Ask Kim Doryung
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Subway Survival Guide
5 steps · T-money, transfers, refund, emergency
View Full Guide →
Taxi (KakaoT)
Install KakaoT app → sign in with email → enter pickup/drop pins (map picker works in English). Drivers rarely speak English, but the app shows the destination in Korean for them. Base fare from ₩4,800. Late-night 20% surcharge after midnight.
Convenience Store Mastery
CU / GS25 / 7-Eleven everywhere. ATM inside: look for "Global ATM" or BC Global sign — foreign cards work. Self-checkout kiosks support English. Hot meals: ask staff to microwave ("data-won juseyo" / 데워 주세요). Tax refund kiosk available at major branches.
Emergency Numbers
112 Police · 119 Ambulance/Fire · 1330 24/7 Tourist Hotline (English/JP/CN/RU). Foreigner-friendly hospitals: Severance, Samsung Medical, Seoul National Univ Hospital (International Clinic at each). Save 1330 — they translate on 3-way calls.
Tax Refund (VAT)
Spend ₩30,000+ at "Tax Free" stores → get refund receipt → refund kiosks at Incheon/Gimpo airports before check-in. Immediate refund up to ₩500,000 at major department stores (Lotte, Shinsegae, Hyundai). Keep receipts + passport ready.
Restaurant Etiquette
Water (물) and banchan (side dishes) are free, refills too — just ask "liphil juseyo" (리필 주세요). Seat yourself at casual places. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism). Tipping NOT expected — tipping can be refused. Use both hands to receive/pour drinks with elders.
Restroom Tips
Most are free and clean. Subway / department store / cafe restrooms are best. Paper: older buildings have a bin next to toilet — sometimes paper goes there, not flushed. Accessibility-friendly bathrooms marked with wheelchair sign. Locked at small cafes? Ask for the PIN at the counter.
WiFi & SIM
Free WiFi at most cafes, subway stations, tourist info centers. Tourist SIMs at Incheon/Gimpo airports (KT / SK / LG). eSIM: pre-order from Airalo / Nomad apps before arrival.
Free Attractions
Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung palaces: FREE if you wear Hanbok. National Museum of Korea, War Memorial, Seoul Museum of History, most Buddhist temples, and N-Seoul Tower base — all FREE entry.
Basic Korean
Hello: 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
Thank you: 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
How much: 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)
Delicious: 맛있어요! (mashisseoyo!)
Excuse me: 저기요 (jeogiyo)
Help: 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
Thank you: 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
How much: 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)
Delicious: 맛있어요! (mashisseoyo!)
Excuse me: 저기요 (jeogiyo)
Help: 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)