the government is actively combating. Motels and accommodations are increasingly inspected. Check for suspicious holes, devices or blinking lights in bathrooms, especially in budget accommodation. This is primarily an issue affecting Korean women but awareness is important for everyone. Report anything suspicious to police (112).
Police: 112. Fire/Ambulance: 119. Tourist hotline (multilingual): 1330 — this number is incredibly useful for any problem, question or emergency. They speak English, Japanese and Chinese. Save it in your phone. Australian Embassy in Seoul: (02) 2003-0100. The 1330 hotline can also help with translation in emergency situations, restaurant reservations and travel info. Use it liberally.
Getting connected on arrival
Korea has some of the fastest internet in the world and the mobile coverage is exceptional. 5G is widespread. Getting connected is easy — buy a SIM or rent a WiFi egg at the airport and you'll have blazing fast data from the moment you step outside. You'll need it for Naver Map, Kakao T and translation apps.
Roaming Korea, EG SIM and KT Olleh all have counters at Incheon Airport arrivals (between Gates 10-13 on the 1st floor). Tourist SIMs with unlimited data range from ₩22,000 (5 days) to ₩50,000 (30 days). Staff will install it and activate it on the spot. This is the easiest option and the data speeds are excellent. Do this before you leave the airport.
The largest carrier with the best overall coverage, especially outside Seoul. Their tourist prepaid SIM offers unlimited data with 100MB-1GB of high-speed data per day (then throttled). Available at the airport, KT stores and online pre-order for airport pickup. 5G coverage on KT is the most extensive. If you're travelling outside Seoul, KT is your best bet for coverage.
Korea's premium carrier. Slightly more expensive than KT but excellent service. Their tourist SIM is available at Incheon Airport and major city locations. SK Telecom generally has the fastest speeds in Seoul but the difference with KT is marginal. If you're staying in Seoul and major cities, either KT or SK will serve you well.
The third carrier. Generally cheapest but coverage in rural areas can be patchy. Their tourist SIM is competitive on price. Fine for Seoul and major cities. LG U+ has been aggressive with 5G rollout. A solid budget option if you're mostly staying in urban areas. Available at the airport and through online pre-order.
Rent a portable WiFi device at Incheon Airport — about ₩3,000-5,000 per day. Connects multiple devices. Return it at the airport when you leave. Companies like WiFi Dosirak and Roaming Korea are popular. Good option if you're travelling with a group and want to share one connection. Battery lasts most of the day. Pick up and return at the airport counter.
If your phone supports eSIM, buy one before you leave Australia. Airalo, Nomad and Ubigi offer Korea data eSIMs from AUD $5-15. Activated instantly, no physical SIM to deal with. You can have data working the moment you land. Best option for tech-savvy travellers. Note: eSIMs are data-only — you won't get a Korean phone number for calls, but KakaoTalk handles messaging anyway.
Korea has excellent free WiFi coverage. Seoul city WiFi is available in all metro stations, buses and many public areas. Cafes, restaurants and convenience stores all have WiFi. Even mountain hiking trails have WiFi at rest stops. You could genuinely survive on free WiFi alone, though having mobile data for navigation and translation is still highly recommended.
KakaoTalk (messaging — everyone in Korea uses it, it's like WeChat), Naver Map (navigation), Kakao T (taxis), Papago (translation — better than Google Translate for Korean), Baemin (food delivery), Coupang (online shopping). Download these before you arrive. KakaoTalk is non-negotiable — it's how Koreans communicate. If your Korean partner uses messaging, it's Kakao.
Some Korean websites block foreign IP addresses and some Australian services (banking apps, streaming) may not work on Korean networks. A VPN is useful to have. Korea does block some adult content at the ISP level. Download a VPN app before you arrive — NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark all work well in Korea. Not essential for most travellers but good to have in your back pocket.
