Can I use this?
Find Korea perks foreign visitors can actually use.
Check verified benefits, events, and travel deals available during your Korea trip — with clear conditions for foreign visitors.
Now covering Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gyeongju, Jeonju and more Korean cities.
A Star Wars exhibition at Seoul Sky, the observation deck of Lotte World Tower in Jamsil. Access requires a Seoul Sky admission ticket.
Ends Jun 28, 2026
A K-pop (aespa) lore-inspired dessert pop-up across Seongdong/Mapo. Free to enter; desserts and goods are paid.
Ends Jun 30, 2026
An Object pop-up in Mapo featuring stationery and cute accessories. Free to browse; goods are paid.
Ends Jun 30, 2026
A FOREIGN-VISITOR-ONLY digital coupon pass run by Incheon city and its tourism organization, with discounts, free gifts and limited offers at partner venues across Incheon (Airport, Songdo, Chinatown/Open Port, Ganghwa, Yeongjong, Wolmido and more). No sign-up, no app, no printout — just show the mobile coupon. Available in English, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
Ends Jun 30, 2026
Daegu's famous 'chimac' (chicken + beer) summer festival at Duryu Park and 2.28 Freedom Square, July 1-5, 2026, with K-pop concerts, EDM parties, hands-on programs and chicken-brand zones. Free admission (some programs paid).
Ends Jul 5, 2026
DIMF, Korea's international musical festival, runs June 19 - July 6, 2026 across Daegu venues (around 35 productions, 122 performances). Tickets range ₩10,000-70,000 with discounts of up to 50% on select seats/shows. A showcase for K-musicals.
Ends Jul 6, 2026
A Seongsu pop-up gathering around 30 Korean startup brands across K-beauty, K-food and K-lifestyle under one roof. Seongsu pop-ups are typically foreigner-friendly (English signage, and a foreigner QR kiosk or email registration). Free to browse; goods are paid.
Ends Jul 9, 2026
A Toy Story-themed pop-up in Seongsu capturing the film series, with character merchandise and photo zones. Free to browse; goods are paid.
Ends Jul 12, 2026
A Korea Tourism Organization promotion (with Klook and Go Hanpass) gives foreign travelers an instant 5,000 KRW discount on express/intercity bus tickets booked through those platforms — aimed at making travel beyond Seoul easier. First-come, limited to 8,000 international customers.
Ends Jul 14, 2026
A retrospective exhibition of the Japanese manga-creator collective CLAMP at Omuseum (4F, AK PLAZA Hongdae). A ticketed exhibition — confirm tickets and conditions before going.
Ends Jul 19, 2026
Korea's biggest summer water-and-music festival, held at the KINTEX Outdoor Global Stage (Goyang, just outside Seoul). The 2026 lineup includes Jay Park, RIIZE, KISS OF LIFE and more. Ticketed event — buy only through official channels.
Ends Jul 26, 2026
Korea's benchmark summer rock/indie festival at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, Incheon, Jul 31 to Aug 2, 2026. The 2026 line-up includes international and Korean acts (e.g. Massive Attack, Pixies, Khruangbin, Hyukoh and more). Tickets: 3-day Won 240,000 / 1-day Won 120,000, bookable for foreign fans via NOL Ticket.
Ends Aug 2, 2026
Korea's most famous summer festival at Daecheon Beach — mud pools, mud slides, body painting and beach parties. It's one of the most foreigner-friendly festivals in Korea (bilingual signage, big international crowd). 2026 runs July 24 – August 9.
Ends Aug 9, 2026
WATERBOMB - the popular water-and-music festival - comes to Hanwha Resort Seorak in Sokcho on Aug 22, 2026, with hip-hop, dance and EDM acts. Ticketed; buy via official or partner channels.
Ends Aug 22, 2026
Seoul's seasonal summer festival across the Hangang River parks — outdoor library, picnic concerts, DJ and music performances, a car-free bridge festival and riverside movies. Most participatory programs are free.
