📌 Outline
🔑 Essentials
💬 Language
💸 To Cash or Not to Cash
🛌 Where to Stay
📶 Data & Connectivity
🗺️ Getting Around
📍 Where to Go
👀 See & Do
🍽️ Eat & Drink
📱 Useful Apps
🔑 Essentials
💬 Language
Korean | 한국말 | han-gook-mal
💰 Currency
Korean Won | KRW | ₩
📞 Emergency Numbers
Foreign Traveller Hotline: 1330
Fire & Ambulance: 119
Police: 112
Medical Emergencies: 1339
Missing Persons & Property: 182
🔌 Electricity
Power plug sockets: Type C & F
Standard voltage: 220 V
Frequency: 60 Hz
💬 Language
💬 Useful Phrases
Hello
안녕하세요
ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo
Thank you
감사합니다
kam-sa-ham-ni-da
Goodbye (if you're the one leaving)
안녕히가세요
ahn-nyeong-hi-ga-se-yo
Goodbye (if the other person is leaving)
안녕히게세요
ahn-nyeong-hi-geh-se-yo
(Can I have) ________ please
________ 주세요
________ joo-seh-yo
Sorry
미안합니다
mi-ahn-ham-ni-da
Excuse me (when you need someone to move out of your way OR just a second / hold on)
잠시만요
jahm-shi-man-yo
Over here!
여기요!
yo-gi-yo!
Where is the information centre?
안내소 어디에요?
an-nae-so aw-di-eh-yo?
Where is the washroom?
화장실 어디 있어요?
hwa-jang-shil aw-di is-saw-yo?
Where can I buy a transportation card?
교통카드 어디에서 사요?
kyo-tong-ka-deu aw-di-eh-saw sa-yo?
Where is the (bus stop / taxi stand)?
(버스 정거장 / 택시 타는 곳) 어디에 있어요?
(baw-seu cheong-gaw-jang / taek-si ta-nen goat) aw-di-eh it-saw-yo?
How do I get to ________?
________ 어떻게 가요?
________ aw-taw-keh ka-yo?
Does this (bus/train/metro) go to ________?
이거 ________ 가는 거 맞아요?
ee-gaw ________ ka-nen gaw ma-ja-yo?
Please take me here (to a taxi driver)
여기로 가 주세요
yaw-gi-ro ka chu-seh-yo
I'm alighting here
내릴게요
nae-ril-geh-yo
Right side / Left side / Straight
오른쪽 / 왼쪽 / 직진
o-reun-jjok / wen-jjok / jik-jin
How much is this/that?
이거/그거/저거 얼마예요?
ee-go/geu-go/jo-go ol-ma-eh-yo?
📱 Language/Translation Apps
💸 To Cash or Not to Cash
If you're planning a trip to Korea, you might wonder whether you need to carry cash. Well, the answer is that having some cash with you is a good idea, even though credit cards & mobile payments are widely accepted in Seoul & other larger cities.
Why, you ask? Well, while you'll have no problem paying with plastic at fancy restaurants and department stores, some smaller shops, traditional markets & street vendors may only accept cash. And trust me, you don't want to miss out on the incredible street food and souvenirs in Korea!
Plus, if you're planning to explore rural areas or visit cultural landmarks, you may encounter situations where electronic payments aren't an option. So having some Korean won in your wallet can really come in handy.
🛌 Where to Stay
📶 Data & Connectivity
📱 eSIM
Airalo
- iOS + Android
- Uses LG U+ network
- 4G/LTE Unlimited Data
- Korean phone number (012)
- Can only receive voice calls
- Speed throttle if usage exceeds >3GB per day
- Instant connectivity upon purchase via the app
- Available for 10/30 Days
- Access to free wifi in public spaces like metro, buses, etc.
All you gotta do is:
① Click the link below
② Sign up
③ Download the Airalo app
④ Choose your destination & package
⑤ Install & activate your eSIM
⑥ You're now connected & good to go!
