Korea Travel Checklist

A data-only eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) is enough for maps and translation. Even with a 010 SIM, Korean identity verification (PASS app) is impossible for tourists — this is a policy issue, not a SIM issue.

CGV/Megabox online booking, food delivery apps (Baemin, Yogiyo), Korean hotel apps (Yanolja, Goodchoice), and e-commerce (Coupang) all require Korean identity verification.

Klook, Trip.com, Catchtable all work with foreign cards. For movies, buy at theater kiosks. Ask your hotel front desk to help with bookings — faster than fighting verification screens.

Use Interpark Global (NOL World), KoreaTravelEasy, or Trazy for K-POP concerts. Korean Interpark requires Korean identity verification.

Shuttle Delivery is a foreigner-friendly delivery app with English UI, foreign card and PayPal support, no Korean verification needed. Alternative: ask your hotel to order for you.

Works everywhere in Korea — subway, bus, taxi, convenience stores. Buy at any 7-Eleven/CU/GS25 for ₩3,000. Cash recharge only for foreigners. The simplest choice.

Unlimited Seoul transit from ₩5,000/day. If you ride 3+ times daily, this saves money. Warning: does NOT work at Incheon Airport or outside Seoul.

Exchange foreign currency + shop + ride transit with one card. Caution: transit balance must be loaded separately (cash or via the WOWPASS app).

Naver Map

THE map app for Korea. Google Maps lacks walking directions here. Naver Map has it all.

KakaoMap

Another popular map app in Korea. Great for bus routes and local business info.

Papago

Best Korean translator. Camera mode reads menus and signs instantly.

K.ride

Korea's #1 taxi app. Sign up with a foreign phone number, pay via the app with international cards (Visa/Mastercard). Set destination in-app so no Korean needed with drivers.

Kakao Metro

Subway map and real-time arrival info for major Korean cities. Korean-focused but useful alongside Subway Korea.

Subway Korea

Subway route planner in 5 languages (EN/JA/ZH/KR). Best subway app for foreign tourists.

CATCHTABLE

Reserve popular restaurants and skip the wait. Works with international phone numbers.

T locker

Reserve subway station lockers in real-time. Korean-only interface but intuitive icon-based UI.

WOWPASS balance (Visa prepaid) = shopping, dining, taxis. T-money balance = subway, bus. They are NOT connected — you cannot transfer between them.

The T-money side can only be charged with Korean cash (KRW) at convenience stores or subway machines. WOWPASS balance cannot be moved to T-money.

No online payments (delivery apps, Coupang). Monthly limit ₩1,000,000. No PIN (KTX over ₩50,000 may fail). Works in Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, Andong and more — not just Seoul.

WOWPASS balance: withdraw at any WOWPASS kiosk (₩1,000 fee). Incheon Airport kiosks can only charge, NOT withdraw. T-money: refund at convenience stores (under ₩20,000).

T-money recharges require cash. Traditional markets and some street food are cash-only.

Convenience store ATMs mostly reject foreign cards (unlike Japan). Look for "Global ATM" at train stations, Hana Bank, or Woori Bank.

Expanding but still limited. Always have a backup payment method ready.

Accepted almost everywhere — restaurants, convenience stores, even street food.

Expect 15,000–25,000 steps daily. Seoul has hills and very deep subway stations (5+ min escalators). Leave the dress shoes at home.

Tactile paving (yellow bumps) covers most sidewalks and stations — rolling suitcases are very bumpy. Use a 4-wheel spinner or backpack.

Public trash cans are rare in Korea. Carry a small bag for your waste and dispose at convenience stores or your hotel.

Some common medications are restricted in Korea (similar to Japan). Bring prescriptions in English. Call 1330 (tourist hotline) if unsure.

Show the destination in Korean on your phone (Naver Map screenshot). Most taxi drivers do not speak English at all.

Free ambulance with multilingual interpretation service available 24/7.

For safety threats or crime. Multilingual support available.

24/7 multilingual hotline by Korea Tourism Organization. Hospital info, translation, travel help.

Find open hospitals/pharmacies on holidays. Emergency medical guidance.

Severance (Seoul), Asan (Seoul), SNUH (Seoul), Busan National Univ., Jeju National Univ.

Tipping is not expected and may cause confusion. Just pay the bill amount.

Korea takes portrait rights seriously. Blur faces in vlogs or ask permission first.

Public trash cans are rare. Carry your trash to convenience stores or your accommodation.

Free and generally very clean. In older buildings, use the trash bin instead of flushing tissue.

Talking loudly or playing music on buses/subways is considered very rude.