Create meetup in Seoulchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
wants to a walk at fmd_goodThe Spot
wants to drink coffee at fmd_goodRoastery No. 7
wants to sport at fmd_goodLocal House
explore Seoul Guides
bar_chart Trends in Seoul
Is Xanax or Valium legal?
Can I just buy this in the pharmacy in Seoul? What could I take to sleep on the flight? I have a 16 hr flight home soon and normally like to pop a xan 50 dollars in Japan.
Can I just buy this in the pharmacy in Seoul? What could I take to sleep on the flight?
i wouldn't bother with pharmacies unless you have a korean prescription, they're strict about that stuff. for sleeping on the flight just go to Olive Young near Myeongdong station and grab some "sleep aid" gummies - they're basically diphenhydramine but taste way better than the pills. if you really want something stronger there's a pharmacy in Hongdae that sometimes sells "traveler's kits" with mild sedatives but it's hit or miss and you'll need to ask in korean
You'll need a prescription for either one, no pharmacy will sell it over the counter. Korean customs is also strict about bringing controlled substances in, so don't try to bring your own stash either unless you have a doctor's note and declare it.
A lot of travelers don't realize you can see a doctor at the airport itself. Incheon has a medical clinic near the departure area, you can walk in and explain you need something for the flight. They'll likely prescribe a short acting sleep aid like Stilnox, which is the local name for zolpidem. The consultation is around 30,000 won and the medication is cheap.
For something simpler, the convenience stores in the airport terminal sell these little Korean sleep aids called "Doxylamine" under the brand name "Sleep Aids" or "Nytol" at the pharmacy section near the register. They're just antihistamines but they work well enough for a flight.
honestly if you're flying out of Incheon they have those relaxation zones near the gates, could just grab a floor mat and crash there before boarding. but for actual meds, what the other person said about clinics in Itaewon is your best shot - try the foreigner clinic near Hamilton Hotel, they're used to travelers needing a quick script. just don't expect them to hand over a month's supply, maybe 2-3 pills max if you're lucky
Best Food in Seoul (2026)
Begin your food journey at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest traditional markets. Try the iconic bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Suni's Bindaetteok for 4,000 won, or the… 🍜 Where to Start
Begin your food journey at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest traditional markets. Try the iconic bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Suni's Bindaetteok for 4,000 won, or the spicy tteokbokki at the central food alley. The market is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM and is a 5-minute walk from Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1).
🥩 Must-Try Korean BBQ
For an unforgettable Korean BBQ experience, head to Mapo-gu's famous Meat Alley near Mapo Station. Visit Wangbijib Myeongdong (32-3 Myeongdong 2-gil) for premium hanwoo beef, with set meals starting at 40,000 won per person. They are open from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, and reservations are recommended for dinner.
🍲 Soul-Warming Soups
When the weather turns chilly, warm up with a bowl of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at Tosokchon Samgyetang in Jongno-gu (5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil). Their signature dish costs 19,000 won and comes with a whole young chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng. Arrive before noon to avoid the long lines, as they open at 10 AM and close at 10 PM.
🌮 Street Food Hotspots
Myeongdong's street food stalls are a paradise for snack lovers, especially from late afternoon to evening. Try the cheese-filled hotteok (sweet pancake) at the main pedestrian street for 3,000 won, or the grilled skewers at the Myeongdong Kyoja corner. Most stalls operate from 11 AM to 10 PM, and prices range from 2,000 to 5,000 won per item.
🍜 Noodle Heaven
For a bowl of handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), visit Myeongdong Kyoja (29 Myeongdong 10-gil), a legendary spot since 1966. Their kalguksu costs 9,000 won and comes in a rich chicken broth with dumplings. They are open from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, and expect a short wait during peak hours.
🍚 Bibimbap and Beyond
Experience a traditional dolsot bibimbap at Gogung in Insadong (30-1 Insadong-gil), where the hot stone bowl creates a crispy rice crust. The Jeonju-style bibimbap is 12,000 won, and the restaurant is open from 11 AM to 9 PM. Pair it with a bowl of their homemade doenjang jjigae for an extra 5,000 won.
🍰 Sweet Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Cafe Onion in Seongsu-dong (8 Achasan-ro 15-gil), known for its trendy industrial vibe and pastries. Their signature pandoro (Italian sweet bread) costs 6,000 won, and the cafe opens at 8 AM. For a traditional dessert, try hotteok at the Seoul Folk Flea Market near Sinseol-dong Station.
🍺 Night Market Eats
After dark, head to the Bamdokkaebi Night Market at Banpo Hangang Park (open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 PM to 11 PM). Sample fusion dishes like kimchi fried rice balls (5,000 won) or grilled cheese skewers (4,000 won) from the food trucks. Take the subway to Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, 9) and walk 10 minutes to the park.
honestly the guide nailed most of it but i gotta shout out the ssamgyeopsal at samwon garden in apgujeong. it's pricier than mapo alley but the pork belly is thick cut and they grill it over charcoal which makes a huge difference. also if you're at gwangjang market don't skip the mayak gimbap, it's those tiny seaweed rolls with carrot and spinach, three bucks for a tray and they're dangerously addictive
one thing the guide missed is sundae (korean blood sausage) at the gwangjang market stall near the main entrance. it's like 3,000 won and they serve it with salt and peppers, really underrated street food. also for the bamdokkaebi night market try to go on a friday when there's more food trucks, saturdays get packed with families and the lines get ridiculous