Korea Survival Kit

The things travelers worry about most in Korea — answered with real numbers and simple tools.

What are you worried about?

🚕
“Will the taxi overcharge me?”
Seoul taxi fare calculator
Know the fair price before you ride — distance, traffic, late-night and outside-Seoul surcharges, plus what to do if the meter is off.
Estimate a fare →
💳
“Can I pay with my card? Do I need cash?”
Paying in Korea Guide coming soon
  • Card payment is common in Seoul shops, restaurants and taxis, but keep some cash for markets and street stalls.
  • Top up a T-money transit card at convenience stores or subway machines (usually cash).
  • Shopping? You can get part of the 10% VAT back — estimate your tax refund.
📱
“Apps want a Korean phone number.”
Using Korean apps without a Korean number Guide coming soon
  • Many Korean services ask for a Korean number for verification — sign up before you fly where possible.
  • Map search and directions in Naver Map or Kakao Map work without logging in.
  • Some tourist SIM / eSIM plans include a Korean number, which makes sign-ups easier.
🏨
“What if I need to cancel my stay?”
Accommodation cancellations Guide coming soon
  • Read the cancellation policy before paying — “non-refundable” rates usually can’t be changed.
  • Screenshot the policy, price and confirmation at booking time.
  • If something goes wrong, contact the booking platform in writing, not only the host.

Tools

🧮
Taxi fare calculator
Seoul mid-size taxi, with route examples from the airports.
🧾
Tax refund calculator
Which receipts qualify, instant vs airport refund, and roughly how much you get back.
1330
Korea Travel Hotline
24/7 interpretation and travel help in English, Japanese, Chinese and more. From a foreign phone: +82-2-1330.