Hello Travelers. I am writing FAQs for those who are interested in visiting Korea. I welcome any comments and if you have any questions please dm me at my Instagram @lets_go_korea

ℹ️ General Tips

1. Money and Payments:
   • Purchase a T-Money or CashBee card at convenience stores (7-11, CU, GS25) for public transportation and small purchases. Top up with cash.
   • Carry cash for small restaurants/markets; credit cards widely accepted. Avoid airport exchanges; use city bureaus like MoneyBox for better rates.
   • ATMs for won, but compare bank fees (e.g., 1450 KRW/EUR at bureaus vs. 1428 KRW/EUR at ATM).
2. Public Transportation:
   • Download Naver Map for real-time directions (bus/metro). Set to English, create account pre-travel.
   • Tap T-Money for fare discounts on transfers. Single-trip metro cards refundable (500 KRW).
   • Bus stops show digital arrival times. Carry spare phone battery for navigation apps.
3. Taxis:
   • Use Kakao T app for bookings, pay with card/cash. Seoul allows prepayments.
   • Limited luggage space; no tipping. Taxi lights: Red (vacant), Green (occupied), Blue (off-duty).
4. Language:
   • Use Papago (spoken), Google Translate (signs/menus), Naver Dictionary (terms).
   • Learn phrases: "Annyeong haseyo" (hello), "Gamsahamnida" (thank you), "Mian hamnida" (sorry). "S" sounds like "SH".
5. Mobile and Internet:
   • Get e-SIM/SK Telecom SIM at Incheon Airport for data/phone number. Free WiFi in public areas.
   • Register passports for SIM pickup. SK Telecom (Terminal 2) busy; take queue ticket.
6. Driving:
   • Need International Driving Permit + license for rentals (e.g., Jeju). U.S.-like rules; left turns need green arrow.
7. Etiquette:
   • Avoid loud conversations in public; minimal PDA. Locals may not small-talk.
   • No tipping in restaurants/taxis; may be insulting.
8. Bathrooms:
   • Check if toilet paper goes in toilet or trash (older plumbing). Subway restrooms clean.
9. Health and Safety:
   • Use SPF 50+ sunscreen (high UV). Buy locally at Olive Young.
   • High air pollution in Seoul/Busan; wear masks. Carry tissues/sanitizer (some restrooms lack soap).
   • Very safe; use common sense in crowds.
10. Planning and Navigation:
    • Plan by city zones (30–60 min travel). Avoid overbooking for spontaneity.
    • Stay 8+ days in Seoul; visit Gyeongju for history.
    • Use Blue Ribbon (not Michelin) for restaurants via auto-translated site.
    • Check pop-ups in Seongsu/The Hyundai Seoul.
11. Tax-Free Shopping:
    • “Global Tax Free” shops/hotels; show passport for deductions or airport refunds (USD/KRW).
    • Book hotels directly for refunds. Minimum purchase: 30,000–50,000 KRW.
12. Accommodation:
    • Hotel Urik (Gangnam) clean, near COEX/subway. Avoid cheap love motels.
    • Han River location affects travel time.
13. Unique Experiences:
    • Templestay for meditation/detox. Jjimjilbang for saunas/naps (~$10).
    • Hike Ansan Jarak-gil (Seoul). Visit Seodaemun Prison History Hall, Yongma Land.

🎁 Souvenirs

1. Skincare and Cosmetics:
   • Olive Young for sunscreens, retinol A, solid perfumes (Addict), lip balms. Daiso for budget options.
2. Fashion and Accessories:
   • Seoul’s Seongsu/Jamsil for brands: Sinoon, Grovestore, Kimhekim, ADER error, Beaker.
   • Handbags: Samo Ondoh, STAND OIL, Low Classic, Osoi, Gu-De.
   • Shoes: Shoopen, Sappun; eyewear: Blue Elephant. Affordable clothes at Dongdaemun Underground.