South Korea Travel
Info before you leave
Check List
- Have your hotel address, phone number and name of the hotel written down or on your phone that doesnāt require internet. This is important for the immigration. ( Just in case they ask for it. )Ā
- Starting from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024 it is not required to apply for a K-ETA (Visa). This only applies for 22 countries including The Netherlands. Check the K-ETA website for the full list of the countries.Ā
- Currency that is used is South Korean Won [KRW]
- Order your E-sim so you have internet ready. It will be cheaper than buying from the airport. ( I have ordered my sim card from [Chingu Mobile] I found that the cheapest provider for travellers and the pick up of the sim card is at the airport at terminal 1 & 2 of Incheon airport. )
- Pre book activities and transportation via Klook. The prices are lower than the original websites and in person. Booking in advance will guarantee a spot for that activity.
- Check the weather on the type of clothes you need to bring. Through out the year is it mostly sunny and very humid. During the winter season it will be a lot chillier during the evenings.
- Bring cash to exchange at a currency exchange office, To avoid fees on using the ATM.
- Note that debit cards wonāt work at stores only for withdrawing money from the ATM. The main source of payment is cash or with credit cards.
-"(local credit card load up)"
- On the app Never Maps, create an account and save all the locations with want to visit in advance. it will save a lot of time. Also save the location of the accommodation for more convenience.Ā
- Note that most stores offer Tax free shopping for purchases over ā©30,000. Some stores will apply the tax free at payment, and other stores will give you a receipt where you can go to a machine to claim back the tax. The machines are located all over Korea and the Airport Incheon.
- Convenient Stores are open 24/7.
Transportation
TMoney card
The TMoney card is the more conmon transportation card used in South Korea. It is used for the Subway, bus and small purchases at convenience stores for example 7Eleven and CU. The card can be purchased from a vending machine near the entrance of the express train (AREX) from Incheon to Seoul or at any convenient store in South Korea. "The TMoney card can be used in Busan". To Charge the Card, you have to go to a subway station where there are machines near the ports to load up the TMoney Card.Ā
Climate Card
Just like the Tmoney card, this card can be used for unlimited transportation. The only difference is you pay in advance for a period of time. You can choose short term passes. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days. Thne there is a 30 day pass, including Ttareungi if needed. The passes can be purchased at convenient stores if you ask for the āclimate cardā activating the card can be done at major subway stations with the options to purchase the short term or long term passes. āPlease note that the climate card only works in Seoulā going outside Seoul you will have to use the Tmoney card or your credit card to check in and out.
AREX Airport Railway Express Train
- The AREX is the most convenient way to travel to Seoul station. For ā©9,500 you can purchase a AREX ticket in which Iāll take you from Incheon airport to Seoul Station in 40 minutes without stopping.
- There is a cheaper alternative which is called the all stop train which will take you from Incheon airport to Seoul Station in 60 minutes with stopping at various stops. This costs ā©4,150 - ā©4,750 per ticket.
Tickets can be purchased at the airport following the AREX train signs.
Bus from Incheon Airport to Seoul
-Another option to travel to Seoul is by bus. It will costs you between ā©16,000 - ā©18,000. The bus journey takes around 1 hour to Seoul.
Taxi from Incheon Airpot to SeoulĀ
The fastest mode of transport to Seoul is by taking the taxi, it will take around 29 minutes to get to Seoul station. the costs are also the most expensive of all options. This costs aroundĀ ā©42,000 -Ā ā©50,000 per taxi. These costs will vary a lot depending on the location of your destination.Ā
KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station
-The best way to travel to Busan is by KTX. The journey will take around 2 Hours and 45 minutes. I recommend booking straight from the website: https://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizbfForeign_pr16100.do;jsessionid=AqP1Z0QvtTVDRpFepHyXqLLHrETm5RZHZfCfZPn1X8YAKZw7z9SyZfaRm8cev4eE.kr011_servlet_engine2?gubun=1Ā
The costs for 1 ticket isĀ ā©59,900 single trip for an adult. Other websites will charge more. when booking check the departure station, mostly it will be from Seoul Station or Busan Station.
Activities I recommend to pre-book
- Chingu Mobile for the simcardsĀ
Seoul
- Lotte World
- N Seoul Tower &Ā Namsan Cable Cart
- EverlandĀ
- Coex AquariumĀ
- Lotte World Tower ( Seoul Sky )Ā
- Hairdressers / Facials / SpaĀ
- Personal ColoristĀ
Busan
- Haeundae Sky CapsuleĀ
- Spa Land (ģ°ģ§ė°©)
Seoul,Ā ģģø
Myeong-dong,Ā ėŖ ė
Myeongdong Shopping Street
It is known for beingĀ one of Seoul's main shopping, parade route, and tourism districts.
Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship
Large flagship store for health, cosmetics, beauty & drugs store established in 1999.
Lotte Young Plaza
Lotte Young Plaza is a trendy youth-centered shopping center located in Myeongdong. Spanning from the B1 level up to the 7th floor, the shopping center has a vast array of stores and items for sale.Ā
Myeongdong Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, informally known as Myeongdong Cathedral, is the national cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul. Located in the Myeongdong neighborhood of Jung District, Seoul, South Korea, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Seoul, Peter Chung Soon-taick.
BB.Q Chicken Myeongdong Star
BBQ CHICKEN Myeong-dong Star's signature dish is the Golden Olive Fried Chicken, which is fried in savory olive oil. The crispy batter and tender, savory meat are excellent. Patrons have other option to yangnyeom chicken (seasoned fried chicken), basak garlic chicken, or half and half. Ordering chicken legs and wings by cut is also a favorite. The best combination is with a cold beer.Ā
Jongno / Bukchon, ģ¢ ė” /Ā ė¶ģ“
CheonggyecheonĀ
Cheonggyecheon is a 10.9-kilometre-long stream and public space in downtown Seoul, South Korea. A natural stream sourced from the Suseongdong Valley in Inwangsan
Insa-dong
The focal point of lively Insadong is its pedestrianized main street, which is crammed with teahouses and Korean eateries, plus shops selling traditional goods like pottery, tea and handmade hanji paper.
Ssamzigil
Ssamzigil is an Insa-dong landmark and a shopping mall specializing in crafts. It is a place where the traditions of Korea come together with its present. Follow the paths that lead seamlessly from the lower floors to the upper floors and browse the small craft shops that inhabit the floors. You can find both works of traditional craft and contemporary craft here. Some craft shops also offer craft experiences, and one can also find restaurants and galleries within the complex.
Gyeongbokgung PalaceĀ
Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty
Photogray AngukĀ ģ¦ģģ¬ģ§źø°
Cute self Photo Booth if you're visiting this small traditional area.Ā
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential neighborhood in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea. It has many restored traditional Korean houses, called Hanok.Ā
Cafe Layered Bukchon
Layered is a dessert cafe in Seoul which has an amazing scones and cakes selection. Dessert lovers are in for a real treat here.
It has the most impressive scones line-up weāve ever seen. There are 13 different types of English scones (both savoury and sweet) as well as a dozen rustic English cakes on display.
Mil ToastĀ ė° ķ ģ¤ķøģ§
Souffle French Toast & Steamed Bread Highly Raved By Korean Locals, At Ikseon-Dong
Naeja SalonĀ
Although Naeja-dong is mostly about eating and drinking well, there are a handful of insightful cultural attractions in the area that often get overshadowed by the tourist giants in nearby neighbourhoods.
San Motungi CoffeeĀ
The mountainside cafe, Sanmotoonge is made famous as the film site of the Korean drama, 'The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince'. It is located in Buamdong, a charming and peaceful neighbourhood popular for its great cafes, classic restaurants and famous art galleries.
Baskin-Robbins Anguk Station
Jung-gu, Ā ģ¤źµ¬
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a major urban development landmark in Seoul, South Korea, designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo, with a distinctively neofuturistic design characterized by the "powerful, curving forms of elongated structures".
City HallĀ
Seoul City Hall is a governmental building for the Seoul Metropolitan Government in South Korea, in charge of the administrative affairs of Seoul. It is located in Taepyeongno, Jung-gu, at the heart of Seoul.
Deoksugung
Deoksugung Palace, orĀ Deoksu Palace, is a walled compound ofĀ palacesĀ inĀ SeoulĀ that was inhabited by members ofĀ Korea'sĀ royal familyĀ during theĀ JoseonĀ monarchy untilĀ the annexation of Korea by JapanĀ in 1910.
Namsan TowerĀ
The N Seoul Tower, officially the YTN Seoul Tower and commonly known as Namsan Tower or Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, South Korea.
Lotte Mart Zettaplex SeoulĀ
Lotte Mart is one of the leading discount store chains in Korea. The Seoul Station Branch maintains the top in sales to foreign visitors, and provides tax refunds (maximum 8%), EMS international delivery and locker services for the added convenience. At Lotte Mart Zettaplex, you can buy high-quality goods - groceries, processed food, household goods, clothes and fashion accessories, electronics, toys, cosmetics, and more - at the lowest prices with remarkable service.
Itaewon, ģ“ķģ
Itaewon StreetĀ
Itaewon is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Seoul, renowned for its trendy restaurants, cool bars, and lively nightlife scene.
