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Goyang-si Travel Tips

Goyang-si Travel Tips

Goyang-si Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Travel Guide

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ offer excellent 4G LTE and 5G coverage. Purchase SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, or via online pre-order.

Features

  • Passport for registration.
  • Purchase at airports or stores.
  • eSIM options available via Airalo.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Internet access is excellent. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in public places, cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

Portable Wi-Fi Options

  • Portable Wi-Fi devices available for rent.
  • Reliable internet for multiple devices from Solis Wi-Fi.
  • Rent at airports.

Language Barriers & Translation Resources

The official language is Korean. A language barrier can exist outside of primary tourist zones.

Translation Tools

  • Papago (Naver Papago): Text, voice, image translation.
  • Google Translate.
  • Tourist Information Hotline: Dial 1330 (24/7).

Important Phrases Formal

Learning a few basic Korean phrases aids interaction and shows respect.

Greetings & Requests

  • Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) [ahn-nyung-ha-say-yo]
  • Thank you: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) [gahm-sa-ham-nee-da]
  • Please give me...: ~Juseyo (~주세요) [~joo-say-yo]

More Essential Phrases

General & Questions

  • Excuse me/Sorry: Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) [jway-song-ham-nee-da]
  • Yes: Ne (네) [neh]
  • No: Aniyo (아니요) [ah-nee-yo]
  • How much is it?: Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?) [uhl-ma-yay-yo]

Specific Needs

  • Water: Mul (물) [mool]
  • English: Yeongeoh (영어) [yung-uh]
  • Do you speak English?: Yeongeoh haseyo? (영어 하세요?) [yung-uh ha-say-yo]
  • Language learning with Rosetta Stone.

Communication Tips

Stay connected with a Sim card from a local provider or portable Wi-Fi. Papago assists with language challenges. Learning basic Korean phrases truly enriches interactions.

Business Hours & Schedules

General operating hours for businesses in Goyang-si.

Retail Stores

Small shops: 10:00-21:00/22:00. Department Stores/Malls (Starfield, Lotte, Hyundai): 10:30-22:00. Convenience stores: Most are 24/7.

Restaurants & Cafes

Restaurants: Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:30-21:00 (some open 11:00-22:00, with possible afternoon break). Cafes: 08:00/09:00-22:00/23:00.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks: Weekdays 09:00-16:00. Closed weekends/holidays. ATMs: Widely available 24/7 at banks, subway, convenience stores, and malls (look for "Global ATM").

Public Holidays Affecting Services

Major multi-day holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Harvest Festival) mean many businesses may close. Public transport can be crowded.

Holidays

  • Seollal & Chuseok: Many closures, crowded transport.
  • Other Federal Holidays: Banks/government closed, attractions open.
  • Check specific attraction websites for holiday schedules.

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

Some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours or partial closures during winter.

Seasonal Considerations

  • Winter: Reduced hours at outdoor venues.
  • Monsoon season: Plan indoor alternatives.
  • Always verify opening times on official websites.

Airport Services

Airport Lounge Access

  • Independent airport lounge access for frequent travelers.
  • Rest in comfort at Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP).
  • Consider Priority Pass for amenities.

Flight Delay Compensation

  • Service for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
  • Applicable for flights from EU or on EU airlines.
  • Compensair assists with claims.

Planning Ahead

Organize around public holidays, especially Seollal and Chuseok, as many businesses adjust hours. Utilize airport services for a smoother journey.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Embrace local customs for a polite and harmonious travel experience in Goyang-si.

Greeting Customs

A slight bow is customary, especially for elders. Handshakes may accompany a bow in business or formal settings.

Practices

  • Slight bow customary.
  • Handshake with bow in formal settings.
  • Use two hands when giving/receiving from elders.

Appropriate Attire

Generally, casual and modern attire is acceptable. For temples and religious sites, modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful.

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Casual plus up-to-date attire for most settings.
  • Modest dress at religious sites.
  • No specific strict dress codes for urban environments.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Wait to be seated. Do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice. Shared dishes are common. Pour drinks for others first.

Dining Etiquette

  • Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice.
  • Use serving utensils for shared dishes.
  • Pour drinks for additional people, especially elders. Tipping is not customary.

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Generally acceptable to take photos in public spaces and attractions. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.

Mindful Capturing

  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Some cultural sites may restrict flash or indoor photography.
  • Observe all signs that are displayed regarding photography.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

What to Avoid

  • Debates regarding politics or North Korea, unless with close friends.
  • Excessive public displays of affection.
  • Being overly loud or boisterous in public.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+

  • South Korea is generally a patriarchal society.
  • LGBTQ+ acceptance is developing; public displays may draw stares.
  • Discrimination is not legally prohibited in many areas.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Challenges

  • Infrastructure is improving, especially in newer areas.
  • Subway stations frequently have elevators and ramps.
  • Low-floor buses are becoming more common.

Accessible Attractions

  • Ilsan Lake Park features flat, paved paths.
  • KINTEX, Starfield Goyang, and major department stores are accessible.
  • Accessible taxis available, but may require advance booking.

Cultural Immersion

A small bow and basic Korean phrases are appreciated. Tipping is not expected. Respect local customs for a positive experience.

Additional Accessibility & Tips

Further information for an inclusive and informed travel experience.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

Subway stations often feature tactile paving for visually impaired individuals. Public announcements are typically provided in Korean and The english language.

Available Support

  • Tactile paving in subway stations.
  • Public announcements in Korean and English.
  • Information in Braille or sign language is not widely available for general tourism.

Resources & Organizations

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) provides some information on accessible travel.

Where to Find Help

  • Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) for general info.
  • Local welfare centers or disability organizations may offer assistance (information for the most part in Korean).
  • Tourist Information Hotline 1330 for assistance.

Religious Site Etiquette

Always take off your shoes before going in temple halls. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.

Observing Customs

  • Remove shoes before entering halls.
  • Dress modestly.
  • Maintain quiet.

Other Local Customs

Show deference to older individuals. Use two hands when giving or receiving items from an elder to show respect.

Respectful Conduct

  • Show respect for elders.
  • Use two hands when exchanging items.
  • Be polite and patient, especially with language barriers.

Getting Around Goyang-si

Public Transport

Utilize the subway and city buses with a T-Money card for convenient travel within the city and to Seoul.

Find transport options

Taxis

Taxis are widely available and can be a good option for shorter distances or when traveling with baggage. Kakao T is a popular app.

Book airport transfers

Cycling

Ilsan Lake Park and Han River offer excellent cycling paths. Bike rentals are available at several locations.

Explore bike tours

Inclusivity in Travel

While accessibility continues to evolve, major tourist attractions and more up-to-date infrastructure generally support travelers with mobility challenges. Planning ahead and using available resources makes for a smoother journey.