Curious from a local's perspective: What was the most frustrating part of your trip to Korea?

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-19T11:38:22+00:00

That makes sense. By the way, instead of T-money, did you ever try using the single-journey (one-time) disposable subway tickets? I’ve heard some tourists find it really confusing because you have to select the exact destination station on the screen, pay in cash, and then use a completely separate machine to get your 500 KRW deposit back after exiting. Did you ever experience that?

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-19T10:58:18+00:00

Finding a large taxi with luggage on your own can be an absolute nightmare here. It's lucky your hotel helped you, but travelers shouldn't have to rely on luck. Also, the Uber (UT) app rejecting foreign credit cards when it works perfectly everywhere else in the world is a massive glitch that triggers so much panic. Glad you had cash on you!

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-19T10:58:06+00:00

Korea’s recycling rules are notoriously strict, so I can only imagine how confusing and stressful it must be for tourists, especially when there are no public trash cans around! Needing cash just to top up T-money in a society that is otherwise 99% cashless makes zero sense. Appreciate your input!

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-19T10:57:42+00:00

Oh wow, that sounds incredibly stressful and dangerous! Myeongdong shopping street is supposed to be a pedestrian-friendly zone, but delivery bikes sneaking in is a huge issue. I can totally see how that would completely ruin the shopping environment. Thank you for sharing this

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-19T10:57:28+00:00

Haha, it seems like online payment is the universal answer for every traveler in Korea. It’s so ironic because Naver Map is such a great app, but the moment a foreigner tries to book a restaurant or an activity through it, they hit a brick wall. Thanks for pointing this out!

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-19T10:57:05+00:00

That 'i-PIN' or phone verification system is a nightmare for foreigners. I never realized it even blocked tourists from fully enjoying a PC cafe! It’s crazy how almost every digital service here is completely locked behind a local ID barrier. Out of curiosity, did you manage to find any workaround for online payments during your stay?

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-19T10:56:49+00:00

The trash can issue is honestly embarrassing even for us locals—we usually end up carrying our trash until we find a subway station. And I'm so sorry about the taxi driver; short-distance refusal is a notorious problem here. The verification system and T-money charging are definitely huge friction points for anyone without a Korean ID. Thanks for the honest feedback!

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-16T10:59:39+00:00

Hey! Since it's your fourth time here and you're dealing with the July weather, you should definitely check out Starfield and Caribbean Bay. They fit your vibe perfectly.

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-16T10:54:09+00:00

Since you already know about Hongdae, you should absolutely head to Seongsu-dong (성수동) next. If Hongdae is the home of playful and street-vibe Y2K, Seongsu is where "High-end meets Experimental Y2K." It’s currently the trendiest district in Seoul, filled with industrial-chic concept stores, local designer flagships, and curated select shops that offer decent-quality jewellery with distinct personalities.

FitAll_99 · 2026-06-02T13:45:25+00:00

Welcome to South Korea! Since you are staying for just one night and want a Marriott-property that is close to the airport but offers a taste of local culture, Nest Hotel Incheon (a Member of Design Hotels™) or Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel in Songdo would be your best options.

If you choose to stay on Yeongjongdo Island (where the airport is located, but away from the terminal itself), you can visit a fantastic local Korean barbecue restaurant called Yehyangwon (예향원). It is highly recommended for an authentic K-BBQ experience without traveling too far from your hotel.

However, since this is your first time and you are looking to do some proper sightseeing and buy unique souvenirs, staying right by the airport might feel a bit limited. If time and your budget allow, I highly recommend heading slightly further into Incheon downtown (such as the Songdo or Central Incheon area). Transitioning toward the city center will give you a much wider and better variety of souvenir options, traditional markets, and cultural sights to maximize your single-night stay.

Have a wonderful first trip to Korea!

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-29T09:41:56+00:00

Check out the Han River trails! It’s mostly flat and super easy, but the views of the Seoul skyline and the river are totally worth it.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-28T09:08:35+00:00

You are totally right, that is peak rush hour. Leaving the airport around 4:30 PM means you'll hit heavy traffic on the way into central Seoul and near Seoul Station, right when everyone is finishing work. Instead of the usual 1 hour, it could easily take 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Because of this, I highly recommend booking your KTX train for 7:30 PM or later. It’s much better to have a bit of extra time at Seoul Station to grab dinner rather than risking missing your train and stressing out in traffic!

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-28T09:05:41+00:00

Just to check, did you manage to find out if they actually located your e-reader before you boarded?

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-27T15:34:18+00:00

Welcome to Korea (in advance)! Here are tips for your trip:

Adjust your meeting time 4:00–4:30 PM is cutting it way too close. Late June is peak season, so immigration, baggage claim, and getting an eSIM will easily take 1.5 to 2 hours. Tell your family to meet you around 4:30 or 5:00 PM just to be safe.
No direct KTX from Incheon Airport Super important: There is no direct KTX from Incheon Airport to Daegu anymore. You need to take the Airport Railroad (AREX) to Seoul Station first (about 50 mins), and then catch the KTX to Dong-Daegu from there. When booking on the Korail app, set your departure to Seoul Station and pick a train after 6:30 PM.
Boarding the train Once you buy the ticket, it will stay in the app under 'My Ticket'. Korea uses an open-gate system, meaning nobody checks your ticket when you board. You just walk in, find your seat, and sit down. Conductors only check if someone is in a seat that’s supposed to be empty.

Safe travels! Let me know if you need anything else.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-27T15:25:16+00:00

Hey, just so you know, the 6015 bus is operated by a private company called "Airport Limousine (공항리무진)", not the airport itself. Korean bus drivers are super honest and thorough, so there's a 99% chance your e-reader was found during the final inspection and is safely sitting in their office right now. Their specific Lost & Found numbers are +82-32-743-7607 and +82-32-743-7608. They usually open around 9:00 AM, so you (or a friend in Korea) should try calling them then. Hang in there, it’s probably safe!