Papago (by Naver) is the best Korean-English translation app. It has camera translation (point your phone at a menu and it translates), voice translation and text translation. Google Translate also works but Papago handles Korean nuance better. Between Papago, Naver Map and KakaoTalk, your phone becomes your lifeline. Keep it charged — bring a portable battery bank.
Where to go to relax, have a few beers and a feed, and meet other Aussies
Korea's Aussie community is smaller than in Southeast Asia but it's there — mainly English teachers, military-connected folks, and blokes who fell for a Korean woman and never left. Seoul has a solid foreigner scene centred around Itaewon and Hongdae. You won't find an Aussie pub on every corner, but you'll find your people if you know where to look.
Seoul's main international district. Home to most of the foreigner-friendly bars, restaurants and shops. Diverse crowd — Americans, Brits, Aussies, Nigerians, Middle Eastern and more. The main strip along Itaewon-ro has dozens of bars. After the Yongsan redevelopment, Itaewon has changed, but it remains the default meeting point for English-speakers. Start your social life here.
The closest thing to an Aussie pub in Seoul. Irish-owned but heavily frequented by Australians, especially on rugby and NRL weekends. Live sport on big screens, pub grub, proper pints. Quiz nights and live music regularly. Located near Itaewon station. This is where you'll hear Australian accents on a Saturday night. The unofficial Australian consulate of Seoul.
If you're under 35, Hongdae (Hongik University area) is your spot. Younger, trendier and cheaper than Itaewon. Live music, indie bars, clubs and street performers. International crowd mixes with young Koreans. Playground area is the central meeting point. More Korean-focused than Itaewon but plenty of foreigners. The energy on a Friday night is unreal.
South of the river, Gangnam is Seoul's money district. High-end clubs, cocktail bars and expensive restaurants. The Gangnam Station and COEX Mall areas have the most nightlife. More Korean clientele, less foreigner-oriented. If you want to experience how wealthy young Koreans party, this is it. Dress well — some clubs have dress codes and may refuse entry to foreigners (yes, it happens).
Korea's second city and beach capital. Haeundae Beach area has a growing foreigner scene with bars and clubs along the waterfront. Seomyeon area is the local nightlife hub. Busan's vibe is more relaxed than Seoul — the Korean equivalent of Sydney vs Melbourne (in reverse). Several long-term Aussie expats in Busan, many teaching English. Busan Foreign Language Meetup groups are active.
Korea's tropical(ish) island, popular for domestic tourism and increasingly for expats. Beautiful volcanic landscapes, beaches and hiking. Small but growing international community. Jeju City has a few foreigner bars. The real appeal is the outdoors — Hallasan mountain, Olle walking trails and the coastal scenery. Several Aussies have settled here for the lifestyle. More chill than Seoul in every way.
Korea's third largest city, known for its conservative culture and scorching summers. Large US military presence means an established foreigner nightlife scene around the Duryu and Dongseongno areas. Cheaper cost of living than Seoul. Good base for exploring the southeast including Gyeongju (ancient capital) and the beautiful Haeinsa temple. Small Aussie teaching community.
If you're in Korea for business or long-term, AUSTCHAM Korea hosts networking events, business luncheons and social gatherings. Good way to connect with the professional Australian community in Seoul. Regular events at hotels and venues across Gangnam and Yongsan. Not just for suits — the social events are open to all Australians and are a solid way to meet established expats.
"Australians in Korea," "Seoul Expats," "Busan Expats," "Korea Expat Community" — Facebook groups are the go-to for connecting with foreigners. Reddit's r/korea and r/Living_in_Korea are active. Seoul Global Center (near City Hall) offers free services for foreigners including Korean language classes, legal advice and cultural programs. InterNations Seoul chapter has regular meetups and events.
The Aussie community in Korea is tight-knit. Once you meet one Australian, you'll be introduced to others quickly. English teaching circuits, sports clubs (Aussie Rules Football Seoul Bulldogs play in the Asian AFL league), and ANZAC Day services at the War Memorial of Korea are key connection points. Korea's Australian community is smaller but arguably closer-knit than in larger expat destinations.