Seoul essentials

Many visa-free nationalities need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before boarding. Travelers from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia and most of Western Europe, are exempt through December 31, 2026. Apply only on the official site k-eta.go.kr. Lookalike sites charge extra.

Fill in the e-Arrival Card online up to 3 days before you land to skip the paper form at the airport.

The easiest option if your phone supports it. Buy before you fly, install it at home, and switch it on when you land. Data-only plans are fine for maps, translation and ride apps.

Both can be picked up at the airport arrivals hall. Pocket Wi-Fi works for groups but needs charging every night.

Some delivery and booking apps need a Korean phone number. Data-only eSIMs don't give you one, and you rarely need it as a visitor.

The fastest way from Incheon Airport. The Express goes nonstop to Seoul Station in about 45 to 50 minutes. The cheaper all-stop train takes about an hour and stops at Hongdae and other transfer stations.

Good if your hotel is near a bus stop, especially in Gangnam, Jamsil or Myeongdong. Buy tickets at the counters in arrivals or from the driver with a card.

Use the official taxi stands outside arrivals or call one with Kakao T. Late at night this is often the only easy option.

Get a T-money card at any convenience store or station kiosk and top it up with cash. A WOWPASS card works for transit too and can be topped up with foreign currency.

If you ride the subway or city bus 3 or more times a day, a short-term Climate Card pass (1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days) usually pays off. It doesn't cover AREX or airport buses.

Kakao T is the main taxi app. K.Ride, made for visitors, books the same taxis in English and takes foreign cards. Show drivers the Korean address from each wink pick.

The most accurate map for walking and transit in Korea. It has an English mode. Google Maps works for transit but walking directions are limited.

Naver's translator. The camera mode is great for menus and signs.

Every wink pick has a Korean name you can copy. Paste it into Naver Map for exact results.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small restaurants and taxis. Some street food stalls and traditional markets are cash only.

Global ATMs are at airports, convenience stores and major banks. Exchange booths in Myeongdong and Hongdae usually beat the airport rate.

Spend ₩15,000 or more in one store with a Tax Free sign and ask for a refund. Many stores take the tax off on the spot for purchases up to ₩1,000,000. Keep your passport with you.

Not expected anywhere. Prices on the menu are what you pay.

Most large subway stations have coin or card lockers. Big suitcases fit in the larger lockers at major stations.

Luggage delivery services can carry bags between the airport, stations and your hotel so you can sightsee on check-out day.

Hospitals are good and fairly affordable, but you pay upfront as a visitor. Insurance that covers medical care is worth having.

Look for 약국 (yak-guk). Many pharmacists speak some English. Convenience stores sell basic cold medicine and painkillers.

112 police, 119 fire and ambulance. 1330 is the Korea Travel Hotline with English help 24 hours a day.