South Korea

South Korea is wonderfully easy to explore by public transport. In Seoul, the subway reaches nearly every major neighbourhood, while high-speed trains connect the capital with Busan, Daegu and other cities. Buy a T-money card at a convenience store or station kiosk, load it with cash, and tap when entering and leaving buses and subway stations. It works nationwide on most urban transport, taxis and even some convenience-store purchases. Seoul’s base subway fare is roughly ₩1,400–₩1,550, and T-money transfers between buses and subway can reduce the cost when made within the transfer window. For longer journeys, reserve KTX trains ahead during weekends and Korean holidays. A navigation app is invaluable, but save your accommodation address in Korean for taxi drivers. Hello’s trip planning tools can keep rail bookings, neighbourhood plans and day trips in one itinerary.

Korean food is best approached with curiosity and a healthy appetite. Begin with a sizzling tabletop barbecue, where samgyeopsal or marinated bulgogi arrives with lettuce, sauces and an assortment of banchan. In Seoul, browse Gwangjang Market for mung-bean pancakes, mayak gimbap and dumplings; in Busan, seek out fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market. Don’t miss comforting staples such as bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, cold noodles and tteokbokki. A casual meal may cost around ₩8,000–₩15,000, while barbecue is often priced per serving and usually works best for two or more people. Restaurants frequently expect diners to share dishes, so check portion sizes before ordering. Water is commonly free, but side dishes may be replenished only on request. If travelling with friends, Hello’s expense splitting makes it simple to divide shared meals, while budget tracking keeps restaurant spending visible in won.

A first visit can combine South Korea’s energetic capital with a coastal escape. Spend several days in Seoul exploring palace courtyards around Gyeongbokgung, the lanes of Bukchon, Insadong’s tea houses and the contemporary shops of Seongsu. Set aside time for a riverside evening or a hike on Inwangsan for city views. Continue to Busan for Haeundae Beach, the colourful slopes of Gamcheon Culture Village, seafood markets and the illuminated Gwangan Bridge. Jeju Island offers a slower change of pace, with volcanic landscapes, coastal walks and Hallasan National Park; allow extra time because distances are greater and buses can be less convenient outside the main towns. Keep a flexible day for weather, especially on Jeju. Hello’s trip planning feature is useful for grouping nearby attractions into walkable days instead of crossing the city repeatedly.

A little preparation makes daily life smoother. Remove shoes when entering many traditional homes, guesthouses and some restaurants, and use two hands when giving or receiving items from older people. Public transport is generally quiet, and queues are taken seriously. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry ₩10,000–₩20,000 for small stalls, rural buses and market purchases. Learn a few Korean phrases—“annyeonghaseyo” for hello and “gamsahamnida” for thank you—and keep your accommodation details written in Hangul. For reliable maps, translation, reservations and transport updates, connectivity matters: purchase and activate Hello eSIM before you land to stay online without roaming charges. Track spending in local currency with Hello’s budget tracking, particularly when cafés, convenience stores and late-night taxis begin adding up.