SooSung was born and raised in Seoul and started Korea IRL to share the honest, practical version of Korea that locals actually live, not the tourist-brochure version. Every guide is written from firsthand experience and checked against official Korean sources.

Articles

• Korea

  Surviving Korea's Summer Heat: A Local's Guide

  Korea is in a record-breaking heatwave right now, and it's genuinely dangerous. A local's honest guide to how hot it really is, whether to come, and how to survive a Korean summer.

• Seoul

  3 Days in Seoul: A Local's Itinerary

  A born-and-raised local's 3-day Seoul plan that actually flows: palaces and hanok on day one, Seongsu cafes and Korean barbecue on day two, city views and shopping on day three, with the transit and timing tips to tie it together.

• Food

  Seongsu's Famous Restaurants: JoJo Kalguksu, Neungdong Minari, and Muguok

  Three Seongsu restaurants locals line up for, and how to time the wait: JoJo Kalguksu for clam knife-cut noodles, Michelin-listed Neungdong Minari for beef and minari, and Muguok for North Korean-style chicken.

• Seoul

  Seoul's Hanok Starbucks: Two Traditional-Style Stores to Know

  Seoul has two hanok-style Starbucks worth a detour: the Hwangudan store on the grounds of a former imperial altar, with shoes-off floor seating, and the Insadong branch with its rare Hangul-only sign.

• Korea

  Korea's Monsoon Season (Jangma): A Local's Honest Guide

  When Korea's rainy season runs, what it's really like, and whether it's worth visiting. A Seoul local's honest guide to jangma: packing, rainy-day plans, and safety.

• Seoul

  Bukchon Hanok Village: A Local's Visiting Guide

  How to visit Bukchon Hanok Village respectfully: the 10am-5pm hours and fine, the silent-lane rules, the best things to do, and how to get there.

• Food

  Korean Food to Try: A First-Timer's Guide

  The Korean dishes a local would actually put on your first-trip shortlist, from samgyeopsal to bibimbap to tteokbokki, plus where to eat them.

• Seoul

  Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Local's Visitor Guide

  Hours, tickets, the free-hanbok entry trick, and the changing-of-the-guard times, plus how to get there. A Seoul local's guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

• Korea

  Getting Data in Korea: eSIM, SIM Card, or Pocket WiFi

  eSIM, physical SIM, or pocket WiFi? A Seoul local explains the three ways to get online in Korea and which one to pick for your trip.

• Korea

  Where to Exchange Money in Korea (for the Best Rate)

  Change a little at the airport, get the rest at a city exchange booth, and lean on cards. A Seoul local's guide to the best won exchange rate.

• Korea

  How to Get Around Seoul: A Local's Transit Guide

  Subway, bus, taxi, and the map apps that actually work in Seoul. A local's guide to getting around, all on one T-money card.

• Korea

  Do You Need a Visa for Korea? A 2026 Guide

  In 2026 most tourists enter Korea visa-free, and K-ETA is waived through Dec 31, 2026. A local explains visas, K-ETA, and what you need at the airport.

• Korea

  Is Seoul Safe? An Honest Answer From a Local

  Seoul is one of the safest big cities in the world. A local's honest take on crime, walking at night, tap water, protests, and who to call.

• Korea

  Do You Need Cash in Korea? A Local's Honest Answer

  Korea is almost cashless, but a little won still helps at markets and street food. A Seoul local explains cards, cash, ATMs, and T-money.

• Korea

  Korean Etiquette for Visitors: The Rules That Actually Matter

  A Seoul local's guide to the Korean etiquette that matters most: shoes, two hands, dining, drinking, transport, and tipping.

• Korea

  How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul (2026)

  Train, bus, or taxi from Incheon Airport into Seoul? Here's the honest, up-to-date rundown of every option and which one fits your trip.

• Korea

  How to Use a T-money Card in Seoul (2026 Guide)

  A T-money card is the easiest way to get around Seoul. Here's how to buy, charge, and use one — plus how to get your deposit back.