First time in Korea: what to prepare, as a checklist
A first-timer's Korea checklist: entry authorisation check, money and cards, transport card, apps that work best locally, internet setup and the steps after you land.
תשובה מהירה
- For a first trip to Korea, prepare six things: documents and entry authorisation checked on official sites (including K-ETA if it applies), money and cards, a city transport card, apps that work well locally, internet, and your arrival steps. Entry rules can change, so check before booking and again before you fly.
- Most of the rest can be sorted in the last week. Use the timeline table below to split the work by how much time you have left.
First time in Korea: what to prepare first
For a first-timer, order your tasks by how hard they are to fix if you get them wrong. Entry documents and tickets come first, then money and city transport, while apps and internet can wait until closer to departure. The list below follows that order.
| מתי | מה לעשות |
|---|---|
| Before booking flights | Check your passport and entry conditions on official sites. |
| After booking flights and lodging | Set up payment cards, choose a city transport card and plan your first day. |
| One to two weeks before | Buy and install an eSIM or pick your internet method, install map and taxi apps and create the accounts you need. |
| One to two days before | Download offline maps, save documents on your phone and check your bag against airline rules. |
Preparation timeline for Korea
Entry documents and K-ETA: check official sources
Korea has an electronic travel authorisation system known as K-ETA, and visa rules differ by nationality and over time. Exemptions, conditions or application methods can change. This page does not state any rule as fact. Always check the official K-ETA website, the Korean embassy or Korean immigration before you book flights.
- Check whether your nationality and purpose of travel need K-ETA or a visa, using official sites only.
- Beware of sites claiming to apply on your behalf. Reach the application only through links given by official pages or the embassy.
- Check passport validity against official requirements. See our passport and visa basics guide for an overview.
- Arrival or customs forms may be available online in advance. See our arrival card and customs declaration guide.
Money and cards for Korea
Card payment is commonly accepted in big Korean cities, while markets, small shops and some spots may be easier with cash. A safe approach is to carry both cards and a small amount of cash, then see what works where. Rates and fees differ by bank, so check your own bank's fee schedule.
- Confirm with your bank that your card works abroad and set up identity confirmation before you fly.
- If a terminal asks whether to pay in baht or won, see our guide on currency and card charges.
- To plan your spending, see our Korea budget guide, which teaches how to split categories without fixed numbers.
Transport card and getting around cities
Big Korean cities usually have rechargeable tap cards that work on the subway and many buses, and some also work in convenience stores. The cards available to visitors, how to buy, top up, return them and whether you can add one to your phone can all change, so check the transport operator and your airport's website.
- Decide between a tap card and single tickets. If you ride often, a tap card is usually easier.
- For the airport transfer, check the airport website for train, bus or shuttle options and operating hours.
- If you will visit several cities, see our guide on cheap trains and multi-city routes.
Apps that work best in Korea: maps, taxis and translation
Some familiar map apps may show walking or public-transport directions in Korea with more limits than in other countries, because of map-data rules there. Many people therefore install a locally popular map app as a supplement. App names and menus change, so search the App Store or Google Play before flying and create accounts in advance.
- Maps: install at least one locally used app and download offline maps in your familiar app as a backup. See our offline maps and navigation guide.
- Taxis: check whether the ride-hailing app you use works in Korea and whether it accepts foreign cards, which varies by app.
- Translation: download offline language packs. See our guide to using translation apps abroad.
- Apps that need a local number or Korean-language SMS verification can be hard for visitors. See our apps that do not work abroad guide.
Setting up internet before Korea
The main options are an eSIM, a physical SIM, pocket wifi and roaming on your main SIM. An eSIM suits people who do not want extra gear and can install in advance, pocket wifi suits sharing between devices, and roaming is convenient but you must check terms with your Thai operator first. Look up prices and plan sizes on the live listing.
- For a detailed comparison of options, read our Korea trip prep and internet guide.
- Unsure how much data you need? Use the data calculator and leave a little headroom.
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked before buying.
Arrival steps after you land in Korea
- 1Switch on your data lineTurn off airplane mode, switch on the eSIM line and confirm it is selected for mobile data. Turn roaming off on your Thai SIM to avoid surprise charges.
- 2Go through immigration and customsHave your passport, onward ticket and accommodation details ready on your phone or on paper, as the authorities require.
- 3Choose your route into the cityFollow signs and the airport website for train, bus or taxi options, and buy or collect your transport card if you want one.
- 4Check in and test the Wi-FiSave your lodging's name and address in the local language in case you need to show a driver.
For more detail, see our first 24 hours abroad and airport arrival connectivity guides.
What to carry and what to keep on your phone
- Photos or files of your passport, tickets, lodging and travel insurance, stored separately from the originals.
- Plugs and chargers: check the plug type in our power plug guide by country.
- Power bank: airline rules can change, so check the airline and airport websites.
- Travel and device insurance: see our guide on device cover in travel insurance.
שאלות נפוצות
שאלות נפוצות
What should I prepare for a first trip to Korea?+
Mainly entry documents and authorisation checked on official sites, money and cards, a city transport card, map and translation apps, internet, and a plan for your first day after landing.
How early should I start the Korea checklist before the flight?+
Documents and tickets should be handled before you book. Internet and apps can wait until the last one or two weeks. See the timeline table above.
Do Thai travellers need K-ETA?+
Rules can change over time, so do not rely on this article. Check the official K-ETA website, the Korean embassy or Korean immigration before booking.
Do I need to exchange Korean won before I go?+
There is no fixed formula. Many people carry cards plus a little cash and adjust on the spot. Check rates and fees with your bank. See our currency exchange before and during the trip guide.
Which map app should I use in Korea?+
Some familiar apps may show limited directions, so many people add a locally used app and download offline maps. Search the App Store or Google Play before flying.
Should I use an eSIM or pocket wifi in Korea?+
An eSIM suits people who prefer no extra gear, while pocket wifi suits sharing between devices. See the Korea trip prep and internet guide, and check live prices with providers.
Where do I buy a transport card in Korea and how does it work?+
Formats, sales points and top-up methods change, so check the airport and transport operator websites. In general it is a rechargeable card you tap when boarding and exiting.
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