There's an App for That!

Must Download Apps:

Google Maps App:

I don't use the directions option of this app, but I use it to help me find subway stations near my location.   If you type in the place you are going you can easily zoom in close to it to find the names of the closest subway station.    I also used it to make sure I was going in the right direction to my chosen destination.  Someone asked if you can type the destination name in English, I was always able to use the English name successfully.   The app is handy to help figure out which exit to use to get out of the subway station.   It also helped me judge if something was within walking distance or if a subway was necessary.  Before we went I spent some time starring places of interest so they were easy to see on the map.

Seoul Metro:
This app allows you to plan a route.  You can input the starting station and then ending station and the app will tell you approximately how long it will take and exact directions to get there.  I recommend playing with it a bit before you get there.  One again,  I used Google maps to determine the nearest subway station to my starting point and to my ending point, then followed the directions.

1.) Use the menu to choose Route Planner. (See the pictures below.)

2.) Input your starting station and ending station. (use google maps) 

3.)  Determine which route you prefer, fastest or easiest.  Many times they are the same.

4.) Use this version to see an overview of your route, which lines (colors) you'll be using.

5.) Slide the screen left to see the map version and exact directions of where to transfer.

Subway tips:
- the screens on the subway also announce locations in English.  Make sure to pay attention.
- for the subway illiterate, like myself, pay attention to the direction you need to go.  Each subway line has trains going in both directions. Usually it's right across from each other.  Use the map and the signs through the subway station to ensure you are going in the right direction. Example: Toward Euljiro, toward Seoul Station, etc.

-  the exit number is important when getting out of the subway station.  If you don't use the right exit you'll end up near your location,  but you may have to walk further. If you zoom in close enough on Google Maps it will show the exit number to leave through.  In the picture below the little yellow circles wth numbers represent the exit numbers.

When  you get off the subway there will be signs on the ceiling that tell which way to go for each exit.  

WhatsApp:
For those that have a Samsung phone, this app was quite handy.  I don't know about Iphones, but with my phone I wasn't able to call or text using my wifi egg.   This app allows you to call, text and video chat for free to anyone who has the app.  The clarity is excellent and it can be used without charge anywhere that you have wifi. We used this to keep up with our families back at home.  

Side note:  We used the olleh wifi egg that we rented at the airport for Wi-Fi signal.  This was an awesome tool to have while in Korea.


Google Translate:
Lastly, the Google Translate app came in handy several times.  If we were ever having a language barrier issue we would use this app to get the point across.  In Seoul this isn't usually a problem as a lot of Koreans know a little English.   It came in handy at some of the shops or any of the small restaurants.    We even used it a bit to communicate with our foster mom when the social worker wasn't in the room to help translate.
Note:  Google Translate isn't perfect, the translation isn't always literally what you mean, but it's a start and can be used for simple translations.

Living that Market Life.

While in Korea we lived that market life.  The markets in Korea are where you can find about anything.  Each one offers something different.  Regardless of which ones you chose, they all offer an exciting, lively piece of Korean culture and a guaranteed source of people watching.

 Below you will find a bit of information about each market.

Gwangjang Market (Kwangjang Market)

Address: 

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours of operation: 

General stores: 08:30-18:00

Restaurants: 08:30-23:00

Clothing stores: 21:00-10:00 (Next day)

This is one of the more traditional markets in Korea.  It's actually a multi floor indoor market, which makes it a great candidate for a rainy day. 

  For us this market was more of an experience than a place to buy things.  The market was fast paced and the hotspot of food stalls.  There were aisles and aisles of choices of food.  We chose to eat the traditional bibimbap and glass noodles. Side note: you must be a bit adventurous to experience a meal here.  It was awesome in every way, but there are some very Korean food choices and at times not a lot of English. Just be ready for an adventure and it'll be great.

  Outside of the food choices you will find tons of bedding stores, hanbok shops and of course several souvenir shops.   The fresh fish shops were also neat to see.  You could even get a viewing of real kimchi making right in the middle of an aisle. 

Myeongdong Market 

Hours of operation: 

Not totally sure on the hours, but it was open by 10:00AM

This market was one of the more modern markets that we visited.  It is known for its cosmetics and skin care shops.  You can also find clothing stores and many great restaurants.    We found some of our favorite foods in one of the small restaurants located in this market.  

While you are in the area there are some great things to see and do.  If you enjoy a good hanbok dress-up session you should stop by the Myeongdong tourist center.  You get a free 10 minute session with some cute hanboks and a green screen.   It allows you to email all of the pictures from your photo shoot to an email address at no cost! :)  We had a blast.  You can see below the picture of me getting ready for the green screen.  

The Myeongdong Cathedral is also a must see. The architecture and art outside and within this church are breathtaking.  

