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🇺🇸 The Ultimate Korea Travel Playbook for Americans (2025 Edition)

By the “$5M blogger” who cares about your RPM as much as your ramen 😎🍜

TL;DR

K-ETA: U.S. passport holders are exempt through Dec 31, 2025 for stays ≤90 days. From Jan 1, 2026 you’ll need K-ETA again. Always verify via official links below.
Best first trip: Seoul → Busan (KTX) → optional Jeju.
Payments: Cards work almost everywhere; keep some cash for T-money top-ups & small vendors.
Apps: Use Naver Map (English supported). For taxis, Kakao T.
Airport → city: AREX Express non-stop to Seoul Station (~43–51 min; from ₩11,000).

U.S. Gov: Korea Travel K-ETA Exemption Notice 1330 Helpline (KTO)

1) Entry & Documents (2025) ✈️

Visa/K-ETA: U.S. citizens visiting for tourism/business ≤90 days are visa-free. The K-ETA requirement is temporarily waived through 2025-12-31. Expect K-ETA to resume for U.S. visitors on 2026-01-01. Check the official notices before you fly.
Passport: Must be valid at time of entry. Keep a digital + paper copy of the ID page.
Arrival tip: Even during exemption periods, some travelers apply for K-ETA to skip the handwritten arrival card. Optional, not required.

Official K-ETA Website U.S. Embassy Notice

2) Money, SIM & eSIM 💳📶

Payments: Visa/Mastercard/Amex widely accepted. Some mom-and-pop shops are cash-only—carry a little KRW.
T-money: Transit card usable on subways/buses nationwide (and some taxis). Buy/top-up at convenience stores; cash top-up is the norm for visitors.
Mobile data: Airport counters and eSIMs are easy. If you’re remote-working, confirm hotspot allowance on your plan.

T-money: Foreigner Guide

3) Getting Around Like a Local 🚇🚆🚖

Airport → Seoul Station (AREX)

Take the AREX Express non-stop from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in about 43 min (T1) / 51 min (T2); adult fares typically start around ₩11,000. Trains depart every 20–40 minutes.

AREX Basics (English) AREX Booking Page

High-Speed Rail (KTX)

Seoul ↔ Busan is ~2.5 hours on KTX. If you’ll ride bullet trains multiple times in a few days, consider the Korail Pass (tourist rail pass).

Korail Pass (Official)

Maps & Taxis

Use Naver Map (English supported) for accurate transit and walking directions. For taxis, use Kakao T. Save your destination’s name in Korean to show drivers if needed.

Naver Map (iOS) Naver Map (Android)

4) Ready-Made Itineraries 🗺️

3 Days in Seoul (First-Timer)

Palaces + Hanbok: Gyeongbokgung/Changdeokgung → Bukchon → Insadong tea.
Myeongdong → Namsan: Street food crawl → N Seoul Tower sunset → Dongdaemun DDP night stroll.
Hongdae & Yeonnam: cafés + indie shops → Gyeongui Line Forest Park → Han River picnic.

7 Days Classic (Seoul → Busan → Jeju)

Seoul highlights (Days 1–3).
KTX to Busan: Haeundae & The Bay 101 (Day 4).
Gamcheon Village, Jagalchi Market, BIFF Square (Day 5).
Optional Jeju 2 days: Seongsan Ilchulbong, Hallasan, black-pork BBQ (Days 6–7). Or swap for a DMZ day trip.

Visit Seoul (Official) Visit Busan (Official) VisitKorea (National)

5) Eat Like a Pro 🍗🍲

Don’t miss K-BBQ (samgyeopsal), fried chicken & beer, tteokbokki, bibimbap, soondubu (soft tofu stew), and a glass of makgeolli. For street food, try Myeongdong or Gwangjang Market. If a menu looks intense, open your translator (Papago is great) and ask for “mild.”

6) Culture, Tipping & Safety 🧠

Tipping: Not customary in Korea (some places may accept; many won’t). Don’t feel pressured.
Power: 220V / 60Hz, plug types C/F. Bring a universal adapter.
Emergency numbers: 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance). Tourist help in English: 1330 (24/7 helpline).

Emergency Help (Seoul) Tipping & Etiquette

7) Passes Worth Considering 🎟️

Discover Seoul Pass (48/72/120-hour options; big attraction bundle).
Visit Busan Pass (various bundles; good for coastal city highlights).

Discover Seoul Pass (Official) Pass Details (Visit Seoul)

8) SEO-Friendly Quick Answers 🔍

Do I need K-ETA in 2025? No, exemption in effect through Dec 31, 2025 for U.S. tourists/business ≤90 days. From Jan 1, 2026, K-ETA required.
Which map? Naver Map (English supported) is the most reliable in Korea.
Fastest airport transfer? AREX Express to Seoul Station (~43–51 min).
Is Korea cashless? Mostly—cards everywhere; keep cash for T-money top-ups & small vendors.
Should I tip? Usually no. High-end services may add a service charge.