First trip to Seoul: T-money, maps, taxis and what to sort out before you land

TUREFF• •0

Seoul is one of the easiest big cities in the world to get around, once you know that a few of the tools you use at home do not work the same way here. This is the checklist people wish they had read before their first trip.

Before you fly

Entry: many nationalities can visit visa-free, but you may need a K-ETA (an online travel authorisation) or a visa depending on your passport. Visitors from a list of countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and much of Europe, have been exempt from K-ETA through the end of 2026. Check k-eta.go.kr for your own passport before booking.
Arrival card: if you are exempt from K-ETA you fill in an arrival card, either on the plane or online beforehand.
Download the maps now: Google Maps cannot give walking or driving directions in Korea. Install Naver Map or KakaoMap before you leave; both have English interfaces and give accurate subway, bus and walking routes.

Getting from Incheon Airport into the city

AREX (Airport Railroad): the all-stop train is cheap and connects to the subway at Gimpo Airport, Hongdae (Hongik University) and Seoul Station. The express train runs non-stop to Seoul Station.
Airport limousine buses go directly to most hotel districts and are easier with heavy luggage.
Taxis wait outside arrivals. Use the official taxi rank, not someone approaching you inside the terminal.

T-money: the one card you need

Buy a T-money card at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or at airport and station machines, and top it up with cash at the same places. It works on the subway, buses and most taxis across the country, and at convenience stores. Tap when you get on and when you get off buses, or you miss the free transfer between bus and subway. Some travel cards and newer foreign-card options for transit have appeared in recent years; T-money remains the one that works everywhere.

Taxis

Kakao T is the main taxi app. It now accepts many foreign cards and phone numbers, but check after installing.
Have your destination in Korean (copy it from the map app) to show the driver.
Late at night around popular districts, taxis can be hard to hail; booking in the app is easier.

Money and phones

Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops. Keep some cash for street food stalls and traditional markets.
Withdraw cash at ATMs marked "Global" or "Foreign Card", common in convenience stores and banks.
An eSIM or a prepaid SIM is cheap and saves you from relying on café Wi-Fi. Many carriers sell them at the airport.

Small things that help

Tipping is not expected anywhere.
Most restaurants have a call button on the table, or you raise your hand and say "jeogiyo" (excuse me).
Subway stations are signed in English and announcements are in English too.
Many shops and cafés open late and close late; plenty of museums close on Mondays.

Entry rules and app support change, so confirm the details close to your travel date. Ask your own questions or share what surprised you on your trip in the comments below.