Other Unlimited Data-Only eSIMs
📱 Physical SIM
Unlimited Data-Only + T-money
Unlimited Data-Only
Unlimited Data + Calls + Text Messages
🛜 Pocket Wifi
❕Tips
If you're planning on using some of the awesome Korean services out there like Kakao Taxi, food delivery apps, delivery & postal services or ticketing platforms like Interpark, you're gonna need a Korean phone number. Don't sweat it though, just make sure you grab yourself a package that includes a Korean phone number that can receive text messages!
🗺️ Getting Around
🛬 Airport ↔️ City (Seoul)
🚆 AREX
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) operates two trains: the Express Train, running from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly to Seoul Station & the All Stop Train which stops by 13 subway stations along the way from Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.
🕑 Operating hours / Travel time
- Express Train
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 1 Station → Seoul Station 05:23 (first train) - 22:48 (last train) / Approx. 43 min
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 2 Station → Seoul Station 05:15 (first train) - 22:40 (last train) / Approx. 51 min
- All Stop Train
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 1 Station → Seoul Station 05:23 (first train) - 23:56 (last train) / Approx. 59 min
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 2 Station → Seoul Station 05:15 (first train) - 23:50 (last train) / Approx. 66 min
* 2-6 min. difference in approx. total time possible
* All Stop Train operating schedule is for trains bound for Seoul Station on weekdays. Please refer to the official website for the timetable for trains bound for Digital Media City.
🎟️ Where to buy AREX tickets
🚍 Airport Bus
Airport buses run from Incheon International Airport to many areas of Seoul. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths just outside the 1F Arrivals Hall of each terminal. Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops can be made here.
There are two types of airport buses: deluxe and standard. Deluxe buses operate on non-stop or shortened routes to major hotels and destinations. As these buses make fewer stops, they have a shorter travel time, and are equipped with comfortable seats with more space. Standard buses tend be more crowded with smaller seats and make more stops. Please note that the fare for the two bus types may differ depending on their routes and destinations.
Where to take the airport bus
① Check bus routes and purchase tickets at the ticket booths located at the Arrivals Hall (1F) of Terminal 1 near Gates 4 & 9 or outside by Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, 11 or 13.Tickets at Terminal 2 can be purchased from the bus terminal at the Transportation Center (B1F)
② Check the bus boarding number indicated on the ticket.
③ Go to the bus boarding location and double-check the bus route and departure time.
④ Once aboard the bus, listen carefully to the English announcement for your stop.
🚖 Taxi
You can easily take a taxi from the airport at the taxi stands located just outside the Arrivals Hall (1F) of both terminals. You can choose to take a regular taxi, a deluxe taxi or a jumbo taxi depending on your situation. If you wish to take a taxi with a driver who can communicate in English, Japanese, or Chinese, you can opt for an international taxi.
❕Tips
If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation where a driver is trying to charge you an outrageous price, don't worry - I've got your back! Just give a heads up to the Seoul Global Center at +82-2-2075-4180 & they'll be able to help you out in English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Filipino, Uzbek, or Thai. You can also report the incident to the Dasan Call Center at +82-2-120 & they'll be able to assist you in English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian.
If you're making a call within Korea, you don't have to dial the international code (+82) & you can even skip the region code if you're calling within the same province.
🚌 Within the City
🧭 Navigation & Directions
My go-to maps for navigating around Korea are Kakao & Naver Maps. You see, Google Maps isn't fully supported here, so not all the local businesses show up or keep their deets up to date. And if you're trying to get around on public transport, Google Maps might leave you hanging with inaccurate directions. So, stick with Kakao or Naver Maps to make sure you get where you're going with ease.
Kakao & Naver Maps are in Korean by default but the mobile apps are also available in English. Another alternative that you can use is Citymapper.
📱 Maps/Navigation Apps
🚇 Public Transport | Bus | Metro
Seoul & other major cities in Korea are blessed with an efficient public transportation network, so you can easily get around by metro, bus, taxi or walking.
You can use T-money, short-term visitor passes, Samsung Pay, but they don't accept Apple Pay.
