travel guide in seoul

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Seoul Travel Guide: What To Do and Must-Visit Attractions

With airports opening back up and tourism increasing in the past year, there’s plenty of destinations for you to choose from.

One of those places is Seoul, South Korea, which is home to brilliant exhibits of culture and art. What is there for you to do in Seoul, and is it worth it?

Seoul, South Korea is a large city filled with culture and tourist activities that make it worthwhile. Not only is Seoul a very safe city to visit, but it is rising in popularity due to the impacts Korean culture, entertainment, and business has had on the rest of the world. Seoul is among the most visited cities in the world. 

The rest of this article will cover what to do in the city, where to stay, what Seoul is known for, and a brief conclusion.

What To Do In Seoul

Seoul (서울) is a vibrant city with gorgeous sights and culture you have to see. But before we get into that, we have to talk about one of the most important parts of South Korean culture: the food. Between side dishes, street food, and stews, South Korea has a versatile cuisine!

Side Dishes

A staple of Korean culture are the side dishes served with each meal. Called Banchan (반찬) by Koreans, side dishes is an idea that dates back to the Korean royal court cuisine, which consisted of anywhere between 2 to 12 side dishes.

Cheaper restaurants tend to serve less, but each side dish is tasty and compliments the meal. Banchan arrives before meals, but don’t confuse them with an appetizer. 

They are included in the cost of the meal, and the best part: they have free, unlimited refills!

Some common side dishes are: kelp noodle salad (cheonsachae salad or 천사채), spicy Korean coleslaw, sweet and salty soybeans (kongjabean or 콩자반), sweet and salty lotus roots (yeonkeun jorim or 연근조림), and Korean style sausage stir fry.

Street Food

If you’re looking for an alternative to dine-in restaurants, street food is just for you! Street food is ready-to-eat food you can buy from local vendors. 

Even better: vendors are easy to find and are lined up and down the Seoul streets, all you have to do is find the one that suits you!

There are plenty of foods to choose from, so get your chopsticks ready. For starters, you have to try Korean style fried chicken. It’s a must when you’re in Seoul. 

Street vendors will absolutely sell Korean fried chicken, and you should at least try them while you’re there!

There’s also bibimbap (비빔밥). Bap (밥) in Korean literally means rice, or meal. Therefore, bibimbap translates to mixed rice. 

Bibimbap has warm rice and sauteed and or seasoned vegetables. A raw or fried egg and sliced meat, normally beef, are included as well.

Korean dumplings ( mandu or 만두) are another commonly served street food dish. There are many different types of dumplings you can get such as vegetable dumplings, beef dumplings, and or pork dumplings. These foods are all super tasty and super affordable!

With Seoul having a cool climate, soups and stews are a significant portion of a Korean’s diet. One popular stew is known as Army stew. 

This stew has American processed meat such as Spam, ham, bacon, and hot dogs. Those meats are mixed into a Korean stew with kimchi .

Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개) is a stew made with kimchi and various other ingredients such as pork or seafood, scallions, onions, and diced dubu. This stew is a popular choice in South Korea, and it’s a common stew to find in Seoul.

Lastly, another popular stew is Korean crab stew (kkotgetang 꽃게탕). This stew is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a stew with a flower crab as the primary ingredient. 

There’s also Korean radish, garlic, dried anchovies, and other ingredients that vary by the recipe.

The Sights In Seoul, South Korea

Seoul itself is an architectural landmark. There are specific sights in Seoul that are places you have to visit while you’re there. 

A few of those places are: N Seoul Tower, the Ansan Starlight Village, and the Jogyesa. There’s also entertainment like underground shopping.

N Seoul Tower

The N Seoul Tower is famous for its location and height allowing access to the gorgeous skyline of Seoul. 

Back in 1969, it was utilized as Korea’s first general radio wave tower. TV and radio broadcasts would play from the N Seoul Tower to the surrounding metropolitan area.

This tower is 236 meters high and is the second-highest point in Seoul. It is a communication and observation tower on Nam Mountain. 

The N Seoul Tower is in the center of Seoul, which is why the height and location is so perfect for tourists looking to get amazing pictures.

Ansan Starlight Village

Perhaps the brightest pick on this list, the Ansan Starlight village is a radiant garden along the expressway of Ansan. 

It is known for being festive and romantic all-year-round, and displays of over 200 animals are there. These animals include: owls, cranes, swans, elephants, and more.

Not only does it provide an astonishing atmosphere for relaxation and Instagram posts, but it’s also an area that sparks romance. 

Marriage proposals are a common occurrence there due to the perfect lighting and activities.

The Jogyesa (조계사) is a Korean Buddhist temple. It is the chief temple of the Jogye Order. The building itself dates back to the 14th century, becoming the chief temple in 1936. It is located in central Seoul, and it is known for its zen environment.

Not only is the architect magnificent, but the nature surrounding it is fresh and preserved, just like the temple. 

The Jogyesa is a common tourist site for experiencing royal palace life. You can tour the building with a guide and see all the history and architecture with your own eyes.

Underground Shopping

A famous activity in Seoul is underground shopping. Two examples of underground shopping areas are the Express Bus Terminal Underground Center and the Gangnam Underground Shopping Center. 

These shopping areas are perfect for good finds, even on a rainy day.

Many of the shopping centers, both above ground and underground, are located in Myeongdong , the shopping district of Seoul. 

Underground shopping centers don’t risk putting a large dent in your budget. They’re cheap yet fashionable and useful.

Some tips for underground shopping are to bring cash with you and check out the trendy stores. Some items require cash, no credit. 

As for the trendy stores, you can find the latest fashion trends at underground stores for more affordable prices, so be on the lookout for that!

Where To Stay In Seoul

When it comes to the size of South Korea, it’s not as large as other countries like America. So, their compromise was to build their buildings upwards to make more space, not side-to-side. This means there are many apartment buildings and hotels all around Seoul.

There are 5 main districts in Seoul you should consider staying near: Myeongdong , Hongdae , Gangnam , Itaewon , and Jamsil .

Prices and quality depends on which area you choose. There’s Myeongdong (명동), which is known for being a huge shopping district. 

The Westin Josun Seoul Hotel is only a 5-minute walk away from the bustling life of Myeongdong. It’s a highly rated hotel with many activities inside.

The shopping district has everything you’ll need from body care items you misplaced to trinkets and K-pop albums. There are department stores, shoe stores like Adidas, perfume shops, skincare stores, H&M, and many more for all your traveling and souvenir needs.

Hongdae (홍대) is for those craving an adventure more indie and fashionable. It’s a creative district with plenty of cafes and Korean BBQ. Mono House Hongdae is a minimalist housing property that’s affordable and only 5 minutes away from the Hongik University Subway Station.

The entertainment value at Hongdae is incredible. The Tricky Eye Museum Seoul relies on visual tricks to keep you on your toes and show you various art. There’s also clubs for dancing and music. Hongdae as a whole values urban arts, indie music culture, and entertainment.

Gangnam (강남구) is a wealthier district of Seoul, meaning higher quality living, but at the cost of much higher prices. The Park Hyatt Seoul is an expensive 5-star hotel that has a relaxing spa and gorgeous views of Gangnam. It’s worth the price for the views alone!

There’s also the Aloft Seoul Gangnam. This is a cheaper, 4-star hotel that’s the better option for those wishing for a taste of the high life without losing a significant amount of money in the process. It includes business services, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a lounge.

If you were called the life of the party growing up, Itaewon (이태원) is for you. It’s nicknamed the “Western Town” of Seoul due to the variety of international cuisine and entertainment offered there. It has multiple unique bars, restaurants, and activities around town all worth visiting.

The Grand Hyatt Seoul is a 5-star hotel with over 600 rooms and over 50 suites. It’s close to both Itaewon and Myeongdong, but it is expensive. However, it may be worth it since some amenities include an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi.

Jamsil (잠실동) is the best spot for families. It’s also great for those who love sports. Jamsil is home to not one, but two professional Korean baseball teams: the LG Twins and Doosan Bears. It’s rich with K-pop culture, and it’s also home to Lotte World, an amusement park.

The Lotte World Hotel is right beside the amusement park of the same name, and it is a 5-star hotel that also sits on top of Jamsil Subway Station. 

It’s the perfect hotel for your family to travel across Seoul and Jamsil, experiencing the amusement park as well as the culture.

What Seoul Is Known For

It would be impossible to talk about Seoul without mentioning the entertainment industry that has brought us popular K-dramas such as Squid Game, and the K-pop industry that brought us the worldwide superstars BTS. Seoul is overflowing with creativity and art.

Fun fact: Seoul is the birthplace of K-pop. Although the term wasn’t coined until 1999 by Cho Hyun-jin, Korean music groups rose from Seoul. 

History and culture is thriving in the city, and that’s what tourists go to visit. Places like the Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) are famous destinations.

One of the most famous aspects of Seoul is the street food. Street food is cheaper than restaurant food and it still tastes yummy. It’s a perfect alternative to when you don’t want to spend a lot of money, and you want to wander around the streets of Seoul while eating.

South Korea is known for its beauty standards and skincare . Koreans use natural ingredients to keep their skin clean and smooth. In the west, Korean skincare products and routines are popular because of the glowing skin they cause. Many of these products come from Seoul.

Lastly, Seoul is known for the preserved royal temples around the land. There are more than 900 traditional Buddhist temples that are centuries old. In total, there are over 20,000 temples in Seoul.

Seoul is a beautiful and safe city for tourists that has grown in popularity over the years. It is known for its rich culture, entertainment, skincare, K-pop, and preservation of traditional Buddhist temples.

The food is a must-have. There are various types of food such as side dishes, street food, and stews that will keep you invested in the culture surrounding you. There’s also the sights of Seoul like the N Seoul Tower, and those sights encourage you to snap countless pictures.

Lastly, the 5 main districts of Seoul you should consider visiting are: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon, and Jamsil.

Each individual place has its own lifestyle and culture. There’s the shopping, the indie culture, the wealthy, the partying, and the amusement park.

Don’t forget to check out Ulsan , Sejong , and Daejeon .

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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Seoul

By Katie Chang

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Though the global obsession with South Korea’s cultural and tangible exports (K-pop, K-beauty, K-dramas ) has at long last catapulted  Seoul into the limelight, travelers should understand that belying these of-the-moment pleasures is a rich, complex history stretching over 2,000 years. If there’s a single destination that embodies dichotomy, it’s Seoul. As South Korea’s capital and largest city, with over 26 million people in the metropolitan area, it offers a beguiling mix of historic and modern; natural and technological; affordable and extravagant. (Even the Korean flag is emblazoned with a yin-and-yang symbol.) 

It’s massive, too—sprawling over 233 square miles with the Han River dividing Seoul north to south. From there, the city is organized into 25 districts, which all have their own distinct neighborhoods. Centrally located Jung-gu, for example, is home to historic Gwanghwamun, shopping mecca Myeongdong, and hipster haven Euljiro. 

The most important thing to know? Don’t let Seoul’s size dissuade you. It’s easier than you think to get around, and there are free translation and navigation phone apps for extra peace of mind. But because Seoul is packed with things to do, places to eat and drink, and hotels to stay, we’ve narrowed down our top picks in this guide curated by a lifelong visitor. 

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler  are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Rakkojae Seoul in Bukchon occupies a lovingly restored hanok.

Getting there and around

After landing at Incheon International Airport, download the Papago app for Korean to English translations (and vice versa), and purchase a refillable T-Money Card to pay for taxis, subways, and buses—the three main modes of transport. While you can hail taxis, which are plentiful as they are affordable, from the streets, you can also book them in advance with Kakao Taxi . The app supports English, and lets you select your pickup, destination, and payment method. (If you’ve just landed at the airport; however, just head to a taxi stand outside.) Because traffic is regularly an issue, make the subway your primary way of getting around. Seoul’s system is widely regarded as one of the world’s best with spotless cars, free Wi-Fi, announcements in Korean and English, and even heated seats come winter.

Book a Matter of Mind class at Epkkot to better understand the brewing process behind traditional Korean spirits.

Epkkot founder Yang Yoomi likens the introspective process of brewing spirits to that of brewing with rice—both require constant tending. 

The best things to do in Seoul

Because traditional Korean spirits are trending big time right now, book a Matter of Mind class at  Epkkot 's lab and studio, discreetly tucked away in Chungmuro. Founder Yang Yoomi, one of Seoul’s few female distillers, guides participants on a creative journey to help identify their true selves while diving deeper into the world of Korean spirits. The introspective process, Yang believes, is similar to brewing with rice, whose grains must be constantly tended to. 

Though the Western art world has finally shifted its gaze towards Seoul, resulting in Frieze’s first art fair in Asia and international outposts of König Galerie and Pace, it’s important to support establishments like  Leeum Museum of Art ,  PKM Gallery , and  Kukje Gallery , who’ve championed their home country from the start. For a one-of-a-kind art piece you can afford to take home, visit Hyung Jun Kim and Seo Seok Man’s  THR Ceramic Studio in Gyeonggi-do, where they sell their quirky pieces depicting expressive goblins ( Dogabi ) and chickens ( Naldak ) and offer ceramic-making classes, too.

Seoul is a bonafide shopping mecca, and department stores—which double up as social hubs, giving you a glimpse into how everyday life in Seoul can look—take the crown with their convenience and mind-boggling variety. (Ground and upper floors are dedicated to different departments and brands, while basements house food halls and sell groceries.) Myeongdong’s  Shinsegae Department Store has been a beloved city initiation since 1930 and is considered by many as the most glamorous, while Yeouido’s  The Hyundai  is a stark white architectural masterpiece showcasing a well-curated mix of established and up-and-coming brands—many of them Korean—to attract a younger, more fashion-focused clientele.

  Jimbba is equal parts retailer of interesting Korean spirits and tasting room for a sip of something you can’t find back home.

Where to eat in Seoul

Want to discover a lesser-known side of Korean cuisine? Bypass the barbecue, and instead try  Pyongyang naengmyeon, North Korean buckwheat noodles in an icy beef broth, from  Wooraeok and  Jinmi Pyeongyang Naengmyeon . Another affordable everyday staple,  kalguksu , or knife noodle soup, represents comfort in a bowl. Though it’s doled out all across the city,  Myeongdong Kyoja has been serving up some of the best since 1966. (You can even ask for a free second helping of noodles.) And for sluggish mornings following late nights, a bowl of  gamjatang (spicy pork bone soup) from Seongsu-dong’s  Somunnan Gamjatang , a standby hangover remedy that’s open 24 hours, will fix you right up.

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For a well-crafted meal that won’t break the bank, make a reservation at  Miro Sikdang . Tucked away up a steep hill in Mapo-gu, the unassuming eatery adored by in-the-know locals sends out ingredient-driven homestyle Korean cooking such as Spam-studded spicy whelk salad and its famous  tteokbokki  (spicy stir-fried rice cakes). If you’re looking to splurge, Seoul has you covered with Michelin-starred restaurants like  Mosu ,  Jungsik , and  Mingles —all of which artfully present contemporary cuisine through a Korean lens. For a sweet treat like no other, drop by one of  Nudake ’s locations. The boundary-pushing dessert concept by hip eyewear brand Gentle Monster bakes up whimsical creations like Birth, a snow-white layer cake topped with edible egg-shaped candles, and Fog, a black-white ombre cake layered with cheddar-cheese cream and black-olive bits in a gallery-like setting.

Nudake has multiple locations across Seoul, all offering whimsical sweets, including Birth—a snow-white cake topped with edible egg-shaped candles.

The sculptural desserts come from the team behind hip eyewear brand Gentle Monster and are showcased in a gallery-like setting.

If you prefer to devote an evening to just one neighborhood instead of hopping around, consider Sindang. Similarly to what happened in Seongsu and Euljiro in the past few years, visionary creatives have started trickling in and reimagining the spaces that once belonged to rice shops and factories into some of Seoul’s buzziest new spots to eat and drink. Your best bet is to duck—that’s because the unmarked door is super low—into  Zoo Sindang , a hidden bar specializing in Chinese zodiac-themed cocktails right when it opens, then popping by  Jimbba , a chic nook that’s equal parts retailer of interesting Korean spirits and tasting room for a sip of something you can’t find back home. Next, grab an Arancia Granita (espresso topped with fresh orange sorbet) at  Mail Room —an impossibly charming new espresso bar done up in vintage art and knick-knacks—for a pick-me-up before dinner at  Bird Shop with a Mala Bird Burger, a hefty fried chicken sandwich smothered with mala paste and jalapeño yogurt. 

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Gwanghwamun is walkable to historic sites.

Where to stay  

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Gwanghwamun has everything you need for a convenient and culturally-rich stay. On top of being walkable to historic sites and attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, the venerated property pays homage to Korean heritage through original pieces by local artists like Choi Byung Hoon, chic accommodations kitted out with hanbok-inspired headboards and vintage pottery, a modern Korean sauna, and  Oul , a lively bar devoted to lesser-known Korean spirits. Other vetted luxury hotels include Gangnam’s  The Shilla Seoul , Park Hyatt Seoul , and  Grand Hyatt Seoul .

In Bukchon is  Rakkojae Seoul , the city’s most unique accommodations. Occupying a lovingly restored  hanok (traditional Korean house) that balances architecture with nature, the minimalist rooms remain true to their roots with classic touches like  hanji  (paper made from mulberry tree bark) wallpaper, and floors warmed by  ondol , an underfloor heating system for a hushed, tranquil experience that feels far removed the city.

Prefer to plant yourself in a busier setting? Book a room at the new  Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong , where bright and cheery accommodations await, and friendly bilingual staff can quickly steer you in the right direction.  Ryse, Autograph Collection Seoul is another solid pick, as the design-driven and laid-back vibe mirrors its address in Hongdae, an energetic neighborhood anchored by Hongik University.

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Home » Asia » South Korea » Seoul

SEOUL Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Seoul straddles both the contemporary and the historic and fuses tranquility and excitement effortlessly. Whether your Seoul itinerary involves sipping herbal tea in a small teahouse or making your way through the crowds at Everland theme park there’s such a remarkable zest for life in the city.

Seoul’s put on a dazzling show of making the best of its tragic history by preserving old traditions and blending them with modern technology!

From imperial capital to sophisticated metropolis, Seoul has undergone amazing transformations during its 2000-year history. Royal palaces are nestled beside towering skyscrapers and stunning new museums. Whether you’re interested in the modern or ancient, we’ve got the best of both worlds on our Seoul itinerary!

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Best time to visit Seoul

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If you’re planning a trip to South Korea , remember that the city experiences monsoon season. Summers are rainy and humid, while winters are both dry and cold.

Peak season falls during summer (June to August) so don’t expect any bargains! On the upside, though, there are exciting events to put on your Seoul itinerary during this season, such as the Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival and the Seoul Fringe Festival.

Low season is in the winter months, from December to February. It will be cold outside but the low costs may keep things cheery!

The best time to visit Seoul, then, is during shoulder season: March to May or September to November. There’s an ideal combination of medium crowds, average costs, and good weather at this time. Also, nature brings color to the city with delicate cherry blossoms in spring and vivid red-orange leaves in autumn? keep your camera ready!

Seoul is an enormous city that stays busy: even in low season, there are 10 million locals bustling around the capital! Finding the perfect accommodation in Seoul may be overwhelming but we have plenty of advice on where to stay in Seoul !

If you’re a first-time traveler to Seoul, the best place to stay is Gangnam neighborhood. Gangnam is as flashy and hectic as the iconic song it inspired but it’s also a solid practical choice as a base for your Seoul itinerary.

The area is a bit further from the top attractions but it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in contemporary Korean culture! Beneath the shiny skyscrapers, the streets are jammed with KPOP stores and Korean restaurants. The nightlife, too, is lots and lots of fun!

Insadong is another great place to stay during your trip to Seoul! It’s more arty than Gangnam and much more laid-back but it’s also conveniently situated for access to the major Seoul landmarks. Insadong is full of wooden tea houses and stunning temples, such as the Cheondogyo Central Temple. There are also plenty of art galleries to lose yourself in! Culture-lovers, this one is for you!

There are hostels in Seoul as well as hotels, home stays and apartments for rent. It depends on what you want and of course, your budget.

Best hostel in Seoul – Zzzip Guesthouse

If you’re looking for perfection on a budget, then this is it! Zzzip Guesthouse offers impeccably clean facilities, welcoming hosts and a convenient location. Guests continue to praise Zzzip for its friendly, social atmosphere. It also provides guests with a wide array of free services like Wifi and luggage storage, and also serves free breakfast daily!

Best Airbnb in Seoul – Artist’s luxury flat @Trendy area

Looking for somewhere uber-trendy to stay in Seoul? This artist’s flat features vintage record players, Beatles memorabilia and traditional Korean furniture. Not only will interior fans be in their element, they’ll have easy access to the city’s best shopping area and transport links all over the city.

Best budget hotel in Seoul – Hanok 24 Guesthouse

You may mistake Hanok 24 Guesthouse for a historical attraction but it really is a hotel and a budget hotel at that! The traditional building offers authentic traditional Korean living arrangements.

The beautiful structure is built around interleading courtyards and walkways. The rooms are very minimalist and there aren’t any western-style beds. The location is also wonderful with easy access to public transport and top Seoul attractions.

Best luxury hotel in Seoul – RYSE Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott

The RYSE hotel embodies contemporary, yet characterful luxury. The rooms have a minimalist, yet comfy atmosphere. They’re decorated with warm fabrics, statement lamps and breathtaking views of the cityscape. The hotel is also a hub of creative activity, with workshops taking place regularly. There’s also a library, a fitness center and a sophisticated gallery.

There are so many wonderful places to see in Seoul that it’s best to be organized. We’ve compiled a Seoul itinerary especially for you that will take you around the city for as many days as you like.

It’s impossible to visit Seoul and not use some form of transport because the attractions are quite far apart. Your nerves need to be truly shock-proof if you want to hire a car because drivers in Seoul have no time to lose! We recommend sticking to public transport, a system which is excellent in Seoul!

The public transport system is based around the subway and the buses. The subway is the most convenient method of transport and mastering the Seoul network is really proof that you visited the capital city! Buy a Seoul City Pass or a T-money card to save on public transport. And don’t worry about getting confused: the stop announcements are made in English, too!

We don’t want you to miss out on any part of this stunning country, which is why we recommend purchasing a Rail Pass. This is the best, and cheapest, way to explore South Korea using the well-connected transit system.

Enjoy unlimited train and bus rides on South Korea’s largest transportation network. Available for  7, 14, or 21 days  of travel.

Gyeongbokgung Palace | Bukchon Traditional Village | Jongmyo Shrine | Insadong | Gwangjang Market

Day 1 of your Seoul itinerary will give you a thorough grounding in the major historical landmarks in Seoul. It’s incredible how much you can see in just one day in Seoul!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Gyeongbokgung Palace

• Why it’s awesome: It’s the most magnificent of the royal palaces in Seoul.
• Cost: $3 USD or free with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces
• Food nearby: Hwangsaengga Kalguksu wins rave reviews from everyone. The delicious noodle soup and dumplings will keep you well-energized on day one in Seoul!

Gyeongbokgung was once the home of the powerful Joseon Dynasty which ruled Korea for around 500 years from the 14th century. The Joseon Dynasty bequeathed much of its language and culture to modern-day South Korea. Building on the palace began in 1385 and it has been carefully restored to give visitors a unique experience. In its hay-day, the palace consisted of about 330 buildings that bustled with 3000 members of staff serving the Korean emperor!

The complex was designed using both Chinese and Joseon styles. In fact, Gyeongbokgung is Korea’s version of the Forbidden City! Geunjeongjeon is the main building, a splendid, double-storied masterpiece. It was the throne hall for the Joseon kings: they were crowned here and carried out state business here. Also look out for Gyeonghoeru , a pavilion that was used for state banquets. It overlooks a man-made lake which the king used for boating.

Insider’s Tip: There are free English guided tours of the palace that run at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Bukchon Traditional Village

• Why it’s awesome: Put on a hanok (traditional Korean attire) and you might as well be back in the era of the Joseon dynasty! This little area has hardly changed at all and is a must on your Seoul itinerary!
• Food nearby: Cha Masineun Tteul is a renowned spot to try out traditional Korean herbal teas along with unusual desserts (try the yummy Steam Pumpkin Cake).

Even though it’s surrounded by imposing imperial palaces, Bukchon still manages to stand out! The beautiful houses with their iconic curved roofs and wooden features were originally inhabited by the nobility. Today, the remaining homes have been preserved as a cultural and tourist attraction.

The structures have been renovated into trendy cafes and sophisticated art galleries. And it’s not just tourists that love Bukchon , the local youth have injected a contemporary energy into this historic district!

There are many craft studios in the area that offer workshops to visitors: learning to make a paper doll or to imprint fabric with gold leaf are some of the best things to do in Seoul. Also, make sure that you peek around the corners to glimpse the charming little alleys that wind around the area!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Jongmyo Shrine

• Why it’s awesome: Jongmyo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the remains of early Joseon rulers.
• Cost: $1 USD or free with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces
• Food nearby: The ultra-modern Cafe Tong is a perfect contrast to Jongmyo but it’s a good spot to get a cool drink and a bite to eat.

Jongmyo is one of the most spectacular Seoul attractions. It’s the oldest and most authentic Confucian royal shrine in the world where royals worship their royal ancestors. The Jeongjeon, the main hall in the complex, is thought to be the largest single wooden structure in the world with a length of 109 meters.

Even though the Joseon dynasty is no longer in power, Jongmyo Jerye rituals are still carried out regularly as they have been done for the past 600 years.  As it’s such a spiritual space, Jongmyo Shrine is a lovely, tranquil wooded area that’s a good place to just pause and reflect.

  Insider Tip: Entrance to Jongmyo is free on the last Wednesday of the month! Also, be very careful of where you walk: certain pathways are for the ancestral spirits only! These paths are marked as such so keep an eye out.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Insadong

• Why it’s awesome: A DIY walking tour of Insadong will let you experience vibrant street-life in Seoul.
• Food nearby: Street food in South Korea is a serious business in Insadong so look out for corn cookies, dumplings and the legendary King’s dessert (16 000 strands of honey wrapped around an almond, chocolate or peanut center). Yum!

Insadong is full of some of the most interesting places to visit in Seoul. The Kyung-in Museum of Fine Arts hosts excellent collections of traditional Korean (and Japanese) craftsmanship. Also worth a visit is the Beautiful Tea Museum .

