Seoul Travel Tips
Practical local tips to make your Seoul trip more enjoyable
Get a T-money Card
Purchase a T-money card at convenience stores (CU, GS25, Seven-Eleven). It works on both subway and bus with discounts. The card costs 2,500 won and can be recharged as needed. You can recharge at convenience stores or subway station machines, and remaining balance can be refunded.
Subway is Fastest
Seoul traffic can be terrible. In most cases, the subway is much faster and more reliable than taxis or buses. Seoul subway has 23 lines with convenient transfers. Rush hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM) are extremely crowded, so avoid if possible. Last trains run between midnight and 1 AM.
Use Taxi Apps
Download Kakao T app for convenient taxi booking. Available in English and accepts credit cards. Regular taxi base fare starts at 4,800 won, with surcharge during late night (midnight-4 AM). Deluxe taxis (black) at airports and major tourist spots offer safer and more comfortable rides.
Airport to City Transfer
AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is most convenient from Incheon Airport to Seoul. Express train takes 43 minutes with transfers to major areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam. Airport limousine buses run to major hotels and areas with spacious comfortable seats. For late night or heavy luggage, taxis are good option (about 60,000-80,000 won).
Seoul Bike Ttareungyi
Seoul public bike Ttareungyi is great for exploring Han River or downtown. Download app and register to use for 1,000 won per hour. Over 1,500 rental stations across Seoul allow pick-up and drop-off anywhere. Han River Park bike paths are especially popular and safe even at night.
Water is Free
Most Korean restaurants provide free water and side dishes (kimchi, pickled radish, etc.). Feel free to ask for refills and additional side dishes at no extra charge. Water is usually self-service or available upon request. Unless it's a fine dining restaurant, water is always free.
Use 24-Hour Convenience Stores
CU, GS25, and Seven-Eleven are open 24/7 with affordable meals, snacks, and daily necessities. Popular items include triangle kimbap (1,500 won), lunch boxes (4,000-6,000 won), cup noodles (1,500-2,500 won). Free microwave and hot water are provided, with simple tables for immediate dining.
Korean Dining Etiquette
Korean dining has some etiquette. Wait for elders to pick up utensils first, don't lift rice bowls while eating. Use spoon for soup and chopsticks for side dishes. Say "Jal meogeosseumnida" (I ate well) after meals. Many restaurants have call buttons to summon staff - feel free to use them.
Food Delivery Apps
Download Baemin, Coupang Eats, or Yogiyo apps to order food delivery to your hotel. English support available with credit card payment. Minimum order is usually 12,000-15,000 won, delivery fee 2,000-3,000 won. You can order almost any food - chicken, pizza, Korean, Chinese, snacks, etc. Delivery usually takes 30-40 minutes.
Adjusting Spice Level
If Korean food is new to you, request spice level adjustment. Say "An maepge haejuseyo" (not spicy) or "Jogeumman maepge" (slightly spicy). Most restaurants can adjust spice levels. When too spicy, milk or yogurt works better than water. Buying banana milk from convenience stores is a good backup plan.
Remove Shoes Indoors
Many Korean restaurants, cafes, and all homes require removing shoes indoors. Check entrance for shoe storage area. Essential in floor-seating restaurants. When staying at guesthouses or hanok stays, remove shoes at entrance and wear slippers or socks indoors. Bring clean socks.
No Tipping Required
Tipping is not part of Korean culture. No tips expected at restaurants, taxis, hotels, cafes, salons, etc. Offering tips may confuse or be declined. Service charge is included in prices and staff receive regular wages. Exception: small tips may be accepted by bellboys or valet parking at luxury hotels only.
Public Space Manners
In Korea, quiet behavior in public spaces is important. Don't talk loudly or play music on subway/bus. Don't sit in priority seats (blue) even if empty - reserved for elderly. Eating while walking is uncommon. Smoke only in designated areas. Dispose trash in recycling bins or carry until finding one.
Photo Taking Etiquette
In Korea, ask permission when photographing people's faces. Be careful in restaurants/cafes where other customers may appear. Many military facilities and government buildings prohibit photography - check signs. Flash may be prohibited at temples and cultural sites. Photography is strictly forbidden inside jjimjilbangs and saunas.
Basic Korean Greetings
Knowing basic Korean greetings delights locals. "Annyeonghaseyo" (hello), "Gamsahamnida" (thank you), "Joesonghamnida" (sorry/excuse me). "Eolmayeyo?" (how much?), "Yeogiyo" (excuse me, to call staff). Even simple greetings make a good impression and show respect for local culture.
Seoul is Very Safe
Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. Generally safe even for women traveling alone at night, with very low crime rates. CCTVs are everywhere and police patrol actively. However, keep valuables secure and be cautious in entertainment districts with drunk people. Emergency numbers: 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance).
Emergency Situations
For emergencies, call 112 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance) for English interpretation service. 1330 Korea Travel Hotline operates 24/7 in English, Japanese, Chinese. If passport is lost, contact embassy immediately and file police report at nearest station. Major hospitals (Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, Severance Hospital) have foreigner clinics.
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Seoul rarely has natural disasters, but be cautious during rainy season and typhoons (Jun-Aug). Underground malls and low areas may flood - check weather alerts. Heavy snow in winter (Dec-Feb) can paralyze traffic. Earthquakes are rare, but if occurs, take cover under table and evacuate building. Safety announcements are in Korean and English.
Plenty of Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi available in most public places like subway stations, cafes, restaurants. "Seoul Free Wi-Fi" network covers the city, accessible without registration. Ask staff for cafe/restaurant passwords. For data, buy prepaid SIM cards or rent pocket Wi-Fi at convenience stores or airport. Picking up at Incheon Airport is convenient.
Cash vs Card Usage
Seoul has one of the highest card usage rates in the world. Most shops, restaurants, cafes accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). However, traditional markets, small street vendors, some taxis accept cash only - carry 20,000-30,000 won. ATMs at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) and banks accept foreign cards. Currency exchange rates are better at Myeongdong or downtown exchangers than airport.
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