Things To Do
in Seoul
Seoul is a dynamic megacity where ancient palaces and narrow hanok alleys sit alongside soaring skyscrapers, neon streets, and cutting-edge design. The city blends centuries of Korean history with a fast-paced modern culture, driven by technology, fashion, and an enormous food scene. Seasonal contrasts are vivid: cherry blossoms and outdoor festivals in spring, hot humid summers with monsoon rains, colorful foliage in autumn, and cold snowy winters.
Efficient public transit, plentiful cultural sites, and a hospitable population make Seoul an accessible and endlessly discoverable destination.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a serene stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace, marveling at the grand architecture and the changing of the guard ceremony. Wander through the secret gardens and ornate pavilions, absorbing the history of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Feel the calm energy as traditional melodies drift across the palace grounds.
Head to Bukchon Hanok Village to explore narrow alleys lined with centuries-old wooden homes. Visit artisan workshops and galleries set inside traditional hanoks, learning about ancient crafts still practiced today. Stop at a teahouse for a cup of fragrant local tea while admiring the tiled roofs against the modern city beyond.
Dine at a nearby restaurant offering royal court cuisine, sampling delicate flavors once reserved for the king. As dusk falls, join a guided lantern-lit tour around the palace walls. End the evening with panoramic views of the palace illuminated under the night sky.
Start in Insadong’s main street, weaving through shops selling handcrafted ceramics, calligraphy brushes, and hanji paper art. Engage in a short ink painting workshop to create your own piece of Korean art. Savor a traditional Korean breakfast of soybean stew and rice at a cozy local eatery.
Visit the Alive Museum for playful 3D art installations and interactive exhibits that challenge perception. Explore the nearby sidewalk galleries showcasing modern interpretations of folk art. Enjoy a bowl of ginseng chicken soup at a quaint bistro, recharging with nourishing flavors.
Attend a traditional Korean music performance at Jeongdong Theater, complete with drums and melodic flutes. Meander back to Insadong’s alleys where lantern-lit restaurants offer soju and savory pancakes. Cap the night by tasting street snacks like hotteok and twisted fries before returning to your hotel.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕️Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚇Subway/bus single ride | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extensive and efficient public transportation
- Rich mix of traditional culture and modern attractions
- Outstanding food scene from street stalls to fine dining
- Safe, clean, and well-organized city infrastructure
- Hot, humid summers with monsoon rains
- Language barrier outside tourist areas (limited English in some shops)
- Crowds at major attractions during peak seasons
- Air quality can be poor at times due to yellow dust and pollution
- "안녕하세요" - Hello (annyeonghaseyo)
- "감사합니다" - Thank you (gamsahamnida)
- "죄송합니다" - Excuse me / Sorry (joesonghamnida)
- "얼마예요?" - How much is this? (eolmayeyo?)
- "화장실 어디예요?" - Where is the restroom? (hwajangsil eodiyeyo?)
- "저는 채식주의자입니다" - I am a vegetarian (jeoneun chaesikjuuija imnida)
Places to Visit in Seoul
Visit one of these nice places.
Grand palace architecture, beautiful courtyards, and traditional guard ceremonies — best early morning or golden hour for photos.
Narrow alleys lined with traditional hanok houses offering picturesque scenes of old Seoul against modern backdrops.
Panoramic city views, especially stunning at sunset and nighttime when the city lights up.
Urban stream with bridges, art installations and reflections — great for evening strolls and long-exposure shots.
Wide river vistas, bridges and recreational activities; sunset photos and night shots with illuminated bridges work well.
Futuristic architecture with flowing shapes and night lighting that make for dramatic modern-city photos.
Dynamic street art, performers, and youth culture scenes — vibrant for candid and colorful shots.
Food in Seoul
Seoul Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mixed rice with vegetables, gochujang (chili paste), and often a fried egg or meat — try at traditional restaurants or at Gwanghwamun and Insadong eateries.
Must-Try!
Grilled pork belly cooked at your table, wrapped in lettuce with condiments — plentiful in Mapo, Hongdae, and Gangnam barbecue districts.
Fermented spicy cabbage served as banchan; an essential accompaniment available at virtually every restaurant.
Spicy rice cakes often sold at street stalls and markets — a must-try at Myeongdong and around university areas.