Ends Aug 24, 2026
Jeju Mokgwan-a, the restored Joseon-era government office complex in downtown Jeju City, opens FREE in the evenings through the warm season - a relaxed, atmospheric night cultural attraction. Per VisitJeju: May 1 to Oct 31, 2026, Wednesday to Sunday.
Ends Oct 31, 2026
A citywide autumn festival series across Seoul with performances and cultural programs. Cost varies by program (many free, some ticketed). Run by the city's tourism organization.
Ends Nov 29, 2026
Korea's largest Olive Young, built for foreign visitors: immediate tax refund at the in-store Tax-Free desk (passport, single-store purchase from ₩15,000), plus a Global Service Lounge with welcome gifts, discount coupons and free Wi-Fi.
Lotte Duty Free offers foreign visitors welcome coupons and tiered purchase discounts; joining LDF membership can unlock up to 15% off. Bring your passport and departure details. Membership/coupon conditions apply.
A government-run, FREE guided sightseeing tour for international transit passengers with a 4-24 hour layover at Incheon Airport. The guide, bus and round-trip transport are free; some attraction entry fees and meals are your own cost. Routes cover nearby Incheon and Seoul highlights.
MUSINSA's offline fashion store in a renovated Seongsu rice mill, built for global shoppers: on-site immediate tax refund, currency-exchange machines, luggage storage and multilingual service. You can also shop online globally.
A foreigner-exclusive mobile pass (48 / 72 / 120 hours) with free entry to 70+ Seoul attractions (palaces, towers, museums), 100+ discount coupons, and free rides on the AREX airport train, airport buses, city tour buses and Seoul Bike — plus a free eSIM.
An experiential flagship in Sinsa housing Gentle Monster eyewear, Tamburins (4F) and the Nudake café (B1) — more art space than shop. Foreign visitors can get an immediate tax refund on single purchases from ₩15,000 with a passport. Open 11:00–21:00.
Language-no-barrier shows perfect for foreign visitors. NANTA blends Korean samulnori rhythm with kitchen comedy and audience participation (theaters in Myeongdong & Hongdae). THE PAINTERS is a nonverbal art performance at Gwanghwamun. Both offer foreigner discount tickets via official partners.
Seoul's largest department store in Yeouido and a hotspot for seasonal pop-ups. A Global Desk offers English/Chinese/Japanese help, and foreign visitors can get an immediate tax refund (single purchase from ₩30,000) plus member gifting.
A hop-on/hop-off double-decker city tour bus connecting Incheon's top sights on circular routes (Ocean Line and Retro Line). One ticket covers a full day of hop-on/hop-off. Audio guide in 4 languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and free Wi-Fi on board.
The east-coast cities are full of FREE scenic spots: Gangneung's Gyeongpo Beach & Gyeongpodae Pavilion and the Jeongdongjin sunrise area; Sokcho's Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion and lighthouse observatory; Yangyang's Naksan Beach by Naksansa Temple; plus the Jumunjin 'BTS bus stop' photo spot.
One of Korea's most prestigious luxury department stores in Apgujeong. Foreign visitors get a tax refund at the Foreigner Service Center (5F, Luxury Hall West).
A major K-pop retailer for official albums, lightsticks and goods, with worldwide shipping and an offline store in Gangnam (Samseong). Album purchases can count toward charts and sometimes include fansign entries.
Free K-culture spaces inside Incheon Airport Terminal 1. HiKR Station lets you make K-pop XR video shorts, try Korean makeup and take photos against Korean backdrops, with English-speaking staff; the adjoining K-Culture Museum is a free interactive exhibition. A great free way to spend a layover.
A major Korean duty free with an English online store and physical shops. Buy online from up to 60 days before arrival and collect at the airport on departure; online members get welcome mileage.
TAMBURINS' Seongsu flagship is a raw, open-air 'sculpture garden' concept store for its perfumes and the iconic Shell hand cream (including the Jennie collaboration line) — more art space than shop. Immediate tax refund available with a passport.
Shinsegae Duty Free in Myeongdong offers individual foreign passport-holders a coupon pack (welcome gifts and tiered discounts). English/Chinese-speaking staff on site. Bring your passport; a membership card is needed for some perks.
