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Please use Google Map, Kakao Map, or Naver Map.
Most venues, including subways and buses, have free internet.
Kakao T taxis also provide free WiFi service in the vehicle.
As pedestrians,
Use Crossings: Always use crosswalks, underpasses, or overpasses when available.
Obey Signals: Stop at red lights and wait for green; look both ways before crossing on green.
No Jaywalking: Do not cross roads outside designated areas or just in front/behind vehicles.
Walk Safely: Walk, don't run, to stay aware of dangers.
Road-Side Zones: You have the right-of-way on roads without sidewalks; drivers must slow down.
From your hotel Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun:
Jogyesa Temple: 160 m
Cheonggyecheon: 450 m
Myeong-dong: 1.21 km
Changgyeong Palace: 1.54 km
Namsan Cable Car: 1.81 km
Outdoor Ice Skating in Seoul (1,000 won = US$0.69 per hour, rental includes skates and helmets)
Hiking in Gwanaksan (Southern Seoul)
Wear Hanbok and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Discover Seoul Pass (70+ attractions, free eSIM & T-Money transit card)
Climate Card Tourist Pass (unlimited public transit within Seoul)
Gyeongju Ancient City (2 - 2.5 hours by train)
Dongdaemun night market (street food) near Dongdaemun stadium station (30 minutes by subway from the hotel, 20 minutes by subway from KIAS)
Namdaemun Market (street food) near Seoul Train Station (20 minutes by subway from the hotel, 25 minutes by subway from KIAS)
Gwangjang market (street food) near in Jongro 5-ga subway station (20 minutes by subway from the hotel, 35 minutes by subway from KIAS)
Winter shopping in Seoul
For winter shopping in Seoul, go to the underground malls like Goto Mall (Express Bus Terminal) or Myeongdong/Euljiro for inexpensive finds, markets like Dongdaemun/Dongmyo for variety and thrift, trendy areas like Hongdae/Gangnam for styles, and big names like Uniqlo/Zara for basics and sales, with online options like Musinsa for trendy brands. You can also consider Daiso for inexpensive accessories and Dongmyo Flea Market for great deals on quality coats.
Foreigners also get immediate tax refunds from many shops, including grocery stores like Lotte Mart. You need to show them your foreign passport to receive the discounts. Ask the stores for more detail.
Affordable & Quick Finds
Goto Mall (Express Bus Terminal): Huge underground mall with tons of affordable jackets, accessories, and layers.
Myeongdong/Euljiro Underground: Great for cheap items, especially if you pay cash and haggle.
Daiso (Myeongdong): Mega store for super cheap hats, gloves, earmuffs, and heat packs.
Uniqlo - Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch: 300 meters from the hotel (4-min walk), open 11am - 9pm daily; they have nice items, good quality, and a reasonable price.
Jonggak Underground Shopping Center: 350 meters from the hotel (5-min walk). Generally cheaper than above-ground stores, ideal for bargain hunting. Smaller and less extensive than Seoul's major underground malls like Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center or Goto Mall (Express Bus Terminal).
Trendy & Stylish
Hongdae: Youthful, trendy shops, including Musinsa stores for popular Korean brands.
Gangnam/Garosu-gil: More upscale fashion, department stores, and trendy boutiques.
Dongdaemun: Wholesale/retail hub; great for fashion-forward items and late-night shopping.
Lotte Department Store: Prices might not be so cheap, but you can get high quality items from well-known brands. Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed 10:30AM - 8PM; others 10:30AM - 8:30PM, 1 km from the hotel (17-min walk) or 1.5 km by taxi, which is less than a 10-min ride.
Best Value
Dongmyo Flea Market: Fantastic for incredible deals on used winter coats and leather goods.
Namdaemun Market: Traditional market with cheap winter clothing options.
Second-hand (Vin Prime/Online): For budget-conscious shoppers looking for vintage and quality used items.
Basics & Layering
Uniqlo/Zara: Excellent for Heattech, thermal layers, sweaters, and basic winter wear, especially during sales.
Tips
Layers is key: Dress in layers.
Sales: There may be end-of-year/January sales for big discounts.
Cash: Might get you better prices in smaller shops or markets.
Hospitals
50-1 Yonsei-ro, Sinchon-dong
Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
They have a nice system to serve foreigners.
245 Eulji-ro
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
This location is much closer to our hotel.
23 Gyeonghui-daero
Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
This is near KIAS, which also has a service for foreigners.
These are other much higher quality hospitals, but it is not typical for us to directly go there. We need to go to a smaller hospital first and get a referral to go to the much bigger ones. Foreigners are usually exempt, but you want to check this before going there. The cost is usually pretty cheap even without an insurance (unless it is a really serious accident). For less serious ones, smaller hospitals are usually good enough. Many of these hospital staff members are able to communicate in English.
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