Rulebook

1.1

Obtain your entry permit

UK, US, Australian and many EU passports are currently exempt from K-ETA (Korea's online travel authorisation), but only until 31 December 2026. Unless that is extended, you'll need one for May 2027. Apply only on the official site or app: about ₩10,000, allow at least 72 hours, valid for multiple trips. Some passports need a visa instead.

Check your requirement about two months before you fly. Lookalike sites charge far more for the same thing. Korean passport holders can skip this rule.

1.2

File your arrival card

No K-ETA? Then complete the free e-Arrival Card online in the 3 days before you land, and keep the QR code handy for immigration. Holders of a valid K-ETA are excused from this task. It takes about five minutes.

Korean citizens don't need to file one.

1.3

Airport to Seoul: the train

The AREX Express runs non-stop from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 (51 from Terminal 2) for ₩13,000. The all-stop AREX is slower, about an hour, but costs around ₩5,000 and also stops at Hongik Univ. (Hongdae) and Gongdeok. Pay for it with a T-money card.

The Express only goes to Seoul Station. From there, switch to the subway or a taxi.

1.4

Airport to Seoul: bus or taxi

Airport limousine buses (about ₩17,000–18,000) run to major hotels and districts, which is handy with heavy luggage. A taxi takes 60–80 minutes and costs roughly ₩70,000–100,000 including the ₩7,900 toll. For an English-speaking driver, use the International Taxi counter in arrivals.

1.5

Where to stay: pick your base

Staying around the Palace area (Jongno or Gwanghwamun) is a great option. It's close to our venue and walkable to many gorgeous historical spots. But since Seoul's public transit is very efficient, feel free to stay wherever matches your vibe!

Traveling as a family or group? Airbnbs here are often more affordable and come with multiple rooms.

1.6

Pack for late May weather

Late May in Seoul is usually beautiful! Expect sunny days around 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F). It is perfect weather for walking around outdoors, though you might want to pack a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings.

1.7

Flight tips: Chinese airlines & Tokyo

If you're flying from Europe, indirect flights via Chinese airlines (like through Beijing) can often be faster and cheaper since they still fly through certain Asian airspaces. Also, Tokyo is very close (just a 2-hour flight!). If you plan to visit Japan too, we highly recommend flying between Seoul Gimpo (GMP) and Tokyo Haneda (HND).

2.1

Swap your map app

Google Maps is fine for walking, but for the best transit routes, download Naver Maps or KakaoMap. Apple Maps is also great. For translations, download Papago (by Naver)—it is vastly superior to Google Translate for Korean and has a fantastic photo-translation feature!

If an English search finds nothing, paste the Korean name instead.

2.2

Get a transit card

Grab a T-Money card at any convenience store as soon as you arrive. Foreign bank cards don't work directly at subway gates yet, so load your T-Money up with cash and tap your way onto subways, buses, and taxis.

The Climate Card is Seoul-only and doesn't cover every line (not the AREX Express, for one). Check coverage before you buy.

2.3

Ride the subway like a local

Seoul's subway is clean, safe and cheap (from ₩1,550). Signs and announcements are in English, and lines are numbered and colour-coded. Tap in and out, on buses too, to get free transfers. Your map app tells you which exit to use. Pink seats are for pregnant passengers; leave them empty.

Trains stop around midnight. Plan your last ride, or budget for a taxi.

2.4

Hail a taxi (or an app)

Taxis here are very affordable compared to places like London or New York (starting around ₩4,800)! Just download Kakao T (or k.ride / Uber) to hail a ride and link your international credit card.

Drivers rarely speak English. Show them the destination in Korean on your map app.

2.5

Bonus stage: the KTX

Korea's high-speed train makes easy day trips: Busan in about 2.5 hours, Gyeongju or Gangneung in about 2. Visitors can book on Korail's English website using a passport. Weekend and holiday trains sell out, so book early, especially around the wedding weekend.

3.1

Stay online

Easiest option: buy a Korea eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land. Alternatives are a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card from the airport counters, or your home carrier's roaming (check the price first). A plan with a Korean phone number helps with some local apps. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and on the subway.

3.2

Cards are king

Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere, from a ₩2,000 coffee to most taxis. Amex is patchier. Phone wallets like Apple Pay only work at some terminals, so keep the physical card on you. Tell your bank you're travelling so it doesn't block your card.

3.3

Carry a little cash

Markets, street stalls and some small restaurants prefer cash, and T-money top-ups usually need it. ₩50,000–100,000 in your pocket is plenty. Withdraw at ATMs marked 'Global' (in convenience stores and banks), or change money at exchange shops in Myeong-dong, which usually beat airport rates.

3.4

Do not tip!

A big bonus: there is no tipping culture in Korea! You do not need to tip at restaurants, cafes, hotels, or in taxis. The price you see is the price you pay, tax included.

3.5

The convenience store is your base camp

GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and Emart24 are on every corner, and most are open 24 hours. Top up T-money, grab a surprisingly good lunch, make instant noodles at the hot-water station, buy an umbrella or a hangover drink. Many have tables. Eating there is completely normal.

3.6

Bring the right plug

Korea uses 220V and two round pins (types C and F), the same plugs as most of mainland Europe. UK, US and Australian guests need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 220V fine, but check hair tools before plugging them in.

