South Korea attracted 16.5 million tourists in 2024, driven by K-culture and the weakened won (KTO). From K-ETA exemptions to T-money cards, these are the resources that make Korea trips smooth.
Getting Around Korea
| Resource | What It Does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| T-money Card | Transit card for subway, bus, taxi, convenience stores | ₩2,500 card + top-up |
| KTX (Korea Train Express) | High-speed rail: Seoul to Busan in 2h30 | ₩59,800 Seoul-Busan |
| AREX (Airport Railroad) | Incheon Airport to Seoul Station: 43 min | ₩9,500 Express / ₩4,750 All-Stop |
| Kakao T / Kakao Map | Ride-hailing and navigation (essential — Google Maps limited in Korea) | Free app |
Essential Korea Travel Apps
| App | Purpose | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Naver Map / Kakao Map | Navigation (Google Maps is unreliable in Korea) | Yes — pick one |
| Papago | Translation (better Korean than Google Translate) | Yes |
| Kakao T | Taxi and ride-hailing | Yes |
| MangoPlate | Restaurant reviews in Korea | Recommended |
Visa & Entry
Good to Know: K-ETA is exempt for US, UK, and Canada citizens through December 31, 2026. Check our Korea Visa Guide for full details.
Accommodation
- Agoda — Best selection of Korean hotels and guesthouses
- Booking.com — Good free cancellation policies
- Airbnb — Legal in Korea; great for hanok stays
- Templestay — Official temple stay booking — unique Korean experience from ₩50,000/night
Activities & Experiences
- Klook — Best for: Lotte World, DMZ tours, hanbok rental, K-pop experiences
- KKday — Taiwan-based, strong Korea coverage
- K-Pop Concert Tickets Guide
Official Tourism Resources
Explore Korea by City
- Seoul Guides — 32+ articles
- Busan Guides — 11+ articles
- Jeju Island Guides — 6+ articles
- Full Korea Travel Guide