T-money comes in the form of:
- Card
- Available at convenient stores
- Top up at metro stations & convenience stores
- Accessory
- 6,000 KRW - 20,000 KRW ++
- Available online
- Comes in charms, keychains, popsocket, etc
- They do collabs with Kakao Friends, Line Friends, Pokemon, etc.
- Top up like a regular card at metro stations & convenience stores
- Wearable
- 13,800 KRW
- Available online
- Accessory that you can attach to your watch or fitness tracker
- Top up like a regular card at metro stations & convenience stores
- Personally, I’d highly recommend this if you wear a watch, trust me the convenience it gives you is ✨ life-changing ✨
🎟️ Where to buy T-money
🎟️ Where to buy short-term transport passes
🚖 Taxi
If you’re out late at night or in a city where public transport isn’t accessible, taxis are easily available. You can just flag one or book via the mobile app Kakao T.
There’s also a ride-sharing service Tada | 타다 but the app is only available in Korean & you’d need a Korean phone number & credit card.
🗺️ Inter-City
🚆 Korail | KTX (High-Speed Train) | ITX
🚆 SRT
🚍 Express Bus
📍 Where to Go


















👀 See & Do
🍽️ Eat & Drink
📱 Useful Apps
✏️ Trip Planning
🎫 Attractions | Experiences | Tickets | Packages
🗺️ Getting Around
Navigation + Public Transport
Bus | Metro
Inter-City Bus | Train
Taxi/Ride-Hailing
💬 Language
💬 Communications | Messenger | Social Media
💰 Payment | Cashback | Promos | Discounts
💱 Currency Exchange
🌤️ Weather & Air Quality
🍽️ Food
Delivery
Restaurants | Cafes | Reviews
🛍️ Shopping | Deals
🎨 Art
🧳 Choose Your Own Adventure
I'm all about creating flexible, inclusive, accessible & affordable guides that help you choose your own adventure based on your travel style, preferences & restrictions. Check out these guides to mix & match & create your own unique experience!
Psst! More guides to be added — save this guide, subscribe to my profile & stay tuned! ✨
💬 Questions?
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to me via:


📌 Outline
🔑 Essentials
💬 Language
💸 To Cash or Not to Cash
🛌 Where to Stay
📶 Data & Connectivity
🗺️ Getting Around
📍 Where to Go
👀 See & Do
🍽️ Eat & Drink
📱 Useful Apps
🔑 Essentials
💬 Language
Korean | 한국말 | han-gook-mal
💰 Currency
Korean Won | KRW | ₩
📞 Emergency Numbers
Foreign Traveller Hotline: 1330
Fire & Ambulance: 119
Police: 112
Medical Emergencies: 1339
Missing Persons & Property: 182
🔌 Electricity
Power plug sockets: Type C & F
Standard voltage: 220 V
Frequency: 60 Hz
💬 Language
💬 Useful Phrases
Hello
안녕하세요
ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo
Thank you
감사합니다
kam-sa-ham-ni-da
Goodbye (if you're the one leaving)
안녕히가세요
ahn-nyeong-hi-ga-se-yo
Goodbye (if the other person is leaving)
안녕히게세요
ahn-nyeong-hi-geh-se-yo
(Can I have) ________ please
________ 주세요
________ joo-seh-yo
Sorry
미안합니다
mi-ahn-ham-ni-da
Excuse me (when you need someone to move out of your way OR just a second / hold on)
잠시만요
jahm-shi-man-yo
Over here!
여기요!
yo-gi-yo!
Where is the information centre?
안내소 어디에요?
an-nae-so aw-di-eh-yo?
Where is the washroom?
화장실 어디 있어요?
hwa-jang-shil aw-di is-saw-yo?
Where can I buy a transportation card?
교통카드 어디에서 사요?
kyo-tong-ka-deu aw-di-eh-saw sa-yo?
Where is the (bus stop / taxi stand)?
(버스 정거장 / 택시 타는 곳) 어디에 있어요?
(baw-seu cheong-gaw-jang / taek-si ta-nen goat) aw-di-eh it-saw-yo?
How do I get to ________?