By now you will have realized how central tea is to Korean culture and you won’t be surprised to stumble on this little gem. There are displays on the history tea-drinking but if you want to just experience the history, pull up a chair and browse the extensive tea menu. Meanwhile, Tapgol Park is a small, pretty park that’s lined with national memorials.

Most visitors, however, end up in Insadong to stroll along the Ssamzie-Gil Market . This mall, which spills over into the street, is one of the best places in Seoul for souvenir shopping!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Gwangjang Market

• Why it’s awesome: Just catch a whiff of the scintillating smells coming out of Gwangjang and there’s not much you can do to stop yourself from wandering in!
• Cost: Entrance is free; dishes are around $4 USD
• Food nearby: Take your pick of dumplings or braised pig trotters: it’s all right here!

If you’re touring Seoul, you have to visit a food market and there’s no better way to celebrate day one of your Seoul itinerary than with a delicious meal! There’s no need to worry about finding Gwangjang Market: just mention the name to passers-by and when you’re close, you’ll be able to smell wonderful things!

Create your own dinner menu as you drift from one stall to another, sampling bean pancakes, rice wine and raw, live octopus! One of the nice things about Gwangjang is that it’s not just tourists who eat here, locals have been loving the cuisine here for decades! Grab a bench, tuck in and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere! Oh, and you can find some cheap food here so this place is great if you are backpacking Seoul on a budget .

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  Changdeokgung Palace | National Museum of Korea | Leeum Samsung Museum of Art | N Seoul Tower | Nanta Show

If you have two days in Seoul, you’ll be able to appreciate more of its imperial history and get to grips with its contemporary side. Day 2 will round off the most important Seoul landmarks to see on your trip with a real focus on Korean art and culture.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Changdeokgung Palace

• Why it’s awesome: Gyeongbokgung may be the most important royal palace but Changdeokgung is the most beautiful!
• Food nearby: Yongsusan offers delicious Korean fare, specializing in seafood, in an atmospheric setting.

Lovely Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts plenty of starstruck visitors through the Donhwamun Gate . The large gate with three doors dates from 1609, the original version having been built in 1412. Gyujanggak , the labyrinth of small offices, was originally assigned by the emperor to various courtiers.

The star attraction is Huijeongdang Hall , a large hall used by the king for state business. The original building was burned down in 1917 so the version you see today is a newer structure. However, the hall offers a unique example of Eastern and Western decor. Injeongjeon Hall is another space that was used by the Joseon rulers. It was the venue of the traditional New Year’s Festival, national ceremonies and diplomatic greetings.

Most visitors come to Changdeokgung Palace to see Huwon Gardens . It’s also called “The Secret Garden” as it was originally for the exclusive use of royalty. Even though it’s open to the public now, it still retains a magical atmosphere. The garden is an expansive area that’s full of charming lotus ponds, pavilions and 100 different species of flora! Beside one of the lily ponds is the Juhamnu Pavilion which was used by the king as a private library.

Insider Tip: You can only visit Changdeokgung on a tour and English tours run only twice a day ( at 11:15 and 13:15). To visit the Huwon, take the 10:30, 11:30 or 15:30 tours. You must book the Huwon tickets in advance so do so online or by coming very early (only 50 people are allowed in at a time).

For a truly special experience, book a moonlight tour of the palace. These are only available once a month, for $27 USD.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – National Museum of Korea

• Why it’s awesome: This museum makes history very attractive as it takes visitors through thousands of years in a swanky environment.
• Cost: Free for the Main Exhibition Hall and the Children’s Museum; Special Exhibitions have various charges around the $9 USD mark.
• Food nearby: Mirror Pond Restaurant is the in-house museum eatery. It’s a bit on the pricier side but it sure gets convenience bang-on. The park surrounding the museum is also a popular spot for picnics (you can buy snacks at the convenience store by the main entrance).

The National Museum does a wonderful job of imparting knowledge about Korea to visitors. It chronicles the country’s history from prehistoric time to the age of the Korean Empire. Make sure to admire the Baekje Incense Burner (a 6th/7th-century artefact);  the Golden Treasures from the Great Tomb of Hwangham ; and the Ten Storey Pagoda which comes from the Gyeongcheonsa Temple in the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The National Museum is also a modern architectural masterpiece. It’s built with steel, granite and concrete in an aesthetically-pleasing combination of lines and curves. The building was designed so that the sheer volume of space would be a centerpiece. The museum also emphasizes the harmony between the mountains and the water, and nature and culture.

Insider Tip: The museum offers free Wifi to download its app which serves as an audio guide. As you progress through the collections, the app will be triggered by Bluetooth signals to provide you with extra information!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

• Why it’s awesome: There are four floors of incredible Korean art in a beautiful setting!
• Cost: $9 USD for entrance; $1 USD for an audio guide.
• Food nearby: The in-house cafe, Artisée, has an arty ambiance and serves light meals and beverages.

Museum 1 houses traditional Korean art: Buddhist art, metalwork, paintings, calligraphy, Buncheong ware (blue-green traditional Korean stoneware), porcelain, and Celadon (the product of a practice similar to porcelain pottery that is considered to be one of the most advanced of the ceramic arts).

Museum 2 is for contemporary pieces from both Korea and the world. Works by the renowned local artists Chungjeon Lee Sang-beom and Sojung Byeon Kwan-sik are some of the highlights. Their works have defined the modern style of Korean painting. Alongside the Korean artists, the museum is also home to works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon.

Be sure to also admire the museum building itself: the seamless modern structure incorporates traditional craftsmanship like terra cotta tiles. It was designed by architects Jean Nouvel, Rem Koolhaas and Mario Botta. Don’t leave this wonderful attraction off your Seoul itinerary!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – N Seoul Tower

• Why it’s awesome: The views (and especially the sunsets) from up here are just spectacular!
• Cost: $9 USD
• Food nearby: There are five different eateries to choose from in N Seoul Tower: you’ll find everything from Korean fare to homemade burgers here!

Namsan Seoul Tower, on the top of Mt. Namsan, is an iconic Seoul attraction that’s a must-visit while in the South Korean capital. The spiraling TV and radio signal tower was built in 1969. It’s still used as a transmission antenna but has been open to the public since 1980.

The tower has undergone something of a facelift as it’s now one of the trendiest places to visit in Seoul. It has awesome LED technology that lights the tower up in numerous neon colors and patterns, making it a true Seoul landmark!

There are three observation decks at different levels in the tower and there are audio guides to help you pinpoint all the top Seoul points of interest!

Insider Tip: For a truly romantic experience, head up to the 7th level of N Seoul Tower to n.Grill, a French-style restaurant with stunning panoramic views. Entrance to the Observatory is free with an advance reservation at the restaurant.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Nanta Show

• Why it’s awesome: Nanta is a lively Korean theatre show that’s guaranteed to have you in stitches throughout!
• Cost: $35 USD -$62 USD
• Food nearby: We can only highly praise Myeongdong Gyoja. The lovely restaurant serves traditional Korean cuisine like noodles and dumplings.

Nanta is a funny, silent show set in a kitchen that’s based on the samulnori rhythm ( samulnori is a traditional Korean quartet of percussionists ). These shows have become so popular that they’ve toured all the premier theatres in the world. Even though the show has been going strong since 1997, visiting a Nanta show is still one of the best things to do in Korea.

Watching a Nanta show is a great way to wrap up 2 days in Seoul as even foreigners can appreciate the storylines and spectacular acrobatic feats. There are three dedicated Nanta theatres in Seoul but the Myeongdong Nanta is the most popular with tourists.

See  here  for availability.

Zzzip Guesthouse

Based in fashion and arts district Hongdae, this guesthouse is colorful, comfy and clean. The owners pride their venue for having a ‘family feel’ and uniting backpackers from all around the globe.

• Free breakfast
• Free luggage storage

Everland Theme Park | Changgyeonggung Palace | Deoksugung Palace | Trick Eye Museum | Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Gangnam Course

If you’re lucky enough to have 3 days in Seoul, there’s a variety of fantastic attractions to choose from! Enjoyed the imperial history on your first 2 days in Seoul? We’ve got more on our Seoul itinerary for you! Preferred the contemporary landmarks? We’ve got those, too!

Everland Theme Park

• Take a trip around the world and through the ages with some of the most exciting rides in the world!
• One-day entrance is $50 USD for adults and $39 USD for children (book online to skip the queues).
• It’s actually located within a resort, Everland Resort, so some visitors choose to stay overnight, but it’s totally possible to just spend a few hours in the theme park!

Make sure you put Everland Theme Park on your Seoul trip itinerary because it’s one of the most fun things to do in Seoul! Between rides, live parades and stunning gardens, it’s easy to get lost inside the park. However, there are five main sections so you can easily prioritize which attractions to visit in advance.

As the name suggests, the American Adventure section is inspired by American history, particularly the era of the Wild West. Expect rodeos and rock ‘n roll!

The European Adventure section boasts a Mystery Mansion ride where visitors shoot at the resident ghosts along the ride! There’s also a wooden roller coaster!

In Magic Land , you’ll find attractions based on the myths of Ancient Greece. Look out for the robot ride and the flying ride! If you feel like the company of animals, head to ZooTopia .

When you’re ready to take a break from all the rides, head to the Global Fair for some food and a spot of shopping!

Buy your tickets  here  before you go.

Changgyeonggung Palace

• This imperial palace is known as the one that is “overflowing with filial devotion” as it was originally built for the king’s father.
• Entrance is $1 USD or free with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces.
• The palace is full of stories about the Joseon dynasty’s personal relationships!

If you have 3 days in Seoul, you’ll have enough time to visit more imperial palaces. The third palace to put on your Seoul itinerary is Changgyeonggung Palace, which was built in the 15th century by the Joseon Dynasty.

It was partially destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century so today’s beautiful structure is only a shadow of its former glory.

The first attraction inside the palace is Okcheongyo Bridge which is built over a pond, in the style of all Joseon bridges. Next, drift towards the Myeonjeongjeon , which was once the king’s office.

The Munjeongjeon was used as a hall for state business. In one particularly tragic case, King Yeongjo had his mentally-ill son executed outside the hall after discovering that the future ruler had been terrorizing his own people.

Tongmyeongjeon , the biggest building in the palace complex, was for the queen’s use. It’s one of the most decorative parts of the palace.

Also look out for the Punggidae , an instrument which was used to measure the speed and direction of the wind.

Deoksugung Palace

• Deoksugung Palace is another royal residence that was used by the Joseon dynasty.
• Changing of the Guard takes place thrice daily at 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30.

The “Palace of Virtuous Longevity” is the fifth and final imperial palace on your Seoul itinerary. The Joseon dynasty used it after the Japanese invasion damaged their other palaces. The palace was inhabited by the Jonseon emperors until 1919 when the last true emperor died in his Deoksugung apartment, the Hamnyeongjeon.

Deoksugung is a fascinating blend of western and eastern styles. Junghwajeon , the primary throne hall that’s decorated with dragons and gilded finishings, epitomizes indigenous design. Seokjojeon , on the other hand, was designed by a British architect in the neoclassical style. It now houses a lovely art collection.

Insider Tip: Join one of the free guided tours in English to fully appreciate the pretty palace. There are tours at 10:45 and 13:30.

Trick Eye Museum

• Ready to have your whole world turned on its feet? There are some bizarre optical illusions here!
• Entrance is $13 USD for adults and $11 USD for kids.
• Download the Trick Eye app to expand the optical illusions that are showcased!

If you’re all about the weird and wacky, then put the Trick Eye Museum on your Seoul itinerary! From blending into a 3D painting to sitting in a life-size ice sculpture carriage, you can do all of it here!

The Mirror Maze is one of the most popular attractions in the museum. It may leave you breathless and a little dizzy as you continuously lose your way but it is also lots of fun!

The museum also presents an unusual gift shop: one where you can make your own souvenirs! Another popular activity is dressing up in a hanbok (traditional Korean attire), having your hair and make-up done and then doing a photo shoot!

See  here  for availability.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Gangnam Course

• Yes, Gangnam isn’t just a song, it’s a real place!
• Tickets are just $13 USD each.
• This bus tour provides the perfect combination of convenience and flexibility for your visit to Gangnam!

If you have an extra day in Seoul, then a visit to Gangnam must be on your Seoul itinerary. The area behind the hit Psy song is a busy hub of business facilities and creative outlets. You’re allowed to use the bus pass for an entire day and audio guides are available to make the most of the tour.

Some of the top Seoul attractions are stops on this tour. Don’t miss Bongeunsa Temple , a Buddhist temple built all the way back in 794. There is a 28m tall statue of Buddha and some beautiful gardens. Go at 18:40 to witness a percussion ceremony that the monks conduct daily.

Another key stop is K-Star Road which is lined with boutique stalls, K-Pop record labels and GangnamDols of top singers. Psy’s GangnamDol is 3m high!

The Seoul Olympic Park is also worth a visit. It was built for the 1988 Summer Olympics and includes 6 different stadiums. There’s also a beautiful collection of art throughout the complex.

Seoul is generally a very safe city to visit but there are a few things to look out for. The first thing that tends to alarm most people is the proximity to North Korea. Other common concerns include fears about speeding and eating street food. Don’t worry; just follow our tips on staying safe in Seoul and you’ll be just fine!

Pickpockets do frequent Seoul landmarks so keep all your valuables safely on your person and in sight at all times. Locals are generally very friendly but if someone seems just a bit too familiar, back away. Drugs are illegal in South Korea and the penalties for drug users are severe so stay clean in Seoul.

Politics is full of pitfalls in Seoul. If you see a protest taking place in the capital (which is very likely), do not join, ever! It’s illegal for foreigners to protest in South Korea. Also, avoid talking about the Korean War and be on your best behavior if you visit the Demilitarized Zone (which is still actually guarded by soldiers).

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Seoul

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Get to see a bit more of South Korea by leaving the city on one of these fabulous day trips from Seoul!

South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half & Full Day Tour

This tour allows you to get up close with the Korean conflict by visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that’s on the border with North Korea.

You’ll also be able to explore The Third Tunnel which was engineered by North Korea as part of a 1978 attempt to invade South Korea.

At the Dora Observatory , you’ll be able to look into North Korea. This may be as close to visiting North Korea as you’ll ever get.

Hope that relations between the two countries will warm up remains, though, and you can see this in the Dorasan Station . This is the railway station that will be used for journeys between the countries if that day ever comes.

This day trip from Seoul is an essential on any Seoul itinerary.

Nami Island, Korean Style Garden of Morning Calm & Rail Bike

This lovely day trip from Seoul will show you South Korea’s natural side. Due to the beautiful landscape, Nami Island is the set location of many movies and K-dramas.

The Garden of Morning Calm displays traditional Korean gardens over 30 000 square meters! It’s particularly stunning if you visit in autumn.

There’s also an option to take a rail bike tour. With this activity, you’ll go for a rail bike ride an old train track in the countryside. There’s also the option of a Korean-style lunch.

Mt. Bukhan Hike & Korean-Style Spa with Full Body Treatment

On this full-day trip from Seoul, you’ll visit Mt. Bukhan, South Korea’s highest mountain. The hike only takes half of the day. You’ll be rewarded with lovely flora, stunning views from the top and the fresh mountain air!

If that’s not enough incentive, then remember that a spa treatment is included in the tour after your hike! During the treatment, you can enjoy a traditional sauna, a full-body scrub, an invigorating massage, a facial and a soothing hair wash! You’re sure to leave Mt. Bukhan even fresher and more energized than you were when you stepped into the bus!

Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple Group Tour

Seoraksan National Park is host to the Seoraksan Mountain, the 3rd highest in South Korea. This rugged mountain range will be the setting of a day trip from Seoul that combines nature, history and culture!

Enjoy views of the landscape along the Baekdam Valley as you journey towards Baekdamsa Temple. The Buddhist temple will offer a glimpse into the Buddhist traditions.

Then it’s on to the Naksansa Temple which was built around 1300 years ago! The awe-inspiring temple complex boasts numerous monuments which are all architectural masterpieces!

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour

This short and sweet day trip from Seoul will take you to the Hwaseong Fortress. Your guide will explain the architectural features and thrilling history that have made the fortress an iconic feature on any Seoul itinerary!

The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because, amongst other features, its original 6km long walls still survive! It’s so authentic that you may even be able to imagine yourself as a Korean soldier on the ramparts!

Things are a bit more luxurious at the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace which was the king’s palace during wartime or his travels outside of Seoul. Make sure you have your camera for the changing of the guard ceremony!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Seoul itinerary.

What should you include on a 5 day Seoul itinerary?

Don’t skip out on these Seoul highlights: – Gyeongbokgung Palace – Bukchon Traditional Village – Gwangjang Market – N Seoul Tower

Where should you stay if you have a full Seoul itinerary?

Staying in Gangnam will give you easy access Seoul’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Insadong is another great choice, it’s more laid back than Gangnam but full of culture!

Is solo travel in Seoul safe?

Seoul is very safe for solo travellers! Just stay out of politics and keep an eye on your bags and you’ll be totally fine.

What are the best day trips from Seoul?

The most popular Seoul day trips include the Demilitarized Zone , Nami Island, Mt. Bukhan Hike & Spa, and Seoraksan National Park.

The fusion of East and West, and the blending of old and new, is something that’s unique to Seoul. The enormous city boasts so many fascinating attractions that you could easily spend weeks in the Korean capital. If you’re planning a vacation in Seoul, you don’t want to miss out on all this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

But luckily, it doesn’t matter whether you’re spending 1,2, 3 or more days in Seoul because there’s an itinerary for everyone. From where to stay in Seoul to what to do in Seoul, we’ve given you all the answers. All you have to do now is to book your flight because our Seoul itinerary has everything covered for you!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Hi Aaron such a amazing blog and trip, i have a plan to go to Korea soon and i also found that you visit Gwangjang Market too, i heard there are alot of snacks there, i really want to try it when i reach there :), thank you so much for this post, give me alot of knowledge and information!

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Fashion- and technology-forward but also deeply traditional, this dynamic city mashes up palaces, temples, cutting-edge design and mountain trails, all to a nonstop K-Pop beat.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Gyeongbokgung

Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu

Like a phoenix, Seoul’s premier palace has risen several times from the ashes of destruction. Hordes of tourists have replaced the thousands of government…

Changdeokgung

The World Heritage–listed Changdeokgung is the most beautiful of Seoul's five main palaces. You must join a one-hour guided tour to look around. English…

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

Amid the celebrity-owned apartments on the leafy southern slope of Namsan is Korea's premier art gallery. Beautifully designed and laid-out, it balances…

Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

One of Seoul's five grand palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, Deoksugung (meaning Palace of Virtuous Longevity) is the only one you can visit in the…

National Museum of Korea

This vast and imposing concrete slab of a museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Korea's past from prehistory all the way to the Korean…

War Memorial of Korea

This huge museum documents the history of the Korean War (1950–53) using multimedia exhibits and black-and-white documentary footage, along with artefacts…

Gangnam & Southern Seoul

Located in the heart of ritzy Gangnam, the shrines and halls of the Buddhist temple Bongeun-sa, with its tree-filled hillside location, stand in direct…

Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park

Dongdaemun & Eastern Seoul

Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, this neofuturistic cultural complex was commissioned to replace the Dongdaemun Stadium, built during Japanese rule in the…

Top picks from our travel experts

13 of the best things to do in seoul, south korea.

N Seoul Tower & Namsan

The iconic N Seoul tower (236m), atop the city’s guardian mountain Namsan, offers panoramic views of this immense metropolis from its observation deck…

National Folk Museum of Korea

Give yourself at least an hour to do justice to this excellent museum. It has three main exhibition halls, covering the history of the Korean people, the…

Cheong-gye-cheon

With its landscaped walkways, footbridges, waterfalls and a variety of public artworks, such as the enormous pink-and-blue shell entitled Spring in Cheong…

K-Star Road

Gangnam's 'Hallyuwood Walk of Fame' pays homage to K-Pop stars in the form of cutesy bear sculptures dedicated to K-Wave singers and actors.

Namsan Park

Beloved by locals as a place for exercise, peaceful contemplation and hanging out with loved ones, Namsan was a sacred shamanistic spot when the Joseon…

Stylenanda Pink Hotel

One of the most popular brands for affordable, young women's casual fashion, Stylenanda's flagship store is especially notable for its pink design. The…

Gwanghwamun

The impressive main gate to Seoul's premier palace is flanked by stone carvings of haechi, mythical lion-like creatures traditionally set to protect the…

Bukchon Hanok Village

Meaning ‘North Village’, Bukchon, between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, is home to around 900 hanok, Seoul’s largest concentration of these traditional…

Gwangjang Market

This sprawling fabric market is now best known as Seoul’s busiest meokjagolmok (food alley), thanks to the 200 or so food stalls, kimchi and fresh-seafood…

Free your Seoul: 26 of the best no-cost things to do

Northern Seoul

This modern hillside temple is a pleasure to visit at any time of the year, but particularly in May when the grounds are festooned with lanterns for…

Seoul Museum of History

To gain an appreciation of the total transformation of Seoul down the centuries, visit this fascinating museum, which charts the city's history since the…

Cheong-gye-cheon Museum

To fully comprehend what a mammoth and expensive effort it was to resurrect Cheong-gye-cheon, Seoul’s long buried east–west stream, pay a visit to this…

Myeong-dong Catholic Cathedral

Go inside this elegant, red- and grey-brick Gothic-style cathedral, consecrated in 1898, to admire the vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows. The…

Gyeonghuigung

The Palace of Shining Celebration, completed in 1623, used to consist of a warren of courtyards, buildings, walls and gates spread over a large area. But…

Seoul Museum of Art

Hosting world-class exhibitions that are always worth a visit, SEMA has ultramodern, bright galleries inside the handsome brick-and-stone facade of the…

Ihwa Mural Village

High on the slopes of Naksan is one of the city's old daldongnae (literally ‘moon villages’) where refugees lived in shacks after the Korean War. Sixty…

Gyeongui Line Forest Park

This 6.3km park, named for the former Gyeongui Line (on which it was built), is a narrow, long green space that runs along the discarded railroad tracks…

Seoullo 7017

This overpass-turned-park is a green space in the heart of the city. About 24,000 plants are grown here, including various types of flowers and trees, all…

Oil Tank Culture Park

Originally built after Korea’s first oil crisis in 1973 and reopened in 2017, this cultural centre is made up of five abandoned oil tanks. Planted in a…

One of Seoul's premier malls and the world's largest underground mall, the shiny COEX is a vast maze of department stores loaded with shops selling…

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain

Covered with 10,000 lights, the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain's coloured water rains down in messy arcs from the double-decker Banpo Bridge. More…

Naksan Park

The lofty slopes above Daehangno offer fantastic city views and contain an impressive section of the Seoul City Wall, which you can follow in either…

The focus of Jogye-sa is the grand wooden hall Daeungjeon, Seoul's largest Buddhist worship hall and the epicentre of Korean Buddhism. Completed in 1938,…

Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine

Jeoldusan means ‘Beheading Hill’ – this is where up to 2000 Korean Catholics were executed in 1866 following a royal decree, most thrown off the high…

Seonyudo Park

A former water-filtration plant on an island in the Han River has been transformed into this award-winning park. The old industrial buildings have been…

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Why Go To Seoul

The blue and red yin and yang emblazoned on South Korea's flag represent balance – an ideal that was thrown off-kilter during the Korean War. But after the 1953 armistice, a modern Seoul bloomed anew. Today, the city is characterized by stunning architecture, vibrant culture and a thriving economy – all testaments to Seoul's resilience.

Seoul may seem like its blazing into the future, but South Koreans still hold fast to their rich heritage. Tucked between vast shopping districts and lively nightlife zones are relics of Seoul's history, windows into an old Seoul before the towers of concrete and steel. Gyeongbok Palace  – the oldest and largest of five Joseon Dynasty palaces in the city – stands on manicured grounds just minutes from downtown. Nearby, Bukchon Village 's wooden, one-story homes sit in sharp contrast to the surrounding high-rises. Miraculously, Seoul's past and present do not clash; rather, they play off one another. This harmonious blend of old and new is the key to Seoul's allure and a central tenet of the city's identity.

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Best of Seoul

Best hotels in seoul.

• in JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
• in Lotte Hotel World
• in The Shilla Seoul

Best Things to Do in Seoul

• # 1 in Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower
• # 2 in Bukchon Hanok Village
• # 3 in Bukhansan National Park

Popular Tours

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Korea DMZ Tour from Seoul-Hotel Pickup / option: Suspension Bridge

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Seoul City Sightseeing Tour Including Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village

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Seoul Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Seoul are from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is mild (average daily high temperatures stay below the mid-70s) and travel expenses are low. If you're a powder hound, you'll want to visit between December and February, when average daytime temperatures stay around the freezing mark and snow can be frequent. It's best to avoid the summer months, also known as monsoon season. During these months, Seoul is uncomfortably humid and full of tourists. What's more, hotel room costs are at fever pitch.

Weather in Seoul

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Respect your elders Korean customs hold senior citizens in the highest regard. Do as the locals do and offer the priority seats on the subway to the elderly.
• Count your decimal places 1,000 South Korean won equate to almost one U.S. dollar (actually about 90 cents), so an easy way to calculate approximate dollar costs is to move the decimal place on Korean currency to the left three places (10,000 won equals about $10).
• If it's late, call a cab The subway is reliable during the day, but it's closed between midnight and 5:30 a.m. That means night owls will have to find alternate means of transportation in the wee hours (just remember that cabs hike up their prices 20 percent between midnight and 4 a.m.).

How to Save Money in Seoul

• Purchase a SEOUL CITYPASS This transportation card covers 20 trips per day on the subway or the bus.
• Eat on the street Food stalls and 24-hour Korean "fast-food" joints offer a wide array of food options that are as pleasing to your taste buds as they are to your wallet.
• Shop "Tax Free" Foreign visitors can be eligible for a tax refund for goods they take out of the country. Look for shops that display "Tax Free" signs. Before you leave Seoul, declare your items at airport customs and receive your refund. Find out more about tax refunds on the Korea Tourism Organization's official website .

