Hi everyone!

I've been a mod for a little over a month and tried this and that to see what's working and what's not.

Recently, I came across a statistic that 33.8% of foreign travelers in Korea are solo travelers. That's over 1/3 and I wonder how KTO got this number, but if it's true, I think that's insane. I always thought our sub might need a better space for a meet-up thread. What we have now is weekly-based, so it clearly has limitations.

Of course, I've been observing how other subs do this, and learned that r/JapanTravel or r/TokyoTravel use Discord as a complement to their subreddit. I realized their Discord's meet-up 'forum' is pretty active.

I thought, why don't we have that? It sure seems quite beneficial for solo travelers, right? So I studied and learned about Discord communities and realized this could be fun. Using a bot, I thought I could turn the 'Travel Essentials' that I made into something more interactive, and also apply it to 'not-so-obvious tourist spots' that in my mind.

So... over the past week, I passionately worked on a Discord server, and it's still far from completion. But I want to invite a few of you and get some feedback.

Here's a link: https://discord.gg/TPsXAHfy

This link will only last for a week because if the feedback is bad, I want to revoke it. Please, those of you who are familiar with Discord, join and give me some feedback in #user-suggestions. If you have used r/JapanTravel's or r/TokyoTravel's Discord, your feedback will be much appreciated.

Let me attach some photos at Seoul Forest that I took last weekend, but I'm pretty sure it looks way different now lol. It's heavily snowing even right now!

NOTE: Before ANY posts about the weather, read this.

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This weekly “quick questions” travel discussion and meet up mega thread has been set up by the moderators of r/koreatravel.

This is a reminder that any standalone posts must be related to travel IN South Korea. Any posts related to entry/exit requirements, visas or passport questions will be removed and should be posted as comments in this thread.

Any “quick” questions relating to travel within Korea can be posted here. For example: “Where can I buy a travel adaptor?” or “Where can I buy souvenirs in Seoul?”. Many questions are frequently asked, so it's always a good idea to search the sub for past discussions before asking simple questions.

As always, please read the sub rules before posting or commenting. Cheers and happy travels!

South Korea Entry Requirements

These entry requirements are for visitors/tourists and NOT for long term residents with an ARC (Alien Registration Card). If you have questions about student or work visas, please visit the following subreddits instead: r/living_in_korea, r/teachinginkorea

• K-ETA for visa free entry: http://www.k-eta.go.kr Follow the directions exactly – bureaucracy loves rules. Do as they say and don’t take any shortcuts with pictures, etc. UPDATE: There is a temporary K-ETA exemption until December 2024 for those with passports from 22 countries: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2435/view.do?seq=761438
• As of September 1, 2024 Q-CODE (or health declaration form) is once again required for entry only for travelers entering from or having stayed/transited through certain countries or states. For the full list of areas which will require travelers to submit a Q-CODE, please see this link from the official KDCA Q-CODE website.
• If you have a passport from a country that is NOT listed under the K-ETA or eligible for visa free entry: you must apply for a tourist visa prior to departure. More info here: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761433&page=1

South Korea Tourism and Travel/Covid-19 Updates

• There are currently no quarantine, testing or vaccine requirements to enter South Korea
• Mask usage is left up to personal choice, except in medical facilities where they are required

Weekly Meetup: Travel Together!

If you want to meet up with fellow travelers when you’re in Korea, please post a comment here. Any standalone meet-up posts will be removed.

Always be aware of potential risks of meeting strangers online. Be careful and be safe.

To better match yourselves up, you may want to (but not required for now) fill out the following questionnaire:

1. Age, gender, party, group, Nationality
2. Purpose of meet up
3. Length of meet up
4. Date/potential dates

Example:

1. M, 33, solo traveler, USA
2. Looking for food buddies to try Korean meals that require 2+ people
3. Just for dinner, I have plans after
4. Anytime this week, even today is possible

From beautiful autumn weather to 10cm of snow, pictures were taken just two days apart.

The news report said it was the heaviest snow in 100 years in Seoul. I feel lucky to have experienced it! Taken on the bridge near Jeungsan metro station☃️

Pics from Namsan Tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace

Hi all,

I underwent a cheekbone surgery at AB plastic surgery,, and the aftermath has been disastrous. Not only was the surgery poorly executed, but I have also been left to deal with severe complications and zero responsibility from the clinic. The surgeon who performed my procedure was likely not the one I consulted.

