Create meetup in Seoulchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
wants to drink something at fmd_goodTapped
want to meet at fmd_good Corner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to drink something at fmd_goodHops Hall
explore Seoul Guides
bar_chart Trends in Seoul
Looking for info on surfing in Busan in February and the Seoul Wavegarden. Any tips?
honestly february in busan is cold and the waves are hit or miss. songjeong is your best bet, it faces east so it picks up more swell than haeundae which is too sheltered that time of year. youll need a 5/4 and booties, the water is around 8c.
for wavegarden, the shuttle runs from gangnam and jamsil for about 15,000 won one way i think. its not worth staying near the wavegarden tbh, just take the first shuttle and last one back. a single intermediate session is around 40,000 won, two sessions in one day is about 60,000 and you can take a break between them. you get maybe 8-12 waves per session depending on how many people are in your group.
ktx is about 60,000 won one way, just buy at the station or on the korail app. trains run on holidays but they do get busier, prices stay the same though. if you want a cheaper option the mugunghwa train takes 5 hours and costs half that.
a couple things the others missed - for wavegarden, the shuttle stops at specific times so check the schedule on their website or instagram before going. the 8am bus fills up fast on weekends. for lockers, they do have free ones but they're small, i usually just leave my bag in the car if i drive
for busan surf in feb, honestly songjeong is the move but check the wind forecast religiously. the morning window is usually glassy before 10am, after that it gets choppy. if its flat, suyeong river has a standing wave but that's more for kayakers and wakeboarders
ktx wise, download the korailtalk app and buy through there, way easier than the station if you dont speak korean. the regular trains are fine too but not worth the time savings unless you're on a tight budget. the holiday thing is fine, trains run normally just more crowded.
February in Busan for surfing is a gamble. Water temps will be chilly, so a good 5/4 wetsuit is essential. Songjeong generally has more consistent waves than Haeundae, but both are highly dependent on swell. Check a reliable surf forecast (Magicseaweed, for example) very close to your trip, conditions can change rapidly.
Regarding the Seoul Wavegarden: I haven't used their shuttle, but a quick taxi is usually pretty affordable. For budget accommodation nearby, look at guesthouses or Airbnbs a bit outside the immediate Wavegarden area. Prices fluctuate, so check Booking.com or similar. Session costs and wave counts vary depending on the crowd and wave size. It's best to check their website for the most up-to-date pricing and session details. Lockers are usually available, often requiring your own padlock.
The KTX (bullet train) between Busan and Seoul is efficient and comfortable. You can usually buy tickets at the station, but booking in advance, especially around holidays (like those January dates you mentioned), is recommended to secure your preferred time. Prices might be slightly higher during peak periods. Check the Korail website for schedules and pricing.
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too