#2 Seoul Travel Tips – Etiquette, Currency in South Korea, Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Seoul
Seoul Travel Tips – Korean Etiquette.
Korean etiquette norms are fundamentally rooted in confucian principles. To be a respectful visitor honoring the country’s traditions, it is advisable to refer to the following information to avoid causing discomfort to others.
Public Displays of Affection
Elders in Korea feel discomfort about public displays of affection, such as kissing, in public spaces. While young adults occasionally express affection in bars and nightclubs, the general public may frown upon such behavior.
Neat Attire
Korean appreciate well-dressed individuals as it is considered a way to show respect. Proper attire is seen as a form of expressing admiration.
Greetings
Bowing or shaking hands is a typical way to greet each other in various settings, whether in business or casual atmosphere. While it may not be expected for foreign tourists to practice these traditions, adopting such greetings can ern favor with local residents.
Gift Giviing
Presenting gift is a tradition symbolizing respect and gratitude. However, it’s advisable to avoid gifts associated with the nuber 4, as it symbolizes death in chinese characters. Consider who the gift is for and the quantity, with gifts related to the number 7 being auspicious and conveying good luck.
Dining in Public Places
When having a meal in Korea, it’s essential to consider conversation topics. Koreans feel discomfort discussing uncultured subjects. Also, placing dishes or bowls close to one’s mouth is considered impolite, so remember to leave them on the table while eating. When attending parties or social events, it’s the host’s responsibility to refill your glass to ensure you have enough to drink.
Souel Travel Tips – Currency in South Korea
The official currency in Korea is the Won(KRW), and visitors often enjoy favorable exhange rates when converting their currency. Especially for visitors from countries using dollars, pounds, or euros, exchanging to Korean Won is relatively convenient. Foreign currency exchange services are available at various locations throughout Seoul. It is advisable to exchange at major banks for the best possible rates. Additionally, dollars can be exchanged at the airport, currency exchange counters, or kiosks at tourist attractions. While banks in Seoul may have specific opening and closing hours, currency exchange counters typically operate 24/7, even days a week. It is recommended to avoid street-side currency exchange vendors, and exercise caution when using any random ATMs you come across during your travels to avoid potential fraud.
Seoul Travel Tips – Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea, is brimming with fascinating attractions catering to various individual preferences. whether your travel purpose is business, family vacation, or solo exploration, these Seoul travel tips will guide you to the most popular destinations.
1.Myeongdong
Myeongdong, a fantastic shopping district located in the heart of the city, stands as Seoul’s premier shopping destination. it boasts upscale shopping centers, gourmet restaurants, and attractions that entice tourists from all over the country. Myeongdong is home to various luxury and brand stores, including Lotte Department Store many brand. Conveniently situated at 27 Myeoingdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, 04536, accessing this area is made easy by using the subway Line 4. While exploring Myeongdong, you can stroll through the busting city center reminiscent of popular shopping districts in New York. Additionally, the area is abundant with numerous performance theaters and international restaurants.
2. Seoul Metropolitan Art Musem
For those with a passion for art and curiosity about contemporary creations, the Seoul Metropolitan Art Museum is highly recommended. Located at 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-Gu, this three-story budilding houses six exhibition halls. The museum showcases not only the permanent works of Cheon Gyeongia but also exhibitions featuring renowned artists such as van gogh, picasso, and Matisse. During your stay at the Seoul Metropolitan Art Museum, you can learn the art of creating modern artworks and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and even attend lectures by local artists, Additionally, there is an outdoor sculpture park, and shops are available for purchasing gifts, books, magazines, and art pieces.
3. Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeongdong Cathedral, with its soaring brick structure reching towards the sky, is a Catholic church built in 1898. The cattedral is characterized by ornate Gothic architecture, creating a vas space within its four walls. The memorial cross of this cathedral welcomes people from around the world attending mass. Visiting the cathedral at noon allows you to hear a serenade with the sweet sound of the organ filling the air. Adorned with antuque decorations and coloful stained glass windows, Myeongdong Cathedral is located at 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu. It is a popular venue for the annual Christmas Eve midnight Mass celebration.
4. Namdaemun Night Market
Operating daily from 11PM to 4AM, the Namdaemun Night Market is a evening market offering visitors a true experience of Korean culture. Located at 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, this market consists of independent vendors selling street food, traditional snacks, locally crafted crafts, and goods. Many items found in this market are handmade by local merchants, making purchasing here a way to support the local community
5. Namsan Park
Namsan Park, offering panoramic views of the city, is a blend of beautiful hiking trails, sculptures, picnic spots, and indigenous wildlife. Considered the largest natural area in Seoul, this location provides a serene retreat amidst the bustling urban landscape. Namsan features historical temples, a cable car, and traditional buildings providing a perfect backdrop for lunch take in the fresh air and experience the peace and tranquility of the surrounding nature while enjoying the largest natural area in Seoul.
Seoul Travel Tips – Public Transportation in Seoul
Seoul boasts an extensive subway system with many line connecting the enture city. The subway is a popular way to navigated the city, avoiding traffic congestion during rush hours and providing easy access to various destinations. Additionally, Seoul features a public bus system color-coded to distinguish different routes. Blue buses operate between suburban and downtown areas, while yellow busses serve major downtown location, connecting buisiness districts and tourist attractions. For tourists, yellow buses offer convenient transportation to shopping, restaurants, and destination-related sites. Green buses connect residential and downtown areas with the subway system, and red buses are primarly used for comuting, making tem less common for tourists, Visitors to Seoul also have the option to drive rental cars. To drive in Seoul m one must be at least 21 years old an possess an international driver’s license, It is strongly recommended for drivers to carry their passports as a precaution for traffic enforcement situations. Due to heave traffic congestion and the possibility of locals not always adhering to road rules as expected, extra caution is advised while driving in Seoul.
Seoul Travel Tips – Seoul Airport Information(ICN)
When travelling to Seoul, you have the option of using either incheon International Airports or Gimpo International Airpor. Incheon International Airport, renowned as one of the cleanest airports globallym serves as a major international airport located approximately 28 miles away from downtown Seoul. Servicing over 68 million passengers annually, the airport consists of two main passenger terminals. Incheon International Airport offers amenities such as a golf course, spa, ice skating rink, duty-freeshops, avariety of restaurants, and airport lounes.
