Seoul, South Korea

• Seoul has low crime and you can walk around at 2am eating street food without issues. The subway is clean, runs until midnight, and has English signs throughout. Korean is the main language - younger people in Gangnam and Itaewon speak some English, and translation apps work well since Korean text is typed cleanly.
• Solo dining ('honbap' culture) is normal - you'll see women eating alone at convenience stores and restaurants. There are 75,000+ CCTV cameras everywhere. Hidden cameras in public bathrooms are a real concern.
• Hongdae and Gangnam go until 5am on weekends, traditional areas like Insadong and Bukchon are for daytime visits. The issues aren't violent crime but subway groping during rush hour and drink spiking in clubs.
• Watch your drink and belongings. Political protests are usually peaceful but can cause street closures - check local news before heading out.

Korean is the main language. English is spoken in major tourist areas like Gangnam, Itaewon, Hongdae, and Myeongdong, especially by younger generations. The Korea Travel Hotline (1330) provides 24/7 assistance in English, Japanese, and Chinese. Emergency services (119, 112) connect to translators for foreigners. Download the Papago translation app for everyday interactions - it works better than Google Translate for Korean. All subway signs and announcements are in English.

• Cover shoulders and cleavage - short skirts are fine but bare shoulders or low-cut tops get stares. Some places won't let you in with exposed shoulders. Locals dress well but conservatively, especially older people.
• Take shoes off in homes, temples, some guesthouses, and traditional restaurants with floor seating. There's usually an obvious spot where shoes go. Wear clean socks without holes.
• Bow slightly when greeting people. Use both hands when giving or receiving items, money, or cards. Don't hug or kiss on the cheek unless you're close friends - physical contact with strangers is uncommon.
• Solo dining ('honbap') is normal so don't feel weird eating alone. Some BBQ places require two people minimum, but most spots are fine with solo diners. Let elders start eating first.
• English is limited outside tourist areas. Download Papago (works better than Google Translate for Korean). People in their 20s-30s speak more English. Tourist police (1330) have English speakers 24/7.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro is clean and runs until midnight (1am on weekends). All signs and announcements are in English. Get a T-money card at convenience stores for subway and buses. Some lines have women-only cars during rush hours.
• Taxis are safe and cheap. Use Kakao T (like Uber) instead of flagging cabs, especially at night. Most drivers don't speak English - have your destination in Korean or use the app's map. Don't take unlicensed taxis.
• The city is walkable with wide sidewalks. Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong work well on foot. Good street lighting at night, but stick to main roads after 11pm rather than dark alleys.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Seoul with local guides and curated experiences.