Practical, source-checked guides for people arriving in and living in Seoul.https://seoulpalette.net/en-ushttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/why-google-maps-doesnt-work-in-korea/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/why-google-maps-doesnt-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.Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/legal-drinking-age-korea/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/legal-drinking-age-korea/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.Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/no-bin-in-korean-public-toilet-stalls/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/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.Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-uber-works-differently-in-korea/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-uber-works-differently-in-korea/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.Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-korean-atms-reject-foreign-cards/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-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.Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-korean-cafes-confuse-visitors/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-korean-cafes-confuse-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.Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/han-river-autumn-evening-guide/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/han-river-autumn-evening-guide/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.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/seoul-autumn-leaves-timing/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/seoul-autumn-leaves-timing/Bukhansan 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.Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/seoul-bus-tap-on-tap-off/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/seoul-bus-tap-on-tap-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.Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/gyeongbokgung-free-english-tour-or-paid/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/gyeongbokgung-free-english-tour-or-paid/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.Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/gyeongbokgung-hanbok-free-entry-rules/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/gyeongbokgung-hanbok-free-entry-rules/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.Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/seoul-winter-what-to-pack/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/seoul-winter-what-to-pack/January, 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.Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/korea-convenience-stores-for-travelers/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/korea-convenience-stores-for-travelers/You 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.Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/ondol-korean-heated-floors/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/ondol-korean-heated-floors/It'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.Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/seoul-street-trash-cans/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/seoul-street-trash-cans/Seoul 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.Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-toilet-paper-on-korean-restaurant-tables/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/why-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.Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/dmz-tour-guided-or-paju-official/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/dmz-tour-guided-or-paju-official/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.Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/korea-sim-or-esim-short-trip/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/korea-sim-or-esim-short-trip/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.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/everyday/jaywalking-rules-seoul/https://seoulpalette.net/everyday/jaywalking-rules-seoul/Yes, 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).Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/seoul-transit-card-guide/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/seoul-transit-card-guide/Buy 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.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://seoulpalette.net/arriving/arex-express-vs-all-stop-train/https://seoulpalette.net/arriving/arex-express-vs-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.Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT