Posts

12 Korean Etiquette Rules Foreign Travelers Should Know Before Visiting Korea

Image
  A practical guide to accommodations, subways, buses, and restaurants in Korea Are you planning a trip to Korea? Visiting Korea in real life, after seeing it in dramas, videos, and travel content, can be very exciting. But once you arrive, you may notice that some everyday customs are different from what you are used to. Korea is a very convenient country for travelers. However, when using accommodations, public transportation, and restaurants, there are a few local rules that are helpful to know in advance. This guide will introduce important Korean etiquette tips by place: accommodations, subways, buses, and restaurants. Knowing these small cultural differences can make your trip much more comfortable and enjoyable. 1. Accommodation & Indoors Take off your shoes indoors In Korea, it is common to take off your shoes before entering a home. Hotels are usually an exception, but in Airbnbs, guesthouses, hanok stays, and Korean homes, you will usually need to remove your sho...

Apple Pay in Korea: The 2026 Guide to Cashless Travel

Image
  Quick Answer: Korea is very card-friendly, and you can travel mostly without cash. However, iPhone and Apple Pay alone are not enough for every situation. Bring a physical card, a transit card, a small amount of cash, and a portable charger as backup. Apple Pay in Korea: The 2026 Guide to Cashless Travel for iPhone Users If you are planning a trip to South Korea, you are probably researching the best ways to pay for things. You might be wondering: “Do I need cash in Korea?” “Does Apple Pay work in Seoul?” “How do I pay for the subway with my iPhone?” South Korea is famously one of the most tech-savvy, cashless societies in the world. You can pay with a credit card almost everywhere—from high-end shopping malls to tiny convenience stores and taxis. However, for foreign travelers wanting to travel cashless, things can hit a slight snag. Some local apps require a Korean phone number, and navigating public transit payments in Korea can be surprisingly tricky for iPhone users. ...

Is the Seoul Climate Card Worth It for Foreign Tourists in 2026?

Image
Quick Answer: The Seoul Climate Card is useful if you stay mostly in Seoul and use subways or buses several times a day. Short-term passes are available for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days. It is not the best choice for traveling outside Seoul, and you cannot use it to board at Incheon Airport. For nationwide travel, a T-money card is safer. Getting around Seoul is a breeze once you master the subway and bus system. It’s clean, convenient, and incredibly well-connected. But for first-time visitors, figuring out which transit card to buy can still feel a bit overwhelming. You might be wondering: “Which transportation card should I actually buy?” “What’s the difference between a T-money card and the Seoul Climate Card?” “Can I use the Climate Card to get to Incheon Airport?” In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Seoul Climate Card in 2026, focusing strictly on what foreign travelers need to know. 1. What is the Seoul Climate Card? Unlike standard transit card...