4.1

Side dishes are free (and refillable)

The little dishes that arrive with your meal, called banchan, are free and usually refillable. To get attention, press the call button on the table or say 'Yeogiyo!' (over here). You usually pay at the counter on the way out. At BBQ, let staff cut the meat with scissors; they're the experts.

4.2

Book ahead on Catch Table (Culinary Class Wars!)

If you love food culture, check out the Netflix hit Culinary Class Wars. Many breakout stars run trendy spots in Seoul that you can visit! Also, don't miss cafe hopping: pop into any local spot for specialty coffee.

These places are very popular right now, so definitely download the Catch Table app (it has an English version) to snag a reservation! It's basically Seoul's version of OpenTable.

5.1

Never pour your own

In Korea you fill other people's glasses and they fill yours, so keep an eye on your neighbours. When pouring for or receiving from someone older, use two hands (or support your pouring arm with your other hand), and hold your glass with both hands.

5.2

'One-shot' is optional

'Geonbae!' means cheers, and 'one-shot!' means empty the glass. It's common for the first round, but not compulsory. Soju is around 16% alcohol and dangerously smooth. To slow down, keep your glass partly full: an empty glass is an invitation to refill.

5.3

Recovery protocol

Koreans take hangovers seriously. Convenience stores sell hangover drinks to take before or after (Condition and Dawn 808 are classics), and the morning cure is haejangguk, literally 'hangover soup'. Drink water between rounds. The night is long; the wedding is longer.

5.4

Try a Korean small-plates bar (Modern Suljib)

For a taste of modern local nightlife, try contemporary Korean small-plates bars in neighborhoods like Yeonnam-dong, Hannam-dong, or Haebangchon.

5.5

Seoul Nightlife: High-end Lounges & Clubs

For a more energetic and luxurious night out, head over to Apgujeong Rodeo or Cheongdam-dong. This area is the center of Seoul's high-end nightlife, packed with gorgeous lounge bars and clubs. If you want a more international, lively clubbing scene, Itaewon is the place to be!

6.1

Walk the royal palaces (in a Hanbok!)

Walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace. Renting a traditional hanbok gets you free entry and is a really fun photo op.

6.2

Sing in a noraebang

Karaoke, Korean-style: a private room for your group, paid by the hour (or per song at a coin noraebang). Huge English catalogue, tambourines supplied. Search in English mode, queue several songs at once, and never let the room go quiet. It's the traditional last stop of a night out.

6.3

PC bangs, arcades and photo booths

PC bangs are gaming cafés with powerful computers, cheap hourly rates and food delivered to your seat. Arcades and claw-machine shops fill Hongdae. Self-photo booths (like Life4Cuts) are everywhere, props included, strips printed in seconds. A group photo on the wedding weekend is strongly recommended.

6.4

Picnic by the Han River

On a warm May evening, Seoulites head to the Han River parks with a mat, fried chicken and beer: 'chimaek' (chicken + maekju, beer). Convenience stores in the parks sell ramyeon you cook on the spot. Rent a bike, watch the sunset, and clear up after yourself.

6.5

Go hiking (full gear optional)

Seoul is ringed by mountains and hiking is a national hobby; expect locals in head-to-toe technical gear. Namsan is an easy 30–60 minute walk up to N Seoul Tower. Bukhansan's Baegundae peak is a proper half-day climb with steep rock near the top: real shoes, water, early start.

7.1

Report to Olive Young

Olive Young is Korea's big health-and-beauty chain: sunscreen, sheet masks, serums, hair treatments, often with tourist deals. Bring your physical passport: purchases of ₩15,000+ qualify for a tax refund, on the spot at some branches or at the airport. Daiso also sells surprisingly good budget skincare.

7.2

Clinics: research first

Seoul's dermatology clinics offer treatments at tempting prices, and many cater to visitors. Do your research: check the clinic is licensed, read recent reviews, get the price in writing and ignore street touts. Avoid anything with downtime just before the wedding. There will be photos.

7.3

Know your shopping districts

Myeong-dong is beauty-shop central: flagship stores, free samples, tourist crowds. Seongsu-dong is the cool one, with converted factories, pop-up stores, indie brands and cafés. Hongdae is young, loud and cheap. Salons all over Seoul offer blow-dries and scalp-care 'head spa' treatments; book ahead.

7.4

Visit a bathhouse

A jjimjilbang is a Korean bathhouse and sauna. Baths are separated by sex and you go in naked, after showering. For the shared saunas and lounges you wear the T-shirt and shorts provided. Book a body scrub (seshin) for the smoothest skin of your life. Tattoo policies vary, so ask.

8.1

The Weekend Agenda (May 20–22, 2027)

Game 1, Thursday 20 May: Welcome Day. Game 2, Friday 21 May: the wedding. Game 3, Saturday 22 May: The Recovery Dinner. Times and places will appear under Details as soon as they're confirmed.

8.2

For guests new to Korean weddings

Korean ceremonies are often shorter and more punctual than you might expect, so arrive early. Guests traditionally give cash in a white envelope. It's customary in Korea, but please don't worry: Haemin and Mark will share what they'd like closer to the date. Dress smart, and leave white to the bride.

Dress code, timings and all final details will follow.

8.3

For guests new to Western receptions

A Western-style reception is a long, seated evening: dinner, speeches from family and friends (some funny, some tearful), then dancing for everyone. It can run late into the night. Come hungry, pace yourself, and join the dance floor. Participation is encouraged.

Dress code, timings and all final details will follow.