We’ve gotten tons of inquiries about staying in Korea from our readers. Our goal is to give advice to our readers on their trip and stay in Korea. We wrote this article to help all visitors to Korea enjoy their time like a local. I hope all these questions and answers we’ve experienced for the past years will give you a pleasant stay in Korea without any problems.
All this information is for you. So if you have any other questions or suggestions to add to this article, please feel free to drop us a line at [email protected].
Things to know (Travel Tips)
In the event of an emergency, please contact the relevant department listed below.
*Police Department: 112 (for theft, assault, and other crimes)
*Fire Department: 119 (for general accidents and ambulance)
*Emergency Medical Information Center: 1339 (medical assistance for international visitors)
*Tourist Information Center: 1330 (for any other tourism-related assistance)
The Internet connection is crucial for everyone these days. This article tells you which one, USIM (eSIM) or pocket WiFi, you should select, and where and how you can buy them. Read the article.
We selected the best 8 apps that will help your travel be more comfortable and enjoyable.
*VisitKorea (Travel)
*Klook (Activity)
*Naver Map or Kakao Map (Map & Navigation)
*Baemin, Yogiyo, Shuttle Delivery, or Coupang Eats (Food Delivery)
*MangoPlate or DiningCode (Restaurant Reviews)
*Papago (Translation)
*Kakao Metro (Subway)
*Kakao Taxi (Taxi)
*Kakao Talk (Messaging with Koreans)
*Coupang (Online shopping – fast delivery)
*Emergency Ready App
*Mise Mise (Air quality forecast)
If you want to learn more about the apps, take a look at this article, Best Apps for Korea Travel.
Google Maps doesn’t work correctly in Korea because of the Korean government regulation law. However, there are a couple of alternatives, Naver Map, T-Map, and Kakao Maps. Each one has its own strengths. To find out the perfect navigation app for your needs, check this article.
There are many online shopping stores in Korea.
*Coupang: Rocket delivery service is famous; if you shop before 24:00, they deliver it the next day
*Market Kurly: Next-morning delivery of fresh groceries
*SSG.com by E-mart: Early-morning or designated time delivery service
*G-market: G-market has a global site that ships to all over the world
*11st street, Interpark, etc.
Here is the article that explains all the 24 Korean online shopping stores.
This is the inquiry that we get from visitors most. Korea’s food delivery system is awesome and there are famous food delivery apps, such as Baedal Minjok (Baemin), Yogiyo, and Coupang Eats. You can even order delivery food to Hangang or Seoul Forest park.
However, there are a couple of issues for foreigners when using the apps. Some apps don’t support English and foreign credit cards, and you can’t sign up without a Korean mobile number.
Here we walk you through on how to order food delivery in Korea using each app step by step. Plus, how you can order food without a Korean mobile number.
Read the article, How To Order Food Delivery in Korea.
You have several options to store your luggage during your Korea travel. To store your luggage, we recommend the subway storage service. Each subway station has 4 to 8 storage places. It’s convenient when you store your luggage for a few hours near a subway station. SAFEX is a Korean startup company to store and send your luggage between the airport and hotel. Global storage services like Radical Storage and Stasher are also available in Korea. Learn more. Luggage Storage Services in Seoul.
Seoul Weather & Temperature article shows you the weather by monthly temperature, precipitation, and sunset & sunrise time from the data of KMA (Korea Meteorological Administration). Moreover, you can check Korea’s popular festivals in each season.
Seoul boasts its convenient and affordable public transportation services. Visitors can access almost everywhere in the city by public transportation until late at night. And it’s the same in other big cities like Busan and Daegu. Check the below articles about public transportation in Korea.
– Seoul Subway and Bus, Public Transportation in Seoul
– All about T-money Card in Korea – How & where To Use It
– Seoul Taxi Fares
The article How To Rent A Car In Seoul, Incheon, and Jeju, Korea tells you how to rent a car, rental prices, requirements, best car rental services, and car-sharing services in Korea.
T-money Card in Korea is a must-have item when traveling in Korea. It is the best way to travel without the hassle of carrying cash. Let’s learn all about T-money cards.
