Practical Info
Everything you need to know before you go
Money & Currency
Korean Won (KRW / ₩)
Approximate rate: 1 USD ≈ ₩1,450 (check current rates before your trip)
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Cards | Korea is nearly cashless. Visa and MasterCard accepted almost everywhere — tiny shops, street vendors, convenience stores, subway, taxis. |
| Cash | Carry ₩50,000-100,000 for traditional markets and small vendors. Bills: ₩1,000 / ₩5,000 / ₩10,000 / ₩50,000 |
| ATMs | Look for “Global ATM” at 7-Eleven, CU, GS25. Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank ATMs accept international cards. |
| Exchange | Best rates at Myeongdong money exchange shops. Airport is okay for small amounts. |
| Tipping | Do NOT tip. Not customary in Korea. Some restaurants include 10% service charge. No extra tip expected. |
Phone & Internet
SIM Card / eSIM Options
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport SIM | ₩20,000-40,000 (5-30 days) | KT, SK Telecom, LG U+ counters at arrivals. Some include T-money. |
| eSIM (Recommended) | $5-20 | Airalo, Holafly, KT eSIM. Set up before departure. Data-only, no Korean number. |
| Pocket WiFi | ₩3,000-5,000/day | Rent at airport. Good for groups sharing one device. |
Free WiFi is widespread: subway stations, cafes, convenience stores. Look for “Seoul_Free_WiFi” or “KT_Free_WiFi” networks.
Essential Apps
| App | What It Does | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Naver Map | Navigation | #1 map app in Korea. Google Maps has very limited data here. Walking, transit, restaurant search. |
| Papago | Translation | By Naver. Text, voice, and camera translation. Best for Korean. |
| KakaoTalk | Messaging | Everyone in Korea uses it. Useful for communicating with locals and festival staff. |
| Kakao T / K-RIDE | Taxi | Hail taxis easily. K-RIDE is designed for foreigners. |
| Subway Korea | Transit | Offline subway map with route planning. |
Weather in Late May
Late May is one of the best times to visit Seoul!
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Daytime | 23-25°C (73-77°F) — warm and pleasant |
| Night | 13-15°C (55-59°F) — cool evenings, bring a layer |
| Rain | Occasional rain possible. Carry a compact umbrella. |
What to Pack
- Daytime: T-shirts, light shirts, comfortable walking shoes
- Evening (for dancing!): Light jacket or cardigan for cool nights
- Rain gear: Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- Dance shoes: Bring them in a separate bag
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses — UV can be strong
Electricity
220V, 60Hz — Type C and Type F plugs (round, two-pin)
- USA, UK, Australia, Japan: You need a plug adapter
- Europe: Usually no adapter needed (same plug type)
- Most phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage (100-240V) — just need a plug adapter
- Adapters available at airports, Daiso (₩1,000 shops), convenience stores
Safety & Emergency
| Number | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1330 | Tourist Helpline | 24/7 English. Can connect to 119/112 with interpreter. Call this first! |
| 112 | Police | Available 24/7, interpretation available |
| 119 | Fire & Ambulance | Emergency medical services |
| 1345 | Immigration | Visa and immigration questions |
Seoul is one of the safest major cities in the world. Very low crime rates, safe to walk at night. Severance Hospital (10 min from Hongdae, Sinchon Station) has an International Health Care Center with English-speaking staff.
Travel Insurance
- Strongly recommended. Korea does not require health insurance for tourists, so without insurance you pay 100% of medical costs upfront.
Cultural Etiquette
- Shoes off indoors: Always in homes, often in traditional restaurants (look for shoe racks or raised floor)
- No tipping: Pay at the counter. Service is part of the price.
- Drinking culture: Never pour your own drink. Turn your head when drinking with elders.
- Bowing: A slight head bow for greetings and thank-yous
- Two hands: Give/receive things with both hands to show respect
Useful Korean Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | Hello |
| 감사합니다 | Gamsahamnida | Thank you |
| 죄송합니다 | Joesonghamnida | I’m sorry |
| 저기요 | Jeogiyo | Excuse me (to get attention) |
| 얼마예요? | Eolmayeyo? | How much? |
| 이거 주세요 | Igeo juseyo | This one, please |
| 화장실이 어디예요? | Hwajangsili eodiyeyo? | Where is the restroom? |
| 맛있어요 | Mashisseoyo | It’s delicious! |
| 건배! | Geonbae! | Cheers! |
Pro Tip
- A slight bow + “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida) covers 90% of polite interactions!