Seoul, Explained

A little local context for Korea, with Seoul as our starting point. Everyday life, food, and shopping, wherever your trip takes you.

Browse by keyword · Getting Around

4 stories · Newest first

Editorial illustration of a smartphone over a Seoul transit map surrounded by icons for maps, taxis, restaurant bookings, translation, and saved places

Seoul 1013 min

Which Apps Should I Install Before Visiting Seoul?

Install one strong local map, one taxi app, one restaurant-booking app, and a translator you trust before your first Seoul trip.

Passengers leaving priority seats open inside a quiet Seoul subway carriage

Everyday Life4 min

Seoul Etiquette Visitors Actually Need to Know

A practical etiquette guide for transit, residential neighborhoods, restaurants, rubbish and shared public space.

Seoul subway platform sign showing exit number 2 in Korean, English and Chinese

Everyday Life4 min

How to Use Seoul Public Transport

A practical 2026 guide to paying for Seoul subways and buses without buying the wrong pass.

Editorial illustration of a smartphone route connecting a Seoul subway station to a nearby building entrance

Seoul 1013 min

How do I use Naver Map in English to find my way around Seoul?

A practical first-trip guide to setting up Naver Map in English, checking the right branch, reading a Seoul transit route, and finding the correct entrance.