Korea Trip Tips 101

  How to Get a SIM Card or eSIM in Korea: 2026 Guide for Tourists Planning a trip to South Korea and wondering whether you should get a Korean SIM card or eSIM? Based on my own experience travelling in Korea, I definitely recommend having some form of mobile data available during your trip. Korea has excellent connectivity, and Wi-Fi is available in many places, including hotels, cafés, subway stations and some public transport. I have personally used public Wi-Fi quite a lot during my trips. However, I still find having mobile data incredibly useful. When you're walking around a new neighbourhood, trying to find a restaurant, checking directions, translating a Korean sign or looking up public transport information, having an internet connection available on your phone gives you convenience and peace of mind . I have personally used both an SK Telecom eSIM and my regular Australian mobile service with international roaming , and I found both options convenient in different ways. ...

  Whenever I travel overseas, Google Maps is one of the first apps I open. Living in Australia for many years, I've become so used to relying on it that I rarely think about using any other navigation app. Although I'm Korean, I've lived overseas for a long time. When I recently returned to Korea for a holiday, I naturally expected Google Maps to work just as well as it does in Australia. I couldn't have been more wrong. One of the first places I wanted to visit was a café in Seoul. I searched for it on Google Maps, but there were no walking directions available. I tried another destination with the same result. Some restaurants couldn't be found at all, while others appeared in the wrong location. Even planning a simple subway journey became frustrating because the public transport information was incomplete. At first, I thought something was wrong with my phone or internet connection. Then my family simply smiled and said, "Nobody uses Google Maps in Kore...

If you're looking for Seoul's most energetic, creative, and youthful neighbourhood, Hongdae should be at the top of your itinerary. Famous for its street performances, trendy cafés, independent fashion boutiques, live music, and exciting nightlife, Hongdae perfectly captures the modern spirit of South Korea. Named after nearby Hongik University , one of Korea's most prestigious art universities, Hongdae has evolved into a vibrant cultural district where artists, musicians, students, and travelers come together. During the day, visitors enjoy shopping, cafés, and unique photo spots. After sunset, the streets come alive with buskers, neon lights, delicious food, and crowds enjoying one of Seoul's most exciting nightlife areas. Unlike Myeongdong, which focuses primarily on shopping and cosmetics, Hongdae offers a more local and creative atmosphere. It's an excellent place to experience Korean youth culture while discovering hidden cafés, independent designer shops, and...

Where to Stay in Hongdae: The Complete 2026 Guide for First-Time Visitors Where to Stay in Hongdae: The Complete 2026 Guide for First-Time Visitors When planning your first trip to South Korea, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing where to stay in Seoul. With so many popular neighbourhoods, it can be difficult to know which one suits your travel style. Myeongdong is famous for shopping and convenience. Gangnam is modern and luxurious. Insadong offers a glimpse into traditional Korea. But if you're looking for a neighbourhood that combines shopping, delicious food, exciting nightlife, excellent transport, and an energetic atmosphere, Hongdae is one of the best places to stay in Seoul. I've stayed in Hongdae several times, and it's always one of the first areas I consider when visiting Seoul. Every visit feels different because there's always something new to discover. Whether it's a hidden café, a trendy clothing shop, a late-night r...