12 Things To Be Prepared For When Traveling To Seoul, South Korea.

It was our first time traveling to Asia and though I’ve traveled extensively throughout North America, the Caribbean and to a lesser extent, Europe… I wasn’t as prepared for the culture and general differences of Seoul South Korea. A sprawling metropolis of over 10 million people, where you can find Buddhist temples, historic Palaces, markets (of all kinds), modern skyscrapers and some of the best shopping on the planet… all within a short ride on an ultra modern subway system.

1. Research the weather before you leave your home country so you can pack appropriate clothing. We were there on the onset of winter and it got very cold, luckily we were traveling from Canada where the temps were pretty similar this time of the year.

2.  Incheon International Airport – is about 48 km from the center or Seoul so you will require transportation to the city center. Incheon International Airport Railroad runs a non-stop Express service with trains 43 minutes apart. The airport itself offers the fastest service we’ve experienced to date. It took us about 15 minutes from the time we disembarked our flight, collected our luggage, went through customs and was in our waiting transport. The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture.

3. Crowded! Personal space is a luxury or so we found coming from a North American perspective, where we’re accustomed to having distance between us and not feeling the breath of the person behind you on your neck.

4. Seoul DOES NOT SLEEP! Added to point 3 above, you’ll find that this city is ALIVE and no matter what time of the day or night you go out, you will be dealing with crowds. That said, it also means that even at 3 am you can still get just about anything you’re looking for. For us it was fried chicken and burgers! Still the best fried chicken I’ve ever had – more on that in a Seoul food related post.

5. Shopping! Seoul is a shoppers paradise. From street markets to massive department stores and malls, Seoul is any shoppers DREAM CITY! However we found that it can be a bit expensive, but it can also be explained by the vast number of high end goods you have access to. Name a designer/brand and you’ll find it here. IMPORTANT – When leaving Seoul via Incheon International Airport give yourself an extra hour or two at the airport. Quite honestly it’s by far the best duty free shopping we’re ever encountered. 

6. FOOD! Seoul is a foodies dream city. From the street food scene (one of the best on the planet) to all the way up the culinary ladder to fine dining, you’ll be in heaven. Be a bit daring and immense yourself into the culinary culture of South Korea. Note: the street food is very cheap, deep fried (for the most part) and the vendors are very engaging and comical.

7. Relax! Make time in your schedule for having tea. There are many tea houses where traditional tea is served. There are a few rituals and procedures with tea service, so try to get a lesson while at it. Relaxing and fun.

8. While you’re at it, try to take a Kimchi making class. It’s a fun way to try something so rich in history and truly represents the Korean people. Just about every meal is served with a side of some type of Kimchi so it would be nice knowing how it’s made (and it’s historical significance) ..  as you get a better appreciation for it.

9. Confusing subway system. As mentioned above, the subway system is very modern but due to the maze-like grid and the language barrier, it can be a bit confusing. Luckily just about everyone spoke a little English and were willing to assist us (confused travelers).

10. Toilets! Who knew using a toilet would come with a manual. Peep the image below to confirm what I mean. Don’t worry, you can skip all the ‘features’ if you wish.

11. Go early to avoid lines. No trip to Seoul would be complete without visiting many of the national monuments and Palaces, especially the Gyeongbok Palace. Also check to see the daily schedules before going as there are times they are closed (national holidays etc).

12. Punctual! We found the Korean people (and transit system) to be very punctual. If you plan on meeting at 10 am, you’d better be there for 10 am. BTW, they smoke heavily and have a true appreciation for coffee.

Bonus tip!  CRAZY parking! Imagine walking along the side and you come face to face with cars? I’m sure there’s some sort of system, but to see cars parking on the sidewalk was quite alarming and interesting. Keep a watchful eye out.