If you are due to travel to South Korea, then there are a few things you need to know before you go. In fact, if you follow this guide, you should find it easier not only to have the best time, but also to make sure that you’re not overlooking things that could make a big difference to your trip.
Data is Pricey
One thing to know about travelling to South Korea is that data is very expensive. You may think that buying a SIM is a great way to work around this, especially if you are there for a very long time. With that said, it might not be the best way to go. The main reason for this is that if you do not have a residency card, you won’t get access to the same deals that locals do, and this can make you pay more than you want for data. If you want to avoid this, then you need to try and be mindful of the phone you take and the SIM you use. If you can do this, then you should find that it is easier for you to get the result you need. If you are concerned about things like data, then you should know that WiFi is everywhere. When visiting South Korea, sometimes it’s helpful you ask yourself if you even need a SIM card. Every subway has WiFi hotspots, and there is also WiFi on local trains and buses as well. When you go out sightseeing, just make sure that you download the directions to your location beforehand.
Rent a SIM Card
You also have the option of being able to rent a SIM card at the airport. If you know that you would rather have a SIM card than have a WiFi connection, then a good idea would be for you to try and preorder one at the airport. You can start your SIM card hunt in advance, but if you go to the airport, you can collect it from the Seoul airport. To make things even easier, you can also drop off your luggage while you are there. Radical Storage Seoul is a great option here, and when you invest in it, you will soon find that you can easily drop off your bags and sightsee with your SIM card and then come back for everything else later. If you would rather not rent a SIM card, then another thing you can do is rent out a portable WiFi device. When you do this, you will find that it works out cheaper than getting a SIM card, and you can also collect it at the airport, which is a very good thing to do.
You Don’t Need to Tip
Another thing you need to know about South Korea is that you don’t need to tip at all. If you are concerned about the cost of travel, then this is a great way for you to cut down on things. The price you see when you visit a restaurant or the meal you see on the menu is the price that you will end up paying. Some say that tipping can be seen as rude, so you need to keep this in mind. Giving a tip might suggest that a waiter is below you in the hierarchy, and this is to be avoided, so save your money and instead buy yourself a dessert.
Google Maps is Hard
Google Maps is also rather difficult to use. Maps don’t work as well as they could, and they’re not updated on a regular basis. The maps also don’t tend to load when you are working at a close level. The public transport directions will usually work, but if you want to walk, you’ll find it much more difficult to get the result you need. South Korea has its own system rather than the ones that global companies use, so you need to make sure that you download things like Naver Maps or even KakaoMap, as this will give you the directions you need with ease.
It Can Get Cold
Another thing you need to know is that South Korea can get very cold. You need to do what you can to prepare for the weather. South Korea also has very bad weather in the winter, so you need to make sure that you look at the seasons and the weather before you go ahead and start planning your trip. You also need to make sure that you dress accordingly, because if you don’t, then this will make it much harder for you overall. If you love the sun, then visiting in the spring is one of the best things you can do, but at the same time, you may also want to go during winter if the cold doesn’t bother you. The main reason for this is that it’s beautiful at this time of year, and there is still plenty for you to see and do.
It’s Great for Hiking
South Korea is great for hiking, so you need to try and make sure that you keep this in mind if you can. One thing that South Korea is famous for is hiking, so consider using this to your advantage. You can go on long hikes, or you can choose to do some shorter hikes if necessary. Either way, there are also day trips you can take, so make sure that you don’t overlook things like this. If you do want to go out on a real adventure, then you should not overlook the Igidae Coastal Walk in Busan or even the Seoraksan National Park. Hikes like this are very good, and you may find that you are able to get the result you need out of your vacation without spending too much money. If you want to cut back, then it’s wise for you to try and book day trips, as this will help you to get out and about without having to pay for too much during the day.
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