More Seoul scoops
Get there
United Airlines operates one direct flight daily from San Francisco to Seoul, and several others with connections, starting at $860 round-trip. A direct flight is about 10 hours; total in-air time is about 12 hours, including the flight from Denver to San Francisco.
Staying connected
Paris Baguette, Mister Donut and Starbucks provide free Wi-Fi. You also can sometimes snag free connections from the streets. There are Internet cafes sprinkled across the city, but the one we used had really slow computers.
A few free iPhone apps
Jihachul subway map:This is the must-have app, because the subway system is the easiest way to get around Seoul. The program features an interactive map of all lines on the system. After entering arrival and departure stations, the app will calculate the shortest route. It also includes the layout for the various exits at each station, which can include more than a half-dozen.
Currency converter: Search those words, and the top-notch, easy-to-use one with current rates by OANDA Corp. is the first to pop up. Use the results as a general ballpark for what you might get, because exchange rates at airports and hotels aren’t as good.
iTranslate: This app provides both written and spoken translation, but requires an Internet connection.
iTour Seoul: The app is huge, but that’s the key. You won’t need an Internet connection to use it. It lists restaurants, landmarks, hotels, shopping and other categories.
Skype and Skype WiFi: The public Wi-Fi network in Seoul is vast, and you can use the Skype WiFi app to access it. It costs about 16 cents a minute. Be sure to load up your Skype account with funds before leaving. I used the standard Skype app for all of my calls to the U.S.
United Airlines: You can check in, check flight status and get a mobile boarding pass. With the mobile boarding pass, instead of showing the paper pass to Transportation Security Administration and United agents, you scan your phone at the security line and boarding gate.
