Korea explained through everyday life.
A magazine about the reasons behind daily life in Seoul, for travelers planning a visit, people who have just moved here, and anyone curious about Seoul's culture.
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Arriving in Seoul
The first days in a new city are full of small decisions. We take them one at a time.
- Why doesn't Google Maps work in Korea?According to an August 2026 report, Google Maps in Korea showed places and transit routes but not turn-by-turn walking or driving navigation. Google says its directions feature needs map data that Korean law keeps in the country unless the government permits its export, so install Naver Map or Kakao Map before you fly.
- Han River in autumn: which park for an evening ride or walk?Pick one park for an evening by the river: Banpo for the bridge fountain (March 15 to October only), Yeouido or Ttukseom for the shortest subway walk, Gwangnaru for autumn reed fields. To ride, use Seoul Bike on a riverside route.
- Seoul autumn leaves: where to go, and why they differBukhansan showed first color on October 14, and the Korea Forest Service forecast the national peak for October 30–31. Namsan and the palaces downtown may turn later, so check KMA's page first.
- Seoul bus payment: why do you tap your card on and off?Tap your card at the front door as you board, and again at the back door before you get off. Skip the second tap and your next bus or train is charged as a new trip, not a discounted transfer.
- Gyeongbokgung on a half day: free English tour or a paid bundle?Free English tours at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30 (not Tuesdays) cover the palace. Pay to bundle only to fit Bukchon and Gwangjang Market into one morning.
- Gyeongbokgung hanbok free entry: what counts as hanbok?Free entry needs a jacket (jeogori) plus a hanbok skirt or trousers, traditional or modern. Half a set, like a hanbok top with jeans, doesn't count.
- DMZ tours from Seoul: a guided half-day tour or Paju's own tour?Public transport gets you only as far as Imjingak. For the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory, book Paju City's shuttle tour or a guided tour from Seoul.
- Which eSIM for Korea: a Korean carrier or an eSIM app?If your phone supports eSIM and Korea is your only stop, we recommend SK Telecom's eSIM: data works without a counter visit, and an online passport check adds free incoming calls and texts.
- Seoul transit cards: which one to buy and how much to loadBuy a Tmoney card and load about KRW 20,000 (about US$15) to start. A Climate Card pass saves money only if you ride often and stay within Seoul.
- Incheon Airport to Seoul by AREX: express or all-stop train?Take the all-stop train to save money or if you're staying near its stops. Take the KRW 13,000 (about US$9.60) express if Seoul Station is your stop.
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Seoul, every day
Much of daily life here makes more sense once you know the problem it was built to solve.
- Why does buying alcohol in Korea still go by birth year?Since June 2023, international age has been the general rule for administrative and civil matters in Korea, but buying alcohol is an exception that goes by birth year: in 2026, anyone born in 2007 or earlier qualifies. Sellers must check age and identity, so it helps to carry ID that shows your date of birth.
- Why is there no bin in Korean public toilet stalls?In Korean public restrooms, toilet paper goes in the toilet. A rule in force since 2018 took bins out of stalls, with exceptions; the government cited looks, smells and pests. Women's stalls generally have a sanitary-product container.
- Why doesn't Uber work like it does at home in Seoul?With a few exceptions, Korean law bars private cars from carrying passengers for payment and bars anyone from arranging such rides. So in Seoul, the Uber app connects you with licensed taxis. Install it and add a payment method before you fly.
- Why do some Korean ATMs reject foreign cards?In our reading, a Korean ATM may not accept a foreign card if it isn't linked to a network that supports it. Look for a "Global" sign, and before you fly, ask your card issuer about ATM withdrawals in Korea.
- Why do Korean cafes confuse first-time visitors?Buzzers and returning your tray are shop habits, not laws. The legal rule you'll notice is about cups: if you order to stay, the shop can't give you a single-use plastic cup.
- Winter in Seoul: how cold it gets, what to pack, and what changesJanuary, Seoul's coldest month, averages -1.9°C; December and February sit just above freezing. Pack layers, gloves and a hat, and expect warm rooms indoors.
- Korean convenience stores: what you can do, and why cash mattersYou can top up Tmoney, buy basics and often get cash late at night. Bring Korean won: top-ups take cash, and only marked ATMs take foreign cards.
- Why are floors in Korea warm? Ondol, and where you'll feel itIt's ondol, Korea's underfloor heating, now mostly run on hot-water pipes. You'll meet it in your room, at Gyeongbokgung, and at the door as shoes come off.
- Trash cans in Seoul: why so few, where to put your trashSeoul cut street bins after its 1995 pay-per-bag trash system and has been adding some back since 2023. Check bus stops and subway exits, or carry your trash.
- Why is there toilet paper on Korean restaurant tables?The reason on record is price: in 2001, a Daegu restaurant owner and a local official said rolls cost less. Rules on table versus bathroom paper came later.
- Is jaywalking illegal in Korea? What the law says and the fineYes, if the road has a crosswalk or the light is red. The standard jaywalking fine in Korea is KRW 20,000 (about US$15) or KRW 30,000 (about US$22).
- All of Seoul, every day
About Seoul Palette
We explain the reason behind what you see, give a source for every fact, and use only real photos. About us