Hi guys! If you’re planning on coming to Seoul, this is the post for you
Down below are some useful tips and links to get you started. If you have any questions about life in Seoul, do ask away and we’ll be happy to help!
OVERALL
For a quick overview on what to bring with you, how to prepare for your trip and how much you might need to budget, check out this video guide!
APPS
In Korea you’ll still be able to access all your old favourites like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, X, etc. However, there are a few local apps that we would strongly recommend you download before arriving in Seoul:
- KAKAOTALK || KakaoTalk is the Korean equivalent of Whatsapp, WeChat or Line, so it’s essential for talking with the many friends you’ll meet during your trip! There’s also an LTL Seoul KakaoTalk group chat that you’ll definitely want to be a part of to keep up with events in the school.
- KAKAO T or K.RIDE || These are raid-hailing apps like Uber. Kakao T will require you to have a KakaoTalk account whilst K.Ride does not (but it may be more expensive). Taxi scams aren’t unheard of in Seoul so it’s always better to use an app rather than pay for a taxi in cash.
- NAVER MAP || Whilst Google Maps does technically work, it’s much less reliable than the Naver Map app. Naver Map is usually far more up to date, with accurate information and many more reviews uploaded for local restaurants and destinations. The only downside is you may need your destination’s name in Korean to find it on the app.
WEATHER
Essentially, you can think of the weather in Seoul like this:
Summer: VERY hot, bring light, loose fitting clothing
Winter: VERY cold, bring layers and your warmest puffer jacket!
Spring / Autumn: mild to warm weather
For a more in-depth look at what to expect weather-wise, check out this guide:
SAFETY
– Seoul is generally a safe city, you’ll even see people leaving their laptops/phones/wallets unattended in cafes while they go for a bathroom break!
– That being said, as with any big city, practice caution when interacting with strangers, using cash and exploring the nightlife
TOP TIPS
– Get a T-Money card from any convenience store, metro station or airport after you arrive. This is a prepaid transportation card you can use to ride the subway or buses - some of which don’t even accept cash payments anymore!
– If you’re a caffeine addict, you’re in luck! Seoul is deep in a coffee craze and you’ll often spot several cafes on one street. Some cheap, local favourites include: Mammoth Coffee, Paik’s Coffee and and Mega Coffee.
– Don’t worry if you’re not conversational in Korean yet. Most cafes and restaurants now have self-service ordering machines in-store with English language options available.
For more insights on living in Seoul as a foreigner, check out this blog:
EXTRA RESOURCES
– Our LTL Seoul School is located in the fun-loving heart of the city, Hongdae district! For ideas on what to do around the area, check out our video guide here!
– If you’re looking to explore more of Seoul, check out our city guide here:
Hopefully that helped and we’ll see you in Seoul real soon!
Any questions, comments or concerns?
We’re here to help! Leave a response below and we’ll get back to you ASAP