Seoul Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Seoul

• Use Naver Map or KakaoMap — Google Maps is heavily limited in South Korea.

• T-money card taps for subway, buses, taxis and convenience stores; buy at any 7-Eleven.

• Restaurants often refuse tips; leave exact change or use a card.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 112.

• One of the safest large cities globally — solo late-night walks are normal.

• Protests in central Seoul are common but peaceful — check news before Gwanghwamun visits.

• Emergency 112 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire); Dasan 120 for tourist help.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia and Canada enter visa-free 30–90 days; K-ETA electronic authorisation currently WAIVED through end 2025 for 22 nationalities (check before travel).

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Seoul. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.