Digital Forensic Research Center (DFRC), Korea University.

SIM Card / eSIM

Stay connected throughout Seoul

Buy: Airport counters (Incheon, Gimpo), convenience stores, or online (Klook, Trazy)

Use:

USIM → Replace your SIM card and use immediately.
eSIM → Scan QR code, no physical SIM needed

Advantage: Unlimited data plans (3/5/7/30 days), eSIM supports dual SIM (keep your number + Korean number).

₩30,000–50,000 (7–30 days)

Pocket WiFi

Alternative to SIM cards

Rent: Reserve online or rent at airport (Incheon, Gimpo).

Use: Turn on the device → connect multiple phones/tablets (2–5 devices)

Advantage: Great for groups, no SIM swap required.

₩8,000–12,000 per day

Airport Exchange

Buy: Directly at Incheon or Gimpo Airport upon arrival.

Use: Exchange with cash or card.

Advantage: Very convenient, but higher fees.

Banks

Buy: Major banks (Shinhan, KB Kookmin, Woori, etc.).

Use: Bring your passport to exchange.

Advantage: Safe, and you can save fees with exchange coupons.

Myeongdong Exchange Shops

Buy: Private money changers in Myeongdong area.

Use: Cash only.

Advantage: Often better rates than airport or banks.

Subway (Recommended)

~60 min ₩4,750

Steps:

Terminal 1 or 2: Go to B1 Transportation Center
Take AREX (Airport Railroad) toward Seoul Station
Get off at Magok Naru Station (Exit 6)
Walk to destination from Exit 6

Pros

Most economical
Fixed schedule
Easy to navigate

Cons

Takes longer
Can be crowded during rush hour

Airport Bus + Transfer

~75 min ₩10,000–15,000

Steps:

Terminal 1: Floor 1, Gate 6
Terminal 2: B1, Gate 24
Take Bus 6003
Get off near destination or transfer point

Pros

Comfortable seating
Luggage space

Cons

More expensive
Subject to traffic

Popular Destinations from Subway Stations

Samseong Station (Line 2)

Exit 5 / 6COEX, Hyundai Department Store

Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Line 2)

Exit 1Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Jamsil Station (Line 2)

Exit 3 / 4Lotte World

Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)

Exit 5Gyeongbokgung Palace

T-money

₩3,000

Available at convenience stores and subway stations
₩100 discount on basic fare
Up to 4 free transfers (bus ↔ subway)
No expiration date
Refund available for balance under ₩20,000

💜 Most cost-effective for regular travelers

M-Pass

Variable

Tourist-exclusive unlimited pass
Up to 20 rides per day
Valid for subway and most buses
Must be used within 1 month of purchase
Available at T-money Town (Seoul Station)

🟣 Heavy daily users (5+ trips/day)

Climate Card

₩20,000 (7-day)

Unlimited subway, bus, and Ddareungi bike
Available: 1/3/5/7/30 day passes
Break-even point: ~4 days of use
Not valid on airport express or airport buses
Cannot be recharged (must repurchase)

💜 4+ days of intensive sightseeing

⚠️ Card Usage Tips

Up to 4 free transfers within 30 min (60 min: 21:00–07:00)
Must tap when boarding AND exiting
Transfer discount only applies within 10km
Recharge at convenience stores, subway machines, ATMs
Early bird discount 20% off before 6:30 AM
Same route re-boarding doesn't count as transfer

Subway Basics (Updated 2025)

Operating Hours

Most lines: 05:30 – 24:00 (some until 01:00)
Starting 2025, first trains 30 min earlier; last trains slightly earlier. Check before traveling

Fares (Effective June 28, 2025)

Category	Card	Cash	Early Bird
Adult	₩1,550	₩1,650	₩1,240
Youth (13–18)	₩800	₩1,000	₩720
Child (6–12)	₩550	₩550	₩440

* Base fare includes first 10km. Additional ₩100 per 5km thereafter.