Korean Convenience stores will be your best friend during your stay in Korea. I can say that they are almost everywhere and have almost everything you need. The article The Convenience of Korean Convenience Stores shows you what they have and how to use them.
First, have all your tax refund and original receipts in hand. Secondly, reach the airport a bit early, at least 3 hours prior to your flight. Thirdly, get your boarding pass and inform the counter personnel about your tax refund intentions. You will be guided to a Customs Declaration counter, where your receipts will be verified and stamped “All Goods Exported.” Fourthly, check in your luggage, and move to the tax refund kiosk, to scan the required documents. Lastly, the tax refund counter will await your arrival, money in hand for you, to take back home and enjoy. Here’s the detail and the locations of the tax refund counters in the Incheon Airport Terminals.
Chuseok and Seollal are the biggest holidays in Korea and the hardest time to travel as well. There will be many cultural events you can enjoy, but on the other hand, many restaurants and stores close during the holiday season. Here’s a survival guide for you on how you can perfectly enjoy Seollal and Chuseok in Korea.
If it’s your first visit to Korea, you might have a lot of inquiries, which power adapter and plug is used, visa, budget, safety, and more. The Ultimate Korea Travel Guide will answer your questions.
Seoul National University Hospital
*Address: 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 대학로 101 서울대학교병원)
*Inquiries: +82-2-2072-0505 (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, French, Arabic)
*Website: www.snuh.org (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Mongolian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:30 / Saturday 09:00-13:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
Sinchon Severance Hospital
*Address: 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 연세로 50-1신촌세브란스병원)
*Inquiries: +82-2-2228-5800 (English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)
*Website (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 09:30-12:00, 14:00-17:00 / Saturday 09:30-12:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
Samsung Medical Center
*Address: 81, Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 일원로 81 삼성의료원)
*Inquiries: +82-2-3410-0200 (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian)
*Website: www.samsunghospital.com (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00 / Saturday 08:00-12:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
*Saturday schedule is subject to change; please confirm in advance.
The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital
*Address: 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 반포대로 222)
*Inquiries: +82-2-2258-5745 (Korean, English, Japanese, Russian, Arabic)
*Website: www.cmcseoul.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 / Saturday 08:30-11:30
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
*Lunch break 12:00-13:30
*Must register at the reception desk at least 30 minutes before closing
Gangnam Severance Hospital
*Address: 211, Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 언주로 211)
*Inquiries: +82-2-2019-3600 (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, Arabic)
*Website: www.cmcseoul.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:30 / Saturday 08:30-12:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
Seoul Asan Medical Center
*Address: 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로43길 88 서울아산병원)
*Inquiries: +82-2-3010-5001 (English), + 82-2-3010-1192 (Japanese), +82-2-3010-7946 (Russian)
*Website: amc.seoul.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Mongolian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:30
*Closed weekends & public holidays
*Saturday treatments vary by department; please make an inquiry in advance.
Korea University Medical Center (Anam Branch)
Address: 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성북구 고려대로 73)
Inquiries: +82-2-920-5677 (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian, Arabic)
Website: www.anam.kumc.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian)
Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:30 / Saturday 09:00-12:00
* Closed Sundays & public holidays
Kyung Hee University Medical Center
*Address: 23, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 동대문구 경희대로 23)
*Inquiries: +82-2-958-9644, 9477 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)
*Website: www.khmc.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 / Saturday 09:00-12:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
Inha University Hospital
*Address: 27, Inhang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 인항로 27)
*Inquiries: +82-32-890-2080 (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian)
*Website: www.inha.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-16:30 / Saturday 08:30-12:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
Gachon University Gil Medical Center
*Address: 21, Namdong-daero 774beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 남동구 남동대로 774번지길 21)
*Inquiries: +82-32-460-3213 (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian)
*Website: www.gilhospital.com (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00 / Saturday 08:30-12:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
The Catholic Univ. of Korea St. Vincent’s Hospital
*Address: 93, Jungbu-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 중부대로 93)
*Inquiries: +82-31-249-8016 (Korean, English), +82-31-249-8018 (Russian)
*Website: www.cmcvincent.or.kr (Korean, English, Russian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00 / Saturday 08:00-12:00
*Closed Sundays & public holidays
Kyungpook National University Hospital
*Address: 130, Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 중구 동덕로 130)
*Inquiries: +82-53-200-4552~4555 (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian)
*Website: www.knuh.kr (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:30
*Closed Saturday-Sunday & public holidays
*Lunch break 12:30-13:30
*Must register at the reception desk at least one hour before closing
Inje University Paik Hospital
*Address: 875, Haeun-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 해운대로 875)
*Inquiries: +82-51-797-0566 (Korean, English, Russian)
*Website: www.paik.ac.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-10:00, 16:00-18:00
*Closed Saturday-Sunday & public holidays
Wonkwang University Hospital
*Address: 895, Muwang-ro, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 익산시 무왕로 895)
*Inquiries: +82-63-859-0122 (Korean, English, Russian, Mongolian)
*Website: www.wkuh.org (Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian)
*Operating hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-17:30
*Closed Saturday-Sunday & public holidays
All pharmacies in Korea are marked with “약” sign. Most pharmacies close on Sundays and holidays, but the holiday pharmacy system lets one pharmacy at least open in the region. You can find the holiday keeper pharmacy here, https://www.pharm114.or.kr/.