Culture & Customs

South Korean culture is still deeply rooted in ancient Confucian principles, including a strong dedication to family and society. Because of Koreans' respect for the hierarchy system, family elders and ancestors are honored above all. To uphold Korean etiquette, bow to elders in greeting (younger people are expected to bow lower than the elders out of respect) and allow them priority seating on public transportation. A bow when meeting anyone else is customary. And don't get offended if someone asks your age. Since elders are held with such high regard in Korean culture, oftentimes people ask as a way to avoid disrespecting anyone in their company. This is the same among youth culture, as younger people perceive themselves to have different roles in the group dynamic than the older participants, even if the age difference is only a couple of years. But don't worry too much about whether or not you're performing the social norms properly. Koreans have become well attuned to Western culture and don't expect foreigners to know the ins and outs of Korean etiquette (there are many different types of bows). It is also worth noting that in writing, Korean given names come after family names (the opposite is true in the United States).

South Korea's official currency is the South Korean won (KRW). One United States dollar equals roughly 1,118 won, but don't let all those decimal places scare you – won only comes in increments of 10 (10 KRW equals about 1 cent), so figuring out costs isn't terribly difficult. You can exchange money at most banks, and withdraw bills in increments of 10,000 won from ATMs. ATMs, however, have been a faulty means of getting cash for international travelers. Generally, ATMs in Seoul cater to those with Korean cards and even though your card may be listed as accepted, it still may not work. If this happens, the Korea tourism board recommends seeking out ATMs in heavily populated areas, such as train stations, bus terminals or department stores. To be safe, order Korean currency  before you go to Korea or obtain your money at the airport. 

Combat and instability are in South Korea's past, but it's important to remember that this peaceful, modern democracy's armistice with its northern neighbor has been called into question a number of times since the Korean War ended in 1953. There have been a few isolated skirmishes between the two Koreas over the past 60 years, but the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South actually stands as a safe tourist attraction.

While South Korea's crime rates are low, you should still exercise caution when it comes to personal safety. Seoul plays host to the same crimes symptomatic of any densely populated metropolitan area: Pickpocketing and purse snatching are more common in crowded areas. Don't walk alone at night and if you're a woman, exercise caution when visiting nightlife districts, as sexual assaults against women have been reported to the State Department . Make sure you only use legitimate taxis like the ones described in our guide to Getting Around Seoul too. The State Department also recommends travelers not join in protests of any kind (demonstrations are common in Seoul). If you find yourself in an emergency, dial 119 for an ambulance and 112 for the police. There are no required vaccinations for visiting Korea. Tap water is considered safe to drink but most travelers don't as the difference in water may cause stomach problems for far-flung travelers. 

What to Eat

Chowing down on hansik (traditional Korean food) is a cultural experience you won't want to miss – but it's also not for the ultra-squeamish. Many Korean meals include pickled ingredients, like kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage or other vegetables) and gochujang (fermented soy bean and red pepper paste), among other Korean flavors. Don't let fear of the unknown dissuade you – you're going to want to taste some of this.

If cabbage kimchi doesn't appeal to you, then perhaps Seoul's never-ending plethora of grilled meats will. Gather around a tabletop grill at a barbecue house and savor the aromas of sizzling samgyupsal (pork belly) or galbi (beef ribs). Watching you calorie intake? Head to one of the many Bon Bibimbap franchise locations around Seoul: Its namesake, bibimbap , comprises a bowl of rice, vegetables, chili paste, fried egg and (sometimes) marinated beef that will fill you up without putting a strain on your waistband (or your budget).

Truly adventurous eaters will want to head to Gwangjang Market, the oldest market in Seoul, where you can sample everything from mandu (rice-paper dumplings filled with ground meat or vegetables) to jokbal (pigs' feet boiled in soy sauce, ginger, rice wine and garlic). And remember to save some room for bindaeduk , a fried pancake made from ground mung beans that is reminiscent of a savory funnel cake. For more information about how to follow your taste buds around Seoul, visit the Korea Tourism Organization's official website .

Getting Around Seoul

The best way to get around Seoul is via the subway. You can throw in a taxi ride here and there if you plan on staying out late, or a bus ride if your destination is too far to walk. Seoul is too massive to be explored solely on foot, but it does contain some neighborhoods that were made for walking ( Bukchon Village , for example). Because Seoul's public transportation is so cheap and extensive, we advise against renting a car (plus, traffic in the city is legendary). If need be, you can rent a car at either of Seoul's two airports, Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). The vast majority of international flights come in via Incheon. You can take a taxi from Incheon or Gimpo into Seoul, or if you're looking to save a little coin, the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) train goes directly into the city too.

Entry & Exit Requirements

The Republic of Korea requires U.S. citizens to hold a valid passport for tourism and business trips lasting up to 90 days from when you enter the country. A trip lasting longer than 90 days or for another reason besides tourism or business requires a visa. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

Gyeongbokgung is the oldest and largest of Seoul's five Joseon Dynasty palaces.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Guide to Public Transportation

Neighborhood Guide

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Things to Do in Seoul

Amazing Temples

Where to Go Shopping

Best Museums

Foods to Try

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Seoul Guide: Planning Your Trip

A capital city for more than two millennia, Seoul draws in visitors with its food, culture, history, and highly-coveted cosmetics, among other things. Whatever the reason for your visit, you won't be disappointed by your trip to South Korea's bustling, vibrant capital. Get ready for your vacation with this complete guide including what to do, where to stay, and essential travel tips.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : While crowds are bigger, the weather in Seoul is at its most pleasant during spring and fall.
• Language: Korean
• Currency: Won   . 1,100 won is equivalent to $1.
• Getting Around : The Seoul Metro is fast, reliable, and covers a majority of the city and surrounding areas. What the subway doesn't reach, above-ground trains and buses do.
• Travel Tip: Buy a tourist T-money card, you get discounts on dozens of attractions, and it's good on the subway, buses, KTX trains, and in convenience stores.

Things to Do

Shopping, eating, and exploring the city on foot are the most common things to do in Seoul, as in any major city. Because of the city's extensive history, there are several palaces and historic neighborhoods ready to explore. Seoul is also filled to the brim with cosmetic stores where you can get very cheap, high-quality skincare products. The primary commerce areas also have dozens of street stalls selling cute socks and trendy clothes.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces. It was the former home of Joseon kings, and after being painstakingly restored, it's an incredibly popular tourist attraction. It's free to enter the first gate of the palace and to walk around the surrounding parks, but there is a fee to access the inner palace walls. Many visitors put on hanboks (traditional Korean dress) to walk around the palace. After visiting Gyeongbokgung, continue your tour of Korean history by walking to Bukchon Hanok Village. The neighborhood is filled with traditional homes and is free to visit.
• Namsan Tower is one of Seoul's most recognizable landmarks. The tower is at the top of a mountain and can be reached by hike or funicular. There, thousands of love locks are attached to fences and tree-shaped metal sculptures. It's exceptionally beautiful at night when you can see the sparkling city below, but be aware that you'll be sharing your view with dozens of couples.
• Olympic Park was built when Seoul hosted the 1988 Olympics   . It is a massive park with museums, walking trails, and the eternal flame. Sports and nature lovers alike will Olympic Park.

Add to your itinerary with our articles on the best things to do in Seoul , the top temples, and the best museums .

What to Eat and Drink

Foodies will love eating their way through Seoul. Whether it's trying cheesy egg bread, chowing down on ddeokbokki and fish cakes, or tucking into some Korean barbecue, Seoul has dozens of options, ranging from traditional Korean fare to international cuisine. Side dishes called banchan are served with all restaurant meals. The exact number of banchan that you will receive varies, but some sort of kimchi is guaranteed. While Korean cuisine is very meat-heavy, vegetarians and vegans will still be able to find restaurants that fit their needs.

As far as alcohol goes, South Korea is most well known for soju. It's readily available at almost all restaurants and convenience stores for less than 2,000 won (around $2). Soju pairs especially well with barbeque and fried foods. For a very Korean mixed drink, add a shot of soju to your glass of beer to make somaek . Makgeolli is another popular Korean alcohol. It is a type of rice wine and while it's not as widespread at soju, it's worth a try.

Find out where to eat with our article on the best restaurants in Seoul .

Where to Stay

Gangnam: Made famous overseas by PSY's viral hit "Gangnam Style," this neighborhood has tons of restaurants, high-end stores, and is home to the largest underground shopping center in Asia, COEX Mall .

Hongdae: Hongdae is a hot spot for live music, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. The neighborhood is close to several universities, so the crowds skew younger, and it's no surprise for streets to be bustling well into the early morning.

Itaewon: This area is home to a lot of expats, and as such, this is where you can find international restaurants and clothing in larger sizes. There are plenty of bars, cafes, and street art to check out. The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is in the area and has an impressive collection of traditional Korean and contemporary art.

Myeongdong: Myeongdong is a shopper's paradise. There are massive department stores along with smaller street shopping and dozens of cosmetics stores. It's also an ideal place to taste some Korean street food.

Learn more about the city's different neighborhoods and the best hotels.

Getting There

Seoul has two major international airports to choose from, but a vast majority of international flights from the U.S., Europe, and Canada fly into Incheon International Airport, the newer of the two. Gimpo International Airport is still a viable option and is closer to the city (although, since both are accessible on the same train line, the 30 minutes saved may not be a significant deciding factor).

Culture and Customs

• While Seoul is an international city and the number of foreign tourists is only growing, fluent English is not widely spoken or understood. That doesn't mean that you need to know Korean to enjoy the city; pointing and pantomiming is more than enough. However, some menus do not come in English, so having a translation app on your phone or knowing the Korean alphabet will come in handy.
• Air quality in Seoul has worsened over time. Fine dust (called "hwang sa" in Korean) used to only be an issue during the spring, but now it's a year-round threat. Purchase an air filtering face mask in convenience stores or pharmacies and keep an eye on the air quality for the neighborhoods you'll be in each day.
• Foreigners aren't held to the same cultural standards as Koreans, but it is considered rude to give or receive something, like money or a credit card, with one hand   . You'll notice that store workers will hand your card back with two hands, and it's polite to receive it with two hands. Most employees will also bow when greeting customers. When that happens, you should return the bow.
• Don't expect people to say "excuse me" when passing you on the street or when pushing past you on the train. It's just not a common practice in Seoul.
• When you want to ask for more water or side dishes at a restaurant, you should call out for an employee. Saying " sajangnim " (boss) or " yogiyo " (over here) is sufficient and is not considered rude. Some restaurants have a call button you can press instead.
• If you don't see any spoons or chopsticks on your table, check the sides. There is usually a drawer on the side of a table filled with chopsticks, napkins, and spoons.

Money Saving Tips

• When shopping at street markets, bring cash with you. While most places will accept cards, you will pay a 10 percent service fee.
• A tourist T-money card is an excellent investment. It costs slightly more (4,000 won instead of 2,500 won and is cash only), but it also gives discounts to popular attractions. Look for a card that says "Korea Tour Card" on it at the airport or in subway stations.
• It's very easy to have an excellent meal at a low price in Seoul. Street food stalls sell rice cakes, fried foods, sweet and savory hotteok , dumplings, and the list goes on. Restaurants in university neighborhoods like Hongdae or Sinchon also tend to be cheaper than in say, Itaewon or Gangnam.
• Many stores offer VAT refunds for purchases over 30,000 won ($25), and some will process the return on the spot—rather than at the airport. Make sure you bring your passport and save your receipts to get the refund.
• Some attractions like Gwanghwamun Palace have nominal entrance fees, but it's free to walk around the main gate.

Learn more about how to enjoy the city without spending a fortune by reading our guide to a budget trip to Seoul.

Seoul Tourism Organization . "All about Money in Korea."

Korea Tourism Organization . "Olympic Park."

Seoul Tourism Organization. "Etiquette."

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South Korea’s capital city is a living, breathing mashup of history and modernity. Centuries-old courtyards hug the roots of brand-new high-rises, and traditional teashops vie with Starbucks for customers. You’ll find this contrast everywhere: from the glitz and glamour of the Gangnam district (which the world now knows thanks to Korean pop star Psy’s massive hit song “Gangnam Style”) to the grand, tranquil palaces of the Jongno area. The dynamic capital burgeons with inventive restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Having rebuilt after the Korean War and hosted the world for the 1988 Summer Olympics, Seoul has now emerged as one of eastern Asia’s most vibrant cities.

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Photo By DiegoMariottini/Shutterstock

When’s the best time to go to Seoul?

Seoul’s humid subtropical climate has four distinct seasons, and there is no official off-season. Some say that the city is at its best in the spring when cherry blossoms bloom, while others prefer fall, when leaves turn into a fiery mass of red, gold, and brown. Winters can be brutal, but they lend the capital city a whitewashed beauty. Summer temperatures often rise into the 90s, with rain falling during the late-summer typhoon period. No matter when you visit, however, there’s plenty to do both indoors and out.

How to get around Seoul

Incheon International Airport is located in the city of Incheon, about 50 miles from downtown Seoul. The fastest way to Seoul is via the Airport Railroad Express train: It’s a bargain, at under $10, and you’ll be in the heart of Seoul in precisely 43 minutes. Buses (also $10) and taxis (at least $70) are available as well, if you are prepared to battle Seoul’s legendary traffic.

The Seoul subway is vast, yet easy to navigate. You pay by distance, and most rides cost between $1 and $2. Aboveground buses roll to every corner of the city for prices that range between $.75 and $2, depending on the route. It’s easy to find taxis waiting on every corner.

Tip: When hailing a taxi on the street, it’s more polite to flag it with your hand facing down, not up. Seoul is well connected to the rest of South Korea with excellent transportation options including high-speed trains.

Can’t miss things to do in Seoul

The N Seoul Tower rises from atop Namsan Mountain in the center of the city. Look for it to get your geographical bearings, or better yet, take the cable car to the top to get 360-degree views—on a clear day, you can see all the way to North Korea.

Food and drink to try in Seoul

Until relatively recently, it was unusual to find anything but strictly Korean fare in Seoul. While thousands of authentic Korean restaurants continue to serve up staples such as kimchi, galbi, and bibimbap, it has become easier to find Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Thai options as well. Street food is available on practically every corner, and you can fill your belly with dumplings, rice cakes, or deep-fried veggies for less than $5.

When it comes to drinks, cocktails and wine are growing in popularity but soju (a vodka-like distilled rice liquor) and beer rule. And did we mention that Seoulites love coffee? Every street is now peppered with cafes, from huge chains like Angel-in-Us to small independent shops.

Culture in Seoul

Seoul offers classic beauty in the form of countless palaces, courtyards, and other royal property that has survived the city’s modernization process. The city’s energetic art, fashion, design, and architecture scenes earned it a UNESCO World Design Capital designation in 2010, and you’ll encounter contemporary culture in galleries, boutiques, and public art installations.

Korea is a country that celebrates tradition, and the numerous local festivals are a testament to the people’s immense national pride. The Fireworks Festival lights up the sky over the Han River in October and the Lantern Festival brings a gorgeous glow to the banks of Cheonggyecheon Stream in November, but no matter when you go, your visit will likely coincide with some sort of celebration. In addition to classic and historic culture, Seoul is known for its style, boy bands, and a quickly shifting pop culture. Dip your toe into the scene with a Seoul Night Tour in Hip Hongdae from AFAR’s walking tour partner, Context.

Local travel tips for Seoul

Navigating your way through Korea, with it’s challenging-to-decipher Hangul alphabet, can be daunting. Fortunately, most signs in Seoul are also written in English, and many locals will be eager to help you find your way and practice their English. Visitors, remember this phone number: 1330. It’s the English-speaking tourist help line. The operators will help you with whatever you need, be it train schedules or directions to the nearest movie theater. Don’t hesitate to call day or night, no matter how silly you think your question is. They’ve heard it all.

Local Resources

Groove Korea

Koreabridge

Korea4expats.com

Guide Editor

Leslie Patrick is a freelance writer who splits her time between South Korea and a nomadic life of slow traveling around the globe. Leslie writes about travel, culture and lifestyle, and her work has been published in Salon, Marie Claire (UK and Australia editions), Islands, Travel + Leisure, Monocle, United Airlines’ Hemispheres Magazine and various English language publications in Korea.

Seoul Travel Guide

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The Korean capital of SEOUL (서울) is an assault on the senses. Even small streets find themselves quite alive with frenzied activity by day and searing neon after sunset, while eardrums are set pounding by clamouring shop assistants and the nighttime thump of a thousand karaoke rooms. Restaurants serving Korea’s delectably spicy national dishes lure you in with their amazing aromas and tastes while doing minimal damage to your figure (or wallet), and for tactile bliss, the hot pools and ice rooms of the ubiquitous jjimjilbang bathhouses have no equal. With over twenty million souls packed sardine-like into a metropolitan area smaller than Luxembourg, this is one of the most densely populated places on the planet, but for all its nonstop consumption, Seoul is also a place of considerable tradition and history. Joseon-dynasty palaces, displayed like medals in the centre of the city, proclaim its status as a seat of regal power from as far back as 1392; the tiled roofs of wooden hanok houses gently fish-scale their way towards the ash-coloured granite crags of Bukhansan , the world’s most-visited national park; the ancient songs and dances of farmhands and court performers are still clashed out in a whirligig of sound and colour along the street of Insadonggil. A city with a hyper-efficient transport system, a negligible crime rate, locals eager to please foreign guests and an almost astonishing wealth of locally produced modern art: it’s little wonder that so many visitors come away so impressed.

A banging good time

Building a capital, bukhansan national park, the business district, gay and lesbian seoul, nightlife and entertainment, a real korean night out, seoul festivals, south of the river, sports and activities.

Top of most tourists’ agendas are the half-a-dozen sumptuous palaces dating from the late fourteenth century that surround the city centre; these include Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung , together with the nearby ancestral shrine of Jongmyo . Situated in the middle is Insadong ; by far the most popular part of the city with tourists, its warren of tight streets is littered with traditional restaurants, quaint tearooms, art galleries and trinket shops, and makes for a great wander. Samcheongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village are two areas offering similar delights, though with fewer tourists. The amount of art on display in all three areas can come as quite a surprise – contemporary Korean work receives a fraction of the international press devoted to art from Japan or China, but is just as creative. Also offering a modern-day fusion of Korea old and new are the colossal markets of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun , in whose sprawling reaches you’ll find anything from pig intestines to clip-on ties. The more modern facets of the city can be seen in the shoppers’ paradise of Myeongdong or achingly fashionable Apgujeong, while the number of American soldiers hanging out in cosmopolitan Itaewon hint at Seoul’s proximity to North Korea – it’s even possible to take a day-trip to the border.

To get a sense of what makes Seoul so unique, however, you’ll need to do more than tick off the sights. To truly appreciate the subtle facets of this distinctive society, take a leap of faith into the local cuisine, follow the Korean lead on a wild night (and early morning) out, and spend a decent amount of time simply walking the streets.

Brief history

Contrary to the expectations of many a visitor, Seoul possesses a long and interesting past; after first rising to prominence at the beginning of the Three Kingdoms period, it was then ruled over by almost every major power in Korean history. In 18 AD, then named Wiryeseong, it became the first capital of the Baekje kingdom; the exact location is believed to be a site just east of present-day Seoul, but this was to change several times. The kings and clans were forced far south to Gongju in 475, having been squeezed out by the rival Goguryeo kingdom; less than a century later, the city completed a Three Kingdoms clean-sweep when King Jinheung expanded the domain of his Silla kingdom far to the north, absorbing Seoul – then known as Hanseong – on the way. By 668, Silla forces held control of the whole peninsula, but having chosen Gyeongju as their capital, Seoul faded into the background. In the tenth century, Silla was usurped by the nascent Goryeo kingdom – they chose Kaesong, in modern-day North Korea, as the seat of their power, though Seoul was close enough to become an important trading hub, and soon earned yet another name, Namgyeong, meaning “Southern Capital”.

It was not until the end of the Goryeo dynasty that Seoul really came into its own. In 1392, the “Hermit Kingdom” of Joseon kicked off over five centuries of power; after running the rule over a few prospective candidates, King Taejo – the inaugurator of the dynasty – chose Seoul as his new capital, impressed by its auspicious location. He immediately set about reorganizing the city with a series of major projects. Exactly two hundred years after its birth, Joseon was invaded by Japanese forces from 1592 to 1598 under the control of warlord Hideyoshi; Seoul was pillaged in the course of the battles, and many of its most beautiful buildings lay in ruins. Though the country survived this particular struggle, mainly thanks to the heroic Admiral Yi, the Japanese proved more obdurate on their return in the late nineteenth century. After making tame inroads with a series of trade treaties, an escalating series of events – including the assassination of Queen Min in Gyeongbokgung – culminated in outright annexation of the peninsula in 1910, which lasted until the end of World War II, and closed the long chapters of Korean regal rule. During this time, Japan tried its best to erase any sense of Korean nationality; part of this was a drive to wipe out the Korean language, and earned Seoul yet another name – Keijo , which roughly translates as “Walled-off Capital”. The city was to suffer greater indignity when its beloved palaces were modified in an attempt to make them “more Japanese”; a few of these alterations are still visible today. After the war, peninsular infighting and global shifts in power and ideology resulted in the Korean War (1950–53). Seoul’s position in the centre of the peninsula, as well as its obvious importance as the long-time Korean capital, meant that it changed hands four times, coming under North Korean control twice before being wrested back. Seoul finally ended up under South Korean control, though most of the city lay in ruins, but despite – or perhaps, because of – all these setbacks, there has been no stopping it since then. The economic reforms inaugurated by president Park Chung-hee in the 1970s brought it global attention as a financial dynamo, and Seoul’s population has ballooned to over ten million, more than double this if the whole metropolitan area is taken into account.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for South Korea, created by local experts

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Culture & Island life

Experience the highlights of Korea with a private guide by your side. Fascinating Seoul with a day trip to the DMZ, followed by days in Gyeongju and Busan. Afterwards, leave the mainland and fly to Jeju Island. Enjoy the crystal blue waters and island culture.

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Highlights of Korea

From the skyscrapers of Seoul to traditional villages - this itinerary packs culture, history and cuisine in one compact itinerary. Enjoy a two-night temple stay as well as in-depth guided excursions in Seoul, Gyeongju, Yeosu, and Jeonju.

7 days  / from 1950 USD

Temples and Nature in Korea

Start your Korean adventure in Busan. Continue to Yeosu and Suncheon, discovering temples and landscapes on the way. In Suncheon, you will stay at a Korean Buddhist temple. Proceed to the Bamboo Forest of Jeonju before heading to Seoul.

University areas are a good place to get a grip on the “ bang ” culture that pervades modern Korean life. The term is a suffix meaning “room”, and is attached to all sorts of places where locals – and occasional foreigners – like to have fun. Below are a few of the most popular:

Imagine a small room with wipe-clean sofas, tissue paper on hand and a large television for movies – if it sounds a little sleazy, you’d be absolutely right. Though people do occasionally come to appreciate plot, cinematography or Oscar-winning performances, these places are more often used by couples looking for a cheap bit of privacy – going in by yourself, or with a person of the same sex, would draw some baffled looks. Figure on around W11,000 per movie.

Jjimjilbang

Popular with families, teenagers and the occasional budget-minded traveller, these steam rooms have sauna rooms, a range of hot and cold pools, and often services from massage treatments to internet booths. Though they might sound dodgy, the reality is somewhat tamer; most are open all night, making them an incredibly cheap way to get a night’s sleep – prices tend to be around W6000. for more information see Staying at a jjimjilbang .

These “singing rooms”, found all over the country, even outside national park entrances, are wildly popular with people of all ages; if you have Korean friends, they’re bound to invite you, as noraebang are usually sam-cha in a Korean night out – the “third step” after a meal and drinks. You don’t sing in front of a crowd, but in a small room with your friends, where you’ll find sofas, a TV, books full of songs to choose from and a couple of maracas or tambourines to play. Foreigners are usually intimidated at first, but after a few drinks it can be tough to get the microphone out of people’s hands. Figure on around W15,000 per hour between the group.

Even more ubiquitous in Korea are places to get online, which cost an almost uniform W1000 per hour. Despite the prevalence of such places, they’re often packed full of gamers, and incredibly noisy – you’re likely to be the only one sending emails.

Rarely can a capital have been built so quickly. On the inauguration of his Joseon kingdom in 1392, the ambitious King Taejo immediately set his minions to work on a truly incredible number of gigantic projects. Even more astonishing is the fact that many of them can still be seen today, albeit in reproduction form, since few original structures survived the Japanese occupation and Korean War.

Gyeongbokgung

Seoul’s first palace completed in 1394.

the ancestral shrines, built in 1394.

Changdeokgung

Seoul’s second palace, built in 1395.

the city’s south gate; construction started in 1395.

built in stages from 1396.

the east gate, built in 1396.

Few major cities can claim to have a national park right on their doorstep, but looming over central Seoul, and forming a natural northern boundary to the city, are the peaks of BUKHANSAN NATIONAL PARK (북한산 국립 공원), spears and spines of off-white granite that burst out of the undulating pine forests. Despite the park’s relatively small size at just 80 square kilometres, its proximity to one of earth’s most populated cities makes it the world’s most visited national park, drawing in upwards of five million visitors per year. While an undeniably beautiful place, its popularity means that trails are often very busy indeed – especially so on warm weekends – and some can be as crowded as shopping mall aisles, hikers literally having to queue up to reach the peaks.

Looking north from Gwanghwamun, one can see little but cascading palace roofs and the mountains beyond. Turn south again and the contrast is almost unbelievably stark. Looming up are the ranked masses of high-rise blocks that announce Seoul’s main business district , its walkways teeming with black-suited businessfolk. However, there’s more to the area than one might expect – two palaces , a few major museums and art galleries , and one of Seoul’s most charming roads. In addition, the country’s largest market and most popular shopping district lie within this area, as does Namsan , a small mountain in the very centre of the capital.

At the western edge of the business district is Gyeonghuigung , Seoul’s “forgotten” palace, which has an excellent history museum just outside its main gate. A stroll east along the quiet, tree-lined road of Jeongdonggil will bring you to a second palace, Deoksugung , which boasts a superb art museum. East again is Myeongdong , the country’s premier shopping district, followed and counterbalanced by the sprawling arcades of Dongdaemun market.

