Seoul Starter Pack ๐ฐ๐ท๐
Must-download apps ๐ฑ
Let's say, you're about to fly to Seoul for the first time. And thenโNEWS FLASHโGoogle is pretty much useless in South Korea (based on a true story). Make sure to download the apps below ๐๐ป
Payment methods ๐ค
1. Credit card ๐ณ
You can useย ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ andย ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ซ๐ in most places, and Amex in some (e.g. major tourist areas).ย
2. Cash ๐ต
Carrying SK won is a MUST because many street food vendors and small shops only accept cashโผ๏ธ You can exchange your currency at the airport or at the major banks such as Shinhan (์ ํ์ํ) and Woori (์ฐ๋ฆฌ์ํ).
Data and SIM ๐ณ
So you've landed in Korea, and you want to avoid international roaming charges (because you're smart like that) and so you buy a ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ง. Major network providers are LG U+, SK Telecom, and KT. You can find their booths at their airport!ย ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐+ and I loved how my data was able to work in the subway ๐คฉ๐คฉ
eSIM v.s. physical SIM card:
An eSIM works like a physical SIM card, but it is downloaded and activated on your phone, so you don't need to swap out and insert a new card. I've used both types and they work fineโcustomer service will help you set it up anyways!
You can also order your SIM in advance:
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Getting around the city ๐
Buy a transit card at the airport
Look for the Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device with a screen that looks like this ๐๐ป
Use this machine to purchase yourย ๐-๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฒ card and load funds onto itโthis will be used for subways/buses.
Go from Incheon โก๏ธ Seoul
Unless you have an absurd amount of luggage, do not call a taxi!
The easiest way to get to Seoul is by the ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง (๐๐๐๐), which will take you to to the city in just 43 minutes ๐คฉ Use your new T-Money card to pay the fare.
You've opened ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฉย and now you're ready to explore Seoul ๐งโโ๏ธ
The subway/buses are very timely, and fares are very cheap. Tap your transit card on the reader when you get on and when you get off!
Items to pack ๐
Pack light if you will be doing a lot of shopping, but here are a few essential items:
If you're thinking about vlogging, you may want to get a gimbal to stabilize your shots ๐๐ป
๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ can be purchased at convenience stores for ~$6
Emergency numbers ๐จ
Police - 112
Fire & Ambulance - 119
Missing Persons - 182
Korea Tourism Helpline - 1330
Seoul district breakdown ๐บ๏ธ
The most popular areas to visit and their famous attractions are:
๐Gangnam-guย โ Starfield Coex Mall, Apgujeong Rodeo
๐Mapo-guย โHongdae
๐Jongno-guย โ Gyeongbokgung Palace, Ikseondong Hanok Village
๐Jung-guย โ Myeongdong, Dongdaemun Design Plaza
๐Yongsan-guย โ Itaewon, Seoul Tower
๐Seongdong-guย โ Ttukseom, Seongsu
๐Songpa-guย โ Lotte World
Now you're ready to explore!
Check out my other Korea guides if you'd like :) it contains the above attractions and then some
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