American Art right in Myeong Dong

Myeong Dong Cathedral

    

Insadong Street Market 

Hours of operation: 

*10:00am ~ (closing times varies with each store)---at least 8pm

This market is filled with something for everyone.  It's known for being an art street, so you can find musical instruments, handmade items and everything between.  If you are looking for a traditional Korean name stamp, there are multiple places to find one of these.  We also found a set of traditional wedding ducks to give to our son in the future if he gets married.    We walked to this market multiple times because we stayed in the Insadong area...which I highly recommend.   We even found the poop cafe, which was quite a hit for my students back at home.   When it comes to food you can find anything from high class traditional restaurants to inexpensive street food and everything in between.  One of my favorite experiences is aimlessly wandering the alleys of Insadong.  You can find some beautiful treasures nestled back in these alleyways.  I highly recommend doing this.  In my opinion, you haven't been to Korea if you haven't gotten temporarily lost in an alley. 

Namdaemun Market 

Address: 

21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours of operation: 

23:00-17:00 (the next day)
* Operating hours will vary by shop.
(So this market is open until 5pm each day, but then opens back up at 11pm for the overnight crew)
Closed 
Sundays

Namdaemun is more of a traditional market.  You know you've arrived when you see the international flags strung above your head.   This market has a lot of variety.  Probably the best market for Seoul's famous street food.  You must try the mandu.   If you are more adventurous try the famous mung bean panackes!  This market is filled with clothes, fresh fish, souvenirs, teas and candies.  If you are interested in any Korean cookware, this is the place for you.  I purchased two dolsots here.  They are the traditional hot stone bowls that you can get Korean food in.  I love to cook Korean food, so this was a must for me.  We also stocked up on chopsticks and other random items.

                                                     Our favorite mandu shop! 

Cookware for DAYZ!

Arriving in Korea

So,  i remember pre-travel worries of what to expect, where to go,  how long to expect etc.   Oh the questions that roll through your planning obsessed brain.  My dear husband said, no one needs to know this stuff, theyll figure it out when they get here.  WRONG!  I mean,  sure you could, but it would've made me feel better to have known what to expect when arriving in Seoul.

We flew Delta.  It was a 13.5 hour flight from the US to the Incheon Airport in South Korea.   They provided us with some great amenities.   Earbuds, sleeping mask,  ear plugs,  small pillow and a blanket.  There is also a great assortment of movies,  TV shows and music to listen to... for free!   They also gave us two meals and a heavy snack.  There were multiple choices for each meal.  If you have specific diet needs such as low sugar,  vegetarian, etc. You can request those by contacting delta, or on their app.  Here are some pictures:  

                   

                                                                 

On the flight you will also receive two forms to fill out. I believe one for immigration for each person and a form for customs that is one per family.  (This is me attempting to remember using my jetlagged brain.)  Below are what the forms looked like.  You'll turn these in once you arrive at the incheon airport and go through immigration and customs. 

 

Next,   when you land make sure to listen to the flight attendant announcements for the baggage claim carousel number. (Note: After you go through customs you'll need to know that number to claim your baggage,  if you don't hear it, don't panic.   It's also listed on a screen near the baggage claim area. Just make sure you know your flight number.)   Back to where I was.   When you get off the plane look for signs that say immigration.  (Like the one below)

                      

You'll follow these signs for a bit.  As you get closer to immigration, you'll want to follow the signs that say foreigners.  

You'll go through this, and hand them one of the forms that you received and filled out on the plane.    

For detailed instructions on going through customs and immigration visit this website. It's  super helpful.  

Once you have cleared immigration and customs you can retrieve your baggage.  Just follow the signs toward baggage claim.  Be ready to wait patiently.  My advice to fresh travelers,  put something that makes it easy to identify.  The more bold and obnoxious the better.   I was pretty jealous of the person that had the neon floral designed bags.  

After this you will get into the main part of the airport.   (The non secure part)    when you come out there are a few things we did.  

1.)We exchanged some of our USD for Korean won, though airport rates aren't the best rates. I've heard banks in town are much better.   We just felt better having some Korean money on us.  Note: many places accept credit cards. 

2.) Get a T Money  card.   You can get them at the little convenient store right as you walk in the main part of the airport.  We put $20 on each card.  Mine and my husband's.  This is how you pay for the subway.  The subway is very easy to use and the best and most affordable way to travel in Seoul. It also works for the buses, including the limo bus service.  

3.) Get a wifi egg!  This thing has been amazing. We found ours at area six in the main part of the airport. There may be others, I don't know. (The parts of the non secured area in the airport are designated by numbers on signs.)

Leaving the airport.  There are about three options.  

1.) Taxi.  Many people prefer this,  but it's pretty expensive.  

2.) Limo bus.  You put your luggage under the bus and ride it to a stop. The buses are numbered according to what area you are going to. 

3.) Subway - we took the subway. You will follow the signs that say airport railway.  It's called the AREX.