I believe that we all learn from doing a thing for the first time. As a frequent traveler, going to new places gives me opportunity to learn new things especially travel tips and hacks. When I first came to Korea, I made sure to research about it through reading blogs and other available sources online. However, I realized that there are still a lot of things that you cannot learn just by reading. Korea is a relatively big country and you cannot learn about it just by Googling it; you must experience it firsthand. So here are some of the things I wish I knew before traveling to Korea for the first time.
1. Free Subway-Bus Transfer
When I first came to Korea, I knew that subway transfer is free but what I didnโt know was that subway-bus transfer is also free using T-Money as long as the transfer is within 30 minutes. I remember using subway most of the time when visiting Hallyu and other tourist spots in Korea. But there are times that I would have to walk for few meters or even kilometers from the subway station to my final destination. Had I known that I can optimize my T-Money for subway-bus transfers, I would have saved a lot of time and energy for walkathons.
2. Free WiFi is Not Everywhere
Before coming to Korea for the first time, I heard and read from a lot of people that there is Free WiFi everywhere in Korea. Because of that, I assumed that since WiFi is available everywhere, I shouldnโt have any problems connecting to the Internet anywhere in the country. But I was wrong, free WiFi is actually not everywhere in Korea. There are public WiFi connections in public areas such as subway stations and even inside the bus in major cities such as Seoul. But for countryside or smaller cities, free WiFi is not widely available. Therefore, it is still best to buy a sim card with data or rent a WiFi from the airport.
3. Do Not Rely So Much on Google Map
Traveling to Korea for the first time requires dependency to a navigation app or mobile map. But I suggest that you should not rely so much on Google Map as it does not give 100% accuracy. Instead, you can use KakaoMap or Naver Map which give more accurate data on the streets of Korea. You can also get tourist map from tourist information centers and several tourist spots but of course, going digital is more efficient.
Read more: 9 Essential Applications for Your Trip to Korea
4. Not All Stores Accept Card
Another thing that I wish I knew before traveling to Korea is that not all stores accept card. Card is indeed widely used in Korea but not all shops is accepting it. Specifically, if you go to traditional markets, underground shopping centers and even some stores in Myeongdong. While using cash is more convenient for some, make sure to still have cash on your pockets.
5. Buy Food from Supermarket instead of Convenience Stores
This travel hack is what I realized upon becoming a resident in Korea. Before, as a traveler, I would always buy food and other snacks from convenience stores. It is because convenience stores are usually near the hotel or guesthouse that I was staying. But when I started buying food from supermarket, I noticed that the goods there are way cheaper and they have wider selection of products. Hence, if you are traveling to Korea for the first time and you see a nearby supermarket like Emart and Homeplus or even traditional markets, try to buy your food from there instead of buying from convenience stores. Doing this will save you money which you can still use for your travels.
6. Seeing Hallyu Stars in Person is Not that Easy
When I became a Hallyu fan, one of my dreams was to see my favorite Hallyu stars in person when I visit Korea. I actually thought that I would have better chances of seeing them in the flesh once I set my foot in their country. But I was wrong, Seeing Hallyu stars in person is not that easy. As a matter of fact, it took me 3 years and 10 times of travelling back and forth to Korea before I got to see some of my favorite Kdrama and Kpop artists. Here are some ways on how you can see them too; some of these are for FREE.
- MBC World
- KBS ON Experience Hall
- Open Radio Shows
- Fan Sign Events
- Visiting Entertainment Agency
- Attending Music Shows
7. Take Advantage of the Tax Refund
There are two ways on how you can take advantage of Koreaโs Tax Free System. One is by buying from Duty Free shops where no tax is applied on the price of the item. These stores are generally operated by large department store chains like Lotte, Shilla and Shinsegae. They are usually located within airports and downtown.
The other way is through Tax Refund. This is one of my regrets on my first-time travel to Korea. Because I ended up not refunding 40,000 KRW worth of tax. In the Tax Refund system, you buy items at full price, including tax, then apply for a refund on the paid tax before leaving the country. Items must cost more than 30,000 won and less than 500,000 won, tax included, in one payment to be eligible for an immediate tax refund. Moreover, you must also be leaving the country within three months from the purchase date.
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