Real Conversations for Every Situation

💡 Tip: Immigration officers at Incheon usually speak some English, but knowing these phrases shows respect and speeds things up. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready to show.

💡 Korean Hotel Tip: Most Korean hotels have a key card that controls the room's electricity — insert it into the slot by the door when you enter. Also, room slippers are provided and it's normal to wear them inside.

💡 Restaurant Culture: In Korea, you call the server by saying 저기요! (jeo-gi-yo) — it means "Excuse me" and is never rude. Tipping is NOT expected and can be awkward. Water is usually self-service (무료 — free). Many restaurants have a call button on the table.

💡 Transport Tips:
• Buy a T-money card (티머니) at any convenience store — works on subway, bus and taxi nationwide. Tap to pay, much cheaper than buying tickets.
• Kakao Taxi app is the best taxi app — shows price estimate, accepts foreign cards, has English mode.
• Subway announcements are in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese.

💡 Shopping Tips:
• Tax Refund (환급): Foreigners can get VAT (10%) refunded at the airport on purchases over ₩30,000. Look for "Tax Free" signs.
• Bargaining is OK at Dongdaemun and traditional markets, but NOT at Olive Young, department stores, or convenience stores.
• Olive Young (K-beauty) has an English app with member discounts — download before you go.

💡 Price Examples:
₩5,000 → 오천 원 (o-cheon won)
₩15,000 → 만오천 원 (man-o-cheon won)
₩50,000 → 오만 원 (o-man won)

When shopping, you can simply say the price in English — most vendors understand. Or just show the number on your phone calculator.

💡 Safety in Korea: Korea ranks among the world's safest countries. The streets are well-lit, CCTV is everywhere, and people are generally very helpful to lost tourists. If you need help, ask at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) — staff can often help or call for you.