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Seoul Travel Tips

Seoul Travel Tips

Seoul South Korea Travel Guide

Mobile Connectivity

Prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs are readily open to visitors from main providers like SK Telecom, KT Olleh, and LG U+.

Options

  • ESIMs: Convenient digital SIM for data.
  • Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots: Rent a device for several devices.
  • Prepaid SIM cards: Available within airports and stores.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is ubiquitous and fast across Seoul, widely available in public spaces.

Wi-Fi Availability

  • Free Public Wi-Fi: Subway stations, buses, cafes.
  • Hotel Wi-Fi: Almost all accommodations offer free access.
  • Korea Post: Reliable postal services for mail and bundles.

Language & Translation

Korean is the official language. English proficiency varies, but translation apps are very handy.

Essential Tools

  • Papago App: Recommended for accurate Korean-English translation.
  • Google Translate: Also an useful tool.
  • Phrasebooks: Carry a small one for basic communication.

Phrases

Common Expressions

  • Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요): Hello
  • Gamsahamnida (감사합니다): Thank you
  • Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다): Excuse me / Sorry

More Essential Phrases

Everyday Use

  • Ne (네): Yes
  • Aniyo (아니요): No
  • Juseyo (주세요): Please (when asking)
  • Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?): How much?

Seeking Assistance

  • ...eodi-yeyo? (...어디예요?): Where is...?
  • Moleugesseoyo (모르겠어요): I do not understand
  • Yeong-eo haseyo? (영어 하세요?): Can you speak English?
  • Gyesan juseyo (계산 주세요): Check, please!

Recommendation

Download Papago for translation. Rosetta Stone includes comprehensive language learning.

Business Hours & Schedules

Retail Stores

Generally open from 10:30 AM to 8:O'CLOCK IN the EVENING or 10:00 PM.

Restaurants

Typically open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, many operate later.

Cafes

Usually open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, certain ones with extended hours.

Attraction Hours

Museums and palaces typically operate during daylight hours.

Common Timings

  • Museums/Palaces: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM.
  • Closed Days: Usually Mondays or Tuesdays, check specific sites.
  • Convenience Stores: Many operate 24/7.

Banking & Holidays

Banks have set hours, and public holidays can affect many services.

Financial & Public Closures

  • Banks: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed weekends/holidays).
  • ATMs: Widely available 24/7 for foreign credit cards.
  • Seollal (Lunar New Year): 3-day holiday in Jan/Feb, travel congestion.

Holiday Planning

Major Holidays

  • Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): 3-day holiday in Sep/Oct, travel congestion.
  • Other holidays: Children's Day, Buddha's Birthday, Liberation Day, Hangeul Day.
  • Seasonal Closures: Outdoor activities might have limited hours in harsh weather conditions.

Travel During Holidays

  • Tourist Attractions: Generally open on national holidays, smaller shops may close.
  • Public Transport: May operate on reduced schedules during holidays.
  • Priority Pass: Access airport lounges for a comfortable wait.

Recommendation

Check specific opening times for sights online. Compensair assists with flight delays/cancellations.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greetings & Interactions

Bowing is a common greeting, especially to elders. Use honorifics when addressing Koreans.

General Courtesy

  • Bowing: A brief inclination of the head shows respect.
  • Handshakes: Common in business settings or with Westerners.
  • Honorifics: Use -ssi or -nim.

Attire & Dining

Dress respectfully. Tipping is not customary.

Dining & Dress Code

  • Modest Attire: Recommend for religious sites and formal occasions.
  • Wait for Elders: Let elders be seated and served first.
  • No Tipping: Not expected in South Korea.

Cultural Awareness

Be mindful of local customs regarding social interactions and sensitive topics.

Social Practices

  • Shoes Off: Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, some restaurants.
  • Quiet Transport: Don't speak loudly on public transport.
  • No Touching Heads: Consider this a sensitive area.

Sensitive Topics

Certain topics and behaviors warrant extra caution and respect.

Cultural hints

  • North Korea: Approach this topic with caution and respect.
  • Age: Asking age is common, frequently for honorifics.
  • Public Affection: Steer clear of excessive displays.

Photography & Privacy

Photo Etiquette

  • Permission: Ask before photographing individuals, children in particular.
  • Discretion: Be discreet in markets or residential areas.
  • Respect Signs: Follow "no pictures" rules.

Religious Sites

  • Modest Dress: Cover shoulders and knees.
  • Remove Shoes: Before entering main temple halls.
  • Quiet Demeanor: Maintain peace.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender Considerations

  • South Korea is a generally safe a destination for all genders.
  • Traditional gender roles exist but are evolving.
  • Respectful interactions are appreciated.

LGBTQ+ Information

  • Homosexuality is not illegal.
  • Acceptance is still developing, with some communities more open.
  • Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may not receive wide acceptance.

Recommendation

Remove your shoes when entering homes and temples. Always get consent before taking pictures of individuals.

Accessibility Information

Seoul has made work in enhancing accessibility for diverse needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Seoul significantly enhanced accessibility, especially in newer facilities and public transport.

Accessible Features

  • Subway: Most stations feature elevators and accessible restrooms.
  • Buses: Low-floor buses are increasingly common.
  • Sidewalks: Generally well-maintained in major areas.

Accessible Attractions & Services

Many major museums and more recent attractions are wheelchair-friendly. Accessible taxis are available.

Points of Interest

  • Major Museums: Often wheelchair-friendly.
  • Newer Attractions: Designed for accessibility.
  • Accessible Transport: Book "Call Taxis for the disabled" in advance.

Visual & Hearing Support

Tactile paving assists visually impaired individuals. Subway announcements have visual displays.

Sensory Aids

  • Tactile Paving: In many public areas for those with vision problems.
  • Subway Announcements: Korean & English with visual displays.
  • Sign Language: Limited interpreters, but initiatives are underway.

Resources & Information

Organizations offer accessibility details, though specific resources might vary.

  • Korea Tourism Organization (KTO): Offers some accessibility information.
  • Local Advocacy Groups: Specific resources.
  • Specialized Tour Operators: May offer tailored information.

Recommendation

Look for elevators in subway stations and "Global ATM" signs for international cards.

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