Subway Etiquette

Queuing & Boarding

Stand in line at platform arrows
Let passengers exit first before boarding
No cutting in line
Move to the center of the car

Noise & Behavior

No phone calls or loud conversations
Use headphones for music/videos
No eating or drinking (water OK)
Keep your belongings close

Priority Seats

Pink seats for elderly, pregnant, disabled
Leave them empty even if car is full
Offer regular seats to those in need
Stand on right side of escalators

⚠ Rush Hour Warning

Seoul subways can reach 200% capacity during peak hours (7–9 AM, 6–8 PM on weekdays). This is called “지옥철 (hell train)” by locals.

Survival Tips:

Wait for next train if too crowded
Use last or first car (less crowded)
Check app for recommended cars
Consider bus/taxi if carrying luggage

Peak Times to Avoid:

Weekday mornings: 7:30–9:30 AM
Weekday evenings: 6:00–8:00 PM
Friday nights: especially crowded
Best time: ~10 AM – 4 PM

Bus Types by Color

Blue Bus (Mainline)

Long-distance routes connecting major areas

Regular Fare ₩1,500 (card) / ₩1,500 (cash)

Early Bird ₩1,200

Main arterial roads
Connects downtown to suburbs

Green Bus (Branch)

Short-distance local routes

Regular Fare ₩1,500 (card) / ₩1,500 (cash)

Early Bird ₩1,200

Residential areas to subway stations
Last-mile connections

Yellow Bus (Circular)

City center circulation

Regular Fare ₩1,400 (card) / ₩1,400 (cash)

Early Bird ₩1,120

Tourist & shopping districts
Numbers: 02, 03, 04, 05

Red Bus (Rapid/Express)

Long-distance express to suburbs

Regular Fare ₩3,000 (card) / ₩3,000 (cash)

Early Bird ₩2,400

Seoul ↔ Gyeonggi Province
90xx~ series

Village Bus (Maeul)

Neighborhood circulation

Regular Fare ₩1,200 (card) / ₩1,200 (cash)

Early Bird ₩960

Local community routes
Numbers: 01~09

Night Bus (Midnight)

Midnight to 5 AM service

Regular Fare ₩2,500 (card) / ₩2,500 (cash)

Early Bird N/A

Major routes during subway closure
N-series buses

How to Ride Seoul Buses

1At the Bus Stop

Check electronic display for arrival times
Use KakaoBus or Naver Map for real-time info
Bus number indicates origin district (3XXX = Gangdong/Songpa)
Some stops have numbered platforms

2Boarding

Enter through FRONT door
Tap T-money card on reader when entering
Move to the back during rush hour
Hold onto handrails (driving can be aggressive)

3Exiting

Press stop button 1-2 stops ahead
Move to exit door early
Exit through BACK door (or front if crowded)
MUST tap card again when exiting!

⚠ Important Notes

No tapping out = additional charges + no transfer discount
Some buses are cashless (card only)
Transfer valid within 30 min (60 min: 21:00–07:00)
Max 4 free transfers (5 total rides)

🚌 Bus Etiquette

No phone calls or loud conversations
Give up seats for elderly, pregnant, disabled
Use headphones for media

No eating or drinking
Keep aisles clear
Hold onto rails (bus drivers brake hard!)

Taxi Types & Fares

Regular Taxi (Orange/Silver)

Base Fare: ₩4,800 (1.6km)
Increment: ₩100 per 131m or 30sec
Night Surcharge: 20–40% (22:00–04:00)

Most common
Basic service
Card/cash accepted

Deluxe Taxi (Black)

Base Fare: ₩7,000 (3km)
Increment: Higher rate
Night Surcharge: 20% (22:00–04:00)

Luxury vehicle
Professional drivers
Some English

International Taxi

Base Fare: ₩7,000 + 20% premium
Increment: Same as deluxe
Night Surcharge: Standard surcharges apply

English/Chinese/Japanese
Bookable at airport
Higher cost

How to Catch a Taxi

On the Street:

Look for red “빈차” (Empty/Vacant) sign on windshield or roof
Blue/green light = Reserved taxi (don’t hail)
“예약” sign = Booked taxi
Payment: Cash, credit card, or T-money accepted

Using Apps (Recommended):

Kakao T (Most Popular)

English, Japanese, Chinese available. Shows estimated fare, driver info, and car plate number. Auto-payment with registered card.

Uber (UT)

Limited availability in Seoul. Fewer drivers = longer wait times. Higher fares than Kakao T.

