Travel & practical info

Jump to: Flights · Airport → Seoul · Getting around (T-money) · Money & cards · SIM / eSIM · Electricity

Flights

There are currently no direct flights between Norway and South Korea.
You might be asked to fill out an arrival card on board.

Airport → Seoul

Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the main international airport near Seoul.
From the airport you can take the metro/AREX to:
- Seoul Station (10 stops, ~40 min)
- Hongdae / Hongik Univ. (8 stops, ~34 min)
If you’re staying somewhere else, tell Minji and she can guide you to your accommodation.
There is also an airport shuttle, but the subway is often easiest.

Getting around (T-money)

A T-money card is a rechargeable prepaid card mainly used for public transport (subway + bus). It also works in some convenience stores and vending machines.

Where to buy + cost

Buy at convenience stores (7-Eleven, CU, GS25) or subway stations.
Costs about 2,500–4,000 KRW (card only).

Top-up

Must be topped up with cash at convenience stores or subway station kiosks (you can’t load it from your credit card).
You can buy the card itself with a credit card.

How to use it

Bus: enter at the front, tap when you get on, and tap again when you get off.
Subway: tap at the entry gate and tap again when exiting.
One card per person.

Notes

Doesn’t work for trains.
No need to top up too much — you can top up easily 24/7 at convenience stores.
Refunds under 20,000 KRW can be done at convenience stores; otherwise use a T-money service center (e.g. major subway stations).

Example fares (may change)

Bus in Seoul: 1,550 KRW
Bus outside Seoul: ~3,200 KRW (depends on distance)
Subway: ~1,600 KRW (depends on distance)

Money & cards

Cards are widely accepted, but some foreign cards may not work everywhere.
Some payment terminals expect chip + signature or local PIN formats. Tap-to-pay (NFC) isn’t supported everywhere for foreign cards.
Bring a credit card as backup and consider contacting your bank before travel to enable international use.
ATMs are easy to find, including at ICN. Prefer bank ATMs (convenience store / street ATMs may charge higher fees).

Note for DNB debit card holders

Some travelers have experienced that certain DNB debit cards may be declined in Korea depending on how the terminal processes payments. If that happens, withdraw cash at an ATM and/or use a different card.

SIM / eSIM

It’s easiest to buy a SIM at the airport, or use an eSIM (SKT, KT, LG U+).

Links:

Electricity

220V (same as in Norway)

Public transport

Buses and the metro are well connected in Seoul and the surrounding areas.