Basic medicines such as pain relievers, cold medicines, and digestive medicines can be purchased at convenience stores as well.
How to get to Seoul from the Incheon Airport?
There are three ways to get to Hongdae from Incheon Airport by public transportation.
*AREX (Airport Railroad)
*Airport Limousine Bus
*Taxi
Check out the ‘How to travel from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul‘ article to check the boarding places, fares, timetables, routes, and tips.
There are three ways to get to Hongdae from Incheon Airport by public transportation.
*AREX (Airport Railroad)
*Airport Limousine Bus
*Taxi
Check out the ‘Best Way to Get to Hongdae (Hongik Univ.) from Incheon Airport‘ article to check the boarding places, fares, timetables, routes, and tips.
There are three ways to get to Hongdae from Incheon Airport by public transportation.
*AREX (Airport Railroad)
*Airport Limousine Bus
*Taxi
Check out the ‘Best Way from Incheon Airport to Gangnam‘ article to check the boarding places, fares, timetables, routes, and tips.
There are three ways to get to Hongdae from Incheon Airport by public transportation.
*AREX (Airport Railroad)
*Airport Limousine Bus
*Taxi
Check out the ‘Best Way From Incheon Airport To Myeongdong and Chungmuro‘ article to check the boarding places, fares, timetables, routes, and tips.
This article walks you through the Most affordable and best way to get to Busan from Seoul or Pyeongtaek.
Staying in Korea
Many Korean houses have digital door lock systems. Although there are some differences in usage depending on the manufacturer, the basic usage is generally the same.
[How to open the door from the front]
*Remove the cover (if it has) or activate the front pad by touching it
*Press the passcode
*Press [*] (A few products use #)
[How to lock the door]
*When the door is closed, it is locked automatically with a beeping sound.
(If the door is in manual-locking mode, you have to push a button on the outside panel)
[How to open the door from the inside]
*If there is a handle, just pull down it.
*If there’s no handle, find a small open/close button and push it.
[Trouble shooting]
*When I closed the door, I hear an abnormal locking alarm (warning) sound.
>If the door is not closed correctly, it makes a warning sound. Check and confirm to see if the door is securely closed and locked.
*When I closed the door, I hear a music sound.
>The battery power is low. You have to replace all batteries with new ones.
>Some products have a red lamp to let people know the battery status.
*I pressed the passcode, but it doesn’t work.
>Check the passcode and a symbol again if it’s correct
>Don’t try too many times at once. If the wrong secret code is applied over 5 times, the door-lock system is inactivated with a warning sound and all the functions of the door-lock are suspended for a minute.
>Check the door lock, if it has any alarms.
>Check the sound while and after you press the code
-If there’s no sound, it seems like there is a problem with the battery power. If you can’t change batteries inside, use a 9V rectangular battery (6LF22) as emergency power. Contact 9V battery with the external emergency power supply terminal and open it by entering a secret code.
-If you can hear the moving sound of the latch bolt and deadbolt, try to push and pull the door strongly several times. There could be some gap issues in the deadbolt housing or freezing problems.