Safety & Scam Prevention:

Always check meter is running (or use app for fixed price)
Legitimate taxis are government-licensed only
No tipping required in Korea
If driver doesn’t start meter, ask them to or exit
Airport ↔ Seoul: ₩70,000–95,000 (varies by district)

Night Surcharges Explained:

20:00–22:00: No surcharge
22:00–24:00: +20%
00:00–02:00: +40%
02:00–04:00: +20%
04:00 onwards: Regular fare

Free / Varies

Magok Area — What to See & Do

Modern business district with green spaces, culture, and easy airport-line access. Best base for western Seoul.

📍 Magoknaru Station (AREX & Line 9) — center of the area

Top Spots

🌿 Seoul Botanic Park — themed greenhouse & outdoor gardens; lakeside paths (Magoknaru Exits 3–4)
🎭 LG Arts Center Seoul — world-class performing arts venue (Magoknaru Exit 4)
🖼️ Magok Culture Street — ~1 km public-art promenade with installations & photo spots
🏞️ Gangseo Hangang Park — riverside cycling & sunset views (Gayang/Balsan area)

Botanic Greenhouse Riverside Sunset Public Art Street Performing Arts

Pro Tips

Visit the Botanic Park’s greenhouse on hot/cold days; outdoor lake loop is great at golden hour
For LG Arts Center shows, book ahead; cafés & restaurants cluster around Magoknaru

₩3,000

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Includes the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum on the grounds.

📍 Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5)

📸 Hours:

Nov–Feb 09:00–17:00 (last 16:00)

Mar–May & Sep–Oct 09:00–18:00 (last 17:00)

Jun–Aug 09:00–18:30 (last 17:30)

❌ Closed: Tuesdays (if Tue is a holiday → closed next business day)

💰 Admission: Adults ₩3,000 · Free with hanbok

🌐 Official: royal.khs.go.kr

Geunjeongjeon Hall National Palace Museum National Folk Museum Guard Ceremony

Royal Guard Ceremonies

Changing of the Guard (Gwanghwamun): 10:00, 14:00 (20 min)
Guard on Duty (Gwanghwamun): 11:00, 13:00 (10 min)
Gatekeeper Military Training (Hyeopsaengmun): 09:35, 13:35 (15 min)

Free Guided Tours (No reservation)

English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 (Wed–Mon)
Chinese: 10:30, 15:00 (Wed–Mon)
Meet at Information Center, Heungnyemun Gate (60–90 min)

Pro Tips

Arrive around 10:00 to watch the guard ceremony first
Rent a hanbok nearby for free entry and great photos

Free

Bukchon Hanok Village

Historic neighborhood between Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung, lined with traditional hanok, galleries and craft workshops.

📍 Anguk Station (Line 3, Exits 1–3) · Boardwalks signed “Bukchon 8 Views”

⏰ Visiting allowed: 10:00–17:00 (Residential quiet hours outside this window)

Bukchon 8 Views Hanok cafés Craft workshops

Red Zone Rules (Important)

Restricted hours: 17:00–10:00 (no tourist visits)
Keep voices low · No mics/megaphones · No littering
Small groups (≤10) · Do not film house interiors
Violations may incur a fine of ₩100,000

Pro Tips

Weekday morning is best for photos and fewer crowds
Wear comfy shoes; some alleys are steep

₩26,000

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

Iconic observatory atop Namsan with a 360° view of Seoul. Popular K-drama spot and night skyline photo point.

📍 Namsan Park · Near Myeongdong (Line 4)

🕒 Observatory: Weekdays 10:00–22:00 · Weekends/Holidays 10:00–23:00 (last entry -30m)

🎟️ Observatory: Adult ₩26,000 · Child/Senior ₩20,000

🌐 Official: nseoultower.co.kr

How to Get There

🚠 Namsan Cable Car (from Myeongdong): Adult ₩15,000 RT / ₩12,000 OW, Child/Senior ₩11,500 RT / ₩9,000 OW
🚌 Shuttle Bus 01A/01B: every 6–18 min, 06:30–23:00, T-money only
⬆️ Oreumi Inclined Elevator (free) → short walk to Cable Car
🚕 Taxi: 4–10 min from Myeongdong Station (Exits 1–4)

Sunset view Love locks Namsan walking trails

Pro Tips

Best time: sunset → night (blue hour photos)
Cable car lines can be long—consider bus up, cable car down

Free

National Museum of Korea

Korea’s flagship museum with era- and theme-based permanent galleries, an immersive digital gallery, special exhibitions, and a children’s museum.

