Japanese passport holders
Japan is included in Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption through December 31, 2026. Travelers may still apply for K-ETA if they want the arrival-card benefit, but the official notice says the fee is charged in that case.
Tourist Information
Tourist Information
A practical Seoul guide for participants visiting from Japan.
For visitors from Japan
Start with the essentials
Incheon Airport to Seoul
The AREX Express Train runs nonstop to Seoul Station in about 43 minutes from Terminal 1 or 51 minutes from Terminal 2. The all-stop train is cheaper and useful for Hongdae, Gongdeok, and other subway transfers.
Carry a transit card
Buy or recharge Tmoney at convenience stores and subway stations. Tap when entering and exiting subway gates, and tap again when getting off buses to receive transfer discounts.
Half-day ideas
Easy Seoul routes after the workshop
History route
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon
Start at Gyeongbokgung Station or Gwanghwamun Station, visit the palace, then walk toward Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong. Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, and wearing a full hanbok allows free palace admission.
Shopping route
Myeongdong and Namdaemun
Myeongdong is the simplest first stop for cosmetics, fashion, street snacks, currency exchange, and Japanese-friendly service. From there, Namdaemun Market and Namsan are close by taxi or bus.
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Night view route
Namsan Seoul Tower
A good evening plan after dinner. Take the cable car, bus, or a walk through Namsan Park for a panoramic view of Seoul. The area is popular with visitors and locals, especially around sunset.
Photos: Gyeongbokgung by Grayswoodsurrey, Myeongdong by Izzatfikry99, and N Seoul Tower by Josh Hallett via Wikimedia Commons.
Travel smoothly
Tips for Japanese visitors
Before departure
- Save your hotel and venue addresses in Korean, English, and Japanese.
- Install NAVER Map before arrival; it supports Japanese and is useful for subway exits and bus routes.
- Prepare a physical transit card or travel payment card. Apple Pay is not a reliable substitute for Korean public transport.
Useful Japanese support
- Call 1330 in Korea for tourist interpretation and travel help; press 3 for Japanese.
- From overseas, call +82-2-1330.
- The official VISITKOREA app provides Korean travel information in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
Food and etiquette
- For spicy food, ask: "an maepge haejuseyo" for less spicy.
- At markets and small shops, keep some Korean won cash for easier payment.
- On escalators and subway platforms, follow local signs and keep luggage close during rush hour.
Official links