Traveling to South Korea? This country captivates at first sight: modern cities, ancient palaces, street food, high technology and unique atmosphere. But in order to make your trip without stress and unpleasant surprises, it is important to prepare for it well. We've put together a detailed checklist that will make your trip simple and organized.
Documents and tickets
Air communication between Kazakhstan and Korea is developed at a high level, so planning a flight will not be difficult. Regular direct flights to Seoul are operated from Almaty and Astana, and the price of a plane ticket to Korea is affordable, especially for those who travel with a minimum of luggage.
A K-ETA e-visa, which is processed online in 5-10 minutes, is mandatory, as well as health insurance - preferably with COVID-19 coverage and an "active vacation" option.
Itinerary and reservations
It is better to plan your itinerary in advance, especially for those who do not limit themselves to visiting only Seoul, the capital and cultural center of the country. Where else to go in Korea:
- Busan is a seaside city with beaches;
- Gyeongju is the historical heart of the country;
- Jeju is an island with volcanoes and nature.
It is also worth booking a hotel or apartment well in advance (especially in Seoul and Busan).
Finance
International cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted almost everywhere. Cash dollars/euros can be exchanged for Korean won at the airport or at money changers.
It is recommended to have at least $100 just in case. It is convenient to use a rechargeable T-money transportation card to pay for the subway and buses.
What to bring
In summer, you will need comfortable and light clothing with sleeves that will protect you from the sun, in the fall it is better to bring a sweater and a jacket. Do not forget about shoes for long walks, as there are many walking routes in Seoul and other cities. An umbrella or raincoat is relevant during the rainy season (July-August).
What else you'll need:
- socket adapter - in Korea type F (European), voltage 220V;
- Masks and sanitizers - these are still appropriate in crowded public places.
In Korea inexpensive cosmetics, but those who are sensitive to the compositions, it is better to take the usual care products.
Gadgets and apps
You will need a smartphone with international roaming or a local SIM card that you can buy at the airport. Useful applications:
- Google Maps and Naver Maps are the two main aides to navigating in Korea;
- Papago or Google Translate to translate from Korean;
- KakaoTalk and KakaoMap are popular local apps.
Charging, earbuds, and povobank are must-have companions on the road.
Nutrition and health
For those with food allergies, you can download cards with Korean translations, such as "I don't eat nuts" or "no meat". It's also best to bring the necessary medications - pharmacies are available, but many drugs are sold by prescription only and without English names. When trying spicy street food - tokpokki, corn dogs, kimbap, pibimpap - you need to be moderate, especially in the first few days.
To make it easier to get around, you can write down addresses in Korean to make it easier for cab and bus drivers to understand you. It's best to buy tickets for shows, excursions or the theme parks Lotte World and Everland in advance.
A trip to South Korea is always a vivid experience, inspiring and culturally enriching. But to make your vacation a real success, it's important to carefully consider the details and gather everything you need on a checklist. Then the trip will be easy, interesting and stress-free - as it should be in the land of morning freshness!
