What I Do on My Arrival to South Korea

When I arrived at Incheon International Airport, the first thing I did was go to the separate building connected by a bridge to buy an express train ticket to Seoul Station. This train is the fastest and most convenient option, but if you are on a budget you can also take the all-stop train or an airport limousine bus.
One important tip is to check whether there are reserved seats available. On my trip, there were no seats left, so I had to buy a standing ticket and rode almost 2 hours and 30 minutes while standing, which was tiring. Booking tickets in advance or arriving early can save you from this situation.
At the airport, I also recommend getting a T-money card right away. This rechargeable card is useful for all public transport, including the subway, buses, and even some taxis or convenience stores. It saves time and makes travel much easier.
Another thing to keep in mind is luggage. If you have heavy bags and need to travel long distances by train, it’s better to use the airport luggage delivery service. They can send your bags directly to your accommodation so you don’t have to carry them around crowded trains.
Lastly, make sure to prepare some cash in Korean won. Although cards are widely accepted, some places like small restaurants or markets may prefer cash. Also, having a translation app on your phone helps a lot when asking for directions or buying tickets.
My very first meal after arriving was Chinese-style maratang, which was delicious, but more importantly, being prepared with these travel tips made the whole arrival process smoother.

Post by aliona_pi | Sep 7, 2025