Maxim PlantĀ
It is a three-storey building with basement floors. Most of the floors are open to guests without reservation. You can watch coffee roasting processes on the 2nd basement floor on designated time slots.
The Mi Three
There are four cute Shiba Inu dogs, Mitsu, Mika, Miyu, and Miko.A cafe on the hill of Noksapyeong Stationš¶
Yongsan,Ā ģ©ģ°źµ¬
National Museum of KoreaĀ
Major building opened in 2005 to house the country's cultural & military artifacts & artworks.
Banpo BridgeĀ
The Banpo Bridge is a major bridge toward downtown Seoul over the Han River, South Korea, connecting the Seocho and Yongsan districts. The bridge is on top of Jamsu Bridge, forming the upper half of a double-deck bridge; it is the first double deck bridge built in South Korea.
Hongdae,Ā ķė
AK Plaza
AK Plaza is a South Korean department store franchise owned by the Aekyung Industrial Co. Ltd.
EXiT Hongdae
Shopping mall in Hongdae, SeoulĀ
Hongdae Shopping StreetĀ
Hongdae shopping streetĀ is a vibrant and busyĀ attraction in Seoul, popular with shoppers. It has many stalls offering a variety of items to buy and different foods to try.
The Days HairĀ
Global Hair Trends: Led by Director Dean, The Days Hair stylists specialize in international styles, offering customized, culturally diverse hair makeovers. Elevate your look with their expert touch!
Line Friends Hongdae Flagship Store
LINE FRIENDS flagship store is a large shop that offers all kinds of LINE cartoon character merchandise. The store is divided into three floors. The first floor sells a variety of LINE FRIENDS merchandise, while the second floor specializes in the BT21 series of merchandise featuring cartoon characters inspired by the popular boy band, BTS. The basement floor is home to a LINE FRIENDS themed cafe, where customers can enjoy delicious and exquisite desserts.
Kakao Friends Hongdae Flagship Store
32 Parfait / 32ķė„“ķ
Internet-Famous Korean 32cm Tall Ice CreamĀ
Gong Cha (Hongdae)
A place to visit to taste their range of Bubble Tea. They have branches all over Seoul even one at the Airport
Yeongdeungpo-gu / Yeouido, ģė±ķ¬źµ¬ / ģ¬ģė
The Hyundai SeoulĀ
As the largest department store in Seoul, visiting without some background knowledge can lead to plenty of wasted time and missed opportunities. Thankfully, we are here for you! Weāll tell you all you need to know about the well-known brands, pop-up stores, photo zones and various goods, as well as the fun sights and activities youāll find along the way.Ā
IFC Mall SeoulĀ
IFC Mall is designed by the world-reknown architecture and interior design company Benoy, featuring an exquisite atmosphere overall and presenting brand shops according to its unique characteristic and image. The glass pavilion lets in plenty of natural light, allowing a pleasant shopping experience. Some of the noteworthy fashion brands featured by IFC Mall includes H&M, Hollister, Uniqlo, and ZARA.
Times Square SeoulĀ
Times Square is a large, comprehensive lifestyle complex equipped with various leisure, entertainment, accommodation, and dining establishments. The complex houses Shinsegae Department Store, which features a number of luxury brands and high-end local products.
Lotte Department StoreĀ
The Lotte Department Store Yeongdeungpo Branch, located at the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Station, serves as the shopping attraction of the Seoul Gangseo region and Incheon area. This department store and the Yeongdeungpo Station area provides a great and cleanly developed commercial area.
Wangsimni,Ā ģģė¦¬
ENTER-6 Wangsimni Station Store
Enter6 Wangsimni store, where you could feel Europe within South Korea is a multiplex with 120 domestic and foreign fashion brand stores, movie theatres, restaurants and cafes, where you could enjoy shopping and cultural experiences at the same time. With 6 avenues within the store, European scenes were recreated, presenting the Trevi Fountain of , tulip festivals in the Netherlands, Font Magica of Italia, the rose garden of Provence, France, and the British Bristol graffiti.
Gangnam-gu,Ā ź°ėØźµ¬
Starfield COEX MallĀ
Starfield COEX Mall is an underground shopping mall in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul, South Korea. The name "COEX" is derived from "COnvention centers" and "EXhibition halls"
COEX AquariumĀ
The COEX Aquarium is an aquarium located within the Starfield COEX Mall in the Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea. The aquarium opened in 2000.
JUNO HairĀ
JUNO is Korea's No.1 hair salon chain and is known for providing great service and have skilled designers. It is popular among Koreans and foreign tourists as well. They value the quality of service they provide, so much so that they train their employees in all sorts of programs.
