SEOUL, South Korea is even more beautiful in person than it looks in photos. Coming here is definitely worth the expense. If you’re planning for a trip to South Korea, I’ve rounded up helpful tips for a Filipino traveler like you.
Pre-travel
First, research the climate and culture of South Korea. You have to know what season it is there on the time that you want to visit and what the dress code should be.
Also take note of Korean words and conversational phrases because not all Koreans are good at English.
Buy a luggage weighing scale to prevent excess baggage fees. I bought mine for 400 pesos at the SM department store. You can also find luggage scales in hardware stores near you.
To save money, you can also purchase prepaid baggage allowance which is priced considerably lesser than on the spot excess baggage fees. Call your airline to purchase this at least 4-6 hours before your flight, prior to checking in.
Upping your skincare routine
Korea is popular for its wide range of moisture-laden skincare products and with good reason. The cold air, even during summer, tends to dry out your skin. So load up on face masks, serums, and moisturizers while you’re in Korea!
Bring with you your trusty lip balm and a small tub of petroleum jelly. I brought with me a tube of Lucas Papaw Ointment which I used on my lips and skin. This product is also ideal for dry skin, minor scrapes, burns, and rashes.
Style and comfort
You’re going to do a lot of walking in Korea, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes. If you’re going to purchase a new one, choose a comfortable pair of walking or running shoes with soft soles and sides, nothing too hard or you will get blisters.
For my travels I especially bring with me a double sided tape and safety pins in the smallest size available. Both can be a life saver for wardrobe mishaps.
When there’s no time to sew small holes caused by loose threads along the seams of clothes, for example, I put everything back together using safety pins.
Double sided tape and silicone pads are also very convenient when you want to wear revealing clothes, or if you think that some of your tops would look better without the bra marks.
To ensure that the nipple pad or silicone pad is kept in place the whole day and long into the night, put a band-aid on the top and bottom part of the silicone pad. You can also use band-aids in lieu of nipple tape if you don’t have any.
Food in South Korea
First and most importantly, learn how to use chopsticks. Dine in Chinese or Japanese restos while you’re here so you can practice.
Koreans also follow certain food etiquette and table manners. I was always with my Filipino companions so we weren’t compelled to employ the Korean table manners, but if you’re going to be with Koreans there, here are some helpful tips.
Do not sit until told where to sit. Elders are served first and also eat first. Never use chopsticks to point at something. Never pierce food with chopsticks. Do not cross the chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest. Do not eat with hands. Try a little bit of everything even if you aren’t fond of the vegetables and their side dishes. As much as possible, eat everything served to you.
Also refuse the first offer of second helpings out of politeness. Never place chopsticks parallel across the bowl. To indicate that you are done eating, put the chopsticks on the table next to the plate or bowl.
And of course, do not criticize out loud Korean cuisine. South Koreans are very proud of their food. Giving tips is also not necessary.
Shopping in South Korea
Myeongdon is definitely the shopper’s haven. You can find everything there including beauty products, clothes, shoes and bags, as well as food. Always bring your passport with you as well to avail tax refund.
Most of the big skin care and beauty brands are in Myeongdon. My favorite store, though, is definitely Olive Young. It’s a shop that sells beauty products and original scents. I love that you can find many various brands there with affordable options as well.
The original scents are often on sale which is priced at almost half the retail prices of signature brands like Bvlgari, Burberry, Elizabeth Arden, and more. Just name it!
If you want to purchase food, E-mart is definitely the place to go. Chocolates, snacks, noodles, biscuits and everything that you might want to bring for pasalubong is there.
Shoes, clothing, and accessories are more or less similarly priced in the Philippines, so I suggest that you load up on the beauty products and perfumes that would be more expensive and difficult to find here in the Philippines.
When you want to ride a taxi, show the driver a map of where you want to go. And for more high-end brands, shop at duty free shops at the airport.
Make your trip to Seoul, South Korea more meaningful with these simple tips. Joeun haru dweseyo!
Andrea Isabelle Mejos is a young writer from Davao. She likes to seek beauty from all angles – people, products, places – and writes them down. You may reach her at mejosandrea@gmail.com