Note: Post KBW, this guide has been revised to a general guide. It can return to a KBW guide next summer

Welcome to the Palace of Joseon, stranger! ☺️ This guide is brought to you by

• saemi @ tempo
• taki @ sooho.io, base seoul lead
• bora @ celestia
• special thanks to david @ base

💡 Table of Contents

https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/32mZXarlUOX2dJbUO9L75O?utm_source=generator

⚠️ General Heads Up

Emergencies

• 112: Police
• 119: Ambulance
• Your respective embassies

Apps to download:

• Naver (read “Nay-ver”) Map or Kakao Map
• K-Ride or Uber
• Catch Table (optional - for higher end food/drinks reservations)
• Tips/Tricks
  • Korea is generally pretty safe but use your best judgment. Be safe not sorry
  • If people don’t understand English, use ChatGPT
  • Be wary if you’re booking a “motel” or a really small “hotel” - this can mean love hotel, especially if they’re around MANY other similar establishments. There’s nothing BAD about motels or love hotels, but you might feel slightly awkward.
  • Be wary if you’re looking for a “massage”. Massage can mean… happy endings. If your muscles are tired, try searching for a “thai massage” or a branch of “The Foot Shop” (various locations) and read reviews
  • Standard electric voltage: 220V & 60Hz; two round holes
  • Bathrooms
    • Public Bathrooms: https://partners.shuttledelivery.co.kr/blog-posts/seoul-citys-public-restroom-map-the-hidden-resource-you-need
    • Department Stores & malls
    • Sit-down cafes and restaurants usually have access to a bathroom, but might be in the same/next building, usually behind a key/code
    • Large buildings: Any office building above a certain size is technically required to have open bathrooms, though sometimes they close it off. Try a few. Walk in like you have a meeting to not rouse suspicion from doormen.

🙇 Manners/Etiquette

• Koreans don’t do this 🙏 (putting hands together) and can be offensive to some
• Use both hands when giving/receiving an item
• Don’t stick your chopsticks vertically into the rice
• Your rice bowl should try to stay on the table (vs. holding & eating from it)
• We don’t really expect foreigners to speak Korean so don’t stress - but you shouldn’t assume everyone speaks English, either