(Korea Tip of the Day)
Whether for a TDY or a vacation, visiting Korea offers delightful experiences. To make the most of your journey and enjoy convenience along the way, here are 10 important tips you need to know to kickstart your adventure!
1. Download Naver Map
(Naver Map)
In Korea, Naver Map and Kakao Map provide accurate GPS navigation. Google Maps does not work in Korea. Naver Map is especially efficient, offering detailed maps, directions, transportation options, estimated trip costs, and real-time traffic updates. It also helps discover nearby attractions, great restaurants, and stores, similar to Google Maps. The app features filters to refine searches for places with high ratings or parking facilities.
2. Get your transportation card
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Tmoney Card (Photo by Tmoney Card Shop)
There are several options for transportation cards: Tmoney, Cashbee, NAMANE, and WOWPASS. Each offer similar functions but with different benefits depending on your travel plans. If you want the simplest option for using the mass transit system, just get a Tmoney card at a nearby convenience store to start your journey.
Tmoney cards can be used for buses, taxis, the metro, and in convenience stores. It offers a 100-won discount for every ride, and also allows you to transfer between buses and subways almost for free if done within 30 minutes (limited to 4 times a day).
Price: Starts from 3,000 won (price varies depending on design and type)
Top-up locations: Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, MINISTOP, Story Way, Emart24, 365PLUS) and subway stations
How to use: Purchase a card at any top-up location and load it with between 1,000 won to 90,000 won. Scan the card upon entering a bus or metro. Be sure to scan it again when exiting to receive the transfer discount. When you leave Korea, you can also request a refund for any remaining balance at designated top-up locations or Tmoney Town at Seoul Station (a 500-won service fee applies).
3. Know how to book train tickets
(KorailTalk)
(SRT)
When traveling to different cities, using the Korail or SRT railway systems is recommended if you don’t have a car. Check schedules and book tickets in English through their websites and apps, which also accept foreign credit cards. For Korail trains, use the “KorailTalk” app, and for SRT tickets, use their website. If tickets are sold out, standing tickets can be purchased on-site.
4. Use a translation app
(Papago)
For translation, Google Translate works well, but for more accurate Korean translations, Naver Papago app can be a good option, too. Developed by a local company, this app understands the variances of the Korean language. The app offers real-time translation for conversations, menus, signs, and more. You can type, speak, or take a photo of text for translation.
Download
5. Figure out your data plan
(Klook)
When traveling to a new country, your phone becomes your GPS, translator, tour guide, and the easiest way to find necessary resources. Having internet connection or data on your phone will make a world of difference.
First, make sure your mobile device is unlocked and whether you need a SIM card or can use an eSIM card before your trip.
To find suitable data options in Korea, browse online travel shops like Klook and Trazy or mobile operator website (KT, LG U+, SKT). Purchase SIM cards online first, then pick up at any of the South Korean airports you fly into. Another option is to simply purchase directly when you arrive at the airport, at convenience stores, or mobile carrier shops around Korea. There are several options to consider depending on your plan.
SIM cards: Choose a plan to suit your data/voice usage and decide whether you only need data (a cheaper option) or also want to have a phone number for calling and texting. The new SIM card will temporarily replace your original SIM, so make sure to store the original in a safe place to put back when your trip is over.
eSIM cards: They have the same function of a physical SIM card but are digital. This option is more convenient as it doesn’t require picking up and swapping SIM cards. It’s available for compatible phones, so make sure your phone accepts eSIMs. These can be purchased online or through mobile operator websites.
Pocket WiFi: Renting a pocket WiFi device can be cost-effective when traveling with a group of people as it allows you to share data with multiple devices. However, there’s a distance limit so everyone must stay close to the person carrying the device to be connected. Remember, it’s a rental service, so you’ll need to return it before leaving Korea.
6. Use Public Wi-Fi
(WiFi)
When you’re disconnected to the internet due to not having a Korean SIM card or lacking data, no worries. You can find free Wi-Fi networks almost anywhere in Korea, including cafes, restaurants, public spaces, and on public transportation. While many dining spots and shopping centers offer their own Wi-Fi, the local government and major telecom companies like LG U+ and KT provide a service called Public Wi-Fi. This service is available on trains, buses, inside traditional markets, community centers, beaches, and most public areas.
