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Tips for Navigating South Korea: From Food to Shopping to Finding Your Way Around
Whether you’re already in South Korea or planning to visit soon, we’ve got you covered with some handy tips to make your stay more enjoyable. As a tourist hot spot, the capital Seoul is likely to be your first stop, with its famous districts like Hongdae and Itaewon being well-known destinations for foreigners. You can expect to spend money, try lots of delicious food, and experience Korean culture at every turn. So, let’s get started and make the most of your time in this vibrant country!
While fluency in Korean is not necessary for your trip to South Korea, it can be beneficial to learn a few phrases and the Hanguel alphabet. You don’t need to be perfect, just give it a try! Since English is not widely spoken in South Korea, it can be difficult to find locals who can communicate in English, unless they are from an English-speaking nation. Fortunately, locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak the local language. To start with, learn simple greetings like ‘Hello’ (안녕하세요) and ‘Thank you’ (감사합니다), which are widely used all around the country. But what if you need to order food or find something in a store? Luckily, there are two phrases that you can use repeatedly.
To inquire about the location of something, use the phrase “___어디에 있어요?” (eodie isseoyo) Simply insert the noun you are looking for in the blank space. Don’t know the Korean name? No problem! Show a picture instead and ask “어디에 있어요?”
“이것 주세요” (igeo juseyo) is a common phrase used to ask for something. If you’re at a restaurant, simply point to the picture of the food you want to order. If you’re at a store, you can use this phrase to ask for assistance.
Need chopsticks at a restaurant? Don’t fret. Look for a side drawer on your table that contains napkins, chopsticks, and spoons. If there isn’t one available, the staff will bring it to you before or with your food.
Getting ready to visit another country can be a thrilling experience, but it can also come with culture shock. To help make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable, it’s best to learn a bit about the country’s history and culture beforehand. This includes understanding customs, social structures, and historical facts. For example, Koreans bow as a sign of respect, and it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Knowing about the social hierarchy based on age and experience is also important. Be sure to learn about special seating on public transportation designated for pregnant women and the elderly. Demonstrating a willingness to understand and follow customs is a sign of genuine respect for the people and their culture.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you can manage your finances while in Korea:
1. It is advisable to carry both cash and a debit/credit card at all times. Some stores and restaurants may only accept one or the other, so it’s good to be prepared.
2. In case you run out of cash, you can withdraw money from an ATM at a convenience store or bank. However, make sure to check for any fees before proceeding with the transaction.
3. Notify your bank about your travel plans ahead of time to avoid any issues with flagged transactions.
4. You can exchange money at the airport in your home country or in South Korea, but keep an eye out for international fees.
Google Maps might not always be the most reliable source of information when it comes to getting around South Korea. Instead, consider using Naver Map or Kakao Map, which can be downloaded on both IOS and Android devices. These apps offer similar features to Google Maps, with the added benefit of being more tailored to transportation in Korea. Unless you plan on walking everywhere, the most common modes of transportation are buses, trains, and taxis. To use any of these options, you’ll need a T-money card, which can be purchased at convenience stores or subway stations. A single trip on a bus or subway typically costs between 1,250 won to 1,500 won, with an additional 100 won fee charged as you exit the station or disembark from the bus. Each time you use your T-money card, it will display your remaining balance. If it’s running low, you can top it up at a convenience store or a reload machine located throughout the station. Be aware that taxis can be quite expensive, averaging around 8,000 won per ride. Additionally, some taxi drivers may take longer routes to charge foreigners more. It’s best to use taxis only when necessary, and rely on buses and subways for most of your transportation needs.
One key difference between South Korea and the United States is the absence of trash cans on the sidewalks in the former. If you need to dispose of your trash, you must look for a convenience store or visit a subway station. Although trash cans are available in the subways, their location is not always apparent and may require some searching.
In South Korea, trash is separated into different categories, including food waste, which is separated from general waste and recycling. Specific waste is put in designated colored waste bags. For instance, white bags are used for general waste, while yellow bags are used for food waste. Recycling is typically placed in plastic bags and put in separate bins in a specific area. Even fast food restaurants require customers to separate trash, food waste, and recycling.
The amount of time you plan to stay will determine the activities you can do and the places you can visit. Even with a short stay, you can still have a great time exploring the country. Here are some ideas to help you plan your itinerary:
Short stay (1 week):
Long stay (1 month or more):
No matter how long you stick around, South Korea won’t disappoint! Plot your adventure, then get ready to gobble up endless drool-worthy dishes, conquer a mountain, shop ’til you hit the floor, mingle with locals, and soak up all things Korean. To help you prep and max out your stay, follow these insider tips. And hey, why not take your journey to the next level by touring with Planet Zoom? You’ll explore Korea with a mix of locals and foreigners, making memories that’ll stay with you forever.