Travel Tips for Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has climate extremes with hot summers and dry cold winters.

Seoul summers are hot and humid. Winters are dry, cold and many times temperature drops below zero.

Usually, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Seoul.

Clothes & Shoe tips for Seoul

If visiting in winter, bring a good jacket as it can get cold.
Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot and taking many stairs in Seoul.

Clothes and shoes are Asian size (0-9) for women and (s-m) for men.
Finding clothing/ shoes may be difficult in Seoul if your size is outside these parameters.

If you require larger sizes, try shopping in the Itaewon area which caters to foreigners.

Attractions Closed day in Seoul

Most Seoul tourist attractions are closed on Monday, so plan accordingly.

Seoul Local transportation

Tourist attractions are connected very well either by Seoul Metro (Subway/trains) network and/or bus system.

Seoul Metro Subway and public buses are inexpensive, organized, efficient, and fastest.

Seoul Metro or Subway provides a fast and convenient way for local commute in Seoul and surrounding areas.

Seoul's Taxi cabs are inexpensive and affordable, however, have destination address written in Korean ready.

Mass Transit Tips (Seoul Metro)

Seoul Metro, Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation

The Seoul Metro (subway) is frequent, travels to most attractions, organized and fairly inexpensive.

Seoul Metro is easy and efficient once you get a hang of its network & transfer stations between different lines.

For your convenience buy a Cash Bee card (T-Money card) at a convenience store.

It saves the time of purchasing new tickets every time you go on the subway or bus.

This card can be reloaded as needed at the station kiosk or any convenience store.

The cards can be used on most public transportation or for convenience store purchases.

In case you buy a single ride ticket, then make sure to get a refund of 500 won at the completion of your journey by returning the ticket to a deposit refund machine at your final destination.

Detailed information about fares available at Seoul Metro (SMRT) Website

Eating in Seoul

Koreans love their seafood, kimchi, and meat dishes.

There are many local restaurants serving Korean BBQ, noodles, or very fresh Sashimi at great prices.

Most local restaurants have English menus and usually located in alleys along the main streets.
FYI: Ban chan (side dishes) are usually free with most meals- you can usually ask for refills.

Try some Traditional Korean food:
- Soon Du Boo- spicy soft tofu soup,
- Duk Bok Key- spicy rice dumplings,
- Moor Nang Myun- Cold noodle (spicy/ soup),
- Kim-Chi (in all varieties)

Caution: Korean food can be very spicy. Many dishes use a form of chili powder/ paste.
             If you have any concerns, ask!

The larger bottles of water are half the cost of smaller ones.
Buy the largest water bottles and transfer them to smaller ones. Refrigerate in your room.

Seoul has many bakery shops. Eat at a bakery.
Get a tray and sample any of the delicious, fresh, and affordable bread and sweets for a nice snack or breakfast!

 Restaurant Tipping in Seoul

A tip is not expected in most places in Korea but not refused if you offer.
In most local restaurants after finishing a meal go straight to the counter next to the front entry door to pay your bill.

Tourist Safety in Seoul

People are friendly and always ready to help strangers.

Although Seoul is safe, it is a big city and you should consider these safety tips:

Don't wear expensive jewelry and flash cash around.

Be aware of your purse or backpack, especially when on crowded subways or buses.

Always know where you are going and how to get there before you leave.

Language in Seoul

English is spoken by most hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurants, and tourist places.
However, English is not as widely spoken in Seoul.

Korean is the most commonly spoken language in Seoul.

Remember to carry your hotel card and/or a map in case you need to ask directions.

Many big hotels have ready-made hotel cards with the list of Seoul attractions in English and Korean.

Downloading a language translator on your smartphone can be helpful in communicating with others in Korea.

Electricity (Power)

If visiting from outside, 220-240 Volts (as compare to U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply.

Miscellaneous tips for Seoul visitors

The rule for escalators: stand on your right, and for those in a hurry walk up on the left side.

Limit and pack light luggage- you will be walking up & down many stairs, and getting on & off the subway/ bus with your luggage.

Although you will see many Korean women in high heels, you will be walking a lot so make sure to wear good walking shoes.

As in any metropolitan city, Seoulites are very fashionable but conservative.

To avoid unwanted attention, do not wear clothing which shows off too much cleavage, midriff, or short (buttock cheeks hanging out) in public.