How to find Public Wi-Fi
Visit their website or download the app. Then set the location and search a list of available Wi-Fi networks in the area. If you’re already in a public area, check your phone for Wi-Fi connections.
How to connect to Public Wi-Fi
Go to your device’s Wi-Fi settings and look for the “Public Wi-Fi” network. If it doesn’t connect automatically, open your web browser and click the button to connect to the internet. For Secured Public Wi-Fi networks, you’ll need to enter a username and password.
Username: wifi
Password: wifi
7. Free 24-hour travel assistance
If you’re new to Korea, you may have questions about traveling or need immediate help with interpretation. Simply dial 1330 to connect with a 24-hour travel helpline operated by the Korea Tourism Organization. The agency also has live chat support in English and other languages via their website, mobile apps, and Facebook Messenger. The helpline offers tourist information and assistance completely free of charge.
Call: +82-2) 1330
Available Services: Travel information, interpretation, emergency assistance
8. Monitor daily air pollution
(Air pollution)
As a resident in Korea, my daily routine begins with checking the air quality reports before opening windows or heading outside. Air pollution in Korea is a serious concern that can cause significant health risks, including respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin irritation, depending on individual sensitivity. To effectively manage air pollution in Korea, it’s important to follow these essential steps to safeguard your health:
1) Monitor air quality daily
Stay updated by using your phone’s weather widget, which provides not only weather forecasts but also details on fine dust and ultra-fine dust levels. You can also check the Air Quality Index (AQI) through the following websites:
2) Adhere to guidelines for high-pollution days
Avoid going out if possible and minimize outdoor activities.
Wear a protective mask (KF80, KF94, KF99) outside.
When outside, avoid areas with heavy air pollution, such as roadsides and construction sites.
Don’t open the window for natural ventilation. Your room can become polluted with fine dust.
When indoors, use air purifiers, mop the floor with water, and use wet wipes.
Wash thoroughly after going out, especially your hands, feet, eyes, and nose with running water, and brush your teeth.
Consume plenty of water and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables.
It’s recommended to refrain from activities that contribute to air pollution such as using private vehicles instead of public transportation.
9. Things to know for dining out at restaurants
Restaurant cultures vary across countries, and Korea also has its own unique ways. To navigate your best restaurant experience, check out these 5 helpful tips about Korean restaurant culture.
No tipping: Unlike some countries, tipping is not customary in Korea. When you’re ready to pay, walk up to the cashier or counter to pay your bill. Simply say: “계산할게요 (Gyesan-halgeyo),” which means “I will pay” in Korean.
Calling the server: Many Korean restaurants have a small bell on the table to summon servers. The bell is usually placed at a corner or under the table. If you don’t find a bell, you can raise your hand and say “저기요 (Jeogiyo),” which means “Excuse me” in Korean.
Check business hours: Some restaurants close for a break from 2 or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Make sure to check the restaurant’s hours on Naver Map before heading out, especially if you plan to dine during these hours.
Unlimited side dishes: One of the beauties of Korean dining is the variety of free, refillable side dishes served with meals. Feel free to ask the server for refills if you want more side dishes. Many restaurants also feature a self-service bar where you can help yourself with the side dishes and refill them without needing to call the server.
Ask for a phone charger: Most restaurants offer a free phone charging station. Even if they don’t provide a specific charging service, it’s very common in Korea to ask to charge your phone at the restaurant if needed. Feel free to ask the staff to charge your phone while enjoying your meal.
10. Things to know about public restrooms
(Toilet search in Naver Map)
If you’re looking for a restroom outside and can’t find one nearby, subway stations are usually good places to find accessible public restrooms. In Korea, convenience stores and regular stores typically don’t offer restrooms for customers.
You can also use Naver Map to locate nearby public restrooms by searching for “toilet” or “화장실 (Hwajangsil),” meaning restroom in Korean. Note that Naver Map will show you many of public restrooms located inside buildings such as post offices or gas stations, so they may not be accessible outside of their business hours. Additionally, some restrooms may not provide toilet paper and soap, so carry your own tissues and hand sanitizer for convenience.