📍 Ichon (Yongsan) — Ichon Station (Line 4 / G-J Line), Exit 2 → 5–10 min walk

🕒 Hours:

Sun–Tue, Thu & Fri: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30)

Wed & Sat: 10:00–21:00 (late opening)

Outdoor Garden: 07:00–22:00

❌ Closed: Jan 1, Seollal & Chuseok holidays · Permanent Galleries: 1st Mon of Apr & Nov

💰 Fees: Free (special exhibitions may require separate tickets)

🗣️ Guided Tours (EN/CH/JP): Weekdays 10:30 & 13:30

🌐 Official: museum.go.kr

Permanent Galleries Special Exhibitions Children’s Museum Digital Gallery

Pro Tips

Use late-night opening on Wed/Sat to avoid crowds
Combine with Yongsan Park or the nearby Han River trail

KakaoMap recommended. Download Android / iOS. Best for transport search, bus arrivals, and walking routes in Korea.

Magok & Nearby

Green spaces, art street, and an evening option on the river

Half Day

10:00 AM

Seoul Botanic Park

Greenhouse + lakeside walk

2–3 hours Magoknaru Stn. (AREX/Line 9)
1:00 PM

Magok Culture Street

~1 km public-art promenade, cafés nearby

1–1.5 hours
3:00 PM

LG Arts Center Seoul

Striking architecture; check same-day tickets

1 hour (building/foyer) Exit 4 (Magoknaru)
5:30 PM

Option: Han River at Gayang/Balsan

Sunset bike path or picnic by the riverside

1.5–2 hours

Historical Seoul

Palaces & traditional culture (Gyeongbokgung / Anguk area)

Full Day

9:00 AM

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Palace tour + Royal Guard Ceremony (10:00 / 14:00)

2.5 hours
12:00 PM

Bukchon Hanok Village

Traditional village walk (quiet hours after 5 PM)

1.5 hours
2:00 PM

Insadong

Lunch + tea culture + shopping street

2 hours
5:00 PM

Jogyesa Temple

Main temple of the Jogye Order

1 hour
7:00 PM

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Evening walk + dinner nearby

2 hours

From Magok to Gyeongbokgung/Anguk (about 48 min, 2 transfers): AREX Magoknaru → (to DMC) → Transfer at Gongdeok to Line 5 → Transfer at Jongno 3-ga to Line 3 → get off at Anguk/Gyeongbokgung. Return via Han River: Gwanghwamun (Line 5) → Yeouinaru (Exit 3) → later transfer Yeouido (Line 9) → Magoknaru (Exit 2).

Baekbeom Square Park

Scenic terrace on Namsan with panoramic views of Seoul and a nearby section of the Seoul City Wall. Absolutely gorgeous in autumn foliage.

Hoehyeon Station (Line 4) · Exit 4 Free

Best in autumn; wide walkways & perfect skyline shots with N Seoul Tower.

Cheongun Literature Library

Quiet hanok-style library at the base of Inwangsan with tranquil mountain views—great place to read and reset.

Near Changuimun · Inwangsan foothill Mon Closed

Weekday evenings are calm; hours: 10:00–21:00 (weekends 10:00–19:00).

Namsangol Hanok Village

A quieter hanok cluster with gardens, pavilion and time-capsule plaza—traditional programs without the crowds.

Myeongdong area · Namsan north slope Free

Open 09:00–21:00 (Apr–Oct) / 09:00–20:00 (Nov–Mar); closed Mon.

Haneul Park

Former landfill turned eco-park on a hill with endless silver-grass & pink-muhly fields and sweeping river views.

World Cup Park (Mapo) · Year-round Free

Best at sunset; Silver-Grass Festival in autumn (extended hours).

