24 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Korea 2024🇰🇷

If you're traveling for the first time to Korea, then here are tips for first-time travelers to Korea! If you plan to visit Seoul, Korea for the first time, here's everything you need to know :)
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[@mayaleex3]

If you have any questions about Korea, let me know :) 🇰🇷 you can get my full itinerary here! mayaleex3.gumroad.com/l/puxkq

[@HH-kg4fq]

Hiii Maya! Is there an app for the Tmoney card, so you don't have to carry that plastic card around, and are the tmoney cards sold at the convenience stores?

[@BBKatTun21]

Do you have any recommendations for solo travelers going for the first time? When it comes to hotels and the best areas to stay? I am going for 1 week in December and need help.

[@charmainearciga5550]

I’m going to Korea in October and this is really helpful. Thanks so much Maya!!

[@TheArktekt]

Me too, going for a week.

[@TwerkinnPandaaa]

Me too!

[@CrapDeam]

Im there too but only 4 days! You wanna meet up?

[@bliss938]

My family and I want to go in November (Thanksgiving week) I’m just hoping it’s not freezing cold 🥶

[@tobyneville21]

Me 3

[@catec.9088]

I've been to Korea twice already but you taught me some great new tips in this kind and helpful video!

[@mayaleex3]

Awww so glad it helped :)

[@kialexandrra1113]

Thank you for these tips

[@mayaleex3]

Ahhhhh have the best time!!!

[@bellah8393]

This is a great video. It’s quick, concise and entertaining. My husband got to Korea this morning from Oregon, for work. He was there for about a week, previously. I will send this to him.

[@MyAccountForCommenting]

Thank you for covering important things as well as sharing some helpful nuggets.

[@STAY_Seungberry]

Thank you so much! I am planning on moving to Korea when I’m older and so this helps me a lot!

[@melissamarie9839]

Me and my friend are planning a Japan x Korea trip this year and your tips are so helpful :D

[@riahann3270]

Help plz lol. My friend and I are doing the same. If you have any tips, please send them😭🤣

[@critty1114]

omg my friend group as well!

[@melissamarie9839]

@@riahann3270 we are still in the planning process! We’re still trying to decide if we want to go in May or September/ October! How far along are you guys with planning?

[@melissamarie9839]

@@critty1114 have fun! :D

[@cloudwatcher608]

I'm going with some friends as well, leaving mid April and coming back early May! They have already been to Japan, mostly Tokyo and north Japan so this time we're flying into Seoul, going down to Busan, taking the Queen Beetle ferry across to Fukuoka, and renting a car to explore Kyushu a bit, go to a ryokan, and drive to Hiroshima. From there we'll switch to trains and go to Osaka and then end my leg of the trip in Tokyo. The only problem is that we will be in Japan during Golden week, but we've still be able to book some good Airbnb's and hopefully it won't be too crazy.

[@apiletcky]

Happy i got this video right before I start prepare my trip to Korea! Thank you!

[@mayriszzz]

Going to Korea for the first time in 2025 after being a fan of Korean media for 5 years. It will be my uni graduation gift to myself… these were very cool tips that I haven’t seen in any other Korean travel tips videos…. Thank you and keep up the good work!!

[@ridz._]

Same.. I want to visit Korea too after graduation next year. I have also started a job to save up money for the trip❤

[@biannca0203]

Samee, I graduate uni in 2025 and I want to treat myself with a trip. the info from the video are really helpful 🫶🏻

[@SKZforever-07]

Omg good luck!! I am going in 2026 to live at a host family for my traveling for 4-5 weeks

[@leon_video_1111]

omg are we living the same life ??

[@charlesbrenan6269]

Fab - have downloaded Kakao and Naver Maps and the Subway apps. Also Airalo for the eSim. Can't wait to come back in 4 weeks - still have my T-money card from my last visit too! Many thanks for your tips! 🇰🇷😊

[@rebekahpark4975]

I’m going to Korea in March so this video is very helpful for me :)

[@Gigichew]

Hehehehe

[@sabrinafairfoot4343]

Me too!!

