It's not a secret that I fell in love with South Korea the first time I set foot on it. You can't blame me. This country is very charming and full of wonderful surprises. The people are friendly, food is flavorful and there are a lot of sights to behold. After a couple of trips to South Korea, here are very note worthy tips based on my experience.
Getting Informed
Korea Tourism Organization is the only website I truly trust when I plan my itinerary. You'll find all you need to know about Korea tourism here. Find a landmark you want to go to, and this website will show you the most accurate and best way to get there. They also have the friendliest staff. Whenever I have a question about visa, immigration, etc., I just send them a message on their facebook page and I always get the most helpful answers from them.
The internet is also full of wonderful people who share their experiences through their blogs. Traveler reviews from different platforms are also helpful tools in gathering information.
Getting Informed
Korea Tourism Organization is the only website I truly trust when I plan my itinerary. You'll find all you need to know about Korea tourism here. Find a landmark you want to go to, and this website will show you the most accurate and best way to get there. They also have the friendliest staff. Whenever I have a question about visa, immigration, etc., I just send them a message on their facebook page and I always get the most helpful answers from them.
The internet is also full of wonderful people who share their experiences through their blogs. Traveler reviews from different platforms are also helpful tools in gathering information.
Going About
To/From the Airport
From the airport, take the transportation that you're most comfortable with going to Seoul (or anywhere else). There are many options - airport limousine bus, cab, airport express (AREX) and Seoul Metropolitan Subway.
For my first visit, my sister familiarized herself with Seoul Subway, so that's what brought us to Seoul. It was a long way, with the transfer and baggage in tow, but we got to know their subway system more which helped us throughout our trip. Plus it's cheaper (only less than 5,000KRW) than the airport bus, cab and AREX. Taking the subway is definitely not the best option especially because of the transfers and if you have heavy luggage.
The airport bus is the most convenient choice. It's a bit pricier than using the subway (one way trip is 10,000KRW), but it is hassle-free. The one hour trip from the airport to Seoul (and vice versa) is comfortable. Just make sure you get on the right bus that will take you to your destination.
Seoul Subway
Going to places in and around Seoul is one reason why I love this city. No hours wasted seated in a vehicle while trapped in traffic, but lots of exercise walking underground. This Android app, Metroid, will help you with the subway. KakaoMap which I used and found very useful when I switched from Android to Apple. Just type in your station of origin and destination and it will show you which line you should take. The Seoul Subway trains are oh so clean and spacious. Rush hour? NO PROBLEM! There are trains after trains after trains! Waiting period doesn't take more than 15 minutes. Oh and be aware that the subway goes way, way, way underground, which will never cease to amaze me.
Seoul Bus
I've tried riding the bus (really cheap fare, less than 1,000KRW!) a few times only and those times were not the most chill I've been while in Korea. I think bus drivers aren't used to foreign passengers. Asking them questions while they are driving can be stressful to them. So if you decide on riding the bus, make sure you know where exactly you are going, because unlike here, they will only really load/unload passengers at designated bus stops.
Cabs
I've only tried taking a cab a few times and those were always pleasant trips. On my first ever cab ride, the driver was friendly and even taught me a few Korean phrases that would be helpful when taking a cab (I've absolutely forgotten those phrases! :)). The trip was from Itaewon to Myeongdong, and the cab fare only cost 5,000KRW, including the late night surcharge. Take caution when taking a cab because flag down rates differ, and surcharge are applied on weekends or holidays.
To/From the Airport
From the airport, take the transportation that you're most comfortable with going to Seoul (or anywhere else). There are many options - airport limousine bus, cab, airport express (AREX) and Seoul Metropolitan Subway.
For my first visit, my sister familiarized herself with Seoul Subway, so that's what brought us to Seoul. It was a long way, with the transfer and baggage in tow, but we got to know their subway system more which helped us throughout our trip. Plus it's cheaper (only less than 5,000KRW) than the airport bus, cab and AREX. Taking the subway is definitely not the best option especially because of the transfers and if you have heavy luggage.
The airport bus is the most convenient choice. It's a bit pricier than using the subway (one way trip is 10,000KRW), but it is hassle-free. The one hour trip from the airport to Seoul (and vice versa) is comfortable. Just make sure you get on the right bus that will take you to your destination.
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| Single journey ticket to Seoul. |
Seoul Subway
Going to places in and around Seoul is one reason why I love this city. No hours wasted seated in a vehicle while trapped in traffic, but lots of exercise walking underground. This Android app, Metroid, will help you with the subway. KakaoMap which I used and found very useful when I switched from Android to Apple. Just type in your station of origin and destination and it will show you which line you should take. The Seoul Subway trains are oh so clean and spacious. Rush hour? NO PROBLEM! There are trains after trains after trains! Waiting period doesn't take more than 15 minutes. Oh and be aware that the subway goes way, way, way underground, which will never cease to amaze me.
