Are you first-time travelers? Yes, it may seem scary and confusing the first time you set foot on Korean soil. The air is different, the money is different, not to mention the language and the people. It’s okay, you don’t need to worry. We are here to guide you navigate the little things you may have missed while preparing your South Korea travel. Let us guide you through these crucial travel hacks and tips in South Korea. Yes, they may seem trivial, but believe us when we say you will eventually need them on the way. So, let’s dive in and start exploring South Korea conveniently with these crucial insider tips.
Navigating Through Your First South Korea Travel
Imagine yourself strolling through vibrant street markets, sampling exotic treats, and finding peace in beautiful, ancient temples, until suddenly you find yourself lost in the surrounding exotic beauty. You don’t speak the dialect, no public transportation in sights, and the air is getting colder and you start panicking.
No worries. This happens all the time.
Traveling in a foreign country for the first time, no matter how deep you have fallen in love with it, is always a challenge. That is especially when you came from somewhere with entirely different culture. There are so many things to tolerate and adapt, with so many different approaches and habits in daily life.
While your journey may be short, the experience will last for a lifetime. That’s why today we’re going to help with all the things you might have overlooked while going through all the other crucial guides and tips.
So, ready to create some unforgettable memories? Let’s get your adventure started!
10 Hacks and Tips Frequently Overlooked by Travelers
1. Beware of Air Quality and Pollution – Get a Mask!
First and foremost, before going out from your hotels and accommodation, make sure to check the air quality surrounding you.
South Korea is famous for its pollution. Sometimes its severity often decreases the country’s air quality.
Therefore, always make sure your prepare some masks. Carry ones in your bag all the time just in case the air quality drops. Surely, you don’t wanna get sick while traveling in a foreign country, right?
2. Walk In or Reservation?
Secondly, you’re gonna need to check all the places you want to visit. Do they accept walk-in visitors or simply let you in after making reservations.
Imagine being excited to visit this exceptional butler cafe, only to get declined to enter just because you haven’t reserved a schedule/table. Instead of making good memories, this is going one of your most embarrassing nightmares. So please do check and make the reservation before making your travel to South Korea.
3. Avoid the Rush Hours
Thirdly, it may sound trivial, but you really must avoid traveling during rush hours. That is especially if you plan on taking the subways.
Believe us, you’re planning on making good memories in you South Korea travel, right? So, you don’t wanna be cramping with all those strangers.
That is why you have to avoid the rush hours, particularly during peak commute times between 8 – 9 AM and 6 to 7 PM on weekdays.
4. T-Money Card
You may have heard about T-Money Card. All South Korea travel guide and hacks will suggest you buy one, but still, sometimes it just slips between your anxiety and excitements.
Hence, we would like to remind you once again. Get yourself a T-Money Card the moment you step on Korean soil.
Go to the nearest convenient store (GS25, 7-Eleven, and CU), and get one of these cards especially if you plan on taking public transportations.
5. Kakao Taxi to the Rescue!
If you travel outsides of the big cities in South Korea, you might want to familiarize yourself with Kakao Taxi. Please remember that Uber and Lyft do not have the same power and influence in South Korea. So, the alternative? Kakao Taxi, of course!
Download and familiarize yourself with Kakao Taxi, and some other essential apps you might need later. That way, you can easily access them when in dire need!
6. Google Map not Working?
Yes. Sometimes what it says in Google Map may not be the same as when you actually travel to South Korea.
So, what should you do? Ask Naver.
Go to Naver Map and it will show you the exact coordinate of the place you are currently looking for. Naver Map is one of the most crucial location tips and hacks for your South Korea travel.
7. Local SIM Card or Pocket Wifi?
Next, when you arrive in South Korea, picking up a local SIM card will be extremely crucial. It is to ease your access to local calls and internet connection. This will be more cost-effective than roaming services.
Yet, if somehow a new SIM card is not an option, you can always get a pocket Wi-Fi rental. You can find them all over the place within South Korean airport. This may be one of the most trivial tips and hacks, but often overlooked during travel to South Korea.
8. Prepare Some Cash
Always carry enough cash with you. Yes, South Korea is a fully digitalized country. But smaller restaurants and street vendors will require you to pay in cash. So, you never know.
Therefore, preparing cash is one of the most crucial but often forgotten South Korea travel hacks.
9. Freshen Up in 24-Hour Spas
Missing the last train or the last bus? Don’t panic. South Korea has its amazing Jjimjilbang to save you from sleeping on the street. This place is exceptionally wonderful if you’re traveling during winter.
You can learn about Jjimjilbang and various tips and get the most of your South Korea travel experience!
10. Learn Basic Hangul and Languages (or Use App!)
Last and most importantly, learn the language! Just some basic “annyeonghaseyo” and a little bit of “juseyo” will help. This is one of the most crucial tips for your travel to South Korea, a country so proud of its language and culture.
Also, you can always choose the language hacks to guide you through your South Korea travel: download these amazing language apps for free! That way, you can easily connect with the Korean language hassle-free!
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