[@lovergirlmp3]

me too!

[@3rdworldartist319]

Same here, I will be there for Feb - March. Can't wait 😊

[@ito2789]

So glad I came across your video and channel since I’m going to Korea solo for my first time in February! I’m so excited!

[@toffylikesgames]

Thanks for the tips! :D I'm definitely nowhere near being able to go to Korea, but it's on my bucket list :) The country looks so beautiful and for now I'm just trying to learn more about the culture and the language :)

[@kitn136]

I just returned from my Korean holiday last week but i still watched this because I miss it hehe and seeing the Jikook mural that I had visited just 2 weeks earlier made me emotional 🥹 as soon as I came back I immediately missed Naver Maps lmao, it really became my best friend while travelling and its soo much more accurate than Google Maps... And funnily enough the Icheon Hangang area was also one of my fave locations :3

[@fuanqueso]

I really enjoy how expressive you are and the way you use your hands. You seem like a mellow person :)

[@Gigichew]

Thanks for sharing Maya! What a way to start my morning

[@Kkwangie]

This video had so many useful tips, thank you! I'm visiting Seoul for first time in May 🤩

[@kidtrinity959]

Ayo me too! Maybe we'll cross paths, hope your trip goes well! 🫡

[@seabreeze863]

Looking forward to my trip in October. Thanks for the tips! ❤

[@Jeoncloud]

One of the best videos about Korea so far!! It is so helpful thank you so much ✨✨💕

[@thebroadlife]

Great tips for my upcoming trip to Seoul this Oct. Thanks for sharing!

[@ZaryHarris-gj2vg]

Thank you! I’m moving to Korea in 2 weeks and this is so helpful! I loved this ! Thank you maya❤️

[@joyamishra7037]

Thank you ma'am for this helpful video 💜

[@stephanieesparza3176]

I won’t be going there anytime soon, but still here for Maya! lol

[@mayaleex3]

🥹💕 awww thank you for your support

[@rabbit_peaches]

Same

[@cdanq]

Ahh this has made me so excited for my trip in a few months time!! Thank you Maya!!!

[@Rachel-sv9pq]

I'm an ARMY and I'm hoping to put together a group of ARMYs to go explore Korea next summer so this is helpful. Thank you!

[@mayaleex3]

YAY!!

[@Bluescorpio72]

@@mayaleex3I’m an army planning a trip also next summer.

[@reveflwr]

thank you!! Im going to Korea to study for a month so this was super helpful

[@ramseyschlissel8825]

❤I have a whole page of notes from your video! Ty!!

[@ghostbum]

Ahhh i’m going to korea for a trip in a couple of days and im soooo nervous, this helps ease some of my worries thank youuu 🙏

[@mayaleex3]

you're welcome!! Once you get there it'll be so much better

[@MichaelDNelson]

Great video with a lot of useful information! We are in Seoul right now and Maya's information is very accurate.

[@mayaleex3]

Thank you for watching :) hope you had the best time!!

[@MichaelDNelson]

We did! Seoul is a wonderful city!

[@luvliizyy]

I graduation this school year from high school and after me and 2 friends are going to Korea alone! I am already planning ahead.. Super nervous about this for sure but also mega exited!!! Thank you for the tips!

[@Renee-x5e]

Great video with lots of useful tips! Very helpful for my upcoming trip. God bless you. 😊

[@CaasiKrik]

Very helpful tips! My brother and I are leaving for Korea in about 3 weeks! We will be staying in Seoul, Busan, then Jeonju. We will be there for 12 days. Any recommendations for your favorite places would be awesome! Thank you so much for your video.

[@JustinJalakas]

Your tips are very helpful ❤ I am going to visit Seoul in 2 months and I am very excited 😊

[@dmorales1064]

I was in Korea last year September and found out that Uber works there. It comes up as UT (Uber Taxi). So helpful because I was too impatient to navigate the subway system since I stayed in the Gangnam area which isn't close to the attractions. Traveling by train from Gangnam usually required transferring and I just didn't feel knowledgeable enough to try it but impatience is why I took UT most of the time. I want to go back but I will really plan things out in advance and utilize these tips.

