5 useful tips for anyone travelling to Korea

Are you planning to travel to Korea soon?
I remember being very anxious on my first trip to Korea but I was busy then so I hardly had time for research.
After the trip there was so many things I wish I knew, like where to get discounted tickets, or free services that I could have taken advantage of when I was there. That's why I want to share some of the services, policies and apps that I'm sure would be helpful to anyone who's about to visit Korea.

1. Take advantage of the IMMEDIATE TAX REFUND.

Photo credit: VisitKorea.or.kr

• Many countries offer tax refund for tourists, but Korea went out of its way to make things even easier for their foreign visitors by offering an immediate tax refund service. Usually, you need to claim your tax refund at the airport but they made it more convenient by giving the tax refund right after you make your purchase.
• Launched last January 2016, the immediate tax refund applies to purchases of less than 200,000 up to 1,000,000 KRW total value per visit at non-duty free shops. The new system seeks to help tourists save time and effort in getting their tax refunds.
• For more info on the immediate tax refund service, you may check out [visitkorea.or.kr] or the website of Korea's Ministry of Strategy and Finance [www.mosf.go.kr]

2. Download useful MOBILE APPS for tourists

Photo credit: VisitKorea.or.kr

     If you're visiting Korea for the first time, and you're worried about finding your way around, fret 

     not because there are a lot of useful mobile applications that you can use while travelling in Korea.

• Visit Korea Mobile App

          - Created by Korea Tourism Organization, this mobile app provides detailed information and 

            various options for tourist attractions, restaurants, accomodations, shopping, etc. There are 

            various travel courses and self-guided tours that you can explore too, which can come in
            handy especially if you're the adventurous DIY type of tourist.

          - My favorite feature is the step-by-step guide in reaching a certain destination. For example, if
            I'm done shopping in Myeongdong and want to go to Insadong, the app will tell you exactly 

            how to go there from your current location.

         - Various discount coupons are also offered in the app to make your journey more enjoyable. 

            The app is offered in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

         - For detailed information on the Visit Korea Mobile App, you can visit [visitkorea.or.kr]

• i Tour Seoul Mobile App

          - This mobile app is the official travel guide to Seoul, which was launched in 2009. It offers
            comprehensive travel information for anyone travelling in Seoul which includes Top 10 lists, 

            recommended tourist attractions, accomodation options, events and festivals, a subway map, 

            and real-time bus information, among many other features.

          - My favorite feature are the reviews from real travellers, as well as reservation services,
             which are very convenient especially if you're always on the go.

          - The app is offered in 5 languages, which includes English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, 

            Traditional Chinese, and Korean.

          - For more information on the i Tour Seoul Mobile App, you may visit [visitseoul.net]

• Smart Tour Guide

          - The Smart Tour Guide is an audio guide service that gives you information on the history and 

             culture of Korean tourist spots for a more enjoyable tour experience.

          - The app offers various themed tours like the Silla History Tour, Baekje History Tour, and 

            Gaya History Tour. There are also walking and city tours, traditional temple trips, and 

            UNESCO World Heritage Site tours among many others.

          - The app is offered in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

          - For more information on the Smart Tour Guide App, you may visit [visitkorea.or.kr] or 

            [apple.com]

3. Buy the DISCOVER SEOUL PASS to get discounted entrance fees to various tourist attractions.

• With this special tourism pass, you can get great discounts on entrance fees to 16 amazing attractions in Seoul! You can also use this card to pay at convenience stores and as transportation card (like the T-Money Card). 
• The card costs 39,000 KRW, which lets you save 70% on admission fees. It also allows you to save 10-20% on Seoul City Tour Bus tickets.
• You can buy the pass online, in Incheon Airport, as well as in various offline sites in Seoul. For more information on the Discover Seoul Pass, you may visit [visitseoul.net]

4. Visit ONEMORETRIP.NET and get amazing deals on travel-related packages.

• If you're looking for travel-related packages, and activities in Korea, then Onemoretrip.net is a good and reliable website to go to. It's an online open market platform, which is operated by Seoul Tourism Organization.
• You can mix and match travel-packages, or make your own custom tour. It's a good place to look for unique activities for a more remarkable experience in Korea. 
• The website is user-friendly and offers really economical prices. You can book themed tours, cultural activities, tickets to performances, and many more.

5. Try and take advantage of the HANDS FREE SERVICE to spare yourself from carrying  heavy luggages.

• If you've just arrived in Korea, and are worried about your luggages, you can take advantage of their Hands Free Service. It features delivery service for purchased goods, luggage storage services at major tourist areas, and luggage delivery service from the airport to your hotel. This is especially useful if you're too excited or have limited time and want to start touring right away.
• You can check out vkc.or.kr, http://www.khandsfree.com/ and their FB page for more details.

Hope you find these tips useful, and hopefully, these will help you enjoy your trip more! :)

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Interested about Korean Tourism? Check out the Korea Tourism Organization Official Website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)