Hello! I’m Haein, a Korean-American lifestyle writer who has returned to the motherland—Seoul, South Korea. After growing up in the States, I finally made the trip back to Seoul in 2018. Since then, I’ve been trying to visit family and friends every other year or so.
You might think that being Korean, at least ethnically, and growing up in a predominantly Korean-American community would make my return feel like coming home. Surprisingly, it wasn’t like that at all. Seoul felt like an entirely new country, even for me.
If you’re visiting Seoul or just curious about what this vibrant and fast-moving city is like, here are some tips I picked up along the way:
### 1. Getting into Seoul from Incheon Airport
Straight off the plane, there are three main ways to get into the city: taxi/rideshare, airport limousine bus, or the subway. Of course, if you have family or friends willing to make the trek to the airport, that’s a great option too!
### 2. Mind the Reserved Subway Seats
On the subway, it’s important to be mindful of designated seats for seniors, people with disabilities, and those who are expecting. Two rows at the start and end of each carriage are reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. In the middle of the carriage, the pink seats are specifically for pregnant riders. These are taken very seriously here! You can also spot these seats marked on subway platforms.
### 3. Subway Escalator Etiquette
When using escalators in Seoul’s subway stations, stand on the right side if you’re standing still, and keep the left side clear if you’re walking up or down. This helps keep the flow of commuters smooth amid the hustle and bustle.
### 4. Get a T-money Card
If you plan on using public transportation, the T-money card is your best friend! This rechargeable card works on subways, buses, and even in some convenience stores.
### 5. Paying in Seoul
When making purchases, I use a mix of Korean won cash and my regular debit or credit cards. Be sure to check the foreign transaction fees on your cards ahead of time. While I limit card use somewhat, it’s been the most convenient payment method for me.
### 6. Tax Refunds on Shopping
One of the perks for visitors is the tax refund on select purchases. In name-brand shops like Nike, Uniqlo, and Olive Young, look out for signs that say “tax refund” or ask the staff if they offer a tax refund form.
### 7. Trash and Recycling
You might notice the surprising lack of trash cans around the city. If you’re booking an Airbnb, the host will likely provide instructions on recycling and organizing your trash. Recycling is taken very seriously here.
### 8. Enjoy KBBQ and Ssam Properly
If you love Korean BBQ and ssam—an assortment of meat, sauce, and fresh garlic or seasoned green onion wrapped up in leafy vegetables—try to eat each one in a single bite for the full experience!
### 9. Iced Americanos are a Favorite
Coffee lovers, take note: iced Americanos are incredibly popular here. People often say “ah” when ordering iced Americano, making it sound like “iced-ah americano.”
### 10. What are SHINE MUSCATS?
You might wonder what SHINE MUSCATS are and why they’re so popular. They’re just the juiciest, most delicious grapes I’ve ever tasted!
### 11. Discover Self-Serve Cafes
Seoul’s cafe culture is well known, but something unique caught my eye: self-serve cafes! In my neighborhood alone, there are two within a block. At these cafes, you select your drink on a kiosk, pay by card, then grab your cup and ice yourself before placing it on the machine to be filled.
### 12. Soju Prices
Soju, a popular Korean liquor, is very affordable in its home country—just around ₩1,900 at convenience stores and about ₩5,000 at restaurants and bars.
### 13. Elevator Button Tip
If you accidentally press the wrong elevator button, just press it again—it’ll cancel your selection. How convenient is that?
### 14. Subway Entry Panic
One of the most panicked moments I had was when I tried to enter the subway platform but was stopped by an aggressive partition gate. During rush hour, with commuters bustling behind me, I kept getting denied entry until I figured out what was going on.
### 15. Use KakaoMap or NAVER Map
Google Maps can be unreliable in Seoul. I highly recommend using KakaoMap or NAVER Map for navigating the city—they’re much better suited to Seoul’s public transit and street layouts.
### 16. Stay Connected
Seoul is well-connected in terms of Wi-Fi. Many cafes and some restaurants offer free public Wi-Fi, as do subway stations. I installed an e-SIM card to have a 24/7 connection, but if you don’t, you can survive—it just won’t be as fast or smooth.
### 17. Relaxing Spots in Seoul
If you need a break from the busy city life, I enjoy taking walks through Seoul Forest and up Namsan Tower. Both are beautiful spots to unwind.
### 18. Most Importantly—Enjoy!
Seoul is a bustling, fascinating, and beautiful city with so many fantastic foods and sights to explore. I always leave with my belly, heart, and luggage full—and after hitting my daily 10K steps quota!
Have you been to Seoul before? Do you have any tips to add? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
https://www.buzzfeed.com/haein_jung/travel-tips-to-seoul-south-korea-from-korean-american
