Korea FAQs

Question

Do I need a visa?

Answer

YES. Well... technically a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is required even for countries that can visit without a visa. Official K-ETA website: www.k-eta.go.kr (apply at least 1 week before departure) Prepare: Passport scan, credit card ($10 fee), recent photo (like passport photo) and address for your stay. **If moving around, put the longest hotel stay. You also need the hotel phone number. Check the result - Typically 72 hours (sometimes longer) via email or the website. Period of validity - 2 years (Post July 2023, validity is 3 years) Please note details cannot be modified once submitted. You must apply for a new K-ETA if ANY details change. - - - Additional Arrival Card upon landing in Korea- K-ETA holders are currently exempted from airport arrival cards. ***However, Jackie always fills out the arrival card in the airport to be safe. Border control usually took her arrival card despite her also having had a K-ETA. The arrival card is very simple and all in English, requiring only basic info about you / your visit to Korea. Check out this blog for exact details if you'd like: https://airlinesofficesworld.com/what-is-korea-arrival-card/

Question

HOW CAN WE COMMUNICATE?

Answer

˙⟡iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype Chat⋆˙⟡ Just reach out via message or DM if you need help confirming #s or account IDs. We are here to help you with anything you need! **iMessage only works if you save contacts with the country code. US: +1 / Korea: +82 Ex - Jackie's US number: +1 732-859-8432

Question

HOW WILL I GET AROUND?

Answer

⋆˙⟡Rideshare / Taxis + Public Transport⋆˙⟡ Rideshare / Taxis: In the big cities Uber is commonly available! The Korean version of Uber is also available in English. It's called Kakao T (카카오 T) and will probably be slightly cheaper than Uber. You can also hail a taxi on the street, NYC style. Most drivers are honest and a 30 minute ride shouldn't be more than $25, but as in all places some people try to take advantage of tourists. **Most taxis accept credit cards. You can add your credit card to the Kakao T app. Public Transport: Seoul's public transportation is AMAZING! Especially the subway system. Busan has a reliable, safe and clean subway system too, just not as extensive. Buses are common in most places. Smaller cities and islands will be mostly buses only. If you visit Jeju island we strongly recommend a rental car there. **Paying for public transport: You need to tap entering the subway or bus AND when you exit or get off. Koreans use their phones or local cards, but tourists need to load up T-Money cards. Like metro cards in other cities, this plastic card is available for purchase in subway stations and rechargable. **CASH ONLY to buy / recharge** You may also ask cashiers in convenience stores to recharge transportation cards with CASH ONLY. Apps for directions: Google Maps isn't great here, but English versions on Korean map apps are available. Download both to be safe!! Naver Map 네이버 지도 + Kakao Map 카카오지도 + Kakao Metro

Question

WHAT ABOUT LANGUAGE BARRIERS?

Answer

⋆˙⟡English Tourism is big here / Apps are helpful⋆˙⟡ BEST Korean translation app: Papago (네이버 파파고) **You can take pictures of menus and have translations appear directly over the image. In the big cities and tourism spots, signs, subways / bus stops are always in English. Many restaurants will bring you an English menu if you're obviously not Korean. People are typically polite and patient as long as you are too!! If you get into any trouble, please just call us. Jackie has frequently put Dohak on speaker phone to rescue her in awkward situations!

Question

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

Answer

⋆˙⟡Early Summer⋆˙⟡ In late May, Korea is warm, sunny, and dry. The average high temperature is around 72–77ºF (22–25ºC). In Early June, temperatures increase and by mid-month it will be noticeably humid. Average highs 77–82ºF (25–28ºC). June is the very beginning of monsoon / rainy season. While some days might be perfect sunny skies, don't be surprised if the weather forecast calls for rain too. PRO TIP 1: Cafes, museums, public transport, etc. tend to blast AC. So light long sleeves or layers would be helpful if you get cold easily! PRO TIP 2: End of May / Early June can be nice beach weather, but not reliably hot enough to plan an entirely beachy vacation. **Beach tip- many Koreans wear rash-guards / swimming clothes. Don't feel weird about wearing your bikini! They are used to tourists!! (Jackie and Dohak never cover up either!) PRO TIP 3: Umbrellas are available in all convenience stores (7/11, CU, GS25) and are very cheap. If you get caught in a storm, buy one!!

