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Notes on Korea from a Korean office worker

Your Korea trip,
one bite at a time.

From entry rules and the subway to map apps, skincare hauls and concert tickets. The latest from Korea with a check date on every article, plus a Q&A forum for travelers.

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Bite-size notes (latest)

Written from the desk of an office worker in Seoul, starting with what we checked.

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ShoppingDaiso Korea: what Koreans buy most, all ₩500 to ₩5,000 (Updated Nov 11, 2026)Everything at Daiso Korea costs ₩500 to ₩5,000. What Koreans buy most per the Daiso Mall sales ranking, Myeongdong opening hours and the tax refund rules.Check11/11BeautyKorea's clinic tax refund has ended, skincare still qualifies (Updated Nov 11, 2026)The VAT refund on cosmetic procedures in Korea ended Dec 31, 2025. The shopping tax refund on skincare still works: conditions, limits and what you get back.Check11/11PrepKorea weather in December: how cold it gets, what Koreans wear (Updated Nov 11, 2026)Seoul in December averages −3.4°C to 4.2°C with about 6 snow days. Official numbers for 4 cities, the 2026 outlook and the 4-layer way Koreans dress.Check11/11

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The newest Korea info for your trip.

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AppsCheck11/11How to use NAVER Map in Korea in English, when Google Maps fails (Updated Nov 11, 2026)In Korea, Google Maps gives no walking or driving directions. How to use NAVER Map in English: routes, buses, exit numbers and passport verification.Bite-size summary
  • In Korea, Google Maps still gives subway and bus directions, but no walking or driving directions (checked Nov 11, 2026).
  • NAVER Map is free and comes in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. Switch it to English in the app settings.
  • On the route screen, check 3 things: time, transfers and the exit number. Turn on the get-off alert so you do not miss your stop.
5 min read

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SangOffice worker (finance) | Writer at bitesizekoreaAt the office on weekdays, out checking things in person on weekends.

Browse by topic

Seven topics, each with the basics and the latest changes.

01Before you goEntry rules, weather, money, eSIMs and what to pack.1 article →02Getting aroundAirport to the city, subway, buses, T-money cards and taxis.Coming soon →03Must-have appsMaps, translation, taxis, food delivery: the apps Koreans actually use.1 article →04Neighborhoods and itinerariesSeoul, Busan, Jeju, day-by-day plans and the best season for each.Coming soon →05ShoppingOlive Young, Daiso, souvenirs and how the tax refund works.1 article →06Beauty and clinicsKorean skincare, skin clinics and the rules that changed.1 article →07K-CultureDrama locations, K-pop concert tickets, festivals and what is trending.Coming soon →

Editorial policy

Information you can plan a trip on.

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  • Checked from inside Korea

    We read the official notices and local news in Korean ourselves, then sum them up in plain English.

  • Every article has a check date

    Prices, opening hours and entry rules change. Each article shows when its facts were last checked.

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    Every number and rule has a source. Articles with affiliate links say so at the top.