Navigation, taxi calls and translation all depend on the internet. If you install an eSIM before you leave, you can switch it on as soon as you land. Just be aware that data-only plans have no Korean phone number.
Phone number
Data-only eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi do not come with a Korean number
When to install
Some eSIM products have a short 30-day window to start using after issue (check each product)
Swiping a physical card in shops generally works. Where it tends to get blocked: app sign-ups, mobile/easy payment, transit, KTX ticket machines, and some small shops. Carrying cash plus two cards is the safe approach.
Generally works
Physical card payments at shops, restaurants, and convenience stores
Often blocked
KakaoPay and Naver Pay require an Alien Registration Card and a Korean bank account. App sign-up requires verification with a Korean phone number
Registering a foreign card in Kakao T often fails. On the call screen, choose "Pay to Driver" and you can pay by card, cash or T-money when you get out. There are alternative apps too.
First choice
On the Kakao T call screen, swipe the payment method to the left and choose "Pay to Driver"
App for foreigners
k.ride: sign up with email, Google or Apple ID; foreign cards can be registered. These are premium vehicles, so fares can be higher
Foreign cards and Apple Pay don't work right away in many places, so on day one a physical transit card (T-money, Climate Card, WOWPASS) is the surest option.
T-money card
Buy and top up (in won) at convenience stores. Works for taxis, buses and subways
Climate Card (Gihu Donghaeng)
Short-term passes can be bought at station machines without an app (Seoul public transit)
Book on the Korail website, the Korail Talk app, or at the station ticket machines (English, Chinese and Japanese supported). Fares and times for the main routes and cities worth visiting are summarized at a glance.
Seoul→Busan
About 59,800 won (per the source material, varies by stops) · about 2 hr 30~40 min
Seoul→Gangneung
Standard class about 27,600 won · about 1 hr 50 min
According to a report from late July 2026, Baemin opened orders with foreign cards and Apple Pay without a Korean number. Coupang Eats has an English interface, but depending on the area, verification may be required.
Baemin
On July 29, 2026, Seoul City and Baemin announced they would "lower the barriers of phone numbers and foreign cards." The reports do not give a specific start date, so check in the app yourself
Coupang Eats
English interface and foreign cards are possible. Some cases reportedly require a Korean number or an Alien Registration Card (needs verification)
Korea restricts sending map data to overseas servers, so Google Maps directions are weak. Naver Map has no official offline feature either, so the surest solution is to turn on data right after you enter the country.
Google Maps
You can save a region offline, but it is mainly for viewing the map and most features are limited. Walking directions do not work in Korea
Naver Map
There is no official offline map feature. The regional map download in settings is for saving data, and without internet, directions and search are limited (2026 sources)
After you get off at the international terminal, take the free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal and catch the subway. Hakata Station is just two stops away. If you have a lot of luggage, a taxi is also close by.
Subway
Airport to Hakata about 10 min, 260 yen (per the source material)
Taxi
About 15 min, 1,500~2,000 yen (per the source material)
If you stay within the city, an IC card is the easiest. For trips outside the city, consider the SUNQ Pass or JR Kyushu Pass; if you ride buses a lot, a one-day pass may save money.
IC card
Works on subways, buses, and at convenience stores and drugstores (Suica, etc.)
Welcome Suica
No deposit, 2,000 yen preloaded, valid for 28 days (as introduced by WAUG)
The boarding and exit doors are the opposite of Korea. With cash, take a numbered ticket (seiriken) when you board and pay the fare along with it when you get off. With an IC card, tap both when boarding and when exiting.
Boarding and exiting
Board at the back door, exit at the front door
Cash
Take a numbered ticket when you board; when you get off, put the ticket number and the fare in the fare box
Travel cards generally work at convenience stores, department stores and large supermarkets. Some ramen ticket machines and Nakasu food stalls take cash only, so bring plenty of 1,000 yen bills.
Cards accepted
Convenience stores, department stores, large supermarkets, etc.
Cash needed
Ramen ticket machines, Nakasu yatai (food stalls), etc.
Waits of 1-2 hours are common at popular motsunabe and yakiniku places. Book through Google Maps or Tabelog, and aim for branches in stations and shopping malls, an 11:00 lunch or a 5:30 dinner to make it much easier.
For purchases from November 1, 2026, Japan's tax-free system changes to "buy at the tax-inclusive price first, then get a refund after customs confirmation when you leave." Until October you can still buy at the tax-excluded price as now.
Start date
Purchases from November 1, 2026 (before that, tax-excluded purchase as now)