How should I dress in Seoul?

How to dress in Seoul as a tourist?

Dress code

Koreans are generally relaxed about attire, so feel free to dress for the weather and for comfort. However, the locals' attire leans more towards modest, so it's safest to leave more risqué choices at home. If you're visiting temples, keep in mind that shorts are OK but tank tops and miniskirts are not.

What is the no color dress code in Seoul?

The "no color" dress code in South Korea is a real and widely observed trend, especially in professional and urban settings. Many people prefer wearing neutral tones like black, white, gray, and beige, as these colors are seen as stylish, sophisticated, and appropriate for work or social settings.

Do and don'ts in Seoul, Korea?

Avoid making physical contact, such as bumping into others or standing too close, especially in queues or on public transportation. On the subway or bus, avoid sitting in the designated seating for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers, even if no other seats are available. This is seen as a sign of respect.

Can you show cleavage in Korea?

Although showing any cleavage is considered a big “no-no” in Korea, and off-shoulder tops and crop tops are a very recent addition to Korean women's wardrobe, there's one type of style that has never gone out of Korean fashion: mini bottoms.

What to Wear on Your Trip to Korea

Why do Koreans wear baggy jeans?

One common thing in Korean street style fashion is that Korean women like to wear oversized clothing to hide their body structure.

What is impolite in Korea?

South Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Touching, patting, or back slapping is to be avoided during interactions. In addition, direct eye contact between juniors and seniors should be avoided because it is seen as impolite or even a challenge.

How English friendly is Seoul?

While Seoul is the modern capital city of South Korea, many locals aren't fluent in English. It's generally not a very widely spoken language in South Korea. However, you'll have better luck finding a local who can speak English in main tourist neighborhoods, such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae.

What not to take to Korea?

Travelers arriving in Korea are unable to carry animal products (such as meats, dairy, eggs, etc.) or plant products (such as fresh fruits, seeds, etc.) into the country. In-flight meals which include the aforementioned items, cannot be taken off the aircraft upon arrival.

What not to wear in Seoul?

In Korea, the sense of modesty is different. This means you can wear your shorts, skirts, and dresses as short as you want. Since shoulders and cleavage are sexualized, make sure you wear blouses and T-shirts up to your neck. As foreigners, we are considered “curvier,” and our clothes make us appear “too sexy.”

Can I wear all black in Korea?

Don't wear all black

While black is a popular color in many parts of the world, it's not a color you'll see too often on the streets of South Korea, as it's primarily associated with funerals and mourning. Instead, try to incorporate some color into your outfit, even if it's just a small accessory like a scarf or hat.

Can you wear white in Korea?

Koreans have traditionally revered white color and enjoyed wearing white clothes. In Korea, white represents simplicity, asceticism, sadness, resistance against corruption, and the pursuit of innocence.

What to know before visiting Seoul?

Can you wear leggings in Korea?

Leggings as bottoms

Western culture allows women to wear legging as pants, but this is not accepted in Korean fashion. Women in Korea typically wear leggings beneath shorts, skirts, or even pants. Even when wearing leggings without bottoms, they pair them with shirt dresses or long tops that provide more coverage.

What are some strict rules in South Korea for tourists?

Some important laws to be aware of include the strict anti-drug policy, with severe penalties for possession or use of illegal substances. Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation. It's also illegal to take photographs of military installations or personnel.

Why do Koreans like under eye bags?

But here's the twist: in Korea, accentuating a little pudge right beneath your eyes—your aegyo sal—can actually make you look more youthful and approachable. While eye bags are often associated with fatigue and aging, aegyo sal is all about that fresh, cheerful vibe, as if you're always on the verge of smiling.

Why do Koreans wear black clothes?

' On the other hand, the color black in the modern era is favored through its perception as a color that signifies 'exclusivity' and 'chic', ridding itself of its colemn and gloomy nuances of the past.

How popular are new jeans in Korea?

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) ranked NewJeans at number eight on their list of the Global Recording Artist of the Year, making them the second highest-ranked female artist of 2023. Along with Lim Young-woong, the group topped Gallup Korea's Singer of the Year poll.

How to avoid showing cleavage?

Another stylish way to cover cleavage is by using a statement necklace or scarf for the outfit. By wearing an accessory that sits high on the neckline, you can distract people's attention from the cleavage while adding a fashionable flair. A scarf or shawl may be draped loosely around the neck to create a layered look.

How strict are Korean beauty standards?

Having to deal with societal oppression was compared to being bound up in a corset. South Korean women took to social media in a backlash against unrealistic beauty standards that require them to spend hours applying makeup and performing extensive skincare regimes, which often involve ten steps or more.

Can you wear sleeveless tops in South Korea?

like others have said, you can wear whatever u want if you don't mind the dirty looks/staring but out of respect for the culture or elders it would be wise to dress more modestly.

Why is white skin considered beautiful in Korea?

Another possible cause for this phenomenon is South Korea's classist culture, where looking 'wealthy' is a beauty standard. Fair, flawless skin is idealized because even in the past, wealthy people did not work out “in the fields”. In contrast, tanned skin is associated with the working class.

What are the rules for foreigners in Korea?

Travelers are prohibited from bringing weaponry, animal or produce products, pornography, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and subversive materials into the country.

Is Korea hijab friendly?

Is it safe to wear the hijab in Korea? Absolutely. Most Koreans are respectful and often curious in a positive way. You can wear your hijab or modest clothing confidently, especially in tourist areas.