Housing in South Korea: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Housing» in South Korea — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
For multi-city trips in South Korea (e.g., Seoul-Busan-Seoul): 1. Most hotels offer complimentary luggage storage for guests returning to the same hotel after a short trip. 2. KTX train baggage storage is limited; passengers with large (M/L size) suitcases should board early to secure space in the designated luggage compartments at the ends of the carriages.
If you are looking for a reliable realtor specializing in Incheon, South Korea, it is recommended to ask for recommendations within local expatriate or travel forums, or consult with established real estate agencies operating in the area. Direct contact information for individual realtors is usually shared through personal recommendations.
Traveling within South Korea during the Chuseok holiday (September 24-26, 2024) presents significant transportation challenges. High demand for train and bus tickets, with sales opening approximately one month prior on official websites, means that booking in advance is crucial. Tickets, including standing room options, are often unavailable on third-party platforms like Trip.com. Travelers needing to move between cities during this period should plan for complex itineraries, potential multiple transfers, or consider alternative travel dates. Early hotel bookings in popular tourist areas are also highly recommended.
Trip.com is generally considered a reliable platform for booking travel arrangements, including flights, trains, hotels, eSIMs, and attraction tickets. Users have reported positive experiences with customer support and successful payments using various methods, including Mir cards, for travel to Europe and China. It is a recommended option for booking travel.
Advise tourists to book accommodation within Seoul (e.g., Myeongdong, Insadong, Jongno-gu) rather than Incheon to avoid excessive commuting times. Insadong is a recommended area for balance between accessibility and price.
A 4-star hotel in Seoul typically costs between 6,000 and 11,000 KRW per night. Prices can vary, and this range might be closer to a 3-star hotel's pricing. For instance, a 4-star room was booked for 20,000 RUB in Myeongdong.
For transportation in Seoul, use Naver Map or Kakao Map as Google Maps has limitations. Purchase and top-up metro cards at machines; a 500 KRW deposit is refundable upon card return. Be aware that some accommodations, particularly 'love motels,' have check-in times starting at 10 PM. If items are lost in a taxi, the support service attempts to contact the driver within 24 hours, but responses may be delayed.
Trip.com's displayed availability of hotels and flights can vary based on the selected language. Changing the language setting (e.g., from Russian to English or Korean) may reveal more options.
For booking hotels in Seoul, Trip.com is recommended for users with Russian bank cards. While Booking.com is another option, payment with Russian cards may be problematic. Consider hotels like The Post Hotel, known for its convenient location near public transport and within walking distance to Myeongdong, or Hotel Botanik, praised for its location and room quality, though pricing can vary by date.
Finding non-Korean food options in South Korea can be challenging. Convenience stores may offer unexpected flavor combinations (e.g., potato and strawberry jam in sandwiches), so carefully check labels or use a translation app. While Korean eateries often provide delicious and affordable dishes like tonkatsu, miyeok-guk (seaweed soup), or Korean BBQ, opting for hotel breakfasts can ensure access to familiar European-style options. If dining out for breakfast, expect prices to start around 30,000 KRW per person. Alternatively, purchasing food from convenience stores for consumption in your room can be a convenient solution, especially for early departures.
For early morning flights from Incheon Airport (ICN), consider booking a hotel near the airport for the final one or two nights of your trip, while staying in central Seoul for the main duration. This strategy helps manage travel time, which can be an hour or more from downtown Seoul. Alternatively, utilize airport limousine buses with stops conveniently located near your Seoul accommodation. Taxis to ICN from hotels on the airport island (Incheon) cost approximately 22,000 KRW via Uber.
When booking hotels in South Korea via online platforms like Yandex Travel or Trip.com, be aware of potential issues such as booking errors or reservations at adjacent properties. It is advisable to contact the hotel directly prior to arrival to confirm the booking. While platform support can resolve issues, direct confirmation minimizes risks. Trip.com is often cited for faster issue resolution.
Rules for minors (under 18) traveling to South Korea: 1. Minors are exempt from the K-ETA requirement. 2. South Korean immigration does not restrict entry based on minor status, but the home country's parental exit consent is required. 3. Unaccompanied minors will face severe difficulties booking and checking into hotels in South Korea. It is mandatory to contact the accommodation in advance to provide parental consent forms.
Electrical outlets in South Korea are the same type as in Russia (Type F, Schuko), so an adapter is generally not required for devices with standard Russian plugs.
For long layovers (18+ hours) involving an airport change in Beijing with a single airline (e.g., Air China), inquire directly with the airline about complimentary transfer and hotel arrangements. If not provided, passengers are responsible for their own arrangements. Price fluctuations in airfare may be influenced by seasonal demand, such as the upcoming peak season in October.
UnionPay is not directly accepted for Airbnb bookings in Korea, despite potentially showing as an option. It functions similarly to a 'MIR' card on European retailers.
Hotel check-in age in South Korea: Many hotels require the primary guest to be at least 19 years old. When booking, hotels may request parental consent forms or legal authorization for minors. Automated check-in hotels (keyless entry) are often more flexible regarding age requirements compared to traditional front-desk check-ins.
