Before you go
Confirm Korea’s current entry requirements for your passport through the official immigration or embassy channels. Save your hotel name in Korean and your airport-to-hotel route before departure.
Your first hour after landing
Get connected, collect or top up your chosen transport/payment card, and then follow the signed airport rail, bus or taxi option that best matches your hotel. In Seoul, airport rail and limousine buses cover many common arrival routes.
SIM, eSIM and maps
An eSIM is convenient for immediate data; physical tourist SIMs are widely sold at major airports. In Korea, local mapping apps such as Naver Map or KakaoMap can be more useful than relying only on global map services.
Money, T-money and WOWPASS
Most visitors can use international cards for many purchases. T-money is simple for transport; WOWPASS can suit travellers who want a tourist-focused prepaid payment card combined with transport features. Pick based on what you actually need rather than carrying every card.
Getting around
Subways are efficient in Seoul and Busan, while intercity rail and express buses link major destinations. Keep your destination written in Korean for taxis and confirm the correct station exit because large stations can have many exits.
Weather and what to pack
Korea has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are comfortable but popular; summer can be humid with rain, and winter requires proper cold-weather layers.
Etiquette and everyday habits
Queue at transit stops, keep noise moderate on public transport and be respectful in palaces, temples and memorial sites. When dining, shared dishes are common and a little patience with local ordering systems helps.
Entry rules, transport systems and travel procedures can change. Check the official sources again shortly before departure.