South Korea is a country full of fascinating contrasts, seamlessly blending modern technology with deep-rooted traditions. Whether you're planning a visit or are simply curious, here are 21 surprising things, both positive and negative, we discovered during our stop in South Korea as part of our round-the-world trip that you should know too. We’ve also tried to answer some common questions along the way to give you a fuller picture of what to expect!

1. Free Wi-Fi Is Everywhere

Do I need to buy an e-sim for South Korea? Is there free Wi-Fi in South Korea? There is no absolute need to purchase an e-sim or data package if your journey takes you through the main South Korea cities. The widespread availability of free Wi-Fi was one of the first things that surprised us in South Korea. Whether you're in a café, on public transport, or just walking down the street, you'll almost always find a Wi-Fi network. Even more surprising is that most of the time it was without a password (see example below). This makes it incredibly easy to stay connected.

If you are planning on going to more remote areas or to several countries as part of your journey, as we did, I would recommend getting an e-sim from Nomad as it is the one we currently use, and are very happy about it! With the e-sim we had a minimum of 4G everywhere we went so it was kind of an insurance in case we needed internet quickly.

To use Nomad's eSIMs, your phone must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Your phone is eSIM-compatible, and

2. It is not carrier-locked

See here how to connect your Nomad e-sim to your mobile, it took me less than 1 minute from the airport wifi to get it installed, you cannot make it easier.

2. Blue Door Bumpers on Cars

Why do cars in South Korea have blue bumpers on their doors? What are the blue things on car doors in Korea? Many cars in South Korea feature blue bumpers on their doors to prevent damage when opening them in tight parking spaces. These bumpers are originally added by manufacturers for shipping, but many drivers choose to keep them on due to the tight parking conditions. Additionally, some people leave them on as a way to indicate that their car is relatively new. These practical protective strips are a common sight, reflecting how much care drivers take in maintaining their vehicles.

3. Sometimes You Can’t Flush Toilet Paper

Why can't you flush toilet paper in South Korea? In many places, South Korean plumbing systems aren’t designed to handle flushed toilet paper, and the water pressure is too low. Instead, you’re sometimes expected to dispose of it in bins provided in restrooms. This might be surprising at first, especially when you come from a European country like we do, but it's a common practice, especially in older buildings.

4. K-Pop Is Everywhere — and Everyone Knows the Moves

Is K-pop really that big in South Korea? Does everyone know the K-pop dance moves? Absolutely! K-pop isn't just popular — it's a cultural phenomenon that permeates every aspect of life in South Korea. You’ll see it everywhere, from street performers and dance groups to shops playing the latest hits. What’s truly amazing is how deeply ingrained K-pop is in everyday life. People of all ages, including kids, often know the choreography of the latest songs. They pick up these moves from social media platforms, where dance challenges and tutorials are widely shared, as well as from traditional media like TV shows and newscasts that frequently showcase music videos. It’s almost impossible not to learn a move or two just by being immersed in the culture!

5. High-Tech Restaurant Ordering

Why do so many restaurants in South Korea use ordering terminals (digital kiosks)? Even when a waiter is present (sometimes they are right in front of you), many restaurants in South Korea use digital ordering terminals. This system is designed to streamline the dining experience, reducing errors and costs. It’s incredibly efficient once you get used to it. We loved it, it's especially helpful if you don't speak Korean because all of the ones we used had an English version.

6. Steel Chopsticks Are the Norm

Why are chopsticks in South Korea made of steel? Why do Koreans use metal chopsticks? Chopsticks in South Korea are often made of steel. It's said they use it as they are more durable, hygienic, and eco-friendly. However, they can be trickier to use, especially if you're accustomed to wooden chopsticks. You might also notice that a spoon is commonly used alongside chopsticks, particularly for noodle dishes.

7. Public Displays of Affection Are Rare

Why do South Koreans not show PDA? Is it allowed to show PDA in South Korea? Public displays of affection (PDA) are considered tacky and inappropriate in South Korea due to a cultural emphasis on modesty. While couples usually avoid overt gestures like passionate kisses or lingering hugs, however, we still held hands and occasionally kissed on the street during our time there without receiving any strange looks at all. We noticed this restraint in South Korean media as well — when we watched "Crash Landing on You" during our stay (which we can highly recommend!), the physical part during romantic scenes was understated, focusing more on emotional connections than physical displays of affection.

8. Public Toilets Are Clean and Everywhere

Is it easy to find public bathrooms in South Korea? One of the most pleasant surprises was the abundance of clean and free public toilets. No matter where you are, you’ll find well-maintained restrooms, which makes exploring South Korea much more convenient.

9. Smartphone Usage Is Off the Charts

Why is everyone on their phone in South Korea? What is the phone culture in Korea? South Korea has one of the highest rates of smartphone adoption in the world, making it impossible not to notice how everyone is glued to their devices (regardless of age), it was especially clear to us in the metro. Whether on public transport, in a café, or even walking down the street, people are constantly engaging with their phones. We found it particularly striking that even when people are hanging out with friends, they remain somewhat on their phones.

