How to Find Shaded Walking Routes in Korea with the Geuneulro App

Walking even a short distance can be tiring during Korea’s hot and humid summer. Shade cannot prevent heat-related illness, but reducing direct sun exposure may make the walk from a subway station or bus stop a little easier. One tool some people in Korea use for this purpose is Geuneulro (그늘로). The app compares the … Read more

What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling in Korea

Foreign traveler receiving medical guidance outside a clinic in Seoul, with a pharmacy and ambulance nearby

Getting sick during a trip is stressful, especially when you do not know where to go, how Korea’s medical system works, or what your travel insurance will cover. This guide explains what foreign visitors should do—from choosing a clinic to collecting insurance documents. If someone is unconscious, cannot breathe normally, has severe chest pain, major … Read more

SIM Cards and eSIMs in Korea: A Practical Guide for Travelers

Traveler comparing a physical SIM card and an eSIM at a Korean airport

Mobile data makes traveling in Korea much easier. Visitors use it for maps, translation, transport information, reservations and communication with hotels or local businesses. Foreign travelers can choose a physical SIM, an eSIM, international roaming or portable Wi-Fi. The best option depends on whether you need a Korean phone number, want installation help or need … Read more

Your First 90 Minutes in Korea: What to Prepare Before Landing

International traveler checking transport directions after arriving at Incheon Airport in Korea

Arriving in Korea is usually straightforward when the important checks have been completed before departure. Before flying, confirm: This guide uses Incheon International Airport as its main example. Other Korean airports follow a similar entry process, but transport services and operating hours are different. The “first 90 minutes” is not a deadline. Immigration, baggage and … Read more

How to Book KTX and Intercity Travel in Korea

Booking travel between Korean cities is not only about finding the fastest train or bus. The more important question is whether the departure station and arrival point work well for your actual journey. Seoul has several train stations and long-distance bus terminals. Regional cities may also have more than one station or terminal, and some … Read more

How Can You Enjoy Traveling in Korea During a Summer Heatwave?

Travelers cooling down with water and bingsu near traditional Korean architecture during a summer heatwave

Last updated: August 5, 2026 (Korea Standard Time) You can still enjoy traveling in Korea during a summer heatwave. The key is to shorten outdoor routes, combine them with nearby indoor activities, and keep plans flexible enough to change on the day. Summer in Korea is not only about escaping the heat. Seasonal food, beaches, … Read more

How to Order Less Spicy Food in Korea

Diner eating spicy Korean stew with rice, mild side dishes and lettuce

Not all Korean food is spicy, and not every spicy dish can be made mild. Some restaurants let customers choose a spice level. In other places, the broth or sauce has already been prepared, so the heat cannot easily be changed. Before ordering, ask: Quick Guide What you need Korean phrase Ask whether it is … Read more

How Side-Dish Refills Work at Korean Restaurants

Restaurant staff refilling kimchi side dish for a customer at a Korean restaurant

A Korean meal may arrive with several small dishes placed around the main food. Kimchi, seasoned vegetables, pickles, sauces and other small dishes are commonly called banchan, or side dishes. They are an ordinary part of many Korean meals rather than separate appetisers that must always be ordered individually. Basic side dishes can often be … Read more

How to Pay at Korean Restaurants: Counter, Table, Kiosk and Split Bills

Customer paying by card at a Korean restaurant counter

You finish your meal at a restaurant in Korea, but no bill arrives at the table. Should you wait for a server, take something to the counter or walk towards the entrance with your card? At many everyday Korean restaurants, customers finish eating and pay at a counter near the entrance. This is the method … Read more