PLDI 2025 Travel Guide

Before traveling to Korea, make sure to check if you need a visa or apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). This depends on your nationality and the length of your stay.

🌍 Visa-Free Entry & K-ETA

• Many countries are part of Korea’s visa-waiver program.
• However, many of these travelers still need to apply for a K-ETA before entering Korea. It is a short online form and usually approved within 24-72 hours.
• There is a temporary exception that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to Korea without a K-ETA until the end of the year. Start a K-ETA application; the website will tell you if don’t need one.
• Apply through the official site: https://www.k-eta.go.kr. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees.
• A K-ETA is valid for 2 years once approved, and it can be used for multiple trips.

🧾 Q-CODE (Health Declaration)

• Travelers arriving from or transiting through certain countries or regions (including some USA states, Mexico, parts of Asia, Middle East, and Africa), must complete a mandatory Q-CODE health declaration before arrival. Check the full list here.
• Fill out the form on the official site up to 7 days before departure: https://qcode.kdca.go.kr. You’ll receive a QR-code to present on arrival.

📌 When You Do Need a Visa

• If you’re from a country not eligible for K-ETA or visa-waiver entry, you must apply for a short-term visa at your nearest Korean consulate.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, cafes, and even taxis.

• Currency: The local currency is won (₩). The exchange rate at the time of write is €1 ≈ ₩1,500 / $1 ≈ ₩1,350.
• Cash Needs: While cards work almost everywhere, it’s useful to carry a small amount of cash (₩10,000 - ₩20,000) for small purchases.
• Transit Cards: It’s highly advisable that you get a T-money card to pay for public transportation. Note that you can only charge your T-money card using cash. Most convenience stores can charge T-money cards. You can buy T-money cards at the airport as well.
• ATMs: Most ATMs charge usage fees, especially outside of working hours. Look for ATMs from Citibank or Hana bank.
• Travel cards: I’ve used wise.com’s card in Korea successfully; I don’t know about others.

June in Korea is early summer: warm, humid, and occasionally rainy. Here’s what you should pack to stay comfortable, connected, and powered up.

🔌 Power & Adapters

• Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs (aka German plug).
• Voltage is 220V, 60Hz (same as Europe).

👕 Clothing

• Expect daily highs between 25–30°C (77–86°F).
• Sudden rain showers are common; a compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is recommended.
• Public indoor spaces (conference venues, malls) may be strongly air-conditioned. Bring a light sweater just in case.

📱 Mobile Phones & Internet

• Korea has excellent mobile coverage and fast data speeds throughout the country, including underground subway stations.
• You can buy a local SIM or eSIM in advance or at the airport. Popular providers include KT, SKT, and LG U+. There are also plenty of "nomad" eSIM solutions that work in Korea.
• Most options offer unlimited data for a fixed number of days. Prices are reasonable.
• Public Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels.

Korean food is delicious, diverse, and well worth exploring while you’re in Korea. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or cautious with spice, there’s something for everyone: from sizzling barbecue to comforting soups.

• Give it a try! You’ll find plenty to love, even if you’re new to it.
• Spice levels vary: Some dishes can be quite spicy, even when they don’t look like it.
• Kimchi isn’t just one thing: There are dozens of varieties, ranging from crisp and fresh to deeply fermented and funky. Don’t be discouraged if the first one isn’t to your taste; the next one might be.
• Sushi & Wasabi: Korean sushi (called “hwareo hoe”, 활어회) often has a strong wasabi punch. Be prepared!

🦑 Adventurous Eating (Optional!)

Feeling bold? Korea has a few unique specialties you probably won’t find back home:

• 🐟 Fermented skate (hongeo / 홍어회): A very pungent, ammonia-rich dish often served in a “triad” with boiled pork and kimchi.
• 🍍 Sea pineapple (meongge / 멍게): A soft, briny marine delicacy with a flavor that divides opinions. Worth trying once!
• 🐛 Silkworm pupae (beondegi / 번데기): Usually served boiled or steamed as street snacks.

🔍 Food Curiosities

• 🍢 Pojangmacha (포장마차): These are street-side tent bars serving hot food and soju late into the night. Great for snacks like tteokbokki, odeng, or fried skewers.
• 🥣 No “Bibimbap Restaurants”: While bibimbap is a famous Korean dish, you won’t find Bibimbap restaurants in Korea. I was told it’s too easy to make, so Koreans wouldn’t order it at a restaurant!
• 🍽️ Meals are communal: Korean meals often come with lots of shared side dishes (banchan).

South Korea offers a rich mix of history, pop culture, nature, and fun attractions, many of them just a subway ride away from central Seoul.

