TipsKoreaKorea Travel Journal

The library

All Korea travel guides

Every comparison and buying guide we’ve tested and ranked — SIM cards, stays, tours, transport and the essentials. Independent, updated monthly, and written for travelers heading to Korea.

Interactive filter & sort tool
SIM & eSIM Interactive tool

Korea eSIM comparator — find your plan

Filter 14 eSIM plans by data, trip length, price and features. We surface your best match live.

★★★★★ToolUpdated Jun 2026
Two travel cards side by side
Transport Head-to-head

T-money vs WOWPASS: which card wins?

A round-by-round showdown of Korea’s two most popular travel cards. We name a winner.

★★★★★4.7Updated Jun 2026
Gyeongbokgung Palace at dawn
Tours The countdown

The 10 best things to do in Seoul

Our ranked countdown of the city’s must-do experiences, with how to book each one.

★★★★★4.8Updated Jun 2026
Seoul skyline at dusk
Guides Start here

First time in Seoul: the complete guide

Everything a first-timer needs in one read — when to go, airport, stays, transit and more.

★★★★★4.9Updated Jun 2026
Seoul neighborhoods from above
Stays Map guide

Where to stay in Seoul, by neighborhood

A map-led breakdown of five areas — who each suits, and the stay we’d book in every one.

★★★★★4.6Updated Jun 2026
Flat-lay of SIM & eSIM options
SIM & eSIM Best Pick inside

The best SIM cards & eSIMs for Korea (2026)

8 options tested across Seoul, Busan and Jeju. One eSIM wins for almost everyone.

★★★★★4.6Updated Jun 2026
Hongdae at night
Stays Best Value

Where to stay in Seoul: best hotels & guesthouses

12 stays across Hongdae, Myeongdong and Jongno, scored on location, noise and value.

★★★★★4.6Updated Jun 2026
DMZ suspension bridge
Tours Top rated

The best tours & day trips from Seoul

14 tours booked via Klook, GetYourGuide & Viator — the DMZ, Nami Island and more.

★★★★★4.8Updated Jun 2026
T-money at a turnstile
Transport

Korea transport cards & passes, compared

T-money vs WOWPASS vs Climate Card vs Discover Seoul Pass — which to tap, and when.

★★★★★4.7Updated Jun 2026
Travel essentials flat-lay
Essentials

Korea travel essentials, tested

eSIMs, luggage storage, adapters and more — ranked by hassle saved versus cost.

★★★★★4.6Updated Jun 2026
eSIM vs physical SIM
SIM & eSIM

SIM vs eSIM in Korea: which should you get?

A quick decision guide for choosing between a physical SIM and an eSIM for your phone.

★★★★★4.5Updated May 2026
AREX airport train
Transport

Incheon Airport to Seoul: every option, ranked

AREX Express, all-stop train or limousine bus — the fastest and cheapest ways into the city.

★★★★★4.5Updated May 2026
Guesthouse room
Stays Budget

Cheap guesthouses & hostels in Seoul

Private rooms for hostel money — the cleanest, best-located budget stays we found.

★★★★★4.3Updated May 2026
Cooking class spread
Tours

Best food & cooking experiences in Seoul

Market tours, cooking classes and food crawls — the tastiest things to book.

★★★★★4.9Updated Jun 2026