Seoul South Korea

Four-season continental climate with frigid winters, humid monsoon summers, and crisp shoulder seasons.

• Airport

  Incheon International Airport (ICN) · 48 km west of Seoul

• Transfers

  AREX Express Train (43 min, ₩9,500) · AREX All-Stop Train (60 min, ₩4,750) · Airport Limousine Bus (60-90 min, ₩10,000-16,000) · Taxi (60 min, ₩60,000-80,000)

• Transit

  Seoul Metro (9+ lines), Buses (Blue/Green/Red/Yellow), Taxis

• Tips

  Get T-money card at airport convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) immediately · Download Kakao Metro or Naver Map app for real-time navigation · Rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM, 6-8 PM) trains are extremely crowded · Last trains run around midnight, night buses available after · All subway announcements in Korean and English · Subway is one of the world's most efficient systems - extremely clean and safe

• Walkability

  high

• Language

  Korean (Hangul script)

• Currency

  South Korean Won (₩)

• Customs

  Bow when greeting (slight bow is common, deeper for elders) · Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants · Use both hands when giving or receiving items from elders · Confucian values - respect for elders and hierarchy is important · Drinking culture is big - soju and makgeolli are traditional drinks

• Etiquette

  Wait for eldest person to start eating first · Don't pour your own drink - pour for others and they'll pour yours · Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual) · Slurping noodles is acceptable · Cover mouth when using toothpicks · Queue in orderly lines · Avoid loud behavior on public transportation

• Visa

  Visa-free for 90 days for US/UK/Canada/Australia/EU and 100+ countries. K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) required for some countries - ₩10,000, apply online 24 hours before arrival

• Power

  220V, 60Hz · C, F

• Healthcare

  Excellent modern healthcare system with English-speaking doctors at major hospitals. Much more affordable than US/Europe. Travel insurance recommended.

• Safety

  VERY SAFE · One of the safest major cities in the world · Very low crime rate, petty crime is rare · Safe to walk alone at night in most areas · Air quality can be poor in spring (yellow dust from China) · Emergency services have English-speaking operators · Excellent 5G and WiFi coverage everywhere

• Emergency

  Police 112 · Ambulance 119