> If the door does not open even after taking the above measures, you should call the customer center written on the product or contact the host for assistance.
Korea has a unique house heating system called Ondol. This post shows how you can turn on/off, control hot water, and floor heating of popular heating systems in Korea. Plus, check out how you can prevent water pipes from freezing on a cold day.
Read the full guide here. How to Use Korean Floor Heating & Hot Water System
For a quick guide to using the Korean language wall controller:
*Power (전원): Turn On/Off (Reset)
*Menu (기능선택)
*Hot water (온수) or Bath (목욕): Select to provide a large amount of hot water for bath and shower.
*Only Hot water (온수전용): Select to provide hot water only (no floor heating /used usually in the summer)
*Water temperature (온수온도조절): Low (저온) High (고온)
*Heating (난방): Heating temperature wheel. Low (저) / High (고)
*Floor Heating Temperature Wheel(난방조절): Floor heating operated / Low(-) High(+)
*Leave Function (외출): To make the heating system to a low temperature.
*Heating Off (꺼짐): To turn off the heating (usually in the summer we use this).
*Schedule (예약): Schedules the time to start and stop the boiler.
*Up/Down (올림/내림): Increases or decreases the target value of a specific function
*Season (계절선택): Sets heating temperature (Spring:봄, Summer:여름, Autumn:가을, Beginning of Winter:초겨울, Winter: 겨울)
There are three types of trash bags. The first category is the garbage bags, the second is the recycle bags, and the third is the food waste garbage bags. Each district has its own official garbage bags: Mapo-gu, Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, etc. Citizens are required to recycle on designated days of the week, and the days differ for each district.
Check the article Garbage and Recycling Guide in Korea to understand how to put garbage away in Korea.
[Wi-Fi Troubleshooting]
*Check your phone’s available Wi-Fi networks & find the network
*Can’t find the network > Check to see if the internet router power is ON and internet cable is connected well > Power in ON but still has a problem > Report to the host
※ Internet router is usually behind the TV.
*I found the network > Enter password
*Check error-messages
-Wrong password > Check password again > Retry > Error > Report to the host
-Internet may not be available > Report to the host
In Korea, many people use an Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) TV set-top to watch TV. In that case, the equipment configuration will be as follows: Internet cable – Cable modem (This may or may not be there) – Internet router – TV set-top – TV.
The most common problem is that the TV’s external input setting (HDMI 1~3) is incorrect, so the ISP’s TV set-top screen cannot be displayed. Or the power of the above equipment is turned off or the cable is disconnected.
[Trouble shooting]
1. Turn on the TV and check the sign on the display
a. [No signal] or [신호없음]
1) Push ‘외부입력’ button on the remote to change Input line to HDMI 1~3 (Change it slowly one by one)
2) If it doesn’t work, push ‘케이블전원’ of the remote to turn on the set-top
3) Check the power of all equipment; if the router and set-top powers are ON and the LED lights are Green.
4) Unplug the router and set-top cables, then plug them back in.
5) Try 1) again.
If the problem continues, report to the host. The ISP can check the signal status and reset it remotely. If the problem can’t be fixed remotely, an internet guy will visit the house.
Check the door handle. If it is a keyed door handle, you will need to contact the host to open the door. Many doorknobs in modern homes are keyless. If the door has only a small hole under the handle without a keyhole, you can easily open the locked door by pushing a long, pointed object into the hole.
Where to stay is the most important question to make your travel plan. And each place has its own pros and cons. Find your perfect-fit place for your next Seoul trip. This is the guide for your accommodations in Seoul – Where to stay in Seoul
Things to do
General
You can find several free guided walking tours on Google. However, most of them are tip-based tours. Seoul metropolitan government is running a free guided walking tour program with local volunteers. Tours consist of 2 to 3-hour programs and are conducted in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.
Compared to the paid guided walking tour, the disadvantage is that the time is a little short, but since it is a program operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, it is reliable and it will be a good opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Seoul.
Learn more about the Seoul Free Guided Walking Tours here.
The Discover Seoul Pass provides free admission to 35 attractions and discounts to 29 popular places in Seoul. If you plan to travel to various tourist attractions in Seoul within a fixed itinerary, the Discover Seoul Pass will provide you with convenience and cost savings.
