KcationTravel tips
Korea Travel FAQ: Visa, Airport to Seoul, Taxis, Payments and Safety
Answers to the questions first-time visitors ask us most — K-ETA, getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul, Uber and Kakao T, Apple Pay, tap water, KTX tickets, private van tours and safety.
🛂Do I need a visa or K-ETA to visit Korea?
Many nationalities can visit Korea visa-free for short stays, but some must apply for a K-ETA (electronic travel authorization) before departure. Korea has temporarily exempted travelers from several countries, including Japan, Taiwan and the US, from K-ETA — check the official K-ETA website for whether the exemption covers your travel dates.
📝Can I fill in the arrival card online?
Yes. Korea offers an online e-Arrival Card you can submit before your flight, so you don't need to fill in a paper card on the plane. Use only the official government website.
✈️Which terminal at Incheon Airport do I arrive at?
Incheon has two terminals. Korean Air, Asiana and several partner airlines use Terminal 2; most other airlines use Terminal 1. Check your ticket — a free shuttle connects the terminals, but the ride takes about 20 minutes. If you book an airport pickup with us, we meet you at the right arrivals hall.
💳Can I pay by card everywhere in Korea?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and convenience stores. Keep a little cash for traditional markets and small street stalls. For buses and subways, buy a T-money card at a convenience store and top it up with cash.
💱Where should I exchange money in Korea?
Airport exchange counters are convenient but usually give weaker rates, so change only what you need for the first day there. Licensed money changers in busy areas such as Myeongdong often offer better rates. Many visitors also use prepaid travel cards for foreigners that can be topped up at kiosks and used for shopping and transit. Our site header shows today's approximate rate.
🗺️Does Google Maps work in Korea?
Google Maps shows public transit, but walking and driving directions are limited in Korea. Most travelers use Naver Map or KakaoMap, which both have English menus. For taxis, the Kakao T app is the most widely used.
📶How do I get mobile data in Korea?
The easiest options are an eSIM bought before you fly, or a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi picked up at Incheon Airport arrivals. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, hotels and subway stations.
🛍️How does tax-free shopping work?
Look for 'Tax Free' or 'Tax Refund' signs. Many stores give an instant refund at the counter when you show your passport; for other purchases, claim the refund at kiosks before departure at the airport. Keep your receipts and passport handy.
🙏Should I tip in Korea?
No. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels. Service is included in the price.
🔌What plugs and voltage does Korea use?
Korea uses 220V with round two-pin plugs (Type C/F). Bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug; most phone and laptop chargers handle 220V.
🆘What numbers should I call in an emergency?
Call 112 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. The Korea Travel Hotline 1330 offers 24-hour help for travelers in English, Japanese and Chinese.
🍂When is the best time to visit Korea?
Spring (April, cherry blossoms) and autumn (October to early November, fall foliage and ginkgo) are the most comfortable. Summer is hot and humid with a rainy season around July; winter is cold but clear and good for hot springs.
🚆How do I get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The AREX Express train reaches Seoul Station in about 45 minutes, and the all-stop AREX train takes about an hour with stops at Hongdae and Gimpo Airport. Airport limousine buses go directly to major hotel areas, and a taxi takes about an hour depending on traffic. With luggage or a group, a private van pickup takes you door to door.
🚕Can I use Uber or a taxi app in Korea?
Yes. Kakao T is the most widely used taxi app in Korea, and Uber also works in Seoul and other major cities, connecting you to local taxis. Have your destination written in Korean or as a map pin, since many drivers speak little English.
📱Does Apple Pay or Google Pay work in Korea?
Only partly. Mobile wallets with foreign-issued cards are accepted at some contactless terminals, but many shops still use card readers that need the physical card. Bring a Visa or Mastercard and a little cash as backup.
💧Is tap water safe to drink in Korea?
Seoul's tap water meets drinking water standards, but most Koreans drink filtered or bottled water. Restaurants serve free water, and bottled water is cheap at every convenience store.
🗣️Do people speak English in Korea?
Subway signs and announcements are in English, and staff at hotels and big shops in tourist areas usually speak some English, Japanese or Chinese. Outside Seoul it is less common, so a translation app such as Papago helps a lot. On our tours, a guide who speaks your language handles bookings and conversations.
🛡️Is Korea safe for tourists?
Korea is generally considered very safe, including at night in busy areas, and lost items are often returned. Take the usual precautions in crowds, and call 112 for police or the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline if you need help.
🎫How do I book KTX trains as a foreigner?
You can book KTX tickets on the Korail website or the Korail Talk app in English, or at station counters and ticket machines. Foreign visitors can also buy the Korea Rail Pass for unlimited rides over set days. Weekend and holiday trains sell out early, so book ahead.
🧳Where can I store my luggage in Seoul?
Many subway stations have coin lockers, and luggage storage and delivery services operate at major stations such as Seoul Station and in tourist areas like Myeongdong. If you book a van tour with us, your bags stay in the vehicle all day.
🚐Is a private van tour with a driver worth it in Korea?
For families and groups of 3–6, often yes. Places like hot-spring towns, temples and ginkgo roads are hard to reach by public transport, and a private van with a driver goes door to door while the cost is split across the group. Prices depend on hours, distance and tolls, so we quote per trip.
⚠️ Entry rules can change. Always confirm visa and K-ETA requirements on official government websites before you travel.
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