Everything you need to know for your trip to Korea
Most international flights arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN), about 60km west of Seoul. Here are your options to get to the city:
The most convenient option. Take the Express train directly to Seoul Station, or the All-Stop train to various stations.
43 min (Express) / 66 min (All-Stop) • ₩9,500 / ₩4,750
Comfortable buses go directly to major hotels and neighborhoods. Look for buses to Myeongdong or City Hall.
60-90 min • ₩15,000-18,000
Official airport taxis are available outside arrivals. Use the taxi stand and get a receipt.
60-80 min • ₩65,000-80,000
You can use Kakao T (Korea's main ride app) or Uber. Download Kakao T before arriving for the best experience.
Get a T-money card at any convenience store (₩4,000) and top it up. It works on all subways, buses, and even some taxis. This is the easiest way to get around!
Seoul's subway is clean, efficient, and has English signage everywhere. Lines are color-coded and numbered. Google Maps and Kakao Map both work great for directions.
Taxis are affordable and plentiful. Regular taxis are orange/silver, deluxe (black) cost more. Most drivers don't speak English, so have your destination written in Korean or use Kakao T.
Korea House is in Jung-gu, central Seoul. The nearest subway stations are Chungmuro (Line 3, 4) or Myeong-dong (Line 4), both about 10 minutes walk. We recommend taking a taxi directly - just show the driver: 한국의집 (Korea House).
Here are our recommended neighborhoods, all within easy reach of Korea House. October is peak season, so book early!
Seoul's main tourist hub. Great for shopping, food, and nightlife. Very walkable to the venue.
Budget to Luxury: ₩80,000 - ₩400,000/night
Hip, artsy area with amazing restaurants and cafes. Closest neighborhood to Korea House.
Mid-range: ₩100,000 - ₩250,000/night
Traditional cultural district. Tea houses, galleries, and Korean crafts. Very charming.
Budget to Mid-range: ₩60,000 - ₩200,000/night
Young and vibrant university area. Best nightlife, live music, and trendy shops. A bit further but very fun.
Budget: ₩50,000 - ₩150,000/night
💡 Search on Booking.com, Agoda, or Airbnb using these neighborhood names. Hotels near 'Myeongdong Station' or 'Euljiro' are ideal.
Seoul is an incredible city with so much to explore. Here are our recommendations:
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are must-sees. You can rent hanbok (traditional dress) and get free entry!
🎯 We love: Changdeokgung's Secret Garden tour
Gwangjang Market for street food, Namdaemun for everything else. Go hungry!
🎯 We love: Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) at Gwangjang
Explore Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional houses), Ikseon-dong (hip alleys), or Seongsu-dong (Brooklyn of Seoul).
🎯 We love: Coffee in Seongsu-dong
Hike Bukhansan for amazing views, or take the cable car up Namsan Tower for city panoramas.
🎯 We love: Sunset at Namsan Tower
Visit HYBE Insight, SM Town, or just explore the Gangnam area for K-pop culture.
🎯 We love: Starfield Library in COEX Mall
The DMZ tour is fascinating, or visit Nami Island for beautiful nature (famous from K-dramas).
🎯 We love: JSA/DMZ tour (book in advance!)
Bibimbap
Mixed rice bowl
Bulgogi
Marinated beef
Kimchi Jjigae
Kimchi stew
Samgyeopsal
Grilled pork belly
Tteokbokki
Spicy rice cakes
Chimaek
Fried chicken + beer
To be updated with our personal recommendations!
Many Korean dishes contain sesame, seafood (including fish sauce), soy, and gluten. Vegan and vegetarian options can be tricky as many broths use anchovy or beef stock. Download the HappyCow app to find vegan-friendly restaurants. Tip: Use Papago to translate 'I don't eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy' and show it to restaurant staff — this works better than trying to explain verbally.
Korea has a rich culture with some customs that might be new to you. Here's what to know:
A small bow of the head is common when greeting, thanking, or apologizing. Deeper bows show more respect. Don't worry about getting it perfect - the gesture is appreciated!
Remove shoes when entering homes, some traditional restaurants (look for raised floors), and temples. Socks are good to have!
When drinking with elders, turn away slightly when you drink. Pour for others (never for yourself), and use two hands when receiving a drink from someone older.
Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral rites). Use the spoon for rice and soup, chopsticks for side dishes.
Tipping is not expected or customary in Korea - not at restaurants, taxis, or hotels. Service is included!
Keep phone calls quiet (or avoid them), give up priority seats to elderly/pregnant, and let people exit before boarding. Eating is frowned upon.
Most young Koreans speak some English, but these phrases will be appreciated:
The best map app for Korea. More accurate than Google Maps for local places and transit.
Korea's Uber. Easy to use, can pay by card, and you can set destinations in English.
Translation app by Naver. Better than Google Translate for Korean. Has camera translation too.
Offline subway maps and route planning. Very handy for getting around.
Essential for vegans and vegetarians. Find plant-based restaurants, cafes, and vegan-friendly options near you.