Learn more about the Discover Seoul Pass and where you can use it.
Discover Seoul Pass! The Best Way to Enjoy Seoul.
You can check the schedule and information of various regional festivals and events in Korea on the VisitKorea Events page.
There are several OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) that sell day-tours and tickets. For foreigners traveling to Korea, Klook, Viator, Trazy, Kkday, Rakuten Travel, GetYourGuide, etc. are famous.
‘IVisitKorea Things To Do’ helps you to find your perfect fit day tours/tickets and compare prices in one place.
Here is all the information about the 14 best ski resorts in Korea including opening dates, location, slopes, open hours, prices, etc.
Ski resorts in Korea (Sorted by distance from Seoul)
1 Konjiam Resort
2 Bears Town Ski Resort
3 Jisan Forest Ski Resort
4 Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort
5 Oak Valley Ski Resort
6 Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort
7 Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort
8 Phoenix Pyeongchang Ski Resort
9 Alpensia ski resort
10 Yong Pyong Ski Resort
11 High 1 ski resort
12 O2 Ski Resort
13 Muju Deogyusan Ski Resort
14 Eden Valley Ski Resort
Check the article about the Top 10 Best Beaches in Korea.
For quick access, here is a list of the 10 best beaches in Korea.
1. Eurwangni Beach in Incheon
2. Sokcho Beach in Sokcho, Gangwon-do
3. Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon-do
4. Naksan Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon-do
5. Mallipo Beach in Taean, Chungcheong-do
6. Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungcheong-do
7. Haeundae Beach in Busan, Gyeongsang-do
8. Gwanganlli Beach in Busan, Gyeongsang-do
9. Hyeopjae Beach in Jeju
10. Jungmun Beach in Jeju
Seoul
See our Seoul itinerary recommendations here.
*Seoul Itinerary and Attractions
Take a look at the articles below to check the English-speaking hair salons and nail shops in Seoul.
*10 English-speaking Hair Salons in Seoul
*10 English-speaking Nail Salons in Seoul
Seoul has 12 riverside parks along Hangang in Seoul. And they are the best places for Seoul citizens to relax and enjoy free time with their friends and family. Here is a guide to enjoying Hangang, how to visit, what to do, and more.
Things to do in Hangang Park Seoul
Here are the Top 7 Best Mountains for Hiking in Seoul. Find the perfect match for you!
1. Mt. Bukhansan (북한산)
2. Mt. Cheonggyesan (청계산)
3. Mt. Gwanaksan (관악산)
4. Dobongsan (도봉산)
5. Inwangsan (인왕산)
6. Mt. Namsan (남산)
7. Mt. Namhansanseong (남한산성)
This article introduces the best indoor activities in Seoul that you can enjoy on a rainy day – What to Do on A Rainy Day in Seoul
Seoul is famous for its nightlife and some visitors told me that Seoul never sleeps. Here are some helpful and fruitful articles about things to do at night in Seoul.
Best Things To Do At Night In Seoul
1 Seoul N Tower (Namsan Tower)
2 Experience The Real Nightlife In Gangnam
3 Delicious Korean Food at Night
4 Hop Into The Bar Of Itaewon
5 Don’t Forget The Korean Spa (Jjimjilbang)
6 Get The Most Amazing Views At Night In The Hangang Park
7 Myeongdong Nanta Theater
8 Discover The Tradition At The Palaces In Seoul
Best Places to Enjoy Seoul Night Views
1 N Seoul Tower
2 Seoul Sky
3 The City Wall
4 Bukak Skyway
5 Cheonggyecheon
6 Seoullo 7017
7 Lotte World Tower
Clubs in Seoul offer the best nightlife experiences to people who love nightlong partying and entertainment. Check the hottest clubs in Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itawon.