Its small size, central location and easy access – take exit two from City Hall subway station – ensure that Deoksugung (덕수궁) is often very busy. This was the last of Seoul’s Famous Five palaces to be built, and it became the country’s seat of power almost by default when the Japanese destroyed Gyeongbokgung in 1592, and then again when King Gojong fled here after the assassination of his wife Myeongsong in 1895. Not quite as splendid as the other palaces, Deoksugung is overlooked by the tall grey towers of the City Hall business and embassy area, and includes a couple of Western-style buildings, dating back to when the “Hermit Kingdom” in the latter part of the Joseon dynasty was being forcibly opened up to trade. These neoclassical structures remain the most notable on the complex. At the end of a gorgeous rose garden is Seokjojeon, which was designed by an English architect and built by the Japanese in 1910; the first Western-style building in the country, it was actually used as the royal home for a short time. The second structure, completed in 1938, was designed and built by the Japanese; inside you’ll find the National Museum for Contemporary Art (덕수궁 미술관), whose exhibits are usually quality works from local artists, more often than not blending elements of traditional and modern Korean styles.

Dongdaemun and Namdaemun: market madness

Between them, the colossal markets of Dongdaemun (동대문 시장) and Namdaemun (남대문 시장) could quite conceivably feed, and maybe even clothe, the world. Both are deservedly high on most visitors’ list of sights to tick off in Seoul. Namdaemun literally means “big south door”, and Dongdaemun “big east door”, referring to the Great Gates that once marked the city perimeter; like the palace of Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo shrine, these were built in the 1390s under the rule of King Taejo as a means of glorifying and protecting his embryonic Joseon dynasty. Both gates have undergone extensive repairs, but although Dongdaemun still stands in imperial splendour today, surrounded by spiralling traffic day and night, an arson attack in February 2008 saw Namdaemun savaged by fire.

Dongdaemun market is the largest in the country, spread out, open-air and indoors, in various locations around the prettified Cheonggyecheon creek. It would be impossible to list the whole range of things on sale here – you’ll find yourself walking past anything from herbs to hanbok or paper lanterns to knock-off clothing, usually on sale for reasonable prices. Though each section of the market has its own opening and closing time, the complex as a whole simply never closes, so at least part of it will be open whenever you decide to come. Nighttime is when the market is at its most atmospheric, with clothes stores pumping out music into the street at ear-splitting volume, and the air filled with the smell of freshly made food sizzling at street-side stalls. Though some of the dishes on offer are utterly unrecognizable to many foreign visitors, it pays to be adventurous. One segment particularly popular with foreigners is Gwangjang market (광장 시장), a particularly salty offshoot of Dongdaemun to the northwest, and one of Seoul’s most idiosyncratic places to eat in the evening – just look for something tasty and point. During the day, it’s also the best place in Seoul to buy secondhand clothes .

Smaller and more compact than Dongdaemun, you’ll find essentially the same goods at Namdaemun market , which stretches out between City Hall and Seoul station.

Gyeonghuigung

The most anonymous and least visited of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces (even locals who work in the area may struggle to point you towards it) is Gyeonghuigung (경희궁; Tues–Sun 9am–6pm; free), which was built in 1616. Lonely and a little forlorn, it’s a pretty place nonetheless, and may be the palace for you if crowds, souvenir shops and camera-dodging aren’t to your liking. Unlike other palaces, you’ll be able to enter the throne room – bare but for the throne, but worth a look – before scrambling up to the halls of the upper level, which are backed with grass and rock.

Jeongdonggil

Running between the palaces of Gyeonghuigung and Deoksugung is Jeongdonggil (정동길), a quiet, shaded road that’s a world removed from the bustle of the City Hall area. You may notice a near-total lack of couples on this road, as Seoulites have long held the superstition that those who walk here will soon break up. Along this road is the large, modern Seoul Museum of Art (서울 시립 미술관; hours can be found here , admission is free; it’s well worth popping in for a look at what is almost always a fresh, high-quality exhibition of art from around the world. Continuing further up the road, you’ll find a few restaurants and cafés, as well as Jeongdong Theatre , which puts on regular pansori performances. There’s also an array of underground shopping arcades in and around City Hall station – one heads towards Myeongdong, while another heads east for a number of kilometres under the main road of Euljiro.

With a justifiable claim to being the most popular shopping area in the country, Myeongdong (명동) is a dense lattice of streets that runs from the east–west thoroughfare of Euljiro to the northern slopes of Namsan peak. Though visitors to the area are primarily concerned with shopping or eating, there are a couple of sights in the area that are worth a glance while you’re here. Most central is the large Myeongdong Cathedral (명동 성당); completed in 1898, it was Korea’s first large Christian place of worship, and remains the symbol of the country’s ever-growing Catholic community. It wouldn’t win any prizes for design in Europe, but in Seoul the towering spire and red brick walls are appealingly incongruous. Nearby is the Bank of Korea Museum (한국 은행 화폐금융 박물관), though the notes and coins on display are less interesting than the building itself, which was designed and built by the Japanese in the first years of their occupation.

East of central Myeongdong is Namsangol (남산골), a small display village filled with traditional hanok buildings; though a much more interesting and entertaining folk village can be found just south of Seoul, this is a more than acceptable solution for those with little time.

Namsan Park

South of Myeongdong station the roads rise up, eventually coming to a stop at the feet of Namsan (남산), Seoul’s resident mountain. There are spectacular views of the city from the 265m-high peak, and yet more from the characteristic N-Seoul Tower , which sits at the summit. Namsan once marked the natural boundary of a city that has long since swelled over the edges and across the river – some sections of the city wall can still be seen on the mountain, as can the remains of fire beacons that formed part of a national communication system during the Joseon period. These were used to relay warnings across the land – one flame lit meant that all was well, while up to five were lit to signify varying degrees of unrest; the message was repeated along chains of beacons that stretched across the peninsula. Namsan’s own are located just above the upper terminal of a cable car that carries most visitors up to the summit. The base is an uphill slog south of Myeongdong: leave the subway station through exit three, keep going up and you can’t miss it.

N-Seoul Tower

The N-Seoul Tower (N-서울 타워) sits proudly on Namsan’s crown, newly renovated and recently renamed (“Seoul Tower” clearly wasn’t trendy enough). Inside there’s a viewing platform and a pricey restaurant. For many, the views from the tower’s base are good enough, and coming here to see the sunset is recommended – the grey mass of daytime Seoul turns in no time into a pulsating neon spectacle.

Food in Seoul is cheap by international standards and invariably excellent, while the number of restaurants is nothing short of astonishing – there’s almost one on every corner, and many more in between. Korean food has a well-deserved reputation as one of the spiciest around; if you're looking for something a little blander you can stick to the ever-growing choice of restaurants serving global cuisine, or breakfast at one of the many bakeries strewn around the city (note, however, that Korean bread is rather sweet for many foreigners’ tastes). Restaurants are usually open whenever you’re likely to require food, and some are 24hr; if you do get stuck, head for one of Seoul’s seemingly infinite number of convenience stores – large chains include 7-Eleven, Mini Stop and Buy the Way – which sell drinks and fast food. All have hot water for instant noodles and small tables outside for eating; partaking in this highly Korean activity will endear you to any passing locals. For something even more authentic, head to one of Seoul’s many markets , those at Dongdaemun and Namdaemun being the most popular. Also note that the consumption of food and drink have long been entwined in Korea; many bars , including some of those listed from, serve meals every bit as good as you’d find in a restaurant.

Restaurants

Seoul’s excellent choice of restaurants is growing more cosmopolitan with each passing year. They run the full gamut from super-polished establishments in five-star hotels to local snack bars where stomachs can be filled for just W1000; even in the cheapest places, you may be surprised by the quality of the food. With much of the national cuisine alien to most foreign guests, it may be easier to head for the food courts in department stores and shopping malls, where you can see plastic versions of the available dishes. Also popular are snack chains serving basic Korean staples.

Many parts of Seoul have their own particular culinary flavour. Most popular with tourists are the streets around Insadonggil , where restaurants almost exclusively serve traditional Korean food in an equally fitting atmosphere. Then there’s cosmopolitan Itaewon , where local restaurants are outnumbered by those serving Indian, Japanese, Thai or Italian food, among others. Student areas such as Hongdae and Daehangno are filled with cheap places, while Gangnam is also popular with local youth, and trendy Apgujeong with the fashionistas.

Cafés and tearooms

There are a number of major café chains knocking around, including Pascucci , Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf . In theory, all have wi-fi access , but you may need a Korean ID number to get online; with no such identity restrictions and power sockets aplenty, branches of Tom & Toms are best for the internet-hungry and open 24hr, though the coffee itself is poor. Far more interesting for the visitor are the thousands of privately run ventures, which reach heights of quirky individuality around Hongdae and Samcheongdong . Prices tend to be W3000–5000 per cup, though you can usually double this south of the river.

Culinary curiosities

While even “regular” Korean food may be alien to most visitors, there are a few edibles that deserve special attention.

Baem soju 뱀소주

Not strictly a food, but interesting nonetheless – this is regular soju with a snake ( baem ) marinating in the bottle, which is said to be extremely healthy, especially for the back muscles. Though many may feel that the bottles would make wonderful souvenirs, particularly with the larger serpents inside, international customs officials aren’t too fond of you taking them.

Beonddegi 번데기

When it gets cold, stalls selling this local delicacy – silkworm larvae – set up on pavements and riverbanks across the country. You’ll smell them before you see them – the acrid stench of these mites boiled up in a broth is so disgusting that it may well breach international law. The treat is also served as bar snacks in many hofs , bursting in the mouth to release a grimy juice – perfect drinking game material.

So you’ve learnt the word for “chicken” in Korean ( dak ), spotted it on the menu and ordered a dish. Unfortunately, with this particular meal the suffix means “foot”, and that’s just what you get – dozens of sauced-up chicken feet on a plate, with not an ounce of meat in sight.

Pojangmacha 포장마차

Plastic chairs to sit on, tables littered with soju bottles, and a cackling ajumma serving you food that’s still half-alive – these are the delights of the pojangmacha , ramshackle seafood dens that congregate on many a Korean street. They’re usually distinguishable by their orange, tent-like covering; one good area to find them in Seoul is outside exits three to six of Jongno 3-ga subway station. Just watch out for the octopus tentacles – every year, people die of suffocation when their still-wriggling prey makes a last bid for freedom.

Absolutely nothing to do with ice cream, but rather a sausage made with intestinal lining and stuffed with clear noodles – head to the nearest market to try some.

Seoul’s burgeoning queer nightlife scene has come on in leaps and bounds since 2000, when star actor Hong Seok-cheon came out of the closet – the first Korean celebrity to do so. He has since opened up a whole raft of gay-friendly bars and restaurants in Itaewon , which remains the best gay area for foreigners.

Seoul does have other gay zones ; the area around Jongno 3-ga station has long been home to underground gay bars, and recent years have seen the scene becoming more and more open. Unfortunately, few venues are foreigner-friendly, though the Starmoon café attracts all sorts – it’s in the ground floor of the tall Fraser Suites building. Additionally, the university district of Sinchon is popular with the local lesbian community, many of whom congregate of an evening in “Triangle Park”, a patch of concrete near exit 1 of Sinchon subway station (take the first right).

Just west of the city centre lies Seoul’s greatest concentration of universities , but this is no place to be bookish – as with most academic areas around the country, it’s characterized less by what students do during the day than what they get up to at night, and streets are stuffed to the gills with bars , nightclubs, karaoke rooms and cheap restaurants. Though there are precious few tourist sights as such, it’s possibly the best place in the land to get an understanding of what really makes Korea tick.

Hongdae (홍대) is one of the edgiest districts in the whole country, teeming with young and trendy people at almost every hour. The area only truly comes into its own after dark, its hundreds of bars and clubs buzzing with activity every night of the week. During the daytime, it’s fun to explore the streets lined with small shops selling stylish and secondhand clothing, and there are quirky cafés on every corner.

Hongdae university itself specializes in the arts , a fact that’ll be most evident in Nolita Park (놀이터 공원) – actually a triangular wedge of ground with almost no greenery – which plays host to anything and everything from punk-rock bands to choreographed street dance. On weekends there’s an interesting flea market at which local students sell handmade jewellery and other trinkets.

East of Hongdae, and just one subway station away on line 2, is Sinchon , which offers many of the same delights as Hongdae and is fast becoming just as busy.

One of Seoul’s most famed quarters, Itaewon (이태원) is something of an enigma. It has, for years, been popular with American soldiers, thanks to the major military base situated nearby. Expat businessmen and visiting foreigners have followed suit, and until English teachers started pouring into Korea by the planeload it was one of the only places in the country in which you could buy “Western” items such as leather jackets, deodorant, tampons or Hershey’s Kisses. While it remains a great place to shop for cheap tailored suits and shoes, Itaewon’s popularity also made it a byword for transactions of a more sexual nature – hostess bars sprang up all over the place, particularly south of the Hamilton , a hotel that marks the centre of the area, on the affectionately named “Hooker Hill”. Times are changing, however. Most Western goods are available in cities across the country, and the gradual withdrawal of American troops has coincided with the opening of an ever more cosmopolitan array of restaurants, possibly the hippest in the city outside ultra-fashionable Apgujeong. The area is also heaving with clubbers on weekends, and from Hooker Hill also sprouts “Homo Hill”, Seoul’s only real gay area.

Koreans love going out, whether it’s with family, colleagues, social acquaintances or old study friends, making Seoul a truly 24-hour city – day and night, it simply hums with life. Those wanting to drink or dance can choose from myriad bars and clubs , with each area of Seoul having its own particular flavour. The city also has a thriving theatre scene that’s surprisingly accessible to foreign visitors.

Bars and clubs

Clubs pumping out techno, trance and hip-hop to wiggling masses; loungey subterranean lairs filled with hookah smoke and philosophical conversation; noisy joints serving up live jazz and rock; neon-tinged cocktail bars in the bowels of five-star hotels. After a lengthy gestation, Seoul’s nightlife scene is finally wide open, and the drinkers themselves are becoming ever more liberal. It wasn’t so long ago that drinking in Seoul was pretty much a male-only affair, taking place in restaurants or at a “ hof ”, the ubiquitous faux-Western bars that are still winning the battle for street-space, but are increasingly being looked over in favour of more genuinely Western ideas imported from overseas. That said, there are some more local elements that can be factored into a night out: Korean friends are likely to drag you before long into a noraebang singing room to belt out your favourite songs amid a cacophony of castanets.

Most of the action is concentrated into just a few areas. Of these, Hongdae is by far the busiest, its streets lined with bars, clubs and restaurants, and full every day of the week from early evening on. Almost as busy at the weekend is Itaewon , which has some of the best bars, clubs and restaurants in the capital. Its traditional popularity with American soldiers from the nearby base has resulted in a mass of “sexy bars” (expensive venues where the bar-girls wear bikinis, hot-pants and the like, and the customers pay for their company) and brothels, many lining “Hooker Hill”. The side street leading from this (“Homo Hill”) has become the most popular gay area in the whole country, with some excellent bars.

Korean cinema has become the subject of growing worldwide attention and acclaim, but because almost no films are screened with English-language subtitles, it’s probably best to hunt them down in your home country.

Wherever you find yourself in Seoul, you won’t be too far from the nearest cinema . CVG and Megabox are the two major cinema chains; foreign films are shown in their original language with Korean subtitles. There are also a few arthouse establishments catering to foreigners.

Theatre and live music

Seoul’s wide array of traditional performances and musicals are particularly popular with foreign travellers. Seoul has a few venues where you can hear more highbrow offerings such as jazz or classical music .

The “proper” Korean night out has long followed the same format, one that entwines food, drink and entertainment. The venue for stage one ( il-cha ) is the restaurant , where a meal is chased down with copious shots of soju . This is followed by stage two ( i-cha ), a visit to a bar ; here beers are followed with snacks (usually large dishes intended for groups). Those still able to walk then continue to stage three ( sam-cha ), the entertainment component of the night, which usually involves a trip to a noraebang room for a sing-along, and yet more drinks. Stages four, five and beyond certainly exist, but few participants have ever remembered them clearly.

APRIL International Women’s Film Festival w wffis.or.kr

A week-long succession of films that “see the world through women’s eyes” (even if they were created by men).

MAY Hi Seoul Festival w hiseoulfest.org

With everything from choreographed firework displays and tea ceremonies to men walking across the Han River by tightrope, this ten-day-long celebration of the coming of summer also incorporates the Seoul World DJ festival.

Late MAY Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival w www.sicaf.org

Koreans are cartoon addicts. While most of the national fix is sated by Japanese fare, there’s still a lot of local talent – The Simpsons , Family Guy and Spongebob Squarepants are among the shows inked and lined here.

JUNE Korean Queer Culture Festival w www.kqcf.org

Not exactly an event trumpeted by the local tourist authorities – in fact, not so long ago the police were still trying to ban it – this is a great way to see Korea crawling out of its Confucian shell.

JULY Jisan Valley www.valleyrockfestival.com & Pentaport Rock Festivals w pentaportrock.com

Two alcohol-fuelled European-style music festivals (think tents, mud and portaloos) which manage to rope in major international acts, though admittedly ones usually on the wane in their homelands.

AUGUST Seoul Fringe Festival w www.seoulfringefestival.net

This fortnight-long platform for all things alternative is very popular with local students, and its semi-international nature means it appeals to overseas visitors too. Hongdae is usually the best place to be.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Seoul Performing Arts Festival w www.spaf.or.kr

This increasingly acclaimed event has seen performances from as far afield as Latvia and Israel, though its main aim is to showcase Korean talent. It takes place in various locations around Seoul over a three-week period.

OCTOBER Drum Festival w www.seouldrum.go.kr & Fashion Week www.seoulfashionweek.org

The crashes and bangs of all things percussive ring out at the annual drum event, while Fashion Week has become Asia’s largest fashion event since starting in 2000.

Shopaholics will be quite at home in Seoul: the city has everything from trendy to traditional, markets to malls. High on the itinerary of many tourists are the colossal markets of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun .

There are department stores all over the city; the bustling streets of Myeongdong host department stores from the biggest nationwide chains – Migliore, Shinsaegae, Lotte and Galleria – and there are also luxury examples in Apgujeong. Perhaps more interesting are the city’s boutiques ; these are most numerous (and expensive) around Apgujeong, though there are cheaper versions of the same in Hongdae and Samcheongdong. Itaewon is also worth a mention for its excellent tailored suits , and last, but not least, are the colossal markets of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun, which feature an almost bewildering array of cheap and knock-off brand-name clothing.

Arts, crafts and antiques

The best place to head for anything vaguely arty is Insadonggil and its side streets, which have numerous craft shops selling paints, brushes, calligraphy ink and handmade paper. There are also a few shops selling antiques here, though there are more of the same in Itaewon; these sell cases, cupboards, medicinal racks and the like, many in a distinctively oriental style. Proprietors often speak English, and can arrange international shipping.

Books and music

Most of Seoul’s larger bookstores have dedicated English-language sections stocked with novels, history books and language study guides for those studying Korean or teaching English. Three of these are directly accessible from subway stations – Youngpoong and Bandi & Luni from Jonggak, and Kyobo Bookstore from Gwanghwamun. These are also the best places in which to find mainstream music ; fans of anything edgier should head to Purple Record in Hongdae.

Cameras and electronic equipment

Technophiles have two main choices – one is Yongsan Electronics Mart, a multilevel giant rising up alongside the train and subway station of the same name, and the other Techno Mart, near Gangbyeon subway station on line 2. At both, many staff speak a little English (particularly Yongsan, thanks to its proximity to Itaewon). Prices are generally about twenty percent less than elsewhere in the land; this can rise to fifty percent for imported goods.

Before Seoul outgrew its boundaries and spread over most of the northwest of the country, the city’s southern perimeter ran through Namsan, north of the river. Accordingly, the capital’s historical sights become sparser on the south side of the Han River; still, to appreciate just how life ticks along in this fine city you’d do well to spend some time here. Each district has its own particular flavour and breed of Seoulite – Yeouido has its mass of suits, Gangnam its fun-seekers and fashionistas. You can also visit regal burial mounds, shop at gigantic malls or upscale boutiques, or head to a couple of huge theme parks.

Seoul has a small but pleasing range of ways to keep sport nuts entertained, as well as simple exercise equipment on almost every mountainside, as well as in parks, and dotting the banks of the Hangang and other waterways.

Seoul has two main professional teams: LG Twins and the Doosan Bears , long-time rivals who both play in Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Games take place most days from April to October, and tickets can cost as little as W3000. Avid players can get some practice at a number of batting cages dotted around the city, particularly in student areas.

If you want to watch some K-League action, catch FC Seoul at the World Cup Stadium ( w www.fcseoul.com; weekends March–Oct); every now and then foreigners can buy special tickets that include a free beer. Seongnam and Suwon, the two most dominant Korean teams, also play near Seoul; the atmosphere at all grounds is fun but they can be on the empty side, unless you’re lucky enough to be around for a major international game ( w www.fifa.com ). Those who prefer to play rather than watch can try their luck with the highly competitive foreigners’ football league ( w www.leaguelineup.com/kffl).

Ice-skating

In winter you can skate outdoors at various points in the city: Seoul Plaza turns into a gigantic ice-rinks for the season (usually mid-Dec to Feb; 10am–10pm). There’s also a year-round rink in Lotte World (10am–9.30pm). The cheapest option is the Olympic-size rink at Korea National University (2–6pm); it’s within walking distance of Korea University subway station.

Unless you’re staying at a higher-end hotel or serviced apartment, you may find it tricky to get a swim in Seoul. There are municipal pools in most parts of the city; enquire at a tourist office for your nearest option. In summer, a number of outdoor pools open up around the Hangang; most convenient are those on Yeouido.

There are a number of ways in which foreign visitors can have a go at the Korean martial art of taekwondo . Training sessions have in the past taken place at Gyeonghuigung palace, but had been shelved at the time of writing. Tourist information offices are the best places to ask about taekwondo action, including longer programmes. There are also occasional performances and tournaments at the home of Korea’s national sport, Kukkiwon (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; free), a hall near Gangnam station.

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6 Things To See In Eunpyeong-gu You Probably Didn’t Know About

The most popular things to see in seoul.

When you start planning your trip to Seoul, it can absolutely be overwhelming but there are some tried and true must-see places in Seoul, Korea. If you don’t know where to begin… start with these places and then fill in around them when you are considering where to go and what to see.

Why Namsan Tower Is A Must See In Seoul

The Seoul Sky Observatory: Tallest Building in Korea

The Hangang Parks: A Guide To The 11 Han River Parks In Seoul, Korea

Gwangjang Market: How To Get There & What To Eat

Tongin Market: Eat On A Budget Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

Ihwa Mural Village: A Guide & Guidelines For Seeing The Area

Jogyesa Temple: How To Get There & What To See

Bongeunsa Temple: The Must See Korean Temple In Gangnam

Noryangjin Fish Market: A Guide For What To See & What To Order

Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Step By Step Guide To Missing The Crowds + A Map

Changdeokgung Palace & The Secret Garden Everyone Is Talking About In Seoul

Deoksugung Palace: The Most Unique Palace In Seoul

How To Enjoy Lotte World: From Discount Tickets To Magic Passes

The Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Show: Is It Worth It?

Seoul In One Day: 24 Hours In Seoul

The best day trips to take from seoul.

Korea has an amazing transportation infrastructure so you can get in and out of Seoul, Korea to other regional areas easily even if you don’t speak Korean. You can travel by train, bus, and even fly to numerous places easily. Don’t just stay in Seoul when you visit Korea, plan at least one daytrip.

Best Daytrips From Seoul: 25 Places To Go Near Seoul

Daytrips From Seoul: The Popular Nami Island

Pocheon: What To See & What To Do Northeast Of Seoul

How To Get To The Garden of the Morning Calm

Petite France: How To Get There From Seoul & What To Do There

Korean city guides.

I’ve traveled all around Korea and been to some amazing regional areas. Cities big and small offer so much. Visit the less touristy southern coastal areas, or head straight for Busan. Find the historic cities like Jeonju or Gyeongju, or visit Danyang for adventure travel. If you’ve got even two days, see more of Korea.

A Guide To Gyeongju, Korea: What To Do, See, Eat & Where To Stay

A Guide To Jeonju Hanok Village: From Free Tours To Choco Pies

Busan, Korea: Everything You MUST See, Do, Eat & Try!

Yeosu: What To See, Do, Eat & Where To Stay

Danyang, Korea: A Guide To The Best Things To See & Do

Gunsan’s Seonyudo Island Is The Escape To Take In Jeollabuk-do

Andong, Korea: Everything You MUST See, Do, Eat & Try!

Iksan, Korea: A Guide For What To See & Do

Taean-gun: A Guide To The Beaches, Forests, and More!

Guide To Gongju: Where To Go, What To See, & What To Do

Ulleung-do: A Guide To The Secret Island You NEED To Visit In South Korea

Guide To Gimhae: The Historic Places, Spaces & Fun Things Too!

A Guide To Daegu, Korea: What To See & Do

4 Arts and Nature Places To See In Wanju, Korea

Wonju, Korea: A Guide To The Area

There is a whole lot more information on this site to help you plan your travels, but this is the best place to start your epic adventure in South Korea.

Seoul Itinerary: Ultimate DIY Travel Guide for South Korea for 5 Days (More or Less)

by Aileen Adalid Itineraries , South Korea 134 comments

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One of my recent adventures was to the dynamic metropolis of Seoul in South Korea — a bustling city that not only holds a strong presence in Asia but also in the rest of the world. To date, this influence is largely due to Seoul’s cutting-edge technology, a strong economy, and vibrant culture (I’m sure that a majority of you have encountered K-pop , K-dramas, Korean cosmetics, and Korean food among many others at least once in your life!) (Seoul Itinerary)

TRIVIA : Seoul has 25 districts ( gu ) that are further subdivided into 522 sub-districts ( dong ), and with the Han River that runs through the middle of the city, there are distinct 2 sections: Gangbuk (the northern area that’s more traditional) and Gangnam (southern area that’s more modern). But… asking for the “center” of this whole metropolitan area is a difficult thing to answer because Seoul’s districts can somehow each function like a city center itself.

It actually baffles me that I didn’t go to Seoul sooner; nevertheless, the important thing is, I’ve finally seen this city for myself, and well… I just LOVED it! I am totally smitten about how it is constantly brimming with incredible things-to-do of sorts — all of which are enough to satisfy any kind of traveler out there.

Where to Stay in Seoul?

Come and check out my list of the ‘ Best Hotels in Seoul ‘ which features the top recommended choices for cheap to luxurious accommodation choices PER district.

