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What has changed since 2016?
Is the city still safe to wander around?
We will be taking the metro… I lived there for 6 months in 2016 and I'm going there in 3 days, I'd be grateful is someone could answer some questions for me:
Is the city still safe to wander around?
We will be taking the metro from Incheon airport to our hotel, is there a way to get our k-transportation cards inside the airport?
On the same note. Are transportation cards' credit still only refillable with cash? Or can we do it with our credit cards? Also, can we get cash with out international debit cards from atms in the airport?
I used to be able to get everywhere using the metro with Google Maps, but I heard it doesnt work anymore. Do I have to download and learn to use Naver?
Since we will be there only 3 days, there's no plans on getting an e-sim. Is open wifi still available almost everywhere? Or should we consider getting one?
That's all for now, thank you in advance!
honestly you're overthinking the card stuff. you can tap your international credit card directly at the gates now, visa and mastercard both work. i've been doing that for months and never bother with t-money unless i'm buying stuff from convenience stores. the machines at incheon have nfc readers on them too so you can just top up with your phone if you want
google maps is dead for transit but honestly kakao maps is better than naver for english speakers. the UI is cleaner and it doesn't throw random korean text at you. just download it before you land and you'll be fine in 5 minutes
for wifi you'll survive but it's annoying constantly reconnecting. the subway wifi drops between stations and some older lines like line 1 barely have it. for three days just get a sim at the airport, it's like 15 bucks and saves you the headache of standing outside a 7-eleven trying to load maps
yeah seoul's still safe, no worries there. you can get a t-money card at the airport convenience stores (gs25 or cu) right after baggage claim, they sell them at the counter
cash is still king for topping up cards at machines but some newer machines at bigger stations like seoul station take credit cards now. atms at the airport will work with ur intl debit card, just look for the global atm signs (usually at kb or woori bank ones)
google maps is basically useless for transit now, yeah. naver map is the move and it's honestly better once u get used to it. it shows exits and real-time bus times. you can download the english version and it works fine
wifi is everywhere in seoul tbh, cafes, subway, even some buses. but for 3 days an e-sim might save u the headache of hunting for connections. it's like 10k won for a week if u buy it at the airport, pretty cheap
Seoul is still very safe, just use the same street smarts you'd use in any big city. For the airport transfer, you can grab a T-money card at the GS25 or CU convenience stores in the arrivals hall, they're right near the exits.
Most subway station top-up machines still prefer cash, but the newer ones at major stations like Hongdae or Gangnam now take international credit cards. Incheon Airport has plenty of Global ATMs that work with foreign debit cards, the ones at Shinhan Bank near the exits are reliable.
Google Maps is basically broken for subway directions now, it'll show the station but not the routes. Naver Map is the standard, the English version shows train exits and bus arrival times pretty well. It takes maybe 10 minutes to get the hang of it.
Free wifi is everywhere in tourist areas and on the subway, but it can be spotty in between stations. For 3 days you might be fine just connecting at cafes and hotels, though an eSIM is cheap and saves you from hunting for signals at every street corner.
Cultural Etiquette in Seoul: What Not to Do (2026)
When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow with your eyes lowered is the standard greeting. Handshakes are common in business settings, but use both hands or support… 🙇 Greeting Customs
When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow with your eyes lowered is the standard greeting. Handshakes are common in business settings, but use both hands or support your right wrist with your left hand to show respect. Avoid overly firm handshakes, as a gentle grip is preferred.
🏯 Temple and Palace Rules
At temples like Jogyesa or Bongeunsa, dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering any prayer hall. Photography is often prohibited inside the main halls, so look for signs or ask a monk. When sitting for meditation or a ceremony, never point your feet at a Buddha image; tuck them under you.
🥢 Dining Etiquette
Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual. Do not pick up food with your fingers unless it's a finger food like a wrap; use chopsticks or a spoon. When eating with elders, wait for them to start first, and do not start eating until the oldest person at the table has taken their first bite.
💵 Tipping and Paying
Tipping is not customary in South Korea, and leaving a tip at a restaurant or for a taxi driver may be refused or seen as odd. In group dining, the person who invites usually pays, and splitting the bill evenly is common among friends. If you want to treat someone, offer to pay before the bill arrives, as arguing over the check is a polite ritual.
👗 Dress Codes
In Seoul, casual wear is fine for most places, but avoid wearing revealing clothes in traditional neighborhoods like Bukchon or at religious sites. For upscale restaurants or clubs in Gangnam, smart casual is expected, and some venues may enforce a dress code. During summer, light fabrics are essential, but always carry a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces.
🤫 Public Behavior
Keep your voice low on public transportation and in cafes; Koreans value quiet in shared spaces. On the subway, give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities, as designated seats are reserved for them. Avoid eating or drinking on the subway, and do not play music or videos without headphones.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in traditional markets like Gwangjang or Namdaemun. In palaces and museums, flash photography is often banned to protect artifacts, so turn off your flash. When taking selfies in crowded areas, be mindful of others and do not block walkways.
🚶 Queueing and Transit
When boarding buses or subways, let passengers exit first, then form a line on the side of the doors. On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left, though in some stations it's the opposite, so follow the signs. In busy areas like Hongdae or Myeongdong, keep to the right side of the sidewalk to avoid collisions.
the guide got the chopstick thing right but one thing people really mess up is the green onion thing. if u order samgyeopsal or any grilled meat with ssam, don't cut the pajori (green onion salad) into tiny pieces with scissors unless someone offers. it's a whole vibe thing, older folks take it as rushing the meal. just tear it with ur hands or leave it whole, the grill does the work.
also on the bowing, don't do the 90 degree thing for strangers. a quick nod from the neck is fine, full bows are for funerals or formal apologies. i've seen tourists do a deep bow at a convenience store and the cashier looked like they wanted to die. keep it light, especially in hongdae or itaewon where everyone's chill.
and one thing the guide missed: if u're invited to a norebang (karaoke room), u don't have to sing but u do have to at least clap and nod along. sitting silent with ur phone out kills the mood. just fake it for one song and u're golden.
Good list, and the bit about not starting to eat before elders is the one I've seen tourists struggle with most. If you're with a Korean group and you're the youngest, you'll also be expected to pour drinks for everyone else before you pour your own. It's not a huge deal, but doing it right makes a great impression. Use two hands when pouring for someone older, and if you're receiving, hold your glass with two hands too.
One thing the guide didn't touch on is the subway card situation. Get a T-money card at any convenience store, it works on buses, subways, and even some taxis. You tap it on the reader, and it's way cheaper than single ride tickets. Also, when you transfer between bus and subway within 30 minutes, you get a discount automatically, so don't buy separate tickets for each leg. The machines at the station are in English, but the convenience store is faster.
honestly the guide nails the basics, but one thing nobody mentions is the whole "Korean age" thing when you're out drinking. if someone asks how old you are, they're not being nosy, they're trying to figure out if they should use formal speech or if you can be casual. it's a quick way to break the ice, just answer straight and don't overthink it.
another tip for the dining section: if you're at a pojangmacha (the street tents in Jongno or near Hongik Univ station), the ajumma running it might just hand you side dishes without asking. that's not a mistake, it's her way of saying welcome. eat them, they're usually the best part. and don't ask for a menu, there isn't one, you point at what looks good or just say "anything" and she'll sort you out.
oh and for the tipping thing, if you're at a fancy hotel and a valet helps with your bag, a small tip is fine even if it's not customary. they won't refuse it, they'll just give you a weird look like "oh this foreigner tried to tip me" and then pocket it anyway. so don't stress about that one.