Practical Information
Tips for navigating Seoul like a local
Getting Around
🚇 Subway
Seoul's subway is one of the world's most efficient public transport systems. Lines are easily identified by color.
Last trains run around midnight! Take a taxi for late-night travel.
🚌 Bus
Buses are color-coded: Blue (trunk), Green (branch), Red (express), Yellow (circular)
🚕 Taxi
Use the Kakao T app for convenience. Regular taxis may not accept foreign cards - have cash or KakaoPay ready.
Emergency Contacts
📞 Emergency
- 112 - Police
- 119 - Fire/Ambulance
🎧 Tourist Helpline
1330
24-hour multilingual tourist helpline (English, Chinese, Japanese)
Local Etiquette
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Korea. In fact, it might confuse or embarrass people.
Priority Seats
NEVER sit in priority seats (pink seats) on the subway. Even if empty, they're reserved for elderly/pregnant. Locals will call you out!
Shoes
Remove shoes when entering hanok, temples, and some restaurants (especially floor-seating).
Weather & Clothing
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Cherry blossom season! Yeouido and Seokchon Lake are famous. Bring a light jacket.
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)
It's HOT HOT HOT and humid! July is rainy season. Bring umbrella and light clothes.
🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)
Foliage season! Bukhansan, Gyeongbokgung are beautiful. Best time to visit!
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Very cold! (Can drop to -10°C) But indoors is warm. Bring thick clothes and hand warmers.