Seoul Bus
I've tried riding the bus (really cheap fare, less than 1,000KRW!) a few times only and those times were not the most chill I've been while in Korea. I think bus drivers aren't used to foreign passengers. Asking them questions while they are driving can be stressful to them. So if you decide on riding the bus, make sure you know where exactly you are going, because unlike here, they will only really load/unload passengers at designated bus stops.
Cabs
I've only tried taking a cab a few times and those were always pleasant trips. On my first ever cab ride, the driver was friendly and even taught me a few Korean phrases that would be helpful when taking a cab (I've absolutely forgotten those phrases! :)). The trip was from Itaewon to Myeongdong, and the cab fare only cost 5,000KRW, including the late night surcharge. Take caution when taking a cab because flag down rates differ, and surcharge are applied on weekends or holidays.
Asking Around
Do not be afraid to ask.
My first time with my sisters, on our first day, while looking for Beewon Guesthouse, we came across 2 policemen and asked for directions. One of them knew exactly where it was and he even escorted us to the guesthouse. If we didn't ask, we would've wasted a lot of precious time trying to locate it. The policeman even made small talk in Korean. A year teaching Koreans and learning their language through all the Koreanovelas and movies I have watched paid off, because I was able to tell him how thankful we were for his assistance.
Find the nearest Tourist Information Center.
There are also a lot of Tourist Information Centers where English speaking tour guides can help you with anything. Throughout the city, specially on weekends, local volunteers who speak English, Chinese (and maybe Japanese too?) can be spotted with their red hat and vest. They have maps and pens ready for all your direction needs. Most Koreans understand English and will try their best to answer in English. But if you happen to know a little Hangul, it will come in handy too.
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| Tourist Information Lady to the rescue! |
Using Your T-card
T-card isn't just for the subway, it can be used for all modes of public transportation. According to KTO, using the T-card on public transportation makes the fare 100KRW cheaper than paying cash. Load it up because you can even use your T-money to purchase from GS convenience stores and other establishments. Use it and get discounts. We used ours to avail of this buy 2 get 1 on yogurt drinks and ice cream that has become our favorite.
T-card isn't just for the subway, it can be used for all modes of public transportation. According to KTO, using the T-card on public transportation makes the fare 100KRW cheaper than paying cash. Load it up because you can even use your T-money to purchase from GS convenience stores and other establishments. Use it and get discounts. We used ours to avail of this buy 2 get 1 on yogurt drinks and ice cream that has become our favorite.
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| Keep your T-card! It will never expire. |
Eating Out
Eat where the locals eat.
You will never run out of places to eat at in Seoul. It is true that long lines equal good food.
Try Local Fastfood
These are the local fastfood that I've tried:
Lotteria - not a fan. The Korean burger I had was just not to my liking at all. But I loved their mozzarella sticks.
Bekseju-
Try Street Food
We ate street food only once. It was really clean and tasty. All street food carts that I saw there were spotless. I wish we were able to try the ones near Beewon.
Getting Connected
South Korea is an awesomely wired country. There is free wifi in subway stations, tourist spots and convenience stores. But renting your own pocket wifi is easy and unbelievably affordable too. Whenever I go to Seoul, I make sure I rent Mifi from sk telecoms. They charge less than 10,000KRW per day. But they usually give special discounts. Last time I rented one, they only charged 5,500KRW per day. Not bad at all especially if you are traveling in groups.
Eat where the locals eat.
You will never run out of places to eat at in Seoul. It is true that long lines equal good food.
Try Local Fastfood
These are the local fastfood that I've tried:
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| Lotteria burger, fries and mozzarella sticks. |
Bekseju-
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| Haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), maekjeok gui (grilled pork with garlic and chives) |
Try Street Food
We ate street food only once. It was really clean and tasty. All street food carts that I saw there were spotless. I wish we were able to try the ones near Beewon.
Getting Connected
South Korea is an awesomely wired country. There is free wifi in subway stations, tourist spots and convenience stores. But renting your own pocket wifi is easy and unbelievably affordable too. Whenever I go to Seoul, I make sure I rent Mifi from sk telecoms. They charge less than 10,000KRW per day. But they usually give special discounts. Last time I rented one, they only charged 5,500KRW per day. Not bad at all especially if you are traveling in groups.
I will keep updating this particular post, because there is always something changing in South Korea.
