Singapore is a city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, with a population of approximately 5.9 million. Despite covering only about 733 square kilometers, it boasts one of the highest GDP per capita in the world and serves as Asia's financial center. A multiethnic society where Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities coexist harmoniously.
🍽️ Food
Singapore is famous for its hawker centre culture, where diverse ethnic cuisines are served at affordable prices. In 2020, Singapore's hawker culture was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Top 10 Dishes
Dish
Local Name
Description
Chilli Crab
Chilli Crab
Crab stir-fried in spicy tomato sauce, the national dish
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Poached chicken with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth
Laksa
Laksa
Coconut milk and spicy spice noodle soup
Satay
Satay
Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow
Flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce
Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh
Pork rib soup simmered with pepper and herbs
Kaya Toast
Kaya Toast
Toast with coconut jam and butter, breakfast staple
Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee
Egg and rice noodles stir-fried in prawn broth
Rojak
Rojak
Fruit and vegetable salad with shrimp paste dressing
Fish Head Curry
Fish Head Curry
Indian-Chinese fusion fish head curry
Famous Hawker Centres
Maxwell Food Centre: Home of Tian Tian Chicken Rice
Lau Pa Sat: Historic hawker centre in the CBD
Newton Food Centre: Famous for seafood
Chomp Chomp Food Centre: Local favorite for supper
Food Etiquette
"Choping" culture: reserving seats with tissue packets at hawker centres
Finishing your food is considered polite
Respect diverse ethnic foods; avoid mentioning pork at Muslim stalls
No tipping culture
🏛️ Tourism
Top 10 Attractions
Rank
Attraction
Location
Highlights
1
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay
Iconic integrated resort with infinity pool
2
Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay
Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest
3
Sentosa Island
South
Universal Studios, beaches, aquarium
4
Singapore Zoo
North
World-class tropical zoo
5
Chinatown
Downtown
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, hawker centres, shopping
6
Little India
Downtown
Indian cultural experience, spice markets
7
Orchard Road
Downtown
Singapore's premier shopping street
8
Merlion Park
Marina Bay
Singapore's iconic Merlion statue
9
Botanic Gardens
Central
UNESCO World Heritage, tropical botanical garden
10
Clarke Quay
Singapore River
Riverside dining and nightlife
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (1 site)
Singapore Botanic Gardens was inscribed in 2015.
Best Time to Visit
Tropical climate year-round, suitable for visits anytime
December–June: Relatively drier period
November–January: Christmas decorations and sales season
July–August: Great Singapore Sale
🎭 Culture and People
National Character and Customs
Singaporeans value efficiency and order, with a unique cultural trait called "Kiasu" (fear of missing out or losing). Harmony in a multiethnic society is highly valued.
Religion
Buddhism (approximately 31%), Christianity (approximately 19%), Islam (approximately 15%)
Finance: Asia's largest wealth management hub, world's 3rd largest forex market
Trade/Logistics: One of the world's largest transshipment ports
Petrochemicals: World's 3rd largest oil refining center
Semiconductors: Approximately 10% of global semiconductor wafer fabrication
Cost of Living (Among the Highest Globally)
Item
Cost
Hawker centre meal
3–5 USD
Mid-range restaurant for two
50–80 USD
Coffee (kopi)
1–2 USD
Studio apartment (city center)
2,000–3,500 USD/month
MRT fare
0.80–2.00 USD
💻 IT Ecosystem
Overview
Singapore is Southeast Asia's tech hub and hosts Asia-Pacific headquarters for many global IT companies. The "Smart Nation" initiative positions Singapore as a leader in digital government.
Major IT Companies
Company
Focus
Grab
Southeast Asia's largest super app (HQ in Singapore)
The one-north district, centered around Block 71, serves as the startup hub. Enterprise Singapore actively supports startups, and a significant portion of Southeast Asian venture capital is concentrated in Singapore.
✈️ Business Travel Guide
Visa Information (Korean Passport)
Visa-free: Up to 90 days
Employment Pass: Separate application required for work
Basic Information
Item
Details
Capital
Singapore (city-state)
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD), 1 USD approximately 1.35 SGD
Time Difference
1 hour behind Korea (UTC+8)
Voltage
230V, 50Hz, Type G plug (3-pin British style)
Emergency
Police 999, Ambulance 995
Languages
English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil (4 official languages)
Business Etiquette
Punctuality is extremely important
English is the business language, but respect cultural differences among ethnic groups
Exchange business cards with both hands
Chewing gum import and sale is legally prohibited
Heavy fines for littering and smoking in public areas
Transportation
MRT: Primary transport, covers the entire city
Bus: Extensive bus network
Taxi/Grab: Taxis easily available, Grab widely used
