Seoul
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a vibrant and modern metropolis known for its rich history, cutting-edge technology, and delicious cuisine. It is a top destination for travelers seeking a blend of traditional and contemporary culture, with something for everyone to enjoy. Not only that, its pop culture is a huge hit from the K-food to the cafes and festivals that bring in the crowds to the home of popular K-pop bands and K-dramas the world has fallen in love with. But here’s the kicker - the self-driving cars and tech-y attractions such as futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza co-exist with Seoul’s long rich history faithfully preserved in the ancient Buddhist temples, palaces and pagodas.
Tipping.
Restaurants and bars- Tipping is not customary in South Korea and may even be considered rude.
Taxi- Not expected or required.
Hotels- Not expected or required.
Lingo in Seoul.
The official language in Seoul and other cities in South Korea is Korean. The language has different dialects and the South Korean dialect is unique to the region and known as “Seoul’s dialect”.
General lingo.
Hello = 안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo)
Yes = 네 (ne) or 예 (ye)
No = 아니요 (aniyo)
Maybe = 아마도 (amado)
Please = 주세요 (juseyo)
Thank you = 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 고마워요 (gomawoyo)
You’re welcome = 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo)
Okay = 예 (ye) or 괜찮다 (gwaenchanhda)
I’m sorry = 미안해요 (mianhaeyo)
I don’t know = 몰라요 (mollayo)
Excuse me (for apologies) = 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
Excuse me (for someone’s attention) = 저기요 (jeogiyo)
Good = 좋아요 (johayo) or 좋은 (joheun)
Bad = 안좋아요 (anjohayo) or 나쁜 (nappeun)
And = 과 (gwa) or 와 (wa) *See note below
Eating out/ shopping lingo.
Good luck = 화이팅 (hwaiting, literally: “fighting”) or 행운을 빕니다 (haengun-eul bimnida)
Cheers = 건배 (geonbae)
Amazing = 대박 (daebak)
Have you eaten? = 밥 먹었어요? (bab meogeosseoyo?)
Bon appetit = 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida)
Thank you for this meal = 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeotseuminda)
Congratulations = 축하해요 (chukahaeyo)
No problem = 문제 없어요 (munje eopseoyo)
Of course = 당연하죠 (dangyeonhajyo)
Just one moment, please = 잠시만 기다려 주세요 (jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo)
Sleep well = 잘 자요 (jal jayo)
Get home safely = 안전하게 집에 가다 (anjeonhage jib-e gada)
Don’t worry = 걱정 하지마 (geokjeong hajimaseyo)
How much is it? = 얼마에요? (eolmayeyo)
Where is _? = 어디에 있어요 (eodie isseyo)
Where is the bathroom? = 화장실은 어디에 있어요? (hwajangsireun eodie isseyo?)
Get your flirt on!
You are charming! = 매력적이네요! maeryeokjeogineyo!
You are so cute! = 너무 귀여워요! neomu gwiyeowoyo!
You are incredible = 대단해요! daedanhaeyo!
You look great! = 멋지네요! meotjineyo!
You are the woman of my dreams = 내가 꿈꾸던 여자예 naega kkumkkudeon yeojayeyo
You are the man of my dreams = 내가 꿈꾸던 남자예요 naega kkumkkudeon namjayeyo
You make a good first impression! = 첫 인상이 좋네요! cheot insangi jonneyo!
You are so sweet! = 정말 친절하네요! jeongmal chinjeolhaneyo!
I like you = 너를 좋아해 Neo-reul Joa-hae
I’ve got a crush on you = 너에게 반했어 Neo-ege banhaesseo
Everything alright? = 별일 없지? Byeolil eobji?
I love you more than anything = 당신을 그 어떤 것보다도 더 사랑해요 Dangshin-eul geu eotteon geot bodado deo saranghaeyo
Transport from Incheon International Airport.
There are 3 ways to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul - by train, bus and taxi.
Airport Railroad Express (ARE)
Possibly the fastest and most efficient way to get to Seoul is the Airport Railway. The railway offers the benefit of avoiding the traffic on the way to Seoul on the roads and so its easier for tourists to plan and schedule their trip since you can have a rough ETA to get to your specific destination. Board the Railroad Express from Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly to Seoul Station.
Bus transport.
There are so many buses connecting to many areas of Seoul and you can buy tickets at the 1F Arrivals Hall of each airport terminal. You can choose between standard and deluxe buses though standard buses will tend to be bit more crowded with smaller seats and fewer stops. Deluxe buses are more comfortable and can go non-stop or else direct shorter routes to your choice of accommodation.
Taxi.
Hailing a taxi is a walk in the park if you’re at Incheon Airport because there are usually loads of taxis at the airport taxi stands and depending on your needs you can grab regular, deluxe or a jumbo taxi. There are also international taxis if you would prefer a taxi driver who can speak in English, Japanese, Chinese or a language of your preference. Fares all start at 3,800 won (Seoul standard) and there’s a 20% surcharge for night rides.
Best time to travel.
September to November, when the weather is mild (average daily high temperatures stay below the mid-70s) and travel expenses are low.