A three-floor tea house in a Bukchon hanok setting: a tea atelier (1F), a tea-and-dessert café (2F) and Bar Sulloc (3F). Known for matcha lattes, matcha bingsu and a green-tea Swiss roll, with terrace hanok views. English-speaking staff on hand.
Jeju's tourist shuttle buses - route 810 (East Jeju) and 820 (West Jeju) - connect oreums and major attractions, making east/west Jeju reachable WITHOUT a rental car. Designed for tourists, with day-pass-style use.
Luxury K-beauty flagship near Dosan Park with free product testing and beauty counseling, plus a bookable hanbang spa. English/Chinese help; tax refund on purchases.
A mobile-barcode pass for visitors covering 60+ Jeju attractions and cafes (e.g. Camellia Hill, Jeju Folk Village, Teddy Bear Museum, Maze Land) with savings of up to about 70% off on-site rates. Choose 24 / 48 / 72 (or 120) hours of validity from first use, then just show the barcode at each partner.
The Seoraksan cable car carries you up toward Gwongeumseong Fortress for sweeping mountain views in Seoraksan National Park near Sokcho. Round-trip fares are about ₩16,000 (adult) / ₩12,000 (child). Tickets are sold ON-SITE ONLY (no advance reservation) and operation is weather-sensitive.
Gangneung - Korea's 'coffee city' - hosts an annual Coffee Festival on the Anmok Beach Coffee Street with tastings, baristas, performances and local coffee culture. Recent editions ran in late October / early November.
A huge underground mall in Samseong with 320+ brands, food and the photogenic Starfield (Byeolmadang) Library. Free to enter the mall and library; many stores offer tax refunds. The COEX Aquarium is ticketed.
A hop-on/hop-off city tour bus linking 21 stops in Jeju City - the airport, cruise and ferry terminals, the bus terminal, Dongmun Market, Sarabong and coastal spots - with one ticket covering both downtown and coastal courses. Multilingual announcements and English pamphlets; departs about hourly, 09:00-19:30.
A massive Jamsil complex (mall, aquarium, Seoul Sky observatory, theme park). A free Lotte Tourist Membership for foreign visitors adds discounts across Lotte venues; tax refund available on shopping.
A foreigner-only rechargeable transit card (the 'Tmoney Travel Card', ₩4,000) that works on subway and buses nationwide and adds partner discounts at tourist attractions. Buy it at Incheon Airport or convenience stores.
A tourist's guide to Korea's convenience stores — cheap meals and snacks, monthly 1+1 / 2+1 deals, easy card payment, and where to buy and top up a T-money transit card.
Big-box stores popular with foreign visitors for cheap snacks, ramen and gifts in bulk. Major branches offer an immediate tax refund at the cashier with your passport.
Large aquarium inside Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. Foreigner-only discounted admission is sold through authorized travel platforms — typically cheaper than the standard on-site adult price. Bring your passport to verify foreign nationality.
Seoul's flagship Daiso in Myeongdong for cheap souvenirs and everyday essentials. Instant cash tax refund at the 1F counter for single purchases over ₩30,000 (passport required). Multi-language self-checkout; overseas cards accepted.
Flagship of the trendy K-fashion brand Matin Kim in a Seongsu market setting, with Seoul-only limited items, popular bags and English-speaking staff.
The largest Kakao Friends store (3 floors, Gangnam) with 2,000+ character goods (Ryan, Apeach, Muzi and friends), a Ryan Café, photo spots and photo booths. A go-to for cute Korean souvenirs. Free to enter and browse.
An all-in-one prepaid card for foreign visitors: exchange ~16–20 foreign currencies into Korean won at 240+ kiosks and pay on Korea's domestic network — accepted at places that sometimes reject overseas Visa/Mastercard, with no foreign-transaction fee. It also holds a separate T-money balance for subway and buses.
Seoul's Climate Card unlimited transit pass has a short-term tourist version (1–5 day options) for unlimited subway and city-bus rides at a fixed price (roughly ₩5,000 for 1 day up to about ₩20,000 for longer passes). Buy the physical card (about ₩3,000) at Seoul Metro info centers, convenience stores or airport tourist desks, then charge it.
bhc is one of Korea's biggest fried-chicken franchises; its signature 'Bburinkle' (cheese-garlic-onion seasoned) chicken is a must-try. The Myeongdong branch has English, Chinese and Japanese menus for foreign visitors.
