9 Things to Know Before Travelling to Korea

Visiting South Korea for the first time? Arm yourself with these useful tips and travel information.

(1) Language

The official local language is of course Korean. However, be prepared that most of the vendors do not speak English, even in touristy areas. If you’re a Chinese, you can still understand a little as they know a few Chinese characters like the price of their merchandises. If you’re not, you may have to start doing some hand language with them.

Unfortunately, most of the locals can only understand a little bit of English and they can hardly converse with you in English.


(2) Money matters

Each KRW1,000 is about MYR4. My friend taught me to simply divide the Korean won by 250. KRW10,000 would be of course around MYR40.


(3) Public Transport



Trains arrive on time and on a frequent basis. If you purchase the Korea T-money card, which is our touch-n-go card equivalent, each ride would mostly cost KRW1, 250 unless you go slightly further, then it will add another KRW100-300. You have to tap in and out of the gantries when you board the train.

I was told that that cabs here are pretty cheap too. But avoid black cabs here as they can be quite expensive. Take those orange/silver ones.


(4) Public toilets and hygiene

There are quite a number of public toilets wherever we go, and to my pleasant surprise they are generally clean. You can also often find toilet paper in public toilets. On the other hand, it is extremely difficult to find dustbins around so you may have to carry your trash for quite a distance before you find one bin.


(5) Weather

Children play in a fountain to cool down on a hot summer day in front of the General Lee Soon-shin statue in Gwanghwamun, Seoul

The period from late July to early August can be seriously hot. The government even announced a heat wave warning. So my friend recommends us to come during spring, which is between April and June. September’s cooling weather is great too.

If you’re here in July, make sure you bring lots of sunblock and aloe vera gel to defend yourself against the merciless sun! You can barely open your eyes if you don’t wear a cap, the sun was just so glaring.


(6) Drinking Water

My friend Carolyn also mentioned that the tap water here in Korea is drinkable. If you still do not feel safe about it, you can purchase bottles of water from their convenience stores or vending machines. They should not cost more than KRW1,500 unless you are in tourist areas.


(7) Travel and Korea metro apps

For first time travellers, travel apps are really useful. The train maps might look daunting because it’s so complicated, and it surely doesn’t help when there are Korean words on it, making it look even scarier. You’ll be glad to know that train line map apps like Seoul Metro and Busan Metro Map will save your life here in Korea. For more travelling and food tips, they also have a VisitKorea app that is pretty useful too!

Seoul Metro App

VisitKorea App

(8) Travelling to and fro Seoul and Busan

You can take the Korea’s High-speed Train (KTX) to travel to and fro Busan and Seoul, which takes only about 2 hour and 45 minutes. Visitkorea website has very extensive information on this. All in all, it was a breeze and very comfortable to take the KTX, and there’s even Wi-Fi on board.

They do sell snacks on the train, but you are also free to buy your snacks before boarding and enjoy them while on board.

(9) Shopping places in Seoul

I only know a few shopping places in Seoul, and they are:

• Myeongdong: Best shopping place for girls and fashionistas. Lots of cosmetics stores.
• Namdaemun: For wholesale shopping. Not much trendy items here though.
• Dongdaemun: More of affordable clothing, street market style like Bangkok.
• Insadong: Cultural place, more for souvenirs.
• Garosugil: Trendy cafe streets. High end designer clothing.
• Express bus terminal underground shopping: A variety of both cheap and expensive apparels.

Most of these shopping districts close at 10pm.

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I guess that’s about it. I really hope you will find this simple travel guide to Korea useful, and I’ll be excited for you if you choose to visit Korea! There are many things to see, do and eat here that you’ll be packed with many fun activities every single day. Never stop travelling and exploring!

♥