Myeongdong

Shopping & Street Food Evening (6–10 PM)

Must-visit shopping district with hidden cafés and eateries off the main streets. After sunset the street food alley comes alive with a huge variety of snacks and desserts.

📍 Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

Near Myeongdong

Myeongdong Gyoja — Michelin-recognized noodles & dumplings (kalguksu, mandu)
Street Food Stalls — tteokbokki, skewers, pancakes, hotteok, soufflé pancakes
Metcha — matcha-specialty café (drinks & cakes)

Kalguksu Dumplings Street Food Matcha Café

Price Ranges:

Myeongdong Gyoja: ₩10,000–12,000
Street Food Stalls: ₩5,000–10,000
Metcha: ₩5,000–12,000

Hongdae / Yeonnam

Trendy Cafés & Local Eats All Day

A vibrant hotspot famous for live street performances, indie shops, student culture, and unique dining. Hongdae is energetic day and night, filled with music, youth culture, and endless food options.

Just steps away, Yeonnam offers a calmer, artsy café street vibe — cozy restaurant alleys, creative bakeries, and aesthetic cafés tucked throughout quiet residential lanes.

📍 Hongdae & Yeonnam (Line 2, AREX, Gyeongui–Jungang Line)

Recommended Spots

D'irong — casual Chinese fusion
Antique Coffee — vintage-themed café
Yeongyo — Korean home-style dining
Mippo-dong — katsu and donburi
Teanic — tea-focused café & desserts

Chinese Fusion Artisanal Café Korean Home Food Katsu Tea & Desserts

Price Ranges:

Restaurants & Cafés: ₩8,000–20,000
Desserts & Drinks: ₩5,000–9,000

Gangnam

K-BBQ & After-Work Dining Dinner (6–10 PM)

Bustling business & shopping hub with diverse dining. Many Korean BBQ spots are designed for group gatherings and after-work meals.

📍 Gangnam / Sinnonhyeon Stations (Line 2, Shinbundang)

Near Gangnam & Sinnonhyeon

Muwol Table — homestyle Korean set menus (bulgogi, bossam)
Chango 43 — premium Hanwoo BBQ, wine pairing

Bulgogi Bossam Hanwoo BBQ

Price Ranges:

Muwol Table: ₩7,000–20,000
Chango 43: ₩50,000–200,000

Haebangchon (HBC)

Market Alley Restaurants & Cafés Evening & Late Night

A trendy hotspot among locals and fast-rising with visitors, Haebangchon sits on the slopes below Namsan Tower. The current heart of the neighborhood is Shinheung Market, a hidden gem where the past blends with the present—traditional stalls alongside stylish cafés, cozy eateries, and lively bars that spill into the alleys.

📍 Shinheung Market area, Haebangchon (near Namsan)

Shinheung Market Picks

Dead Beats Coffee Club — specialty coffee & vinyl vibes
Cafe Tazagi — cozy dessert café
Cueva Matera — wine & bites
Pad Kapao — Thai comfort food
Neighbors — casual dining & drinks
TLTC — craft cocktails
Nogari Factory — classic “anju” & beer

Coffee Wine Bars Thai Casual Dining Cocktails

Itaewon

Bars & Late-Night Dining Night (6 PM–2 AM)

International flavors, lively streets, and a dense mix of pubs and eateries—perfect for a night out that blends food hopping with bar hopping.

📍 Itaewon Station Area (Line 6)

Go-To Spots

Itaewon Hoegwan — classic Korean dishes
GOU Itaewon — Japanese dining
Itaewon Jusik — trendy food & drinks

Korean Japanese Bars Nightlife

Hannam-dong

Fine Dining & Brunch All Day

Stylish and upscale with gallery-lined streets and polished eateries—great for slow brunches, dessert cafés, and date-night restaurants.

📍 Hannam-dong (between Itaewon & Hangangjin, Line 6)

Editor’s Picks

Nanpo Hannam — modern Korean
Oasis Hannam — brunch & comfort plates
Jaein — refined Korean cuisine
Hannam Workshop — bakery & café
Maxim Plant — flagship coffee roastery
Atelier Pond Hannam — dessert & tea

Modern Korean Brunch Bakery Coffee Dessert

Magok

BBQ · Grilled Fish · Bakeries & Cafés Dinner (6–10 PM)

West Seoul’s modern district with easy AREX/Line 9 access. Great for quality Korean BBQ, charcoal-grilled fish, and artisan bakeries.