A go-to K-pop album and goods retailer with a Myeongdong store and global online ordering. Album purchases can count toward charts; the shop sometimes hosts fansign draws.
One of Myeongdong's longest-running K-pop stores, selling K-pop CDs, LPs, special editions and K-drama OSTs, with global online shipping. Purchases reflect on the HANTEO Chart (Music Korea is part of the HANTEO Family). Instant tax refund is common in Myeongdong.
Korea's well-known bingsu (shaved-ice dessert) chain, with a Myeongdong branch popular with tourists. Signature Injeolmi (soybean-powder) bingsu plus fruit, tiramisu and more. Ordering is via a digital kiosk with English, Japanese, Chinese and Thai menus.
The official online store for many K-pop artists (BTS, SEVENTEEN, TXT and more): albums, photobooks, apparel and concert goods. Online only — check payment and shipping carefully before ordering from abroad.
A multi-level character store near Myeongdong Station with BROWN, CONY, SALLY and BT21 goods, themed photo zones, gacha games and a take-out café. A tourist-favorite souvenir stop. Free to enter.
The AREX Express is the nonstop train between Incheon Airport and Seoul Station (about 43 minutes). Foreign visitors can buy discounted Express tickets in advance (around 20% off, roughly ₩8,500 vs the regular fare) via official partners (Klook, KKday, Trazy); some discounted tickets are foreigner-only.
Seoul's public bike-share, Ttareungi, offers short-term tourist passes (1/2/3/5/7-day, about ₩5,000–15,000). Foreign visitors can buy a pass as a non-member via the Tmoney GO or Seoul Public Bike app with a foreign card, or ride unlimited with a Climate Card.
The official store for SM Entertainment artist goods (aespa, NCT, RIIZE and more), with seasonal exclusives and concept photobooks. Current locations include SMTOWN KWANGYA@SEOUL (Seongdong-gu) and SMTOWN &STORE@DDP; some goods are also available online.
Amorepacific's experiential flagship in Seongsu (a converted garage) with a garden, café and a beauty space where you can test 2,000+ products across 30+ brands (Sulwhasoo, Laneige, HERA and more). Free to enter and explore.
Seoul's landmark Namsan tower observatory with panoramic city views. Foreign visitors can buy discounted observatory tickets (foreigner-only rates) via official partners, and entry is included free with the Discover Seoul Pass.
HiKR Ground, run by the Korea Tourism Organization in Euljiro, is a free multi-cultural complex about globally popular K-content. The 'K-POP Ground' floor lets you use live studios and music-video sets and become the star of your own Hallyu content. Admission is completely free.
Shinsegae's flagship department store in Myeongdong offers foreign visitors an immediate in-store tax refund at checkout. English-speaking staff on hand. A classic Myeongdong shopping stop.
A foreigner-friendly branch of BBQ Chicken (Korean fried chicken) in Myeongdong, known for Golden Olive Chicken fried in olive oil. Tourist-area branches have English menus and self-order screens, and you can order half-and-half (banban) to mix flavours.
Laneige's Myeongdong flagship with the full product range, English-speaking staff and an in-store instant tax refund counter.
An indoor aquarium inside COEX Mall in Gangnam. Foreign visitors can buy discounted admission (foreigner-only rates, up to about 21% off the gate price) through official partners. Infants under 36 months enter free with a passport.
An all-in-one tourist pass for FOREIGN VISITORS ONLY: free entry to 40+ Busan attractions and discounts at 160+ venues. Choose a 24H pass (₩49,000) or 48H pass (₩69,000), or the Big3/Big5 passes (valid 180 days from first use). Available as a physical card (adds a prepaid transport function) or a mobile pass.
Downtown Daegu is full of free or low-cost culture. FREE: the Modern Culture Alley (a historic walking course with missionary-era sites), Kim Gwangseok-gil mural and music street, and Dalseong Park. The National Museum of Daegu is also free. Great walkable, no-rental-car culture.
