Taking my Garmin to South Korea - Any Tips for International Travel?

Hi there,

I’ve never been to Korea, but I’m interested in traveling there someday with a Garmin watch. I’ve done some research online and I can share some general tips with you.

• For navigation, you may want to download maps ahead of time to your watch, as the maps may not be as detailed or updated as in the US. You can also use your phone or a local guide for more accurate directions.
• For photography, you can use your watch as a shutter for your phone and take photos and videos remotely. Korea has many beautiful and interesting places to capture, such as palaces, temples, markets, etc.
• For activity tracking, you can use your watch to record your steps, calories, heart rate, and other metrics. You can also track specific activities like hiking, biking, skiing, etc. Korea has many natural and urban attractions to explore, such as mountains, parks, islands, etc. I would also recommend visiting other amusement parks like Everland  

I hope these tips help you prepare for your trip. I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Korea and enjoy using your Garmin watch. Have a safe and wonderful journey! 

Thanks so much for the insights! That's really helpful to know about downloading maps ahead of time. Do you happen to have any recommendations for specific apps or sites for offline SK maps? I'll definitely be using my watch to track steps and hikes around various parks and temples. Might you know if the watch can also connect to Korean cellular networks or if it's better to use my phone as the hotspot? Any other must-do activities you'd recommend around Seoul? Appreciate the tips!

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found my insights helpful. For offline South Korea maps, I would recommend using Google Maps, which is free that allow you to download areas and navigate without internet connection.

For your watch, I'm not totally familiar with D2 series, it depends on the model and the carrier you have. Some Garmin watches can connect to Korean cellular networks, but not all of them. You can check the compatibility of your watch with the networks in Korea on the Garmin website. If your watch is not compatible, you can use your phone as a hotspot.

As for must-do activities in Seoul, there are so many to choose from! Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum of Korea. You can learn about the history and culture of Korea, and see the beautiful architecture and gardens of the palace.
• 
  Explore the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with hundreds of hanok (wooden houses). You can walk around the narrow alleys, take photos, and even experience living in a hanok at a guesthouse.
• 
  Enjoy the nightlife and shopping at Myeongdong, one of the most popular and lively areas in Seoul. You can find all kinds of shops, restaurants, cafes, street food, and entertainment here.
• 
  Experience the Korean spa culture at a jjimjilbang, a public bathhouse where you can relax, sweat, and pamper yourself with various treatments.
• Try some of the delicious and diverse Korean cuisine, such as bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi, tteokbokki, and more. You can also join a cooking class and learn how to make your own Korean dishes.

I hope this helps you plan your trip to South Korea. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Have a great time! 

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I actually think I'm going to book a local guide to show me around for part of the trip since it's my first time there. Found this one that offers custom tours in South Korea https://gowithguide.com/korea

Hoping they can help explain some of the cultural stuff too. Always down to learn!

I was curious - have you ever done a guided tour before when traveling somewhere new?

Hi, I’m glad you found a good option for your trip to South Korea. I think booking a local guide is a smart idea, especially if you want to learn more about the culture and history of the places you visit. There are so many interesting things to see and do in South Korea. A local guide can help you make the most of your time and money, and also give you some insider tips and recommendations.

I have done a guided tour before when traveling somewhere new, and I really enjoyed it. It was a fully guided tour of Bangalore, India. The tour was well-organized and included transportation and meals. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, and he shared a lot of stories and facts about the places we visited. I learned a lot about the history, culture, and cuisine of Bangalore. It was a great way to experience the country and its diversity.

What kind of tour are you looking for? Do you have any specific interests or preferences? How long are you planning to stay in South Korea? I’m curious to hear more about your travel plans. 

It's good to know they can be a helpful way to learn about a new place.

For my trip to South Korea, I'm definitely interested in learning about the culture and history. But I also just want to experience the local food and explore different neighborhoods. I think a private guide could show me some off-the-beaten path areas beyond the major tourist spots.

I'll be there for about 5 days, so it would be great to get a good mix of guided sightseeing and also some independent exploration.

Hi, I’m glad you’re excited about your trip to South Korea. I think a private guide would be a great option for you, as they can tailor the tour to your interests and preferences. They offer a variety of tours, from cultural and historical to culinary and scenic. You can also contact them directly and ask for a customized itinerary that suits your needs and budget.

When you come back, let us know how it went :) 

Yes, will do. Thanks again for all the advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to provide suggestions. It's helped me feel more prepared to explore Seoul. I think private tours are a great way to mix guided learning with personal discovery.

Are there Garmin watches with cellular connection as well? Mine only have Bluetooth and Wifi.