📍 Magoknaru Station (AREX · Line 9)

Spots:

Illyeom DwaejiMagok — premium pork cuts, doenjang/kimchi stew, spicy cold noodles (₩20,000–60,000)
Misutlang — soy-marinated galbi, Jeju black pork; yukhoe bibimbap, kimchi pancake (₩20,000–60,000)
Jangsimdo Black — charcoal-grilled eel, eel rice bowl, spicy raw skate, mulhoe (₩30,000–90,000)
Eulwangri Kkudeokjip — charcoal-grilled mackerel/atka/flatfish; braised hairtail (₩16,000–50,000)
La Croûte Seoul — artisan pastries: injeolmi Mont Blanc, kouign-amann, focaccia (₩4,000–8,000)
Harris Haze — specialty coffee, cream latte, scones & brownies (₩5,000–7,000)

Pork BBQ Jeju Black Pork Grilled Eel Charcoal Fish Bakery & Coffee

Local Tips:

Most BBQ spots get busy after 7 PM — join the waitlist in-app where available.
Combine with Seoul Botanic Park or a show at LG Arts Center Seoul (both near Magoknaru).

Anguk · Insadong · Ikseondong

Traditional Eats & Tea Houses Afternoon (1–5 PM)

Blend of modern & traditional—hanok cafes, classic dishes, desserts.

📍 Anguk / Jonggak (Lines 3, 1)

Anguk

Artist Bakery — salt breads, baguette sandwiches (₩6,000–10,000)
London Bagel Museum — bagels & soups (₩6,000–14,000)
Oreno Ramen — chicken paitan ramen (₩10,000–12,000)
Muguok — samgyetang & dakdoritang (₩18,000–80,000)
Shilla Jemyeon — knife-cut noodles, seafood pancake (₩14,000–20,000)

Insadong

Meomureum (Tea House) — jujube/omija teas, bingsu (₩9,000–20,000)

Ikseondong

Miltoast — mochi/black sesame/chodang corn toasts (₩15,000–27,000)
Solsot — sotbap (abalone/eel/sea bream) (₩14,000–20,000)
Cheongsudang — desserts & coffee (₩8,000–20,000)
Oncheon-jip — shabu/sukiyaki, hanok-onsen vibe (₩19,000–30,000)

Gyeongbokgung & Samcheong-dong

Korean Tradition & Tea Houses Lunch / Cafe / Dinner

A charming area filled with hanok cafés, classic Korean eateries, and Michelin-recognized dining spots. Perfect for exploring Korean heritage and enjoying peaceful walks near the palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.

📍 Gyeongbokgung / Samcheong-dong / Bukchon

Recommended Spots

Samcheongdong Sujebi — sujebi, pajeon, octopus
Baeknyeon Tosong Samgyetang — Michelin-listed ginseng chicken soup
Onjium — fine dining Korean tasting course
Jeong’s Tea House — hanok tea house, traditional sweets

Sujebi Samgyetang Hanok Café Fine Dining Hanok Street

Price Ranges:

Samcheongdong Sujebi: ₩10,000–25,000
Baeknyeon Samgyetang: ₩20,000–35,000
Onjium: ₩100,000–300,000
Jeong’s Tea House: ₩10,000–35,000

Gwangjang Market

Street Food & Local Market All Day

One of Seoul’s most iconic traditional food markets — famous for bindaetteok, kalguksu, yukhoe, and endless street snacks. A must-visit for authentic Korean flavors and lively market vibes.

📍 Jongno • Gwangjang Market Area

Must-Try Spots

ABEBE Bakery — cream-filled donuts & coffee
Gohyang Kalguksu — Netflix-featured kalguksu & dumplings

Kalguksu Donuts Market Food Street Food Yukhoe

Price Ranges:

ABEBE Bakery: ₩5,000–10,000
Gohyang Kalguksu: ₩7,000–10,000

Myeongdong

K-Beauty & International Brands

Shopping paradise for cosmetics, fashion, and souvenirs.

