Najczęściej zadawane pytania o Seulu

Late September to mid-November is best — clear skies, cooler weather and autumn foliage, with fewer crowds than spring. Cherry blossoms peak in early-to-mid April but bring the biggest crowds and highest prices. July and August bring the jangma rainy season and heavy heat, best avoided. December to February is cold but good for skiing near Seoul.

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is suspended until 31 December 2026 for travellers from around 22 exempted countries, including the US, UK, most of the EU, Australia and New Zealand — a standard 90-day visa-free stay applies instead. All travellers must still submit the mandatory e-Arrival Card before landing. Check k-eta.go.kr for your nationality before booking.

The South Korean won (KRW) is the only currency accepted. Cash is still common at markets and small restaurants, but T-money cards, credit cards and mobile payments work almost everywhere else. ATMs are widespread; airport exchange rates are worse than city counters.

No — tipping is not part of Korean culture and can come across as confusing or unnecessary. Restaurant and service prices already include everything you are expected to pay. Attempting to tip taxi drivers or restaurant staff sometimes results in the money being returned.

Seoul ranks among the safest big cities in the world for violent crime. The main risks are petty scams aimed at tourists — unmetered taxis, inflated restaurant prices in tourist zones, and unadvertised cover charges at some Hongdae clubs. Insist on the meter, photograph the driver's ID if in doubt, and use the 1330 tourist hotline for help.

Yes — Seoul has some of the fastest and most widespread free wifi and mobile coverage in the world, including in the subway, cafes and convenience stores. Most travellers buy a prepaid eSIM or SIM card in advance rather than rely on wifi alone.

South Korea uses 220V / 60Hz with European-style Type C and Type F (Schuko) sockets. UK and US appliances will need a plug adapter, and US devices built for 120V may also need a voltage converter.

The subway is fast, cheap and covers almost the whole metro area — get a T-money card for trains, buses and even some taxis and convenience stores. From Incheon Airport, the AREX express train reaches Seoul Station in about 40 minutes. Google Maps does not give reliable walking or transit directions in Korea — use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead, and Kakao T for taxis.

Korean is the official language, written in the hangul alphabet. English signage is common on the subway and in tourist areas, and many young Seoulites speak some English, but it is patchy elsewhere. The Naver Papago app is a reliable translator for menus and signs.

Start with Korean barbecue, bibimbap, and the street food at Gwangjang Market. Try tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken with beer (chimaek), and a full spread of banchan side dishes. Convenience stores are also a legitimate, cheap meal option in Korea.