🛫 Before You Land
- 📱 Get your eSIMBuy your eSIM online before flying. Activate it right as you land to have instant 4G/5G data.
- 💳 Transit Card PrepGet a T-money card at airport convenience stores (CU, GS25) inside the arrivals terminal.
- 📲 Download Crucial AppsDownload Naver Map (Google Maps doesn't work), Papago for translations, and Kakao T for taxis.
💳 Money & Payments
- 💳 Where Cards are AcceptedVisa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere (convenience stores, cafes, taxis, and sit-down dinners).
- 💵 Where You Need CashTraditional markets, street food stalls, and transit card recharges. Transit recharge kiosks only accept cash KRW.
- 🏦 Foreign ATM GuideUse ATMs marked with a Global ATM sign. Major banks like KB, Hana, and Shinhan have robust English interfaces.
🚇 Getting Around
- 🚇 How to use T-moneyTap when boarding and tap again when getting off subways or buses. Keep it topped up with cash at subway ticket machines.
- 🚇 Subway Beginner GuideSubways are highly color-coded and announced in English. Follow transit arrows and check Naver Maps for correct exits.
- 🚕 Taxi CommunicationHail standard orange or grey taxis. Show the driver your address written in Korean Hangul from Naver Maps.
❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need cash in Korea?
Yes, you need a small amount of cash. While cards are accepted everywhere, you must recharge transit cards (T-money) with cash only. Street food stalls, local traditional markets, and some small businesses also require cash. We recommend carrying about 50,000 to 100,000 KRW in cash.
Q. Can I use my foreign credit card?
Yes! Visa and Mastercard are accepted at 95% of businesses including convenience stores, taxis, restaurants, and cafes. Note that foreign-issued cards can occasionally be declined at older terminals, so carrying some cash is a smart backup plan.
Q. Is English widely spoken?
In major tourist areas (Seoul, Busan, Jeju), signs and menus have English. Subway systems and buses are fully English-friendly. However, local shopkeepers and taxi drivers may not speak fluent English. Downloading translation apps like Papago is highly recommended.
Q. Is Korea safe for solo female travelers?
South Korea is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low, and it is very safe to walk alone at night. Standard travel safety precautions still apply, but you can explore with peace of mind.
Q. What apps do I need in Korea?
Three apps are absolutely mandatory: 1. Naver Map or KakaoMap (Google Maps does not work for walking directions), 2. Papago (the most accurate English-to-Korean translation app), and 3. Kakao T (for ordering taxis safely).