Planning a Productive Business Trip to Seoul
Focus your itinerary on a single district to avoid Seoul's heavy traffic, and use the AREX train for airport transfers to guarantee arrival times. Book your meetings for mid-week, Tuesday through Thursday, to ensure maximum availability from local counterparts.
- Select your district based on industry. Stay in Gangnam if you are in tech or finance, and Gwanghwamun or Yeouido if you are working with government entities or media conglomerates.
- Secure a T-Money card immediately. Upon arrival at Incheon, buy a T-Money card at any convenience store. Load it with 30,000 KRW; it works for all subways, buses, and even taxi payments.
- Use Naver Map or KakaoMap. Google Maps does not provide walking or transit directions in Seoul. Download Naver Map and switch it to English to navigate meeting locations accurately.
- Arrange local connectivity. Pick up a portable Wi-Fi egg or an eSIM at the airport. Public Wi-Fi is everywhere, but constant connectivity is vital for Kakaotalk, which is the primary business communication tool in Korea.
- Is it rude to decline alcohol at a business dinner?
- It is acceptable to decline politely. If you do not drink, it is common to just keep your glass full or hold a small amount to participate in the 'cheers' ritual.
- Should I tip my taxi driver?
- No. Tipping is not part of Korean culture and can even be seen as confusing or patronizing.