Clinics, restaurants, and popular attractions fill up quickly, especially during cherry blossom season (April) and peak fall foliage (October). Book your treatments and high-demand activities at least 2–4 weeks in advance.

Arriving in Seoul? You have a few smooth options from Incheon or Gimpo Airport:

Airport Limousine Buses run to major neighborhoods like Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Hongdae. They’re clean, luggage-friendly, and affordable. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online in advance.

Taxis are reliable and safe. Fares are fixed from the airport to central Seoul (about ₩70,000–90,000 KRW). Look for the official taxi stands to avoid scams.

Private car services are also available, especially if you want door-to-door comfort after a long flight. We’re happy to help you book one in advance.

Seoul’s subway and bus system is clean, fast, and English-friendly. Pick up a T-Money card at convenience stores or the airport. It works on all public transit and even at some shops and cafés. Just tap in and out.

Pro tip: Google Maps doesn’t always show the best public transit routes in Korea. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for more accurate directions.

You don’t need to speak Korean to get around, but it helps to be prepared:

KakaoTaxi (iOS & Android) is Korea’s Uber equivalent, and the app is available in English.

Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so have your hotel or destination address saved in Korean (we’ll help you prepare this).

Taxis are safe, metered, and affordable compared to U.S. standards. Credit cards are usually accepted, but carry some cash just in case.

A local SIM card, pocket Wi-Fi, or eSIM will keep you online for maps, clinic updates, and translation apps. If your phone supports eSIMs, it’s the easiest option. Check with your carrier before your trip. SIMs and Wi-Fi devices can be rented at the airport or delivered to your hotel.

Papago (by Naver) is Korea’s go-to translation app. It’s free and much more accurate for Korean than Google Translate. It’s perfect for signs, menus, and quick chats.

Most shops and restaurants accept international credit cards, but some taxis and local vendors may prefer cash. ATMs at GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven work with foreign cards and offer English instructions.

Tourists are eligible for 10% VAT refunds on purchases over 30,000 KRW (~$22 USD) at participating stores. Bring your passport when shopping. Many stores deduct VAT at checkout. If not, save your receipts and get your refund at the airport before departure. Leave a little extra time, as the refund kiosks can get busy.

Bringing skincare? Keep carry-on liquids under 100ml and sealed. Don’t forget sunscreen, a travel mirror, and some space in your suitcase for new product finds. Some of our clients take empty suitcases to upgrade their skincare routines and closets.

Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, and many EU countries don’t need a visa but you do need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before boarding your flight. It’s fast and easy, but required.

Tipping isn’t expected in Korea and can cause confusion. Great service is the norm. A polite thank you is all you need.

Koreans value calm in public spaces. Subways, elevators, and restaurants are often quieter than in the U.S. Avoid speakerphone or loud conversations in shared spaces.

Plan your visit around Korea’s seasons and national holidays. They affect clinic availability and crowd levels.

Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms, mild temps, great for treatments

Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with rain — plan for indoor activities

Fall (September–November): Crisp, beautiful, and busy — book early

Winter (December–February): Cold and dry — ideal for treatments with downtime

Major Holidays:

Lunar New Year (Seollal): January or February

Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): Usually in September

Many clinics close for 2–3 days during both, so plan ahead

Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world for solo travelers. Still, it’s smart to stick to well-lit areas at night, share your itinerary with a friend, and reach out to us if you ever need help or advice.

KakaoTalk is Korea’s go-to messaging app. We’ll handle all clinic communication for you, but downloading it can help with local interactions, restaurant bookings, or chatting with new friends.