While Seoul is one of the most popular places in South Korea for travel, other cities like Daegu and Busan still boast some of the country’s most sought-after destinations and excursions. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in an ultra-modern city full of incredible architecture, lounge around on a beach in warmer weather, or enjoy historical monuments and natural sights like Jogyesa Temple – there’s something for everyone. Read on to find out more useful travel tips for South Korea.
Before you go, especially if you’re not a fluent speaker, doing your research is essential – from packing essentials to navigating public transportation, it’ll be sure to make your trip more enjoyable. Even for those that like to “go with the flow”, picking up a few essentials like a “T-Money” card once you’ve arrived or downloading a few apps will ensure you make space for all the spontaneity you want once you touch down.
Whether you’re going for the cuisine or simply for the people, you can’t go wrong with South Korea’s most popular city destinations. But, don’t underestimate the preparation of international travel – especially if it’s your first time. Start prepping early, researching, and planning what you’d prefer to do once you arrive. Of course, don’t forget to set aside some time to just relax, because after all – it’s a vacation!
Tips & Tricks For Packing, Preparation, & Transportation
1. Pack lightly. Save room for shopping!
Similar to most other international traveling endeavors, packing light is essential. Whether you’re spending a week in Seoul or studying abroad for a full year, you’ll surely want to save room in your suitcases for new clothes or even gifts for people at home. Especially in Seoul, the city center boasts incredible shops and tons of corner stores to look through – that you’ll likely struggle to pass up.
2. Get an eSim for your phone.
The last thing that you want to worry about when you touch down on vacation is the “SOS” sign on your phone – preventing you from ordering a taxi, texting friends from home, or even posting that Instagram picture boasting the start of your trip. What’s even worse than that? Coming to terms with your international plan phone bill when you get home. Whether it’s a $10 per day travel plan or sneaky incurrent charges racking up behind the scenes – sometimes traveling abroad, outside of your carrier’s domestic network, can build up some hefty charges.
So if you’re looking forward to scrolling socials on public transit, boasting your trip on socials, or connecting with family and friends at home while abroad – consider an easier, more cost-effective route to fast browsing: an eSim. With free apps like USIMS, you can easily get an eSim, international plan, and immediate browsing for when you’re traveling abroad – keeping the guessing and stress of contacting your carrier for an international plan at bay. While most areas in South Korea do have accessible WiFi, getting an eSim with a basic browsing plan can save you the headache of needing it down the road.
3. Get a ‘T-Money’ card for public transportation.
Unlike many countries, South Korea is home to an incredibly connected transportation system – from buses to the subway. While they require some research beforehand, using things like the subway will be the most cost-effective way to navigate cities like Seoul, once you understand the best way to use them. Found in many convenience stores, T-Money cards can make public transit much more convenient and accessible in Seoul– and can be used on most of their Korean transit systems. Depending on how much travel you plan to do in the city and how often you’ll use the public transit, getting a card once you arrive might be the best option.
4. Exchange cash for local currency.
South Korea boasts incredible cuisine – from kimchi to bibimbap – that’s often available to try from local vendors or restaurants. Many travel creators online admit they’re often daydreaming about going back just for the food – but remember, it’s often cash-only. South Korea’s currency “South Korean won or SKW” can be exchanged for local currency once you arrive at the airport, but most people suggest exchanging it in your home country before arriving. Such South Korea travel tips often highlight the importance of having local currency on hand for a smoother experience.
While it’s available once you arrive, in a pinch, exchange rates will be much higher once you arrive – ultimately costing you much more money than if you prepared beforehand. A quick Google search or call to your bank can help you to navigate the best place to exchange currencies before you leave.
5. Download time-saving apps like ‘Kakao T’
Convenience and cost-effectiveness are the “two essential C’s” when traveling, especially when it comes to international trips in new areas. Sometimes, it can be easy to splurge on daily items like bottled water or a taxi, if you’re not sure about local cost-effective tricks. Downloading the “Kakao T or Kakao Taxi” app before you leave your home country (so you can confirm with your phone number) can save you the hassle of getting a taxi once you arrive.
Another tip frequent travelers to South Korea suggest is downloading “Naver Maps” to help navigate once you’ve landed. For more information, South Korea travel tips recommend familiarizing yourself with these apps before your trip. While many countries boast usage of Google Maps to get around – from walking to driving to even public transportation – in South Korea you’ll be forced to use an alternative. Again, the sooner you download the apps and get familiar with them, the easier your travel will be once you arrive. Taking note of South Korea travel tips can greatly enhance your overall experience.
