Daejeon Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & eSIM

Keep in touch with local mobile services. Options for physical SIMs or convenient eSIMs.

Connectivity Options

Providers: SK Telecom, KT, LG U+. Purchase at ICN or online.
ESIM: Buy and activate online pre-arrival. Check Airalo for options.
Requirements: Passport for registration. Data-only or data/voice plans available.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Enjoy widespread free Wi-Fi or opt for a mobile device for consistent internet access.

Access Everywhere

Free Wi-Fi: Widely available in cafes, hotels, metro, public spaces.
Portable Wi-Fi: Rent at ICN or online for numerous devices. Visit Solis Wi-Fi.
Reliable access for groups or heavy internet usage.

Postal Services

Send postcards or packages home with Korea Post's reliable services.

Sending Mail

Korea Post (우체국): Widespread post offices with red/white signs.
Services: Domestic and international mail, EMS (Express Mail Service) available.
Easy to locate in most areas and central areas.

Language & Translation

Navigate language differences with helpful resources and a couple basic phrases.

Breaking Barriers

Official Language: Korean (한국어). English is moderate in tourist areas.
Translation Apps: Papago (Naver Translate) is accurate for Korean-English. Learn phrases with Rosetta Stone.
Offers text, voice, and image translation.

Important Phrases

Essential Greetings

Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)
Thank you: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)
Excuse me/Sorry: Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) / Jamkkanmanyo (잠깐만요)
Yes: Ne (네) / No: Aniyo (아니요)

Shopping & Directions

Please: Juseyo (주세요) (when inquiring about something)
How much is it?: Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?)
Water: Mul (물)
How do i get to...?: ...eodi-yeyo? (...어디예요?)

Language Learning Opportunity

Learning even a few Korean phrases truly enhances local interactions. Consider tools like Rosetta Stone for a deeper dive.

Business Hours & Schedules

Know when to shop, dine, and bank with this guide to typical operating hours in Daejeon.

Retail Stores

Small shops: 10:00 AM - 8:00/9:00 PM. Department stores/malls: 10:30 AM - 8:00/8:30 PM (later weekends).

Restaurants & Cafes

Restaurants: Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Cafes: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

Convenience Stores

Many major chains (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) operate 24/7, handy for after-dark-night needs.

Banking & ATMs

Manage your finances with awareness of bank operating hours and ATM availability.

Financial Access

Banks: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Closed on weekends/holidays.
ATMs: Widely available at banks, convenience stores, metro stations (24/7).
Look for "Global ATM" signs showing international card compatibility.

Holidays & Closures

Major holidays may impact business operations and transport schedules.

Dates

Seollal (Lunar New Year) & Chuseok (Harvest Festival): 3-day holidays, many closures, crowded transport.
Other public holidays: Banks/government closed; attractions usually open.
Seasonal closures are rare; check specific attraction websites for maintenance.

Planning Your Day

Daily Rhythm

Early mornings are peaceful for walks in parks or arboretums.
Shopping districts become lively from late morning through evening.
After-dark activities and entertainment zones remain active until late.

Holiday Considerations

Book transport well in advance for Seollal and Chuseok.
Confirm restaurant and attraction schedules, as some may adjust hours.
Many local shops may close, but department stores often stay open.

Smart Planning

Review current hours for specific venues online or at your lodging to avoid surprises, especially during holiday periods.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engage respectfully with Daejeon's culture by observing local customs and social courtesies.

Greeting Customs

Show respect through appropriate greetings and forms of address.

Respectful Introductions

Bowing: A brief inclination of the head is customary, especially with elders or in formal settings.
Two Hands: Use two hands when giving or receiving objects, particularly with elders.
Titles: Use proper titles (e.g., "Ssaem" for teachers, "nim" suffix) when addressing people.

Appropriate Attire

Dress comfortably for most urban settings, with special considerations for religious sites.

Dressing for Occasions

Casual Wear: Acceptable in most urban areas and for daily outings.
Temples/Religious Sites: Wear modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering halls.
Jjimjilbangs: No clothing in gender-segregated bathing areas. Loose clothes are provided for communal spaces.

Dining & Tipping

Understand local dining customs, including sharing meals and the absence of tipping.

Mealtime Manners

Tipping: Not customary in South Korea.
Sharing: Many dishes are designed for eating together.
Elders First: Wait for elders to be seated and begin eating before you do.

Photography Etiquette

Be mindful of privacy and local rules when capturing images in public and private spaces.

Picture Perfect Protocol

Public Places: Generally fine to photograph scenery.
Individuals: Always request permission before photographing people, especially children.
Restrictions: Respect "no pictures" signs in religious sites or museums (flash often prohibited).

Sensitive Topics & Social Considerations

Cultural Sensitivities

Korean War/North Korea: Discuss with sensitivity, avoid strong political statements.
Japan: Historical relations can be a delicate topic.
Physical Contact: Public displays of affection are generally less common.
Blowing Nose: Avoid doing this loudly in public, especially at dining tables.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

South Korea remains conservative, with evolving views, especially among younger generations.
Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may not be widely accepted.
Daejeon, like most Korean cities, lacks overtly visible LGBTQ+ districts.
General safety for all travelers persists, provided public conduct respects local norms.

Accessibility Information

Modern Infrastructure:Ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms common.
Older Areas:Limited accessibility; stairs/narrow entrances.
Sidewalks:Can be uneven or crowded.
Train Stations:Newer ones accessible, designated wheelchair spaces.

Major Museums/Parks:Often designed with accessibility.
Braille Signage:Present in some public facilities.
Public Announcements:Korean & English in transport.
KTO Website:Overall access guides available.

Mindful Travel

Observe and adapt to local customs. A little effort can greatly enrich your travel experience and interaction with residents.

Airport & Travel Services

Enhance your travel journey with special services available at air terminals and for unforeseen circumstances.

Airport Amenities

Airport Lounges

Access independent airport lounges worldwide for a comfortable wait. Priority Pass offers various options.

Travel Wi-Fi Rental

Rent portable Wi-Fi devices at major airports for continuous internet access. Explore services like Solis Wi-Fi.

Local SIM / eSIM

Purchase SIM cards or activate eSIMs upon arrival or beforehand for immediate connectivity. Airalo is a good eSIM option.

Flight Delay Compensation

Services exist to claim compensation for flight disruptions.
This includes delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane.
Eligibility conditions often apply, like delay duration or reason.
It applies to flights within the EU or with EU-based airlines, and other regions.
Platforms simplify the compensation claim process.
Consider services like Compensair to pursue your claim.

Language & Communication Tools

Carry a good translation app, like Naver Papago, on your phone.
Learn basic Korean phrases for common interactions.
Consider a language learning platform to grasp terms.
Rosetta Stone is a recognized tool for language acquisition.
Emergency numbers should be easily accessible.
Hotel staff can often help with language assistance or local calls.

Pre-Travel Preparations

Visa & Entry

Verify visa rules for your nationality before travel.

Travel Insurance

Obtain travel insurance covering health, luggage, and trip cancellations.

Currency Exchange

Exchange some currency before arrival or use airport ATMs for Korean Won.

Daejeon Travel Tips