[@ninagarafall]

Understandable, but Korea makes changing connections so easy! there are literally colored lines on the floor that say if you want to go to this direction, just follow the line. It could take some walking but I definitely recommend it because you'll also get the see underground shopping areas and snack stores. there's so much to explore! if you are comfortable using the metro in any other city and you have a rough idea how reading a metro plan works, you will be fine there. (we even accidentally went during rush hour, and it was okay. wouldn't recommend it because it takes a long time and the trains are super full that time, but it's totally doable.)

[@erinday9101]

This was so helpful!

[@affeaff]

I have noticed that the Shinbundang line was very expensive compared to the other subway lines in Seoul. I was planning a trip to Everland from Seoul station and the subway app recommended me a way that included the Shinbundang line, the price for that was 5300 ₩. But when I selected "fewest stops" the app gave me a way to Everland that was a little bit longer but more than half the price. So warning everyone for the Shinbundang line

[@ClarissaRose]

Aww thank you for sharing this information and these tips with us!!!! It was so interesting to learn about!!!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@SumeetBGoode]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@luc_theriault]

1:23 freezing? LOL winter average temp in korea is around -2 degrees Celsius and go to -10. Thats rookie numbers when you like in Canada and the Midwest in the states

[@kazukikimura1434]

Alright, I won't lie. Since my childhood, it's been a big dream of mine to move to Korea. Not so long ago, I started learning the language too. Naively, I thought that maybe this would give me a chance to achieve my dream. But to tell the truth, I have no idea how to move there, especially at my age of 20. Additionally, there is a fear in me. I live in Hungary, which in many ways is a quite blind and often racist country. Since I've lived in such an environment, and I have no idea about the extent of racism in Korea, I'm a bit afraid that it would be hard for me to fit in, find a job, build friendships, or romantic relationships. If anyone happens to have any idea on how to achieve my dream, please don't keep it to yourself. Thank you for reading, have a nice day, and good luck in every area of your life!

[@veryberry6969]

I believe that one day you will achieve your dream of living there! Wishing you all the best for the future and have a nice day ❤✨️

[@yogyal292]

Same with me I’m 27 so don’t worry about your age 😅 u might first go for holidays just to watch if u would really love it there

[@animelover-wu8hq]

If you’re interested in teaching, that might be an easier avenue to achieve your dream to move. You can sign up through EPIK or TEFL because for them you just need a bachelor degree. But if you want to work at an actual international school that pays more, you will probably also need a bachelor of education and/ or teaching certificate

[@JV-ck1pu]

Check out scholarships sponsored by Korean government

[@mjmj734]

How about exchange student program? As a Korean I want to say that no country is perfect. Korea has its own problems so just be careful if you have a chance to come here😊and sadly there are racists in Korea too. Learn Korean language and basic cultural, historical things first. Kpop/K drama is just a small fraction of Korea.

[@leonidasarisari5266]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. I’m planning to fly to Seoul in July. This is so helpful. ❤

[@kevin19358]

0:40, Same for me, I flew Asiana airlines for the 1st time in August of 2016 from Manila to Honolulu via Seoul and both flight and service is good and okay and it's better than Korean Air.

[@BillyWhaler]

Very useful. Also interested in whether it is completely uncomfortable or a complete non-issue to ask about current Korean-Japanese relationships. It’s never really brought up by those in 20’s and 30’s. Not ancient history, big impact…and not ever discussed by younger gens. 🤔

[@mayaleex3]

Ah yes… it’s a sensitive topic and as a Korean American my parents remind me of the complicated history. Japanese & Koreans seem to have a love-hate relationship🥺 but there are many Koreans who visit Japan and vice versa! I personally loveeeee visiting Japan

[@Loveyourlookhawaii]

Super helpful video. Ty!!! ❤

[@annkim2303]

So helpful! Thanks Maya!!