Best Clubs in Seoul – Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon
Here are the top 25 places you can take pictures for your Instagram account – The 25 Most Instagrammable Spots in Seoul
Seoul has many popular trendy streets loved by locals. Here is a list of those streets – 15 Must-Visit Famous Streets in Seoul
If you already visited famous attractions in Seoul, you might want to experience the unique Korean culture. There are many interesting places in Seoul where locals enjoy spending their spare time with their friends. Read more – Unique Places to Visit in Seoul (Things to Do for Fun)
We introduce the two best instagrammable places for Korean Cherry Blossom Festivals in Seoul. Feel the spring of Korea at Yeouido and Seokchon Lake Park. Read more on Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Seoul.
Here is the list of the best places to enjoy beautiful autumn foliage in Korea. Find out where to go and when to visit the places! – Best Autumn Foliage Places to Visit in Korea
Jjimjilbang is a traditional bathhouse and a vital part of Korean culture. Here are the best 5 Korean Spas in Seoul and things to do in the spa. – Best Korean Spas in Seoul (Jjimjilbang)
Check the information about Gangnam; how to get there and the best attractions. – Best Things To Do in Gangnam
Read the following guide to enjoy Hongdae like a local – The Ultimate 14 Things To Do In Hongdae and More!
Here is a list of the best things to do in the Myeongdong area – Things to Do in Myeongdong: Shopping and Food
Read our guide to enjoy Itaewon like a local – Things to Do in Itaewon
Please read this article about things to do in Seoul N Tower here. It will walk you through on how you can get there, what to do, and what to eat – Things to do in Seoul N Tower (Namsam Tower): What to See & Eat?
If you want to get out of Seoul and explore other attractions near Seoul, this article will be your guidebook – 14 Best Day Trips From Seoul
Seoul Vicinity – Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon-do
Here are things to do and what to eat in Incheon – Things to do in Incheon: Chinatown, Wolmido, and More
There are many things to do in the Incheon airport, from shopping to staying at the Transit hotel, watching a movie, going on a tour, taking a Korean-style bath, etc. Take a look at the article below.
– Things to do in the Incheon Airport
Nami Island is a must-visit place during your travel to Korea. It takes about 2 hours by car, bus, and train. We recommend you to add a couple of nearby attractions, such as Petite France, the Garden of Morning Calm, Gangchon Rail Bike, Jade Garden, and Jarasum Island, to your day trip. Get some information and tips from the below article for your trip.
– Fun Things To Do in Nami Island (Namisum)
Although Pocheon is not so popular with travelers as Nami Island, Pocheon has so many beautiful places for you to enjoy the nature of South Korea. Why don’t you take a look at the attractions in Pocheon?
– Top Travel Attractions in Pocheon
Busan
Check out the best Busan itinerary and the top recommends for the attractions in Busan.
– The Best 3 Day Busan Itinerary
Busan is a vibrant and diverse city in South Korea boasting of golden beaches and villages. You can find countless things to do in Busan for entertainment.
– Things To Do in Busan
Find your nightlife in Busan here – 16 Best Things To Do At Night In Busan and the Top 7 Busan clubs
Here is a list of the best hotels and Airbnbs for your Busan trip – Top Tips to Where To Stay In Busan and the 5 Best Areas in Busan
Jeju Island
Jeju Island is the Hawaii of South Korea. This article will guide you on making the best day-to-day Jeju itinerary.
– The Best Jeju Itinerary for 2 to 5 Days
This island offers tourists a broad range of activities like catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, riding horses, and you can rest around on the sandy beaches. Check the seasonal things to do, weather, and travel tips.
– What to do in Every Season on Jeju Island, the weather on Jeju Island and so much more!
Read the article to find your nightlife on Jeju Island – Things To Do At Night on Jeju Island
Other Areas
As the capital of Silla, one of Korea’s ancient dynasties, Gyeongju is a city with numerous historical relics and buildings. The article will guide you on how to get to Gyeongju, what to do, and when is the best time to visit.
– Things to Do in Gyeongju
Jeonju is one of the great places to enjoy Korea’s traditional culture and village. We will walk you through how you can get to Jeonju from Seoul and what to do there via the below article.
– Jeonju Hanok Village & Things to do in Jeonju
Where to eat & drink
Seoul
This is the inquiry that we get from visitors the most. Korea’s food delivery system is awesome and there are famous food delivery apps, such as Baedal Minjok (Baemin), Yogiyo, and Coupang Eats. You can even order delivery food to Hangang or Seoul Forest park.