________ 어떻게 가요?
________ aw-taw-keh ka-yo?
Does this (bus/train/metro) go to ________?
이거 ________ 가는 거 맞아요?
ee-gaw ________ ka-nen gaw ma-ja-yo?
Please take me here (to a taxi driver)
여기로 가 주세요
yaw-gi-ro ka chu-seh-yo
I'm alighting here
내릴게요
nae-ril-geh-yo
Right side / Left side / Straight
오른쪽 / 왼쪽 / 직진
o-reun-jjok / wen-jjok / jik-jin
How much is this/that?
이거/그거/저거 얼마예요?
ee-go/geu-go/jo-go ol-ma-eh-yo?
📱 Language/Translation Apps
💸 To Cash or Not to Cash
If you're planning a trip to Korea, you might wonder whether you need to carry cash. Well, the answer is that having some cash with you is a good idea, even though credit cards & mobile payments are widely accepted in Seoul & other larger cities.
Why, you ask? Well, while you'll have no problem paying with plastic at fancy restaurants and department stores, some smaller shops, traditional markets & street vendors may only accept cash. And trust me, you don't want to miss out on the incredible street food and souvenirs in Korea!
Plus, if you're planning to explore rural areas or visit cultural landmarks, you may encounter situations where electronic payments aren't an option. So having some Korean won in your wallet can really come in handy.
🛌 Where to Stay
📶 Data & Connectivity
📱 eSIM
Airalo
- iOS + Android
- Uses LG U+ network
- 4G/LTE Unlimited Data
- Korean phone number (012)
- Can only receive voice calls
- Speed throttle if usage exceeds >3GB per day
- Instant connectivity upon purchase via the app
- Available for 10/30 Days
- Access to free wifi in public spaces like metro, buses, etc.
All you gotta do is:
① Click the link below
② Sign up
③ Download the Airalo app
④ Choose your destination & package
⑤ Install & activate your eSIM
⑥ You're now connected & good to go!
Other Unlimited Data-Only eSIMs
📱 Physical SIM
Unlimited Data-Only + T-money
Unlimited Data-Only
Unlimited Data + Calls + Text Messages
🛜 Pocket Wifi
❕Tips
If you're planning on using some of the awesome Korean services out there like Kakao Taxi, food delivery apps, delivery & postal services or ticketing platforms like Interpark, you're gonna need a Korean phone number. Don't sweat it though, just make sure you grab yourself a package that includes a Korean phone number that can receive text messages!
🗺️ Getting Around
🛬 Airport ↔️ City (Seoul)
🚆 AREX
The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) operates two trains: the Express Train, running from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly to Seoul Station & the All Stop Train which stops by 13 subway stations along the way from Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.
🕑 Operating hours / Travel time
- Express Train
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 1 Station → Seoul Station 05:23 (first train) - 22:48 (last train) / Approx. 43 min
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 2 Station → Seoul Station 05:15 (first train) - 22:40 (last train) / Approx. 51 min
- All Stop Train
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 1 Station → Seoul Station 05:23 (first train) - 23:56 (last train) / Approx. 59 min
Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal 2 Station → Seoul Station 05:15 (first train) - 23:50 (last train) / Approx. 66 min
* 2-6 min. difference in approx. total time possible
* All Stop Train operating schedule is for trains bound for Seoul Station on weekdays. Please refer to the official website for the timetable for trains bound for Digital Media City.
🎟️ Where to buy AREX tickets
🚍 Airport Bus
Airport buses run from Incheon International Airport to many areas of Seoul. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths just outside the 1F Arrivals Hall of each terminal. Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops can be made here.
There are two types of airport buses: deluxe and standard. Deluxe buses operate on non-stop or shortened routes to major hotels and destinations. As these buses make fewer stops, they have a shorter travel time, and are equipped with comfortable seats with more space. Standard buses tend be more crowded with smaller seats and make more stops. Please note that the fare for the two bus types may differ depending on their routes and destinations.
Where to take the airport bus
① Check bus routes and purchase tickets at the ticket booths located at the Arrivals Hall (1F) of Terminal 1 near Gates 4 & 9 or outside by Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, 11 or 13.Tickets at Terminal 2 can be purchased from the bus terminal at the Transportation Center (B1F)
② Check the bus boarding number indicated on the ticket.
