{"id":1853,"date":"2026-06-11T11:59:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T02:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comeonkorea.com\/?p=1853"},"modified":"2026-06-23T15:41:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T06:41:56","slug":"korea-travel-essentials-roadmap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-travel-essentials-roadmap\/","title":{"rendered":"First Time in Korea? Your Pre-Departure Checklist from Visa to SIM and Payments"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This is a one-stop roadmap of everything foreign travelers should sort out before visiting Korea. It focuses on practical, ready-to-use details you&#8217;ll actually need on the ground \u2014 from visas and K-ETA, connectivity, and payment methods to seasonal clothing, medications, and emergency contacts. For deeper dives into specific topics (apps, connectivity, insurance, etiquette, pharmacies), you&#8217;ll find links scattered throughout the article.<\/p>\n<h2>Essential Checklist Before Entering Korea<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/798b\/798b29caa38d3deb.webp\" alt=\"A passport and boarding pass on a desk next to a travel bag\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>1. Visa and K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)<\/h3>\n<p>Entering Korea requires a valid passport, and depending on your nationality you&#8217;ll fall into one of three categories: visa-free entry, K-ETA, or a visa. The first thing to know about is the temporary exemption policy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>K-ETA Temporary Exemption \u2014 Extended through December 31, 2026 (as of June 2026)<\/strong>: The Ministry of Justice has further extended the temporary K-ETA exemption for nationals of 22 countries through the end of 2026. Nationals of these exempt countries can enter Korea visa-free without applying for a K-ETA.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>22 Exempt Countries<\/strong>: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland<\/li>\n<li><strong>Note<\/strong>: This is a temporary exemption, so whether it&#8217;s extended can change from year to year. Before departure, confirm the final details by selecting your nationality on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.k-eta.go.kr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official K-ETA website<\/a>, which will display the exemption notice (beware of paid third-party sites with similar names).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Why apply even if you&#8217;re exempt<\/strong>: If those eligible for exemption voluntarily obtain a K-ETA, they&#8217;re exempt from submitting an Arrival Card, which speeds up immigration screening. The fee still applies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>When a K-ETA is required<\/strong>: Nationals of visa-free agreement countries not included in the 22 exempt nations need prior online authorization when staying 90 days or less for tourism, visiting relatives, or business purposes.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>When to apply<\/strong>: It&#8217;s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before boarding your flight. Processing can sometimes take more than 72 hours, so it&#8217;s safest to apply early in your trip planning.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost<\/strong>: 10,000 KRW (as of June 2026)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Validity<\/strong>: 3 years from the date of approval (or until your passport expiry date, if that comes sooner)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Official application site<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.k-eta.go.kr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.k-eta.go.kr<\/a> \u2014 be sure to apply only through this address<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>e-Arrival Card<\/strong>: This is an online arrival declaration system that took effect on February 24, 2025.\n<ul>\n<li>You can submit it for free at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr<\/a> starting 3 days before arrival (passport, flight details, accommodation address, and email required).<\/li>\n<li>Valid K-ETA holders and registered foreigners are exempt from submitting an arrival card altogether.<\/li>\n<li>If you couldn&#8217;t submit online, you can still fill out a paper card on the plane or at the immigration hall.<\/li>\n<li>The Q-code quarantine pre-registration requirement from the COVID-19 era has been abolished, so you can enter without any separate quarantine declaration (as of June 2026).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Visa<\/strong>: Nationals of countries not eligible for visa-free entry, those staying longer than 90 days, or those visiting for employment or study must obtain the appropriate visa for their purpose from a Korean embassy or consulate in their home country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p>\n    <strong>Editor&#8217;s Tip<\/strong><br \/>\n    If you&#8217;re planning to visit Korea in 2026 and hold a passport from one of the 22 countries above, you can simply enter without a K-ETA. That said, once obtained it&#8217;s valid for 3 years and also exempts you from the arrival card, so if you plan to travel to Korea frequently, the 10,000 KRW is money well spent. Note that if you renew your passport, you&#8217;ll need to reapply for the K-ETA.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>2. Flights, Accommodation, and Insurance<\/h3>\n<p>Korea&#8217;s main international airports are Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP), with most long-haul international flights using Incheon. Prices rise and bookings get harder during peak seasons in spring, fall, and the summer holidays, so booking at least 2\u20133 months in advance is recommended. It&#8217;s a good idea to take out travel insurance covering medical expenses and lost belongings before departure \u2014 we&#8217;ve put together a separate guide on coverage options and estimated costs in <a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/south-korea-travel-insurance-guide\/\">Korea Travel Insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Essential Information for Your Stay in Korea<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/ef85\/ef85954aa7d37fa6.webp\" alt=\"A smartphone alongside a prepaid SIM card for use in Korea\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>1. Communication: USIM, eSIM, Pocket Wi-Fi<\/h3>\n<p>Korea has fast internet speeds and excellent network coverage. There are three main ways to use data while traveling. We cover detailed comparisons and purchasing steps for each option in <a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-travel-communication-guide\/\">Korea Travel Connectivity<\/a>.