📍 Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

Key Stores:

Olive Young (Korean cosmetics)
Lotte Department Store
Shinsegae Department Store
Local cosmetics shops

Best Buys:

Korean skincare products Sheet masks (bulk buying) K-beauty makeup Korean snacks & souvenirs

Tax refund available for purchases over ₩30,000
Compare prices between stores

Dosan · Apgujeong · Gangnam

High-End & Stylish

Flagship stores of luxury houses and designer boutiques with upscale cafés.

📍 Apgujeong Rodeo / Gangnam Station area

Key Stores:

Louis Vuitton · Gucci · Chanel flagships
Designer select shops & lifestyle stores

Best Buys:

Luxury fashion Curated designer items Premium accessories

Some flagships require queue tickets on weekends
Bring passport for possible tax-free purchase

Hongdae

Youthful & Trend-Forward

Energetic neighborhood with affordable streetwear, indie brands, and nightlife.

📍 Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2 / AREX)

Key Stores:

Streetwear & indie fashion shops
Pop-up markets & artist streets
Popular K-beauty stores

Best Buys:

Street style clothing Indie designer items Budget K-beauty

Evening is crowded—watch your belongings
Many shops accept cards; keep small cash for markets

Insadong

Traditional Souvenirs & Crafts

Classic street for Korean crafts—pottery, calligraphy, and hanbok.

📍 Anguk Station (Line 3) · Jonggak (Line 1)

Key Stores:

Craft galleries & pottery shops
Traditional tea houses
Souvenir stores (magnets, postcards, T-shirts)

Best Buys:

Tea sets Traditional crafts Calligraphy goods Hanbok accessories

Many shops offer simple packaging for gifts
Haggle politely at street stalls

Korean BBQ Etiquette

Let the eldest person or host grill the meat
Don’t flip meat too often — once is usually enough
Wrap meat in lettuce with garlic and ssamjang
Order rice and soup to go with meat

Tax Refund Guide

Minimum ₩30,000 purchase at participating stores
Get tax refund form at time of purchase
Process at airport before departure
Global Blue and KTG booths available

Ordering Like a Local

Point at menu pictures if language barrier
Say ‘하나 주세요’ (hana juseyo) for ‘one please’
Most restaurants have English menus in tourist areas
Use apps like Papago for menu translation

Best Shopping Times

Weekday mornings for less crowds
End of season sales (July, January)
Black Friday deals increasingly popular
Night shopping in Dongdaemun (after 10 PM)

Money-Saving Food Tips

Lunch sets (정식) are cheaper than dinner
Street food is authentic and budget-friendly
Convenience store meals are surprisingly good
Free side dishes (banchan) can be refilled

Bargaining & Discounts

Fixed prices in department stores
Possible to bargain at traditional markets
Student discounts with international student ID
Cash payments sometimes get small discounts

Travel Tips

🚇 Getting Around

The T-money card (or mobile via KakaoPay/Naver Pay) works for buses, subways, and taxis nationwide
Seoul Metro is efficient and bilingual; apps like Subway Korea or KakaoMap work better than Google Maps
Use Kakao T for taxis; Naver Map/KakaoMap are most accurate for navigation

💵 Getting Cash

Airport exchange is convenient but rates are higher; better rates in Myeongdong/Hongdae/Ewha
Use Global ATMs in CU/GS25/7-Eleven or banks (KEB Hana, Shinhan, Woori); Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay accepted

📶 Wi-Fi & SIM Tips

Free Wi-Fi widely available in cafés, subway stations, buses, and airports
Buy/rent SIM or eSIM at Incheon/Gimpo arrivals; pocket Wi-Fi is a good alternative for groups

Traditional & Cultural Souvenirs

Hanbok Accessories

🎯 Norigae, hairpins, pouches

📍 Insadong · Bukchon shops

Korean Ceramics

🎯 Celadon, porcelain tea bowls

📍 Insadong galleries · Palace gift shops

Hanji (Traditional Paper)

🎯 Lamps, notebooks, stationery

📍 Insadong craft stores

Korean Tea Sets

🎯 Green/Omija/Barley tea pairing

📍 Teahouses · Dept. stores

Calligraphy / Scrolls

🎯 Minimal wall scrolls, brushes

📍 Insadong · Palace gift shops

Food & Snacks

Korean Seaweed (Gim)