Clearly, the days I spent there were not enough and I would have absolutely loved to stay longer. And now, as I recall the vast array of activities and sights that could be done and seen, I’ve decided to whip up this comprehensive Seoul itinerary travel guide that spans 5 days/nights to help travelers (like you) to plan a trip with ease and speed.

Rest assured, the Seoul itinerary below is totally customizable to fit any number of days that you might be spending — but first, here are some important tips for your travel to South Korea!

Table of Contents

South Korea Travel Guide

» quick travel planning.

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Korea
• Visa requirements
• Best hotels & hostels
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

– – –

» Best Time to Visit

I suggest coming during autumn to see the amazing fall foliage , but of course, if you want to witness cherry blossom season then spring is a considerable option too.

• Spring : The city becomes a hit with all the flora that start to bloom and bud. And of course, much like Japan, the city has cherry blossoms which tourists often seek. Given this demand, there tends to be a slight increase in costs, but the weather and season are quite desirable.
• Summer : This is arguably the peak season in the city so things get busier and costlier. It doesn’t help either that this is the vacation month of schools and Korean companies so everyone is out and about. That’s why if I were you, you should avoid these months — also because the weather can get quite humid with occasional downpours.
• ★ Autumn : (This is the best time to visit Seoul because the weather is pleasant, prices are more affordable, and crowds are thinner. Not to mention the number of great destination must-sees for viewing vibrant leaves of autumn in South Korea . However, do take note to avoid Chuseok or Korea’s autumn harvest festival.
• Winter : As the temperatures drop, prices and airfare also drop. Take note though that it can get very chilly; but, supposing you’re not that sensitive to the cold, this can be a fun time given all the amazing ski resorts and festive atmosphere.

Other South Korean blooms to watch out for?

See this list of the most popular spring flowers in Korea — when to see them and where to go!

ADDITIONAL TIP: Arrive and start your Seoul itinerary before the weekend. For example, if you’re visiting for 5 nights, make sure to come from Wednesday to Sunday. I say this because most places, museums, and shops close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Moreover, a lot of cosmetic stores hold sales starting on Thursdays and up to the weekend .

• WINTER: Dec to Feb
• SPRING: March to May
• SUMMER: June to Aug
• AUTUMN: Sept to Nov

» Getting in to South Korea

International visitors typically arrive at the main airport called Incheon International Airport (ICN) . To get here, I recommend browsing through Skyscanner to find the best flight deals from your point of origin. If you’re from the Philippines like me, Skyscanner also scans through budget airlines such as Air Asia and Cebu Pacific in order to find which of the 2 has the cheapest rate on the dates you choose.

From ICN, below are the following modes of transportation to get to Seoul…

By train. AREX (Airport Railroad Express) or ‘airport train’ connects ICN to Seoul station and Gimpo Airport, operating from 5:20AM to 12:00AM (midnight). There are 2 types of AREX, namely ‘express’ and ‘all-stop’. As the name suggests, ‘express’ is fast as it goes directly to Seoul Station (43 minutes) whereas ‘all-stop’ will arrive at 12 stations before finally arriving at Seoul Station (53 minutes). ‘Express’ tickets typically cost ₩8,000 but if you purchase online , you can get it at a discount for about ₩6,500~ only — and if you use code AILEEN5OFF , you’ll get an additional 5% off! Contrarily, in case you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , you can avail of one (1) FREE one-way ride.

By private transfers . If you want the utmost convenience and ease, especially without having to drag your luggage around, I recommend booking a private transfer to your hotel for only $63~ (or Php 3,300~ / ₩67,000~). This works best if you’re coming together with other people so that you can share the cost and save more. Otherwise, there are taxis at the airport that charge around ₩60,000 to ₩90,000 depending on your destination (take note that if the taxi passes by a road toll, you’ll have to pay for it).

By airport limousine/bus or shared transfers. There are limousine buses that travel directly to major areas and big hotels in Seoul and are a great option when you’re traveling with a lot of luggage. To get a discounted rate on this at about ₩14,000~ only, book with KAL or via shared transfer .

» Visa for South Korea

If you’re NOT a citizen of any of South Korea’s exempted countries , you are then required to avail of a visa beforehand. (If you’re from the Philippines, you can read my guide on how to get a South Korea visa in Manila here .)

• Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

» Where to Stay (South Korea Accommodations)

To search for the best hotel accommodation in South Korea at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between Agoda and Booking.com . But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB .

Otherwise, if you’re interested in seeing the top picks per district in Seoul, see here .

» South Korea Currency

South Korean Won (KRW / ₩) wherein KRW 1,000 is equal to about USD $0.9~, €0.7~ or Php 49.00~ (this is as of May 2021). In the event that you want to exchange your money for KRW, I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.

• How to best exchange your currency? Either exchange your money at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in Seoul’s city center. Better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card (do one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank) . Speaking of cards, a lot of Seoul’s establishments accept credit cards but it’s always advisable to have cash on hand.

» Cost of Travel in Korea

While the cost of living in South Korea is far from being cheap, your trip doesn’t have to break the bank! To give you an idea, you should expect to travel in South Korea with an average daily cost of about USD $35~ per person on a budget, or at least $100~ if you want to experience more comfort on activities, tours, hotels, and more. (Values below show low budget to medium budget ranges).

• Hotels: $20 to $100 USD / day
• Food: $10 to $30 USD / day
• Fun: $10 to $25 USD / day
• Transport: About US$1 per subway ride*

*Buy a T-Money card that saves you ₩100 on all trips.

» How to Get Around Seoul

I would recommend using Naver Map ( iOs / Android ) for researching your day-to-day route on your Seoul itinerary because it will show in detail the fastest connections you can do (by walking, by car, by bus, and by subway). To make this work, get your own pocket WiFi or SIM Card .

You might be wondering why I am not recommending Google Maps which is the app that I typically use in my travels. Well… this is because Google Maps’ driving and walking directions don’t work in South Korea. This is mainly due to the country’s old security laws that were set after the Korean War (I guess, as a way to protect their detailed topography from North Korea).

By subway . Seoul’s metro is impressive, well-connected, and cheap. To save time and make the most of the fares during your stay, it’s best to buy a T-Money card which is basically a stored value smart card that you can recharge and use between buses, trains, and subways while saving you ₩100 on all trips. You can buy this online beforehand at a cheaper rate — otherwise, it can be purchased at most of Seoul’s subway stations, newspaper kiosks, and convenience stores.

Take note that a T-money card is applicable to other locations as well in South Korea such as Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Busan , Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju buses — plus Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju Metropolitan Subway networks.

However, if I may give you a tip, you can actually avoid paying the cost of acquiring this card (₩3,000) if you have a Discover Seoul Pass (which I will discuss in the next section below).

NOTE : Single-ride cards cost about ₩1,200~ and they can be purchased on vending machines which accept coins and bills only. Reloading your T-Money Card can also only be done with cash. Meanwhile, remember that the last train usually departs by midnight (the subway does NOT operate for 24 hours).

By bus. The city also has an extensive and well-connected bus service that similarly makes use of the T-Money card. Just always remember to tap your card before exiting the bus or else you’ll be charged the maximum fare possible on that bus’ route. If you’re rather looking for an unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus to the city’s major spots, you can check this out.

By foot . Seoul technically isn’t too huge of a place and most of the city highlights can be reached by foot.

By taxi. There are various taxi types in Seoul and in order to learn more about them and their corresponding fares, read here . (It’s also possible to book an Uber car) .

» Money-Saving Tips in Seoul

I advise that you purchase a Discover Seoul Pass for your Seoul itinerary because it is an amazing cost-effective card that is offered only to foreigners. To illustrate, below are the range of benefits that you can get from this pass:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Deoksugung Palace
• Changgyeonggung Palace
• Changdeokgung Palace
• Jongmyo (Royal Shrine)
• N Seoul Tower Observatory
• Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus
• COEX Aquarium
• TrickEye & Ice Museum
• Hello Kitty Island in N Seoul Tower
• PooPoo Land
• Lotte World Adventure
• Eland Cruise
• LOTTE Duty Free
• NO WORRIES! Using your Discover Seoul Pass as a T-Money card for public transportation does NOT activate it. The Discover Seoul Pass will only activate when you first use it on its listed attraction s.

To get the best rate for a Discover Seoul Pass, you can purchase it online (it’s available in 24H and 48H options), and then pick it up either at Incheon International Airport or at Myeongdong’s Tourist Information Center.

• TIP : The last Wednesday of each month has been designated as a “Culture Day” in Korea since 2014. During this day, participating museums, galleries, and other cultural facilities will offer FREE or discounted admissions. Examples are the royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, National Museum of Korea, Korean National Ballet etc.

» Staying Connected in South Korea

South Korea is said to have the fastest internet in the world (and yep, it’s true!) so you’ll be assured of great connection wherever you go. To add, most places even offer FREE WiFi — but in order to consistently stay connected online during your Seoul trip, I recommend getting your own pocket WiFi or SIM Card ; otherwise, consider getting an eSIM for a hassle-free experience.

» Safety in South Korea

The Republic of Korea or South Korea remains to be one of the safest countries in the world — and also one of the safest countries for solo female travelers . Petty theft may happen but they are quite rare; so, just practice common sense at all times and you’ll be fine!

• HOW TO: Find the right travel insurance for you

» Helpful Korean Phrases

English is not widely spoken in South Korea even if it is taught in a lot of schools, but you’ll have better luck in the capital of Seoul where a lot of people put time, effort and money in learning English. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to learn a bit of the local language!

• RELATED READ: Best translation apps for travel

Hello (formal): Annyeong haseyo Hello (informal): Annyeong Thank you: Gamsahamnida You’re welcome: Cheonmanyeyo Yes: Ye/Ne No: Aniyo Goodbye (to person leaving): Annyeonghi gaseyo Goodbye (to person staying): Annyeonghi gyeseyo Goodbye (informal): Annyeong

Excuse me (getting attention): Sillyehamnida I’m sorry: Joesonghamnida Is there someone here who speaks English?: Yeogi-e yeong-eoreul hasineun bun gyesimnikka? Help!: Dowajusipsio! Cheers!: Geonbae!

Other F.A.Q.

It is not customary in South Korea to tip, and sometimes, much like in Japan, they consider it as an insult so tipping is not recommended at all. In hotels and some restaurants though, you will sometimes see a 10% service charge on your bill.

South Korea typically uses type F (two round pins). The country operates on a 220V voltage and a frequency of 60Hz.

 Please check their  latest travel advisories  page for more details.

All visitors to South Korea must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the period of their intended stay (as well as have 2 blank pages).

There is and you can easily claim a tax refund for being a tourist; simply read this page for more info.

It is legal to fly a drone in the country but one of the top restrictions is to NOT fly above 150 meters and if your drone is more than 250 grams, it needs to be registered. For more info, see here .

Seoul Itinerary Guide

Take note that the 5-day Seoul itinerary below does not take into account your arrival day in Seoul — at any rate, if you’re staying longer in the city, you can make use of the last tab called ‘ Extra Days ‘ to see the other activities or trips you can do for filling up the rest of your vacation days.

TIP: It’s best to arrive and start your Seoul itinerary trip before the weekend. So for example, if you have 5 whole days, make sure to arrive on Tuesday and then start your whole tour from Wednesday to Sunday . I say this because most places, museums, and shops close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Moreover, a lot of cosmetic stores hold sales starting on Thursdays and up to the weekend so it would be a good idea to take advantage of that.

NOTE: The following section is in a tabbed format; so, in order to see the next day’s contents, just click the headings below.

DAY 1: Explore and enjoy Korean culture in a hanbok!

Photo by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Rent a hanbok and explore some of Seoul’s cultural highlights

(Nearest subway station: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #4) You must never leave the city without trying on the elegant Korean traditional clothing called ‘ hanbok’! Much like how Japan has kimono rental shops, South Korea has hanbok rental shops for tourists. Through these places, you can borrow and wear hanbok for a day (or more ) whilst you venture out to the cultural spots in Seoul to snap wonderful photos.

This is certainly a MUST-do activity in your Seoul itinerary because aside from the fact that you can have the chance to feel as though you’ve been transported back to the Joseon period or to a set of an old K-drama, the experience itself is also supported by the Koreans as a part of promoting their history (so yes, it’s one way of immersing yourself with their vibrant culture too). And if those reasons are not enough, wearing a hanbok grants you FREE entry to the palaces in the city!

TRIVIA : The term ‘hanbok’ literally means “Korean clothing” but it just basically refers to the traditional clothing for both men and women from the Joseon period.

There are a LOT of hanbok rental shops in Seoul but if you want the best, I highly recommend renting with Seohwa Hanbok . Apart from its prime location, it has more intricately-designed hanbok garments that are set at an affordable price! For a more comprehensive guide on this, read my ‘ Hanbok Rental ‘ post here .

As you would see on the online booking platform , Seohwa Hanbok has 3 rental options: 4 hours, 1 day, or 2 days .

NOTE: If you have purchased the Discover Seoul Pass (no matter if it’s the 24H or 48H option), it’s preferable that you do NOT activate it on this day because you’ll already be given FREE entry to 4 of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ if you’re wearing a hanbok. Not to mention that this whole hanbok activity will already likely fill up your whole day, so it’s best to activate the pass the next day. . Unless of course, you plan to avail the FREE hanbok rental use instead that’s under the Discover Seoul Pass’ perks. Personally, I think it’s best that you avail a hanbok rental separately for longer hours because the free hanbok rental under the pass is only for 90 minutes).

Once you are clad in a hanbok of your own choosing, I recommend doing the following route:

• The Changing of the Royal Guard ( Sumunjang ) ceremony is held for FREE daily, except Tuesdays, at 10:00AM and 2:00PM in front of Gwanghwamun or the main gate of Gyeongbokgung. If you can’t make it to these time slots, you can also witness a Guard-on-Duty Performance at Gwanghwamun gate at 11:00AM and 1:00PM or a Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training in Hyeopsaengmun Gate at 09:35AM and 1:35PM.
• If you’ve got time, you can check out the huge golden King Sejong Statue at the nearby Gwanghwamun Square. (King Sejong is best remembered as the inventor of ‘Hangeul’ or the Korean alphabet.)
• ★ Changdeokgung: This was the 2nd palace that was built after Gyeongbokgung and it has since been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997. An interesting feature of this place is its ‘Secret Garden’ because there are only a limited number of admission slots per day that are given out. If you’re lucky, you can get the chance to go in if you want to!
• Deoksugung: This palace is famous for its picturesque stone-walled road (which is often featured in K-dramas like Goblin). And much like Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung Palace has a Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony and it is held at 11:00AM, 2:00PM, and 3:30PM daily, except on Mondays.
• Changgyeonggung: This used to be the residential quarters for queens and concubines of the king, and it later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during the Japanese colonial rule (today though, the zoo and garden are relocated to Seoul Land ).
• Gyeonghuigung: Located near Deoksugung Palace, this site served as the secondary palace for the king in the latter half of the Joseon period. For a time, Gyeonghuigung was of considerable size but most of its major structures have long been disassembled and moved to other parts of Seoul. .
• To get here, look for Bukchon-ro street. It will be hard to miss because the tourism board had recently appointed staff there in red clothing to help tourists and distribute maps. Basically, there are 8 major viewpoints to see in Bukchon Hanok Village and those that you must NOT miss are the Gaehoe-dong areas that are typically appointed as Views #3 to #7. If you’re coming with elderly companions, take note that there are a few uphill climbs in this area.
• Unlike other hanok villages (like Namsangol Hanok Village), Bukchon was not built for tourists as it is rather a residential village inhabited by Seoulites. Therefore, make sure to keep quiet so as not to disturb the locals.
• As you leave Bukchon, drop by the nearby neighborhood of Ikseon-dong . Much like Bukchon, it’s one of the oldest hanok villages in Seoul; but in case you want to escape the crowds, it would be a great idea to explore this hidden gem! .
• Lunch: You can either have it at Bukchon Hanok Village or at Insa-dong. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants in these areas so you won’t have a difficult time picking a place; though if I may put in my two cents, do check out Jokagbo at Bukchon (across the street near the entrance to the village) or Gogung at Insa-dong for their bibimbap (mixed rice bowl). For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals. .
• Drop by Insa-dong: (Nearest subway station: Anguk Station, Exit #6) As you make your way to the last stop of this route, you must not skip on the neighborhood of Insa-dong in the Jongno-gu district of Seoul. After all, its streets are one of the best places in Seoul when it comes to culture and crafts (perfect for souvenirs!). If I may also share another tip, try to stop by Ssamziegil which is a unique building wherein each of its levels is connected in the form of a spiraling walkway! .
• (OPTIONAL) Visit Namsangol Hanok Village: (Nearest subway station: Chungmuro Station, Exit #3) Located at the foot of Namsan, this village was built to feature 5 traditional houses of different social classes from the Joseon era, all relocated to this spot from different locations in Seoul in order for guests to understand the daily lives of its past people. Of all these 5 houses or hanok, only one is open to the public which is the house of Yoon-ssi of Okin-dong. It has been transformed into ‘Yoon’s Tearoom’ where visitors can learn about Korea’s tea culture. If you’re interested, you could join the tea ceremony program for only ₩7,000. (For a list of other activities in this village, see this link ).

Is it possible to just try on a hanbok for FREE? Yes. If you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , you can wear a hanbok of your choice outdoors for 90 minutes via HANBOKNAM, or take photos with a hanbok in the indoor studio of Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Experience Center . However, if you do not have a Discover Seoul Pass, Korea Tourism Office’s Main HQ allows you to wear simple hanbok and take shots of yourself in it indoors. . Is there a service where I can just rent a hanbok indoors and have a professional photographer take photos of me? Of course! You can book this kind of experience online for just ₩15,000~ (or USD$14~ / Php 730~). It even has the option of doing outdoor shots.

◘◘ Visit the awe-inspiring structure of Dongdaemun Design Plaza

(Nearest subway station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit #2)

Also called “DDP”, this structure is a new major urban landmark in the heart of Seoul which has a distinctly futuristic design made by world-renowned architect, Zaha Hadid. As such, it’s not strange that it is one of the most Instagrammed locations in Korea.

Other than enjoying its grand outer architecture for your Seoul itinerary, you can also stroll through DDP’s huge 5 halls namely, Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park — places where you can shop and watch various exhibitions, fashion shows, and performances among many others.

• From late May to late October every year, Seoul Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market will open in DDP from 6:00PM to 11:00PM, so don’t forget to make a stop here to not only buy a variety of food and goods but to also enjoy the various performances made available during this event.
• TRIVIA : This display was first put up on National Liberation Day in 2015 which is in celebration of Korea’s 70th year of independence. Hence, the number of 25,550 comes from 365 days multiplied by 70.

BONUS: If you still have some time, drop by Ihwa Mural Village, a picturesque neighborhood in Seoul that is famous for its amazing murals — as well as for its fascinating cafes and shops. It’s no wonder that a lot of K-dramas and movies have started to do their filming here. You can basically find this near Naksan Park (which also yet another hidden gem that provides great views of the cityscape).

◘◘ Eat and shop through any of Seoul’s night markets

Like the rest of Asia, Seoul has no shortage of vibrant night markets, so for dinner, go and drop by any of the following spots ( it’s best to choose only one! )

• Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market: (Nearest subway station: *various spots*) Like I’ve written above, this night market opens from May to October. It originally opened in Yeouido (Yeouinaru Station, Exit #3) but has since expanded to several locations such as DDP. The other remaining places would be Cheonggyecheon Stream (Jongno5(0)ga Station, Exit #7) and Banpo Hangang Park (Express Bus Terminal Station). .
• Dongdaemun Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Exit #4) Take note that this is different from the night market found in DDP. Apart from the retail haven found in this vicinity, you will also find the ‘Open market’ with its bright yellow tents, all selling various apparel, souvenirs, and items at affordable prices starting from 10:00PM up to 5:00AM. If you’re rather looking for delicious Korean eats during your Seoul itinerary, drop by Mukja Golmok (“Let’s Eat Alley” at exit #8 of Dongdaemun Station) to feast on snacks like tteokbokki (rice rolls). .
• ★ Myeongdong Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station, Exit #7) Even if this is not one of those ‘traditional’ night markets, it remains to be a popular destination for travelers as it is set in the bustling shopping district of Myeongdong that holds some of the biggest stores like Lotte and Shinsegae as well as cosmetic brands of all kinds. Starting from 5:00PM and onwards, you will start to see food stalls filling up the main street with fares like gyerangbbang (Korean egg bread), dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), etc. .
• ★ Namdaemun Night Market: (Nearest subway station: Hoehyeon Station, Exit #5) Open from 11:00PM till 4:00AM, this traditional night market is the largest in Seoul and it holds every possible thing that you can think of — from food to clothing, they have it all! .
• Gwangjang Market: (Nearest subway station: Jongno 5(o)-ga Station, Exit #8) If Namdaemun is the largest, then Gwangjang would be the oldest in Seoul, making it a common go-to place for many Korean shoppers. You can actually find this close by Dongdaemun and DDP so it’s possible to check off several of those night markets in the same night if you will it so! (TIP: This place is best if you’re looking to buy a hanbok for yourself). .
• ★ Noryangjin Fish Market: (Nearest subway station: Noryangjin Station, Exit #1) Operating 24 hours a day, this place is more than just a night market. If you come in the early morning, you can witness a bustling fish auction (reminiscent of Japan’s Tsukiji Fish Market). Anyhow, the fun part about this place is that you can buy some fresh seafood and then have it cooked by a restaurant located on the 2nd floor — and if you’re brave enough, maybe you can try the infamous Korean activity of eating a LIVE octopus?

TIP : Want a hassle-free foodie experience? With the help of a local guide, you can join a Korean Food Walking Tour or a Korean Night Dining Tour .

◘◘ Watch the famous Nanta Show

If there’s one show that you should NOT miss for your Seoul itinerary, it will be witnessing the award-winning long-running NANTA Show at Myeongdong Theatre. This is basically a non-verbal comedy show (so it’s fine even if you don’t know Korean) that incorporates traditional ‘ samul nori ‘ rhythm (which is a genre of percussion music distinct to Korea) as they do a slapstick play that mimes the story of cooks who are preparing for a wedding.

I’ve seen this show myself and it was quite entertaining as I saw knives fly and fire blasting from pots — but don’t worry, it’s all safe! But I must say that it did have a distinct sense of humor that may or may not work for you. Either way, it’s an energetic performance that has garnered distinctions and awards from Edinburg Fringe Festival and on New York’s Broadway, so I say: give it a try!

NEAREST SUBWAY: Myeongdong Station, Exit #7 BOOK: Online to get 30% off on tickets

DAY 2: “Discover” more of Seoul!

NOTE: If you have purchased the Discover Seoul Pass (no matter if it’s the 24H or 48H option), this would be a good day to start its activation.

◘◘ Explore and shop in Myeongdong and Hongdae

Myeongdong: (Nearest subway station: Myeongdong Station) This is is arguably the shopping mecca of Seoul and its 2 main streets meet in the center — the first spanning from Myeongdong Subway Station and the second from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro.

For the shopaholics, there is a wide range of branded shops and department stores that line Myeongdong’s streets and alleys (e.g. Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Noon Square, etc.), and they are often set relatively cheaper than the other shopping areas in the city like Cheongdam-dong.

Of course, let’s not forget that Myeongdong is a beauty lover’s dream too given the number of Korean cosmetic stores that regularly hold insane sales for their high-quality products.

As an example, I went here to shop for face masks and one piece averaged at only USD$0.40~ or Php 20~! Some of the top stores you need to check are: Innisfree, Nature Republic, Holika Holika, Tony Moly, Nature Republic, and Laneige. (If you have heard of the Instagram-famous place called as Style Nanda Pink Hotel , you can find it here in this neighborhood or ‘dong’).

TIP : Try to NOT buy from the first shop that you set foot into because most of the time, they will hand out free samples and masks, which could be quite a treat! In fact, I know that some people would hop from store to store just to collect samples, haha. Anyhow, in case you want to check out other places because you’ve got some time, shops in Hyehwa and Sincheon neighborhoods can have cheaper cosmetic products too. And oh, of course, do NOT ever forget claiming your tax refund!

Hongdae: (Nearest subway station: Hongik University Station, Exit #9) It’s no surprise that this area is often compared to Japan’s Harajuku because of its hip and youthful ambiance — with a dash of unique cafes and indie fashion shops here and there. Aside from strolling through ‘ Hongdae Walking Street’, ‘ Picasso’s Street ‘ and ‘ Club Street’ , below are some of the places in and around Hongdae that you should consider stopping by for your Seoul itinerary:

• Hongdae Free Market: Open on Saturdays from March to November at Hongik Children’s Park. You will find here an array of local artist works.
• Trickeye and Ice Museum: TrickEye museum is an interactive 3D space that gives off impressive optical illusions; whereas Ice Museum, as the name implies, is a space where you can enjoy a cool icy environment (e.g. a living room with a TV and couch made of ice and more). Entering these places is free if you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , but if you don’t have the pass, you can reserve your tickets online .
• If you’re looking to spend some time in cute cafes, go to ‘ Chuu ‘ or ‘ Zapangi’ .

BONUS: Ewha Woman’s University is an educational institute with picturesque grounds, but more than this, it’s actually smacked in a shopping area that sells a variety of affordable and stylish clothes for young people; therefore, this is also a good place to shop.

◘◘ Get lunch

It’s time to feast on a delicious Korean BBQ meal! While you’re already in Hongdae, try out either of these places: Gogigo or Old House Charcoal Meat Restaurant .

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals.

◘◘ Make full use of your Discover Seoul Pass

If you’ve followed my advice and got yourself a Discover Seoul Pass , you can enter any of the establishments below for FREE during your Seoul itinerary! Take your pick from any of the following to fill up the rest of your day ( best to pick 2 at most ).

For a complete list of FREE admissions under the Discover Seoul Pass, you can also visit this page .