[@davidtang3527]

Thanks for your great video. Very easy to follow. Can you also talk about navigating Korea with luggages? For example, is there a reliable luggage delivery service like in Japan? What is the best way to get from airport to hotel with luggages and transfer from Seol to somewhere like Busan. Thanks!

[@MUCpruc]

It was super thankful. Cheers from Germany:*

[@samanthahoang]

Makes me want to go to Korea

[@mariojsworld]

Great tips for Korea trip.

[@Ppatte765]

Thank you for the very helpful tips. Are there any customs one should know when visiting Korea that could help one benefit from the experience?

[@crossfitjohnathan9032]

I’m curious do you still study Korean I feel like that used to be a part of your routine and you would talk about it sometimes do you still study it or have you reached a level of fluency your happy with and stopped. If you do still study it any tips and study tricks you have would be an interesting video.

[@mayaleex3]

Awww as of right now I maintain by listening to kpop, watching Korean dramas, and talking to my parents in Korean. For reading & writing I definitely need to practice more 🥲🥲

[@sun-et1fn]

Nice & fun video! Be visiting korea for just barely a day(15hrs layover) this coming summer. I just wanna visit at least one popular place with my 15 & 12 yr old girls. Myeongdong, hongdae, or yongsan? Also, which one is more convenient to travel to from ICN airport?

[@mayaleex3]

Hongdae is definitely easiest to get to as most of the time you can just take one line :) your teenage girls would love Hongdae (but it is really crowded at night time) so I recommend going in the day! Myeong dong is close by to Hongdae too. Yongsan is a little bit further out but the subway system is great hehe

[@sun-et1fn]

@@mayaleex3 You’re so nice for replying, thank you! Ok hongdae then👍🏻 I’m hoping we’d still get to go to yongsan to visit hybe😁 bts fan here💜

[@MidnightSunJJaz]

love these tips ❤ thanks, Maya

[@CP_LUVS]

oh i just found your video. I am planning a trip for next year and trying to learn as much as i can. thank you for this advice. are there any restrictions or limitations on what you can bring back to the states? you mentioned bringing a suitcase just for the beauty products to bring back but i wasn't sure if that was realistic or just a little tongue in cheek LOL. Thank you!!!

[@pierinachiappa2949]

Hi! I'm so thankful that I came across your video, and I was so happy to hear you mention that BTS is one of the reasons tourism has increased in Korea. That's actually why I'm going there, hehe. I wanted to ask, what do you do with your plates and utensils after eating? Do you return them to someone or just leave them on the table? I hope you can help me. Thank you!

[@mjmj734]

You can just leave your plates but you have to return them if you're at a food court.

[@CariW90]

I’m going to be staying at Arirang Hill Hotel Dongdaemun. I never hear that hotel recommended so I keep wondering if I made the wrong choice 😂

[@umang7]

If there is one video you need to watch before you land in Korea - this is the one.

[@mayaleex3]

🥹🇰🇷💕

[@johnsbananamilkshake]

i knew some basic words in korean, and i was getting around just fine with english too :D

[@nerdgirl8978]

I would like to add that Korea have alot of cute kawaii socks, so only pack very few with you from home, because you are probably going to want to buy several socks in Korea. ...Also, deodorant is very expensive!, so take some with you from home. And tampons are also very hard and almost impossible to find (I only saw pads when I was there for 6 months.) Except fot the buss/Metro card showed in the video, they have a transportation card version made as a keychain/mobile phone "jewelry/decoration". They are super cute!

[@robertntuli8586]

Than you for the video Maya. I'm in Incheon / Songdo in Sept. Any recommendations in terms of coffee shops etc.?

[@LuluVargas777]

Great tips! I need really start planning my trip for Sept/October. Any recs for other cities to visit besides Busan, Jeju and Seoul?

[@mayaleex3]

Daegu is also popular for more chill / historical places :) and Suwon!

[@EmmarcoPro]

Can I use Uber service? If I stay in seoul for 4 days, can I Uber to busan, ichone for a day tour?

[@mayaleex3]

I’ve only ever used Kakao Taxi in Korea but I believe Uber is available in most large cities!