🏯 Historical & Cultural Highlights

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: Korea’s largest and most iconic royal palace. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony. Hanbok rental shops nearby let you enter for free in traditional dress!
• Bukchon Hanok Village: A preserved traditional neighborhood with picturesque alleyways, teahouses, and artisan shops.
• Insa-dong: A great area to stroll, shop for souvenirs, try street food, and explore small museums and galleries.

🎢 Family & Kids Activities

• Lotte World: One of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, with rides, an outdoor area, and a huge aquarium.
• Seoul Children’s Grand Park: A large park with playgrounds, a zoo, gardens, and walking paths.
• COEX Mall & Aquarium: Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, with an impressive aquarium and plenty of dining options.

🧘 Buddhist Temples & Spiritual Sites

• Jogyesa Temple: A serene Buddhist temple in central Seoul, especially beautiful during lantern festivals or early morning visits.
• Bongeunsa Temple: Located across from COEX Mall, this temple offers temple-stay programs and a peaceful contrast to its urban surroundings.
• Temple Stays: For a deeper experience, several temples offer overnight stays with meditation, tea ceremonies, and vegetarian meals. Advance booking required.

🏞️ Nature & Panoramic Views

• Namsan Seoul Tower (N-Seoul Tower): Ride a cable car or hike up to this iconic hilltop tower for sweeping city views, especially beautiful at sunset.
• Han River Parks: Rent a bike, grab some convenience store picnic snacks, or join locals relaxing by the river.
• Bukhansan National Park: Offers scenic hikes and temples in the mountains. About one hour away from central Seoul.

🚌 Day Trips from Seoul

• DMZ Tours: The Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea is one of the most unique experiences in the region. Most tours include stops at observation posts, tunnels, and the historic Joint Security Area (JSA), depending on availability. Advance booking and passport are required.

Koreans are friendly, welcoming, and understanding toward visitors, but a little cultural awareness goes a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind while navigating social spaces, transit, and everyday interactions.
While English is not widely spoken fluently, most Koreans will make a genuine effort to help you. It’s not uncommon for someone to offer their phone for you to type in English, using a translator app to bridge the gap. A little patience and a smile go a long way.

👵 Respect for Age

• Korean culture places strong emphasis on age-based hierarchy. It’s customary to show extra respect to elders in tone, gestures, and behavior.
• Koreans may ask your age early in a conversation to determine who is older and how to address you.
• In casual situations, a respectful nod or slight bow when greeting someone older is appreciated.

🚇 Public Transportation Etiquette

• Subways and buses are very quiet. It’s best to avoid phone calls and keep conversations minimal and soft-spoken.
• Reserved seats for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities are strictly respected.
• No eating or drinking is allowed on subways. It’s okay on long-distance trains, but not on local public transport.

🙇 How to Greet

• A light bow or a small head nod is a common way to say hello or thank you. It’s polite, simple, and always appropriate.
• Handshakes are okay, but they’re usually done with both hands (or with the left hand touching the right wrist).
• You can say “Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요) for “hello”.

📏 Personal Space

• The notion of personal space is almost non-existent in Korea, especially in crowded trains, buses, and elevators. Don’t be surprised if people stand very close or brush against you; it’s normal and not considered rude.
• Loud talking, especially in enclosed or public areas, is seen as disruptive. Keep your volume modest, especially in cafes or transit.
• People may not always say “excuse me” when brushing past. It’s not meant to be rude, just typical in densely populated settings.

South Korea is an extremely safe country. Crime rates are low, and emergency services are reliable and quick to respond. Still, it’s good to be prepared and aware of a few practical tips.

🚨 Emergencies

• The general emergency number in Korea is 112 (police) and 119 (fire and medical emergencies).
• Most emergency operators may not speak fluent English. If you’re in a hotel, ask the front desk for help contacting services.
• Consider installing the Emergency Ready App by the Korean government for English-language assistance in emergencies.

💊 Pharmacies & Medication

• Pharmacies ("약국") are common and well-stocked with over-the-counter medicine. However, English labeling is rare.
• Bring any prescription medications with you, and carry a copy of the prescription in case of customs checks.
• For basic symptoms (headache, cold, etc), the hotel concierge or a pharmacist can usually recommend something appropriate.

😷 General Health

• Tap water is safe to drink.
• The air quality in Seoul can occasionally be poor due to fine dust. You may want to check daily air reports or bring a face mask.
• Face masks are not required, but common when the air quality is low.
• Public restrooms are clean and widely available, especially in malls, subway stations, and convenience stores.