• MBC World: (Nearest subway station: Digital Media City Station, Exit #9) Are you a fan of K-pop, K-dramas, or Korean stars — or just ‘ hallyu ‘ (Korean Wave) in general? Then MBC World is a great destination for your Seoul itinerary, as it will give you the chance to experience hologram K-pop concerts, virtual reality drama sets, and more. (If you don’t have the Discover Seoul Pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• SM Town Museum: (Nearest subway station: Samseong Station, Exit #6) Still in line with the ‘hallyu’ fever, this place is dedicated to famous K-pop artists under the powerhouse of SM Entertainment in South Korea. Avid fans can tour through their training rooms, recording rooms, and so much more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket for this, go here ) . .
• Grévin Museum: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit #1) This is like Korea’s version of Madam Tussauds. You can find about 80 wax figures of Korean and international celebrities, as well as several thematic interactive experiences. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• 63 Square: (Nearest subway station: Yeouinaru Station, Exit #4) Other than gaining access to panoramic views of Seoul, you can also enter in 63 Square the first aquarium in Korea called Aqua Planet 63. If you’re a K-drama fan, this is actually the aquarium used in ‘Legend of the Blue Sea’ and where a Mermaid Show is regularly held. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here for combination tickets or here for the aquarium only. .
• COEX Aquarium: (Nearest subway station: Bongeunsa Station, Exit #7) This place has the largest collection of marine life in Korea and you can watch feeding shows and interactive exhibits here too. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .
• Seoul City Tour Double-Decker Bus: Go on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour through the center of Seoul to get a glimpse of all of its past and present glory. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .
• Alive Museum: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 3(sam) Station, Exit #1) This place is similar to TrickEye Museum but it is arguably larger with several other exhibits such as the ‘Dynamic Maze’ (where participants must work together to overcome challenges) and the ‘Black Wonderland’ (where fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland, Frozen, Cinderella and Aladdin can be experienced in the dark ). If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here . .
• Seoul Zoo and Skylift: (Nearest subway station: Seoul Grand Park Station, Exit #2) Seoul Zoo is South Korea’s largest zoo with over 330 species of animals, inclusive of a botanical garden and a forest park. The icing on the cake? You can even ride the Sky Lift which can transport you to several places such as the Seoul Land theme park and more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket for your Seoul itinerary, go here ). .
• Running Man: (Nearest subway station: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit #3) Do you want to be a part of Korea’s popular variety show, Running Man? Well with this thematic experience, you can do so! This will surely be a hilarious and fun adventure for you and your travel companions as you make your way through 6 zones, including Maze Battle. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ). .

◘◘ Visit Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower

(Take Namsan Shuttle Bus, Circulation Bus No. 2, 3, or 5)

Mt. Namsan’s Namsan Park is a symbolic place in the center of Seoul. To get up here, you can ride a cable car, a bus, or just simply walk up its stairway path. Most visitors come to this place to enjoy nature, to see the city skyline, or to do some of the hiking trails — but a majority makes a stop at the famous N Seoul Tower which is the first tower-type tourism spot in South Korea.

Rising at almost 480m above sea level, it is certainly one of the tallest towers in Asia. Once you set foot on its premises during your Seoul itinerary, you can explore its other attractions such as the LED tunnel, Hello Kitty Island, Ssentoy Museum & Showroom, and more.

• BOOK: Online to get a discounted ticket to the tower’s observatory as well as grab great combo deals.
• TIP : Other than N Seoul Tower, you can also find Palgakjeong Pavillion (octagonal hall) and Bonghwadae (beacon mounds that were used to signal incoming enemy invasions in the past).

◘◘ Grab dinner

I have two options for you, depending on what you fancy:

• A traditional royal Korean cuisine dinner: Feast on fresh and high-quality Korean cuisine set in a traditionally-styled restaurant called Myongdongjeong . What’s more? You can also rent their hanbok for free while eating to really feel as though you’ve been transported to a royal palace. .
• A cruise buffet dinner through Hangang River: Hangang or Han River is a major river in South Korea, and it is best enjoyed during the night with Eland Cruise as you glide through the waters and taste a delectable food buffet. Before the end of your cruise, you can even witness a firework show and a front-row view on the colorful Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain Show. To reserve your spot, go here .

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary.

◘◘ Walk through Cheonggyecheon Stream

(Nearest subway station: Jongno5(0)ga Station, Exit #7 )

Cheonggyecheon is a picturesque 11 km-long modern stream that runs through a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang or Han River. Some examples of the beautiful bridges that it has are the Narae Bridge (which represents a butterfly) and Gwanggyo Bridge (depicting the harmony of the past and the future).

A lot of Seoulites wind down to this spot to chill and bask under the city lights, the lush ambiance, and the surrounding man-made waterfalls, if not partake in the Bamdokkaebi (Goblin) Night Market from May to October — so why not do the same during your Seoul itinerary?

DAY 3: A chill kind of day

◘◘ Do a “ Discover Seoul Pass ” or “Extra Days” activity

I recommend that you pick up an activity that you prefer from any of the previously listed things to do that I’ve written under Day #2’s ‘Discover Seoul Pass’ options of this Seoul itinerary. If not, you can also browse through the “Extra Days” tab above.

If you ask me, doing a cooking class , a kimchi class or a K-pop dance class will be a LOT of fun! (Read more about my Kpop dance class experience here ).

Did you ever want to try spending a day with a Korean ‘oppa’ (older brother)? Join this walking tour that’s led by a local guide!

◘◘ Grab lunch

• Hangaram: (Nearest subway station: Express Bus Terminal Station) Hangaram is a great choice if you want to taste some of the beloved Korean staples like bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), bulgogi (stir-fried beef), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), kimchi (fermented vegetables) , etc. .
• Tosokchon Samgyetang: (Nearest subway station: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #2) Another Korean dish that you need to taste is samgyetang or ginseng chicken soup, and this restaurant is often lauded as the BEST place to eat in.

For other food or restaurant options, click the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary .

◘◘ Shop for highly discounted Korean food and snacks at Lotte Mart!

(Nearest subway station: Seoul Station, Exit #4 ). Naturally, going through any of the night markets I’ve listed under Day #1 will already grant you access to the cheapest food and snacks possible. However, other than those, I think that you should also go on a crazy chow shopping spree at Lotte Mart’s Seoul Station Branch! Why so? Well… as one of the leading discount store chains in South Korea, they sell ridiculously low-priced goods.

I swear to you, I bought only USD$20-worth of snacks here, yet it was enough to gift them to more than 20 people! (On top of the discounted items, you can get at most an 8% tax refund, and more to that, they also provide a free self-packing station so that you can pack all your purchased items in sealed boxes).

• For the must-buy snacks? It would be tteokbokki junk food, Binggrae banana-flavored milk, choco pies, yogurt jelly, honey butter chips, fire noodles (called also Buldak Bokkeum Myeon ), Lotte stick biscuits, and honey butter almond among many others!
• TIP: While you’re here, don’t miss dropping by the nearby newly-opened sky garden walkway called Seoullo 7017!

◘◘ Walk around Gangnam

(Nearest subway station: Gangnam Station)

There’s probably not a soul in this world who hasn’t heard of ‘Gangnam’ (and we have PSY to thank for that) .

For your info, Gangnam is Seoul’s upscale modern center that is home to high skyscrapers, designer brands, high-end restaurants, and pulsating nightclubs — so yes, it’s the home to many wealthy Koreans. In fact, you can think of it as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Seoul. To make the most of your visit here during your Seoul itinerary, stop by the following ( it’s best to pick 3 at most ).

• Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Centre: You’ll find this from the moment that you step foot in Gangnam Station’s subway. With an array of accessories, clothing, cosmetics, and shoes, I have found a lot of sweet bargains here myself! .
• Gangnam Square: Right outside Gangnam Station’s Exit #5 is the spacious Gangnam Square which has a small section built as a tribute to PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ hit song, as well as the Gangnam-daero Road that’s speckled with various shops. .
• Apgujeong Rodeo Street and Cheongdam Fashion Street: (Nearest subway station: Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Exit #1 and Exit #3 respectively.) If you haven’t had enough of shopping but are looking for more upmarket shops. .
• Hallyu K-Star Road: K-pop fans must not skip this! Found between Apgujeong Rodeo Station and Cheongdam Station are adorable GangnamDols that are each autographed by K-pop groups like EXO, BTS, Super Junior, and more. For a detailed list, you can check here . .
• Garosu-gil Road: (Nearest subway station: Sinsa Station, Exit #8) This Gingko tree-lined street is a popular, trendy street in the city of Seoul and it is even often called an ‘artists street’ due to the number of quaint cafes and designer stores. Some charming cafes that you can choose from are Gingko Avenue, Line Friends Cafe, Cafe de Paris, and IKOVOX . .
• Starfield COEX Mall: (Nearest subway station: Bongeunsa Station, Exit #7) This mall is a shopping mecca, but more than this, it has interesting amenities too that are not limited to the COEX Aquarium and the Starfield Library. The latter is the newest built facility on the premises and it features 50,000 books and magazines in a grand yet relaxed setting. .
• SM Town Museum: (Nearest subway station: Samseong Station, Exit #6) This place is dedicated to famous K-pop artists under the powerhouse of SM Entertainment in South Korea. Avid fans can tour through their training rooms, recording rooms, and so much more. (If you don’t have the pass and want to separately book a ticket, go here ) . .
• Lotte World: (Nearest subway station: Jamsil Station) As Seoul’s largest indoor and outdoor amusement theme park, you will actually need a full day to enjoy this place — but I still felt like including this here, just so you know that it’s located in this Gangnam area. So if you have a spare day in your Seoul itinerary, it would be great to visit Lotte World. Another theme park choice would be Everland , but if you want other options, check the “Extra Days” tab above.

◘◘ Go up to Lotte World Tower

Towering at 554 meters, this new 123-floor skyscraper just opened last 2017 and it is currently the tallest building in Seoul and the 5th tallest in the world. It contains several cafes, galleries, a luxury hotel, a skywalk, and an observation deck.

Obviously, this is the best place for viewing panoramic views of the cityscape and I highly suggest that you go up to the observatory not only to enjoy the view with a cup of coffee but to also experience its glass floors! Though it was nerve-wracking at first, it was really cool to feel as though I was floating up in the air like that! (Another thing you can enjoy nearby is Lotte World Mall).

NEAREST SUBWAY: Jamsil Station, Exit #2 BOOK: ₩27,000 for adults and ₩24,000 for children (Pay less if you book online ).

BONUS : From April to October, head over to the Han River’s Banpodaegyo Bridge by 8PM (plays every 20 minutes until 9PM) to watch their famous Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show.

I think it’s time to have a meal with the guidance of a local during your Seoul itinerary, so why not try a Seoul street food tour for instance? If you’re not game for that, you can find other food or restaurant options under the “Extra Days” tab on top of this section — or go to this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary.

DAY 4: All About JSA

◘◘ Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

It’s no news that the Korean peninsula has long been divided into two countries: North Korea and South Korea. Unfortunately, it was not at all a peaceful separation given the infamous 250km-long buffer zone of the Demilitarized Zone ( DMZ ) that separates the two since 1953.

Today, it is referred to as the most heavily guarded area in the world with battle-ready armies, fences, landmines, and fences on both sides — it’s absolutely one of the scariest places in the world! …And yet, it continues to be a popular major tourist attraction in South Korea that attracts a lot of history buffs and curious folks worldwide who are seeking to witness this surreal land for themselves (people like me).

The available tours currently being held are as follows:

• Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA) Tour: This is the most sought-after tour by travelers to South Korea’s DMZ because this is the closest place to North Korean soil that anyone can step into without getting arrested or shot. A tour to JSA will only be possible through an organized tour that is approved by the government and it will basically take the guests to the iconic blue UN building that is smacked on the border — with both North and South Korean soldiers facing one another (as if they’re on a staring showdown). .
• North Korea Center of Unification Board: Shows over a hundred photos and documents showing the stark reality of North Korea.
• Mangbaedan Alter: The spot where Koreans separated from their families in the North. Koreans typically visit this place on New Year’s Day and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) to perform ancestral rites to their home and relatives in the North.
• Bridge of Freedom: Where South Koreans crossed when they were released from North Korea. You will witness a lot of ribbons tied to the fences that each contain messages of hope, peace, and love.
• Dora Observatory: From here, visitors can look closer into North Korea with binoculars as they witness things like the North Korean propaganda village, Kaesong city, and others.
• Dorasan Station: This is the northernmost train stop on South Korea’s railway line and locals hope that it would one day connect North and South Korea when peace finally prevails.

It is possible to combine the two tours above for a whole-day experience during your Seoul itinerary (see here ).

BOOKING LINKS (use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount ) :

• Panmunjom Joint Security Area Tour (JSA) only = ₩85,000~
• Third Tunnel of Aggression only = ₩63,800~
• Panmunjom Joint Security Area Tour (JSA) & Third Tunnel of Aggression combo = ₩130,000~

◘◘ Visit a spa or a jjimjilbang

After your tense morning tour to DMZ, how about you relax and pamper yourself with Korea’s well-liked spa services? Apart from getting a Korean massage , I urge you to experience jjimjilbang or a large gender-segregated public bathhouse complete with hot tubs, showers, traditional Korean kiln saunas, and massage tables.

If you’re a fan of K-dramas, you will probably be familiar with this because it’s a common place that Koreans frequent for spa services. For this, you can visit Dragon Hill Spa (or if you hold a Discover Seoul Pass , it gives you free admission to Sealala jjimjilbang).

NEAREST SUBWAY STATION: Itaewon Station, Exit #3 BOOK: Go to this link to get a discounted rate

ALTERNATIVE : If you rather want to relax in nature during your Seoul itinerary, go over to the World Cup Park, a humongous space that used to be a landfill but has now been turned into a park with 5 different sections: Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Haneul (Sky) Park, Noeul (Sunset) Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park. A crowd favorite would be Haneul Park as it’s the highest elevation of the five parks.

I have two options for you for your Seoul itinerary, depending on what you prefer:

• Buffet: Taste all kinds of gourmet food at Tavolo 24 .
• Korean gopchang: Taste the popular stir-fried Korean dish made up of small intestines from cattle or pork (often best paired with soju ) at Aunt’s Grilled Intestines Restaurant .

TIP : You can also check this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals.

DAY 5: Day tour to Gapyeong County

◘◘ Explore Gapyeong County’s wonders

It’s time to venture out of Seoul’s busy metropolis to get some fresh air and tranquility. For this, a day trip to Gapyeong County’s top attractions is recommended for your Seoul itinerary!

READ: My detailed guide on this tour by clicking [ here ].

• Petite France: This is a charming place that serves as both a cultural village and a youth training facility with over 16 French-styled buildings. Petite France is also recognized as a top filming location for Korean dramas like ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘My Love from the Star’. With its European ambiance, it is also somewhat of a tribute to Saint-Exupery, the author of the famous French Novel: ‘Le Petit France’. ~Entrance fee: ₩10,000 adults / ₩5,000 children .
• Nami Island: A half-moon-shaped island nestling inside an artificial lake known for being the filming grounds of the well-known K-drama ‘Winter Sonata’. Nami Island is home to rows of majestic trees, roaming animals, and art exhibits, making it a sought-after destination in every season! I highly recommend that you rent a bike when you’re here; otherwise, there are other activities you can do such as water sports, trying on the roller skating rink, going to the shooting range, and more. ~Entrance fee: ₩13,000 .
• Garden of Morning Calm: This grand 30,000 sqm garden is open all year round and it is regarded as the oldest private garden in Korea with an artistic space that’s sure to leave anyone in awe. The Garden of Morning Calm becomes even more magical during winter (December to March) when they set up hundreds of multi-colored lights to create themed gardens, so make sure that this is on your Seoul itinerary! ~Entrance fee: ₩9,500 adults / ₩6,000 children .
• Gangchon Rail Bike: Built on a discontinued trail line, Gangchon Rail Bike is a fun attraction where you can pedal through old railroad tracks while taking in the amazing Bukhangang River scenery. Rest assured, it doesn’t require much effort to pedal the makeshift carts because the rail lines are slightly sloping downhill. ~Entrance fee: ₩30,000 for a two-seater .
• Edelweiss Park: Edelweiss Park is similar to Petite France, but instead, it focuses more on being a Swiss-based cultural village, so it’s filled with Swiss architecture, establishments, and sceneries. ~Entrance fee: ₩10,000 .

For a hassle-free experience on your Seoul itinerary, it would be advisable to go on a guided tour. Nowadays, there are different packages so feel free to take your pick from any of the combinations below (they often already include a delectable dak-galbi lunch, but there is also a halal option ; don’t forget to use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount ):

• (2 stops) Nami Island + Alpaca World
• (2 stops) Nami Island + Petite France
• (2 stops) Nami Island + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Alpaca World + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + The Garden of Morning Calm + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + The Garden of Morning Calm
• (3 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (3 stops) PRIVATE TOUR: Nami Island + Petite France + Gangchon Rail Bike
• (4 stops) Nami Island + Petite France + The Garden of Morning Calm + Gangchon Rail Bike

If not, you can take the ‘Gapyeong Tourist Bus’ which can bring you to all of these locations for only ₩6,000 — the downside though is that the buses run only once every hour, and with the crowds that go to all of these places, it’s likely that the spots get filled quickly. (This is why I suggest going on a guided tour instead.)

I have two options for you, depending on what you prefer:

• Samgyeopsal : Taste this hearty grilled pork belly dish at Palsaik which is very popular with locals.
• Jokbal: Try this Korean dish consisting of soft pig’s trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices at Manjok Ohyang Jokbal .

TIP : You can also check this link to see a list of restaurants that you can book online at special deals for your Seoul itinerary. (Use promo code AILEEN5OFF to get a 5% discount).

Explore other TOP destinations in South Korea

BUSAN Known for its colorful houses, mountains, and the largest fish market in Korea!

JEJU ISLAND South Korea’s top island destination beloved by tourists and locals alike.

TIP : Check out all of the top Instagram spots in Busan to fill up your feed and Seoul itinerary!

◘◘ Family Fun ◘◘

Everland Park South Korea’s largest attraction park.

Lotte World Large indoor and outdoor theme park.

Poo Poo Land Unique and fun place for photo-ops and learning.

Love Museum Seoul’s first and only museum for adults!

◘◘ K-Drama & K-Pop ◘◘

MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Tour Largest historical drama open set in Korea.

K-pop Dance Studio Class Learn popular K-pop dances and choreography.

Seoul Hallyu Kpop Tour Ultimate KPop experience for your Seoul itinerary!

SBS MTV “The Show” Package Backstage access to live sets and broadcasts.

Everland Park Record your own K-Pop song at King Studio.

Korean School Uniform Rental Day rental of a Korean school uniform.

“Oppa” Tour Tour Seoul with an attractive “oppa”!

◘◘ Korean Performances ◘◘

Fireman Show Action-comedy show full of stunts.

CHEF: Bibap Show One of the best Korean musical shows..

The Painters HERO Famous live painting non-verbal performance.

Finding Mr. Destiny Korean musical with subtitles.

Jump – Martial Arts Show Seoul’s favorite martial arts theatre show.

Fanta Stick Show Powerful percussion show.

◘◘ Beauty ◘◘

KPop Shoot & Makeover Full makeover at a famous studio.

Pre-nup Photoshoot Pre-nup shoot with makeup, hair, and clothes.

Korean ID Shoot ID shoot in Korean style makeup and hairstyle.

Korean Salon Service Style your hair in Gangnam’s top salon.

Professional Korean-Style Beauty Consultation Learn about your own personal color based on your skin, etc.

◘◘ Workshops ◘◘

Cooking Class Cook authentic Korean dishes with a local.

Perfume-Making Class Create your own signature scent.

Ring-making Workshop Create your own unique accessories!

Kimchi Class Learn how to make kimchi and topokki!

Handmade Jewelry Experience Learn hands-on exquisite art of jewelry making.

Handmade Stamp Engraving Create your own Korean-style hand engraved seal.

◘◘ Food & Restaurants ◘◘

Assorted Grilled Beef Enjoy a Korean BBQ meal

Budae Jjigae Try budae jjigae, the iconic Korean ‘Army Stew’.

Gogung Bibimbap Specializes in authentic Bibimbap dishes!

Puffer Fish Set The first puffer fish restaurant in Seoul.

Korean Street Food Experience Korean eating and drinking culture!

VIP Seoul Pub Crawl Experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife!

◘◘ Day Trips from Seoul ◘◘

Minsok Korean Folk Village + Gwangmyeong Cave & Uiwang Rail Bike Day Trip.

Busan Experience the best of Busan.

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

The Best Tours in South Korea?

Come and check out this list of the top things to do in South Korea which features the best activities and tours to do in Seoul, Busan, Jeju and more!

There’s still so much to see in Seoul! …But I believe that my Seoul itinerary travel guide here is already a good start.

Please feel free to tweak this itinerary and make full use of my extra activity suggestions in order to make your trip shorter or longer and better fitting for your travel style. Enjoy and do let me know how your trip goes!

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How to start a successful blog, 134 comments.

Your Seoul itinerary guide is a dream come true for wanderers like me! Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but your detailed 5-day plan simplifies everything. From activities to sights, you’ve covered it all. Seoul, here I come—thanks to your fantastic guide! ❤❤❤❤

Going to Paju would be another great option for a day trip from Seoul, especially during the week. It is close, easily reached by bus, and offers amazing landscapes no matter the season.

Seoul is one of my favorite cities in the world! I’m dying to return and explore it more.

If I was given a chance, I would love to go to Seoul. Seoul is one of my dream places to go in the near future and your blog really helps and encourages me to never stop dreaming. Thank you for this :))

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Seoul Travel Guide

Seoul is a dynamic city fearlessly forging a path into the future while faithfully preserving its proud past. Home of the world’s fastest internet and some of Asia’s oldest urban enclaves, where 100-floor skyscrapers soar above thousand-year-old Buddhist temples. A harmonious blending of old and new beats at the heart of this world-class destination. Between the balance and the bibimbap comes the ultimate urban excursion. —Brad Japhe

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36 Hours in Seoul

By Victoria Kim Updated Dec. 15, 2022

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South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is basking in the global attention engendered by its wildly popular cultural output . It’s not just K-pop fans flocking here; international art galleries are setting up shop one after another, and this fall, the city hosted Frieze’s first art fair in Asia. Here, you can hike fortress walls nestled amid skyscrapers, cycle past a towering LED screen abutting a royal palace and get lost in a tangle of backstreets harboring some of the city’s most interesting bars and restaurants. Seoul embraces both its past and constant reinvention, and has a resilient spirit. The city is still mourning lives lost in a Halloween crowd surge — a tragedy made all the more devastating because many of the victims were young people drawn from all parts of the world to Seoul’s vibrancy.

Recommendations

• Han River Park encompasses 11 smaller parks along both banks of the river and is best explored on its extensive bike path.
• Euljiro , a fast-changing, former industrial area, has narrow alleyways teeming with hip bars and restaurants.
• On Inwangsan , a mountain in the city’s center, you can hike along a fortress wall first built in 1396.
• Ace Four Club is a wood-paneled cocktail bar in the space that was formerly a 60-year-old teahouse.
• Nogari Alley is a street that turns into a rowdy beer hall with plastic tables and chairs, and cheap bar fare.
• Patic is a bistro with delectable, southern French-inspired dishes incorporating seasonal Korean ingredients.
• Yun Seoul serves a thoughtful prix-fixe menu that showcases dry-aged fish and housemade noodles.
• Sanullim 1992 offers an encyclopedic selection of traditional Korean grain alcohol from all corners of the country.
• Vibd Blvd is one of Seoul’s many “LP bars” that evokes ’70s nostalgia, with a D.J. spinning records from a large vinyl selection.
• Seochon Blues is a favorite post-dinner pit stop for the after-work crowd, where the walls are lined with the owner’s personal vinyl collection.
• Millennial Dining serves vegan takes on classic Korean flavors with a selection of natural wines.
• Alkimia offers surprising gelato flavors including rice, red pepper and yuja, a citrus fruit.
• Gwangjang Market is a century-old marketplace with an array of stalls serving noodles, pancakes and rice dishes.
• LCDC is a new four-story complex in a former shoe factory with a cafe, a clothing boutique and other shops.
• 29cm Seongsu is the flagship store of a popular online fashion retailer that blurs the line between a shop and an exhibition space.
• Whanki Museum showcases the works of a pioneering contemporary Korean painter in a quiet residential area.
• Seoul Forest Park is an expansive park surrounded by a trendy neighborhood with excellent coffee shops and innovative retail spaces.
• Bukhansan National Park has a network of trails with heart-pumping, steep climbs and stunning vistas, all accessible by bus or subway.
• Gocheok Sky Dome or Jamsil Baseball Stadium will immerse you in the boisterous world of Korean baseball fandom with cheap beer and some atypical ballpark fare.
• While Seoul is easy to navigate via its world-class subway and bus systems, two local apps with English options, Naver and Kakao , are your best bets for turn-by-turn directions instead of Google Maps.
• The centrally located Four Seasons Hotel Seoul ’s gentle curves pay homage to the eaves of traditional tile-roof homes known as hanok. The hotel offers rooms overlooking Gyeongbokgung Palace and the mountains to the north from around 460,000 South Korean won (KRW) a night, or $355.
• In bustling Hongdae, the trendy RYSE Autograph Collection has expansive city views (from around 210,000 KRW). The aroma from Tartine Bakery, originally of San Francisco, in the lobby is a bonus.
• Stayfolio is a booking platform founded by local architects. Reserve in advance— some of the popular properties, including renovated hanok or brick homes, can be booked up months out.
• Short-term rentals are relatively cheap. Seongsu-dong, near Seoul Forest Park, Samcheong-dong with its concentration of galleries and hanok homes, and neighborhoods along the Han River are good areas to stay.

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The Seoul Guide

The Seoul Guide is a free online travel guide for visitors planning a trip to Seoul, the historic, cutting edge, and fast-paced capital city of South Korea. This site is designed and intended to help visitors plan their trip, whether it be your first time or 100th. Here you will find information about sights and attractions , transportation and getting around, food and restaurants, and the history of this great country through the use of photos, maps, high definition videos, and more.

For many visitors to Asia, Seoul is one of those places on their wish to visit list. One day, but not today. It’s often bypassed for the tropical beaches of Thailand, historic Japan, or for hectic China. Ask about South Korea to your friends and more often than not, the most they will know about South Korea is about the ongoing conflict with the north. But there’s more to this amazing country with thousands of years of history. In the beautiful city of Seoul, thousands of years of history and traditions coexist with neon signs.

Once a poor and war-torn nation, it has since turned itself around in just 50 years to make it one of the most important financial cities in Asia. This city is a city like no other on earth. Nowhere can you find such a perfect blend of history, cutting-edge technology, and promise for the future.

Seoul has a rich history which can be seen by wandering the grounds of one of the magnificent and historic Five Grand Palaces. It has large, open public parks that will make you forget that you are in the center of one of the largest urban areas in the world.

