Getting There

• Panstar Ferry, Osaka to Busan

Seoul

Apps

• Naver: Due to Korean regulations, neither Apple nor Google maps work effectively in Korea because of data localization laws. To navigate, use Naver. It might seem a bit clunky at first, so familiarize yourself with it before your trip.

• Kakao-T: Korea’s answer to uber, they are taxis but ordered through an app and tracked like an uber

Miscellaneous Tips

• As with anywhere, avoid touristy spots. One of my less pleasant experiences was at a KBBQ place in Gwangjang Market, which was tailored for tourists and left much to be desired.

• Note that most restaurants close for lunch by 2:00 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid missing a meal or ending up at a fast food place.

• Don't miss trying the three types of alcohol: Soju, Milky Rice Wine (Takju), and Beer (best enjoyed with Korean Fried Chicken).

• When it comes to street food, opt for freshly prepared items. Avoid microwaved versions.

• Pass Objects with Both Hands: When giving or receiving objects, especially to or from an elder, it's polite to use both hands.

• While many Koreans, especially in urban areas, speak some English, learning a few basic Korean phrases can go a long way in communication and showing respect for the local culture.

• Korea experiences distinct seasons. Each season offers a different experience, so consider the weather when planning activities. June to August is monsoon season, which means heavy rains. Be prepared with umbrellas and waterproof gear.

• Consider getting a T-Money card for easy access to public transportation in Seoul and other major cities. It can also be used in taxis and some stores.

• The emergency number for police is 112, and for medical assistance and fire, it's 119.

• This is Korea's major harvest festival Chuseok is a time for family gatherings. Many businesses close during this period in Late September to Early October and it's a great opportunity to experience local traditions.

• Seollal, the Korean name for lunar new year, often around February is a time for family gatherings and ancestral rites. It's a chance to witness traditional ceremonies but many businesses also close during this period

Areas/Where to Stay

• Myeongdong: This is the best and most popular spot. It’s a vibrant area with shops, street vendors, and restaurants. If you don't plan on spending much time in Myeongdong, I recommend staying closer to Euljiro 3(sam) ga. It’s a bit further from Myeongdong but is on the green and orange subway lines, which are more convenient and you'll likely be transferring to those lines often.

• Insadong: This area is close to Myeongdong and offers cute cafes, museums, and a more old Korean vibe. It's not a bad area to stay, but there might be better options depending on your preferences.

• Hongdae: Known for its cool bars and nightlife. It's a bit further away from other attractions but convenient if you plan on spending your nights there.

• Seoul Station: Ideal for early risers who enjoy using public transport. While it’s not within walking distance of many attractions, it’s very easy to get around the large city using public transportation.

Day Trips

• DMZ (JSA): The JSA has been closed for some time due to Covid and escalating tensions. However, visiting the DMZ is still a must-see tour. You get to go through a tunnel into North Korea and get a view of the 'fake city' and the second biggest city in North Korea from a distance.

  • I would highly recommend the tour that I booked through Viator.com check out the link -> DMZ Half Day Tour - No Shopping

• Nami Island (Gapyeong Area - Gangchon Rail Park, Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France): It’s about 45 minutes from Seoul and makes for a fun day trip if you enjoy nature. Keep in mind it can be a long day, so consider your interests before planning. If you decide to visit the Garden of Morning Calm, make sure to go at night for the light show. Petite France, on the other hand, can be a bit underwhelming. If you buy a rail pass, you can use it to get here but be prepared to wait for the bus and have less freedom. I recommend joining a tour group or exploring other options.

• I would highly recommend the tour that I booked through Klook.com check out the link -> Nami/ RailBike/ Petite France/ Morning Calm/ LEGOLAND Tour don’t forget to use promo code WORLDATHAND for 5% off!

• Busan: More details on what to do there are provided below. It’s only 2 hours by train, and a day is usually sufficient in winter, especially if you aren't planning on going to the beach. If you want more time at Busan's attractions or a more leisurely pace, consider staying longer.

Food Recommendations

• Shin Old Tea House (Insandong): This is a cute traditional tea house. The tea was surprisingly good, even for someone skeptical about tea. It comes with a traditional Korean cookie, which you can buy elsewhere, but here you can try it without going out of your way.

• Bukchon Sonmandu (Insadong): Known for serving the best Korean dumplings. There's always a long line because it’s a small restaurant. You can jump to the front if you want takeaway, but once you sit, you'll be in and out in about 10 minutes, making it a fun experience. (Side note: all the dumplings have pork).

• Taegeukdang (Insadong): Apparently the best bakery in Seoul. I didn’t get a chance to try it, but it comes highly recommended.

• Greem Cafe (Hongdae): If you're looking for a themed cafe, Greem is the most subtle. It feels like you're in a cartoon, with everything obviously inflated for the perfect Instagram shot.

