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Top 10 Takeaways from my South Korea Trip
The Eric Fong • July 11, 2019
Hey everyone!
I was a bit on a hiatus, and didn’t have anything fresh to share. I thought that my trip to South Korea last month would be a great place to start off now that I’m refreshed!
I had wanted to put together a Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of while in South Korea, but decided on changing to my top takeaways (in no particular order) as first-time visitor to South Korea, from New York; who hasn’t traveled internationally for over 20 years.
- Payment
Be aware of the exchange rate; at the time of my trip, $1 USD was about ₩1187 KRW. In addition to that; your dollar stretches far in South Korea. And if you’re like me; who doesn’t really carry cash, most places in Seoul accept credit card (as long as you don’t mind paying the foreign transaction fee).
That’s roughly about $0.80 USD - Communicating in English is possible
As someone who did not know even one word of Korean; I thought I would have challenges just asking for directions in Seoul. As it turns out, my only issue was just ordering food (I had to point to show what I wanted). Just be short, and clear on what you want. Though their English is basic; but it’s short and clear enough to understand, and that’s how it should be at the end of the day in other countries. *Tip for next time: I’ll take my offline translator to communicate* - Seoul is very clean
This was different than what I’m used to, as everywhere was clean. No litter on the ground, none on the train areas, no trash bags on the curb, only ‘litter’ are only tree leaves, and even then, it’s very minimal. Even if you have trash; you’re going to carry it with you until you reach a trash can, and they categorize it into recyclable and non-recyclable trash. - Dining and bakeries are an experience
I cannot go two blocks without seeing at least one bakery or coffee shop on every street corner. In New York; we’re pretty much on-the-go lifestyle. It’s different in Seoul, where if you get a coffee and a muffin to eat inside, they give you dishes and silverware, and a wet wipe to clean your hands with. It reminds me of eating at an Asian restaurant, where the staff gives you a hot towel to clean your hands with after eating a huge meal. Pics - Tipping is not customary
I believe this is self-explanatory; but you do not tip at restaurants when your check comes. - Be aware of the street traffic
With the exception of the main street; where the street and sidewalk are clearly defined, the side streets do not have that. So be aware of any cars, bikes, and trucks that are coming in at all directions when you’re walking. I’ve seen a car moving through Myeong-dong (which is highly populated tourist area) with people walking, and the car is moving through the streets.
Watch out! - Public transportation is levels above NYC
I believe I can do a separate post on this subject alone (let me know if you would to read it); but if you’ve ridden the subway in NYC, you know how it is here…The trains in Seoul; every single aspect of the train system is 10x better (possibly exaggerating, but not really) than in NYC. Some examples are showing which train is where (on the ground with arrows pointing), tapping in and out of the train system with your transit pass, doors to prevent things falling into tracks, train ride being smooth, etc.
- Have a way to have data on your mobile device as you get around
There are a few options to get this done; changing sim cards, but we got a portable WiFi that we carried around with us, as we went around Seoul. This helped us all out as we kept our sim cards and depended on that WiFi for any and all data. Of course; we did not really have to call, or else there would have been roaming charges. - Get a power plug adapter
Your power plugs won’t work while in Seoul, so best to get an adapter that fit the plugs while you’re visiting. Check out this link for reference. - The day starts later
They say that NYC is the city that doesn’t sleep, and it’s very true. In contrast, as a New Yorker who is used to that; most stores and businesses in Seoul (with the exception of some coffee shops and bakeries) don’t open until 9 AM or later. But also, this means that the day mostly stops around midnight.
And as a catch-all; when in Rome, do as Romans do. Take a moment to observe the environment around you, and act accordingly. Respect the traditions and lifestyles of the place you’re in; you’re in a place that you’re probably not familiar with, it’ll help with not getting arrested.
Thanks for reading, let me know your comments and any other takes you have!
-The Eric Fong
Life and Times of The Eric Fong
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