Ginseng chicken soup, nourishing and popular in summer (for stamina) — traditional shops like Tosokchon near Gyeongbokgung are famous for it.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market known for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak kimbap (mini rice rolls), and hand-made noodles; great for authentic local flavors.
A bustling tourist area with skewers, corn dogs, hotteok (sweet pancakes), and more — ideal for quick snacks while shopping.
Large traditional market offering everything from grilled fish to kimbap and dumplings; good for inexpensive, local-style meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people in greetings and seating; allow elders to enter/exist first and use two hands when offering or receiving items to older people.
Remove shoes when entering traditional homes and some guesthouses or temple buildings; follow hosts’ cues.
Keep voices low on public transit and avoid eating loudly on buses/subways; public displays of affection are less common in older generations.
Wait to be seated, don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice, and pour drinks for others before pouring your own; accept offers politely.
Form orderly queues for buses, trains and shops; politeness and modesty are valued in interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Seoul
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a widespread practice and is generally unnecessary in restaurants, cafes, and taxis. Exceptional service or tour guides may appreciate a small tip, but it’s not required. Hotels sometimes accept tips for bell staff, but many establishments prefer no tip.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; carry cash for street food and small vendors. Use a T-money card for seamless transit and some convenience stores. Mobile payments (KakaoPay, Naver Pay) are common but may require a Korean bank account.
ATMs that accept foreign cards are common at major banks, convenience stores, and airports; exchange currency at banks or authorized kiosks at Incheon Airport for good rates.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May brings mild weather and cherry blossoms (late March–April). Expect crowded parks and festivals; pack a light jacket and comfortable shoes.
June to August is hot and humid with a monsoon season usually in June–July; carry an umbrella, lightweight breathable clothing, and expect indoor air-conditioned refuges.
September to November offers crisp air and vibrant fall foliage — one of the best times for hiking and outdoor photography with comfortable temperatures.
December to February is cold with temperatures often below freezing and occasional snow; layer warm clothing, a good coat, and waterproof footwear.
Seoul at Night
Hiking in Seoul
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A national park north of the city with multiple trails, granite peaks and temple ruins; offers both easy walks and challenging climbs with panoramic views over Seoul.
Accessible urban hikes with scenic viewpoints and the iconic Seoul Tower; suitable for short morning or evening walks.
Popular mountainous area with steep trails and rewarding city vistas; approachable from southern Seoul neighborhoods.
Part of Bukhansan mountain range offering varied routes, rock formations and quieter trails for experienced hikers.
Airports
How to reach Seoul by plane.
Primary international gateway with extensive international and domestic connections; 45–70 minutes from central Seoul by AREX express train, airport limousine bus, or taxi. Offers excellent facilities and transit options.
Closer to downtown Seoul and handles domestic flights plus some regional international routes (Tokyo, Beijing); connected by subway line and airport buses — useful for quick domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Koreans make up the vast majority of the population, with a strong national culture and customs influencing daily life.
A sizable expat community including English teachers, corporate employees and diplomats, concentrated in neighborhoods like Itaewon, Gangnam and Seongsu.
Many foreign students attend Seoul universities, contributing to multicultural pockets around Hongdae, Sinchon and other university districts.
International laborers from across Asia and beyond work in various sectors, adding to the city’s diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of Korea’s most popular spectator sports with vibrant stadium atmospheres, cheering songs and mascots during seasonal games.
Widely followed at both club and national team levels, with passionate fan culture during major tournaments.
A major cultural phenomenon in Korea with professional leagues, PC bangs (gaming cafes) and high public interest.
Korea’s national martial art practiced widely and visible in cultural demonstrations and dojangs throughout the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Seoul.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but many broths and sauces contain fish or meat. Seek out temple cuisine restaurants, vegetarian cafes in Itaewon/Hongdae, or use apps and Korean phrases like '저는 채식주의자입니다' (I am a vegetarian).
Vegan options are growing in Seoul but still limited; look for dedicated vegan restaurants and check ingredients carefully, especially in fermented condiments.
Halal restaurants are concentrated in Itaewon; there are halal-certified options and mosques in the area for Muslim travelers.
Cross-contamination is common; communicate allergies clearly and carry translated cards. Many restaurants can accommodate but check ahead for soy/wheat ingredients.