Last Updated on 2025 年 8 月 4 日 by 総合編集組
2025 Korea Free Travel Guide: Key Highlights for a Seamless Trip
This comprehensive guide is designed for Taiwanese travelers planning a free-and-easy trip to South Korea in 2025, focusing on two critical aspects: luggage planning with Eastar Jet and navigating South Korea with local map apps. Below is a detailed summary of the key points to help international readers prepare for a hassle-free Korean adventure.
Introduction: Why Korea and Eastar Jet?
South Korea remains a top destination for Taiwanese travelers, thanks to its vibrant K-pop culture, iconic drama locations, and shopping havens. In 2025, the country’s appeal continues to grow with improved travel infrastructure. Eastar Jet, a budget-friendly airline, stands out for its affordable fares, allowing travelers to allocate more budget to shopping and dining. This guide addresses two pain points: how to pack efficiently under Eastar Jet’s baggage rules and how to navigate Korea effectively despite Google Maps’ limitations. It offers practical, up-to-date advice for a smooth 2025 travel experience.
Eastar Jet Baggage Planning: Pack Smart, Shop Smarter
Understanding Eastar Jet’s baggage policies is crucial for a cost-effective trip. As of 2025, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag (up to 10kg, 55x40x20cm) and one checked bag (up to 15kg, 158cm total dimensions). Overweight fees are approximately NT$25 per kilogram, so pre-trip weighing is recommended.
Korea’s shopping scene, from cosmetics to snacks, can quickly fill luggage. To optimize space:
- Outbound Packing: Travel light with essentials like passports, chargers, adapters (Korea uses 220V round plugs), and versatile clothing. Avoid heavy jackets, as indoor heating is common.
- Shopping Space: Reserve at least 5-7kg for purchases like face masks (1kg for 10 boxes), clothing (2kg for 5 pieces), and snacks (3kg). Collapsible bags are ideal for return trips.
- Fragile and Liquid Items: Wrap cosmetics in bubble wrap and place liquids in sealed bags to prevent leaks. Liquids over 100ml must be checked in.
- Avoiding Overweight Fees: Weigh luggage before departure and consider wearing heavier items. Pre-purchase extra baggage online for savings.
- Airport Delivery Services: Incheon and Gimpo airports offer luggage delivery to hotels or back home, costing 8,000-12,000 KRW per item.
Pro Tip: Wear your bulkiest shoes or jacket during boarding to free up checked baggage space.
Navigating Korea: Top Map Apps to Replace Google Maps
Google Maps is unreliable in South Korea due to local data restrictions, making local apps essential. This guide recommends three apps tailored for travelers:
- Naver Map:
- Features: Real-time transit routes, offline map downloads, restaurant reviews, and Chinese interface support.
- Pros: Accurate and comprehensive, ideal for metro and walking routes.
- Cons: Slightly complex for beginners.
- How to Use: Download from app stores, set to Chinese, and input destinations like “Myeongdong” for routes.
- Kakao Map:
- Features: Voice navigation, real-time bus schedules, and user-friendly design.
- Pros: Simple interface, great for bus navigation.
- Cons: Limited coverage in rural areas.
- How to Use: Download, enable location, and select transit options for step-by-step guidance.
- Korea Travel Map (Hancom Map):
- Features: Tourist-focused with curated lists of attractions and eateries.
- Pros: Rich travel content, Chinese support.
- Cons: Less robust navigation features.
- How to Use: Download and browse by category for travel inspiration.
Offline Use: Naver Map offers downloadable maps, while Kakao Map supports limited offline queries. Ensure apps are installed and set up before departure.
Comparison:
- Metro: Naver Map excels with detailed station exit info.
- Bus: Kakao Map provides real-time bus arrivals.
- Walking: Naver Map is best for navigating small alleys.
Practical Integration: From Airport to Return
- Airport to Seoul: From Incheon, take the AREX train (60 minutes, 6,200 KRW) or airport bus (80 minutes, 15,000 KRW). From Gimpo, use Metro Line 5 (30 minutes, 1,450 KRW). Apps like Naver Map guide transfers.
- Shopping Areas: Myeongdong (cosmetics), Dongdaemun (wholesale), and Hongdae (trendy shops) offer storage lockers (3,000-5,000 KRW). Use map apps to locate stores and lockers.
- Convenience Store Delivery: CU and GS25 stores offer luggage delivery for 6,000-10,000 KRW, ideal for sending purchases to hotels or airports.
- Return Prep: Sort and weigh luggage at your hotel, ensuring it’s under 15kg. Process tax refunds at Incheon Airport with receipts.
- Emergencies: Use map apps for location pinning if lost. Apps like Naver Papago help with language barriers (e.g., saying “Eodiyeyo?” for “Where am I?”).
Final Checklist and Tips
Before departure:
- Verify passport, visa, tickets, and hotel bookings.
- Download map and translation apps.
- Pack essentials and reserve shopping space.
Checklist:
- Passport and visa
- Travel insurance
- Chargers and adapters
- Comfortable shoes and umbrella
This guide ensures Taiwanese travelers can confidently plan their 2025 Korea trip, leveraging Eastar Jet’s affordability and powerful local apps for navigation.
FAQs
- What if my luggage exceeds Eastar Jet’s limit? Pre-purchase extra baggage online for savings.
- Which app is best for beginners? Kakao Map’s simple interface is ideal.
Recommended Reads
- Korea Food Guide
- Seoul Top Attractions
- Korea Shopping Must-Buys
