You’ve booked your flight, practiced your finger hearts, and maybe even learned how to say “Annyeonghaseyo” without sounding like a broken robot. But hold up—before you hop on that plane, let’s make sure you’ve got all the essentials covered. Spoiler: it’s more than just packing cute outfits and brushing up on K-pop. Sometimes it’s got to be a list. A South Korea travel prep checklist to be exact.
Because I’ve been there—lost at a Korean subway station, no internet, trying to order coffee with my one rehearsed phrase—and trust me, a little prep goes a long way.
So, here’s your ultimate South Korea travel prep checklist—equal parts practical, digital, and why didn’t anyone tell me that?!
1. Download These Apps Before Landing
(Or risk looking like that confused tourist at Gangnam Station)
Korea is super high-tech, but Google Maps and Western apps sometimes flop hard here. Save yourself the stress and grab these essentials before you land:
- Naver Map & KakaoMap
Google Maps in Korea? Useless. It’s like asking your cat for directions. Naver Map and KakaoMap are the local heroes—accurate, detailed, and actually show bus routes + walking paths properly. - Papago
Forget awkward mime sessions—Papago translates Korean to English (and vice versa) surprisingly well. Bonus: it handles slang & menus better than Google Translate. - KakaoTalk
If Korea had a national messaging app, this would be it. EVERYONE uses it. Restaurants, Airbnb hosts, locals you meet… You’ll look like a total noob without it. - Korea Subway / KakaoMetro
The subway system is efficient but massive, especially in Seoul. These apps map out routes, transfers, and even tell you which subway door to stand by for the fastest exit.
👉 Pro Tip: I’ve got a whole post on 5 must-download apps before you visit Korea—check it out if you’re app-happy!
2. SIM Card vs. WiFi Egg – Don’t Get Caught Offline
You will need constant internet. Period. Here’s your options:
SIM Card:
Best for solo travelers or if you hate carrying extra gadgets. You can pre-order a SIM online, pick it up at Incheon Airport, and be connected within minutes. Most offer unlimited data.
WiFi Egg (Pocket WiFi):
Perfect if you’re traveling with friends or juggling multiple devices (phone + tablet + laptop, anyone?). One device connects up to 3-5 gadgets.
💡 Where to order:
I recommend pre-ordering from websites like Klook, Trazy, or directly through KT/Olleh. Or skip the queues all together and get an eSIM from Saily* or other providers.
3. K-ETA: Your Golden Ticket (But Actually Digital)
Korea doesn’t do visa-on-arrival for most countries anymore—you need a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization).
What You Need to Know:
- Apply online before your trip (takes 10 mins, super easy)
- Fee: Around 7€/$8 USD
- Valid for 2 years
- Don’t forget to double-check your passport details because: typos = no entry 😬
Here’s the official K-ETA site so you can knock it out now. Don’t procrastinate!
4. VPN Up, Baby – Because Korean Netflix Hits Different
Okay, let’s talk digital safety and entertainment.
Korean WiFi = blazing fast. Korean Netflix? Full of K-dramas you can’t get back home.
BUT:
Some banking apps, websites, and content might get blocked when you’re abroad. Solution?
VPN time.
I personally use NordVPN*—fast, secure, and works like a charm in Korea (and beyond). Plus, one account covers all your devices.
Bonus: It unlocks Netflix libraries from around the world, so you can finally binge everything guilt-free on that long KTX ride.
5. Deodorant Drama: Myth-Busting Time
So, maybe you’ve heard the rumor: “They don’t sell deodorant in Korea!”
Total myth. But… there’s a tiny catch.
Here’s the deal:
- Yes, deodorant exists.
- No, it’s not super easy to find.
- And yes, the selection is usually pretty basic, mostly roll-ons, and WAY pricier than back home (we’re talking $10+ for a standard stick).
👉 Pro Tip:
Bring a couple of your favorite deodorants with you—especially if you’re picky or a heavy sweater (hello, humid Korean summers).
6. Money Moves: Cards, Cash & T-Money
Korea’s got one of the smoothest cashless systems in the world. BUT here’s the lowdown:
💳 Cards:
- Most shops, restaurants, and cafés = card-friendly
- Visa, Mastercard, even Apple Pay (in some places)
💵 Cash:
Keep some cash handy for:
- Street food stalls
- Mom-and-pop shops
- Tiny countryside cafés
- Top up your T-Money card
You can easily withdraw cash at ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, GS25, CU—there’s one literally on every block).
🚇 T-Money:
- Your holy grail for public transport & convenience stores
- Get it immediately at Incheon Airport, subway stations, or convenience stores
- Top it up anytime, anywhere!
7. Packing Curveballs: What You’ll Wish You Had
Let me save you from rookie mistakes. Here’s what’s sneaky essential:
- Universal power adapter → Korea uses 220V, round pins (Type C or F). Your US/UK plugs? Nope. European ones? Yep.
- Space in your suitcase → For skincare hauls, cute socks, and too many snacks.
- Prescription meds → Pharmacies in Korea are everywhere but may not stock the exact brand/dosage you need. Bring enough!
- Comfortable shoes → Seoul is a walking city. Fashion is 🔥, but save your feet.
8. Quick Cultural Cheatsheet
Some things might trip you up—let me give you the TL;DR:
- Bowing slightly = polite (don’t overthink it, a small head nod works)
- Don’t tip → It’s not expected and can confuse people
- Trash system = confusing AF
- No public trash cans (seriously, almost NONE)
- Sort your trash properly at home/accommodation—recycling is big here!
Wanna go deep on Korean etiquette? Here are 10 mistakes you should avoid when visiting.
9. 📋 Freebie Alert: South Korea Travel Prep Checklist (Printable!)
I made life easy for you. Download your FREE South Korea Travel Prep Checklist:
✅ Pre-departure to-dos
✅ Airport SIM pick-up reminders
✅ Packing essentials
✅ Must-download apps
✅ Emergency numbers
✅ K-ETA checklist
✅ Little cultural notes (so you don’t accidentally offend ajummas)
Print it. Screenshot it. Tape it to your suitcase.
Famous last words
That’s it, peeps—you’re officially prepped, packed, and ready to sip soju like a seasoned expat. ✨
Trust me, a little prep now saves you from a lot of “WTF” moments later.
Got more Korea questions? Drop them in the comments, shoot me a DM, or check out the rest of the blog—tons more Korea (and Germany!) tips waiting for you.
Interested in learning more about Korean culture? Check out my blog posts about Dancheong, making your own DIY souvenirs, Korean Culture with a Twist, Lotus Lantern Festival, and Traditional Children’s Games as seen on Squid Game.
Are you traveling to South Korea?
Get your eSIM via Saily* to have unlimited data while on vacation and check out NordVPN* to stay protected online or watch your Netflix shows available in your home country. 😉
*Affiliate link: I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. 🙂
