Are you traveling to South Korea anytime soon? Here are some tips for your trip there.
A thread.
A thread.
1. Passport
Make sure your passport is current and will be valid for at least 3 months. Visas aren’t required to enter South Korea, but you will need your passport to re-enter your home country. If you have less than 3 months before the expiration date......
Make sure your passport is current and will be valid for at least 3 months. Visas aren’t required to enter South Korea, but you will need your passport to re-enter your home country. If you have less than 3 months before the expiration date......
you will need to renew your passport.
You’ll want to start on this early because it can take up to 8 weeks to receive your new passport. Even if you choose to pay the extra fee to have it expedited, it can still take 2-3 weeks to receive.
You’ll want to start on this early because it can take up to 8 weeks to receive your new passport. Even if you choose to pay the extra fee to have it expedited, it can still take 2-3 weeks to receive.
2. Learn some basic Korean phrases to help you communicate
Most Koreans speak only their native language, even in touristy areas. Phrases like "hello" 안녕하세요 (an-nyog-ha-se-yo), "thank you" 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da), and "I’m lost" 길을 잃었어요 (gir-eul ir-oss-o-yo.).
Most Koreans speak only their native language, even in touristy areas. Phrases like "hello" 안녕하세요 (an-nyog-ha-se-yo), "thank you" 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da), and "I’m lost" 길을 잃었어요 (gir-eul ir-oss-o-yo.).
3. Consider the weather
Spring and fall (April, May, June, and September, October, November) have mild weather that is typically sunny and dry. If you are traveling during these months, it should be pretty easy to pack with pants, short and long sleeve tops, and a light a jacket
Spring and fall (April, May, June, and September, October, November) have mild weather that is typically sunny and dry. If you are traveling during these months, it should be pretty easy to pack with pants, short and long sleeve tops, and a light a jacket
Summers are wet with monsoon rains, so you will want to bring your rain gear if traveling in July or August. Winters are extremely cold but dry, with temperatures dropping below 0°. If traveling December - March, you won’t need snow boots, but may want to bring your parka!
4. Booking Travel and Accomodations
Research airfare prices online to find the best deals. This is something else you will want to do well in advance. You can get the best prices on flights to Asia when tickets are purchased at least 90 days before your travel date.
Research airfare prices online to find the best deals. This is something else you will want to do well in advance. You can get the best prices on flights to Asia when tickets are purchased at least 90 days before your travel date.
Don’t forget to check travel companies like Orbitz and Expedia because sometimes they end up having really good deals. They also offer special packages that include airfare, hotel, and transportation, which may save you some money.
If you want to stay somewhere more modern or upscale, like a luxury hotel or resort, you’ll want to book in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute as they usually book up fast or charge higher prices for late bookings.
For a uniquely Korean experience, stay in a hanok, which is traditional Korean housing. They feature privacy, incredible architecture, and beautiful gardens. It’ll cost you a little more to stay here.
If you just need a place to rest a little while you are on the go, check out a Jjimjilbang, which is basically a community sauna with a heated floor that will cost you the equivalent of just a few dollars to sleep on.
Taxis are abundant and affordable, and there is no need to tip your driver. Subways are inexpensive and convenient, and signs are posted in Korean as well as English. Use them if you are visiting Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju or Incheon.
Renting a car to drive yourself might not be a great idea-road systems are complex and traffic is dense. Plus, you have to be over 21 to have an international driver’s permit.
5. Visit a foreign exchange bank when you arrive
You can buy traveler’s cheques or exchange money for South Korean Won (₩). You’ll want to keep some bills and coins on hand since some smaller merchants, or those in rural areas, may not accept traveler's cheques.
You can buy traveler’s cheques or exchange money for South Korean Won (₩). You’ll want to keep some bills and coins on hand since some smaller merchants, or those in rural areas, may not accept traveler's cheques.
The exchange rate is always changing, so check the current rate when you arrive to give you a good idea of how much money you should convert.
Most major credit cards are accepted in larger cities, but be aware that you may be charged a foreign transaction fee for using them.
Most major credit cards are accepted in larger cities, but be aware that you may be charged a foreign transaction fee for using them.
6. Go bird watching at Suncheon Bay, one of the world’s biggest coastal marshes. Enjoy and learn a little about science and nature at the Eco-Museum or Observatory.
Entry will cost you 8000₩ for adults, 4000-6000₩ for youth, and children under 6 years old are free.
Entry will cost you 8000₩ for adults, 4000-6000₩ for youth, and children under 6 years old are free.
7. Ski or snowboard the perfect slopes at Taebaek Mountain. These mountains are said to have the best snow in the country, which might be why they hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics.
For the most value for your money, try YongPyong Resort, which features over 15 miles (24 km) of slopes and 15 lifts. Day ticket prices are about 76,000₩ for adults and 61,000₩ for children.
8. Shopping
Doota shopping mall and 10 Corso Como offer super-trendy shopping, while Namdaemun Market is home of the biggest traditional Korean market for local and handmade goods.
Doota shopping mall and 10 Corso Como offer super-trendy shopping, while Namdaemun Market is home of the biggest traditional Korean market for local and handmade goods.