③ Go to the bus boarding location and double-check the bus route and departure time.
④ Once aboard the bus, listen carefully to the English announcement for your stop.
🚖 Taxi
You can easily take a taxi from the airport at the taxi stands located just outside the Arrivals Hall (1F) of both terminals. You can choose to take a regular taxi, a deluxe taxi or a jumbo taxi depending on your situation. If you wish to take a taxi with a driver who can communicate in English, Japanese, or Chinese, you can opt for an international taxi.
❕Tips
If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation where a driver is trying to charge you an outrageous price, don't worry - I've got your back! Just give a heads up to the Seoul Global Center at +82-2-2075-4180 & they'll be able to help you out in English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Filipino, Uzbek, or Thai. You can also report the incident to the Dasan Call Center at +82-2-120 & they'll be able to assist you in English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian.
If you're making a call within Korea, you don't have to dial the international code (+82) & you can even skip the region code if you're calling within the same province.
🚌 Within the City
🧭 Navigation & Directions
My go-to maps for navigating around Korea are Kakao & Naver Maps. You see, Google Maps isn't fully supported here, so not all the local businesses show up or keep their deets up to date. And if you're trying to get around on public transport, Google Maps might leave you hanging with inaccurate directions. So, stick with Kakao or Naver Maps to make sure you get where you're going with ease.
Kakao & Naver Maps are in Korean by default but the mobile apps are also available in English. Another alternative that you can use is Citymapper.
📱 Maps/Navigation Apps
🚇 Public Transport | Bus | Metro
Seoul & other major cities in Korea are blessed with an efficient public transportation network, so you can easily get around by metro, bus, taxi or walking.
You can use T-money, short-term visitor passes, Samsung Pay, but they don't accept Apple Pay.
T-money comes in the form of:
- Card
- Available at convenient stores
- Top up at metro stations & convenience stores
- Accessory
- 6,000 KRW - 20,000 KRW ++
- Available online
- Comes in charms, keychains, popsocket, etc
- They do collabs with Kakao Friends, Line Friends, Pokemon, etc.
- Top up like a regular card at metro stations & convenience stores
- Wearable
- 13,800 KRW
- Available online
- Accessory that you can attach to your watch or fitness tracker
- Top up like a regular card at metro stations & convenience stores
- Personally, I’d highly recommend this if you wear a watch, trust me the convenience it gives you is ✨ life-changing ✨
🎟️ Where to buy T-money
🎟️ Where to buy short-term transport passes
🚖 Taxi
If you’re out late at night or in a city where public transport isn’t accessible, taxis are easily available. You can just flag one or book via the mobile app Kakao T.
There’s also a ride-sharing service Tada | 타다 but the app is only available in Korean & you’d need a Korean phone number & credit card.
🗺️ Inter-City
🚆 Korail | KTX (High-Speed Train) | ITX
🚆 SRT
🚍 Express Bus
📍 Where to Go


















👀 See & Do
🍽️ Eat & Drink
📱 Useful Apps
✏️ Trip Planning
🎫 Attractions | Experiences | Tickets | Packages
🗺️ Getting Around
Navigation + Public Transport
Bus | Metro
Inter-City Bus | Train
Taxi/Ride-Hailing
💬 Language
💬 Communications | Messenger | Social Media
💰 Payment | Cashback | Promos | Discounts
💱 Currency Exchange
🌤️ Weather & Air Quality
🍽️ Food
Delivery
Restaurants | Cafes | Reviews
🛍️ Shopping | Deals
🎨 Art
🧳 Choose Your Own Adventure
I'm all about creating flexible, inclusive, accessible & affordable guides that help you choose your own adventure based on your travel style, preferences & restrictions. Check out these guides to mix & match & create your own unique experience!
Psst! More guides to be added — save this guide, subscribe to my profile & stay tuned! ✨
💬 Questions?
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to me via: