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Trip kit · 2026-09-07

First-timer trip kit

Everything a first visitor should lock before chasing neon alley photos.

✍️ KoreaPlus Editorial Team📅 Updated 2026-09-07✅ 2026 fares & rules verified⏱ 6 min read

Next steps (do in order)

Approve K-ETA / visa and save the QR offline. → Visa guide
Pick SIM vs eSIM before the plane Wi-Fi dies. → SIM compare
Choose ICN transfer (AREX vs bus vs taxi). → Transit compare
Install Naver Map + Kakao T + Papago. → Apps
Buy T-money at CU/GS25 or a station machine day one. → T-money
Plan one gentle Seoul day — one neighborhood, not three. → Neighborhoods

At a glance

ItemDetail
Ideal length5–7 days
BaseHongdae / Jongno / Myeongdong belt
Second cityBusan (coast) or Gyeongju (history)
Daily spendComfortable ~₩80,000–₩120,000 excl. hotel

Open these guides

Airport · 48-hour checklist · 7-day itinerary · Emergency

FAQ

How many days?
Five to seven for Seoul + one second city is the sweet spot.
Seoul only?
Possible in 3–4 days; add Busan or Gyeongju if you have a week.
🇰🇷 한국어 요약 · 첫 방문 키트

✅ Checked 2026-09-07 · Sources: Korail / Let’s Korail · VisitKorea · KoreaPlus field checks 2026. Fares and rules change — the gate screen, ticket machine or official notice wins over this page.