Copyright BuzzFeed
Hi! I'm Haein, a Korean-American lifestyle writer who’s returned to the motherland — Seoul, South Korea. After growing up in the States, I finally made the trip back to Seoul in 2018. Since then, I've been trying to visit family and friends every other year or so. Upon coming to Korea, one would think that being Korean, at least ethnically so, and growing up in a predominantly Korean-American community, would make my return feel like coming home. It actually wasn't like that at all. It was an entirely new country, even for me. For those visiting Seoul, or curious about what the vibrant and fast-moving city is like, here are some tips I picked up: 1. First, straight off the plane at Incheon airport — there are three ways to get into the city of Seoul: by taxi/rideshare, airport limousine, or the subway. Unless you have family or friends who are willing to make the trek to the airport! 2. Speaking of subways, it's important to be mindful of the designated seats for seniors, people with disabilities, and those expecting. Two rows are reserved at the start and end of the carriage for seniors and those with disabilities. In the middle of the carriage, the pink seat is for pregnant people. Mindfulness about these seats is taken very seriously here! If you're wondering how to spot these seats, they are also marked on the platforms. 3. When it comes to subway culture in Seoul, there are also things to keep in mind amidst the commuter hustle. When taking the escalator, the right side is reserved for standing, while the left is for those walking up. 4. If you plan on taking the subway, the T-money card is your best friend! It's a public transportation card that you use for the subway, bus, and even some convenience stores. 5. As for how I've been making purchases in Seoul, it's been a mix of won and just using my regular debit or credit card. I looked up the foreign transaction fees for my card use, and while I try to limit its use, it has been the most convenient method for me. 6. Now, let's talk shopping! As a visitor, one of the shopping perks is the tax refund on select purchases. In some of the name brand shops — Nike, Uniqlo, Olive Young, etc. — look out for a little sign that says tax refund, or simply ask if they offer a tax refund form. 7. You might notice the lack of trash cans around the city. If you're also booking an Airbnb, they might have instructions on how to recycle and organize your trash. Recycling is taken seriously here. 8. Some unique local advice: if you enjoy KBBQ and ssam (an assortment of meat, sauce, and fresh garlic or seasoned green onion, wrapped up in a leafy vegetable), try to eat it properly, which is in one bite. 9. I swear, iced Americanos are people's favorite coffee drink here. It's affectionately referred to as "ah-ah," the abbreviated phonetic sound. The "ah" in iced and "ah" in americano. 10. What the helly are SHINE MUSCATS and why are they so good?? They're just the juiciest, most delicious grapes I've ever eaten in my life. 11. Seoul is known for its cafe culture, but this unique cafe style caught my eye — self-serve cafes! There are two of them within the span of a block in my neighborhood. At the kiosk, you select your drink, pay with your card, and then grab your cup, some ice, and set it on the machine. 12. Soju, in its home country, is only ₩1,900 in convenience stores and around ₩5,000 in restaurants and bars. 13. If you're ever in the elevator and press the wrong button, just press it again, and it'll cancel! How convenient is that! 14. One of the most panicked moments I felt in Seoul was when I tried to get onto the subway and was hit with an aggressive partition preventing me from entering the platform. There were rush hour commuters bustling in and out behind me, and it just kept denying me entry. 15. You might notice Google Maps is unreliable in Seoul. I've been recommended KakaoMap and the NAVER Map to navigate my way around the city. 16. Seoul is also pretty well-connected in terms of Wi-Fi. Any cafes and sometimes even restaurants offer free public Wi-Fi. Subway stations as well. I installed an e-SIM card just so I can have a 24/7 connection, but if you don’t, you can survive. It’s just not as fast or smooth in terms of connectivity. 17. If you're ever looking for respite from the city, I've enjoyed walks through Seoul Forest and Namsan Tower. 18. And most importantly, ENJOY!!! Seoul is a bustling, interesting, and beautiful city with so many great foods and sights to offer. I'll be coming back with my belly, heart, and luggage full. And checking off a daily 10k steps quota! Have you been to Seoul before? Do you have any tips to add? Share your thoughts in the comments!
