BTSDB Guide · Visit Korea — the checklist that saves your first 48 hours
Korea is one of the easiest advanced countries to travel — fast
trains, safe streets, cheap data. But a few things work differently enough to trip up first-timers:
Google Maps barely navigates, some shops are card-only while some markets are cash-only, and entry rules
depend on your passport. Here's the practical layer.
Before you fly
Entry: check K-ETA rules for
your passport. Many countries are currently exempt from K-ETA, others must apply online before boarding —
rules change, so verify on the official K-ETA site (www.k-eta.go.kr) close to your trip.
Data: eSIM or SIM. Airport
counters work but online eSIMs are cheaper; unlimited-data plans are the norm. You'll want data constantly —
maps, translation, taxi apps.
Apps to install:Naver Map or Kakao Map (navigation — Google Maps can't route walking/driving properly in Korea),
Kakao T (taxis), Papago (translation), your bank's travel-notice setting.
Money: cards, cash and exchange
Cards work almost everywhere
Visa/Mastercard acceptance is near-universal in cities —
including taxis, convenience stores and street-food franchises. Contactless foreign cards mostly work.
But carry some cash
Traditional markets, some small restaurants and rural areas
prefer cash. ₩100,000–200,000 covers most trips.
Exchange smart
Skip airport rates; card payments and bank ATMs (marked "Global")
usually beat cash exchange. Seoul's Myeong-dong licensed exchanges are competitive for cash.
T-money card
Buy at any convenience store (~₩3,000) — one card for subway, bus,
taxis and convenience stores nationwide. Refund the balance before leaving.
Getting around
1
From Incheon Airport: AREX express train to Seoul Station (~43 min), airport limousine buses to major
districts, or a fixed-ish fare taxi. All take T-money/cards.
2
In cities: subway + bus with T-money is fast and bilingual. Kakao T taxis are honest-metered;
tipping is not a thing in Korea.
3
Between cities: KTX high-speed rail (Seoul–Busan ~2h40m). Book popular weekend slots a few days ahead.
Shopping online from a Korean site during your trip? Check the seller is a licensed Korean business
first — our fraud-check guide takes 3 minutes
and works for any Korean shop.
Health & help
1330 — 24/7 tourist helpline
with English/Chinese/Japanese interpreters (dial from any phone).
Pharmacies (약국) handle minor
issues; clinics are affordable even without insurance. For planned treatments, see our
medical tourism guide.
Emergencies: 112 (police),
119 (fire/ambulance) — both connect interpreters.
Details like entry rules and prices change — always confirm critical items on official sources
close to your travel date.