First Time in Korea?
Start Here.
Korea can feel overwhelming on your first visit — unfamiliar maps, different payment systems, and a language barrier. This guide covers exactly what you need to land confidently and get around without stress.
✈️ Getting from the Airport to Seoul
Most international flights land at Incheon International Airport (ICN). There are three main ways to reach central Seoul:
AREX (Airport Railroad Express)
Direct train to Seoul Station. Express: 43 min, ₩9,500. Regular: 66 min, ₩4,150 (stops at multiple stations).
💡 Take the Express if you're staying near Hongdae, Myeongdong, or central Seoul. Take Regular if your hotel is near Gimpo, Gongdeok, or further west.
Airport Limousine Bus
Buses to major hotel zones (Gangnam, Hongdae, Jamsil). ₩9,000–₩18,000. Takes 60–90 min depending on traffic.
💡 Good if your hotel is far from subway stations. Check the bus number for your hotel area.
Taxi / KakaoT
Most convenient but ₩55,000–₩80,000 to central Seoul. Use the KakaoT app to hail a cab — it supports English and shows fare estimates.
💡 Only worth it if you have a lot of luggage or it's late at night (after midnight, subways stop).
💳 T-Money & Climate Card
Korea's public transit (subway + bus) runs on a rechargeable card system. You'll need one from day one.
T-Money Card
Buy at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or subway station vending machine for ₩2,500–₩4,000. Recharge at convenience stores or subway machines. Works on all Seoul subway lines and buses.
Rechargeable Credit Cards (Climate Card)
If you stay 30+ days, a Climate Card (월정기권) can save money. For short trips, a regular T-Money card is fine.
💡 Pro Tip
You can also use Apple Pay / Google Pay on Seoul subway gates (most newer machines support tap-to-pay). Still, having a T-Money card is more reliable for buses.
🗺️ Why Google Maps Isn't Enough in Korea
Google Maps works in Korea but has significant limitations — transit directions are often wrong, and many local businesses aren't updated.
Naver Map (네이버 지도)
The gold standard for Korea navigation. Accurate subway routes, bus connections, walking directions, and real-time updates. Download before you land.
Set language to English in settings. Search by English name or Korean address.
KakaoMap (카카오맵)
Equally accurate, preferred by locals. Great for finding cafés and restaurants with photos and reviews.
Google Maps
Use only for international chains or tourist attractions that are well-indexed. Don't rely on it for bus/subway directions.
📱 eSIM & SIM Cards
You'll need data from the moment you land (to use maps and book taxis). Get this sorted before or right after arrival.
eSIM (Pre-order)
Buy an eSIM before departure from services like Airalo, KT, SKT, or your existing carrier. Activate it on the plane. Works instantly upon landing.
💡 Check that your phone supports eSIM. Most phones from 2020+ do.
SIM Card at Airport
Available at Incheon Airport (Terminal 1 & 2, arrival floor). KT, SKT, and LG offer tourist SIM cards. ₩20,000–₩50,000 for 5–30 days of unlimited data.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Rentable at the airport. Good for groups sharing a connection, but you have to carry a device and remember to charge it.
🚕 Using Taxis in Korea
Korea's taxis are affordable, safe, and widely available. The main challenge is the language barrier.
Use KakaoT App
Download Kakao T — it's Korea's Uber equivalent. You can set your destination in English, see the fare estimate, and pay by card. The driver gets your address in Korean automatically.
Hailing a Cab on the Street
Black taxis (모범택시) are premium, orange/silver are standard. Show the driver your destination using our "Show Taxi Driver" button on any place detail page — it gives you the Korean address to copy.
💡 Key Phrases
- 여기 가주세요 — "Please take me here" (point to phone)
- 여기서 세워주세요 — "Stop here please"
- 영수증 주세요 — "Receipt please"
💰 Payment in Korea
Cards are Widely Accepted
Visa and Mastercard work at most restaurants, convenience stores, and shops. Some small street food stalls or traditional markets may be cash-only.
Cash (Korean Won / ₩)
Withdraw from ATMs at airports, convenience stores (7-Eleven, CU, GS25), or banks. Recommended to carry ₩50,000–₩100,000 as backup.
Apple Pay / Samsung Pay
Apple Pay works in Korea (Hyundai Card required, or via transit mode). Samsung Pay is widely supported. Google Pay coverage is limited.
💡 Tax Refund
Foreign visitors can get a VAT refund on purchases over ₩30,000 at stores displaying the "Tax Free" sign. Get the refund at the airport before you fly home.
🙏 Korea Travel Etiquette
Korea is generally very welcoming to tourists. A few things to keep in mind:
Priority seats (노약자석) are for the elderly, pregnant, and disabled — don't sit there even if they're empty. Keep phone calls short and quiet.
Always ask before photographing people. Some cafés and stores prohibit photography — look for signs or ask staff.
Wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating first. Don't pour your own drink — pour for others and they'll pour for you.
Public trash cans are rare in Korea. Hold on to your trash or use bins inside convenience stores.
At traditional restaurants (floor seating), guesthouses, and some homes, you'll be expected to remove shoes.
CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven stores are open 24/7. You can eat, drink, charge your phone, use ATMs, print documents, and buy almost anything.
🆘 Emergency Contacts
The 1330 Tourism Hotline is especially useful — it's free, available 24/7, and connects you to English-speaking staff who can help with anything from lost wallets to medical emergencies.
Ready to explore Korea?
Use our interactive map to find K-drama filming locations, K-pop spots, restaurants, hotels, and landmarks across all of Korea.