Public transport cards in Seoul can be purchased and topped up at machines. A 500 KRW deposit is refundable upon returning the card to a designated machine. For iPhone users, transferring funds between T-Money and Wowpass may require specific application procedures or direct card usage at machines. Issues with card reading at turnstiles might require assistance from transport staff.
In South Korea, public Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, shops, public transport, and most buildings, but generally not on the streets. e-SIMs (e.g., from Trip.com for Asia coverage) are a popular and effective solution for mobile data. Users report high data allowances (e.g., 100GB/day) at competitive prices (around 1800 RUB for 14 days) and good network speeds, even for video calls, often surpassing hotel Wi-Fi. e-SIMs typically do not come with a phone number; communication is primarily via internet-based messengers (e.g., Telegram works without VPN). A physical Russian SIM card will be inactive while the e-SIM is in use, requiring manual switching for calls or SMS (e.g., for hotel check-in verification).
While some users report negative experiences with Trip.com, particularly regarding hotel bookings (overbooking, room discrepancies), others have had consistently positive experiences with booking flights, accommodation, and tours. It is advised to check the availability and pricing on different aggregators as prices can vary.
User has obtained a visa for South Korea and is asking if it is permissible to change their booked hotel accommodation after the visa has been approved. Please confirm if a change of hotel post-visa approval has any implications for the visa's validity or entry requirements.
For late-night arrivals at Incheon International Airport (ICN): 1. Use Naver Map or Kakao Map to check real-time night bus schedules by adjusting the departure time. 2. Accommodation near the airport (1-2 metro stops away) is generally more cost-effective than staying directly at the airport. 3. Airport currency exchange rates are poor; consider exchanging only minimal amounts.
For travelers seeking a quiet stay in Seoul, avoiding districts like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon is recommended. Areas around DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), Euljiro, or Jongno are suggested for their good metro connectivity and relatively calmer atmosphere. These locations offer convenient access to major attractions and other parts of the city, making them suitable for families or those prioritizing a peaceful environment.
Some hotels in Korea, particularly 'love motels', have check-in times starting as late as 10 PM. This is a characteristic of these establishments and not an error. Guests should be aware of this policy when booking.
Gnats and insects can appear in Seoul apartments regardless of floor. Eliminating attractants, storing food in the refrigerator, and checking for standing water in bathrooms are crucial. Inspect wooden furniture for hidden nests.
K-ETA approval can be edited after the initial approval to update dates and accommodation details. These edits do not require any further confirmation. It is advisable to provide approximate dates and a placeholder accommodation initially, and then update them with concrete bookings after the K-ETA is approved.
When applying for a K-ETA, if you list a private apartment address, it is generally acceptable as long as the information provided is accurate and consistent with your travel plans. It is crucial to declare the correct purpose of visit (e.g., 'visit' versus 'tourism') if you are staying with acquaintances, as discrepancies discovered at immigration can lead to entry refusal.
For first-time visitors to Seoul, it is recommended to stay in the Jongno or Myeongdong areas due to their excellent subway accessibility. Advance booking for accommodation is advised, with Booking.com offering numerous options but often requiring prepayment. Trip.com is a suitable alternative for travelers from Russia without international cards. Key attractions include the five palaces (consider a combined ticket), Bukchon Hanok Village, the aquarium, Everland, Myeongdong district, Namsan Tower and Park, walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream, Ikseon-dong, and the Seongsu district for its pop-up stores and trendy atmosphere.
South Korea offers a 'Digital Nomad' visa (F-1-D) for individuals earning over 99 million KRW (approximately $72,000 USD) annually. This visa allows for remote work and residency in South Korea. Requirements include proof of income, employment status (official employment or business ownership), and application through designated services. The cost for assistance with this visa typically starts around 38,500 KRW.
When choosing accommodation on Jeju Island, South Korea, consider the distinct characteristics of Jeju City and Seogwipo. Seogwipo is often described as more scenic and charming, ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying local ambiance. Jeju City offers a different atmosphere and its own attractions. Travel time between the two cities can be significant (2-3 hours), so for a comprehensive experience, splitting your stay is recommended. For a week-long trip, dedicating 5 days to Seogwipo and 2 to Jeju City is a viable option, particularly if the focus is on natural landscapes, beaches, and mountains, with cultural exploration planned elsewhere.
When choosing accommodation in Busan and Jeju during the summer, prioritize locations that offer proximity to beaches and attractions while avoiding overly secluded areas. Utilizing online maps and travel platforms to identify areas with good accessibility to both coastal and cultural sites is recommended. Consider popular tourist districts known for their balance of convenience and atmosphere.
South Korea utilizes specialized recycling bins, often designated for beverage containers such as bottles and cans. These bins facilitate waste sorting and recycling efforts. It is important to dispose of waste in the appropriate bins to comply with local regulations and maintain cleanliness.
Electrical outlets and voltage in South Korea are compatible with standard European/Russian plugs and voltage. No adapters or converters are generally needed for most devices. For example, hair dryers (unless they have a Chinese plug) and other electronics typically function without issue. However, it's advisable to carry a universal adapter as a precaution, especially if traveling from countries with different plug types.