Korea is one of the easiest countries in Asia for a first-timer: safe, clean, punctual, and almost everything works with a card. Still, a handful of things are much easier to arrange before you leave than at Incheon at 6 a.m.
1. Entry paperwork
US passport holders can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Through December 31, 2026 Americans are also exempt from the K-ETA electronic travel authorization, but you still have to file a free e-Arrival Card online within 3 days before landing (unless you hold a valid K-ETA). These rules have changed every year since 2023, so check k-eta.go.kr and the arrival-card site a week before you fly, and apply only on the official .go.kr sites — there are look-alike sites that charge extra.
2. Your phone
Buy an eSIM before you leave or pick up a tourist SIM at the airport; the data plans are cheap and the networks are excellent. Then install Naver Map or Kakao Map. Google Maps does not give walking or driving directions in Korea — it will show you where things are, but it will not get you there. Papago is the translation app locals use with foreigners; it handles menus and signs by camera.
3. Money
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including street-food stalls with card readers and every taxi. Bring one card with no foreign-transaction fee and tell your bank you are travelling. Carry a little cash (₩50,000–100,000) for traditional markets, temple donations and the odd mom-and-pop place. ATMs marked Global in convenience stores take foreign cards; bank ATMs often don’t.
4. A T-money card
This one card pays for the subway, buses, taxis and convenience stores in every city. Buy it at any convenience store at the airport (₩3,000–4,000 for the card), load it with cash, and tap in and out. It also gives you the free transfer between bus and subway.
5. The plug
Korea uses 220 V and the round two-pin European-style socket (types C and F). US phone and laptop chargers are fine with a simple plug adapter; hair dryers and curling irons from the US usually are not.
One more: most hotels and guesthouses have free luggage storage, and large stations have coin lockers, so you can land, drop bags and start walking the same morning.
Leave a Reply