Korea

Country starter pack
Visiting Korea
93
Dual nationals
Korea does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit
the ability of Australian officials to provide consular
assistance to Australian/Korean dual nationals who have
been arrested or detained. If you were born in Korea or
otherwise have held Korean citizenship, you will retain
that citizenship unless and until you formally renounce it
and remove your name from the Korean family register.
Males who are Korean citizens, including dual nationals,
are subject to compulsory military service. A male whose
name appears on the Korean family register may be liable
for military service even when travelling on an Australian
passport. Males may not be allowed to renounce their
Korean nationality or leave the country until they have
fulfilled military service obligations or received a special
exemption from military service.
Climate and clothing
Appearance is important in Korea, as in many other Asian
countries, so it is important that you look your smartest
at all times – both for formal and informal gatherings.
The conservative convention of dark suit, shirt and tie
is still the norm in Korea for men, while smart business
suits or dresses are preferred for women. Korean women
also tend to get dressed up even when going to the
supermarket on weekends. Good quality accessories are
highly valued - as long as they are not overly ostentatious.
Although fashion is an important part of modern Korean
culture (the cosmetics industry is among the largest in
Asia), conservatism in dress is still valued by most Koreans
(although not stars of Korean pop music, known as
‘K-pop’). Ensure the following:
• Do not have visible tattoos.
• Avoid visible piercings except in your ears.
• Do not have outlandish hairstyles/hair colours.
• Do not wear ripped jeans or jeans that hang below
your waist.
• Avoid low cut tops – Korean women generally do not
show their shoulders or cleavage.
• Avoid short skirts. If your skirt appears short when
sitting down, have a scarf that you can place across
your legs.
Korea is close to Siberia, and the winters are very cold.
If travelling between November and March, take warm
coats, scarves, gloves and hats, or buy them there.
Summers are hot and therefore lightweight suits are
needed.