[@kevin19358]

10:41, How about crop, I need to take off my crop, before going inside the restaurant?

[@ninagarafall]

I bought a Korean Sim Card for 14 days at the airport and that was definitely cheaper than 120$, I think it was around 60-70$.

[@shellikim5387]

Great tips!!! Which skin care clinic did you go to?

[@fredaantoine5360]

Do you have videos on what to do in Busan and Jeju and where to stay there?

[@mayaleex3]

I have vlogs on them :) if you search “jeju island Maya Lee” or “busan Maya Lee” on KZbin, my videos should come up!

[@leonieveraesh]

Great video! Informative without any lenghts. I just got a question, when youre talking about neighbourhoods like yongsan. Are you talking about yongsan-dong or yongsan-gu? Bc I was looking into an airbnb in yongsan-gu and it seemed like there is nothing really except a huge open area and the national museum 😅 But you said anything by the river is nice which would be yongsan-gu... (sorry i think this is as confusing to read as i am rn 😂🙈)

[@mayaleex3]

Yongsan-Gu has the I’Park Mall which is huge :)! It’s a nice area and great to walk to the Han River. myeong dong and Hongdae will have way more things to do, though!

[@jennyblake7000]

I have a question. When I go to a restaurant (or anywhere actually) in Korea, is it better to use bad korean or just english? I know a little Korean and plan to learn more everyday-phrases before my trip but I am scared to use korean there and I am not sure if they even want me to use korean (because it’s not that good).

[@sajidawaris9205]

Hi, Good info - Thank you - We are backpacking in Korea. We are reaching there end of May this year. We are travelling around for 2.2 weeks. Would you kindly guide us, which places to visit. we like more nature scenic places and small towns. so far we have booked Nami island and would love to hear your suggestion. Many Thanks

[@trinitykaye7684]

I’m going in September for my birthday!! Thank you for the tips!🫶🏽

[@misscreepyhome]

In general, you need to learn Korean at an average level, so to enjoy your trip, be aware of the surroundings and protect yourself from possible dangers

[@strawberrymilkshake6229]

About 'No Tipping' things, end of this oct I will visit korea for 5 days under tour guide. But they do mention that the bus driver & tour guide that assist us in korea want 10 dollar each person as tip at the end of the trip. Not in won but dollar. So I was wondering like u said no need tipping in korea but also our tour already paid them but still they ask for tipping 😕

[@PaolaGalvez29]

Hi Maya, loved your video, it is super helpful and you explain it in a fantastic way!! Regarding cash and credit cards, can you share if stores in Korea are now accepting apple pay or credit cards? Thank you!!

[@mayaleex3]

Yesss they do :)

[@bangtinyboys245]

Being late this time 😅 because my exam is tommrow but as all ways maya you're video's help me so much😊 thankyou maya 💜

[@mayaleex3]

Ahhhh all the best on your exams ❤ study hard!

[@eldenantonio8262]

I want to go to Korea now 🎉

[@mayaleex3]

it's so much fun :')

[@glazedgooch4546]

Man idk if i want to visit korea or just go back to japan again. I love japan. It's my favorite place, but i want to try somewhere new too.

[@elenacharityigadya]

Hey guys u want to go to Seoul university...any idea on how to get a schoolarships 😢

[@Mat_video_in_korea]

Nice video but August is quite rainy a lot as well. For the Tmoney, there's the unlimited transportation card arriving soon. I live here but I'm curious if travelers can use it or not

[@eddiemartinez7555]

Awesome dear 😊🎉😂❤

[@DharaPatel-h6s]

I am planning to go in May. Any tips?

[@skauddy755]

when😂

[@DVu-ki7nn]

Planning go solo to Seoul in June/2024, I have phone of T-Mobil, it says T-Mobile cover the Wi-fi in Korea, Q: I can download the Naver maps and I don't have to buy the Wi-fi sim card in Korea, then I can use the maps in Seoul, right? Thanks

[@mayaleex3]

I have T-Mobile too but it’s sooooo slow in Korea! You’ll have super fast wifi with an e-sim or the pocket wifi :) but yes, if you download the maps you can navigate without - but it’s nice to navigate in real-time

[@MissBassDrummer]

Love your videos! Going to Korea in April. Is the eSim better and more affordable than the pocket wifi? Should I get both?

