Most things are open on Sundays in South Korea, including restaurants, cafes, tourist sites, and department stores, though some large supermarkets and small independent shops may close.
Yes, most shops in Korea are open on Sundays, including clothing stores, street markets, and department stores, which usually operate from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. However, large discount supermarkets like E-Mart and Homeplus may be closed on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, and some traditional or wholesale markets close on Sundays.
South Korea's 52-hour rule is a labor law capping the maximum working week at 52 hours (40 regular hours plus 12 hours of overtime), down from the previous 68-hour limit.
The Korean 3-3-3 rule is a famous dental hygiene guideline that means brushing your teeth three times a day, within three minutes of eating, for at least three minutes each time.
11 Things NOT to do in South Korea - MUST SEE BEFORE YOU GO!
What to do in Seoul on a Sunday?
On a Sunday in Seoul, you can tour historic royal palaces, explore trendy local neighborhoods, and sample vibrant street food. Popular options include visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, walking through Insadong, and eating at Gwangjang Market. Most businesses and restaurants are fully open on weekends.
June, July and August offer the best conditions for hiking, but the weather is hot and humid away from the mountains. Winters in South Korea are bitterly cold, so we wouldn't recommend visiting in December, January or February. It's important to take local holidays into account when planning your trip.
Essential social customs in South Korea include removing shoes indoors, using two hands to pass items, and avoiding loud noises in public transit, while avoiding taboos like sticking chopsticks upright in rice or tipping service staff.
The brushing method recommended to general persons in Korea is the 3-3-3 brushing method campaign, which involves only toothbrushing behavior (the time and frequency); 3-3-3 means brushing one's teeth 3 times per day, within 3 minutes after having a meal, for at least 3 minutes each time.
South Korea’s "Cinderella Law"—officially known as the Shutdown Law or Youth Protection Revision Act—was a government policy that banned children under 16 from playing online video games between midnight and 6:00 AM. Introduced in November 2011 to prevent internet addiction and encourage sleep, the controversial curfew was officially abolished in August 2021.
Tap water in major Korean cities is generally treated to drinking water standards. Building pipes and plumbing can still affect taste and comfort. Brushing teeth with tap water is usually fine for most travelers.
No, two men cannot legally marry in South Korea. The country does not recognize same-sex marriage or issue legal marriage licenses to same-sex couples, though some couples still hold private ceremonies.
A "Hongdae girl" generally describes a fashion and cultural aesthetic rooted in Seoul's Hongik University (Hongdae) district, representing an indie-inspired style, a free-spirited nightlife persona, or women featured in viral social media street interviews. ·jasoncoreano
January is generally the cheapest month to go to South Korea, followed closely by November and March. During these off-peak winter and shoulder months, demand drops, leading to lower airfares and heavily discounted hotel rates.
South Koreans used to eat three meals a day, but due to time constraints from demanding work hours and diets to match high beauty standards, it is not unusual for meals to be skipped altogether.
Did you know that Koreans take as much care of their mouths as they do their faces? Yes, and in hygiene procedures, it is important for them to follow rituals in order to maintain healthy teeth and fresh breath for a long time.
While short-shorts and skirts are commonplace for women in Korea's major cities, exposed shoulders and low-cut tops are still considered taboo most places. Summers get hot in South Korea, so loose-fitting t-shirts are a good alternative to tank tops.
When visiting South Korea, you should avoid wearing shoes indoors, speaking loudly on public transit, and sticking your chopsticks upright in your rice. ·Drew Binsky
Seoul is moderately English-friendly, featuring bilingual public transit and major tourist signs, though everyday conversation with locals can be challenging. While younger people and tourism workers often know basic English, conversational fluency is rare and many residents feel shy speaking it.
The best time to visit Seoul is from April to June and from September to November. These months offer mild temperatures, balanced crowds, strong cultural events, and some of the city's most beautiful scenery. Parks are vibrant, outdoor activities are comfortable, and festival schedules are packed.
