Getting your hair or nails done in Korea can be a fun addition to your trip, especially if you enjoy beauty services or want to try something different while traveling. I’ve visited hair and nail salons in Korea, the United States, and South America, and the experiences haven’t always been the same. From pricing to…
Whenever I visit a historic attraction where wearing hanbok is an option, I want to wear one—and I usually do. For me, it is part of the experience. You can absolutely visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in regular clothes and still have a great day. But walking through a Korean palace in hanbok makes sightseeing feel more…
This Gyeongbokgung Palace guide is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Seoul and an easy choice for first-time visitors who want to experience Korea’s royal history. But Gyeongbokgung is much larger than it may look in photos. It is not simply one ornate building behind Gwanghwamun Gate. The palace complex includes large courtyards, royal…
Public transportation in Korea may look complicated at first, but you really do not need to understand the entire system before your trip. For most visitors, getting around comes down to four things: subways, buses, taxis, and a transportation card such as T-Money. The more useful question is not “How does every transportation system in…
Planning your first trip to South Korea can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. Korea is actually quite easy to travel once you understand a few basics, but some things work differently from what American travelers may be used to. Transportation apps are different, cash and cards work a little differently,…
Wondering how many days in Seoul you need for your first trip? For most first-time visitors, five days in Seoul is the sweet spot. Three days can give you a meaningful introduction to the city if you plan carefully. Five days gives you a better balance of history, culture, neighborhoods, and modern Seoul without rushing….
Wondering where to stay in Seoul for your first trip? Choosing the right neighborhood can make a much bigger difference than you might expect. Seoul is a huge city, and areas that look fairly close on a map can take a long time to travel between. That means the best place to stay in Seoul…
If you’re planning a trip to Korea, Kakao T for foreigners may seem a little confusing at first—especially if you already use Uber in the United States. The good news is that Kakao T is actually quite simple once you understand how the taxi and payment system works. On my recent trip to Korea, Uber…
A T-Money Card in Korea is one of the easiest ways to pay for subways and buses during your trip. That’s generally good advice, but there’s one thing many travel guides leave out: T-Money isn’t the only transportation card in Korea. Depending on the convenience store you visit, you may find T-Money, EZL, or another…
The Seoul subway map can look overwhelming at first. There are many lines, unfamiliar station names, and some transfer stations are much larger than you might expect. But the system is actually very tourist-friendly. Subway lines are numbered and color-coded, most signs include English, and navigation apps can guide you through almost every step. You…