Visit Seoul
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Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know before visiting Seoul

Visa & Entry

K-ETA Required Countries

Visitors from visa-waiver countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) need to apply for K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Apply at least 72 hours before departure.

Note for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals require a separate visa. Please contact your nearest Korean embassy/consulate.

Essential Apps

Download these apps before you arrive

Google Maps does NOT provide walking or driving directions in Korea. Use Naver Map instead.

Naver Map icon

Naver Map

The essential navigation app for Korea. Google Maps doesn't provide walking/driving directions here - use Naver Map instead.

iOSAndroid
Kakao T icon

Kakao T

Korea's most popular taxi app. Shows fare estimates, accepts foreign credit cards, and you can share your ride location.

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Papago icon

Papago

Naver's translation app with excellent Korean accuracy. Features voice translation, camera translation, and conversation mode.

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KakaoTalk icon

KakaoTalk

Korea's #1 messaging app used by 97% of the population. Essential for communicating with locals and businesses.

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Catchtable icon

Catchtable

Restaurant reservation app for Seoul's hottest restaurants. Many popular places require reservations days in advance.

iOSAndroid

Airport to City

Getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul

We recommend the AREX Express! Reach Seoul Station in just 43 minutes with spacious seats and plenty of luggage space.

TransportAREX Express (Direct)
Duration43-51 min
Cost₩11,000
TransportAREX All-Stop
Duration66 min
Cost₩5,150
TransportAirport Limousine Bus
Duration60-90 min
Cost₩18,000
TransportTaxi
Duration50-90 min
Cost₩65,000-100,000

AREX Express (Direct)

Non-stop train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station. Most comfortable option with spacious seating and luggage space.

💡 Runs every 40-50 minutes. Book tickets at the airport station or use T-money card.

AREX All-Stop

Local train stopping at all stations. Cheaper option, connects directly to Seoul's subway system.

💡 Use T-money card for easy transfer to subway. First train: 5:23am, Last train: 11:50pm.

Airport Limousine Bus

Comfortable buses running to major hotels and districts. Convenient if your hotel has a stop nearby.

💡 Check route numbers carefully - different routes go to different areas (Gangnam, Myeongdong, etc.).

Taxi

Most convenient but expensive option. Price varies greatly depending on traffic and destination.

💡 Use Kakao T app. Regular taxis may not accept foreign credit cards - use International Taxi or pay cash.

T-money & WOWPASS

Payment cards for transportation and shopping

T-money

Korea's representative transportation card. Use it for subway, bus, taxi, and convenience stores.

  • 💳 Card price: ₩2,500
  • 🏪 Where to buy: Convenience stores, subway station vending machines
  • 💵 Recharge: Cash only

T-money recharge requires CASH! Withdraw money from an ATM beforehand.

WOWPASS

All-in-one card for foreign tourists. Transportation card + prepaid payment card in one!

  • 💳 Includes T-money transportation function
  • 💰 Recharge with foreign cards or cash
  • 🛒 Pay at most stores in Korea

Get your WOWPASS at the airport kiosk upon arrival!