However, there are a couple of issues for foreigners when using the apps. Some apps don’t support English and foreign credit cards, and you can’t sign up without a Korean mobile number.
We walk you through how to order food delivery in Korea using each app step by step. Plus, how you can order food without a Korean mobile number.
Read the article, How To Order Food Delivery in Korea.
Take a look at the list of the top 15 vegetarian restaurants in Seoul.
– 15 Vegetarian Restaurants in Seoul
Although there is a rise in the number of gluten-free restaurants in Korea, it’s true that it’s still not easy to find one on the street. Here are the top 15 gluten-free restaurants in Seoul.
– 15 Gluten-Free Restaurants in Seoul
With a lot of delicious local Korean dishes, Korean food culture is blooming. With a variety of restaurants and street foods, you have several options to cherish different foods.
– Breakfast Options in Korea from Typical Korean Style to Brunch Cafe
We know that food can be a challenge when coming to another country. But not to worry when traveling to Seoul because the Seoul Metropolitan Government has compiled a list of restaurants that use halal ingredients only. Let’s check the best Halal restaurants in Seoul.
– Official Halal-Certified Restaurants in Seoul
Here is a list of the best 9 Mexican and Latino restaurants in Seoul.
– The best Mexican and Latino restaurants in Seoul
Here is a list of the best bakeries in Seoul.
– Best Bakeries in Seoul
Here is a list of the best 7 restaurants in Gangnam.
– Best Restaurants in Gangnam
Here is a list of the best 7 restaurants in Hongdae.
– Best Restaurants in Hongdae
Koreans call a restaurant or store with a long history Nopo (노포). Since the city center, Jung-gu, and Jongno-gu have been the center of Seoul for a long time, many restaurants with a long history remain. Here are the best places to taste the food of local Koreans.
– Best Restaurants in Seoul City Center, Jung-gu & Jongno-gu
Itaewon is a heaven for food lovers with many international restaurans, pubs, and desert cafes. We made a list to introduce you about the best restaurants in Itaewon.
– Best Restaurants in Itaewon Seoul
Here is all the information you should know before you try Korean BBQ.
What is Korean BBQ? Best Menu and Korean Barbecue Restaurants in Seoul
Check the best Korean fried chicken restaurants in the famous areas of Seoul here.
Best Korean Fried Chicken Restaurants in Seoul
You can learn the types of the traditional Korean liquors on this article: Traditional Korean Liquors, And here is a list of the best makgeolli bars in Seoul, Best MAKGEOLLI Bars in Seoul: Traditional Korean Alcoholic Drinks.
Gopchang is one of the most Korean-style food, and many locals love it. Check our gopchang restaurant recommendations here – Best 11 Gopchang Restaurants in Seoul Korea
Other areas
Here is a list of The Best Pyeongtaek Restaurants And Cafes.
Here is a list of the best restaurants that loved by Jeju locals. I visit Jeju Island about once every two years, and these restaurants are also one of the purposes of my visit.
– 17 Best Restaurants Loved By Locals In Jeju
Check out the 20 Best Cafes & Bakeries in Jeju Island here.
What to buy
See the Top 10 Things To Buy In Korea article.
1 Ramyeon (Korean Instant Noodles)
2 Dried Seaweed (Gim)
3 Ginseng – The Must-Buy Korean Superfood
4 Korean snacks
5 Hanji
6 Hanbok
7 Dojang (Korean Stamp)
8 Korean Beauty Products
9 Must Buy Item: Korean Face Masks
10 K-pop and K-drama Items
We have collected the best unique items that are hard to find outside of Korea.
– Unique Things to Buy in Korea
If you are a K-pop fan that just happens to be visiting then it is a must that you get yourself some K-pop goods in Seoul. Given below is a list of K-pop goods stores in Seoul where you can find the official K-pop fan goods.
If you are not here in Korea or want to purchase it online, take a look at this post, Best K-Pop Albums & Goods Online Stores. We listed a dozen of legit K pop goods online stores ship internationally.
– Best Places to Buy K-pop Albums and Goods in Seoul
Shopping can be a tedious job when you are being pressed for time due to a tight travel schedule. South Korea has numerous online shopping stores and the delivery system is second to none in the world. One-day delivery is common in Korea.