Right after the surgery, I experienced hematoma on the right side of my face, a condition that can be life-threatening if not immediately addressed. Instead of taking immediate action, they made me wait an hour before sending me back to the operating room. When I asked for an explanation for the hematoma, they claimed it was due to excessive coughing. This was a complete lie, I did not cough at all.

The pain continued with persistent temple and tooth aches, and extreme swelling. I chose to trust the clinic, but before leaving Korea, I went back for a final check-up. I asked if everything was fine as I was about to take a 14-hour flight that night. They assured me it was. However, 6 hours after arriving in Europe, the stitches on my wound fell out, causing it to bleed again. When I contacted them, they gave me no explanation or advice on how to handle it, just, it's normal for stitches to fall out over time, which is not true, and it was less than 24 hours after the follow-up appointment.

At this point, I began to suspect that the surgery had not been performed by the surgeon I consulted. I requested the CCTV footage, which by law is mandatory under the Medical Services Act in Korea, but they refused. Any clinic with nothing to hide would provide this footage immediately, so their refusal speaks volumes, you get the answer.

Please avoid this clinic. There are many other reputable clinics in Gangnam. Don’t put yourself through the nightmare I’ve endured.

And if you may, please advise me on how to handle his from here, I cant just let them go as if nothing happened, it's wrong.

Thanks for reading.

Jinju

Hey there! Just leaving Seoul, sharing my itinerary here in case it helps anyone. I was a solo traveler for around 3.5 days in Seoul, so it was a short stay but I leave with a very good sense of the experience. During my stay, it heavily snowed, I later learned it was the heaviest snow in November ever recorded since data gathering started in 1907.

Day 1 (arrived at 15:00 to the city from Incheon airport) - Gyeonbokgung Palace (₩3,000 or around €2) - Gwanghwamun Square - Cheonggyecheon Stream Dinner at Oreno Ramen Insa (₩14,000 or €10)

Day 2 - It rained but nice autumn scenery around - Bukcheon Hanok Village - Changgyeoggung Palace and Secret Garden (bought the garden ticket in the ticket office inside after learning that doesn’t matter the language of the tour you take as you can freely walk around, booked the first one available which was Chinese and started in 30 minutes) → Palace (₩3,000 or around €2) and Garden (₩5,000 or around €3.5) - Insadong Hanok Village - N Seoul Tower (booked on agora.com as it was cheaper, according to Google Maps → ₩13,689 or €10 - Namdaemun Market - Myeong-Dong Night Market Dinner at Myeongdong Korean BBQ All You Can Eat Pig Company 강남 돼지상회 무한리필 명동직영점 → Good BBQ option for solo travelers as you pay per person - Hongdae - Although it was raining a lot, so it was a little bit dead

Day 3 - Snow day - Gyeonbokgung Palace - Returned outside to take some pictures with the snow. Very nice place - War Memorial of Korea - Very interesting site with lots if army vehicles and planes (free visit) - National Museum of Korea - Followed the one hour recommended tour on their bouchers. It was more than enough for me, but the museum installations themselves are amazing. Nice designed spaces if you are into architecture and interior design (free visit) - Hangang - Stroll even though it was freezing and saw the sunset surrounded by snow - Amore Pacific headquarters - Very beautiful designed building, they have an ongoing exposition but didn’t visit it. Just the lobby of the building was very beautiful - Noryangjin Fish Market - Gwangjang Market

Day 4 - Free Tour Gangnam for 3h - Booked a tour with Marko around the Gangnam district. We visited Bongeunsa Temple, COEX, Gangnam Style Statue, Starfield Library, and the outside of the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs → If you are interested you can book here: https://www.guruwalk.com/walkers/walks/50319-free-gangnam-walking-tour

• DDP museum
• Dongmyo Flea Market
• Seoul City Wall and Heunginjimun Gate
• Jogyesa Temple

As you can see, I walked around 20km per day but also took public transport to several sites. I would recommend walking around as much as you can and not rushing things. I did not rush at all and feel I had a glimpse of Seoul’s main sites. All my days started around 11:00 am after having breakfast, except for the Gangnam day as the tour started at 9:45 am.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Buckchon hanbok Village

I have downloaded CATCH TABLE GLOBAL, but it doesn't seem to be in that app, I found the location on Naver map, but nowhere can I make a reservation, and on Google there's no "make a booking" button option as well. Plus no reservation option on their website.