Korea's highest observatory, on floors 98–100 of Haeundae LCT, with sweeping coast and city views plus a café and gallery. Foreign visitors can buy discounted tickets (foreigner-only rates, around US$5 off via partners), from about US$13.86. Also included in the Visit Busan Pass.
A free seasonal light-art festival around Suseongmot Lake in Daegu, featuring light artworks and a drone art show - a popular evening route. Recent editions have had free admission.
Korea's ubiquitous bakery-café chains — handy for a quick breakfast, pastries, cakes and drinks. Foreigner-friendly with easy card payment and grab-and-go counters.
A six-floor flagship for the cult K-fashion brand ADER Error — part store, part art installation, with a café and rooftop. Tax refund on purchases.
The official online store for YG Entertainment artist goods (BLACKPINK, BABYMONSTER, TREASURE and more), with an English site and international shipping.
Seoul's flagship Kyobo bookstore at Gwanghwamun — beyond books, a one-stop spot for stylish Korean souvenirs: artisanal stationery (the 'Mungujang' section), stickers, phone accessories, keychains and postcards, plus the Hot Tracks section for K-pop albums and design goods. Foreign visitors can get a tax refund on purchases.
Stand Oil is a popular Korean bag brand (minimal silhouettes, the 'chubby bag' and 'more baguette bag') loved by shoppers in their 20s–30s. Its Seongsu flagship is a registered tax-refund shop for foreign visitors.
Hyundai Duty Free at the COEX Trade Center in Gangnam (floors 8–10), with international and Korean brands. For foreign independent travelers it offers a special cash discount (advertised around 16%) plus a Silver Membership and discount coupons. A promotion for tourist-area stores runs through Dec 31, 2026.
The official online store for JYP Entertainment artist goods (Stray Kids, TWICE, ITZY, NMIXX and more), with international shipping and an official authenticity hologram on merchandise.
A hop-on/hop-off city tour bus with 12 stops linking Dongdaegu Station, Kim Gwangseok-gil, Dongseong-ro, the Modern Culture Alley, E-World, Apsan Observatory and Suseongmot. One ticket covers all-day hop-on/hop-off, with a per-seat multilingual audio guide. From about ₩7,200 (save up to ~28% via partners). Runs daily except Mondays, roughly hourly 09:30-17:50.
Jeongdong Theater, a public theater under the Ministry of Culture, stages Korean traditional performances made for international visitors — e.g. GWANGDAE (yeonhui: music, dance, acrobatics and storytelling) with English subtitles. Foreigner discount tickets are available, and Korea's 'Culture Day' program offers about 20–30% off select performances.
Nature-inspired K-beauty (Green Tea Seed Serum, masks) with a Myeongdong flagship. Tax-free registered, so foreign visitors can claim a tax refund on purchases.
A rail pass exclusively for foreign tourists (foreign passport, non-resident) giving unlimited rides on KTX and other KORAIL trains. In 2026 every pass is flexible — use your 2–5 travel days within a 10-day window. From about US$90; the Saver pass (2–5 people) is around $84 per person. Excludes SRT, metropolitan rail and some temporary tourist trains.
Flagship of the Seoul streetwear label thisisneverthat in Seongsu — known for graphic basics and global collaborations. A popular stop for K-streetwear fans.
Jeonju Hanok Village - hundreds of traditional hanok houses with shops, tea houses and restaurants - is FREE to walk and explore. Nearby heritage is free or low-cost: Jeondong Catholic Cathedral, Pungnammun Gate and the Omokdae viewpoint are free, while Gyeonggijeon Shrine (which housed King Taejo's portrait) costs about ₩3,000.
Yangyang's Surfyy Beach is Korea's surfing hub (about 3 hours from Seoul). Surf schools offer beginner-to-advanced lessons with English-speaking instructors available, plus board rentals, SUP and surf yoga. A surf lesson is about ₩60,000, SUP about ₩40,000; a wetsuit rents for about ₩10,000 extra.
