How to get around Korea

Please find below some important information on how to get around Korea.

Flying to Republic of Korea

Incheon International Airport (ICN)

• ICN is the main international airport serving South Korea.

Maps

Naver Map (free download on App Store)

• While you can use Google Maps in Korea for public transportation, it does not provide routes for walking or driving.  We highly recommend downloading and using Naver Map for a more accurate/comprehensive navigation experience for getting around Korea.

• Naver Maps can be displayed in English, so do not worry about learning Korean.

Korean SIM Card

• We highly recommend getting a Korean SIM card for your convenience, at least for 1 person in your travel party.

• Due to the high level of automation in Korea, you may encounter inconveniences if you don't have a Korean number (downloading/activating certain Apps, making reservations, etc.)

• You can purchase/pre-purchase and pick-up at carriers’ kiosk upon arrival in ICN Airport

  • SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ are the largest carriers in Korea.  

  • Our recommendation: SK Telecom SIM card

    • Unlimited Data, with Korean number

    • Select your package option depending on your needs

    • Book ahead of time through the link, and pick up at any SK Telecom kiosk upon arrival at ICN

Direction: ICN Airport to your Destination in Seoul

There are 2 main modes of transportation from ICN Airport to Seoul:

1. AREX (Airport Railroad Express train)

• AREX is express train that goes between ICN and Seoul Station (서울역) in Seoul city center.

• You can purchase AREX tickets at the kiosk at ICN, or you can reserve your tickets ahead of time.

• More information available on AREX website

2. Airport Limousine (Airport bus)

• Airport Limousine is the express bus that goes between ICN and various drop-off/pick-up locations around Seoul city center.

• You can purchase Airport Limousine tickets at the kiosk at ICN, or you can reserve your tickets ahead of time.  If you purchase ahead of time, just remember to exchange your voucher for physical ticket at the airport bus ticket counter.

• You can view the drop-off/pick-up locations for each Airport Limousine bus on the Airport Limousine website. 

Public Transportation

1. Subway / Bus (most recommended, especially around Seoul)

• • Subway / Bus will get you everywhere you need to go around Seoul.

  • To take subway / bus in Seoul, you need a public transportation card, 1 card per person

    • Purchase transportation card (T-Money card) at any convenience stores or subway stations

      • It can be reloaded at any subway stations using Kiosk. 

      • You need Korean Won (KRW) in cash. Cash only!

      • Just in case, make sure to carry enough cash as subway fares range from KRW 1,500 ($ 1) to KRW 10,000 ($ 8).

    • Purchase WOWPASS ahead of time and pick up at kiosk at ICN airport

      • It can be reloaded with USD (cash) at the airport kiosk upon pick-up.

      • It can be reloaded with Korean Won using Kiosk at subway stations, or it can be directly linked to your US credit cards on its website/App

2.  Taxi

• • Uber (recommended):

    • Recently, Uber has partnered with Korean taxi services, allowing you to directly use your US Uber account. It's often difficult to flag down a taxi on the street. 

  • Kakao T :

    • Locals typically use the Kakao T app, linked to a Korean phone number, to hail taxis.

3.  KTX train (for inter-city travels)

• It's advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially for travel from regional areas to Seoul in the evening on weekends, as seats are often fully booked. However, booking tickets through the app can be challenging for foreigners. Therefore, the most recommended method is to arrive at the station a bit early or the day before to purchase your tickets directly.

• Direct purchase at the station:

  • You can purchase tickets for KTX trains or buses directly at the station and also book your return tickets at the same time. 

• Purchase through the Korail app: 

  • If you encounter any difficulties with the reservation process, please let us know, and we can assist you with booking. While booking directly using the app might make cancellations or changes easier, you may face challenges if you don't have a Korean phone number or credit card. If you try and encounter issues, feel free to contact us for assistance.

  • For more information ... reddit link

4. Express Bus (for inter-city travels)

• • Direct purchase at the station 

  • Purchase using T-money Go app:

Keeping Contact in Korea

Although iMessage will work in Korea, you can also contact us via WhatsApp or KakaoTalk if you need to get in touch with Andy or Bo.

• Andy:
  WhatsApp ID: andychoi91
  KakaoTalk ID: andychoi91

• Bo:
  KakaoTalk ID: licby 
  iMessage: +1 650 704-9102
  Korean phone number: +82 (0)10-5021-7674

• In case of emergency or urgent needs, and you can’t get a hold of Andy or Bo:

  • Hoon Choi (Andy's dad): +82 (0)10-7619-5242

  • Kyungae Lee (Andy's mom): +82 (0)10-8059-2174

  • Suyoun Park (Bo's cousin): +82 (0)10-9114-1551