GENTLE MONSTER Haus Dosan
Gentle Monster presents the beginning of future retail, the HAUS concept. Haus incorporates the experiential creativity and vision for retail of Gentle Monster, while encompassing sensual artisan cosmetic brand Tamburins and fantasy-inspired dessert brand Nudake.
StĆ¼ssy SeoulĀ
Retail store selling the streetwear brand's trendy apparel for men & women, plus hats & accessories.
Gangnam Style Statue
Gangnam, the epitome of PSY's smash hit 'Gangnam Style' has become a popular place for curious visitors all over the globe.
Gangnam-Daero
The section between Gangnam Station (exit 10/11) and Sinnonhyeon Station (exit 5/6) along the main road,Ā Gangnam-DaeroĀ is the most popular shopping and dining area in Gangnam.
Songpa-gu,Ā ģ”ķźµ¬
Lotte WorldĀ
Lotte World or Lotte World Adventure is a major recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of a large indoor theme park, an outdoor amusement park called "Magic Island"
Lotte World TowerĀ
Massive 123-floor skyscraper housing a luxury hotel & an observation deck with grand views.
Lotte World MallĀ
The Lotte World Mall's site comprisesĀ 26,000 square meters, with a total floor area of 244,000 square meters. The Lotte World Mall building and Lotte World Tower are connected by an underground plaza.
Gwangmyeong, ź“ėŖ ģ
Gyeonggi-do,Ā ź²½źø°ė
Suwon,Ā ģģ
Suwon Starfield Mall
The newest Starfield Library in Suwon is massively huge clocking in at 4 floors with much more seating and more cafes, restaurants and open seating for visitors to relax or pose for pictures at. Itās a photographerās dream and a Instagram husbandās nightmare, but there are a few things every traveler needs to know before they plan their visit.
Gwangmyeong CaveĀ ź“ėŖ ėźµ“
Gwangmyeong Cave is a man-made cave in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is located on the far southwestern outskirts of Seoul. Since 2011, it has been open to the public as a tourist attraction, with amenities like a theme park, aquarium, and winery available inside. It is 7.8 km long.
Uiwang-si,Ā ģģģ
A memorable shopping experience for the whole family while strolling around the buildingĀ The outdoor spaces of the shopping complex are intertwined with the surrounding nature of mountains and lakes.Ā The wave facade with grand stairs on the outdoor spaces actively reflects greenery with an amazing view towards Baegun Lake.
Anyang,Ā ģģģ
ENTER-6 AnyangĀ
Nice shopping outlet at the end of the underground mall just near Anyang Station. A variety of goods can be bought.Ā
Busan,Ā ė¶ģ°ģ
Haeundae, ķ“ģ“ė
Haeundae BeachĀ
Haeundae Beach is an urban beach in Busan, South Korea, located in the eponymous Haeundae District.
Haeundae Square Gunam-ro
A few minutes from the romance of the beach, the energy of Haeundae Square (Gunam-ro) awaits. The square connects Haeundae Station with Haeundae Beach, making for an eventful journey to/from the shore. Youāll find food stalls, restaurants and bars of varying themes and other places unique to Busan.Ā
Haeundae Sky Capsule
TheĀ 4-seaterĀ retro-lookingĀ Haeundae Sky CapsuleĀ runs on aĀ 2.3kmĀ elevated railwayĀ 7-10mĀ above the ground alongsideĀ Haeundae Beach TrainĀ fromĀ Mipo StationĀ direct toĀ Cheongsapo StationĀ along the coast.
Shinsegae Centum City (ģ ģøź³ ģ¼ķ ģķ°)
Shinsegae Centum City Department Store is registered in the Guinness World Records as the largest shopping complex in the world, offering a full range of entertainment options, from an ice rink to movie theather, golf range, and a spa. Shops include 21 designer brands and 622 famous brands.Ā
SPA LAND Centum City
Spa Land is located at the World's largest department store, Shinsegae Centum City. This is one Korea's most modern and posh-looking Korean traditional spa (Jjimjilbang) that spreads over 2 massive floors. This oasis has 22 bathtubs and two types of thermal water known for its outstanding effects for improving beauty and pain relief.
GAMCHEON Culture Village
The area is known for its layered streets, twistedĀ labyrinth-like alleys, and brightly painted houses, which have been restored and enhanced in recent years to attract tourism.
From ; Choi
They have a beautiful scenery here with both indoor and outdoor seats and it's a rooftop cafe.Ā
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggung Temple is a Buddhist temple in Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea. The temple claims it was first built in 1376, but this has been proven to be untrue. The temple complex is a large one and one of few in Korea to be set on the seaside.
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