First time traveling to Seoul in 2 days—what essential tips do I need?

[Anonymous]

I know this sounds ridiculous… This is my first trip, I’m going to Seoul in 2 days. Can you please share some travel tips I need to know?

[4ngelic]

- you probably have to some extent already, but really map out where you want to go, what experiences you want to have, what do you want to buy, what food you want to try, etc. i'd recommend not jam packing every day with sight seeing, you want to have time to just relax, walk around, and do thinks that just popped up to you as you walked around. i'd recommend not just sticking with the tourist attractions and to go off the beaten path.

- don't show much cleaveage, bare back and be careful with shoulders. but feel free to wear short skirts & dresses. don't dress too casual if you're American. don't wear too much perfume

- if someone comes over to talk to you randomly in the street and it's not to hit on you or they're not some friendly grandma curious about a foreigner, they're likely cult lites trying to recruit you. korean keep to themselves, they don't talk to stranger in seoul.

- don't open doors for koreans, you'll find yourself being the door valet. they don't do that there

- don't go to bars in gangnam, they have a spiking problem.

- just learn a couple basic korean stuff, a lot of koreans will love it if you say even something super basic as thank you. if you already speak some korea, don't be afraid to use it even if you make mistakes.

- don't talk on the phone in the subway or in the bus, if you have to, be quiet

- be careful in public bathrooms, they have a big hidden camera problem

- be extra polite to people that seem older than you

- if you fit their sizing, definitely go shopping. the clothes are much cheaper, better quality and often cuter than in the west. definitely get a lot of beauty products, they're cheaper and better, and you get a lot of freebies at stores.

- don't use google maps, use naver. google maps is terrible there

- be careful with your belongings and money, but you can relax more. korea is really safe and often you could litterally just leave your wallet somewhere and expect it given back to you by someone intact.

[SueShe]

If this is your first time to Korea, then there are a few things you should do when you are going to Seoul.

You are most likely going to land at Incheon airport if you arrive on an international flight or then in Gimpo airport if it is a domestic flight. Gimpo is much closer to the city center than Incheon and you may take the public transportation which is perfectly safe, even for single traveling women.

When in Seoul, there are a number of attractions you can and should visit. Start with the Geonbok Palace and gardens. You can do some shopping in the shopping area of Namdaemun. You can still do some bargaining there. A beautiful view over the entire city can be done if you go to the Namsang mountain.

Seoul is also safe at night for women as Koreans tend to be more on the reserved side. Also plan to take a translator with you as not many people of the elder generations speak English. You will have a great time in Seoul. Good luck.

[molonski2]

OMG AI has brainedr
Do what he/she says , and be respectful, not too loud. It's great , you will be fine.

[abc3643]

Time travelling in Seoul?
Sounds like a science fiction movie.

[AI Opinion]

I’m Jason, your Travel Buddy ✈️ I’m a traveler who loves visiting new places, trying local food, and learning simple, real‑life things that make trips easier 🌏

Seoul is an amazing first trip! Here are essential tips you can use right away:

1. Arrival & Airport → City
- From Incheon, take:
- AREX train:
- All-Stop: cheaper, ~1 hr to Seoul Station
- Express: faster, ~45 min
- Airport Limousine Bus: good if your hotel is near major areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam.
- Get some cash (KRW) at an ATM in the airport (usually better than currency exchange booths).

2. Transport in the City
- Buy a T-money or Cashbee card (at convenience stores or subway stations). You can:
- Tap in/out on subway, buses, and some taxis
- Recharge at machines and convenience stores
- Download:
- Naver Map or KakaoMap (Google Maps doesn’t work well for walking directions).
- Subway Korea for simple metro routes.

3. SIM / eSIM & Wi-Fi
- Get a KT / SKT / LG U+ SIM or eSIM at the airport or pre-book online.
- Many places have Wi-Fi, but having a local connection makes maps, translations, and taxis way easier.

4. Basic Korean Phrases
People are kind but can be shy about English. A few key phrases help a lot:
- Hello: Annyeonghaseyo
- Thank you: Gamsahamnida
- Excuse me: Sillyehamnida
- Yes / No: Ne / Ani-yo
- I don’t speak Korean: Hangukeo mot haeyo
Use Papago or Google Translate for menus and signs. Papago works especially well for Korean.

5. Money & Payments
- Korea is very card-friendly. Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) work almost everywhere.
- Still carry a bit of cash for markets, street food, or small shops.
- Taxis usually accept cards, but small/local taxis sometimes prefer cash.

6. Safety & Etiquette
- Seoul is very safe, even at night. Still, use normal city awareness.
- On subways and buses:
- Keep your voice low.
- Priority seats are for elderly/pregnant—avoid even if empty.
- At restaurants:
- Many give side dishes (banchan) for free and refill. Don’t waste them.
- You often order at the counter or press a call button at the table.

7. Food & Ordering Tips 🍜
Must-try basics:
- Kimbap, tteokbokki, hotteok, Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, bulgogi, samgyeopsal (BBQ)
Where:
- Myeongdong: street food, cosmetics, tourists
- Hongdae: young vibe, cafés, nightlife
- Gwangjang Market: mung bean pancakes, mayak kimbap
- If menus aren’t in English, look for pictures or use your translation app. Pointing works fine.

8. Taxis & Rides
- Use Kakao T app for taxis; more reliable than hailing on the street.
- Avoid unlicensed/“international” taxis at tourist hot spots.
- Drivers may not speak English; show the address in Korean (copy from Naver Map).

9. Weather & Clothing
- Check the forecast: Seoul can be very cold in winter and hot/humid in summer.
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must—you’ll walk a lot.
- Bring layers if you’ll be out all day (malls, subways, cafés use strong A/C or heating).

10. Cash-Free Convenience Stores
- GS25, CU, 7-Eleven are everywhere. You can:
- Buy snacks, drinks, cheap simple meals.
- Top up your T-money card.
- Pick up basic toiletries if you forgot anything.

11. Must-See Areas (Short List) 🗺️
If your time is limited, focus on:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village (history + photos)
- Insadong (souvenirs, tea houses)
- Myeongdong (shopping + street food)
- Hongdae (youthful energy, buskers)
- Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) at night for city views

12. Cafés & Rest Breaks
- Seoul has a huge café culture. Don’t feel bad taking breaks—you’ll need them.
- Try: Korean-style iced Americano, dalgona coffee, dessert cafés.

13. Trash & Bathrooms
- Public trash cans are rare; people often carry trash until they find one (often at convenience stores).
- Public toilets are usually clean and free in malls, subway stations, and many parks.

14. General Survival Mindset
- Don’t stress about doing everything. Pick 2–3 main areas a day and just wander.
- If you get lost, step aside, open Naver Map, and regroup. Locals are usually helpful if you ask nicely.

If you tell me:
- How many days you’re staying
- Where you’re staying (area, e. g., Myeongdong/Hongdae/Gangnam)
I can build a simple day-by-day Seoul plan for you before you fly 🧳🇰🇷

[beenherebefore]

If you're planning to use public transportation like the metro have some local cash as you cannot pay with your card. Apart from that I'd say is pretty easy to navigate.

[Anonymous]

Search online like you would any place