🇰🇷📝 Complete Checklist for Seoul, South Korea

💡Things to know

☎️ Emergency Numbers:

Police: Dial 112

Ambulance: Dial 119

🔌 Plug/Socket Type: 

Required plug type is F, which is the plug that has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. South Korea operates on a 220V supply voltage and 60Hz. Carry an all-in-one socket adapter to be on the safer side.

🛡️ Is Korea safe (for solo travellers and women)?

YES. It is super safe, even late at night. But as always, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid going to very isolated or rundown areas late at night.

💬 Useful phrases

Koreans hardly speak English (although this is rapidly changing among the younger generation). But 90% of Korea is going to speak Korean with you - this was true for us even in 2023. So you need to be prepared... somewhat.

The below phrases will be enough for you to survive! Or simply use the Papago app when you need to communicate.

🟡 Hello (with a bow): annyeonghaseyo (aan-yawng-haa-say-yo)

🟡 Thank you (with a bow): ghamsahamnida (ghaam-saa-haam-knee-da)

🟡 This (while pointing to something): igeo (ee-gaw)

🟡 How much?: Olmaeyo (ol-maa-eh-yo)

🟡 Please give me this (while pointing to something): igeo juseyo (ee-gaw joo-say-yo)

🟡 Bathroom: Hwajangshil (hwa-jang-sheel)

🟡 I'm sorry: Chesonghamnida (chay-song-haam-knee-da)

🟡 Excuse me (when you want someone to move out of the way or wait for a moment): Chamsimanyo (jhaam-shee-man-yo)

🟡 Excuse me (when calling a waiter): Chogiyo!

💰 Money matters

The currency used everywhere in Korea is 🪙 Korean Won (KRW)

If you're in Seoul, most places apart from street shops or vendors accept Credit and Debit Cards, Contactless Cards, or T-money prepaid cards. So cash isn't an issue.

However, if you venture out of the city, you'll start needing cash more and more.

Standard Prices as of 2023:

🚰 Small Water Bottle: 1000 KRW

🍲 Sit-down dinner: 15,000 - 20,000 KRW per head

🛍️ Shopping: Clothes at underground shopping markets or street shopping might start at around 10,000 or 15,000 KRW

📶 Data and Roaming

You may opt for either of the below options:

1. Activate International Roaming from your local Telecom Operator (This was the option we went for)

2. Buy a Korean SIM or e-SIM (Check out sites like Klook, Trazy OR buy one at the airport)

3. Get a Wifi egg or Pocket Wifi (Check out sites like Klook, Trazy OR buy one at the airport. Note, this may be a bit inconvenient to carry around)

🚇 Navigating the city (Taxi/Bus/Metro)

When in Korea, Google Maps is not your friend. Instead, opt for local apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to navigate and find places to eat, drink, shop.

Public Transport

Public Transport in Seoul is a breeze! All you need is a T-money card and Naver Maps to check the real-time subway timings and bus timings.

A T-money card is a prepaid card you can use for public transport, convenience stores, shopping and paying for some tourist attractions in Korea. It's super convenient, and you can travel anywhere with just a tap. No need for carrying cash or exact change.

You can get these at any convenience stores in Incheon airport or Seoul - the basic card costs about 2500 KRW (ours cost 4000 KRW each because they had these cute animal prints on them).

🟢 Each person needs to buy an individual card for themselves

🟢 You can reload your card at any convenience store, or at the kiosks locations in any subway station. 

🟢 One-way fare for the subway costs about 1,250 KRW on T-money (the regular fare is 1,350 KRW) - so a top up of 20,000 KRW per card will last you a good 3-4 days at least

Taxis

If you want to get around late at night, or in places where public transport isn't available. You can hail one on the street, or use Kakao Taxi App to call yourself a taxi.

🤳 Useful Apps

Translation 

Naver Papago - Translator App

play.google.com

Google Translate

play.google.com

Navigation

NAVER Map - Navigation App

play.google.com

KakaoMap - Navigation App

play.google.com

Taxi

(Remember, you will need a Korean SIM for this)

Kakao T - Taxi, Driver, Bike App

play.google.com

🎁 Bonus tips

🗑️ Finding public waste bins or trash cans in Seoul is mind-boggling! Not to say that their public places are dirty - but this is because Koreans believe disposal of waste is a personal responsibility. Hence, carry a foldable bag with you to carry your plastics or wrappers.

👟 You'll need to walk, A LOT. And I mean, a lot - you'll be clocking at least 15,000 steps a day. So don't bother with the high heels - carry a solid pair of comfortable, durable walking shoes.

🥤Eating or drinking while on the move is generally not encouraged. So don't walk while you chew or sip. Especially in the subway - don't eat or drink anything on the train. Convenience stores usually have seating areas so finish your snack and then be on your way.

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