First Trip to Korea: The Guides to Read, in Order
A first trip mostly goes wrong on small logistics: no data at the airport, the wrong transit card, a sold-out train. These guides cover those steps in the order you meet them, from choosing your month to booking the KTX to Busan.
Read these in order
- Planning Guides
Korea Weather by Month: Best Time to Visit
Pick your month: May and October are the most comfortable; July is the wettest.
- Planning Guides
Korea eSIM vs SIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi: What Works in 2026
Sort out data before you fly; a 7-day unlimited eSIM costs about US$25–29 or ₩35,000.
- Getting Around
Incheon Airport to Seoul: 5 Ways to Get There (2026)
The airport train is ₩4,750 to Seoul Station from Terminal 1.
- Getting Around
T-money vs WOWPASS vs Climate Card: Seoul Card Guide 2026
Which card to tap on the subway and buses (₩1,550 a ride with a card).
- Getting Around
How to Book KTX Tickets as a Foreigner (2026 Step-by-Step)
Booking trains to Busan and other cities on Korail's English site.
- Getting Around
Is the Korail Pass Worth It? (2026 Math)
Skip the pass for a simple Seoul–Busan return: two tickets cost ₩108,800, the 2-day pass ₩131,000.
- Itineraries
Seoul 7-Day Itinerary for a First Trip (2026)
A week in Seoul ordered around palace closing days; a ₩6,000 ticket covers four palaces and Jongmyo.
- Busan
Where to Stay in Busan: Best Areas for First-Timers
Seomyeon is the only station where Busan Metro Lines 1 and 2 cross: 6 stops to Busan Station, 16 to Haeundae.
- Busan
Busan 2-Day Itinerary for First-Timers
Two days in Busan, one side of the city each: Gamcheon and Busan Tower (₩12,000), then Haedong Yonggungsa (free) and Haeundae.
- Food & Drink
How to Order at a Korean Restaurant (2026)
No tipping: menu prices must include VAT and service, and overcharging means a 5-day closure from 1 Sep 2026.