Flagship of Mardi Mercredi, the French-inspired Seoul label famous for its flower-logo tees and sweatshirts — very popular with younger tourists.
A multi-floor stationery, character-goods and souvenir store in Myeongdong — a one-stop shop for cute, affordable Korean souvenirs and gifts. Free to enter and browse.
Popular K-beauty brands (Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Round Lab, Mediheal and more) are mostly sold at Olive Young and duty free rather than in their own stores. Here's how foreign visitors buy them tax-free.
Rent a hanbok in Jeonju Hanok Village (e.g. Hanboknam) from about ₩10,000. Packages can add hair/makeup, lockers and accessories, with sizes S-XL for everyone. Wearing hanbok makes the old-city photos extra special. Bookable via OTAs (Klook/Trazy/WAUG) or walk-in.
A Jeonju tourist taxi tour for visitors: 3-8 hour custom routes with English-speaking drivers (1-4 passengers), often with free pickup from Jeonju KTX Station, the bus terminal or your hotel. A good no-rental-car way to cover Hanok Village and nearby sights.
Gyeongju's big amusement park in the Bomun resort area (rides, plus the California Beach water park in summer). A foreigner-only all-day pass - which Korean nationals cannot buy - saves over 35% off the gate price. Passport/ARC required; barcode entry.
Where foreign visitors buy Korean instant ramen (Nongshim Shin Ramyun, Samyang Buldak), snacks and K-food (Ottogi, bibigo) as cheap, popular gifts to take home.
A nonverbal performance at Munmu Hall in Gyeongju Expo Grand Park (Bomun), blending gymnastics, martial arts and b-boying with robotic arms and 3D holograms - no Korean needed. A long-running Gyeongju attraction (since 2011) with international tours. Foreigner discount coupons (~10%) have been offered.
The Jeonju National Museum showcases the history and art of the Jeolla region - a large, FREE and uncrowded museum, and a great rainy-day stop. Special exhibitions may charge a fee.
T-Luggage (Seoul Metro) is a luggage storage and same-day delivery service between Incheon/Gimpo airports and major stations (Seoul, Hongik Univ, Myeongdong, Gimpo). Leave your bags near your hotel/station and pick them up at your departure airport, or store them for the day.
A digital tourist card from the Korea Tourism Organization giving foreign visitors resident-comparable discounts at 500+ facilities across 34 regions - accommodation, food & drink, sightseeing and experiences. Scan the card's QR code at participating venues to get the discount.
The Korea Tourism Organization runs an official coupon hub for foreign visitors - downloadable/redeemable coupons and shopping-voucher packs (reported up to about ₩115,000 in value), plus beauty mask packs and K-culture packages, usable at participating shops, attractions and experiences.
Korea's premium outlets (Hyundai, Lotte, Shinsegae - e.g. Hyundai Premium Outlet Gimpo near Seoul) sell brands at roughly 30-70% off retail, and foreign visitors can get extra foreigner voucher packages (from tourist centers, mall service desks, or partners like Klook) on top of an instant tax refund.
NAMANE is a customizable prepaid card for foreign visitors (design your own card face) that works as both a T-money transit card and a prepaid debit card for shops, cafes and restaurants. Issue it (about ₩7,000) at 200+ kiosks including Incheon Airport T1/T2 — no Korean phone needed (email sign-up). Kiosks accept foreign Visa/Mastercard/JCB, Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Shinsegae Department Store runs a foreigner 'Global Membership' for shoppers from 120+ countries. At the Main Store, the Foreigner Service Center (THE ESTATE, 13F) provides foreign shoppers with shopping discount coupons, F&B and free-drink coupons, plus gift certificates scaled to the purchase amount.
Sightseeing ferry cruises on the Han River from Yeouido (day, sunset, moonlight-music and fireworks courses). A foreigner discount ticket is available for non-Korean nationals — bring your passport, and note tickets are redeemed in person at the office (no mobile-only entry).
How short-term visitors get mobile data in Korea. The three carriers (SK Telecom, KT, LG U+) sell prepaid tourist SIMs and eSIMs with unlimited-data plans; you can reserve online for a discount and pick up at Incheon/Gimhae airport arrival counters, or activate an eSIM instantly. A passport is required to register.
