First time

First time
in Seoul

The short version of every guide. Sort the essentials, save the checklist, go.

Sort these first

Visa & K-ETA Most short stays are visa-free. SIM & WiFi eSIM, prepaid SIM, or pocket WiFi. Subway & T-money One card: subway, bus, taxi. Tax refund 5 to 8% back with your passport. Foreigner desk Extra 5 to 7% off at big stores. Holidays Seollal + Chuseok close the city. Korean phrases Show a driver or server, big. Bags aren't free Bring a foldable tote. Etiquette No tipping, plus a few unspoken rules. Do you tip? No, and the honest why. Travel apps The 4 you actually need. Money Card-first; skip airport exchange. Daily budget What a day really costs. Emergency 112, 119, lost passport. Is it safe? Yes, the honest take.

Pre-flight checklist

Tap each as you handle it. Saved on this device for offline.

0 / 8
  • Passport valid 6+ months
    Immigration won't board you with under 6 months left.
  • K-ETA or visa sorted
    Apply at k-eta.go.kr 72h+ before your flight if your country is not exempt.
  • e-Arrival Card filed
    Submit at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within 3 days to skip the paper line.
  • Naver Map or Kakao Map installed
    Google Maps has no walking directions in Korea.
  • Kakao T installed
    Korea's Uber. English UI, card-on-file, safer than a street taxi.
  • T-money plan ready
    Buy at any GS25 / CU at the airport. Climate Card if you ride a lot.
  • SIM or eSIM picked
    A 5-day eSIM is ~20,000 won with unlimited data. Install before boarding.
  • Hotel address saved
    Immigration asks. A Naver Map link or screenshot is fine.

Don't

  • Tipping Don't tip.
    Nowhere.
    Service is built into the price.
  • Taxis Skip unmarked airport taxis.
    Use Kakao T or the official line.
    Same metered price.
  • Maps Don't rely on Google Maps for walking.
    Naver / Kakao know the subway exits.
  • Passport Don't carry your passport everywhere.
    The hotel safe is fine; only shops + tax-refund need it.

Where to start

Tradition Palaces, hanok, Insadong Youth & night Hongdae, Itaewon Modern Seoul Gangnam, Jamsil Cafés & brand Seongsu, Apgujeong

Updated July 2026. Bookmark and send to anyone joining you.

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