Install Naver Map or KakaoMap before you fly, and bring some Korean won in cash. Those two things prevent most of the trouble first-time visitors run into. The rest of this list covers taxis, tipping, table manners, trash cans, and the entry rules you should check before you book. Apps and Getting Online 1. Download…
You can book an English personal color analysis in Seoul without speaking Korean, provided you choose a studio that clearly offers English support. Some studios have English-speaking analysts, while others provide an interpreter, sometimes for an additional fee. Check which option is included before paying. Two Ways English Works at a Studio Some studios have…
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Korea. Restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, department stores and hotels take foreign Visa and Mastercard cards without trouble in most cases. Foreign credit cards work in most everyday settings, but there are still a few exceptions: subway gates, some street food stalls, and self-order kiosks that don’t accept overseas-issued…
Daiso Korea must-buy lists usually start with two things: VT Reedle Shot and makeup lines created specifically for the store. Both are worth checking out if you’re looking for affordable Korean beauty products. This guide covers which items to look for, what makes good souvenirs, and how to navigate stock availability and tax refunds at…
For many everyday K-beauty products, buying in Korea can be cheaper than buying overseas, but it depends on the brand, product size, exchange rate, and discounts available abroad. Eligible tourists may also receive a partial VAT refund at participating stores. The savings vary, so it’s worth comparing the final prices before you buy. This guide…
Korean convenience store food combinations take ordinary items, such as cup ramen, triangle kimbap, string cheese and instant tteokbokki, and mix them into something the packaging never suggests. Most need only a microwave and a few minutes. I found my first one by accident, when a cup of Buldak ramen turned out to be much…
Korean photo booth tips come down to three things: carry a little cash as a backup, opt in to QR downloads before you start shooting, and put the props back when you’re done. Most booths are unmanned and open around the clock, so nobody will walk you through the first session. A few minutes of…
If you’re shopping at Olive Young for the first time, you don’t need to buy a full shelf of products. Start with a cleansing oil and gentle foam cleanser, a soothing toner, a hydrating serum, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. All five steps below have a product that is easy to find in the store. Buy…
Say your hotel check-in is at 3 p.m. and you land at 10 a.m. You can wheel a suitcase through Seoul Station, down a few flights of stairs and into a café that has no room for it, or you can leave it somewhere for a few hours. Korea has several apps and services for…
If you have a medical emergency in Korea, dial 119 from any phone. That one number covers ambulances and fire, and a ride in a public 119 ambulance is free of charge. When the dispatcher answers in Korean, say “English” and stay on the line so an interpreter can be added to the call. The…
