Korea Trip Help

[Anonymous]

We are thinking about a trip to Korea - 2 adults, about 2 weeks, a few days in Seoul but more time in Busan (or elsewhere). Looking for some tips on dos and don'ts (basic things like how to get around, where to stay, phones (have verizon iphones now)...etc. TIA.

[Anonymous]

When are you going? If it’s summer, be prepared for brital heat/humidity.

We were in Seoul, so not sure about applicability elsewhere, but ..

Google / Apple maps work ok for walking/driving instructions, but for public trans you need Naver or kakao.

T-cards are great for travel, but you can only load them with cash, so make sure to have a decent amount of cash on hand to top up.

The built in translate app on the iPhone worked surprisingly well. We didn’t use it much for conversations unless they got complex, but the ability to translate written text was amazing.

Have a good trip!

[Anonymous]

1) I've been back to Seoul about 7 or so times in the last 2 years. We're heading back just before Labor Day.

2) It will be extremely humid this time of year, particularly in Busan. Fortunately there is air conditioning everywhere. My family absolutely loves Busan but we could not stand it in the summer. Check out the water park/spa Club D Oasis (partially indoors, partially outdoors). It is really nice and doesn't require good weather to enjoy it. The infinity pool overlooks Hyundae Beach.

3) If you own an unlocked phone get an e-sim which you can get online before you go. If you need assistance, you can pre-order and then pick up the code at a variety of data provider kiosks when you land in Incheon. Just be sure to pick the right terminal in your reservation. We usually land at Terminal 2. there's a machine where you get a waiting number before they call you to the kiosk. You can pay via credit card. Certain ones give you a free T-money card. [That said free wi-fi is everywhere so you can access it all over Korea. On subways, cafes, etc. I don't want to deal with that, so we get e-sims, mine includes a separate phone plan so I can make outgoing calls to restaurants and other places of business like skin care clinics, etc.]

4) The T-Money card can be loaded at any convenience store including at the airport. So once you get a T-money card either for free when you pick up a data plan for your iphone at the airport. The airport has ATMs so you can get Korean cash for the T-money card. Don't worry about putting too much b/c you can get a refund when you leave. You can also use it to pay for all metros, buses and taxi cabs.

5) Uber works in Korea. It's helpful to use that app to order a cab and you pay via your American credit cards, which is what we do when you travel via taxi in Korea. But for navigation, download Kakao or Naver Maps to walk around. Google is not good there b/c they refused to block out the military bases so the govt restricted them.

[Anonymous]

We just got back from Seoul, a few tips mostly aligned with folks have already said:

(1) Uber worked great -- it just calls a taxi, but the drive knows where you're going and you've already paid via the app. It was surprisingly cheap -- our 80 minute drive to the airport cost $30-35.

(2) the GPS on our phone was pretty useless; it had no sense of traffic (which was often very bad) and often lost track of where we were

(3) we didn't do anything special for phone service other than register for the AT&T international plan which cost $10 per day for the first 10 days and was free after that

(4) English was easier than we expected, but the iphone translate app was very helpful when we needed it.

(5) We stayed near the palace for the first couple of days and then moved down to the Gangham area; given the traffic and size of the city, I was glad we switched things up.

We had an awesome time -- have fun!

[Anonymous]

Do you know BTS? Probably good to learn a little before you go, if you don’t. Jimin and Jungkook are from Busan. Go to ZMillenial Cafe, see mementos, fan gifts and meet Jimin’s dad who runs it.

[Anonymous]

Complete immigration e-card before leaving. The ICN airport bus is a great way to get from airport to hotel. Upon exiting immigration, follow signs to bus downstairs where there is basically a bus terminal with ticket windows. Email your hotel before leaving and ask them which bus route to take. For example, route 6701 stops at the Westin Josun Seoul. Do a tour early during your trip to Seoul to learn where things are. I highly recommend We Ride Korea morning e-bike tour and Ongo evening food tour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just got back from Seoul, a few tips mostly aligned with folks have already said:

(1) Uber worked great -- it just calls a taxi, but the drive knows where you're going and you've already paid via the app. It was surprisingly cheap -- our 80 minute drive to the airport cost $30-35.

(2) the GPS on our phone was pretty useless; it had no sense of traffic (which was often very bad) and often lost track of where we were

(3) we didn't do anything special for phone service other than register for the AT&T international plan which cost $10 per day for the first 10 days and was free after that

(4) English was easier than we expected, but the iphone translate app was very helpful when we needed it.

(5) We stayed near the palace for the first couple of days and then moved down to the Gangham area; given the traffic and size of the city, I was glad we switched things up.

We had an awesome time -- have fun!

PP above. Data plan with adding minutes for calls (while you don't need cell plan to continue Apple iMessage with overseas friends just wifi or data plan) costs less than $50 for the entire two weeks. Unless you need to make international calls you'll save money getting a e-sim for your cell phone at at airport. Also, clearing customs at Incheon and retrieving your luggage is super fast. I'd say we usually clear within 30 minutes tops.

[Anonymous]

Re money, I used Amex most of the time. Except convenience stores where I used a Mastercard. You need cash at the markets, which I got from an ATM. Our hotel also provided cash advances with a charge to my Amex. There is not much tipping in Seoul.

Uber worked great. Also taxis parked in front of hotels.

[Anonymous]

If there in July 2025, the Blue House is open for tours. Foreigners don’t need reservations. Register at gate with your passport.

[Anonymous]

You will do so much walking in Seoul - especially up and down stairs to underground just to cross the street.
The underground walkways are great to escape the cold in December - hopefully helpful in the heat.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have recommendations for what neighborhood to stay in while visiting Seoul? We'll be there for 4 nights (with 2 teen boys).

[Anonymous]

I was really happy with the Westin Josun Seoul. The airport bus drops off and picks up right in front of the hotel. Ask the front desk for the route number then buy your ticket near baggage claim in Seoul. The e-bike tour was a highlight. And DMZ tour. And food tours.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what the prices look like these days, but when I went two years ago, the Four Seasons Seoul was only about $400 a night (maybe even less) and literally the most fantastic hotel I've ever stayed at. Phenomenally located, excellent service, and an incredible breakfast (included if you book with Amex Platinum). 10/10 recommend.

I also really loved the DMZ tour, but I'm pretty into contemporary Korean history.

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend staying in a hanok at least for a couple nights. You can do this in Bukchon or Insadong. Just search hanok stays on Airbnb.

[Anonymous]

Why would you do more time in Seoul than Busan? Seoul is perhaps my favorite city on the planet. Busan is... good. Worth a few days, but definitely not the highlight of the trip.

Someone else mentioned this, but wanted to also suggest the O'Ngo food tour early in your trip. It's a great way to see parts of the city you might not go to on your own and to get familiar with the food culture so you are more confident for the rest of the trip.