Guides

Korea, explained for visitors

Short, practical guides written for people who are here now — or landing soon.

Emergency numbers 112 Police · 119 Fire & ambulance · 1330 Tourist helpline (English, 24h, also interprets for you) · 1345 Immigration
Entry: K-ETA & visa Many nationalities need a K-ETA before boarding unless temporarily exempt — apply on the official site (k-eta.go.kr) at least 72 hours before. Check your country's rule; it changes.
Getting around: T-money One card for subway, bus and most taxis nationwide. Buy at any convenience store (₩3,000–4,000) and top up with cash. Tap in and tap out. Kids/youth fares need registration.
Phone & internet eSIM or SIM: buy online before you fly or at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is everywhere but a data plan makes maps and translation reliable. Naver Map and Kakao Map work better than Google Maps here.
Money & tax refund Cards work almost everywhere; keep ~₩50,000 cash for markets and small shops. Spend ₩30,000+ in one tax-free shop and get VAT back instantly in-store or at the airport kiosks — bring your passport.
Tipping & manners No tipping — ever. Say 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida). Use both hands when giving or receiving. Keep voices low on transit. Shoes off where you see others' shoes at the door.
Pharmacies & clinics Pharmacies (약국, green cross) sell most basics; many close by 9pm. For a doctor, use the Explore page's Skin Clinic / Pharmacy chips, or call 1339 for medical guidance.
Ask K* anything Not sure? Ask K* in your language — what to order, how to say it, how to get there. Translate a sentence, or read a menu from a photo.

Guides

Seoul City GuideNeighbourhoods, what to do, where to stay.Etiquette & CultureManners, dining rules and social customs.Korean LanguageHangul basics and the phrases you'll actually use.Food & CultureWhat to eat, how to order, what it means.Culinary Class Wars restaurantsWhere the chefs from the show actually cook.ActivitiesDay trips, classes and experiences.Korean GamesTraditional games and how to play them.Fun FactsSmall things that make Korea, Korea.Beauty TrendsK-beauty routines and where to shop.Celebrity StyleOn-screen fits and how to find them.

Guides are being rewritten for mobile one by one; older pages may still use the previous layout.