• Buchon Yukhoe (Gwangjang Market): This is my favorite restaurant in Korea. It’s a Michelin guide restaurant that specializes in (and exclusively makes) beef tartar bibimbap. It was only around $12 for the dish, including rice and a beef soup. The only issue is that the line can be long. I recommend getting there around 3:40. It might not be the ideal eating time, but they close for an hour a day, so if you arrive then, you can wait while they

Things to Do in Seoul

• Gyeongbokgung/Changdeokgung/Palaces: If you can only visit one palace, go to Changdeokgung. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, as most of the other palaces including Gyeongbokgung were recently rebuilt and are not original. All palaces offer free tours a couple of times a day once you have bought a ticket. I highly recommend this over the prebooked online tours. The guides are better and easier to find. It is also worth visiting the secret garden if you have time, but please note that this requires an additional fee.

• Cooking Nanta (Myeongdong): I expected it to be cringy, and it kind of is, but honestly the show was great. It’s completely non-verbal and things are written in English, so you don’t need to know any Korean to enjoy it. It was really funny, interactive, and entertaining. It’s not the longest-running show in Korea for no reason. Bold call, but I would say this is one of my favorite things I did in Korea.

• Seoullo 7017 (Seoul Station): Seoul's answer to the High Line, it’s a nice scenic place to walk. I wouldn’t go out of my way to get there, but it's a place you will enjoy walking through. Though there is no specific purpose for the walk, it’s a pleasant stroll.

• Gangnam (Coex and Library): I went out of my way to visit the mall and library. The mall itself is grand and nice, but it's just a mall. The library was beautiful and looked great in photos, although I expected it to be more standalone. It definitely looked less impressive in real life than in the photos. Still, it’s worth visiting if you're in the area.

• Kstar Road (Gangnam): Possibly the biggest waste of time on the whole trip. The figures are cool, but it truly is just walking down a main road. It’s advertised as having other things around, but it’s really just the "stars' favorite stores" and the record labels, which you can’t do anything at.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: A step back in time, Bukchon Hanok Village showcases traditional Korean architecture amidst the bustling city. Wander through narrow alleys lined with well-preserved hanoks (traditional Korean houses). It's a picturesque neighborhood that offers a glimpse into Seoul's rich cultural heritage. I booked a tour of the Hanok Village through the free Seoul Tours website. To my surprise, it turned out to be a private tour. Although the guide was a bit difficult to understand due to language differences, she was exceptionally kind and accommodating.

• Cooking Class: A nice way to have a walkthrough of the markets with a local, try some local “home cooked” food, and learn how to make things for home. Plus, you get to try a few different dishes.

• Gwangjang Market: The most famous and best market. Make sure to sit at a stall and get one of the combos. It’s like $7 to have a bit of everything, and it’s delicious. All the stalls are pretty much the same, so try whichever looks most appealing or whichever celebrity resonates (I did Gordon Ramsay, obviously).

• Dongadaeom Design Plaza: Honestly, it’s just a building but it’s very cool to walk around and can make for some great pictures. It seems much bigger than expected, and while walking around, you will see some ancient ruins which are pretty cool.

Busan

• Jagalchi Fish Market: It’s just a wholesale fish market, a bit like Japan but it’s cool to walkthrough. Continue through to the Gwangbokdong food street.

• Cable Car: South of the city, it doesn’t really take you anywhere. In my opinion, it’s not really worth doing, though the view is nice. Instead, just take a picture at the beach. It’s cheap, so I guess if you’re at the beach and want to do it, you can.

• Gamchon Culture Village: Located in the southwest of the city, the coolest thing in Busan is definitely this. It offers an amazing beautiful view and village. It can be a bit tough to get to, as you have to take a bus or taxi, but it’s absolutely worth it.

• Haedong Yonggung Temple: Located very north, I didn’t personally go there as I preferred to do other things, but it looks cool if you plan on spending more than a day in Busan.

• Centum City: North of the city, it's a massive mall with really nice shops and a great food court.

• Spa Land (Centum City): A traditional Korean bathhouse, offering a surreal experience walking around with your bits hanging out, but the pools are actually very clean. The common areas are very nice with a foot bath and saunas. They even have a really great cafe inside. It’s certainly an experience and I would recommend it. If you're going to do it anywhere, do it here where it’s clean. Keep in mind there’s a maximum 4-hour stay, whereas you can sleep at other bathhouses.

• Samjin Eomuk: There are a few around the city, but you can try this at Centum City or the train station. It’s the most famous store in Busan. They specialize in fish cakes, but they make so many types. I’m not a big fish fan, but I had pizza ones, wrapped rice cakes, and cheese, and they were really yummy.