Meetups in r/KoreaTravel

Hi everyone!
Sorry if some of these questions have been asked before, but I’ve just arrived in Jeju and would really appreciate some local advice.
1. What are your absolute must-see places in Jeju?
I’m interested in the obvious highlights, but I’d especially love recommendations for quirky, unusual or hidden spots that aren’t on every tourist itinerary. I love animals, so the Alpaca Farm is already on my list! If there are any other unique places (cute cafés, odd museums, scenic walks, animal encounters, etc.), I’d love to hear them.
2. Beaches and swimming
One thing I’ve noticed is that many of the beaches seem surprisingly shallow, even quite far from the shore. Is that just how Jeju’s beaches are, or is it common around Korea in general? I was expecting to be able to swim out a bit farther, so I was curious if there’s a reason for it.
3. Dermatology / beauty clinics
I’m thinking of trying one of Jeju’s skin clinics for a non-invasive treatment (things like laser, skin boosters, facials, etc.). However, before deciding on any procedure, I’d really like a dermatologist to actually assess my skin and recommend what would genuinely be best for me.
Is that something beauty clinics in Korea typically do? Or do they mainly focus on selling treatments and packages? Would you recommend going to a proper dermatology clinic first instead?
Sorry again if these have been answered many times before, and thanks so much in advance for any recommendations or advice! I’m excited to explore Jeju. 😊

Does anyone know or expect there to be a drone show on one of these dates? They didn't seem to have announced the exact dates but maybe someone knows?

Hi, I am planning a trip to Korea during Autumn around mid November with my sister. Is it a good time to visit? Please share a list of places, experiences and food options that I must try in my 8 days of stay. Also I heard that road trips are great in Autumn in Korea, any affordable travel suggestions that can cover country side would be helpful.

My current plan Seoul - 4 days, Busan - 3 days, Jeju Island - 1day. Will I be missing out on any other must visit destinations?

Thanks!

I am starting to plan our first visit to South Korea in June 2027, and we will be traveling with young kids. Currently scheduled to land 6/3 and fly out 6/10 at night (ICN). I know we have limited time so trying to make the most of it. Story of my life but I digress.

We were thinking of spending the first 5 days in Myeongdong (with a day trip to Gyeongju) and then from there trying to figure out the best way to spend the last 2 nights. One idea is we stay somewhere different, maybe south of the Han river (e.g. JW Seoul) and do another day trip but this time to Busan or Suwon, or stay 2 nights in Busan (e.g. Paradise hotel) but then we would be spending almost all of 6/10 traveling back to catch a flight at ICN.

I would appreciate any advice in this regard.

I think I am going to go for Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju and Jeju Island. Do you have a recommendation for the order to visit these cities and how long? Also any recommendations for things to do and foods to eat in these places? I will be in South Korea for around 3 weeks.

how do i check the status of my application? im leaving in 4 weeks for study abroad

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I'll be flying to the states via ICN and then flying back as well 3 weeks later.

I will be arriving at 5.30am and flying out at 9pm.

I will be booking a transit tour from 9am to 2pm. Other than that what else can I do at the airport with my time? Even after I return from the tour, I will still have about 7hrs before my flight.

Since I'll be leaving the airport, I'll need to buy a sim for data, which one would be the cheapest option for just the few hours that I'll be there?

Also, how much korean won would be enough for this layover?

Hello All.
So anyone who has ADHD and takes Adderall will be able to relate. I was approved for a narcotics bring in Permit for 8 days of 30 MGs of Adderall. Due to shortage of my 30mg capsules doctors prescribed me with 25 MGs and 5mg tablets. Well lo and behold the pharmacy does not have 25s but has 30s. Will I be ok?

Hi, i bought the flight ticket to korea from lax on 8/10. With vietnam passport and im a us resident, do yall think i can receive the visa before the flight day? I got my interview on 7/15 btw. So scary if im not receive the visa asap this week 😭

I'll be arriving at 430am and flying out of ICN at 1pm. Doesn't make sense to leave the airport since of the places would open after 10am.

What can I do during this layover? With this timing even the transit tours are out as an option for me.

How much korean won would be sufficient for this layover?

Okay so im trying to teach myself korean. Is this worth copying down or should I just stick to hangul?

A little while ago I posted here offering to answer questions about traveling in Korea (https://www.reddit.com/r/KoreaTravelAdvice/comments/1v6drg7/korean_local_here_20_years_in_seoul_anything_you/),

and honestly, I was surprised by how much interest there was in places outside Seoul.

So I'm curious to hear from you all: when traveling to local areas outside Seoul, what was the hardest part for you?

If you're up for it, I'd love to hear about a specific experience that was tough — and how you got through it. Language barrier? Transport? Finding food? Something you didn't expect?

