Your Korea Adventure Awaits
Between 2018 and early 2024, I lived in South Korea with my partner. These have been some of the happiest experiences of my life. Here are a few tips for your adventure in Korea!
Got questions? Reach me on KakaoTalk @ tomasinnovates
시작하자!
Becoming Fluent in Korean!
While you can enjoy Korea without speaking Korean, you will unlock a whole different world of friendships, exploration, and service if you speak Korean with the people around you in Korea. It’s still uncommon for travelers to speak Korean. Learning the language is deeply appreciated by the people of Korea. Here’s a few ways you can learn:
Classes in the United States:
Offline LA: Korean Cultural Center in LA (former student!)
Offline OC: Korean American Center
Online: King Sejong (Free) - The Korean Government sponsors this.
Online: iTalki for Personal tutor
Online: YouTube Channels: TTMIK
Language Exchanges in LA/OC (미안해 everyone else~)
Classes in South Korea
Sogang University’s Language Program: they have the program for increasing conversational fluency. I’ve met many people who only came to Korea to attend this program for 6 months and they can speak Korean better than me. T.T - (I will invest in this program when I return to Korea)
Translations in Korea
Free Translation Assistance from the Korean Government
You’ll likely need a translator for medical, financial, or other situations - luckily the Korean government offers free translation support for non-Koreans in Korea
It’s called: 공이일삼삼공 by KTO. By calling 02-1330, you will be connected to someone who can translate into your language
Another is an app called BBB offered by another Korean government agency available for Android and IOs.
Free Translator Tools
Papago - This app by Naver provides the best translations between Korean and other languages
Google Translate Mobile App: This app is the best for translating printed material in Korean (signs, documents, menus, etc)
Google Translate Chrome Extension: This tool is the best for rapidly translating Korean website - especially those hidden gem brands that are only in Korean.
Making Korean Friends in Korea
In SoCal, it’s common for strangers to strike up conversations randomly. In Korea, it’s not common. Korean people tend to keep to themselves when out and about - unless it’s at a small local gym or place where people frequently see each other. Here are a few ways to make new friends in Korea!
Language exchange groups - You can find many of these groups using Meetup.com!
Local Chingu Cultural Events - This is a small business that hosts cultural activities. The founders are very cool people.
SeoulShare - Another small business that runs adventures around Seoul!
Industry Events or Business Associations - Here Google Search will be helpful
Toastmasters - Yes! There are many active Toastmasters groups in Korea!
COEX Convention Center - COEX is the main convention center in Korea for many industries, this is a great place to meet people who want to talk to you - and if you guys vibe, you can connect to just hangout!
Eventus - This is the Korean platform for industry events in Korea - on occasion they have events in English - usually when there is an overseas guest.
Meetup.com groups~
Getting Around in Korea
Exploring in Korea is so much fun and convenient. Subways and buses are so clean, plentiful, and FAST.
Naver Map is the app that will reveal gems and how to get there. (bye Google and Apple Maps)
While Naver Map has an English interface option, typing in Korean is required to wield its power!
Delicious Food to Enjoy
There is so much to enjoy in Korea. Outside of stumbling upon gems while walking around the city, you can also find popular places using Naver Map and Instagram.
Naver Map: Search by the food you want in Korean. Or search 맛집 to see the delicious restaurants around you.
Instagram: Or search “the area you’d like to eat in (ex: Hongdae 홍대) + 맛집 (delicious places)” (ex: 홍대맛지) to see recommendations/. https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/맛집/
Pro Tip:Before going to restaurants, check when was their last review - if it’s been more than 3 months, call to make sure the place is still in business. (Actually, call always as they some smaller shops take personal days without notice)
Chains to Try
엽기떡볶이 (Yuppdok - The spiciest rice cakes)
No Bad Vibes (Cookies that can break windows)
Plant (The most delicious vegan food in Korea)
Places to Visit (Starter Pack)
There is so much to explore in South Korea. Here are just a few of the areas and places to check out:
마포 (Mapo-Gu) - charming cafes, vegan restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe than Hongdae. (Located south of Hongdae)
앤트러사이트 서교점 - beautiful cafe
코코부코 - fresh coconut-based drinks
셰발레리 - vegan food
홍대 (Hongdae) - one of the most famous areas in Seoul. Home to cafes, vintage stores, concept stores, bars, restaurants, clubs, and busking. Here the crowd is generally in their early to mid twenties.
연남 (Yeonnam) - just northwest of Hongdae, this small area contains restaurants, bars, art galleries, and novelty shops. The vibe is more relaxed than Hongdae and Mapo.
Colonist - artist with some of the most beautiful jewelry
Best Chocolate Drinks (IMO)
이태원 (Itaewon) - the Hongdae for people in their late twenties and beyond. Many clubs, bars, international food, and people. You can find many art galleries, niche luxury brands, and higher-tier restaurants in this area.
여의도 (Yeoido) - the financial district of Seoul. The gem here is the newly made mall called The Hyundai. Here you can discover the latest brands in Korea across streetwear, luxury, food, and any part of your life. During the Cherry Blossom season, people from across Seoul enjoy the cherry blossom in the park in Yeoudio.
성수 (Seongsu) - the hipster area of Seoul. (like the art district of Los Angeles combined with Melrose Blvd). Here you can discover emerging brands, concept stores, and even order customized shoes.
Peaches (an emerging brand for car enthusiasts)
Daelim Studio Cafe (warehouse cafe and art studio)
Here are a few places to save time while in South Korea.
DDP - Dongdaemun design plaza and exhibit
Paradise City - your new favorite resort.
Everland - South Korea’s largest theme park.
Hyundai Libraries - several libraries with collections of unique and rare books. Each location focuses on a different topic: Music, Food, and Design.
남산 (Namsam Tower) - for the best view of Seoul