10. Special Seats for Pregnant Women

What are the special seats on public transport in South Korea for? Public transportation in South Korea features special pink seats reserved for pregnant women, alongside seats designated for the elderly and disabled. These seats are clearly marked and positioned near the doors for easy access, which we found very considerate and wish would be more present in Europe. Interestingly or weirdly, despite their presence, we only saw three pregnant women during our two weeks there and never anyone actually using the seats.

11. August Is Extremely Hot and Humid (Top Thing to Know Before You Go to South Korea)

What's the weather like in August in South Korea? Is fall great to visit South Korea? August in South Korea is sweltering, it is the hottest month of the year. When we visited Korea in August, we had temperatures often reaching 33-36°C (91-97°F) and humidity levels of 70-90%. If you're planning to visit during this time, be prepared for the intense heat and take advantage of the many shaded areas provided. That being said, we still had an awesome time and just took things a bit slower.

12. Trash Cans Are Rare — But the Streets Are Clean

Why are there so few trash cans in South Korea? The scarcity of street trash cans in South Korea dates back to 1995 when the government introduced a pay-as-you-go waste disposal system. This approach was designed to make individuals responsible for the cost of their waste, thus reducing improper disposal in public bins. Despite the few trash cans, South Korean streets are notably clean. People are conscientious about managing their waste and will carefully pack up their trash until they find a bin. This strong sense of responsibility helps maintain the country's tidy public spaces.

13. Sign Overload

Why are there so many signs in South Korea? South Korea features a high number of signs that provide instructions on what to do — or more often not to do — in various situations. From reminders not to litter in the forest, and recycling guidelines in the hotel to explanations on how to use self-ramen (see picture below), these signs are everywhere and help maintain order and respect in public spaces. For Europeans like us, it might sometimes feel excessive and clutter public spaces, also many signs seem to state the obvious. However, this emphasis on clear instructions reflects a cultural commitment to cleanliness and order.

14. CCTV

Why is there so much CCTV in South Korea? CCTV cameras are nearly everywhere in South Korea, including public spaces and hotels. The South Korean government installs tens of thousands of cameras annually, with about 1.77 million in operation as of 2023. While this level of surveillance might seem intrusive, it's widely accepted as a key measure for public safety, contributing to South Korea’s reputation as one of the safest countries to visit.

15. Government Alerts Directly to Your Phone

What kind of alerts does the South Korean government send to phones? In South Korea, the government frequently sends alerts to citizens’ smartphones. These cover a range of topics from extreme weather warnings to military exercises and missing persons. During our stay, we received multiple alerts daily, so be prepared for your phone to buzz often!

16. Shaded Crosswalks Are a Brilliant Idea

What are the large umbrellas at crosswalks in South Korea for? At major intersections, large umbrellas are provided to shade pedestrians waiting to cross the street. This thoughtful feature is especially appreciated during the hot summer months, offering a simple yet effective way to make daily life more comfortable.

17. Nice Cars Everywhere

Why are there so many nice cars in South Korea? In South Korea, cars are considered a luxury due to the country’s excellent public transportation. Car owners invest in high-quality models and keep them in top condition, with easy access to car wash stations in shopping centers and mobile cleaning services that come to their homes. For those who can’t afford a luxury car, stylish accessories and the subway are popular alternatives.

18. Take Caution When Crossing the Street

Why don't drivers stop for pedestrians in South Korea? Although pedestrians have the right of way and Koreans are generally respectful, we quickly learned that drivers often do not stop at crossings unless you actually start walking. It might feel intimidating, but once you assertively begin crossing, they usually give way. This practice takes some getting used to.

19. You Clean Up Yourself

Do you really have to sort your trash in South Korean restaurants? Why do you need to clear your own table in South Korea? Yes, it's a common practice in South Korea to sort your trash and clear your own table after a meal. In many restaurants, both casual and upscale, diners are expected to return their plates/trays (though not always required) and separate their waste into designated recycling bins. This practice reflects the country's strong emphasis on cleanliness, environmental responsibility, and shared social norms.

20. Iced Drinks All Year Round

Why are iced drinks popular in South Korea, even in winter? South Koreans love their iced drinks, regardless of the season. Iced coffee, tea, and other beverages are popular year-round. So if you’re a fan of cold drinks, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your craving, even in the middle of winter!

21. The Gender Ratio Perception

Why does it seem like there are more women than men in public in South Korea? At times, it seemed to us like there were more women than men in public spaces, but the gender ratio is actually nearly balanced, with slightly more men than women. This perception could be influenced by social factors, such as the different public roles or activities that men and women engage in. However, rest assured that the gender distribution is almost even, even if it doesn’t always appear that way.