1. Pack For The Season.

Only bring what’s needed (not your entire closet!), regardless of whether you’re traveling for a short stay or longer periods. South Korea is a country with four seasons, and during winter, the temperature can go down to -15°C (5°F). It’s wise to check the weather in Korea beforehand and pack your clothes according to the present weather conditions. Usually, Koreans look forward to spring or autumn, when the temperature is pleasantly warm and refreshing breezes blow from time to time.

Don’t worry if you run out of clothes, as shopping is common here in South Korea. Head over to Myeongdong for cosmetics, Namdaemun for bulk purchases at wholesale prices, and Gangnam for the latest fashion trends!

 

 

 

 

2. Secure General Items.

Korea uses type C and F two-pin plugs and sockets with . These are the same in most European and north African countries, if you want to know if you need an adaptator you can visit Power Plugs And Sockets Of The World.

Note that the general voltage here in South Korea is 220 V so you also might need a voltage converter.

If you are already in Korea and forgot about it no worries, you can find international converters in your local convenience stores!

 

 

 

3. How to find the best accomodation?

Finding an accomodation can be overwhelming at first when you hear of "goshiwons", enormous caution deposits for studios, and other specificities of the Korean market. So it is important to take your time and consider all options before contracting.

Make sure to search about your neighbourhood to find the most convenient locations with direct access to all your desired travel spots! Several sites offer accommodation services—be it a hotel, share house, or guesthouse! If you seek an English speaking staff, cheap accomodations and a dynamic community then make sure to check EnkorStay, our housing solution built for you!

 

4. Write your address

Consider making hard copies of every important document. Even though Seoul offers many free WiFi hotspots, traveling abroad does not always guarantee stable Internet connections, and accessing digital copies can be challenging! As such, having hard copies in your handbag and wallet written in Korean or English could save you from a lot of trouble. For example, if you can’t communicate with the taxi driver, you can show them the Korean address on the paper! Noting your address and downloading Korean mobility applications are a must-have to find your way when you are not comfortable with the local language.

 

5. Exchange Korean bills.

Korea uses the “won” (원) currency , where KRW 1,000 (South Korean Won) is roughly USD 1. You can see the exchange rate with your country's currency on Google or in currency exchange offices.

You will mainly bay with bills are there are KRW 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 bills and KRW 500, 100, 50, and 10 coins.

You can use your credit card almost everywhere in the country, but smaller establishments might prefer cash, especially make sure to prepare cash when going to the market!

Most convenience stores have ATMs where you can use a foreign card, but we recommend you to rather go to the nearest bank ATMs because they usually collect less fees than the formers.

 

6. Get A SIM Card.

It is often better for you to get a Korean SIM card as soon as possible, especially if it’s your first time in Korea and you can’t speak the language so well. Having a SIM card will grant you access to all the public WiFi available all over the big cities, whether you are walking in the street, taking the bus or the subway you will never be short on data! It will come in handy whenever you need to find your way, need a translator, or simply want to stay connected with your friends during long bus rides. Not to mention that most applications and local services require you to have a Korean phone number. If you do not have SIM card yet, you can go to the ENKOR USIM page to get your hand on one of the cheapest plans in Korea!