Question

Any must bring items for my trip?

Answer

-> Power Adapters - Korea is Type C and Type F plugs, identical to those used in many parts of Europe. ***Purchase recommendation: https://a.co/d/2sL3WYL (Jackie's used the same universal adapter for 6+ years.) -> Portable Power Banks ***Purchase Recommendation: https://a.co/d/2sL3WYL (Remember!! Most power banks use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, and they MUST be stored in carry-ons only. DO NOT LEAVE IN CHECKED BAGS.) -> Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines ***Pack an emergency OTC kit for any headaches, hangovers, common colds / coughs or allergies you might develop. YES there are affordable pharmacies all over Korea, but you'll find inventory and brands differ from your home country. For example: Advil, DayQuill and melatonin supplements are not available here. Meanwhile Dramamin, Tylenol and Zyrtec are available OTC for very low prices. Overall we're always here to help, but let's be honest- you don't want search a foreign city for medicine when you're not feeling well. -> CASH - Recommendation: $70 or ₩100,000 per person on you at all times. ***Visa / Mastercard are widely accepted all over Korea and MOST places are card friendly. However for street vendors and small businesses you may need cash KRW (Korean Won), you might even get a discount for cash purchases! Global ATMs at the Korean airports are an easy way to withdraw KRW, or exchange physical cash at a counter in the airport. Additionally your local bank can arrange KRW if ordered in advance (takes 2-7 business days at major banks). When you're in Korea, proper bank storefronts usually have foreign friendly ATMs in lobbies with language options. Some big banks in Korea: KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH NongHyup. -> Sneakers / Comfortable walking shoes ***Unfortunately Korea isn't very accessible and it's a mountainous country. You'll find most people wear sneakers. Comfortable shoes are a MUST for visiting temples, subway stations and traditional Hanok villages.

Question

I HAVE A FOOD ALLERGY, HELP!

Answer

⋆˙⟡Please privately gives us a heads up⋆˙⟡ The traditional meal at Korean style weddings is a buffet (a very good one, we promise). However, when in doubt about ingredients we suggest you always ask! Due to language barriers, we recommend preparing a note in Korean to explain allergies. Whether it's on your phone or an actual piece of paper doesn't matter. We're happy to translate this note for you, just message us! PRO TIP 1: People commonly cross their arms 🙅 to indicate NO in Korea.

Question

DELIVERY FOOD OPTIONS

Answer

⋆˙⟡For when you're tired⋆˙⟡ Good news: Seoul and Busan have LIMITED options for delivery. Bad news: The English delivery app is only available in Seoul. Other good news: Convenience stores are next level here. You can get delicious, ready made food for when you're in need a brainless hotel meal. Most stores have microwaves and hot water available to heat up your meal on the spot. They also will have disposable chopsticks, etc. at the cashier counter. If you don't see any just ask! (PRO TIP: Fork sounds like "Pork" in Korean) Food Delivery in Seoul: Shuttle Delivery **ENGLISH Baemin (배달의민족) **Only in Korean, but with screenshots and translations you can figure it out! ALSO PLEASE JUST MESSAGE IF STRUGGLING --> WE CAN ORDER FOR YOU!!! Food Delivery in Busan: Baemin (배달의민족) **Again, only in Korean, with screenshots and translations you can figure it out! OR PLEASE MESSAGE IF STRUGGLING --> WE CAN ORDER FOR YOU!!!

Question

Cannabis in Korea? (Weed / Marijuana)

Answer

Recreational cannabis remains strictly forbidden in Korea, including CBD (hemp oil or cannabidiol). Do not try to bring anything (pens, edibles, ANYTHING). Regardless of the amount, a violation is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won, about $42,556 USD. On top of deportation you will also have a criminal record. There is very little and very vague allowances for medical use, but we know nothing about it or how a foreigner would prove that. Please just don't bring anything, there's nothing we can do when you get caught and it is taken VERY seriously here.