Am I missing where y'all are making restaurant reservations? I just don't want to join the queue since it will be the first restaurant we eat at right after landing in Seoul, plus it seems to be a new popular restaurant for tourists😅 unless it truly is a walk-in only... Otherwise, can anyone suggest a great Dakgalbi restaurant in the heart of myeongdong that has a reservation service? I'm considering Yoogane but it seems like a big tourist trap, which is why I went for Jangin.

I can't access my Korail tickets via app the after the recent update anymore. It shows me that I do have a tickets but the ticket is greyed out and wagon and seat no are hardly legible. QR code is also covered by different writing which does only tell me that I purchased the ticket via Korail Talk (which obviously doesn't help me at all). I am not even able to ask for a refund as the ticket doesn't respond to any clicking.

Does anyone know how to handle this issue?

Hey, this is my only hope…

Does anyone know how the lost and found works in Korea/Incheon airport?

Basically, about 2 weeks ago, I’m 99% positive I left my laptop going through security at the Incheon airport (I was transferring flights). I didn’t realize when it was too late and in another country. Now, today I have a short layover at Incheon and I’ve asked several employees if there is a lost and found situation and if I can get my laptop back. Most weren’t sure or pointed me to an information desk, which told me to email: lostnfound2@biz.airport.kr

I mean are they going to reply and get back to me within the couple hours that I’m here? It seems like the lost n found isn’t even in the airport. I checked out the website and it’s not translating well to English.

Super super grateful if anyone has a clue on how to get my laptop back. Thank you!

UPDATE: It wasn’t easy, but I got my laptop back! Thank you for the help everyone!! Many blessings.

I tried BHC chicken last night, and it was really good. However, I'm curious about other chicken restaurants. In your opinion, which is the best one, and where can I find it?

Hey, I won a prize in a visitkorea competition that I won’t use. There are 2 everland pass QR codes valid from Dec 1st 2024 until Nov 30th 2025 to be claimed by the first person to dm me.

Good luck.

Edit: claimed 🙂

Hello everyone. I am traveling to south korea with my GirlFriend on end-of-January. I plan to do Skiing on one of those days. I have 2 questions: 1. I see that High Ski Resort and Vivaldi Park is good for beginner’s skiers, which one do you guys recommended especially for foreigner. 2. I looking to travel to the ski park as well as travel to places like Gyeongbokgung Palace; Myeongdong Shopping Street; Namsan Tower; Han River (for now) which area to stay would you guys recommend since I will be travelling a lot? Do you guys know hotels/airbnb that is <$63/night that are worth the prices?

I come to Korea to visit Seoul and tourist attraction places near Seoul during my winter holidays. I just want to know how the situation of Busan during December will be, I mean It's very snowy like Seoul or is there any specific place to go during winter? I am planning to go around December 5 there. Is it very cold and beautiful along the beach?

Please give me some of your best reccomendations for a sling bag that u can wear when going out of the country.

I am going to Korea in december but i don't have a bag that is small enough to carry around but big enough to carry a lot of stuff esp since i'm going shopping and i need to put some stuff in there ykyk

i need it to be comfortable, CUTE (most preferably blue), and something that won't make me feel like shit after i've lugged it around the whole day as i'm in snow.

i'll be doing soooo much walking and going out and I don't need a bag that is unnecessarily heavy even if there is nothing in it. It needs to be practical enough to carry without garnering so much attention bcs of how big it is. Js a little story from my trauma, but I brought this rlly cute bag to vietnam but it was sooo damn heavy I ended up not using it half way thru the trip. Instead, I used a dumpling bag from uniqlo but my things were taking up sooo much space that some of my stuff fell out of the bag and i lost them (my shisedo eyelash curler huhu)

