Getting to COEX
- From Incheon Airport: Take AREX express train (~43 min) to Seoul Station, then subway to Samseong. Total ~1.5 hrs, ~10,000 KRW.
- Subway: Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 5 or 6) or Bongeunsa Station (Line 9, Exit 7)
- By taxi: Use Kakao T app. From Gangnam ~10,000 KRW, from central Seoul ~15,000–20,000 KRW.
Money & Payments
- Currency: Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD ≈ 1,350 KRW.
- Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted almost everywhere. Contactless works on subway gates too.
- ATMs: GS25 and 7-Eleven convenience store ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Airport ATMs also work.
- Cash: Rarely needed — most places, even street food stalls, accept card. Carry ~20,000 KRW as backup.
- Tipping: Not customary. Do not tip.
Food Prices
- Local restaurant lunch: 8,000–15,000 KRW (~$6–11)
- Americano at Korean chain (Hollys, Ediya, Mega): 1,500–2,500 KRW (~$1–2)
- Starbucks: 4,500–7,000 KRW (~$3–5)
- Convenience store meal: 3,000–6,000 KRW (~$2–4)
- Anything above 30,000 KRW/person is considered expensive
Weather in July
- Temperature: 27–35°C (80–95°F), very humid.
- Rain: Monsoon season (장마, Jangma) — expect occasional heavy rain. Carry a small umbrella or get one at Daiso (1,000–2,000 KRW).
- Indoor tip: Air conditioning is aggressive indoors — bring a light layer for conference halls.
Connectivity
- SIM: Buy at Incheon Airport arrivals (KT, SKT, LG U+). 10-day data SIM ~15,000–25,000 KRW.
- eSIM: Order before flying from your carrier or apps like Airalo.
- Subway wifi: Free public wifi throughout the Seoul subway network.
- Cafe wifi: Almost universal — password usually on the receipt or counter.
Power & Adapters
- Voltage: 220V / 60Hz
- Plug type: Type C and F (European-style, two round pins)
- If you're from North America: You need an adapter. Buy at Daiso or the airport for ~2,000–5,000 KRW.
Shopping
- Daiso: Korea's dollar store — adapters, umbrellas, stationary, everything cheap.
- Olive Young: Korean skincare and pharmacy essentials. OTC medications available here too.
- Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven): Open 24/7. Snacks, drinks, hot food, printing, ATM.
Restaurant tips
- Many restaurants use kiosks for ordering — card or mobile pay only.
- Others have a call button on the table to summon staff.
- Water and banchan (side dishes) are usually free and self-serve.
- Use Naver Map for local reviews, or search Instagram with #강남맛집 (Gangnam restaurants).