TEN QUESTIONS · ABOUT THREE MINUTES

Would you pass your first day in Korea?
Take the quiz.

Trains from the airport, hotel check-in, tipping, Bukchon’s quiet hours and your first Korean phrases. Every answer comes from our first-day guides, with a link to read more.

All 21 questions, with answers

The quiz picks ten of these at random. Try each one before opening the answer.

Do you tip at a café in Korea?
- No, tipping is not customary
- Yes, about 10%
- Only after 10 p.m.
- Round up to the next ₩1,000
Show the answer
No, tipping is not customary
Tipping is not customary in Korea. Follow the venue’s payment and service instructions instead.
Read the guide
When are tourist visits to Bukchon’s red zone restricted?
- From 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
- From noon to 2 p.m.
- Only at weekends
- Never
Show the answer
From 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Plan within the published 10 a.m.–5 p.m. window and check the official zone map. The rule covers the designated zone, not every street.
Read the guide
A front door is open in a quiet Bukchon lane. Can you photograph inside the home?
- No, avoid photographing inside homes
- Yes, if the door is open
- Yes, without flash
- Only before 10 a.m.
Show the answer
No, avoid photographing inside homes
Some of the places you visit are someone’s home. Avoid photographing inside, even when a door is open.
Read the guide
Where does the AREX Express train from Incheon Airport go non-stop?
- Seoul Station
- Gangnam Station
- Hongik University Station
- Myeong-dong Station
Show the answer
Seoul Station
The Express runs non-stop to Seoul Station with a reserved seat. The All-Stop train also calls at stations such as Hongik University.
Read the guide
About how long is the AREX Express from Terminal 1 to Seoul Station?
- 43 minutes
- 15 minutes
- 90 minutes
- Two and a half hours
Show the answer
43 minutes
The published time is 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and 51 minutes from Terminal 2.
Read the guide
Which option has the lowest published fare from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station?
- AREX All-Stop train
- AREX Express train
- Airport limousine bus
- Taxi
Show the answer
AREX All-Stop train
The All-Stop train costs ₩4,750 from Terminal 1 with a transport card, against ₩13,000 for the Express and ₩17,000–18,000 for the limousine bus.
Read the guide
When does the airport taxi night surcharge apply?
- From 23:00 to 02:00
- From 18:00 to 20:00
- All day on Sundays
- There is no surcharge
Show the answer
From 23:00 to 02:00
A surcharge of up to 40% applies from 23:00 to 02:00, and expressway tolls are added.
Read the guide
What does this phrase mean?짐 찾는 곳이 어디예요?
- Where is baggage claim?
- Where is the toilet?
- How much is this?
- Where is the taxi stand?
Show the answer
Where is baggage claim?
Use it after landing, and show your flight details if you need help finding the right belt.
Read the guide
What is the most useful thing to save before landing?
- Your accommodation’s full address in Korean
- The hotel name in English only
- A photo of the hotel lobby
- Your hotel’s star rating
Show the answer
Your accommodation’s full address in Korean
A screenshot of the full Korean address is more useful than a name alone, especially when several places have similar names.
Read the guide
Does a travel data eSIM give you a Korean phone number?
- Not necessarily: check what the plan includes
- Yes, always
- Only in Seoul
- Only after one week
Show the answer
Not necessarily: check what the plan includes
A data-only plan may not include voice calls, SMS or a local number. Check the exact plan before buying.
Read the guide
What is 1330 in Korea?
- The official travel helpline
- The police emergency number
- A taxi booking service
- The weather forecast line
Show the answer
The official travel helpline
The Korea Tourism Organization’s 1330 service offers travel information by phone and real-time chat, with tourist interpretation.
Read the guide
What does this phrase mean?체크인하고 싶어요.
- I’d like to check in.
- I’d like to check out.
- What is the Wi-Fi password?
- I lost my key.
Show the answer
I’d like to check in.
Greet the staff, say you have a reservation and would like to check in, then show your booking.
Read the guide
Your flight lands at 7 a.m. Is your room guaranteed to be ready?
- No, ask the property in advance
- Yes, at every hotel
- Yes, if you pay in cash
- Only in Seoul
Show the answer
No, ask the property in advance
An early flight does not guarantee a ready room, and luggage storage depends on the accommodation.
Read the guide
What are the small side dishes on a Korean table called?
- Banchan
- Bibimbap
- Bulgogi
- Sundubu
Show the answer
Banchan
The little plates are called banchan. Ask whether rice and side dishes are included with your order.
Read the guide
A bibimbap is topped with vegetables. Is it vegetarian?
- Not necessarily: egg, meat and sauces vary
- Yes, always
- Yes, if it is red
- Only at lunchtime
Show the answer
Not necessarily: egg, meat and sauces vary
A vegetable topping does not make the whole dish vegetarian. Egg, meat, sesame oil and sauces vary.
Read the guide
You have a food allergy. What should you ask about besides the toppings?
- Sauces, broth and shared cooking equipment
- Nothing else
- Only the price
- Only the spice level
Show the answer
Sauces, broth and shared cooking equipment
Removing a topping does not confirm a dish is suitable. Sauces, broth and shared oil or utensils matter too.
Read the guide
How do you ask for water in Korean?
- 물 주세요.
- 메뉴 주세요.
- 감사합니다.
- 안녕하세요.
Show the answer
물 주세요.
It means “Water, please.” Follow the venue’s own water and ordering arrangements.
Read the guide
You reached the right subway station. What should you check before going outside?
- The exit number for your destination
- The colour of the train
- Nothing else
- The station’s opening year
Show the answer
The exit number for your destination
Arriving at the right station does not identify the right exit. Match the exit in your directions to the station signs.
Read the guide
What does this phrase ask someone to do?천천히 말씀해 주세요.
- Speak slowly
- Speak louder
- Write it down
- Wait for me
Show the answer
Speak slowly
Keep your destination visible too, so the other person can point to it on your map.
Read the guide
How many steps are on the famous approach to Haedong Yonggungsa in Busan?
- 108
- 12
- 365
- 1,000
Show the answer
108
The approach includes a narrow staircase and the temple’s 108 steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
Read the guide
Uisangdae Pavilion at Naksansa, Yangyang, is celebrated for…
- Watching the sunrise
- Its night market
- Skiing
- A waterfall
Show the answer
Watching the sunrise
Uisangdae is a celebrated sunrise viewpoint. For dawn, check the sunrise time, weather and entrance arrangements.
Read the guide

Missed a few?
Start with Day One.

Open the first-day guide

Would you pass your first day in Korea?Take the quiz.

Korea first-day quiz

All 21 questions, with answers

Missed a few?Start with Day One.

Would you pass your first day in Korea?
Take the quiz.

Missed a few?
Start with Day One.