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" style=\"width:100%; border-collapse: collapse;\">\n<caption style=\"caption-side: bottom; padding-top: 8px; text-align: left;\">Table 1: Comparison of Connectivity Options<\/caption>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: left;\">Type<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: left;\">Pros<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: left;\">Cons<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: left;\">Best For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><strong>USIM<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Stable speeds, can get a Korean phone number (with some plans)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">You have to remove and store your existing SIM, and compatibility issues can arise depending on your phone model<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Solo travelers, or those who need a Korean number<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><strong>eSIM<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">No physical chip swap needed, instant activation via QR code, can be used alongside your existing number<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Limited to supported smartphone models, may be slightly more expensive than a USIM<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Travelers with eSIM-compatible devices who value convenience<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\"><strong>Pocket Wi-Fi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Connects multiple devices at once, inexpensive<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">You have to carry and charge the device at all times, with pickup and return procedures required<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Groups of 2 or more, or those using multiple electronic devices<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>USIM Card<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Where to buy<\/strong>: Carrier roaming centers inside Incheon International Airport (KT, SKT, LG U+), carrier branches in central Seoul, or online pre-order with airport pickup.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price (data-only, as of June 2026 \u2014 varies by carrier and timing)<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>1 day: 5,000\u20137,000 KRW<\/li>\n<li>5 days: 25,000\u201327,500 KRW<\/li>\n<li>30 days: 60,000\u201370,000 KRW<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Note<\/strong>: To use certain apps that require identity verification (delivery, ticketing, etc.), you may need a USIM that includes a phone number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>eSIM<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Where to buy<\/strong>: Purchase from the websites or apps of global eSIM providers like Holafly, Airalo, or Ubigi, then register by scanning the QR code sent to your email.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Varies by provider, data allowance, and duration. Before purchasing, be sure to check that your smartphone is an eSIM-compatible model (e.g., iPhone 11 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, etc.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pocket Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Egg)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rental and return<\/strong>: Rent and return at the carrier roaming centers in Incheon International Airport. Online pre-booking often comes with a discount.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Around 3,000\u20135,000 KRW per day (as of June 2026). Longer rentals come with bigger discounts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. Payment: Cards, Cash, Prepaid Cards<\/h3>\n<p>Credit card use is extremely widespread in Korea, so most restaurants, shops, and taxis accept card payments. In some situations, however, you&#8217;ll need cash or a specific card.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Foreign-issued Credit\/Debit Cards<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Accepted brands<\/strong>: VISA and Mastercard work without issue at most merchants. American Express (AMEX), JCB, and UnionPay may be declined at some places.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limitations<\/strong>: Some online sites and mobile apps (e.g., certain train ticketing and delivery apps) may block payments with foreign-issued cards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>WOWPASS<\/strong> \u2014 A prepaid card exclusively for foreign travelers (launched in 2022)\n<ul>\n<li>It combines a prepaid payment card and a T-money transit card into one. Use the card for restaurants, convenience stores, and shopping, and the built-in T-money for subways and buses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Issuance<\/strong>: Get one instantly with your passport at the yellow WOWPASS kiosks in the Incheon Airport arrival halls (T1, T2) and at major tourist spots nationwide like Myeongdong. The issuance fee is around 5,000 KRW (as of June 2026, at kiosks).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Topping up<\/strong>: At kiosks you can top up directly with 16 types of foreign cash like USD, EUR, and JPY without exchanging it first, and the dedicated app also supports top-ups with foreign cards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Note<\/strong>: The shopping balance and the T-money transit balance are separate wallets, so each must be topped up individually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cash (KRW)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Where you&#8217;ll need it<\/strong>: Traditional markets, street food, small eateries, and underground shopping arcades often don&#8217;t accept cards or prefer cash. You&#8217;ll also need it to top up T-money with cash.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recommended amount to carry<\/strong>: About 50,000\u2013100,000 KRW per person in small denominations (1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 KRW notes) is plenty.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Withdrawals<\/strong>: You can withdraw Korean won with a foreign card at global ATMs in city banks and convenience stores. Fees may apply.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fintech cards like Wise and Revolut<\/strong>: These are popular with travelers thanks to low exchange fees and favorable ATM withdrawals. In Korea, they work like regular cards through the VISA or Mastercard networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Transit Card: T-money<\/h3>\n<p>T-money is Korea&#8217;s most widely used rechargeable transit card. With no need to buy a ticket each time and transfer discounts applied automatically, it&#8217;s practically essential for travelers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Where to buy<\/strong>: Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, etc.) and vending machines inside subway stations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Card price<\/strong>: 3,000\u20135,000 KRW. This is a non-refundable card purchase fee, not a deposit, and the loaded balance is separate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Top-up<\/strong>: Reload with cash at convenience stores and self-service machines in subway stations, in increments of 1,000 KRW.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Balance refund<\/strong>: If your remaining balance is 20,000 KRW or less, you can get a refund at a convenience store (with a 500 KRW fee deducted).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to use it<\/strong>: Subways, buses, and taxis nationwide, convenience stores, some franchise cafes, and more.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For iPhone users<\/strong>: Since July 22, 2025, you can add T-money to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. It works even on foreign-issued iPhones by adding the transit card in Wallet. That said, in-app top-ups with foreign-issued cards may be blocked depending on the card issuer (as of June 2026), so the surest method is still a physical card plus cash top-ups.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For Android users<\/strong>: The Mobile T-money app is based on a Korean SIM, so it&#8217;s effectively unusable on foreign phones. We recommend a physical card or the built-in T-money on a WOWPASS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What to Pack<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/f3e6\/f3e61e0f26aaea1b.webp\" alt=\"Korean banknotes, a credit card, and a wallet on a cafe table\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>1. Clothing by Season<\/h3>\n<p>Korea has four distinct seasons, so dressing for the time of your visit is important.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Spring (March \u2013 May)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Temperature<\/strong>: Average 5\u00b0C \u2013 18\u00b0C. Large day-to-night temperature swings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to wear<\/strong>: Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a light jacket or trench coat. In early March it&#8217;s still chilly, so a thin lightweight padded jacket comes in handy. From mid-April it turns mild.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Summer (June \u2013 August)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Temperature<\/strong>: Average 23\u00b0C \u2013 30\u00b0C. High humidity pushes the &#8220;feels-like&#8221; temperature above 35\u00b0C. Late June through July is the rainy season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to wear<\/strong>: Light, breathable clothing like short sleeves and shorts. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Pack a small umbrella or a light waterproof jacket for the rainy season and sudden showers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fall (September \u2013 November)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Temperature<\/strong>: Average 8\u00b0C \u2013 20\u00b0C. Clear, dry skies make this the best weather for traveling.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to wear<\/strong>: Similar to spring \u2014 long-sleeved tops and layerable items like jackets and cardigans. From November temperatures drop sharply, so you&#8217;ll need clothing closer to early winter wear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Winter (December \u2013 February)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Temperature<\/strong>: Average -6\u00b0C \u2013 4\u00b0C. In Seoul and the central regions, there are many days when it drops below -10\u00b0C.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to wear<\/strong>: A thick coat or long padded jacket, thermal underwear (like Heattech), sweaters, and fleece-lined pants. A hat, gloves, and a scarf are essential. Indoor heating is excellent, so layering several pieces is better for regulating your body temperature than wearing one thick garment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. First-Aid and Personal Medicine<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Over-the-counter drugs<\/strong>: Pain relievers\/fever reducers (like Tylenol), digestive aids, cold medicine, and bandages are easily available without a prescription at a pharmacy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Convenience store first-aid medicines<\/strong>: Even at night when pharmacies are closed, you can buy government-designated household first-aid medicines (pain relievers\/fever reducers, cold medicine, digestive aids, and pain patches) 24 hours a day at convenience stores. This is the fastest fix when you suddenly feel unwell late at night.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personal Prescriptions<\/strong>: Bring more than enough of any medication you regularly take to cover the whole trip. To be safe, it helps to carry an English-language doctor&#8217;s note or prescription as well.<\/li>\n<li>How to find a pharmacy, Korean names for medicines by symptom, and how to use the emergency room are all covered in <a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-travel-first-aid-kit-guide\/\">Korea Travel First-Aid and Pharmacies<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Electronics<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Voltage and plugs<\/strong>: Korea&#8217;s standard voltage is 220V, 60Hz. Plugs are the Type C or F variety with two round pins (the same as in Europe).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adapter<\/strong>: Travelers from countries using a different voltage, such as 110V, may need a voltage transformer, and if the plug shape differs, you must bring a travel multi-adapter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Portable Charger<\/strong>: Battery drains fast from map searches and taking photos, so be sure to pack a portable charger.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4. Choosing Your Luggage<\/h3>\n<p>It depends on your travel style, but generally we recommend a <strong>combination of a suitcase and a backpack<\/strong>. Subway stations in major cities, including Seoul, have lots of stairs and many exits without escalators or elevators. Leave the big suitcase at your accommodation, and a backpack carrying just the essentials makes daily outings far more comfortable.