Korea Travel Checklist 2025 | A guide on what to prepare for your trip
Travel Visa
Depending on your home country and the purpose of your visit, you might need to obtain a visa to enter the country.
For tourism purposes, visitors usually apply for the K-ETA. However, a lot of countries are exempt from the K-ETA until the end of 2025. You can find more information here:
If you plan to stay in Korea for a longer time, I highly recommend consulting with your local Korean embassy to ensure a smooth visa application process.
Choosing An Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation for your needs and preferences is crucial for a smooth trip. Here are your options in Seoul:
Luxury Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
Budget Hotels
Hostels/Guesthouses
Hanok Stays
Tips for choosing an accommodation
Location: Make sure to choose an accommodation close to the major sights you want to see, public transport, and the vibe you're after. Popular accommodation locations for tourists are Myeondong, Hongdae, and Gangnam.
Reviews: Before booking, do a quick review check from recent guests. Their honest takes will give you a real sense of what you're getting into with that hotel or hostel.
eSIM Card/Portable WiFi
And the best part is that portable Wi-Fi or SIM cards are affordable in Korea! There are several ways to get a portable Wi-Fi device or a SIM card for your Korea trip. I recommend ordering them online and then picking them up at Incheon Airport when you land.
eSIM Card
Portable WiFi
Transportation Passes
T-Money cards are rechargeable smart cards used to pay for public transportation (buses, subways, taxis) and make small purchases in Korea. You can buy them at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) for KRW 2,500-4,000, depending on the design.
To use the card, tap it on the card reader when entering/exiting buses or subways or when paying in taxis. You can recharge your card at convenience stores or subway stations using cash (1,000-90,000 KRW).
Other transportation pass options exist. For example, some service providers offer credit cards that double as transportation passes. You might want to consider getting the newly introduced Climate Card.
Airport Transfer
Incheon Airport is located 1-1.5h outside of Seoul City. To get to Seoul, you have several options.
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) offers a regular service that stops at 13 stations, costing 4,450 KRW and taking 1:16h, and an express train that goes directly to Seoul Station for 11,000 KRW, taking 1h.
Airport Express Busses depart from Terminals 1 & 2, following various routes and stopping at many hotels and tourist destinations in Seoul. The bus staff handles luggage loading/unloading, and a single ticket costs 17,000 KRW.
Taxis are available at taxi stands outside Arrivals Halls. They are metered, regulated, and unlikely to be a source of scams. Taxis accept credit cards, T-Money, and cash. The fare to downtown Seoul is 60,000-100,000 KRW, and the ride takes 80-90 minutes.
Another option is private airport transfers, which are bookable through platforms such as GetYourGuide or Klook.
Helpful Apps
KakaoTalk
KakaoTalk is the most-used messenger app in Korea. This app can be useful to stay in touch with friends you might meet during your Korea travels. If you have a Korean bank account and phone number, you can also use other functions of the app, such as KakaoPay.
Papago
KakaoT
Kakao T is a taxi service run by Kakao. Having the app can be useful to call taxis via your phone, especially if you are in a location where it is hard to flag down regular taxis. The app is designed similarly to Uber. A KakaoTalk account is required to use the service.
What to do in Seoul
Basic Korean Phrases for Travelers
Essentials
Hello: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
Thank you: 감사합니다 (Gamsahabnida)
Yes: 네 (Ne)
No: 아니요 (Aniyo)
Sorry: 죄송합니다 (Joesonghabnida)
Where is…?: 어디예요? (… Eodi-yeyo?)
How much is this?: 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)
I want to go to…: …에 가고 싶어요 (…e gago sipeoyo)
Is this the right way to…?: 이게 … 가는 길 맞아요? (Ige … ganeun gil majayo?)
Dining Out
I’m allergic to…: 저는 … 알레르기가 있어요. (Jeoneun … allerugi ga isseoyo)
Water, please: 물 주세요. (Mul juseyo)
I want to pay: 계산 할게요. (Gyesans halgaeyo)
Weather
Traveling to Seoul soon?
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Thanks for your support!
Wishing you safe travels and an amazing time in Korea!
- Lara ✨
The home for unique & authentic travel
