First time in Korea? A basic guide for foreign travelers — from arrival to transport, payment and essential apps.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the main gateway; Gimpo, Gimhae (Busan) and Jeju airports also run international flights. Ferries connect Japan to Busan Port (Fukuoka, Osaka) and China to Incheon Port.
KTX high-speed rail is fastest between cities — Seoul to Busan in about 2.5 hours. From airports use the Airport Railroad or limousine buses; in cities use subway, buses and taxis. Hail taxis with the Kakao T or Uber app.
One T-money transit card covers subway, bus and taxi — buy and recharge it at convenience stores. Credit cards are widely accepted. Buy a USIM or eSIM at the airport for instant mobile data.
Google Maps is limited in Korea, so use Naver Map. Papago for translation, Kakao T or Uber for taxis, and K.Ride is handy for foreign travelers.
Travel is all about timing. The same place can be at its peak this week, and the scenery might be gone just a week later. Outing first shows you Korea at its most beautiful at this very moment with videos and maps.
🪻 Geoje Jeogu Hydrangea Road — Geoje — The entire month of June is its peak. The scene where the sea and hydrangeas overlap in one frame is only available during this period. National hydrangea spots are also in full bloom now.
🌊 Start of Summer Sea — Busan · Jeju — Gwangalli and Haeundae night views with raw fish centers, Jeju is an hour by plane. Early summer beaches still have a moderate crowd.
🎋 When the green is most vibrant — Damyang Juknokwon Bamboo Forest · Boseong Green Tea Fields — Blue bamboo groves and endless tea fields. June is the best for a cooling walk to beat the heat.
☔ Monsoon season friendly — Bukchon hanok cafes · Gyeongbokgung — Hanok cafes and royal palace strolls on a rainy day. Hanbok rental + Gwangjang Market is the undisputed No. 1 first course for foreigners.
If you're curious where people are heading now — Only the "Best of this Month" has been collected in Places to Visit this Month, updated monthly. Filming location courses, such as Geoje, which has become a stage for K-Drama and K-Pop, are also separately compiled, so you can personally visit the sites of your favorite content.
A guide to apps, payments, and communication for first-time visitors is organized in the Spot category. From apps actually used in Korea (Naver Map, Kakao T, T-money) to tips for using foreign cards, and how to get to major attractions (KTX, intercity buses, airports).
Starting with Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, 1-2 new regional guides are uploaded every week, extending to Gangwon, Jeonju, and Gyeongju. As the seasons change, the scenery and paths also transform — Outing continuously updates to reflect these changes. Experience Korea travel as naturally as a local Korean from the Spot (Hotspot) in the top menu or on regional pages.