Seoul Guide for Conference & Business Visitors

Map apps

Naver Map is one of the most useful navigation tools in Seoul, with detailed walking, transit and place information. It's worth installing before or soon after you arrive. KakaoMap is another strong Korean option. Google Maps can help with general orientation, but local Korean map services are often more useful for detailed navigation and place details.

Subway

• Usually the easiest way to move around central Seoul.
• If you're out late, check the time of the last train.
• Exits matter — large stations have many numbered exits, so note the exit your map app gives you.

T-money transit card

A rechargeable card used for the subway and buses. You can generally buy and top up T-money at convenience stores and transit locations, subject to local availability. Tap in and out as you travel.

Taxi & Kakao T

Kakao T is a widely used taxi app. Street taxis are common too, but entering your destination in the app can make communication easier when there's a language gap.

To & from the airport

Common options from Incheon / Gimpo include:

• AREX airport railroad into the city.
• Airport limousine buses to major districts and hotels.
• Taxi, which is simplest with luggage or late at night.

Check current times and fares in your map app or with the operator before you travel.

Coffee between sessions

Cafés are everywhere, and large convention or commercial complexes usually have several. A quick coffee run between sessions is rarely a problem.

Convenience stores

CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and others are useful for water, snacks, simple meals, basic travel supplies, and — depending on the location — phone charging accessories.

Pharmacies

For minor needs, look for a pharmacy. Search the Korean term in Naver Map or KakaoMap to find the nearest one:

Phone charging

Cafés, convention venues and some public or commercial spaces may offer charging, but availability isn't guaranteed. A small power bank is the reliable option for a full day out.

Luggage storage

Subway-station lockers and commercial luggage-storage services are common, though availability varies by location. Handy on arrival or departure days around a conference.

Restaurant waiting

Busy restaurants may use one of a few systems:

• An in-person waiting list.
• A self-service kiosk you check in at.
• A mobile or phone-based waiting system.

Eating alone

Solo dining is common in many casual restaurants. Some BBQ or shared-dish places can be less convenient for one person — see Food & Coffee for more.

Rainy season

• Sudden heavy rain can occur, especially mid-summer.
• A compact umbrella is worth carrying.
• Underground connections can keep you dry in some areas.

Winter

• Cold and dry, with sharp wind on some days.
• Big temperature gaps between heated interiors and outdoors — layers help.
• Sidewalks can be icy; take care underfoot.

Eating alone

Solo dining is common and comfortable in many casual restaurants. BBQ or shared-dish spots can be trickier for one, so casual eateries or convenience-store food are easy fallbacks.

Ordering

Some restaurants use table-order tablets or kiosks. English availability varies, so a translation app is handy. To ask for takeaway:

Vegetarian & vegan

Options exist, but you may need to communicate clearly. Don't assume a dish is vegetarian just because it looks plant-based — broths and sauces often contain animal ingredients. Confirm when it matters.

Halal

Search specifically for halal-certified or clearly identified halal restaurants rather than assuming. Certification and labeling vary by place.

Food allergies

Communicate allergies clearly, and show translated text if needed. When in doubt, ask before ordering.

Convenience-store food

A quick, accessible option on a busy day — drinks, snacks and simple hot meals, often with a seating counter.

Pharmacy

For minor needs, a pharmacy can help. Search the Korean term in a map app:

Clinic vs. hospital

• For many non-emergency problems, a local clinic is a practical place to start.
• Larger hospitals suit complex care, specialist services, or situations needing hospital-level evaluation.
• Emergency departments are for urgent or potentially serious situations.

This is general orientation, not diagnostic or medical advice.