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Most casual meals cost around 10–20 USD. Meals over 30 USD are generally considered expensive by local standards.
Coffee: an Americano costs about 1.5 USD at chains like The Venti, Mega Coffee, Paik's Coffee, and Compose Coffee.
Starbucks drinks run 3 to 6 USD.

There are three common ways to order at restaurants in Korea:
- Call button: Press the button at your table to call a staff member.
- Table ordering device: Order directly from the touchscreen at your table.
- Kiosk: Some restaurants use self-service kiosks for ordering.
Chopsticks, spoons, and napkins are often kept in a drawer under the table or in a dispenser on the table.
Water is free at almost every restaurant and is usually self-serve.

Most restaurants use post-payment. In some places with table ordering devices, however, you will pay by card before your order is sent to the kitchen.
Payment is usually accepted by credit/debit cards, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay (where supported), Payco, and in most cases cash as well.
There is no tipping culture in Korea, and menu prices already include VAT and service charges. The price you see on the menu is exactly what you will pay.

When ordering, you will be asked whether you are dining in or taking out. If you order a takeout cup, you cannot use the indoor seating.
It is very common for people to spend several hours working or studying in cafes. Most cafes provide free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
If you need a quieter place to focus, I highly recommend trying a study cafe (스터디카페). These are library-like workspaces with quiet desks, usually equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, water dispensers, and sometimes complimentary coffee. You simply pay for the amount of time you would like to stay.

Many hotels allow food delivery, although some require you to pick it up in the lobby. Korea has an incredible food delivery culture, so I highly recommend trying popular delivery dishes such as tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, mala tang (Spicy Hot Pot), mala xiang guo (Dry Spicy Hot Pot), or jjimdak (Braised Chicken).
Apps like Baemin and Coupang Eats usually deliver within 30–60 minutes, depending on your location and the time of day.

Korean convenience stores are worth visiting even if you do not need anything. They are almost a tourist attraction on their own.
They offer a huge variety of Korean snacks, drinks, and limited-edition products that change almost every month.
Although it is only available in Korean, Instagram accounts such as @omuk.official regularly post new convenience store releases.
They also have surprisingly good ready-to-eat meals. I highly recommend trying triangle kimbap (samgak kimbap) and cup ramen. You will also find many different flavors of Buldak spicy ramen available in cup noodle form.

Naver Maps has far more local reviews than Google Maps and is by far the most widely used map app among Koreans. It is much more popular than Kakao Maps for finding restaurants.
Instagram is also surprisingly useful for discovering restaurants. Try searching hashtags such as #강남맛집 (Gangnam restaurants) or #성수맛집 (Seongsu restaurants) to see what is currently popular.

COEX sits at Samseong Station 2 (Exits 5, 6) and Bongeunsa Station 9 (Exit 7), so you will mostly use those two lines. A small fee may apply on some transfers.
Seoul Subway App (iOS, English)
Official Subway Map (website, English)
Naver Subway Map (website, Korean)

Base fare is 4,800 KRW (about 3 USD) for the first 1.6 km. Late-night and long-distance surcharges may apply.
Kakao T is the most widely used taxi app in Korea and supports English. You can usually hail a taxi on the street, especially in busy areas, though using Kakao T is often more convenient.
Most taxis accept credit card.
The destination is often entered through the driver's navigation system, so having the address or name in Korean (or showing it on Naver Maps or Google Maps) can be helpful.

A T-money card is required for the subway and buses. You can pick one up at any convenience store, load it with credit, and recharge it as needed. Any remaining balance can be refunded at a convenience store when you leave.
Apple Pay is supported at many stores, though not everywhere.

If you are out after around 11 PM, it is worth checking the last train times before heading back.
Major areas in Seoul remain lively until around midnight, so it is common to see lots of people out even late at night.
Transfers to a different line or bus are discounted if you tag your card again within 30 minutes of getting off.
Rush hour (especially weekday mornings and 5–7 PM) can be quite crowded.
Coin lockers are available at major subway stations, useful for storing bags before check-in or after checkout.
Bus number colors indicate route type.
Priority seats for pregnant passengers and the elderly are generally left available for those who need them.
Public restrooms are common in subway stations, department stores, and shopping malls.

If you want to shop indoors and eat well, I highly recommend visiting a department store. The basement food halls in particular are absolutely packed with incredible options. I always feel like I am visiting Diagon Alley!
There are many department store brands and branches in Seoul, but I recommend the following three:
- The Hyundai Seoul 5: Built just a few years ago, it has fantastic food, great shopping, and a beautiful interior. A visit here pairs perfectly with a walk along Yeouido Han River Park nearby.
  - Google Maps
- Shinsegae Gangnam 3 7 9: Conveniently located in Gangnam and easy to reach. The underground Famille Station is full of great food and things to explore.
  - Google Maps
  - Famille Station
- Lotte Department Store Jamsil 2 8: Right next to Lotte World Mall, making it a great stop if you are planning a full shopping day in Jamsil.

If you want to browse Korean snacks, processed foods, jellies, and everyday essentials all in one place, E-Mart is the place to go. Think of it as Korea's version of a large supermarket.
Prices are slightly lower than convenience stores and the variety is much greater. The cup ramen aisle alone is enormous compared to what you will find at a convenience store.
E-Mart has many locations across the city. These two are well situated for most itineraries:
- E-Mart Yeoksam 2 수인분당
- E-Mart Yongsan 1 경의중앙. I'Park Mall is right next door and worth visiting as well.

Daiso is one of the best places to buy inexpensive yet surprisingly useful everyday items. You can find almost anything there, and most products cost only 1 to 2 USD.
Daiso Best Sellers

Olive Young is Korea's most popular health and beauty store, offering a huge selection of cosmetics, skincare products, and unique everyday items. Even as a local, I often stop by with friends just to browse and see what's new.
Olive Young Global

Many restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, often with the network name and password posted inside. If nothing is posted, asking the staff usually works.
The Seoul subway offers free public Wi-Fi.