OVERVIEW
Capital: Seoul
Currency: Won (KRW)
Language: Korean
ATM Networks: everywhere.
Electricity: 220V, 60Hz with Type C and Type F plugs
Internet: 87% faster than in U.S. WiFi coverage is moderate. It's relatively easy to find one when needed.
Water: Not drinkable
Tipping: Not customary
Airport: Information counters available at Airport Transportation Center. Taxi stands available at Arrivals exit. It takes about 50 minutes to city center and cost KRW 55,000-
© 2020
TIP
Whenever you leave a place, get someone to write your next destination in Korean on a piece of paper you can hand to a cab driver (taxis are inexpensive) or a person on the street – simple things like “intercity bus station” or “where is the restaurant”.
SOUTH KOREA
WHERE TO GO -
5 Must See Royal Sights in Seoul
Things to do in Seoul:
- Myeongdong Market is known for its silk goods and vintage clothes during the day, but in the evening it turns into seafood city, with raucus communal tables filled with laughter and conviviality.
- Namsan Seoul Tower, also known as the N Tower, is the highest point in the city and is best visited at night, after a quick cable car ride. The mountain it caps has been ringed with walking trails and during the day the hike is well worth it. Partway up is a wonderful traditional restaurant which serves magnificent scallion and squid pancakes.
- A tour to the DMZ, or demilitarized zone, which splits Korea into North and South and has been called the world’s most dangerous border.
- Noryanjing Fish Market is one of Seoul’s signature sights, with fish so fresh it is still – alive. Go around lunchtime or you’ll be in the same boat I was: eyeing raw fish for breakfast. I love it but even I couldn’t face it pre-
coffee… Just wear good shoes because the floors are wet and slippery. - Itaewon is an expat enclave so international you feel you’re crossing a border each time you cross a street. Its Muslim Quarter's halal eateries and pilgrimage tour agencies “approved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” give it a powerful oriental atmosphere but down the hill, other familiar smells fight for attention -
pizza, burgers and fried chicken.
WHERE TO STAY
GETTING AROUND SEOUL
Getting around Seoul is easy, but time consuming – it’s not a small town. A rechargeable T-
The transport networks are extensive and rarely will you be beyond public transit’s reach. Just be forewarned: you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Seoul is built on hills and while there are plenty of subway and bus stops, you may still be blocks away. -
Good to have: Seoul Travel PASS is a prepaid admission Pass to visit more than 30 attractions in Seoul into one pass.