Clever Seoul Travel Shortcuts

If you’re gearing up for an adventure in Seoul, get ready to dive into my little black book of Clever Seoul Travel Shortcuts straight from my Latina travels in South Korea. From navigating the expansive yet organized metro system to mastering local etiquette, I’ve got you covered. Here is everything I think travelers like myself should know if they step foot in Seoul like which apps to download or are curious about how tax-refunds work here, consider this your passport to a smoother journey through South Korea’s dynamic capital. Let’s embark on this journey together – Gagnam style!

Clever Seoul Travel Shortcuts Table Of Contents

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Plan Your Seoul Visit

First things first, you have to book your travel. I’ve made it super easy to find the best providers below.

Flight	Stay	Do	Drive
Skyscanner	Agoda	Viator	QEEQ

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Seoul Insider Observations

While visiting Japan, many Japanese I met insisted that Seoul was night and day from Japan and admittedly, I didn’t believe them…until I arrived in Seoul and saw this first hand. (That’s the beauty of travel, you can prove this to yourself if you visit.) Seoul is definitely different from Japan. People in Seoul are more laid-back; they chat and laugh on trains, smoke in public, and the city itself feels raw, unfiltered and less regimented. There is even more visible trash. Plus, chivalry isn’t a big thing here, so don’t expect too many social courtesies in public spaces like giving up seats, etc.

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Smart Seoul Tips

Bring Won	Bring some cash won with you; the minimum amount you can withdraw from ATMs is 10,000 won, and convenience store ATMs have higher fees so head to banks if possible.
T-Money Card	Pick up a “T-Money card” when you arrive in Seoul. This card is similar to Japan’s Suica card and is used to pay for public transportation and at some shops. Sadly, unlike the Suica card, it’s not available via your preferred mobile wallet which means you need to get a physical card. They are available for purchase at many convenience stores. You can easily add money to this card at subway stations or 7-11’s. Bonus: If you have extra funds on your card before your departure, you can get a refund at a convenience store at the airport.
eSIM over WIFI	An eSIM is a must. While some travel bloggers say WiFi is widely available throughout Seoul, I found it difficult to connect and a bit of a hassle. I recommend getting an Airalo eSIM for affordable data. Buy your eSIM
Tax Refund Scheme	VAT refund/tax-free schemes in South Korea apply to goods like clothes and skin treatments. To receive your tax refund, you need to spend above 15,000 KRW and have your passport on hand to receive about 10% back. How you get your refund depends on the business. Some will give you a specific receipt to scan at an airport kiosk or submit at a tax refund desk. Other businesses, like the beauty clinic I visited and Olive Young, can deduct the tax amount from your purchase on the spot.
Subway Lockers	Lockers are available in subway stations, similar to Japan, for storing your luggage. The Radical Storage makes it easy to see how many lockers are available in each location and reserve your locker in advance. Book your Radiacal Storage

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Download Before You Go Seoul Apps

Papago – For Translation

Papago was my go-to for translation in South Korea. Widely used by locals when dealing with tourists, it handles Korean language nuances perfectly. For me, it helped me chat with people, read signs, and navigate menus without a hitch.

Naver Map – For Navigation

Forget Google Maps in South Korea. Naver Map is a favorite among locals and was my lifesaver for getting around as Google Maps only offers bus routes which will get you nowhere . Instead use Naver Map which offers precise routes and reliable public transport info, making exploring so much easier!

Don’t forget to Grab an eSIM so that you have no issues using these apps during your visit.

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Unlocking Seoul Transportation

Subway: The subway system in Seoul is incredibly efficient and user-friendly, especially when using the Naver app. This app simplifies navigation by showing routes, times, and the cost of your journey so you can make sure you have enough when using a T-Money card. The T-Money card is a rechargeable smart card that makes traveling more convenient. If you choose not to use a T-Money card, you will need to buy individual tickets for each ride, which come with an additional deposit. This deposit is refundable at kiosks located within the stations but means more time dealing with purchasing individual tickets and receiving back your deposits which I personally would avoid especially when traveling.

Bus: To use the bus system in Seoul, a T-Money card is essential. Without the T-Money card, you won’t be able to access the bus services. To use, you must tap your card when boarding and exiting the bus, ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel.

Bonus Tip: As you may have noticed, the T-Money card is the easiest way to pay for both subway and bus rides. It is similar to Japan’s Suica card and can be topped up with money at subway stations and convenience stores like 7-11. This card allows for seamless travel across various modes of transportation, enhancing your experience in Seoul.

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South Korean Etiquette Rules

Compared to the Japanese, Koreans feel more relaxed with rules and seem to follow their own rhythm. However, there are still some guidelines they tend to stick to more strictly.

• Always take off your shoes at the door when entering a residence, temple, or guesthouse.
• A short bow—essentially a nod—is the most respectful greeting.
• Give and receive any object using both hands.
• Tipping is not a Korean custom and is not expected at hotels, taxis, or other establishments. Refusal to accept a tip is not an act of disrespect.
• In escalators, stand on the right if you have time, allowing those in a hurry to pass on the left. (It’s the opposite in Japan FYI.)

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Korean Words To Know

Having a few basics under your belt is always a good power move. Check out the top ones I would suggest you memorize before your visit.

“hello”	an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
“thank you”	gam-sa-ham-ni-da
“I’m Sorry”	choé·song·hab·ni·da
“Yes/No”	ne/ a·ni·yo

Seoul Tourist Google Map

The cherry to your essentials in Seoul, here is my Seoul Tourist Google map which will help you navigate the city. It includes the top sights, restaurants, hotel and airport to make your visit a breeze.

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More Clever Seoul Travel Shortcuts Articles

• Plan your complete visit to Seoul by reading my Essential Seoul Travel Guide which covers a full itinerary, unmissable experiences, eats and so much more!

• Book these 4 unmissable Seoul cultural experiences. It would be a shame to visit Seoul and not do these activities that make South Korea so unique.

• South Korean cuisine is highly rated around the world and this cheat sheet shares the top eats to have you access Seoul’s Best Culinary Adventure during your trip.

• Seoul was one of my stops during my two-week trip visiting Japan and South Korea trip. Check out my full itinerary by downloading the free Sushi & Sake Japan & South Korea Itinerary

Want to discover more?

Explore my Travel Guides Section for more destinations in Asia like Japan and Thailand.