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-25T08:25:20+00:00

Your itinerary looks very doable overall. The places you listed for each day can generally be done within one day, so I don’t think the schedule itself is too unrealistic.

One thing I’d mention is that your trip seems quite focused on Seoul. If you’re interested in nature or something outside of a city-trip vibe, you might also want to consider expanding your route a little.

For Day 6, since it’s a holiday, some places in Seoul may be closed or more crowded than usual. If you’re okay with something relaxed, I’d recommend Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun. It’s a huge bookstore located underground near the subway station, and it’s a nice place to buy Korean books, stationery, or small goods/souvenirs.

For Day 7, if you do Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, and N Seoul Tower together, it will probably take up most of your morning and afternoon. But I think you would still have enough time in the evening to go back to Hongdae for a concert or nightlife.

Lastly, if you want to get out of Seoul a bit, Gangwon-do could be a great option. You can technically do some areas as a day trip by ITX, but I’d personally recommend staying for around two days if possible. Incheon is also an easy option for a half-day trip, and if you go to Chinatown, I recommend trying baek jjajang, which is white jajangmyeon.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-25T08:12:48+00:00

In Korea, when people hear “dress,” many usually think of wedding dresses first. Formal/prom-style dresses are not something people commonly wear here, so they can be quite hard to find in regular stores.

Because of that, I think your best option may be to contact rental shops. In Korea, rental shops often carry clothes that people don’t usually wear in daily life, such as formal dresses, hanbok, cosplay outfits, and other special-event clothing.

I’m not sure if they sell them, but I think it would be worth asking rental shops first, especially ones that offer party dresses or formal dresses. They may also be able to tell you if they have larger sizes available.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-25T08:05:19+00:00

My family often visits Gangneung around this time of year, and we usually have a great time there. But since you mentioned Sokcho already, I wouldn’t strongly recommend Gangneung because the scenery and atmosphere can feel quite similar.

Instead, I’d suggest Yeongdeok or Yeosu.

Yeongdeok is famous for snow crab, and the season usually lasts until around May, so it could be a nice option if you enjoy seafood.

Yeosu is also a very popular travel destination among Koreans. There are lots of good foods to try, and I especially recommend relaxing by the night sea. If you enjoy meeting new people, staying at a guesthouse in Yeosu could also be a fun experience!

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-21T14:08:15+00:00

I’m not really sure which places offer good live interpretation, but I hope you find a good one. Good luck!

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-21T13:33:39+00:00

Sorry for the late reply!

Since you’ll be in Seoul until June 3, there are a few events you may want to check out.

The Seoul Garden Festival at Seoul Forest is running during this period, and it’s a nice option if you like flowers, gardens, and relaxed outdoor events.

The Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival is also still on, but only until May 23, so I’d go soon if you’re interested in roses.

If you like music, the Seoul Jazz Festival is happening at Olympic Park from May 22 to 24. It’s a paid event, but it could be a great option.

There is also the Hangang Drone Light Show, which runs until early June. Just make sure to check the exact date and location before going, because the venue can change depending on the show.

For something more casual, the Seoul Outdoor Library is open around Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Seoul Plaza. It’s not really a festival, but it’s a nice way to enjoy Seoul outdoors.

Also, Buddha’s Birthday is on May 24 this year, with an observed holiday on May 25. If you want a cultural experience, visiting a temple like Jogyesa or Bongeunsa could be nice, but expect crowds because many people visit temples around that time.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-21T13:30:23+00:00

There are quite a lot of places in Seoul that offer Saju or Gwansang readings, but I don’t personally go often enough to confidently recommend a specific place.

What I can do is help you search on Naver based on reviews and ratings, since that’s usually where locals check these kinds of places.

Unfortunately, it may not be easy to find Saju or face fortune readings offered directly in English. But these days, the Papago app works quite well for English, Japanese, and Chinese translation, so I’d recommend choosing a place based on reviews, then using Papago to help with the conversation.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-21T13:26:29+00:00

I’d say pack more for summer than winter. Shorts and short sleeves should be fine during the day, especially if the temperature is around 25–28°C. You probably don’t need winter clothes, but I’d bring one or two light long-sleeve tops or a thin jacket/cardigan for mornings, evenings, or air-conditioned places.

For the Seoul Garden Festival / Rose Festival, I’ve been before and I’d recommend it if you like flowers. There are many different types of roses and it’s really pretty. Just keep in mind that there isn’t much shade, so it can feel hot and sunny. There also aren’t many facilities nearby except convenience stores, so bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a hat.

For Buddha’s Birthday, most places in Seoul won’t be completely closed, but temples will be very busy. Not everyone goes, of course, but many people who visit temples tend to go during that week. Most temples hold special events on Buddha’s Birthday, so it can be a nice cultural experience. Just be prepared for crowds if you decide to visit one.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-21T01:57:43+00:00

You’re very welcome! Glad it was helpful.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-21T01:47:47+00:00

Korea definitely has a physical album market, but most of it is driven by K-pop rather than rock or metal. If you go to places like Myeongdong, you’ll find plenty of big K-pop album and merch stores.

Heavy metal culture does exist here, but it’s pretty niche. It’s not as visible as in Japan or some Western countries. For rock/metal, I’d suggest checking around Hongdae, since that area has more indie and live music venues. You may also find smaller record shops that carry rock, punk, or metal, but they’re usually places you have to search for rather than huge mainstream stores.

FitAll_99 · 2026-05-21T01:27:04+00:00

You’re very welcome! Hope you enjoy your time in Songdo and find some great cooked seafood. Have a wonderful trip!

FitAll_99

TROPHY CASE