A practical guide to buying K-pop concert tickets in Korea as a foreigner. The major platforms — NOL (formerly Interpark), Melon Ticket Global and YES24 — accept international users: you can register with email (no Korean phone on NOL/Weverse), pay with an overseas Visa/Mastercard, and pick up a physical ticket at the venue with your passport.
Korea's flagship museum in Yongsan, Seoul. The permanent exhibition (plus the Children's Museum and some special exhibitions) is free for everyone, including foreign visitors — English-friendly with audio guides. One of the world's most-visited museums.
The world's longest bridge fountain (Guinness) on Banpo Bridge over the Han River — a free nightly light-and-water show set to music. Free for everyone, viewable from Banpo Hangang Park. Runs mid-March to the end of October.
Guided day tours from Seoul to the Korean Demilitarized Zone — typically Imjingak, Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory. Tours are foreigner-friendly with English guides. The JSA/Panmunjom area needs advance booking and a passport.
Rent a hanbok (Korean traditional dress) near the palaces and get FREE admission to Seoul's royal palaces — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung and Gyeonghuigung — a policy for hanbok wearers since 2013. Rental shops (e.g. Hanboknam, Oneday Hanbok) cluster around Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon.
Observatory on the upper floors of Lotte World Tower, Korea's tallest building, with sky decks and a glass floor. Foreigner-only discounted tickets are sold through authorized platforms and are not available at the gate; passport required.
Free guided walking tours run by the city of Seoul with multilingual volunteer guides (English, Japanese, Chinese). About 40 routes across 8 themes — palaces, hanok villages, the city wall and more. Open to everyone; reserve online about a week ahead.
Bus No. 10 ('Golden Line') and its pair No. 11 connect Gyeongju Station, downtown, the Bomun resort and Bulguksa - the budget, no-rental-car way to reach the main sights. Tap a transport card (T-money/Cashbee) for the cheaper fare with free transfers.
Official hop-on/hop-off sightseeing buses looping Seoul's main sights (palaces, Namsan, Myeongdong, Hongdae) with multilingual audio commentary. One day pass lets you get on and off freely, and the pass usually bundles discount coupons for attractions along the route.
Korea's top water park, beside Everland in Yongin (a day trip from Seoul) — wave pool, slides, indoor & outdoor zones. Foreigner-only discounted day passes are sold through authorized platforms (Korean nationals can't use them); bring your passport. Summer is peak season.
Official overnight (or day) stay programs at Korean Buddhist temples, run by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism. English-language programs are offered at temples nationwide, including Jogyesa and Hwagyesa in Seoul, with meditation, temple meals and monk talks. A reduced foreigner rate applies at a set of popular temples.
A mobile pass exclusively for foreign visitors with free entry to 200+ cultural attractions across Gyeongsangbuk-do (including many Gyeongju landmarks), saving up to about 94% on admissions. It also comes with a pre-loaded ₩5,000 transit card for local/intercity buses and taxis.
Interactive 3D optical-illusion art museum in Hongdae with AR effects (Ice Museum and Love Museum on site too). Foreigner/online discount tickets are available via authorized platforms; standard adult admission is about 15,000 KRW.
The National Museum of Korea's museum shops sell MU:DS cultural goods that reinterpret Korean heritage in modern designs — the miniature Bangasayusang (Pensive Bodhisattva), the folk-painting tiger badge, celadon-inspired items, tumblers and bookmarks. Hugely popular with foreign visitors; some items sell out.
Korea's largest theme park (in Yongin, near Seoul) with rides, a zoo and seasonal festivals. Foreign visitors can buy a discounted day pass — e.g. for summer 2026, ₩68,000 marked down to ₩49,000 (about 28% off). A passport is required to verify the foreigner rate.
E-World theme park and the 83 Tower observatory in Duryu Park, Daegu. A foreigner-only day ticket (around US$22, passport required) covers all regular rides, the Sky Way cable car, the 83 Tower observatory and 83 Tower Magic Art.