– Best Korean Online Shopping Stores
1 Coupang (쿠팡)
2 G-market (지마켓)
3 11th street (11번가)
4 Interpark (인터파크)
5 Kurly market (마켓컬리)
6 Supermarkets: Emart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart (이마트, 홈플러스, 롯데마트)
If you are looking for an online fashion shopping apps, take a look at the article Top 10 Korean Fashion Shopping Apps, and if you are outside of Korea, check the Top 15 Korean Fashion Online Stores that Ship Globally.
If you want to buy Korean skincare products, read these articles.
– The 19 Best Korean Cosmetic Brands for Skincare and Makeup
– Best Vegan Korean Skincare Brands & Bestselling Products
– Where To Buy Korean Skincare & Beauty Products Online
– Best Affordable Korean Skincare Products UNDER $20
Best Premium Outlet Malls near Seoul
1 Yeoju Premium Outlet
2 Mario Outlet
3 Paju Premium Outlet
4 Lotte Premium Outlet Icheon
5 Lotte Outlet Gwangmyeong
IKEA Stores
There are four IKEA stores in Korea. Three of them are near Seoul, and one is in Busan. (Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 ~ 21:00)
– Goyang Store (Northwest of Seoul)
*Address: Gwonyul-daero 420, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
– Gwangmyeong Store (Southwest of Seoul)
*Address: 17, iljikno, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do
– Giheung Store (South of Seoul)
*Address: 62, Singomae-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
– DongBusan Store (Busan)
*Address: 17, Dongbusangwangwang 3-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
COSTCO Wholesale
There are 16 Costco warehouses in Korea. And they are also running an online store. You can find the location of all stores here. I’ll let you know the stores in and near Seoul here.
– Costco Yangjae
*Address: 159, Yangjae-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
– Costco Sangbong
*Address: 336, Mangu-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
– Costco Yangpyung
*Address: 156, Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
– Costco Gwangmyeong
*Address: 40, Iljik-ro, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do
– Costco Gongse
*Address: 38, Tapsil-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
– Hanam Branch
*Address: 40, Misagangbyeonjungang-ro, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do
– Costco Ilsan
*Address: 25, Jangbaek-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
– Costco Euijeongbu
*Address: 9, Yongmin-ro 489beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
– Costco Songdo
*Address: 60, Convensia-daero 230beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
If you want to visit both IKEA and Costco at the same time, visit Gwanmyeong or Giheung stores because they are next to each other in those two areas.
Shopping in local markets is one of the joyful experiences of traveling. Here are the top supermarkets you can buy almost everything in Korea
– Top 10 Supermarkets in Korea
Plus, check out the Top 3 Underground Shopping Malls in Seoul, which sell affordable and trendy Korean products.
– Myeongdong’s Underground Shopping Center
– Underground Shopping Center in Gangnam Station
– Jamsil’s Underground Shopping Center
Here is a list of the top traditional market in Seoul.
– 10 Best Traditional Markets in Seoul
To get some Halal food or groceries online during your stay, check the article the Best Halal Food (Groceries) Online Markets in Korea. It will walk you through how to order, delivery time and methods, and offline store information.
Once you visit Jeju Island, you want to make sure to take home your good memories to your friends and family with the souvenirs. Here are the top things to buy on Jeju Island.
– Top 21 Things To Buy in Jeju Island
Others
Renting a house is a complex and difficult task even for Koreans. You should learn and be prepared a lot for a successful renting. I hope this article helps you, but my recommendation is to find a Korean friend who has renting experience. Or after studying all about house renting in Korea with the article below, find a certified English-speaking realtor.
– Renting in Korea: How to rent a House?
If you come here to stay for a long time with your kids, you should find an international school. Here is a list of famous international schools in Seoul.
– Best International Schools in Seoul Korea
You may also like;
- Ultimate Korea Travel Guide!
- Seoul Itinerary and Attractions
- How to travel from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul
- Luggage Storage Services in Seoul.
- Top 21 Things To Buy in Jeju Island
- Things To Do in Busan
IVK’s Top Picks – Day Tours, Tickets, and Travel Activities
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