Seoul

Seoul is huge. It’s bigger than it looks on a map. But it’s also easy to get around. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Uber works. And the public transit options are reliable, clean, and safe.

Apps to download

• Naver maps — more reliable than Google Maps for directions. You can still find stuff on Google maps, but the directions are not reliable. Alternate option: Kakao Maps.
• Papago — for translating to and from Korean
• Catch table — for restaurant reservations if that’s your thing
• Uber — for getting around in a taxi

Mobile connectivity

We recommend at least one person in your party get an e-sim & local phone number at the Incheon airport when you arrive.

If you do want to make calls to local numbers in Korea from a local number, add on the local number option. This comes in handy for making reservations, like when you want to get on a waiting list for a restaurant but there's only a kiosk. Food courts also use a phone number instead of handing you a buzzer. It's about $40 for unlimited data and an hour of calls. Even if your T-mobile/Google FI gives you connection, I recommend the Korean data for a taste of the fastest internet in the world.

Otherwise, get a data-only e-sim! Nour has used Airalo in the past when I was traveling in Europe. You can get an e-sim that covers multiple countries in east and south east Asia.

Money & payment

Your major credit cards should work fine in Seoul. Foreign credit cards work almost everywhere, but it’s important to bring the physical card because Apple Pay does not work in many places. Metro cards can only be recharged with cash. Should you need cash, you can get it at ATMs or exchange shops.

Convenience stores rule

These stores are everywhere and have most things you’d need while in Seoul: snacks, beverages, toiletries, etc. The most common ones are CU, GS25, and good old 7-Eleven.

Do you want to charge your electronics?

https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/south-korea/
Korea’s outlets use Type F and Type C plugs and sockets. This is pretty much the same type that is used in most of Europe.

Public transportation

Seoul has a fantastic public transportation system. You do need a T-money card. You can buy one at most convenience stores. Be sure to top it up at the store as well.

If you’re not planning on leaving Seoul, then you could get the Climate Card, which gives you unlimited rides.

Uber

Lucky for folks coming from abroad, Uber is now working reliably in Seoul.
Sometimes it’s tricky to find the exact location you want to go to in their search. It can be more reliable to find it manually on the map. I’ll upload screenshots of what I mean.

Helpful resources / links

A long and detailed korea travel guide.

If you need anything, your best bet might be Korean convenience stores.

A guide to the Seoul subway.

Learn about the T-money card.

Useful phrases to try on your trip.

A guide to local etiquette. Or maybe just watch this video.