Everything you need to survive!
It can be quite daunting at first to try and navigate through a country where you don't speak the language and aren't sure how everything works. Here are all the tips you need to get around South Korea!
1. Transportation
Bus and Subway Card
First, you have to buy a T Money card from a convenience store e.g. (CU; GS25; SevenEleven; eMart etc.)
How do i use the card?
This card can only be topped up (at a convenience store or at a top up machine in the subway station) with cash and will be used for busses and subways.
You will scan the card once you get on the bus and you can scan it again if you get off the bus. (If you are transferring to another bus within 40minutes your second bus is free).
KTX and SRT Trains
These are the high speed trains in Korea and are easily accessible. Schedules and Tickets can be found and booked on www.letskorail.com
2. Apps
KakaoMap or NaverMap: (you can view bus routes and track the arrival time/ when to get off at your stop).
Kakao Taxi: (equivalent to Uber) you can pay in cash if you do not have a Korean bank account.
Papago: offline translating app and it also translates pictures.
3. Food
Where to buy groceries?
Lotte Mart
Mega Mart
Homeplus
Coupang online (you need an ARC/ Korean bank account)
4. Toiletries and Beauty
Olive Young is the biggest and the most well known shop for toiletries; skincare and make-up. (It is the equivalent to Dischem and Clicks in South Africa). Well known brands like The Ordinary; Dr. Jart; La Rosay Poche etc. are found here.
5. SIM Cards
Temporary 30 day SIM cards are available at SK Telecom and KT Telecom at the airport or at any branch near you.
Now you are ready! I hope this guide can assist you on your trip to South Korea. Let your adventure begin!
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