Pre-Trip Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for your Seoul glow-up trip. Check items off as you complete them, then download or print for reference.
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Before You Book Flights
Pick your dates (4-5 days recommended for a first-time trip)
Avoid extreme summer heat or winter cold if possible
Check flight routes & pricing
Recommend taking Air Premia to ICN for the long haul part of your journey, through LAX, SFO, EWR, HNL, IAD (best value for premium economy)
Decide your total budget
Flights + hotel + treatments + food. Use the Budget Calculator.
Download These Apps (Before Departure)
Saily eSIM
Buy Korea data plan, install eSIM before flight
Google Maps
For reviews and POI info (not directions)
Naver Maps
For actual navigation and transit directions
Uber
Primary rideshare – works again in Seoul
k.ride
Backup rideshare, add payment method
KakaoTalk
For communicating with clinics
Google Translate or Papago
For quick translation needs
Pocketalk
For high quality real-time verbal translation
Research & Planning
Research clinics on Instagram
Look for before/afters, vibe, neighborhood
Book one main and one back-up consultation
Same neighborhood, same day or consecutive days. Just in case your first choice is the wrong vibe
Write down your skin concerns
Be specific so you can communicate clearly at consultations (e.g., wrinkles, sagging, blemishes, acne, et al)
Decide what you WON’T do
Set boundaries before consultations (e.g., no fillers)
Set max treatment budget
Decide before walking into consultations. Share your budget with the clinic.
Book Accommodations
Gangbuk (north of river)
Near Gyeongbokgung recommended. Four Seasons (luxury) or Nine Tree Parnas (mid-tier).
OR
Gangnam (south of river)
Near Apkujung Station. Andaz (higher end)
Pack These Essentials
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
No need for much cash, cards work everywhere
$20-50 in cash
Upon arrival use ATM at airport or c-store. Needed for subway tickets or T-money card, and just in case