Seoul Travel Guide
Discover South Korea's dynamic capital - K-pop, palaces, street food, and modern marvels
Seoul Travel Guide
Experience the perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity in South Korea’s captivating capital.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May)
- Cherry blossoms (early April)
- Perfect weather (10-20°C / 50-68°F)
- Clear blue skies
- Peak tourist season
Fall (September-November)
- Autumn foliage
- Comfortable temperatures
- Clear air
- Festival season
Summer (June-August)
- Hot and humid (25-35°C / 77-95°F)
- Monsoon season (July)
- Summer festivals
- Indoor shopping weather
Winter (December-February)
- Cold (-5 to 5°C / 23-41°F)
- Snow possible
- Skiing nearby
- Winter sports, ice festivals
Getting There
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Airport Railroad Express (AREX):
- Express: ₩9,500, 43 minutes (Seoul Station)
- All-stop: ₩4,750, 60 minutes
- Runs 5:20 AM - midnight
Airport Limousine Bus:
- Various routes to hotels
- ₩10,000-16,000
- Comfortable, luggage storage
Taxi:
- Regular: ₩60,000-70,000
- Deluxe (black): ₩100,000+
- KAL Limousine: ₩90,000
Tip: Buy T-money card at airport for public transit
Gimpo Airport (GMP)
- Domestic and some international
- Closer to city (30 minutes)
- Subway Line 5 and 9
- ₩1,500-2,000 by subway
Getting Around
Subway
Best Way to Travel:
- 20+ lines, color-coded
- English announcements and signs
- ₩1,250-2,750 per ride
- Clean and safe
- 5:30 AM - midnight
T-money Card:
- Rechargeable card
- ₩2,500 deposit
- Use on subway, bus, taxis, convenience stores
- Slight discount vs single tickets
Apps:
- Kakao Metro
- Naver Map
- Subway Korea
Bus
- Blue: Long distance
- Green: Local
- Red: Express
- Yellow: Circular
- Same T-money card
- Can be confusing for tourists
Taxi
Types:
- Regular (silver/white): Basic service
- Deluxe (black): More expensive, English-speaking
- International Taxi: English drivers
- Base fare: ₩3,800
Apps:
- Kakao T (like Uber, most popular)
- Uber available but limited
Walking
- Very walkable city
- Modern sidewalks
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Underground shopping passages
Neighborhoods & Districts
Gangnam
Famous For:
- “Gangnam Style” district
- Wealthy area
- Shopping (Apgujeong, Cheongdam)
- Entertainment companies
- K-pop stars
Must-See:
- COEX Mall and Starfield Library
- Gangnam Station
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Luxury shopping streets
Myeongdong
Famous For:
- Shopping paradise
- Korean cosmetics
- Street food
- Central location
- Tourist hub
Must-See:
- Myeongdong shopping street
- N Seoul Tower nearby
- Namdaemun Market
- Street food alley
Hongdae
Famous For:
- University area (Hongik University)
- Indie music scene
- Street performances
- Young, hip atmosphere
- Nightlife
Must-See:
- Free park performances (weekend)
- Club street
- Trick-eye Museum
- Shopping and cafes
Insadong
Famous For:
- Traditional culture
- Art galleries
- Tea houses
- Souvenirs
- Hanbok rental
Must-See:
- Ssamziegil (spiral mall)
- Traditional crafts
- Bukchon Hanok Village nearby
- Street food
Itaewon
Famous For:
- International district
- Diverse food
- LGBT-friendly area
- Nightlife
- Expat hub
Must-See:
- Halal restaurants
- International cuisine
- Craft beer bars
- Vintage shops
- War Memorial nearby
Gangbuk (North Seoul)
Famous For:
- Old Seoul
- Palaces
- Traditional areas
- Mountains
Includes:
- Gyeongbokgung area
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Samcheong-dong
Top Attractions
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Details:
- Largest palace
- Built 1395
- Free if wearing hanbok
- Changing of guard ceremony (10 AM, 2 PM)
- Closed Tuesdays
- Entry: ₩3,000
What to See:
- Main throne hall
- National Folk Museum (included)
- Royal gardens
- Photo in hanbok
Tips:
- Arrive before 10 AM for ceremony
- Rent hanbok nearby (free entry!)
- 2-3 hours to explore
N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
Details:
- Iconic landmark
- Observation deck: ₩16,000
- Cable car: ₩11,000 round trip
- Or hike up (30-40 minutes)
Best Time:
- Sunset for day and night views
- Clear days
- Love lock fence
Bukchon Hanok Village
Details:
- Traditional Korean houses
- Free to walk around
- Residential area (be quiet!)
