Prepare for Adventure
Traveling halfway across the country isn't as easy as packing your bag and hailing a cab (though I certainly wish it was). There are many things to ask, to do, to plan. It can make the travel to-do list seem never-ending. Allow us to lighten your load! Take a peek at the tips below to get started on your travel plans!What You Need to Know
COVID-19 Info
- Visitors must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test issued within 72 hours of departure.
- Visitors must quarantine for 14 days, at their own expense.
- Check the US Embassy's site for the most up-to-date information.
- The CDC requires those traveling or returning to the US to take a COVID test before departure.
When to Go
March to May and September to November. Summer tends to be hot and humid—and monsoon season is very wet—and Winter is bitter and cold.
Passport and Visas
- Passport must be valid during stay.
- Visa or Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) required starting September 1, 2021.
Required Inoculations
None
Safety
South Korea Resources
Travel Guides
- Books
- Rheel Adventures Seoulmate Travel Companion (free download)
- Lonely Planet Seoul Guide
- Lonely Planet Pocket Seoul Guide
- Lonely Planet Korea Guide
- Websites
Language Tools
- For book learners: Talk to Me in Korean provides a variety of books, podcasts, and other tools to help you learn Korean, whether the goal be to survive a two week trip or become a fluent speaker.
- For app learners: Memrise or LingoDeer are great apps that help you learn Korean quickly.
- Additional tools:
- Quizlet: Will let you easily create digital flashcards, so you can study anywhere and everywhere. You can also save flashcards created by other users.
- Korean Unnie is a youtuber in Korea "who makes learning Korean fun and easy."
Helpful Links
- Customs (coming into US)
- Global ATMs
- Korean tax return info:
Checklists
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- Packing: If using checked luggage, make sure that you have the essentials in your carryon. If your checked luggage gets lost, you have the basics to get you by.
- Identification: Make hard copies and digital copies of your ID and passport. That way, if somebody steals your wallet or bags, you're not stranded without these items.
- Stay connected: South Korea has an extensive system of free Wi-Fi, but if you want to stay connected, you'll still need dependable internet access. There are three options:
- Your current cell phone provider: They usually have plans available for overseas vacations.
- SIM card: Buy a prepaid SIM card and temporarily replace the one already in your phone. Lets you have a Korean phone number, so you can easily make calls and send texts.
- Wi-Fi Egg: If you mostly need data, Wi-Fi eggs give you a portable hotspot in your pocket.
- If you need help choosing between a SIM card or Wi-Fi Egg, see this resource.
- Where to Stay: We suggest staying north of the Han River. Most of the top attractions are located on this side of the river, so staying here will cut down on travel time.
- Experience Seoul Like a Local: Consider reserving some activities through Airbnb experiences. This will give you to opportunity to interact with Seoulites and get an in-depth look into the city and the culture.
While You're There
- If you need some place to store your luggage in Seoul, Safex is a safe and affordable company.
- Essential apps to get around Seoul:
- Naver Map (Google Maps works to a limited extent in Korea, so downloading Naver Map is a must.)
- KakaoMetro
- KakaoBus
- Subway