Explore Korea Now

  Your Perfect Trip to South Korea Planning your first trip to South Korea? I’ve been there—refreshing dozens of blog posts, trying to figure out how to get from the airport to my Airbnb without getting hopelessly lost, wondering whether I’d freeze in a temple courtyard in February or melt on a humid summer subway ride. So, instead of just throwing another checklist at you, I want to walk you through Korea the way I wish someone had done for me: with heart, humor, and the kind of honesty only a fellow traveler can offer. 🛬 First Stop: Arriving in Korea (and What to Expect) Let’s be real—Incheon International Airport is beautiful, but also a bit overwhelming if you’ve never been there. Immigration lines are efficient but long, and once you step outside, you’ll be hit with signage in Korean and people walking way faster than you expected. 🎯 What helps? Downloading a translation app (Papago works better than Google Translate here) and having a pre-activated SIM or eSIM. That mome...

When I first traveled to South Korea, I thought I was prepared. I had my SIM card ready, subway app downloaded, and a list of must-try foods. But what caught me off guard wasn’t the logistics—it was the subtle moments when I realized I didn’t quite know how to behave. A friendly Korean elder bowed slightly, and I awkwardly waved back. I almost walked into a traditional restaurant with my shoes on. And once, I reached out with one hand to pay at a café and got a quick lesson in manners from the barista’s kind but firm expression. If you’re planning your first trip to Korea and don’t want to learn these things the hard way (like I did), here are the cultural etiquette basics that helped me feel more comfortable and respectful while traveling. 🙇 How to Greet Someone (and What Not to Do) In Korea, people don’t shake hands the way they do in the West. A small bow or a slight head nod goes a long way, especially with elders or people in service roles. It doesn’t have to be deep—just a gest...

Planning a trip to Korea? Shopping is an unmissable part of the experience! From innovative skincare products to delicious snacks and unique cultural souvenirs, this guide covers everything you need to know to shop like a pro in Korea. 1. Korean Skincare: World-Renowned Beauty Secrets Korean skincare is globally celebrated for its cutting-edge innovation and effectiveness. No trip to Korea is complete without visiting Olive Young , the go-to health and beauty store. Top Picks from Olive Young : Laneige Water Sleeping Mask : Hydrate your skin overnight with this cult favorite. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch : A quick fix for breakouts. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum : Luxurious and highly effective for glowing skin. Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint : Vibrant, long-lasting colors perfect for any occasion. Pro Tip : Shopping for a gift? Olive Young offers premium packaging and exclusive travel kits, making it easy to pick up the perfect present. Reserve a spot on the Olive Young Shuttl...

When I was planning my first trip to Korea, one big question kept popping up: Should I go to Seoul or Busan? Both cities are amazing, no doubt. Seoul is the capital—a buzzing, ultra-modern city packed with culture and history. Busan? A laid-back coastal gem with beaches, seafood markets, and ocean views that make you forget you’re in one of Korea’s largest cities. If you're stuck between the two, here’s my honest breakdown—based on my time in both cities—and some suggestions to help you pick the one that fits your travel style best. ✨ Vibe Check: What’s the Overall Feel? Seoul is fast-paced, stylish, and full of things to do. Think neon-lit streets in Hongdae, endless shopping in Myeongdong, and late-night food stalls in Gwangjang Market. It feels global, dynamic, and always in motion. Busan , on the other hand, moves at a different rhythm. It’s a coastal city, so there’s more breeze, more space, and a relaxed attitude. You can walk barefoot on Haeundae Beach in the morning, hike ...

If you're landing at Incheon International Airport and wondering how to get into Seoul without immediately spending money on a taxi, train, or bus—you’re not alone. Most first-time visitors have no idea that there’s actually a free direct shuttle available from the airport to the city. Yes, completely free. No catch. When I arrived in Korea last spring, jetlagged and carrying way too much luggage, I was thrilled to discover this little-known gem of a service. I didn’t have to figure out the train lines or find change for a ticket machine—I just followed the signs and stepped right onto a clean, comfortable shuttle. So if you’re planning a trip to Seoul soon, here’s exactly how you can take advantage of this free airport transfer in 2025—what to expect, how to find it, and why it might be your new favorite way to start your Korean adventure. 🚍 What Is the Free Incheon Airport Shuttle? It’s a direct shuttle bus service provided for foreign tourists going from Incheon International...

When I first planned my trip to Korea, I expected SIM cards to be a straightforward thing. But after about ten minutes of research, I found myself in a rabbit hole of options—eSIMs, physical SIMs, airport booths, courier delivery—and honestly, it got overwhelming fast. I eventually chose Chingu Mobile , not because someone told me it was the best, but because it looked beginner-friendly. And since I’d never set up an eSIM before, that mattered a lot to me. Now that I’ve used it for two weeks across Seoul and Busan, I wanted to share how it actually went—what worked, what could’ve been better, and what I wish I knew before I arrived. Why I Ended Up Choosing Chingu Mobile I wasn’t looking for the cheapest SIM, just one that would work without much fuss. Their site was in English, they offered both physical SIMs and eSIMs, and the airport pickup instructions were really clear. I went with the 15-day unlimited eSIM , mostly because I didn’t want to deal with opening my phone and finding a ...

If you're planning your first trip to South Korea, you've probably got a checklist: book flights, find a hanbok rental for Instagram-worthy palace photos, maybe even practice a little Korean. But then comes the less glamorous stuff—like figuring out how to pay for a subway ride or buy a snack without digging through unfamiliar coins. That’s where  WOWPASS  comes in. And if you're anything like me—someone who’s easily flustered when lines are long and menus are all in Korean—you’re going to love this little card more than you expect. I used WOWPASS for my entire two-week trip across Seoul, Busan, and beyond. Here's the real, human version of what it was like to travel with it—and why I'd absolutely use it again. My First 5 Minutes With WOWPASS Landing at Incheon Airport after a 13-hour flight, the last thing I wanted was to fumble with ATMs or try explaining myself in a jet-lagged daze. So when I spotted the WOWPASS booth—with friendly English-speaking staff and zero...