Book these before you fly
These fill up. Tick them off as you go; the ticks stay saved on your phone.
Put every place in your Google Maps
- Download the list below.
- Open google.com/mymaps on a laptop, create a new map and tap Import.
- Choose the file, pick Address for the pin and Name for the title.
- On your phone it appears in Google Maps under Saved, then Maps. Style by Neighbourhood or Category to colour-code it.
Before you land
Small things that make Seoul much easier.
Uber works, Kakao T too
Uber in Seoul books licensed taxis. Kakao T is the local app and often finds a car faster. Both let you type the destination.
Google for pins, Naver for walking
Google is great for your saved list and transit. If it won't give walking directions, tap Naver on the same place.
Catchtable for tables
Most restaurant bookings run through Catchtable, which has an English version. Escondido, LOGI and Mingles are on it.
T-money card
Pick one up at any convenience store and top up with cash. Works on the subway, buses and many taxis.
Passport for Olive Young
Carry your physical passport when you shop. Bigger Olive Young stores take the tax off at the till.
Show the Korean name
Where a place has its Korean name listed, show that to the driver.
Markets want cash
Carry some won for Gwangjang, Tongin and Mangwon. Most stalls are cash first.
Clinics book fast
Message the spas on WhatsApp or by phone a week or two ahead and agree the treatment and price up front.
Palaces close Tuesdays
Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, so plan the Bukchon day around it.