If you want to shop at any hour of the day, then you will be sure to find an almost endless amount of bustling markets and malls selling everything from fresh fish straight from the ocean at the Noryangjin Fish Market to high end fashion items at the COEX Mall, Asia’s largest underground shopping mall.

You can also find advanced technology, amazing architecture, unique foods and dishes, and friendly locals who are always welcoming to new visitors. Many neighborhoods and districts here have a small town feel to them. A sort of personal and down to earth experience, which is rare for a mega city with a population of over 25 million including its surrounding areas.

This city and its people have a special soul. It is an attack on all senses from the palaces to the markets to the food to the shopping to the people. Only those who have visited this unique destination can truly understand what it is like to be in one of the most dynamic and exciting cities on earth.

Last Updated on Dec 23, 2021

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Seoul Travel Guide

As the largest city in South Korea, dynamic Seoul is a bewitching mix of ancient and modern, packaged in a surprisingly compact metropolis that has earned it a UNESCO City of Design title.

The nation’s capital is a cutting-edge cityscape of glass, steel and concrete skyscrapers, which tower over traditional wooden houses with tiled roofs and a maze of cobbled alleys in distinct, village-like districts.

Neon signs clamour for attention and glittering designer stores sit around the corner from night markets, ancient palaces and temples - the entire display a symbol of the city’s rapid rise to modernisation, a result of Korea’s bali bali (quickly quickly) culture.

It’s at this speed that Seoul has become one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities. Unsurpassed public transport, envelope-pushing technology and ubiquitous Wi-Fi make the South Korean capital an effortless destination for travellers.

Wandering the endless array of busy streets and alleyways, there’s always something to discover, whether it’s a colourful coffee shop, a designer boutique or neighbourhood street food stall. Keeping pace can be a challenge but a constant flow of activity means there is always something original to unearth.

Founded 600 years ago by the Joseon dynasty, Seoul still has its truly Asian heart. You can see it beat in the city’s distinctive, aromatic and healthy food, much of it vegetarian.

Travellers seeking a connection with the city's past will find plenty of opportunities: people still take in traditional tea houses and watch cultural performances at the city’s five elegant palaces, while its extensive museums and the hugely successful contemporary Korean cinema scene keep the ancient alive.

When it's time to re-enter the modern world, popular neighbourhoods like Gangnam, Itaewon and Hongdae lure in visitors with endless shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities - plus some of the city’s best nightlife.

To recharge, Seoul’s public green spaces and displays of nature (such as the winding Han River that bisects the city) offer moments of calm away from the ‘bali bali’ bustle. Whether you aim to explore South Korea’s rich past or its ever-evolving present, Seoul will suck you in.

Book Accommodation

Featured hotels.

Celebrities, royalty and heads of state have stayed at The Shilla, which is set in 9 hectares (23 acres) of woodland yet known for its state-of-the-art technology. Modern public areas belie traditionally furnished rooms. The restaurant, La Yeon, has three Michelin stars - the first restaurant to receive such an accolade.

Fraser Place Central Seoul

A luxury home-from-home is offered by these serviced 'residences' in Seoul, from studios to three-bed and penthouse apartments. Relaxation is further aided by the attractive leisure facilities - a large pool, steam and sauna rooms and peaceful atrium garden.

K-POP Hotel Seoul Station

Only a short walk from Seoul Station, this hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to a central location and low price. The rooms are tiny, it's true, but they are light and modern and offer underfloor heating, minifridges and flat-screen TVs. There's also a lounge area, a basement cafe and rooftop terrace. Laundry facilities don't include dryers, though.

Ibis Seoul Ambassador Gangnam

A good value mid-range hotel in Seoul with smart facilities in a central location. Amenities include a restaurant, a rooftop garden and underground parking, plus there's a sauna and fitness room. The COEX convention centre and shopping mall are nearby.

Lotte Hotel Seoul

The refurbished wing of this huge super-deluxe hotel in Seoul is a good bet for those who want to stay in the heart of the city and close to shopping areas – there's even a large duty-free store on site. A good choice of dining includes French and Italian restaurants. A personal trainer and sports lab analysis are available in the fitness centre.

Grand Ambassador Seoul

This good, centrally located deluxe business hotel offers great views over the Seoul cityscape. There's easy access to the main markets and historic palaces, and facilities include six bars and restaurants plus a health centre with hydrotherapy pool.

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

14 Things To Do In Seoul: Complete Guide To South Korea's Vibrant Capital City

Seoul blends the best of tradition and the ultra-modern: find out what's with all the hype and everything to do in this bustling metropolis.

Read update

More Attractions To See In Seoul

The Korean Wave took the globe by storm in the '90s. K-pop and K-dramas like Squid Game only fueled this fever, inspiring globetrotters to visit South Korea for unique and fantastic experiences. Seoul is the epicenter of this tsunami and a voyager's must-see first stop in South Korea.

With almost ten million citizens, Seoul is the world's fourth-largest metropolis. Dipping low into the Yellow Sea and rising to impressive heights at the Bukhansan mountain peak, civilizations have inhabited the surrounding areas since 4000 BC. Fusing custom, nature, and innovation, the capital of South Korea is nothing short of astonishing. Travelers hungry for the new and the bizarre will love Seoul––from its hundreds of museums, eclectic art scenes, ornate ancient palaces, and traditional villages. Not to mention the lively markets with delectable Korean cuisine.

An urban area bursting with soul , Seoul should rise to the top of every traveler's bucket list. Scratch the surface of what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in this unmatched vacation destination in the ultimate guide below.

UPDATE: 2023/08/16 10:55 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

South Korea's bustling capital city offers the best of both worlds by balancing historical treasures with urban attractions. This refreshed article lists more things to do for history buffs, cultural aficionados, as well as vacationing families.

Top Things To Do In Seoul

Seoul abounds with activities and attractions for tourists. The thriving metropolis caters to all travelers and ages. Although the ultra-modern facade appears overwhelming, tourists can find pockets of serenity throughout the capital.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul include visiting ancient palaces, wandering through museums, getting lost in traditional Korean markets, or exploring colorful neighborhoods.

1 Tour The Gyeongbokgung Palace

K-pop groups like BTS or Blackpink aren't the only royalty from Seoul. An essential activity for anyone in South Korea's capital is to explore the palaces of Seoul .

Five stunning palace complexes adorn Seoul's central Old City. The royal courts and palaces were constructed from the 14th to the early 20th century under the Joseon Dynasty. Apart from the palaces, Korea bloomed under the Joseon Dynasty in economics, fashion, and politics.

Tourists can witness the splendor of this dynasty at the royal residences, an excellent opportunity for culture lovers, history buffs, and photographers.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace is the oldest and most famous of the attractions. Built in the 14th century, this palace was the royal family's primary residence. Framed by the mountains to the north and towering over Gwanghwamun Square, the complex is breathtaking.

To pile on the superlatives, Gyeongbokgung is also the most expansive and opulent of palaces, ensuring visitors plenty of rooms to explore, a museum, and excellent photo opportunities. Guests can also catch the changing of the guard ceremony in the central courtyard.

• Hours Of Operation: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM | Closed Tuesdays
• Cost Of Admission: $2.30 per adult (3,000 won) | Free for ages 18 & under or 65 & above
• Note: Final admission is one hour before closing

For a unique experience, visitors can rent a hanbok , a traditional Korean costume, and gain free entrance to any of the palaces. Hanboks can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 for a two to three-hour rental, and rental shops can be found outside the attractions.

2 Wander Through The Bukchon Hanok Village

An incredible historical landmark in Seoul is the Bukchon Hanok Village .

The village is intrinsically related to the surrounding palaces as it was once the neighborhood for high-ranking officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty. Bukchon Hanok impressively resembles a 600-year-old Korean village, with winding alleyways and hanok , traditional houses.

A tourist favorite in Seoul, wayfarers can wander the alleys and even tour a hanok for free . The village is wondrous for photos of beautiful architecture and for getting a taste of the historic Korean lifestyle. Travelers can take a free walking tour and visit teahouses, cultural centers, and museums.

Wear sturdy walking shoes for a comfortable experience while exploring the fairly hilly neighborhood. Also, arrive early in the morning before the crowds start building up or late in the evening when they've subsided, Bukchon Village is among the most toured areas in Seoul.

Related What To Know About The Art Of Cafe Hopping In Seoul, South Korea

3 Experience The Secret Garden At Changdeokgung Palace

Another impressive sight to see in Seoul is the Changdeokgung Palace .

Designed to integrate nature into the ornate palace grounds, Changdeokgung is an oasis buried in the modernity of Seoul. Lush with trees, flowers, and waterways, this complex was the residence of Joseon royalty from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Today, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Huwon , the Secret Garden. The garden is on a separate, timed-tour ticket, so tourists should arrive early to beat the crowds, especially for spring blossoms or fall foliage.

• Hours Of Operation: Daily, 9 AM - 5:30 PM | Closed Mondays
• Secret Garden Hours : Daily, 10 AM - 5 PM | Closed Mondays
• Cost Of Admission: $2.30 per adult for general admission (3,000 won) | $6 per adult for the Secret Garden tour (8,000 won)
• Note: Secret Garden tour is 1.5 hours

Don't be dismayed by long lines at the palace ticket counters. Visitors can skip the queue with their "T-Money" transportation card and gain entrance to the palaces as if it were a bus or subway ride.

4 Go Shopping On Myeong-Dong Street

A dizzying way to experience the ultra-modern side of Seoul is to walk down Myeong-Dong Shopping Street .

Bright ads and neon lights usher travelers through this famous shopping district. Throngs of crowds enjoy the pedestrianized street, lined with boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and street food. Visitors can find high-end shops alongside Korean and international brands.

A significant tourist and local hub, Myeong-Dong Street offers the best shopping in Seoul in addition to money exchange offices, tourist information centers, and accommodations.

Bring enough cash or carry the right credit card when exploring Myeong-Dong Shopping Street. Impulsive buys are pretty common among tourists considering the more than 1000 shopping venues in the area.

5 Stroll Through Cheonggyecheon

Vacationers looking for a quieter activity in Seoul should visit the Cheonggyecheon public recreation space .

The massive urban renewal project features a walkway and green areas following the seven-mile Cheonggyecheon stream, cutting through downtown Seoul from east to west. The site was formerly a highway before its conversion into a modern public space, showcasing Seoul's commitment to preservation and the environment.

Tourists can lounge like locals, admire urban art and sculptures, or visit museums along the Cheonggyecheon walkway.

For tourists visiting Seoul in the fall, make a point of attending the Seoul Lantern Festival , held in the Cheonggyand area every November.

Related These 10 Amazing Tours Will Show You The Best Of Seoul

6 Reach New Heights At N Seoul Tower

Travelers expecting spectacular panoramas in Seoul can't miss the N Seoul Tower .

The 775-foot-tall local landmark soars above the metropolis on top of Nam Mountain , south of the Old City. Visitors can take an elevator to the top floors for jaw-dropping sights on the observation deck or a meal with views at the revolving restaurant. The N Seoul Tower allows tourists to transcend the madness of the city and enjoy its scope and natural surroundings from above.

Visitors who prefer to admire the magnificent tower from below can relax at the encircling Namsam Park .

• Observation Deck Hours: Weekdays, 10:30 AM - 10 PM | Weekends & Holidays, 10 AM - 11 PM
• Cost Of Admission: $12 per adult (16,000 won) | $9 for children 3 - 12 and seniors over 65 (12,000 won)
• Note: Final admission is 30 minutes before closing

For couples touring the N Seoul Tower, remember to stop by the open-air deck in Tower 1F, a popular spot where couples express their commitment by attaching a padlock or penning a love note.

7 Marvel At Art At The National Museum Of Korea

History buffs and culture lovers should add the National Museum of Korea to their must-see list of attractions in Seoul.

The flagship Korean Museum of Art and History features over 4,000 pieces across three floors. Exhibits showcase artifacts from pre-history, delicate paintings and calligraphy, and Buddhist sculptures and crafts.

The museum also displays some of Korea's National Treasures , including a 5th-century golden crown, a 7th-century bronze Bodhisattva, and a ten-story pagoda.

• Hours Of Operation: Daily, 10 AM - 6 PM | Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10 AM - 9 PM
• Cost Of Admission: Free

A stone's throw away from the National Museum of Korea, tourists can find the Yongsan Family Park, a lovely open space ideal for relaxing, picnicking, and birdwatching.

8 Go Hiking At Bukhansan National Park

An excursion to Bukhansan National Park is the perfect city escape and one of many fun day trips from Seoul .

The beautiful national park is just minutes north of Seoul and is accessible by public transport. Hikers and rock climbers will enjoy the valleys, forests, and paths leading to mountain peaks and shrines.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenery at their leisure or take a guided tour to the iconic Baegundae Peak , towering 836 meters above the ground.

Tours include a private guide, pick-up and drop-off, and lunch.

• Tour Duration: 7 hours
• Cost Of Admission: from $88 per person

To get to Bukhansan National Park without a car, ride the subway to Gireum Station before catching the 110B bus to the end of the line.

9 Get Lost In The Gwangjang Market

Vacationers eager to experience traditional Korean lifestyles should visit the Gwangjang Market .

One of Seoul's oldest and most traditional markets, Gwangjang boasts over 5,000 shops, attracting 65,000 tourists and locals daily. Window shoppers can gawk at or purchase endless varieties of items at the market, from souvenirs and clothing to fruits, fish, and baked goods.

After shopping, visitors can enjoy traditional Korean cuisine at restaurants or stalls. Gwangjang is renowned for its excellent bindaetteok , mung bean pancakes , and kimbap .

• Market Hours: Daily, 9 AM - 11 PM

Don't eat before visiting Gwangjang Market; the area is a foodie's paradise offering the best of Korean street food .

10 Get Artsy In The Ihwa Mural Village

One of t he most Instragrammable locations in Seoul , Ihwa Mural Village is an art lover's oasis.

Started as an initiative by seventy artists in 2007, the walls and alleys in the village are covered from top to bottom with murals and street art. Photographers can wander the colorful and eclectic blocks of the neighborhood for hours.

Easily accessible by public transport, Ihwa Mural Village is on the eastern side of Seoul.

Residents of Ihwa Mural Village have in the past complained of rowdy and disruptive tourists, please remember to respect their peace and keep the noise at a minimum.

11 Turn Up The Ante In Hongdae

A bustling hub for Korean youth culture, Hongdae is an upbeat district in west-central Seoul surrounding Hongik University. It draws college students and the city youth to its colorful setting, splashed with bars, restaurants, cafes, shopping venues, and clubs.

The area is famous for its buzzing arts and creative program, offering the young generation a chance to express themselves freely.

It is the perfect spot for night owls and clubgoers looking to sample the Seoul nightlife, with drinking dens like Club Day serving as the hottest spot after sunset.

Hongdae also hosts two weekend markets, the Free Market on Saturdays and Hope Market on Sundays, for those wanting to shop for groceries or souvenirs.

• Market hours: 1 pm - 7 pm

Hongdae is perfect to visit any time of the day. The festive atmosphere remains buzzing at daytime and in the night, thanks to all the fun establishments in the area.

12 Have Unadulterated Fun At Lotte World

Home to one of the world's largest indoor theme parks , Lotte World offers a perfect family-friendly experience in South Korea . The spectacular facility is laden with thrilling rides, high-octane roller coasters, lively parades, and fun games for kids and adults alike, making it the ideal getaway for the whole family.

History buffs and cultural enthusiasts will also feel at home scoping out the onsite folk museum, which displays artifacts dating back over five millennia ago.

• Cost of admission: Adults $47, Kids $37
• Hours of operation: 9:30 am - 10 pm, daily

The lines are can be ridiculously long at Lotte World, especially on weekends. To skip this, either visit after 4 pm or go on a weekday.

13 Step Back In Time At The Korean Folk Village

The Korean Folk Village offers vacationers a glimpse into the past of Seoul before urbanization transformed the once-modest town into the booming metropolis it is today. Stuck in time, the quaint village harbors interesting historical treasures, including cultural workshops, museums, and folk art performers.

Highlighlights of the Korean Folk Village include the Pottery Exhibition Hall, World Folklore Museum, and Korean Folk Museum. Guests will have an authentic cultural experience watching the exciting equestrian shows, dancing to the traditional farmer's music, and marveling at acrobats walking the tightrope.

• Cost of admission: Adults $23.93, Kids $19.45
• Hours of operation: Monday–Friday (9.30 am to 5.30 pm), Saturday–Sunday (9.30 am to 6 pm)

14 Check Out The Demilitarized Zone

One of the quirkiest things to do in Seoul , a trip to the demilitarized zone might seem unthinkable for many, but it's a go-to for tourists with a penchant for off-the-beaten-path activities. Located about 35 miles north of the city, the DMZ was established in 1953, setting up a buffer zone between the warring North and South.

Today, travelers can take DMZ tours by local outfitters to the deserted town of Panmunjom, which borders the demilitarized zone. Although either side of the border is heavily guarded by military personnel, there have been no major altercations in the past 60 years.

• Tour cost : $36 half day, $65 full day

Although it is almost impossible, under no circumstances should tourists attempt cross the demilitarized zone to North Korea.

Related 12 Korean Tattoo Artists You Should Visit During Your Next Trip To Seoul

15 Where To Eat In Seoul

There are limitless places to eat in Seoul. A foodie playground, tourists can try a riveting array of new and exciting Korean dishes. As a plus, travelers can eat well for cheap in Seoul. Korean culinary tradition dictates that side dishes, like tangy kimchi , are free and bottomless.

One of the best ways to experience new flavors in Seoul is to sample grilled meats, noodles, and fried veggies from street vendors, markets, or pojangmacha , tented street restaurants. Foodies who prefer to sit down have countless restaurants to taste traditional dishes or go for the famed Korean barbecue.

Other essential Korean fares in Seoul include bibimbap , bulgogi , or Korean fried chicken .

Breakfast Spots In Seoul

Isaac Toast & Coffee Myeongdon

• Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 8 PM | Closed Sundays
• Address: 105 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Recommended: Breakfast sandwiches | Hot chicken | Bulgogi

Lunch Locations In Seoul

Songlim Sikdang

• Hours: Daily, 6 AM - 10 PM
• Address: 79 Jayangbeonyeong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Recommended: Haejangguk | Traditional Korean food

Namdaemun Market

• Hours: Daily, 9 AM - 9 PM | Sundays, 11 AM - 8 PM
• Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Recommended: Hottok

Dinner Restaurants In Seoul

Ogeunnae Dak Galbi

• Hours: Daily, 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM
• Address: 15 Ichon-ro 29-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Recommended: Korean barbecue | Fried rice | Udon | Makguksu

Myeongdon Kyoja

• Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM - 9 PM
• Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Recommended: Bibim guksu | Bao

Drinks In Seoul

• Hours: Daily, 7 PM - 3 AM
• Address: 17 Sajik-ro 12-gil, Naeja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Recommended: Cocktails | Whiskey

16 Where To Stay In Seoul

Seoul is packed with accommodation options. The vibrant city has several hostels and capsules for backpackers and solo travelers. In addition, families and couples who prefer quiet or extravagant vacations have many luxury and mid-tier stays.

All the places to stay in Seoul cater to every budget. The essential thing to plan is which neighborhood to find accommodation in. Hopping around the never-ending metropolis can eat a lot of vacation time, so tourists should choose an area that intrigues them and provides their preferred attractions.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Seoul for tourists include:

• Hongdae: Nightlife & Affordable Accommodations
• Gangnam: Shopping & Nightlife
• Myeongdong: Shopping & Food

Luxury Stays In Seoul

Ryse, Autograph Collection

• Prices From : $181 per night
• Neighborhood: Hongdae (food & nightlife)
• Why You Should Book: Fitness Center | Bar & Lounge | Restaurant | Coffee Shop

Park Hyatt Seoul

• Prices From : $347
• Neighborhood: Gangnam (shopping & nightlife)
• Why You Should Book: Indoor Pool | Fitness Center | Restaurant | Bar & Lounge

Mid-tier Stays In Seoul

Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong

• Prices From: $115
• Neighborhood: Myeongdong (shopping & attractions)
• Why You Should Book: Fitness Center | Coffee Shop | Restaurant

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station

• Prices From: $103
• Why You Should Book: Fitness Center | Coffee Shop | Restaurant | Bar & Lounge

Related Book These 11 Budget-Friendly (But Still Nice) Hotels In Seoul

Budget-friendly Stays In Seoul

Hostel Haru

• Prices From: $92
• Neighborhood : Insadong (food & culture)
• Why You Should Book: Private rooms & capsules | Coffee Shop

Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel

• Prices From: $56
• Neighborhood: Itaewon (convenience & nightlife)
• Why You Should Book: Fitness Center | Restaurant | Coffee Shop

17 Best Time To Go To Seoul

Seoul experiences the best and worst of all seasons. Although the capital is a year-round vacation destination, travelers should know the city has a humid subtropical climate and is affected by monsoons.

• Best Time To Visit Seoul: March-May | September-November
• Temperatures: Highs ranging in the 70s | Lows ranging in the 40s

Fall and Spring are the best times to visit Seoul. The weather is pleasant, with comfortable daytime temperatures and light-jacket vibes at night. Springtime in Seoul offers arguably gorgeous weather.

Visitors can marvel at dreamy cherry blossoms from March into May or enjoy the earthy palettes of fall foliage from September to November.

Although there is occasional precipitation, tourists can benefit from little rain alongside fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation rates. The initial blossoming in the Spring and the Lunar New Year celebration in the fall could coincide with more expensive lodgings.

Related 10 Stunning Places To Visit On Your Next Vacation In South Korea

Summer in Seoul is the monsoon season, beckoning in oppressive heat, humidity, and rain. June through August also are the busiest tourist months with the highest rates. The city offers many lively festivals throughout the summer.

Finally, winters are cold in Seoul, with temperatures ranging in the high 60s to mid-80s . Cold-weather travelers can ski in the nearby mountains and save on hotel prices.

18 Best Ways To Get Around Seoul

Wondering how to get around Seoul? There are plenty of transportation options in the city.

Public Transportation In Seoul

Seoul is a hopping metropolis packed within a nine-mile radius. Public transportation is the best way to navigate and get around the city . The South Korean capital has one of the world's fastest and most efficient Metro systems.

With 22 lines and over 300 hundred stops, travelers will love the convenience and affordability of Seoul's Metro. Although riders can buy single-use tickets, the T-money card is the best way to use the Metro.

Tourists can use the transportation card on the Metro, bus, taxis, and other tourist attractions throughout the country.

• T-Money Card Price: $2 (2,500 won)
• One Metro Ride: from $1 (1,350 won)
• Hours: Generally from 5:30 AM-midnight
• Note: Free transfers for 30 minutes on up to 4 lines | Riders can buy and load cards at stations and convenience stores

Buses are another excellent mode of transportation in Seoul. They may feel intimidating to tourists, but they can connect riders to more residential neighborhoods.

• Single Bus Fare: from $0.90 (1,200 won)
• Note: Some bus lines operate overnight

Google Maps is notorious for being unreliable in Seoul, so visitors should download Korean translation and map apps, like Papago , Naver Maps , and Discover Seoul Pass .

Etiquette is essential in Seoul's public transportation. Koreans typically are respectfully quiet on modes of transport, wait in orderly lines to board, and yield seats.

Taxis In Seoul

Taxis are abundant and convenient in Seoul, although they are more expensive and sometimes no faster than the Metro. The advantage is they operate throughout the night. Taxi drivers rarely speak English.

By Bike In Seoul

Seoul offers tourists a popular bike-sharing program called Ttareungyi . Cyclists create an account online and download the app to go riding. While several lovely bike paths crisscross the city, bikers often have to share the routes with pedestrians.

How To Get To Seoul

Seoul is serviced by two international airports: Incheon and Gimpo .

It only takes tourists about twenty minutes to get from the Gimpo Airport to the city center, while it takes almost two hours from Incheon . Travelers can conveniently take the Airport Railroad Metro line or the Airport Limousine bus from Incheon.

Gimpo International Airport closes daily from midnight to 4:30 AM.

19 Tips To Know When Visiting Seoul

Consider the following practical information for visiting South Korea's capital:

• Many travelers must apply online for a K-ETA at least 72 hours before arriving in South Korea. American citizens are currently exempted and only need a valid passport.
• South Korea allows all travelers to enter regardless of vaccination status, but tourists must complete the Q-Code before arrival.
• The language in Seoul is Korean, although many people, especially younger generations, know English.
• The currency in South Korea is the Korean Won.

Some of Seoul's best currency exchange offices are on Myeong-Dong Shopping Street.

Is Seoul Safe?

Travelers planning a trip to South Korea may wonder if Seoul is safe. Although some neighborhoods are best to avoid, the South Korean capital is a safe destination. Tourists should remain vigilant but can feel secure in tourist areas while enjoying the city's clean streets and parks.

South Koreans are reserved but kind. Travelers should bow slightly when greeting people and try to accept or give things with two hands. The dress code is more conservative, and while tourists should be respectful, alcohol can be consumed anywhere.

20 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Seoul

The best of Seoul can be explored in one week . Tourists' days will overflow with unique sites, attractions, and activities.

The perfect day in Seoul starts early by visiting the traditional palaces in the Old City. Travelers can rent hanbok , Korean costumes, for free entrance to the stunning complexes. Tourists could fill the morning by exploring the Gyeongbokgung Palace , heading east through the preserved and historical Bukchon Hanok village , and ending at the Secret Garden within the Changdeokgung Palace .

Travelers cannot miss the Korean markets in Seoul. The perfect day in the city continues at Gwangjang Market to try the best of Korean street food. Later, shoppers can head to the bustling Myeong-Dong Street for exclusive deals, or laid-back tourists can relax and stroll along the Cheonggyecheon urban walkway.

The perfect day in Seoul ends with sunset views atop the N Seoul Tower . Finally, visitors can choose from many restaurants for a lively Korean barbecue dinner.

The Partying Traveler

Survival of the littest.

The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Seoul, South Korea | 2023

Seoul, the dynamic heart of South Korea, is one of my favorite cities in the world. It is a vibrant and breathtaking crossroads of cultures, blending South Korea’s storied past with an electric taste of the future. Seoul often felt like a contradiction, with centuries-old palaces juxtaposed with skyscrapers grasping at clouds, and underground traditional markets lying beneath its ultra-modern streets and its towers of silver. I can’t say enough amazing things about this city that had me pushing my return flight further and further back.