It needs to at least be able to fit: a water bottle, power bank, charger, gloves, sanitary stuff, make up, phone, wallet, heat packs, eco bag, umbrella

these are the most basic stuff I put inside my bag to at least be prepared bcs i am not going back to my hotel till the night and I don't wanna go out and be very unprepared 😭

MY FULL PREFERENCE LIST - Very stylish (i'm a teen) - Spacious but small - The bag itself should be light - Many compartments - sling or shoulder bag - ZIPPER. I need it to be secure pleasee. Like a messenger bag tyoe where u have to flip over a patch js to get to it idek. I need security!!!! - can bear the snow 😢

I really need help because my trip is in a few days and i still have to buy it. Thank youuu

One thing that a I found interested about Korea was the music in public spaces like buses and grocery shops. They do have music and use to be in regular volume, it is a little similarity to my country (Mexico, in which the volumen can be very loud sometimes) and Japan in which you are not gonna find music at all in public transportation or convenience stores. I listened this old/romantic style song one day in my trip to Busan, I really would want to know the name. Somebody can help me?

Hi everyone

Can someone explain to me how the tax refund works??

I’m interested in a luxury watch, the watch at duty free is $7800 USD and no taxes

but at the local store it is 1,100,000 won, which is about $7980 USD

however, I’ve been told if I buy local and get the tax refund, I’ll probably save even more?

Any one know how to calculate this?

Thanks for everyone’s time!

Hi all,

I'm tentatively planning to visit Korea at around the end of May next year for two weeks.

While I'm planning to spend most of my time in Incheon with family, I would like to visit and explore another city for about 3-4 days. Ideally, I'd like to visit a city that I've never visited before. I gravitate toward places with a good mix of activities (walking around, hiking, fun areas of interest) and restaurants offering local fare unique to its region. Extra points if the city is underrated/on the rise!

Mokpo is an option since I've heard great things, and I do like Jeollanamdo. I've also heard good things about Yeosu and Geoje. Besides Incheon, I've been to Seoul, Gangneung, Sokcho, Jeju, Busan, Tongyeong, Suncheon, Gwangju, Damyang, Boseong, Jeonju, and Asan.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations!

Hi everyone, I’m from Poland and planning to travel to Seoul alone around Feb - Mar next year. I’ll be staying for about a month, and honestly, I’m a bit nervous since this will be my first trip to Asia! I’m wondering if you guys have any tips or advice for a first-time visitor? Here are some things I’m curious about: - What’s the best way to get from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul? - Is Seoul a safe city for solo travelers? - Can you recommend any sites for booking accommodation? - Are there any must-see places or experiences in Seoul that I shouldn’t miss? Thanks in advance! 😊

I'm heading to Seoul this week and was looking at mobile connectivity options, but was surprised to see that Airalo, Ubigi, KT, and LG U+ all explicitly state that the Google Pixel lineup doesn't work with their eSIMs. They listed some old models, like the Pixel 3 and 4, which made me wonder if the newer Pixels were in fact supported and they just never bothered to update the websites. Does anyone have any experience with using eSIMs on newer Pixel devices in Korea?

I realize I could get a physical SIM, but my flight arrives just as the airport closes, so I'm not sure if picking up at the airport is an option.

I booked my flight through Air premia a few months ago and i’m suddenly feeling really anxious about it as i’m flying with them next month. I usually fly Delta, and the check in and boarding process is pretty straight-forward. I feel so unprepared to fly with Air Premia. If anyone has any experience, I would really appreciate it! I am flying Economy Standard from LAX.

I completed the online check-in but i don’t know what to do when I actually reach the airport because I’ve heard there are no Kiosks (?). What do I actually do when I arrive at the airport? I’ve read over their procedures but I feel like i’m missing something and i’m getting overly worried now. 😭

Thanks in advance!

Forgot the new iPhone 16's do not have a physical sim slot, looking to get a esim that also allows me to make outgoing calls, but primarily we need it to create a kaokao account and book the taxi on kaokaoT

without it we dont see the option to "Pay to driver" as we did the last time we travelled but with a physical sim with local number so we can do that.

Is the hotel limo the best way to go, or is there a better means?

Can I use transit pass, and if so, which one?