- Best for photos
Tips:
- Early morning (fewer tourists)
- Wear comfortable shoes (hilly)
- Respect residents
- Many Instagram spots
Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
Details:
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Most beautiful palace
- Secret Garden tour (₩8,000)
- Closed Mondays
- English tours available
Must Do:
- Secret Garden tour (book ahead)
- More intimate than Gyeongbokgung
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Details:
- Futuristic Zaha Hadid design
- Open 24 hours (exterior)
- Night market
- Design museum
- LED Rose Garden
Visit:
- Evening (lit up)
- Night market (10 PM - 5 AM)
- Free to walk around
Lotte World Tower & Mall
Details:
- 123rd tallest building
- Seoul Sky observatory: ₩29,000
- Aquarium: ₩29,000
- Lotte World theme park nearby
Views:
- 555m high
- Glass floor section
- Best on clear day
Jogyesa Temple
Details:
- Active Buddhist temple
- Free entry
- City center location
- Beautiful lanterns
Best Time:
- Buddha’s Birthday (April/May)
- Lantern festival
- Quiet morning visits
K-Pop & Korean Wave
K-Pop Entertainment Districts
Gangnam:
- SM Entertainment
- JYP Entertainment
- Many K-pop company buildings
Cheongdam:
- Luxury brands favored by idols
- Celebrity sightings possible
Apgujeong:
- Star Avenue (Korean Walk of Fame)
K-Pop Experiences
HYBE Insight (BTS)
- Interactive museum
- ₩22,000
- Book weeks in advance
- BTS fans essential
SM Town @ COEX Artium
- SM artists store
- Museum
- Photo zones
- ₩20,000
JYP Studios (No tours)
- Can visit outside for photos
- Nearby restaurant may have idol sightings
Music Shows:
- Free tickets (apply online)
- See live K-pop recordings
- Inkigayo, Music Bank, Show! Music Core
- Must apply 1-2 weeks ahead
K-Drama Locations
- Namsan Tower (love lock scene)
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Various cafes and restaurants
- Join a K-drama tour
Food & Dining
Must-Try Foods
Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
- Grilled pork belly
- DIY at table
- Ssam (lettuce wraps)
- ₩12,000-20,000 per person
- Mapo area famous
Bibimbap
- Mixed rice bowl
- Vegetables, meat, egg
- Gochujang sauce
- ₩8,000-12,000
- Jeonju Jungang Hoegwan
Kimchi
- Fermented vegetables
- Side dish at every meal
- Many varieties
- Try kimchi jjigae (stew)
Korean Fried Chicken
- Crispy double-fried
- Sweet/spicy sauces
- Perfect with beer (chimaek)
- ₩18,000-25,000
- Kyochon, BHC, Bonchon
Tteokbokki
- Spicy rice cakes
- Street food staple
- ₩3,000-5,000
- Sindang-dong famous
Naengmyeon
- Cold buckwheat noodles
- Summer favorite
- Chewy texture
- ₩10,000-15,000
Korean Fried Chicken
- Ultra crispy
- Yangnyeom (spicy-sweet sauce)
- Goes with beer
- Chains everywhere
Hotteok
- Sweet pancake
- Cinnamon, honey, nuts
- Street food
- ₩1,000-2,000
Dining Experiences
Traditional Restaurant:
- Multiple side dishes (banchan)
- Floor seating common
- Share dishes
- Service button at table
Pojangmacha (Street Tent)
- Covered food stalls
- Soju and snacks
- Local atmosphere
- Evening only
Convenience Store Meal:
- GS25, CU, 7-Eleven
- Instant noodles (add hot water)
- Kimbap, triangle rice balls
- ₩3,000-8,000
Food Markets:
- Gwangjang Market (bindaetteok, mayak kimbap)
- Namdaemun Market
- Mangwon Market (local)
Cafes
Themed Cafes:
- Cat cafes
- Dog cafes
- Raccoon cafe
- Board game cafes
Instagram Cafes:
- %Arabica (minimalist)
- Fritz Coffee
- Anthracite
- Onion (Anguk)
Chain Cafes:
- Starbucks everywhere
- Ediya (cheap, good)
- A Twosome Place
- Caffé Bene
Shopping
Beauty & Cosmetics
Myeongdong:
- Korean skincare heaven
- Every major brand
- Samples everywhere
- Tax refund available
Popular Brands:
- Innisfree
- Etude House
- The Face Shop
- Laneige
- Sulwhasoo (luxury)
Fashion
Dongdaemun:
- Wholesale fashion
- Open late/overnight
- Doota Mall, Migliore
- Bargaining possible
Gangnam:
- Luxury brands
- COEX Mall
- Apgujeong Rodeo
- High-end department stores
Hongdae:
- Indie brands
- Vintage shops
- Unique fashion
- Young styles
Department Stores
- Lotte Department Store
- Shinsegae
- Hyundai
- Tax refund counters
- Expensive but quality
Underground Shopping
- COEX Mall (largest)
- Express Bus Terminal
- Gangnam Station
- Connected to subway
Nightlife
Drinking Culture
