u/Dramatic_Month3504

Hi everyone! I'm a local living in Seoul. I love seeing so many people enjoying their trips here, but as a local, I also notice a few things that must be incredibly inconvenient for foreign tourists.

Two major things came to my mind recently:

1. Food Delivery Apps 🍗 Korea is famous for its amazing delivery culture, but apps like Baemin, Yogiyo, or Coupang Eats can be a nightmare for tourists because they often require complex identity verification (ARC) or a Korean phone number just to pay. How are you guys managing to order delivery? Do you use alternative apps like Shuttle, third-party helper services, or just ask your hotel front desk?
2. "Cash-Free" Buses vs. "Cash-Only" T-Money 🚌 I know many buses in Seoul are now completely cashless, meaning you can't pay with paper money on the bus. But the paradox is that you still need physical cash to top up your T-Money card at convenience stores or subway stations! I can imagine how confusing this is for someone who thought Korea was a 100% cashless society.

Beyond these two, what has been the biggest "culture shock" or practical difficulty you faced while getting around or buying things in Korea?

Share your struggles or your own workarounds in the comments! If you're stuck on how to handle any of these transport/delivery issues right now, drop a comment and I'll do my best to help you out!

I’m a huge fan of Dolsot Bibimbap, but I keep seeing travelers leave Korea without trying so many hidden gems. If you could go back to your first day in Korea, what is the ONE food you would make sure to try?