[@mayaleex3]

Yessss e-sim all the way! No need for both :)

[@_micahjo]

Hi Maya! Thank you for these helpful tips! Quick question, which among the convenience stores usually carry the BTS t-money cards? Are we required to return our t-money cards before returning home? Also, would you say bus transportation is efficient enough in Jeju or renting a car would be better? Just trying to prepare diligently for my first trip to Korea in about 2 weeks since I will be there for 3 weeks :)

[@mjmj734]

Passing Korean here~I have no idea about BTS card but you don't have to return it:) And public transportation in Jeju might be a bit annoying compared to Seoul so either rent a car or take a taxi. But the coastal road in Jeju is notorious for novice drivers so be careful!

[@olga912000]

What’s a good itinerary for next month? Also, can the T money card be used in Busan?

[@alexmelendez5404]

YOU ARE MY HERO! LET'S HANG OUT!

[@critty1114]

Im traveling there in July, will the weather app on iPhones work fine or should I download a different app? I don't want to get caught in the rain 😬

[@mayaleex3]

Weather app works fine!!

[@andrewcohen786]

Thank you for your video . We area family of 4. Do each one of us need our T money card or can out ebiguh money on it for all 4 of us? Also the pocket wifi, can we get it from Incheon airport and return it back at the other airport ?

[@icedteamama176]

Hello, we’ll be arriving on a Monday morning (around 11 AM) in November. How much money (cash) should we bring? Uber available? Can you suggest 3 convenient & reasonable hotels please? Thanks!

[@focustkd6948]

How do you translate Naver maps to English. Coming from Canada with a group of 50. Can’t wait!

[@nilsinojales]

i will be in South Korea by December whats the season there

[@kevin19358]

8:39, How about Incheon? You forgot Incheon.

[@riahann3270]

I have so many questions! I don’t know who to ask or refer to with them lol. My friend and I are doing a Japan/korea trip. She’s been to Japan multiple times so that part is not worrisome. Having a hard time figuring out how to place it all together. The transition. Should we reach out to travel agent? Should we join tourist groups but not wanting to just to save more money. Ugh so much lol

[@mayaleex3]

Like flying from Japan to Korea? Or what to do in Korea? :) I have a travel itinerary with all of my notes for sale in my bio! It’s 7-days worth of activities separated by regions and it’s all labeled!

[@bobtheman7054]

great Vlog

[@simplyellenxo95]

I would love to go to Korea one day…😊

[@miharo_moel]

Thanks for sharing! Has anybody thoughts & experiences regarding Andong [ gyeonsangbuk do] ?

[@lazarusf59]

my wife and i are going to south korea this coming last week of november. which area do you suggest to stay in seoul that is budget friendly and safe?

[@kevin19358]

8:31, Okay, but it's too expensive to book a hotel in the city.

[@STAYallday0801]

Are the hotels there good? I'm going to Seoul in a few months with my grandma, but I have no idea where to book the hotel. Thanks for the good tips though!

[@mayaleex3]

Yess most hotels are very clean and Korea is very safe :) find the activities you want to do first and then figure out where you'd like to stay that'll make the most sense!

[@STAYallday0801]

@@mayaleex3 Thank you sm!

[@rajshekharfoundation5400]

Hi you covered many essential points in your video👌. Korean dramas crash landed on me in 2020 and still going strong watch k dramas and listen to music all the time. So I started to learn korean at the website "Talk to me in Korean" 한국어를 조금만 합니다” I can read Hangul . So I am wanting to go to Korea either in spring or fall 2025 , I would like to stay for a month in Seoul then visit, Busan jeju etc are airbnb’s a good option for staying. I am 70 years old and it would nice if I knew a local person, also would like to chat online to practice my Korean before travelling to Korea how do I do this? I would appreciate a reply thanks