Korea's largest car-rental company runs an English booking site for foreign visitors, with discounted foreigner rates (popular for Jeju and regional road trips) and a free EV charging card for foreign EV renters. Pick-up at Incheon and Jeju airports and major KTX stations.
The national museum of the ancient Silla capital, home to treasures like the Emille Bell and Cheonmachong gold crown. Permanent exhibitions are FREE (special exhibitions may charge). Free English guided tours run on Sundays (10:00 and 14:00) from the 1F Silla History Gallery.
Many of Gyeongju's icons cost little or nothing. FREE: Woljeonggyo Bridge (a beautiful night view), Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyochon Village walk. LOW-COST night sights: Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (open to ~22:00) and the Daereungwon/Cheonmachong tombs. The UNESCO Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are nearby (small fee / verify).
How international fans can join K-pop fansign and video-call events. Buying event albums through retailers like Weverse Shop, Ktown4u, Soundwave, Makestar and Withmuu enters you into a draw; for most overseas fans the video-call fan meeting is the realistic option (no travel). Album purchases also count toward the Hanteo / Circle charts.
Nami Island, the famous tree-lined island northeast of Seoul (Gapyeong/Chuncheon), is an easy day trip. Foreign visitors can buy discounted admission (often under about US$12) and ride the official shuttle bus from central Seoul (Hongdae, Myeongdong, DDP).
How foreign visitors claim Korea's VAT tax refund in 2026. The single-purchase minimum was lowered to ₩15,000; instant in-store refunds are allowed up to ₩1,000,000 per receipt (₩5,000,000 total per stay), or you can claim at the airport. Eligibility: foreign nationals staying under 6 months. Note: cosmetic/aesthetic procedures are no longer refundable as of Jan 1, 2026.
Seoul's big indoor/outdoor theme park in Jamsil (Adventure, Magic Island, Folk Museum). Foreign visitors can get exclusive discounts (advertised up to ~45% off) and Skip-the-Line Magic Pass bundles not sold at the gate. Bring your passport or ARC to register the foreigner rate.
'Culture Day' is a government program giving free or discounted access to cultural venues. Expanded in 2026 to EVERY Wednesday: the four main palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung) are free every Wednesday, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is free on Wed/Sat (open to 9pm), and major cinemas (CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox) offer ₩10,000 evening tickets on the 2nd and last Wednesday. Open to everyone, including foreign visitors.
Lotte's theme park in Busan (Osiria Tourism Complex, Gijang) with rides and a fairy-tale castle by the sea. Foreign visitors can buy discounted tickets (foreigner-only rates; passport/ARC ID check on-site) through official partners.
A factory-inspired experiential brand space in Seongsu. Free to enter and explore the exhibition.
A free foreigner-exclusive membership across Hyundai Department Store, including The Hyundai Seoul. Sign up with your passport to earn points by purchase amount and receive discount-coupon benefits, plus member services like in-store restaurant reservations and mobile (downtown) tax-refund applications. Over 200,000 foreign members had joined by May 2026.
The Seongsu Pass, by the foreigner-travel platform Creatrip, is a foreigner-exclusive online voucher giving discounts and giveaways at around 12 trending Seongsu cafes, restaurants, fashion shops and pop-ups. It is valid for 7 days from activation.
A foreigner-exclusive membership across Lotte affiliates. Sign up free with a passport + email to get tiered discounts: about 5% off Lotte Department Store, 7% off Lotte Mart and 10% off Lotte Duty Free, plus up to about 20% off Lotte World Adventure, Seoul Sky observatory and Lotte World Aquarium. Available at the Myeongdong and Jamsil Lotte Town stores, and now the Busan Main Store too.
A large aquarium on Jeju's east coast (Seongsan, Seogwipo) with huge ocean tanks and performances - a great rainy-day, family attraction. FOREIGNER-ONLY discount tickets are sold via partners, cheaper than the on-site gate price. Open 09:30-18:00.
MLB (the Korean street-fashion label licensed on Major League Baseball) is a top K-fashion buy for visitors — caps, apparel and bags. The Myeongdong central branch is a registered tax-refund shop; there is also a Hannam flagship.