Soju:
- Korean alcohol (20% ABV)
- Cheap (₩1,500-3,000)
- Mix with beer (somaek)
- Pour for others, not yourself
Makgeolli:
- Milky rice wine
- Slightly sweet
- Traditional drink
- Goes with pajeon (pancake)
Bar Districts
Hongdae:
- Young crowd
- Live music
- Dancing
- Affordable
Gangnam:
- Upscale clubs
- Octagon (world-famous)
- Expensive
- Dress code
Itaewon:
- International scene
- Diverse bars
- LGBT area (Homo Hill)
- Late night food
Jongno:
- Older crowd
- Pojangmacha
- Local vibe
- Traditional drinking
Karaoke (Noraebang)
- Private rooms
- Pay by hour (₩20,000-30,000)
- Songs in many languages
- Tambourine and maracas
- Coins buy extra time
Jjimjilbang (24-hour spa)
- Korean bathhouse
- Sleep overnight (₩10,000-15,000)
- Gender-segregated bathing
- Common area for relaxing
- Snacks and eggs
- Budget accommodation option
Day Trips from Seoul
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
What:
- Border with North Korea
- JSA (Joint Security Area)
- Tunnels
- Observation post
How:
- Organized tours only
- ₩90,000-150,000
- Full day trip
- Passport required
- Book 2-3 days ahead
Nami Island & Petite France
What:
- Tree-lined paths
- K-drama filming location
- French village theme park
How:
- Train to Gapyeong (1 hour)
- Ferry to island (₩13,000 return)
- Or organized tour
- Good for autumn leaves
Suwon
What:
- UNESCO fortress walls
- Traditional culture
- Korean Folk Village
- Less touristy
How:
- Subway Line 1 (1 hour)
- Day trip easy
Incheon
What:
- Port city
- Chinatown
- Coastal views
- Traditional markets
How:
- Subway Line 1
- 1 hour from Seoul
Practical Information
Money
- Currency: Korean Won (₩)
- ATMs everywhere
- Credit cards widely accepted
- T-money card for transit
- Withdraw cash at convenience stores
Language
- Korean (Hangul alphabet)
- English in tourist areas
- Young people speak some English
- Google Translate essential
- Papago app (better for Korean)
Useful Phrases
- 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) - Hello
- 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) - Thank you
- 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) - Sorry
- 맛있어요 (Masisseoyo) - Delicious
- 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo) - Check please
WiFi & SIM
- Rent pocket WiFi at airport
- Tourist SIM card available
- Free WiFi in subway, cafes
- Korea has fastest internet
- KT, SK, LG networks
Safety
- Very safe city
- Low crime rate
- Safe to walk at night
- Women travel safely alone
- Scams rare
- Emergency: 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance)
Etiquette
Do:
- Bow when greeting
- Remove shoes indoors
- Use two hands when receiving items
- Pour drinks for others
- Wait to be seated at restaurants
Don’t:
- Tip (not customary)
- Write names in red (death color)
- Stick chopsticks upright in rice
- Blow nose at table
- Touch others (not touchy culture)
Sample Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Palaces & Traditional
- Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong
- Evening: Myeongdong shopping, N Seoul Tower
Day 2: Modern Seoul
- Morning: COEX, Starfield Library
- Afternoon: Gangnam exploring, K-pop stores
- Evening: Korean BBQ, Hongdae nightlife
Day 3: Markets & Culture
- Morning: Gwangjang Market breakfast
- Afternoon: Dongdaemun DDP
- Evening: Han River, chicken and beer
5 Days
Add to above:
Day 4: Day Trip
- DMZ tour or Nami Island
- Return evening
Day 5: Relax & Explore
- Morning: Jjimjilbang experience
- Afternoon: Shopping and cafes
- Evening: Noraebang, final meal
Budget Guide
Budget ($30-50/day)
Accommodation: $15-25 (hostel/guesthouse)
Food: $10-15 (convenience store, cheap eats)
Transport: $3-5 (T-money card)
Activities: $5-10 (free palaces with hanbok)Mid-Range ($70-120/day)
Accommodation: $40-60 (hotel)
Food: $20-30 (restaurants)
Transport: $5-10 (subway, some taxis)
Activities: $10-20 (attractions, shows)Comfortable ($150+/day)
Accommodation: $80-150 (nice hotel)
Food: $40-60 (good restaurants, cafes)
Transport: $15-30 (taxis, convenience)
Activities: $20-50Resources
- Visit Seoul
- Korea Tourism Organization
- Kakao T (taxi app)
- Naver Map (better than Google Maps)
- Papago (translation)
- Subway Korea app
- Trazy (tours and tickets)