Planning your first trip to South Korea can feel overwhelming. The good news is that a few simple preparations make arrival day much easier.
Before you fly
Save your accommodation address in Korean
Keep your hotel name and address in both English and Korean. Screenshots help if your phone battery is low or a driver cannot read the English address.
Choose your mobile data plan
An eSIM is usually the simplest option for an unlocked phone. Install it before departure and activate mobile data after landing.
Download essential apps
Naver Map is practical for local directions, Papago helps translate signs and menus, and Kakao T is useful for taxis.
Prepare a payment backup
Bring at least one backup card and a small amount of Korean won. A T-money card is useful for public transportation.
At the airport
After immigration and baggage claim, connect to mobile data, withdraw or exchange a small amount of cash, and check the exact route to your accommodation before leaving the terminal.
During your trip
Plan two or three main areas per day instead of rushing across the entire city. Learn a few phrases such as annyeonghaseyo and gamsahamnida. Wait for people to exit the subway before boarding, keep your voice low on public transport, and remember that tipping is not generally expected in Korea.
Quick checklist
- Passport and travel documents
- Hotel address in Korean
- eSIM or SIM plan
- Naver Map, Papago, and Kakao T
- Two payment methods
- Some Korean won
- Comfortable shoes
- A flexible itinerary
The best first trip is not the one with the most stops. It is the one that leaves enough time to enjoy each neighborhood.