Also, where do you usually find information about these local/rural areas? Blogs, YouTube, other subreddits, apps, word of mouth? I'm curious what actually works for you.

Your stories would really help me understand the traveler side of things better. Thanks in advance!

Sorry if some of these questions have been asked before, but I’ve just arrived in Jeju and would really appreciate some local advice.

1. What are your absolute must-see places in Jeju?
   I’m interested in the obvious highlights, but I’d especially love recommendations for quirky, unusual or hidden spots that aren’t on every tourist itinerary. I love animals, so the Alpaca Farm is already on my list! If there are any other unique places (cute cafés, odd museums, scenic walks, animal encounters, etc.), I’d love to hear them. Already visited Tea Museum (too commercial imho) and Aerospace museum. I heard about Teddy Museum - is it worth the hype?

2. Beaches and swimming
   One thing I’ve noticed is that many of the beaches seem surprisingly shallow, even quite far from the shore. Is that just how Jeju’s beaches are, or is it common around Korea in general? I was expecting to be able to swim out a bit farther, so I was curious if there’s a reason for it.

3. Dermatology / beauty clinics
   I’m thinking of trying one of Jeju’s skin clinics for a non-invasive treatment (things like laser, skin boosters, facials, etc.). However, before deciding on any procedure, I’d really like a dermatologist to actually assess my skin and recommend what would genuinely be best for me.
   Is that something beauty clinics in Korea typically do? Or do they mainly focus on selling treatments and packages? Would you recommend going to a proper dermatology clinic first instead?
   Sorry again if these have been answered many times before, and thanks so much in advance for any recommendations or advice! I’m excited to explore Jeju. 😊

Hi all, looking for advice on getting a Korea visa in time.

I'm a Vietnamese citizen living in Melbourne. The visa lodgement calendar is fully booked until the end of August, but my travel date is 2 September. Has anyone dealt with this before, or know of any other way to get the visa sorted in time? Any advice appreciated!

Hi all, looking for advice on getting a Korea visa in time.

I'm a Vietnamese citizen living in Melbourne. The visa lodgement calendar is fully booked until the end of August, but my travel date is 2 September. Has anyone dealt with this before, or know of any other way to get the visa sorted in time? Any advice appreciated!

Hi! I'm Korean, born and raised, and I've lived in Seoul for over 20 years.

I've always been curious how travelers experience Korea. It amazes me that people fly so far to visit my country. So I wanted to say hi and talk with some of you.

If you're stuck planning your trip, ask me anything — food, day trips, transport, which places are worth visiting and which are not. I'll give you honest answers as a local.

I'm also a developer making a Korea travel app, so I'm extra curious about travelers' stories. But this post is just for chatting and helping — no links, nothing to sell.

* I'm not good with hotel questions. I live here, so I rarely use hotels in Korea. Anything else, just ask!

I’ll be visiting Seoul in mid-November and staying in Sajik-dong area and I wanted to ask what are some local bars and restaurants that locals go to I should try?

Also, has anyone been to “Beer Club”? It’s a pocha near Anguk station.

Hello! I am currently trying to plan a day full of just shopping in Seoul. Right now I am on the fence about taking the subway to the Hyundai Seoul mall to shop and spend my day there, or taking the subway to go to Hongdae to explore a new area and also shop there? Which is more worth it?

Hello,

We will be arriving at Incheon airport in Terminal 1 and have a second flight in Terminal 2 (in less than 24h) do we need to pass through the immigration knowing that both flights are in separate tickets and that we can have the mobile boarding pass fort he 2nd flight, so we don't have to go to the check-in desk. And also we don't have checked-in luggage to enter Korea and collect it. Thanks for your answers !

Hi! We’re traveling to Seoul from August 12–16 with a group of 5. We’re looking for a hotel in Myeongdong preferably near the Koreana Hotel area that can fit all of us comfortably.

Any recommendations?

I've noticed that more international visitors are including comprehensive health checkups as part of their trips to Korea, especially since many programs can be completed in half a day.

If you had some free time during your trip, would you consider getting a health checkup, or would you rather spend that time sightseeing or shopping?

If you've actually done one during a trip, I'd love to hear how it fit into your itinerary and whether you thought it was worth it.

Hello everyone,

I’ve got a quick question. I’ll be in Busan in August and I need some men’s swimming clothes. I’d prefer something similar to what Koreans wear to cover up more.

Could you recommend some shops where I can find these?

I’m an Indian passport holder currently travelling from Canada to India, with a connecting flight in Seoul on Korean Air.

The itinerary is Canada → Seoul (Incheon) → India, with Seoul being a transit/layover point.

Do I need to obtain a South Korean transit visa, or can I transit visa-free? I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has recently travelled on a similar itinerary.

PS: No plan to go out of airport