🎯 Light, crispy snack or wrap

📍 Supermarkets · Convenience stores

Instant Ramen

🎯 Shin · Jin · Buldak (spicy)

📍 CU · GS25 · 7-Eleven · Marts

Honey Butter Almonds

🎯 Wasabi · Tiramisu · Banana

📍 Duty-free · Olive Young · Marts

Ginseng Products

🎯 Tea, candies, extracts

📍 Dept. stores · Specialty shops

Traditional Sweets (Hangwa)

🎯 Yakgwa, puffed rice snacks

📍 Traditional markets · Bakeries

Beauty & Wellness

K-Beauty Skincare

🎯 Innisfree · Laneige · COSRX · Dr.Jart+ · Sulwhasoo

📍 Olive Young · Dept. stores

Sheet Masks

🎯 Easy to pack · great gifts

📍 Olive Young · Convenience stores

Fashion & Accessories

K-pop Merchandise

🎯 Albums · Photocards · Lightsticks

📍 SM/HYBE official stores · Myeongdong

Streetwear

🎯 Ader Error · Mardi Mercredi · thisisneverthat

📍 Hongdae · Gangnam

Eyewear

🎯 Gentle Monster · Blue Elephant

📍 Dosan · Apgujeong

Cute Socks

🎯 Fun designs · cheap gifts

📍 Street stalls · Markets

Daily Hanbok

🎯 Modern hanbok dresses/shirts

📍 Bukchon · Hongdae

Home & Lifestyle

Korean Stationery

🎯 Pens · Stickers · Planners

📍 Artbox · Bookstores

Character Merch

🎯 Kakao Friends · LINE Friends · BT21

📍 Flagship stores · Malls

Traditional Fans / Coasters

🎯 Hand-painted · Lightweight

📍 Insadong craft streets

Candles / Diffusers

🎯 Soohyang · Tamburins

📍 Flagships · Dept. stores

Chopsticks & Spoons Set

🎯 Stainless or wooden engraved

📍 Markets · Home stores

Where to Buy

Insadong — Traditional crafts & teas

Myeongdong / Hongdae — Cosmetics, fashion, snacks

Dongdaemun / Namdaemun — Bulk souvenirs & deals

Olive Young / Artbox — Beauty & cute lifestyle goods

DFRWS APAC 2025 Volunteers.

DFRWS APAC 2025

Pack:

Tips:

Pack:

Tips:

Pack:

Tips:

Pack:

Tips:

SIM Card / eSIM

Stay connected throughout Seoul

Pocket WiFi

Alternative to SIM cards

Airport Exchange

Banks

Myeongdong Exchange Shops

Steps:

Pros

Cons

Steps:

Pros

Cons

Popular Destinations from Subway Stations

T-money

M-Pass

Climate Card

Subway Basics (Updated 2025)

Subway Etiquette

Queuing & Boarding

Noise & Behavior

Priority Seats

Bus Types by Color

Blue Bus (Mainline)

Green Bus (Branch)

Yellow Bus (Circular)

Red Bus (Rapid/Express)

Village Bus (Maeul)

Night Bus (Midnight)

How to Ride Seoul Buses

Taxi Types & Fares

How to Catch a Taxi

It is the Transportation Quick Reference

Subway 🚇

Bus 🚌

Taxi 🚕

Magok Area — What to See & Do

Top Spots

Pro Tips

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Royal Guard Ceremonies

Free Guided Tours (No reservation)

Pro Tips

Bukchon Hanok Village

Red Zone Rules (Important)

Pro Tips

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

How to Get There

Pro Tips

National Museum of Korea

Pro Tips

Baekbeom Square Park

Cheongun Literature Library

Namsangol Hanok Village

Haneul Park

Near Myeongdong

Recommended Spots

Near Gangnam & Sinnonhyeon

Shinheung Market Picks

Go-To Spots

Editor’s Picks

Spots:

Anguk

Insadong

Ikseondong

Recommended Spots

Must-Try Spots

Key Stores:

Best Buys:

Key Stores: