Seoul accelerates faster than visitors expect. T-money cards work on everything from transit to convenience stores — buy immediately at the airport. The subway system rivals Tokyo for efficiency but beats it for English signage integration. Convenience store food genuinely impresses — not just snacks but meals worth eating. Korean BBQ economics work best with four people; pairs pay the same for less meat variety. Delivery culture (배달) extends to everything including coffee, often free. Skin care and cosmetics cost fractions of exported prices — shop in Myeongdong or COEX. Nightlife districts operate 24/7, particularly Hongdae and Itaewon. Bukchon Hanok Village attracts Instagram crowds that genuine residence suffers under — visit early. Temple stays outside the city offer unique cultural immersion at reasonable cost. K-pop industry tourism has become its own sector with studio tours and themed cafes. Itaewon has gentrified from American military town to international restaurant hub. Traditional markets like Gwangjang serve food that restaurants imitate at higher prices. DMZ tours require booking and provide historic intensity within hours of city center. Japan tensions occasionally affect travel planning — check current news.