Korea: The Basics

Check out our blog posts for specifics on Dermatology Korea, Things to Do in Seoul, Food, and Buying Eyeglasses and Contacts. Seoul is easy to navigate, safe, with plenty of historical and cultural attractions. Seoul is a BIG city. We were there 2 weeks and did not see everything.

Navigation and Getting Around

Google doesn't really work in Korea. Instead use the homegrown apps, Naver and Kakao which are the primary ways to help get around. While I used Google to find places, navigation never worked. Naver has better English language support, but I ended up using Kakao because it was easier for me to save lists of places (you need to create an account to save lists).

The T-money card is the method most people use for public transport. T-money is available on iphone BUT only works if you have a Korea-based credit card (as of September 2025). It functions much like IC cards in Japan, covering most public transit in the country and can also be used to pay at many stores and taxis. Get a T-money card as soon as possible. Most convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, CU, etc) sell them for 3,000 won (US$2). Then you need to add money -- cash only. You can find recharge machines in all subways station and many convenience stores can charge them too. Since recharging can only be done with cash, you will need to get money from a ATM soon (Note that train and bus tickets from Incheon airport can be purchased with a credit card). Subway and bus rides are typically about 1500 won (just over US$1) per trip.

Money

Most restaurants and stores take credit cards; most taxis do, also. Some street vendors do too, but you'll need cash for T-money and many street vendors. ATMs are plentiful throughout Seoul. We were able to get money from several Korean bank ATMs near our hotel. Carry your passport with you to take advantage of point-of-service tax discounts at some stores. Visit our blog post Medical Korea to read about VAT refunds at the airport.

Where we stayed in Seoul

We stayed at the The Prima Hotel Jongno. It was reasonably priced, and in a great location. The breakfast was large, but tiresome after the first day.