Prepared like a local.
Exploring like a traveler.

Today seems like good weather for a t-shirt and a cardigan.
I walked in the morning, breathing in the autumn air, and it was really nice.

Hope you all have a good day!

I came to a cafe in Yangpyeong.
It's not far from my place, so I often come here.
The morning air is refreshing.

'# Naver Map

• Naver Map link

Google Maps is weak on Korean info, so I recommend Naver Map.
In Korea, you can use it to search for various places, not just tourist spots, but also restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and more.

When you're finding a destination on foot, you can use the directions feature.

At the top of the map, you can select major places to find them.

Here, they use Naver Map service much more than Google Maps, so keep that in mind.

I hope you have a great trip today too.

Everyone in Korea knows sundae.
When I went to the market, I often ate tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and sundae.

If you come to Korea, I recommend you try sundae.

I used to see a lot of 'No peeing on the wall!' signs posted in the neighborhood I lived in when I was little.
I saw one recently in front of my office, lol.

'# Baedal Minjok (delivery app): Apple Pay + International Card Payments Fully Introduced

Baedal Minjok officially started supporting Apple Pay payments with internationally issued credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express from June 2, 2026. Before, you could only use Apple Pay with cards issued in Korea, but thanks to this update, you can now complete your Baemin payments in just one second with your iPhone, without any complicated verification steps.

• Android

• iPhone

'# Coupang Eats: Perfect English UI and Direct International Card Registration

If you're worried about language barriers, Coupang Eats is the answer. If you change the language to English in the app settings, you can easily check categories and even detailed menus for each store in English. What's even more surprising is that they added a feature to directly register international cards as a payment method within the app from late July 2025. You no longer need to borrow a Korean friend's ID for a 'proxy order'.

You can sign up with email, but I recommend using a tourist SIM (number) that can receive calls in Korea for essential communication with the delivery rider. Registering international cards works without any issues.

• Homepage

'# Breaking Down Communication Barriers: Use Papago for Detailed Requests!

For Baemin, menu translations might not be perfect yet. When that happens, you can actively use Naver's image translation app, 'Papago'.

"맵지 않게 해주세요(Please make it less spicy)"
"치킨무 많이 주세요(Please give me extra pickled radish)" If you translate detailed requests like these with Papago and paste them in Korean, you can completely prevent communication errors with the rider and restaurant owner.

'# Top 3 Delivery Menus Foreign Travelers Love Most

Among countless menus, here are the delivery foods that foreign travelers are most satisfied with.

Number 1 is definitely 'Sun-sal Banban Chikin (Boneless Half & Half Fried Chicken)'. Many people aren't used to eating chicken off the bone, so the boneless option is a must.
Number 2 is the classic K-drama combo, 'Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) Set'.
Number 3 is the sweet and creamy 'Rose Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)'. If you just recommend these three, you can't go wrong.

It rained this morning.
It was cold autumn rain. There's a rain forecast for the 10/18 weekend too.

They said there'd be a lot of rain this autumn...

I'll look into how foreign travelers can use public transport.
I'm looking this up for the first time too, so you should cross-check it.

'# iPhone Apple Wallet T-money

Open the Wallet app and tap the + button on the top right.
Then select Transit Card.
From the country list, choose South Korea → Tmoney.

On the next screen, tap Continue.
Set the top-up amount (choose from ₩10,000 / ₩30,000 / ₩50,000 or enter it yourself) and then tap Add, and you're done.
​
It's not too hard up to this point, and South Korea is at the top of the country list, so it's easy to find.

• References
  • iphone-transit-card-how-to-use-tmoney-with-apple-pay
  • getting-around-korea-after-you-arrive-the-only-transit-card-guide-you-need

'# If you have foreign currency cash or want to make regular payments, WOWPASS

• It has T-money functionality, so you can handle currency exchange and a transit card all at once.
• WowPass balance and T-money balance are managed separately, so definitely keep that in mind. (You might wonder, 'Why can't I ride the subway even though I have money on the card?')
• You can top up your T-money balance through the WowPass app.
• References
  • https://www.wowpass.io/en/guide

'# If you have Korean Won cash, a physical T-money card (inconvenient)

• Just buy the card at a convenience store and top it up with cash, and you're done!

It'll be easy once you try it.
I hope you have a good day today~

Hangang Park (Hangang Gongwon) is a popular spot. It's especially popular in spring and autumn, and people who enjoy running or cycling use it regularly.

There are many Hangang Parks in different areas, but the ones in downtown Seoul are convenient to use. Banpo Hangang Park, Ttukseom Hangang Park, and Yeouido Hangang Park are my favorites. There are others, but their facilities aren't as good.

• Ttukseom Hangang Park Homepage

'# How to Get There

Get off at Jayang Station (Line 7) and head towards Hangang Park. It's easy to find if you follow where most people are going.

• Subway Map Page

'# What to Eat

When you go to Hangang Park, you can either get takeout from a restaurant or order delivery to the park. Buying food from the park's convenience store is also an option ^^

My recommendation is to pack your favorite food to bring along. If you want something easy, use the convenience store. At the convenience store, you absolutely must try Hangang Ramyeon (instant noodles cooked at the park). It's not particularly special, but eating ramyeon outdoors tastes great haha.

• Ttukseom Hangang Park Delivery Zone

'# Picnic Item Rental Shop

• Rental Shop Link

Prices will be similar at other places too. Renting from the park entrance will make returning items easier. There are also package deals, so consider renting a package instead of individual items.

'# Ttareungi (Seoul Public Bicycle) Rental Station

Ttukseom Hangang Park Rental Station Location → Rental Station Map

This is what it looks like. You'll recognize it right away.

• Ttareungi Rental Station Map

'# Nearby Places to Visit

You know how hot Seongsu-dong is, right? Seongsu-dong is also close by. You can even walk there.
Konkuk University Station (Konkuk-dae-ipgu) has many Chinese restaurants here; if you like yangkkochi (lamb skewers), I recommend it!

I quickly wrote this post because I wanted to share this information while cycling along the Hangang River yesterday.

I hope you have a pleasant trip today too.

I had a family birthday party at my parents' house.

It was a fun time, but before I knew it, our family gatherings now total 8 people. The kids have grown so much that their height now reaches my shoulders. Looking at what they eat, it's at the level of an average adult!

For this menu, we chose Sutbul Jang-eogui (charcoal-grilled eel), Jjukkumi-gui (grilled webfoot octopus), and Daeha-gui (grilled jumbo shrimp). These are delicious dishes for autumn. Korea has seasonal foods, so it's a good idea to look up information about them. In autumn, Jeoneo (gizzard shad) and Daeha (jumbo shrimp) are especially delicious.

Have a fun day today too!