Before visiting attractions in Seoul, Korea, get to know the internet, transport, payment methods and must-have apps

Exploring 🇰🇷 attractions in Seoul is an exciting journey — many famous Seoul landmarks have appeared in Korean dramas, so setting foot in Korea instantly fills you with romantic vibes. The Korean fashion scene also draws plenty of shopping-loving travellers, and with medical aesthetics so popular, many people love pampering themselves a little during a Seoul trip too. Before heading to that long-awaited new spot in Seoul, learning a few key things ahead of time can make your trip smoother, safer, and more memorable — let's take a look at what to keep in mind for your first Seoul sightseeing trip 🫡?

First, nailing down your itinerary is definitely important — planning things out ahead of time helps you avoid getting caught off guard by a closed attraction with no backup plan, and makes sure you don't miss any spots you really wanted to visit. Plenty of travel agencies also offer flight-plus-hotel packages at travel expos, and booking flights and accommodation early gives you more choice and better deals too. Beyond these basics, what else should you prepare before heading to Seoul's attractions 😉?

1. Currency exchange and payment methods

😊Before heading to Seoul, it's worth exchanging some Korean won ahead of time — starting a few months before your trip, you can keep an eye on exchange rates and buy some early, or exchange at a bank. Since Korea is a highly modernised country, mobile payment methods like credit cards and Samsung Pay or KakaoPay are extremely common, even at local cafés or street food stalls, so having the right payment methods ready matters. It's worth checking in advance which of your own credit cards offer the best rewards too.

2. Airport transfers and time buffers

Flights are often affected by weather, so if you're travelling during heavy snowfall, remember to double-check your flight status in advance. Many accommodations and attractions in Seoul work with airport shuttle services or airport buses, and you can buy the relevant tickets right at the airport. Riding one also lets you enjoy the city streets along the way — a genuinely relaxing experience. Many shuttle drivers to Seoul attractions are wonderfully considerate, helping load your luggage — all you need to know is your stop, and with announcements available in Chinese too, it's easy to feel at ease. Seoul really is a tourist-friendly city 😃, and besides group tours, independent travel is a great option too.

3. Internet, transport, and must-have apps

🙂Seoul is a fast-paced city with a well-developed transport system, including subway, buses, and taxis. If you tend to get lost easily, be sure to research routes and schedules for these transport options before heading to a new spot in Seoul, so you can get around more easily. It's also worth looking up which apps (like a VPN or maps app) are commonly used in Seoul and downloading them ahead of time~

A phone is essential these days, letting us search up all kinds of information — but heading to some more remote spots in Korea without a working Wi-Fi connection can be genuinely inconvenient 😵. DJB offers different types of Korea data SIMs, letting you choose based on how many days you're travelling, with generous bandwidth for consistently great speeds, plus convenient airport pickup — highly recommended~

4. Food, culture, and safety

If you're planning a trip to see Seoul's attractions, learning a few basic Korean words and travel phrases can make it much easier to communicate with locals. While Korean is the official language, English also works fine at many attractions in Seoul. Even though Seoul is a relatively safe city, it's still worth staying alert and avoiding lingering out too late at night. Lastly, don't forget to try traditional Korean dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), dolsot bibimbap, kimchi, and Korean BBQ — the food is genuinely one of the highlights of any Seoul sightseeing trip 😆!

Korea has a rich and distinctive culture, and Seoul in particular is a city bursting with charm and energy. Whether you're chasing K-drama filming spots or discovering a delightful new restaurant, sightseeing in Seoul can give you a truly unforgettable trip. As you explore different attractions around Seoul, respecting local customs and etiquette, staying mindful of traffic, and planning ahead will all help you get the most out of your trip~

Further reading:
>> 2022 Korea internet: comparing SIM cards and eSIM options (unlimited vs. data-based plans) in one guide
>> [2022 Korea travel guide to buses] Ride the bus with confidence, even without knowing Korean
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