By Honorary Reporter Joey Aguilloso from Philippines

Photos = Joey Aguilloso

(Joey Aguilloso)

When I made my first trip to Korea, I conducted research by reading blogs and other sources online. Yet I learned that many things cannot be learned just by reading. So here are a few things I wish I knew before going to Korea for the first time.

Transportation cards can be used to ride the subway or buses. (Joey Aguilloso)

Free subway-bus transfer

When I first came to Korea, I knew that subway transfers were free but later found out that subway-bus transfers were also free so long as a transfer is within 30 minutes. I mostly rode the subway when visiting Hallyu and other tourism spots in Korea but walked a few hundred meters or even more from a subway station to my final destination to avoid spending more on bus fare. Had I known that I could use a transportation smart card for subway-bus transfers, I would've saved a lot of time and energy.

I found Kakao Map more useful than Google Map when in Korea. (Joey Aguilloso)

Use Kakao or Naver Map instead of Google Map
First-time visitors to Korea often use a navigation or mobile map. I suggest using Kakao or Naver Map instead of Google Map, which isn't 100% accurate. Tourist maps are also available at tourist information centers and major tourism spots but going digital is more efficient.

Wi-Fi service centers are located at Korean airports. (Joey Aguilloso)

Free Wi-Fi isn't everywhere

I thought Wi-Fi was free everywhere in Korea, but it isn't. Public areas such as subway stations and even buses in major cities have free Wi-Fi but not in the countryside or smaller cities. So for those who want it, a sim card with data or renting Wi-Fi from the airport is recommended.

Certain places don't take credit cards
Not all stores or businesses accept credit cards like merchants at traditional markets, underground shopping centers and even Seoul's Myeong-dong shopping district. While most places do accept plastic, make sure to carry a bit of cash just in case.

Hallyu is a major reason people visit Korea. (Joey Aguilloso)

Lots of luck needed to see Hallyu stars
As a Hallyu fan, one of my dreams was to see my favorite Korean stars in person in Korea. I thought I had a better chance of seeing them in the flesh when visiting, but no, it was quite hard. It took me ten visits over three years to see some of my favorite celebrities like Lee Dong Wook, Kang Ha Neul, BTOB, B1A4 and BTS.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.