South Korea as a travel destination never particularly enthralled me, but after making a friend who lived in Seoul, I decided to stop by. The flight from the Philippines was only $50, and I’m a sucker for a cheap flight. I came in with few expectations and left feeling like I’ve just said goodbye to a home I’ve known all my life. Seoul is elite, boasting rich cultural heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, and a pulsating nightlife scene. This city truly captured my heart. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, do not hesitate. Here’s everything need to know before taking on this unforgettable city.

And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

Table of Contents

Things to know before going to seoul.

• The Best Neighborhoods in Seoul

Hostel Recommendations for Seoul

From the airport to seoul, public transportation in seoul, taxis in seoul.

• Exploring Seoul on Foot

How Many Days To Spend in Seoul

The best things to do in seoul.

• Nightlife in Seoul
• Final Thoughts

Buy Me A Beer!

Seoul can be an excellent destination for travelers of all levels. It is safe, modern, and filled with incredible things to see and do. While South Korea is a very traveler-friendly destination, there are a few basics to know before visiting this East Asian country.

The currency is the Korean Won . Most places will accept credit cards, but it is always a good idea to have cash handy. There are plenty of ATMs and money exchanges, so withdrawing cash won’t be an issue. For navigating, you’ll want to have the apps Kakao and Naver downloaded. Google Maps kind of works here, but these apps are much more reliable and widely-used. Kakao is also the local taxi app, so use that instead of Uber in case you’re struggling to hail a cab off the streets.

The spoken and written language is Korean, and I’ll admit, there was more of a language barrier than I expected. Outside of tourist hotspots, it will be difficult to find English speakers and few places will have English menus. I had no problem getting around and figuring things out on my own, but it can be tricky until you become familiar with how things work. I’d recommend picking up a few basic Korean phrases and downloading a translation app like Google Translate that allows you to point your camera and translate menus and other text in real-time. The people of South Korea often keep to themselves, but are kind and will help however they can if you find yourself lost.

Staying connected in Seoul can be tricky, as SIM cards aren’t easily available. I’d recommend using one of the eSIM services offered at the airport and tourist areas, or using an eSIM app like Airalo . Use ELIJAH933 to get $3 off your first eSIM with Airalo, which offers an unlimited data plan for South Korea.

And of course, it’s always important to have travel insurance handy when out adventuring the world. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $45 a month, and their coverage includes South Korea among the 190+ countries that they cover.

Where To Stay in Seoul

Seoul is a sprawling city with countless different neighborhoods. Each can feel like a different city altogether. One of the most crucial aspects of planning your trip to Seoul is choosing which neighborhood to serve as your home base. It can truly make or break your trip. I love Seoul, and believe that anyone who doesn’t simply hasn’t found the right neighborhood for them. I’d even recommend hopping around between neighborhoods and staying in each one to get a feel for the different personalities of Seoul.

The Best Neighborhoods for Travelers

As a backpacker, I’d prioritize three neighborhoods in Seoul. If you plan on fast-paced sightseeing, look to Myeongdong . Staying in Myeongdong will put you within walking distance or a short train ride to the main palaces, temples, and markets.

If you are looking to shop, cafe-hop, and experience Korean nightlife , check out Hongdae . This trendy and upscale neighborhood is home to countless coffee shops, restaurants, vintage stores, and nightlife spots. It is not a great district for sightseeing, but for aimless wanderers, I can’t recommend it enough. Hongdae is also well-connected by trains and buses to the rest of the city, so sightseeing is still pretty doable from here.

Itaewon is my third suggestion. It is similar to Hongdae but a bit more compact and more international. It is excellent for nightlife, and considering that trains stop running at midnight, a great option for night owls who’d prefer their drunken journeys home to be short and sweet. Itaewon is not as flashy and fancy as Hongdae, but there is a certain charm to it that made me fall in love.

Of course, there are plenty of other neighborhoods in Seoul. Gangnam is popular among travelers, but for my fellow budget backpackers, I’d recommend it as a day trip instead of a home base. It can be pricy and quite frankly, I didn’t find it all that exciting if you don’t like spending money.

I stayed at quite a few hostels in Seoul. I’ve heard rave reviews about Zzzip Guesthouse , but never managed to actually snag a room since I was always booking things with little notice. If there’s any availability, give it a go, as many of my followers on social media highly recommended it as the place to stay. The first hostel I stayed at was Time Traveler Party Hostel with the intention of making friends and being close to the nightlife of Hongdae. It was an okay hostel in terms of quality, but pretty good if you are looking for a more social scene. The best hostel I stayed at was Batwo Stay. It had a great location and amazing facilities, as well as nightly events including family dinners, cooking classes, K-pop dance classes, calligraphy classes, and more. All three of these are in Hongdae, my favorite neighborhood to stay in as a traveler.

If you’re looking for a cheap hotel, I also stayed at One Minute Guesthouse in Myeongdong. It was very basic, but at $30ish a night for such a central location, I truly couldn’t complain. It was close to multiple subway stations, as well as within walking distance of many of Seoul’s top attractions. I ended up staying there twice, for about eight days total. I spent two nights in Itaewon at G Guesthouse Itaewon , which was okay if you just wanted to be close to the nightlife scene without caring much about quality. It had a great rooftop, but besides that, was pretty mediocre compared to the other hostels I stayed at.

For a complete list of hostels in Seoul , check out Hostelworld.

How To Get Around Seoul

Seoul has two airports, Incheon and Gimpo. Incheon is the major international airport, while Gimpo is mainly for domestic flights. Both are easily accessible by public transport, and one can take the train all the way to Seoul Station from Incheon. It takes about an hour. Just head to the basement of arrivals and follow th esigns until you find the train station.

Upon arriving in Seoul, be sure to get the T Money transportation card. It makes getting around a lot quicker and easier than buying a ticket each time you need a train. The transportation card works with buses and the metro system, both of which are reliable and efficient. You can truly get almost anywhere within Seoul and the surrounding suburbs just by public transportation. They also have fun little jingles to announce when the train is coming, which always hyped me up and made me feel like I was going on a grand adventure. Wherever the train can’t take you, buses can pick up the slack. Although I was fine using Google Maps for navigating, most locals use the Naver app. The only problem with Google Maps is that it did not show me walking directions, but it worked fine for public transportation routes and time tables.

I’d only recommend taxis if public transportation is no longer running. I was surprised at how affordable taxis were, especially in comparison to nearby Japan. You can order taxis online with Kakao or the Uber app. It can be tricky communicating your destination, or even typing it on the app itself as most place names will only be in Korean and occasionally in the wrong place entirely. I only used taxis coming home from nights out, and that’s basically the only time I’d recommend using them.

Exploring Seoul On Foot

And lastly, walking. Some neighborhoods in Seoul are very pedestrian-friendly. I walked the majority of my time in Seoul. It is a great way to explore the city and stumble into some surprising hidden gems. One of my favorite parts about Seoul were all the walking trails and parks that served as both escapes from the city life and convenient ways to get to your destination. There’s an 11-kilometer long canal lined with trees and greenery that runs through the city and is perfect for walking to your destination without dealing with cars or crosswalks.

It all depends on how much you want to see, and the pace of travel you are comfortable with. I visited Seoul on the eighth month of an exhausting trip where I roared through North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. I was burnt out by the time I reached Seoul, and the comforts and luxuries of a big city were calling my name. I spent three weeks in Seoul, although less than half of them were spent actually sightseeing. The others were spent wandering aimlessly or nursing a hangover from a night out in Hongdae or Itaewon.

To knock out the main things to do in Seoul, I’d recommend spending around five days. The reliable public transportation system makes it easy to explore multiple neighborhoods per day. However, if you’ve got time, Seoul is a great city for taking it slow. It’s a great city for digital nomads, with excellent infrastructure for working and plenty of things to keep you busy on your off-time. It all depends on you. I’ve met a handful of backpackers who avoid big cities, and happily skipped town after two days. On the other hand, I’ve met other travel bloggers and nomads that lamented not being able to stay longer. As a starting point, I’d recommend booking three nights in one part of the city, and tacking on an extra two or three days in another district if you feel like you need more time to explore.

Seoul is home to stunning historical sites, national parks, charming neighborhoods, and countless dining, shopping, and nightlife districts. It will be difficult to keep this concise, as there are so many things to do in this city. For first-timers visiting Seoul, these are my top fifteen things to do in Seoul. This wide range of activities will help you experience every aspect of Seoul, from its historical sites, bustling markets, and nightlife districts.

Visit the Imperial Palaces of Seoul

There are five royal palaces in Seoul , with the most iconic being Gyeongbokgung Palace. They are all located relatively close to each other, so it’s easy to see them all in one day if you start early enough. Changdeokgung, Changyeounggung, and Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung. I’ve been to all of them except for Gyeonghuigung. My favorite is Gyeongbokgung by far, but since all of them cost like $2 to get in, I’d say each one is worth visiting.

Wander through the traditional Hanok Villages

Close to the palaces, you’ll also find some traditional Hanok villages . These historic houses and streets are also nice for a wander back in time. Bukchon is the most famous one, but there are a few others that won’t have as many tourists. The villages are mostly residential houses, with a few cafes, restaurants, and boutiques among them. Keep in mind that people live in these villages, so be respectful.

Go Hiking in Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park is an easy day trip from Seoul’s city center, with plenty of public transportation options dropping you off at the National Park. This national park is free to enter, and boasts a number of hikes ranging in length and difficulty. If you are up for the challenge, I’d recommend Baegundae , the tallest peak in the national park. It’s almost like a mini-Half Dome, down to the ladders and wires that you’ll have to hold onto for dear life to reach the summit.

Hang out at the Hangang River Parks

One of my favorite things to do in Seoul was hang out along the river. This is a popular post-work activity among locals, and you’ll find countless Seoul-ites having a picnic or taking a stroll at one of the many parks along the Hangang River. Some parks will even have food stalls and places to rent picnic blankets.

Hike up to Seoul Namsan Tower

My favorite view of Seoul is from the iconic Namsan Tower park. You don’t necessarily have to pay to get into the tower. The view in the park surrounding the tower is gorgeous, and it’s a relatively easy hike that won’t take more than an hour from Myeongdong. Come up here for sunset if you want some golden color over the vast white fields of Seoul’s skyscrapers.

Feast on Food at Gwangjang Market

Eat, eat, eat. Korean food is among my favorite cuisines in the world. It’s famous especially for Korean BBQ, bibimbap, bulgogi, but there is so much more. From classics like gimbap and kimchi, to more adventurous options like squirming octopus , raw beef, and blood sausages, Gwangjang Market is your one stop shop for experiencing Korea’s food culture.

Roam Around Trendy Hongdae and Experience Korean Nightlife

Hongdae is my favorite neighborhood of Seoul. While it is great for exploring during the day, it truly comes alive at night. This area is filled with cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, vintage stores, and countless Korean quirks such as their endless selection of photo booths, karaoke rooms, and arcade games.

Visit the DMZ

A day trip to the Demilitarized Zone is a popular activity for tourists visiting Seoul. It’s a good way to get an understanding of the conflict and current relations between North Korea and South Korea.

Experience Itaewon’s Nightlife

Itaewon is Seoul’s international district, with a large amount of expats and foreigners calling this lively neighborhood home. You’ll find restaurants and shops ran by people from all over the world, including the Middle East, Africa, and many other Asian nations. Itaewon is the most unique neighborhood in Seoul, and the hub of the LGBTQ+ and foreigner communities. I highly recommended grabbing some soju and strolling the streets at night before popping into a nightclub and dancing until the trains start running again.

Explore Myeongdong’s Night Market and Feast on Street Food

Sometimes, you just want something quick, convenient, and fresh off the grill. Myeongdong walking street is a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and most importantly, an abundance of street food stalls. Fried baby crabs, grilled octopus, and Korean essentials like fish cakes, tteokbokki and egg bread can all be found in Myeongdong. For street food lovers, Myeongdong’s Night Market can’t be missed.

Visit Noryangjin Fish Market

Those who follow in Anthony Bourdain’s taste buds will be familiar with Noryangjin Fish Market. This market is where you’ll find the freshest fish in Seoul. It’s one heck of an experience, regardless of if you actually plan on eating anything or not. Here, you’ll find all sorts of sea creatures, including some that you’ve likely never seen before. It’s a sensory overload, with sights and sounds and of course, smells, pummeling every orifice of your body.

Go Thrift Shopping at Dongmyo’s Flea Market

This sprawling flea market is your best bet for actual vintage and thrift shopping. It’s right outside of Dongmyo station and extends for many streets and alleyways. It’s a far cry from the fancier boutiques of Hongdae and Gang Nam, but if you’re looking for some bargain finds, Dongmyo can’t be missed.

Visit the Museums of Seoul

I can’t say that I really went out of my way to visit museums in Seoul, but I’d often step into one if it was close by. The National Folk Museum of Korea was my favorite, and its proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace definitely makes it worth visiting. Another random museum I visited was the Hansangsoo Embroidery Museum, which is free to enter if you find yourself in the neighborhood of Seongbuk. The displays of Korean embroidery here are nothing short of breathtaking. Aside from those, the National Museum of Korea, Leeum Museum of Art, and the War Memorial are the most visited in Seoul, although I didn’t make it to any of them.

Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza

This marvel of modern architecture is one of Seoul’s most iconic structures. It’s nice to wander through for half an hour or so, but there isn’t much else to do around this area. Regardless, it’s worth checking out if you want to pretend you are in a spaceship for a little while.

Lotte World

I never made it here, but this is basically Seoul’s answer to Disney World. It’s an amusement park complete with a castle that rivals Disney World’s. Not really my thing, but something worth considering if theme parks are your jam.

Check out Gangnam

Whether you know anything about Seoul or not, you know the name Gangnam. The world was taken by storm by Psy and his catchy hit Gangnam Style that was ubiquitous during my freshman year of college back in 2012. The song has been encapsulated with its own statue in the Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul.

Despite the song captivating me all those years ago, I can’t say the actual neighborhood of Gangnam did the same. It’s home to a big shopping mall, highlighted by the beautiful Starfield Library and an aquarium. I also enjoyed the Bongeunsa Temple just north of the Starfield complex. However, it only took me about two hours before I was bored of Gangnam. Considering that it’s a long journey from the more central neighborhoods of Seoul, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the effort. Gangnam is also great for shopping and nightlife, but more expensive and less foreigner-friendly than Hongdae.

There are countless things to do in Seoul, and this list is only scratching the surface.

Nightlife Guide to Seoul

Seoul has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to a wide range of tastes and interests. I loved Seoul’s nightlife because it was always unpredictable and could lead you anywhere. Karaoke rooms, photo booths, arcades, Latin bars, techno clubs, Seoul truly had everything and I miss my unhinged nights of chaos here. Here’s a glimpse of what nightlife in Seoul is like.

Nightlife in Seoul is spread throughout the city. However, as a traveler, you’ll likely be looking to Hongdae or Itaewon. Both of these neighborhoods have a good mix of foreigners and locals looking to have fun. There are many Korean-only clubs and bars in Seoul, so your best bet would be in Hongdae or Itaewon. Gangnam is also an excellent choice for nightlife, but can be quite pricy and many bars and clubs are Korean-only.

I’d recommend starting the night off with some Korean barbecue. Drinking culture and eating culture in South Korea are intertwined. It’s criminal to have dinner without a bottle of soju alongside. Grab some friends, head to a KBBQ spot, and down shots of soju as the pork belly sizzles on the grill. Afterwards, it’s time to hit a noraebang. Sneak a bottle of soju in from the convenience store, rent a private booth and sing your heart out as the soju flows. One or two hours at the karaoke joint should do it, and it’s time to hit the clubs.

If you’re not quite ready, it’s time for another bottle of soju while you browse the streets looking for a lively spot. A cup of ice, a bottle of soju, and a mixer from the supermarket will keep the buzz going. If you truly want to drink a local, mix that soju with mekju (beer) to make somek, a surprisingly refreshing bev that’ll get you going in no time. Drinking on the streets in Seoul is fair game, and as long as you aren’t belligerent or unconscious, no one is going to step in.

Half of my time in Seoul was spent at the clubs, but I couldn’t tell you which ones I liked most because there are just so many of them. There was one night in Hongdae where my friend and I just decided to go into every club we saw, as long as they weren’t charging cover. My right hand was covered in stamps when I woke up the next morning. Anyway, I’ll try my best to come up with some suggestions.

Nightlife in Hongdae

In Hongdae, a good starter bar is Corner Pub or Thursday’s. They play loud music, but it’s still primarily a place to chat, get a few drinks, and meet people. Afterwards, head to Juntos, La Bamba, or Mike’s Cabin if you’re into Latin music, which I very much am. If hip-hop is more your thing, never fear. 90% of the clubs in Hongdae are underground hip-hop clubs with red lighting. I guess that must be a working formula if all of them are like that. NB2, B1, XX, and Sinkhole are a few that I’ve been to. Jumble is another good one, but I think it’s usually Korean only. The only techno place I know in Hongdae is Candy Shop, but it’s always empty and the music kinda sucks.

Honestly, the best course of action is to just roam around and feel out as many places as you can until you find one you like. FF, for example, ended up being one of my favorites despite rolling my eyes at the One Direction playlist that was bumping as we walked in. It had the best crowd of people just looking to have fun instead of hook up, which made for a much better vibe than the seedier, underground, dimly lit clubs of Seoul.

Here’s my complete guide on nightlife in Hongdae .

Nightlife in Itaewon

Now, on to Itaewon. I’ll keep it brief, as we had a much more streamlined stepping stone of clubs here. We’d start off with a bottle of Soju at the Itaewon G Guesthouse Hostel . It’s open to the public, I think, so we’d start on their rooftop just grabbing drinks from the 7-Eleven nearby as we needed them. Afterwards, we’d head to Itaewon-ro, the main strip of bars and clubs. We’d always try out a few different bars, but at the end, we’d inevitably find ourselves at Fountain. There is also a Thursday’s and Juntos branch in Itaewon.

In general, I loved Itaewon for the chaos of the streets. You never knew what was going to happen, and you’d end up making lots of strange friendships that lasted up until the trains started running again, only to never see them again until the next night out in Itaewon. I don’t know how to describe it here. It just is simply the most fun I’ve had in a nightlife area in a long time. I’m not saying it’s going to be like that for everyone, because at first glance, Itaewon definitely isn’t glamorous or fancy. It’s just fun.

Again, I’m only scratching the surface here because there is so much to Seoul’s nightlife beyond these two districts, but these are the two I know best. Say hi to Hongdae and Itaewon for me :’).

Final Thoughts on Seoul

Embrace the weirdness. There are many things in Seoul that upon first glance, seemed strange. By the end of my time in Seoul, I couldn’t imagine life without them. Hop into a photobooth with your friends and dress up. Learn some K-pop dances and jam out with the locals. Have a coffee while live sheep hang out in the same cafe . Hit up a noraebang and sing your heart out. Anything is possible in Seoul, and I hope you fall in love with this wonderful city and all its quirks.

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

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2024 Seoul Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival

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40   years   of   beautiful   cherry   blossoms.   Want   to   go   for   a   walk?  Seoul   Grand   Park's   Cherry   Blossom   Path—What's   the   Buzz?  

It   is   returning   with   even   more   diverse   programs   to   celebrate   its   40th   anniversary!

From   April   3rd   onwards,   delight   in   a   range   of   activities,  beginning   with   the   flower   photo   playground   and   the   enchanting   night   cherry   blossom   path,   which   allow   you   to   witness   the   beauty   of   the   cherry   blossom   forest   firsthand.  

With   offerings   tailored   for   friends,   family,   and   couples,   we   invite   you   to   kick   off   the   spring   season   at   Seoul   Grand   Park's   Cherry   Blossom   Festival!

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#SeoulGrandParkCherryBlossomFestival #SpringBreezeBusking #CherryBlossomRoadatNight # SeoulGrandPark

Association recommendation information

• Seoul Grand Park Seoul Grand Park, located at the foot of Cheonggyesan mountain in Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, is the first zoo in Korea, opening in 1984.

• Seoul Grand Park Flower Festival From April 1st to May 6th, 2015, Seoul Grand Park will be having a flower festival both outdoors and through their botanical garden.
• Seoul Grand Park Campground Nestled within the crystal clear streams and lush green forest of Cheonggyesan (Mountain), there are a total of 150 camping sites at the Seoul Grand Park Campground.
• 장기 폭염 예상 기간 프로그램 운영 중단: 7.23. ~ 8.11.
• 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 3일 전 까지 가능합니다.
• 3인 미만은 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 기존 등록된 예약 중 그룹별 정원을 초과하지 않는 예약에 한하여 1일 전 17시 까지 추가 예약 가능합니다.
• 다음달 예약은 전달 15일 이 후부터 가능합니다.
• 발열 또는 호흡기 증상(열, 기침, 가래, 근육통, 코막힘, 인후통 등)이 있는 경우 프로그램 참여를 삼가하여 주시기 바랍니다.
• 보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
• 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (발효 즉시 취소처리) ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
• 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 서울도보해설관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
• 한국어를 모국어로 사용하는 대한민국 국민의 경우, 외국어 해설 신청이 불가능합니다.
• 예약은 관광일 기준 최대 5개월 전부터 최소 5일 전 까지 신청 가능합니다.
• 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 특히 주말 및 공휴일, 봄(4~5월) 가을(9~11월) 성수기에는 예약이 조기마감 되오니 이 점 유의하여 주시기 바랍니다.
• 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다. (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 경복궁, 창덕궁, 창경궁, 덕수궁 35인 이상 관람 시, 해당 궁궐 사이트에서 15일 전 단체 입장신청이 필요합니다. (2014.1.1.부터 시행)
• 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
• 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
• 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
• 보호자 또는 보조자가 동반하지 않을 경우 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 별도의 보조자가 없는 경우 사무국으로 문의 바랍니다. (02-6925-0777)
• 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료 ※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
• 본 프로그램은 수화해설 중심으로 진행되며, 수화가 불가능한 경우 이용이 불가합니다.
• 본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
• 보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
• 미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
• Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
• Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
• In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
• Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
• Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
• Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
• All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation) ※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below. (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
• Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
• The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
• Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
• Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
• Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
• 予約は観光予定日を基準に３日前までとさせて頂きます。
• 個人予約：最大１０名 ※京福級、昌徳宮、昌慶宮は２０名様までご予約頂けます。
• 既にご予約されたコースの中で、グループ別の定員を超えない予約に限り、観光予定日の１日前の１７まで追加での予約が可能です。
• 翌月のご予約は前月の１５日から可能です。
• 発熱または呼吸症状（熱、咳、痰、筋肉痛、鼻づまり、喉の痛みなど）がある場合は、解説プログラムへのご参加はお控えください。
• 保護者を同伴しない１４歳未満の児童観光客は、現場でキャンセルとなります。
• 気象特報（猛暑、台風、豪雨、PM2.5）によりウォーキングツアーの運営が難しいと判断された場合、全ての予約は中止とさせて頂きます。 （発効後直ちにキャンセルを行う） ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。 (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• 観光中に発生する安全事故について、ソウル徒歩解説観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は責任を負いません。
• 予約は観光日を基準として少なくとも１週間前まで可能です。
• 本コースは、 移動弱者（移動が不自由な高齢者、障害者、ベビーカー利用者など） のためのコースです。
• 補助人（或いは同行人）を伴わない場合は利用できません。 　 ※歩行弱者１人当たり少なくとも１人以上の補助人を伴う 　 ※電動補助具（電動車椅子、電動スクーターなど）使用者の場合、補助人１当たり歩行弱者最大４人まで同伴可能
• ご希望の日付及びコースに活動可能な解説士がいない場合、予約はキャンセルされることがあります。
• 予約を確認するため、徒歩観光事務局（02-6925-0777）で確認のための連絡が行われます。 （少なくとも５日～１ヶ月前）３回以上電話が通じない場合、予約が取り消されることがあります。
• 解説を進行する時に発生する安全事故に対し、徒歩観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は 責任を負いません。
• 观光日基准最少3日前方可进行预约。
• 最多可申请10人。 (※ 景福宫, 昌德宫, 昌庆宫是例外 最多可申请20人)
• 在已登记的预约团体中，只接待不超过预约人数的团体，可在前一天17时前追加预约。
• 下个月的预约可从前一月15日开始。
• 如有发热或呼吸道症状（发烧、咳嗽、痰液、肌肉痛、鼻塞、咽喉痛等），请避免参与解说活动。
• 无保护者随同的未满14岁儿童游客，会在现场取消解说活动。
• 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时，所有预约将一律被取消。 (发布紧急措施时立即取消) ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• 对于解说活动中发生的安全事故，首尔徒步解说旅游事务局和首尔文化观光解说社不予负责。
• 观光日基准最少1日前方可进行预约。
• 本线路是为了行动不便者(行动不便的高龄者、残疾人、婴儿车利用者等)的路线。
• 无辅助人员(或同行人)伴随时，不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的辅助人员陪同。 ※ 电动辅助器具(电动轮椅、电动独轮车等)使用者时，每一位辅助人员最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
• 希望观光的日期及线路上无解说员时，预约有可能被取消。
• 为了确认预约，徒步观光事务局(02-6925-0777)会致电进行确认。 (最少5日~一个月前) 3次以上无法连接时，预约将被取消。
• 进行解说时，对于有可能发生的安全事故，徒步观光事务局和首尔文化观光解说员概不负责。
• 最晚請於預約日期3天前完成預約。
• 最多可申請10人。 (※ 景福宮, 昌德宮, 昌慶宮是例外 最多可申請20人)
• 已完成預約的團體若人數超過限制，可於前一天下午5點前追加預約。
• 每月15日將開放下個月的預約。
• 若有發燒或呼吸道症狀(發燒、咳嗽、咳痰、肌肉酸痛、鼻塞、喉嚨痛)，請避免參與本活動。
• 未有保護者同行的未滿14歲兒童遊客，會在現場取消參與資格。
• 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等）而導致徒步觀光無法進行時，將一律取消所有預約。 (發布限令時將立即取消) ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
• 進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，首爾徒步解說觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
• 觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
• 本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
• 無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時，不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。 ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時，每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
• 希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時，預約有可能被取消。
• 為了確認預約，徒步觀光事務局(02-6925-0777)會致電進行確認。 (最少5日~壹個月前) 3次以上無法連接時，預約將被取消。
• 進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光 解說員概不負責。