<\/p>\n<h2>Useful Information to Know<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/0f7f\/0f7ffd6a022f0a75.webp\" alt=\"A sweater and scarf prepared for Korea's autumn weather\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Cultural details like local greetings, dining, and public transit etiquette are covered situation by situation in <a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korean-travel-etiquette-guide\/\">Korea Travel Etiquette<\/a>. Below is practical information \u2014 like phone numbers and apps \u2014 worth saving right away.<\/p>\n<h3>1. 1330 Travel Helpline<\/h3>\n<p>This is a free helpline for foreign tourists operated by the Korea Tourism Organization. You can get help in a variety of situations that come up during your trip, including tourist information, interpretation services, and lodging complaints.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Phone number<\/strong>: (within Korea) dial 1330 without an area code \/ (from overseas) +82-2-1330<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hours<\/strong>: 24 hours a day, year-round<\/li>\n<li><strong>Languages supported<\/strong>: Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. Emergency Situations<\/h3>\n<p>In an emergency, each number serves a different role. Save all three and keep them straight.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>119<\/strong>: Fire, Ambulance, Rescue<\/li>\n<li><strong>112<\/strong>: Police<\/li>\n<li><strong>1339<\/strong>: KDCA Call Center \u2014 consultations related to infectious diseases and illness. If you need assistance in a foreign language, call and follow the prompts to press 4, which connects you to a three-way call with a 1330 interpreter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Major hospitals with an International Clinic for treating foreigners include the following. We recommend booking by phone or website before visiting.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Asan Medical Center<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=Asan+Medical+Center+Seoul\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Google Maps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Samsung Medical Center<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=Samsung+Medical+Center+Seoul\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Google Maps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Seoul National University Hospital<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/?api=1&#038;query=Seoul+National+University+Hospital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Google Maps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Calling a Taxi: Kakao T and k.ride<\/h3>\n<p>Kakao T is the most widely used taxi-hailing app in Korea, but registering a foreign-issued card within the app still frequently produces errors as of June 2026. There are two realistic options for foreign travelers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Option 1 \u2014 Choose direct payment in Kakao T<\/strong>: Sign up with a foreign phone number, then when hailing a taxi select <strong>&#8216;Pay the driver directly&#8217;<\/strong> as your payment method, and the hailing feature works without issue. Just pay with a physical card or cash when you get out.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Option 2 \u2014 k.ride, the app for foreigners<\/strong>: This is a hailing app exclusively for foreigners, launched by Kakao Mobility in June 2024. You can sign up with a Google or Apple account or an email without a Kakao account, and it <strong>supports automatic payment with foreign-issued cards<\/strong>. With automatic translation in over 100 languages built into destination search and driver chat, the language barrier is low too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The rest of the must-have apps you&#8217;ll need for traveling in Korea \u2014 like Naver Map and Papago translation \u2014 and how to set them up are explained one by one in <a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-travel-apps-guide\/\">Korea Travel Must-Have Apps<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"cok-cluster-links\" data-cok-block=\"1\">\n<h3>More Related Articles<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-travel-apps-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Essential Korea Travel Apps, Starting with Kakao and Naver<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/south-korea-travel-insurance-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">South Korea Travel Insurance, What to Cover and What It Costs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korean-travel-etiquette-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Korean Travel Etiquette for Dining, Greetings, and Public Manners<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-travel-first-aid-kit-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Feeling Sick in Korea? How to Find Pharmacies &amp; Pack a Medical Kit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-travel-communication-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Staying Connected in Korea With a SIM, eSIM or Pocket WiFi<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning a trip to Korea? Our guide to Korea travel essentials covers everything from budget and apps to safety tips for a perfect journey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":17247,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","_cluster_member":"true","_cluster_role":"pillar","_cluster_id":"9","_pillar_topic_id":"52","cok_place_schema_b64":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[277],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1853","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-preparation"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":277,"label":"Travel Essentials"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/travel_essentials_pillar-featured.webp",896,504,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"ComeonKorea Author","author_link":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/author\/comeonkorea_author\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":277,"name":"Travel Essentials","slug":"preparation","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":277,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":233,"count":5,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":277,"category_count":5,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Travel Essentials","category_nicename":"preparation","category_parent":233}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1853"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1853\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19301,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1853\/revisions\/19301"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}