Incheon Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Connectivity Options

Major providers include SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. SIM cards are available at ICN or pre-ordered online. Consider purchasing a Korea Travel SIM Card online for airport pickup.

ESIMs and Wi-Fi

eSIMs, like those from Airalo, activate instantly, allowing retention of home SIM for calls.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in public places, cafes, and subway stations.
Portable Wi-Fi devices, such as from Solis Wi-Fi, provide a personal hotspot.

Internet Access & Postal Services

South Korea presents ubiquitous and high-speed internet. Rent a Portable Wi-Fi device at ICN or pre-order one online.

Postal & Wi-Fi Details

Look for networks like "public Wi-Fi" or "KT Olleh WiFi" for free access.
Korea Post offices (우체국) are widely available for sending postcards or parcels.
Purchase stamps directly at post offices during regular business hours.

Language Barriers and Translation

The official language is Korean. English proficiency varies, higher in major tourist areas, luxury hotels, at the airport, and among younger generations.

Translation Resources

Papago (Naver) provides highly accurate Korean-English text, voice, and image translation.
Google Translate also serves for longer texts or websites.
The Korea Travel Hotline (1330) offers 24/7 tourist information and interpretation services.

Important Phrases with Pronunciation

Learning a few basic Korean phrases enables interaction with locals and shows respect.

Essential Phrases

Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) - ahn-nyung-hah-say-yoh
Thank you: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) - gahm-sah-hahm-nee-dah
Delicious: Masisseoyo (맛있어요) - mah-shee-ssuh-yoh

More Phrases

Common Interactions

Excuse me / Sorry: Sillyehamnida (실례합니다) - sil-lay-hahm-nee-dah (for getting attention/passing) / Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) - jway-song-hahm-nee-dah (for apology)
Yes / No: Ye (예) - yeh / Aniyo (아니요) - ah-nee-yoh
How much is it?: Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?) - uhl-mah-yeh-yoh?
Please give me...: ...juseyo (...주세요) - ...joo-say-yoh

Dining & Social

Water: Mul (물) - mool
Cheers!: Geonbae! (건배!) - gun-bay!
Excuse me (to staff): Jeogiyo (저기요) - juh-gee-yoh
Where is...?: ...eodi-yeyo? (...어디예요?) - ...uh-dee-yeh-yoh?

Essential Apps for Travelers

Download Naver Map, KakaoMap, and Papago apps before arrival. These tools are indispensable for navigation and communication.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating hours for planning your day.

Shops Retail

Generally open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM; department stores earlier around 8:00 PM.

Restaurants

Most open for lunch around 11:30 AM and close between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

Cafes

Typically open 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, with some popular chains opening earlier.

Banking & ATMs

Banks operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays. Attractions generally operate from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Museums often close on Mondays.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available 24/7 in banks, subway stations, and convenience stores.
Look for "Global ATM" signs or logos like Plus, Cirrus, Visa, and Mastercard for international card acceptance.
Inform your bank of international travel plans to avoid card suspension.

Holidays and Closures

Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are major holidays. These periods frequently witness significant domestic travel, impacting transportation.

Travel During Holidays

Expect heavy impact on transportation during Seollal and Chuseok; book well in advance.
Some businesses may close for a few days during these periods.
Most government offices and banks close on other public holidays, but many shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions remain open.

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

Winter & Typhoon Season

Some outdoor attractions or ferry services might have reduced schedules during severe winter weather.
Typhoon season (late summer/early autumn) may cause temporary closures.
Always check with local tourism offices or service providers for updates.

Important Public Holidays

March 1st Independence Movement Day.
Children's Day (May 5th).
Buddha's Birthday, National Liberation Day (August 15th), and Hangeul Day (October 9th).

Smart Scheduling

Always verify specific hours for attractions or services directly before your visit, especially around public holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observing local customs enriches your travel experience.

Greeting Customs

A slight bow is customary, especially with elders or in formal settings. Handshakes are also common, often with a slight bow, especially with foreigners.

Respectful Interactions

When receiving or giving something, use two hands as a sign of respect.
Modest attire, covering shoulders and knees, is suitable for temples or religious sites.
Always seek permission before photographing individuals, specifically children, or in close-up shots.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Do not tip. Service charges might appear in high-end establishments or hotels, but no additional gratuity is expected.

Dining Practices

Do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl.
Wait for elders or the host to begin eating.
When someone pours a drink for you, hold your glass with two hands. Turn your head slightly away when drinking, especially with elders.

Photography Permissions and Restrictions

Generally, photography is acceptable in public places and at tourist attractions. However, discretion and permission are valued.

Photography Ethics

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, or if taking close-up shots.
A simple gesture and "Sillyehamnida" (Excuse me) or "Sajin jikeodo dwaeyo?" (May I take a picture?) conveys respect.
Avoid photography in sensitive areas like military installations, government buildings, or within temples during ceremonies.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

Be mindful of conversational boundaries to maintain polite interactions.

Discussion Cautions

Avoid discussing political issues, especially regarding North Korea, unless a local initiates the conversation.
Do not praise Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945) or compare Korean culture favorably to Japanese culture in a way that minimizes Korean identity.
Avoid asking overly personal questions upon first meeting.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+ Information

Social Context

South Korea generally has as a conservative society.
Public displays of affection, especially same-sex, are uncommon.
Public acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights varies outside of major metropolitan areas or progressive circles.

Respectful Conduct

Respect local customs and maintain discretion.
Gender roles in society are traditional but evolving.
Be mindful of cultural subtleties in interactions.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is highly accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Newer subway stations are generally equipped with elevators and ramps.
Sidewalks in modern areas like Songdo are wide and well-maintained.

Resources for Accessibility

The Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr) might offer general information on accessible travel.
Travelers with specific mobility needs should contact specific attractions, accommodations, and transportation providers directly.
Online forums and communities for travelers with disabilities may provide useful first-hand accounts.

Planning for Accessibility

Plan routes meticulously, especially in older parts of the city. Utilize navigation apps to pinpoint accessible routes or elevators in subway stations.

Airport Services

Incheon International Airport has a range of services for travelers, enhancing comfort and convenience.

Lounge Access

Lounge access fosters comfort and amenities before or between flights, away from the main terminal crowds.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass grants frequent travelers independent airport lounge access globally.
Lounges often include complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, and a relaxed environment.
Membership options cater to various travel frequencies and preferences.

Additional Airport Conveniences

Incheon Airport goes beyond lounges to enhance the passenger experience with various facilities.

Beyond the Lounge

Duty-Free Shopping: Explore a wide selection of luxury goods, cosmetics, and local products.
Transit Hotels: On-site options provide comfort and convenience for long layovers.
Wellness Facilities: Spas, showers, and relaxation zones are available for rejuvenation.

Flight Compensation

Compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Submit a claim with flight details for evaluation; eligibility applies based on regulations.
Compensair assists customers in receiving due compensation.

Claim Process Details

Gather boarding passes, booking confirmations, and delay notifications.
Easily submit claims online or via a mobile app.
Companies specialize in navigating complex airline policies, with varied compensation amounts based on delay duration and distance.

Incheon Travel Tips